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$2 million bond set for suspects in connection to homicide
A: Main, news
April 16, 2025
$2 million bond set for suspects in connection to homicide
By JOHN BLOCK STIGLER NEWS-SENTINEL

Two men are currently being held in the Haskell County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder in connection to the homicide of Tina Mitchell, 56, of Stigler.

According to Haskell County Assistant District Attorney James Green, formal charges are expected to be filed early next week against Billy Mitchell, 49, of Stigler, and Jack Swanda, 39, of Muskogee. The two men are currently being held on a $2 million bond each for the homicide, which occurred on April 5.

Green said the duo is expected to make an initial court appearance on April 15.

The Haskell County Sheriff ’s Department reported receiving a 911 call at about 6 p.m. on April 5. Deputies traveled to a property between Garland and Cass, just off Tamaha Road to the east, where they spotted a male subject, later identified as Swanda, covered in blood.

According to Haskell County Sheriff Terry Garland, Swanda suffered stab wounds to both his neck and shoulder and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Upon release from the hospital, he was arrested and booked into the Haskell County Jail.

Tina Mitchell’s body was discovered with stab wounds and multiple apparent gunshot wounds. She was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to a press release issued by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations (OSBI).

OSBI and local law enforcement began searching for Billy Mitchell after he was identified as a suspect. He reportedly fled on foot and was found hours later hiding at a nearby property. He was then arrested and booked into the Haskell County Jail.

The next morning, deputies and agents continued their search of the property and discovered a second deceased individual. The individual was transported to the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner’s Office to determine a cause of death.

Garland said that he expects the death to be a result of foul play and that the sheriff ’s office will have more information once the medical examiner’s reports are released.

As of press time, the deceased individual’s name has not been released.

“I hate it for the families, because that’s who it affects the most right now, because they have to deal with it. The families are in our thoughts and prayers, and we’re doing everything we can possibly do to make this as easy for them as possible,” Garland said.

Texan wins NPFL tournament
A: Main, news
Texan wins NPFL tournament
By JUSTIN BROUILLARD 
June 25, 2025
After a storm-delayed start, the 2025 National Professional Fishing League Stop Four ended with fireworks. Texas pro Chad Marler stole the show on Finale Friday with a clutch 17-pound, 11-ounce bag, a...
A: Main, news
City Manager implements new core values
June 25, 2025
City Manager Jacob Foos has announced the implementation of a new set of core values designed to guide employee behavior, enhance public trust, and ensure exceptional service delivery for the City of ...
A: Main, news
Woman barefooted and pulling toy wagon fights officer
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
June 25, 2025
A barefooted 23-year-old Oktaha woman who was walking near I-40 pulling a toy wagon missing its front wheels has been arrested for assault and battery on a police officer, conspiracy to perform an act...
When death steals a first-class friend
A: Main, news
When death steals a first-class friend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
June 25, 2025
I may have been the last person— other than her murderer—to talk to Selby Minner before her murder on Monday, June 9. She and I planned to meet that day, but when we talked by phone around 4:30 p.m., ...
A: Main, news
Minor leads lawmen on wild chase
June 25, 2025
A juvenile driving a stolen 2020 white Jeep Compass led lawmen on a chase that exceeded 110 miles per hour on U.S. 69 shortly after midnight on Friday, June 20. After the Eufaula Police Department was...
A: Main, news
Ex Pittsburg County jailer charged with attempting to rob Lakeside Pharmacy
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
June 25, 2025
A former Pittsburg County jailer, who was named a Detention Officer of the Year in 2024, has been arrested and charged with attempted robbery with a weapon and child neglect. Jose Kirkes, 33, of McAle...
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Smelser to become county treasurer July 1
A: Main, news
Smelser to become county treasurer July 1
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
June 25, 2025
Kimberly Smelser has been first deputy in the McIntosh County Treasurer’s Office since January 2021. On Tuesday, July 1, she will become county treasurer, replacing Betty Whisenhunt, whose final day i...
Sweet girl
A: Main, news
Sweet girl
June 25, 2025
This sweet girl is looking for her family or a new family. Call Jan Pipkins at 918-617-1562 for more information.
Texanna Lady Crafters
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Texanna Lady Crafters
By HELEN TREMAIN 
June 25, 2025
TLC continues to grow and add new members. Fresh ideas come with new crafters and unique crafting products for our store.This is in part due to the donations we receive from Eufaula and surrounding co...
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Library News
By AMANDA GRANTHAM BRANCH MANAGER 
June 25, 2025
We are already halfway through our Summer Reading Program and have many fun things planned for the second half. Join us at the library! We have Summer Reading calendars available at the circulation de...
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McAlester man drowns
June 25, 2025
Authorities reported that Arturo Villegas-Rodriguez, 23, of McAlester, drowned on Lake Eufaula shortly before 11 p.m. Thursday. The Marine Enforcement Division of the Department of Public Safety is in...
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