The year 2025 was an eventful one for Eufaula.
Many local residents joined forces to help defeat the creation of a wind turbine farm in the county.
The Muscogee Nation opened its Lake Eufaula Casino in December.
A vote to add a penny sales tax for street improvements failed, while a vote for a $24 million school bond passed.
The Chamber of Commerce took over the local rodeo, a popular event held during the Whole Hawg Days festival.
Utility rates go up 2.9 percent.
The following are some of the major stories covered by the Eufaula Indian Journal in 2025.
JANUARY
Sports editor hits a home run with food drive Sports Editor Rodney Haltom is a large man with a heart almost as large as he is.
Hungry people throughout the county where he has covered sports for over 15 years have not gone unnoticed by the man whose compassion for people is deep-seated in his inherent nature.
“A lot of people do not realize that McIntosh County ranks fourth in poverty in Oklahoma,” he said recently after delivering enough food to Under One Roof to feed 100 families. “Some kids only get to eat at school. Not every kid, but it’s more prominent than what people think.
Warren Clinic comes to Eufaula
Saint Francis Health Systems, based in Tulsa, has established a Warren Clinic in Eufaula.
There are more than 110 Warren Clinic locations in Oklahoma, employing more than 600 providers.
McKnight passes baton to Limbaugh
Election Board Secretary Janelle McKnight to retire. Kim Limbaugh, long-time volunteer with the McIntosh County Election Board, will take over as secretary of the office on Feb. 2.
Frigid Weather warmed briefly, but temperatures to drop again
A traffic fatality has been attributed to the icy roads that covered the county much of the weekend, beginning Thursday and creating hazardous conditions through Saturday.
The single vehicle accident took place Thursday afternoon, Jan. 9, southbound on U.S. 69 at the offramp that leads to SH 9.
Gone with the wind
News that TransAlta had stopped plans to build a wind turbine farm in McIntosh County spread like the wind last week.
“They called me Thursday and told me they pulled up stakes,” District 1 County Commissioner Bobby Ziegler said following Monday’s meeting of county commissioners.
Cop killer dies awaiting execution
Tecumseh Police Officer Justin Terney, 22, a graduate of Canadian High School, was gunned down following a traffic stop in Pottawatomie County on March 26, 2017.
Byron James Shepard, 43, the man convicted of the cold-blooded murder, had been on death row in McAlester State Penitentiary for more than five years when he died last week.
Authorities have not released the cause of death.
Chilly week to continue
The high temperature on Monday afternoon was 29 degrees. The morning was 17 degrees – with a windchill of near zero, according to the National Weather Service.
The remainder of the week is expected to have lows in the 20s, as well, but at least no snow is in the forecast, unlike Western Oklahoma and the Panhandles.
FEBRUARY
Funding freeze confuses non-profits
Oklahoma nonprofits serving the state’s most vulnerable residents were among the first to feel the freeze as the Trump administration announced a sweeping, abrupt pause on funding for federal grants, loans and other financial assistance.
Several Oklahoma nonprofits became concerned Tuesday morning when they attempted to access their federal payment management services only to find they were locked out, receiving flags that the system was down or experiencing difficulties.
Flu forced closing of schools
Eufaula and Checotah schools that closed Thursday and Friday, Jan. 30-31, due to the latest flu outbreak.
According to a posting by the Eufaula School District, 22 percent of the student body and about 20 percent of the faculty were absent due to the flu.
Special election on 1-cent sales tax Tuesday Tuesday, Feb. 11, the future of Eufaula’s streets will be in the hands of voters.
A special election will be held to determine whether to approve a 1-cent city sales tax to raise the funds necessary to improve city streets, which have been the focus of complaints for many years.
Voter apathy plagues the polls
Eufaula voters stayed away from the polls in droves Tuesday, Feb. 11, when they had been asked to decide whether to approve a one-cent sales tax increase to help pay for street improvements.
There are 1,618 registered voters in the Eufaula city limits, according to the McIntosh County Election Board.
Of that number, 211 voted – 100 (47.39 percent) in favor of the proposition and 111 (52.61 percent) against.
The 211 figure represents about a 13 percent turnout.
Oklahoma leaders react to death of David L. Boren WASHINGTON – Former University of Oklahoma president, Oklahoma Senator, and Oklahoma Governor David L. Boren (D) died early Thursday morning. He was 83.
Old Man Winter coldcocks county
Old Man Winter assaulted McIntosh County last week.
During the coldest part of the freeze, temperatures fell to one degree in some areas, with windchills of -14.
Snow, ice and freezing temperatures knocked out the power for some, forced the closing of schools, businesses, and governments and made streets and highways all but impassable.
MARCH
City approves purchase of used fire truck There was an item on the agenda for the Monday, Feb. 4, City Council meeting asking the council to purchase a used pumper truck for $111,000.
The money was to come from the city’s CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) funds, which has about $500,000 in the account.
The fire department is down to one operable pumper truck that is dependable, according to Fire Chief Chad French.
The council discussed the wisdom of taking $111,000 from the CIP account when money is badly needed for other projects, such as street work.
French persuaded the Council that the fire truck was badly needed.
Interim city manager hired to replace Jeb Jones The Eufaula City Council wasted no time in hiring an interim city manager to replace Jeb Jones, who resigned March 3 effective April 12 after three years in office.
Following an executive session at a special meeting on Tuesday, March 11, the Council hired Andrea Weckmueller-Berhinger to run the city while a search is now underway for a permanent replacement.
She began work Wednesday, March 12, and with the help of Jones immediately began identifying priorities on a “to do” list.
Courthouse having a moving experience
The new wing of the McIntosh County Courthouse passed inspection by the State Fire Marshal’s office last week and permission was given to begin moving offices.
Moving began almost immediately. “Everything is done but for some touchup,” County Clerk Deena Farrow said. “The add-on is complete and now we can start remodeling (the old building).”
APRIL
Recently purchased fire truck called into service On March 3, Fire Chief Chad French pleaded with the Eufaula City Council to replace an ancient fire truck that routinely broke down.
On March 8, French picked up the vehicle from Diamond Rescue Supplies in Seminole, Texas.
Saturday evening at 8:53 p.m, March 30, the tanker/pumper was called into service for the first time to help fight a vacant house fire at the corner of Grand and 5th in west Eufaula.
The vacant house was destroyed but a house adjacent to the south side of the property was in danger.
$24 million school bond proposal passes Thanks to Eufaula voters, big changes are coming to Eufaula school campuses, changes that will allow the district to continue to grow and provide quality education.
By a vote of 564 to 327, a proposition to issue bonds in the amount of $23,970,000 was approved.
That is 63.3 percent yes votes versus 36.7 no votes.
Chamber of Commerce takes over rodeo
The city signed a lease agreement with the Eufaula Area Chamber of Commerce Monday night that will allow the chamber to take over the rodeo.
The lease is for the rodeo grounds and parking. The rodeo has been a centerpiece for the annual Whole Hawg Days but has fallen on hard times since being taken over by the Eufaula Round-Up Club seven years ago.
Man charged with sexual abuse infant
A 27-year-old Checotah father has been charged with numerous heinous crimes involving young children, including an infant.
Brandon Lakota Morlin was charged Monday with child sexual abuse; aggravated possession of child sexual abuse material including more than 100 images and child sexual abuse material buying possession/procuring.
Uncle Jimmy’s Country Cookin’ now servin’ Jimmy Doolittle, a businessman and entrepreneur, had never owned a restaurant.
But the owner of Little Turtle storage knows what he likes, and he likes what he spent two years creating.
Uncle Jimmys Country Cookin’ had a vip preview of the establishment just off U.S. 69 and Texanna Road.
Familiar face new elementary principal
Last year when the Eufaula School Board hired a new elementary school principal, they chose Dorothy Moseley, a candidate from Nicoma Park Elementary School.
Moseley, who commuted from her home near Oklahoma City, turned in her resignation Feb. 10 effective the end of this school year, citing family reasons.
Monday, April 14, the Board chose someone closer to home to replace Moseley, a person with deep roots in Eufaula and Eufaula schools.
Shasti James, 48, assistant elementary principal, is the new principal.
MAY
What’s up at Allsup’s?
Six months after ground was broken for an Allsup’s Market at the northwest corner of SH 9 and Eunice Burns Drive the store opened at 5:30 a.m., Thursday, April 24.
Almost immediately, droves of drivers began arriving to check out the scene of the 6,277 square foot store and gas station.
“It’s one of our largest,” said Project Manager Jason Dockey, who now heads to El Reno where another Allsup’s is being built.
Council reluctantly supports 2.9 percent utility rate hike
Utility rates for the City of Eufaula will increase 2.9 percent effective July 1.
The City Council approved the increase following a discussion at Monday’s monthly council meeting. Vice Mayor Tisha Morgan was the only “no” vote.
None of the council members liked having to increase the rates, especially rates have been increasing incrementally sine 2018 to pay for the city’s new water and sewer systems.
Those systems have been paid for, however Interim City Manager Andrea Weckmueller-Berhinger told the council that continued price increases are affecting the budget.
Inflation, affecting consumer prices across the board, is continuing to erode the gains made by the earlier price hikes.
To continue to maintain the level of service that has been achieved, she said it is necessary to increase rates.
Lake 10 feet above normal, and continues to rise More than seven inches of rain have fallen during the past week. That, coupled with severe rainfall north and west of McIntosh County, has swollen the Eufaula Lake Level to 595.3 feet, which is 10.3 feet above normal, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
According to the latest figures released Monday, the lake is 83.46 percent full and rising at about a foot or so per day.
Council hires another interim city manager The City Council, at a special meeting Wednesday night, May 7, hired Larry Mitchell as the new Interim City Manager.
Mitchell replaces Andrea Weckmueller-Berhinger, who was hired March 3 as an interim replacement for Jeb Jones, who resigned effective April 12 after three years on the job.
Weckmueller-Berhinger resigned effective May 9 to accept a full-time city manager’s position in Ennis, Texas, a city of about 23,000 located 35 miles south of Dallas. She was scheduled to begin work Monday, May 12.
Two charged with killing Eufaulan Ashton Wright MUSKOGEE – Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the March 31 murder of 21-yearold Ashton Wright, a Eufaula resident found shot and left for dead on a Muskogee street.
Being held without bond in the Muskogee County jail are Terrance Michael Tunley, 20, and Kyren Omari Boulware, 19, both of Muskogee.
Tunley was arrested on May 20 and Boulware on May 21.
Both are charged with first degree murder with deliberate intent and conspiracy to commit murder.
Eufaula becoming an international city
A couple from Kosov, north of Albania, found their way to Eufaula by way of Texas to open an Italian restaurant, a diner whose cuisine rivals most metropolitan eateries.
Sara and Alban Osmanaj have had tremendous success since they opened Mia’s Pizzeria & Restaurant in Plainview, Texas, followed by Mia’s Italian Bistro in Wichita Falls, followed by Modo Mio Italian Restaurant in McAlester and now Cucina Italiana Al Lago, at 134 N. Main St. in Eufaula.
Eufaula folks had been hoping for an Italian restaurant for years, and they now have one that is everything they hoped for.
JUNE
City Council terminates contract with interim city manager
The latest person to occupy the city manager’s office is gone in record time.
Larry Mitchell was hired as part-time interim city manager on May 7 at a salary of $60 an hour for a 30-hour week. He took over on May 14.
At Monday night’s monthly city council meeting, the council voted to terminate the contract that had been signed with Mitchell and his representative Oklahoma Municipal Management Services (OMMS) and Eufaula.
He was on the job fewer than three weeks. “We need someone who is here all the time.
See 2025, page A3 He was here 2 ½ days a week,” said Ward 2 Councilman Roger Burton.
Jacob Foos re-hired as Eufaula City Manager It was a surprise hire, but not a great surprise as former Eufaula City Manager Jacob Foos was rehired as Eufaula’s city manager.
The hiring took place following an executive session at a special meeting on Monday. Ward 2 Councilman Roger Barton and Freeholder Todd Warren were absent.
Monday’s three-member panel, including Mayor James Hickman, Vice Mayor Tisha Morgan and Ward 3 Council Member Evelyn Gulley, voted for the re-hire.
Foos resigned in 2021, following a public outcry by a number of people over his management style and a vocal group who supported him.
Blues legend slain, brother charged; competency hearing set Eighteen years ago Blues icon Selby Minner filed for a permanent protective order against her brother Louis Carl Guenther after he allegedly verbally and physically abused her.
Tuesday morning, June 10, Guenther, 68, was found by deputies sitting on the grounds of the Honey Creek Battlefield in Rentiesville, covered in blood and holding a hammer, according to court records.
Across the street from the historic Battlefield, where hundreds died in a Civil War confrontation, Guenther’s 75-year-old sister lay dead on the floor of the Blues club she and her late husband DC Minner spent decades turning into a legendary destination for Blues fans.
According to a Probable Cause Affidavit filed by Kevin Branscum, Investigator for the District Attorney’s Office District 25, Guenther confessed to making the decision on June 9 to kill his sister, then beat her with a hammer and then stabbed her to death before walking across the street to wait.
No King rally attracts peaceful protestors The McAlester No King rally, part of a nationwide demonstration protesting against what they perceive as the authoritarian action by President Trump, drew a crowd of more than 100.
Rally organizer Stacey Gorley, who is chairperson of the Democratic Party in the Second Congressional District, said 100 signed up, but many others joined the rally and the march down Main Street.
Law enforcement was out in full force, police and sheriff officers were stationed at various locations around the rally.
But the event was peaceful.
JULY
Preliminary hearing set for man charged with murder
Following a competency hearing on July 9, Wilburton resident Glen Edward Calvin, 54, was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing in McIntosh County District Court at 2 p.m. Aug. 20 On a charge of first degree murder. Calvin is being held without bond. He allegedly shot to death Eufaula area resident Brenda Wilson with a .22 caliber handgun on Dec. 18, 2024.
The shooting reportedly took place shortly before 10 p.m. on Brown Bear Lane, near Paradise Hill north of Eagle Bluff.
Eufaula hires full-time fire chief
Eufaula didn’t have to look far for its first fulltime fire chief.
Checotah Fire Chief Greg Carmack has been offered the job, replacing volunteer Fire Chief Chad French.
The decision to hire someone full time for the position came about earlier this year, when an interim city manager determined there was enough money in the budget.
Mayor James Hickman supported the move, noting that as the city continues to grow it needs someone with more training and experience.
Carmack has 24 years of fire service experience, the last nine years as full-time fire chief for Checotah. He was hired May 9, 2016.
Hawg Day chefs receive high praise from judges Whole Hawg cook-off competition judges Eddie Hartwick and Robert Campbell could not praise this year’s chefs highly enough at the end of this year’s judging.
They could have been judging the entire weekend.
Though the main question heard during the three-day event was “Is it hot enough for you?”, the heat didn’t seem to keep anyone from enjoying themselves.
The car show was outstanding.
The rejuvenated rodeo drew huge crowds. The parade seemed to go on forever, raining candy down on fans lining the streets The arts & crafts show had something for everyone.
A lmost 500 people entered the poker run, with the winner taking home almost $20,000.
But the cook-off, as always, is the heart of the festival.
AUGUST
Search is on for another full-time fire chief After less than a month on the job, Eufaula’s first full-time fire chief has resigned.
Greg Carmack was volunteer fire chief in Checotah when Eufaula hired him to become the city’s first full time fire chief on July 17.
Checotah brought him back on Aug. 13, sweetening the pot.
Eufaula City Manager Jacob Foos said in the short time Carmack was on the job, he made a lot of valuable suggestions about ways to improve the department.
The search for another full-time fire chief has already begun.
“We are starting back from scratch,” he said.
Lightning strike forces Nichols to dump perishables
The most disastrous event to ever strike Nichol’s Market during its more than 50-year history in Eufaula almost brought the store to its knees Tuesday evening, according to owner Jeremy Nichols.
“We suffered a severe power loss which (OG&E) was unable to fix (immediately). It was devastating. It’s not anyone’s fault. I have never seen anything like it. Neither has my father, and he’s 80. It isn’t something you can prepare for.
“It’s the most devastating thing to happen to the store. Even during ice storms, power went out for a week or two, but inside the store it was so cold the perishables were safe.”
Even though the event created chaos, the store has remained open but for one day and is busy restocking.
SEPTEMBER
Looking ahead: firm to help guide the way What will Eufaula look like in 50 years?
Without a plan, it’s anybody’s guess. But the City Council has taken steps to remove at least some of the guesswork.
At a special meeting Friday, Aug. 29, the Council chose the consulting firm of Freese and Nichols, Inc. of Tulsa to help implement Comprehensive Plan 2050.
Mild weather, just what the festival ordered Mayor James Hickman perhaps summarized best when he sent a letter of appreciation to Karen Weldin and the Vision Eufaula Board of Directors for one of the best Wine & Art Festivals held in the city.
“On behalf of the City of Eufaula, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Vision Eufaula for organizing another outstanding Wine & Art Festival. This event grows each year and continues to shine a spotlight on many of the things that make Eufaula a special place.”
He noted that the Festival plays an important role in supporting the local economy.
This was one of the most successful festivals yet, with a dozen more artists than last year displaying their work.
Council votes to dismiss former Mayor Warren
The Eufaula City Council removed former Mayor Todd Warren from the Council Monday night citing excessive absences.
City minutes of past meetings presented to the Council showed that Warren missed the last eight monthly meetings, which state law says is sufficient to declare the position vacant, according to City Attorney Luke Laster.
The minutes reflected that Warren attend a meeting on April 15 and was absent from meetings held on May 5 and 7; June 2 and 9, July 7, and Aug. 4, 22, and 29.
Warren attended the Sept. 8 meeting, his first since shortly after being voted out as mayor and replaced by current mayor Ward 4 Councilman James Hickman.
Warren, freeholder councilman, was elected mayor by the council on April 19, 2021.
Before a vote was taken, Warren stated he would like to keep his council seat.
“I would like to retain my seat. I think we all work well together, and I enjoy serving the public,” he said, sitting with the other council members.
Warren, who works for the county commissioners, blamed his absences on his job.
“It’s hard to make it on time when you’re working below the dam,” he said.
Braddock Dobbs joins School Board
Braddock Dobbs, 31, son of the late Margaret Dobbs, who was on the Eufaula School Board for 15 years, is following in his mother’s footsteps.
Monday night, Aug. 8, at its monthly meeting, the Board appointed the Eufaula High School and University of Oklahoma graduate to fill the seat vacated by the resignation of Deserea Crawley.
Brace yourself for traffic disruptions
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation will begin its long-awaited street project on Main Street (SH 9) in downtown Eufaula next week.
An ODOT spokesman said traffic control will begin Monday, Sept. 22, and work will start on the south end of the street on Tuesday and progress north for several weeks Shoulder widening will be done during the day with two lanes of traffic open. All other work will be between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The Downtown part of the work is expected to start mid-November, with completion expected the first week of December.
OCTOBER
Martin again sentenced to life for murder
MUSKOGEE – For the second time, David Deval Martin, 40, of McIntosh County has been sentenced to life in prison for the vicious 2013 murder of a Checotah woman.
The latest sentencing took place on Wednesday, July 17, at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
In 2016, Martin, whose nickname is “Tooney,” was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole after a state jury trial held in the District Court of McIntosh County.
That conviction was vacated after the Supreme Court decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma, because Martin is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe, and the crime occurred within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation reservation.
Martin was subsequently charged in federal court in Muskogee, where al jury found him guilty on one count of Murder in Indian Country in October 2024.
Walters resigns to fight unions
State Superintendent Ryan Walters said nothing about his pending resignation during what was expected to be his last Board of Education meeting, one day after he announced on FOX News that he planned to step down to lead a conservative teacher group.
He left the meeting without taking questions from reporters.
Media crowded into the room, but Walters’ resignation was only briefly hinted at right before the meeting ended.
“Superintendent, I’ve heard on the news,” said Board of Education member Mike Tinney. “With all things being said here, I do wish you and your family well.”
“Thank you,” Walters responded. “Do we have a motion to adjourn?” When the meeting ended, Walters quickly left the meeting room.
Operators of daycare center accused of abuse A Checotah couple running a daycare center out of their home is accused of abusing children under their care, according to police.
After a lengthy investigation that began on July 7, Checotah police and Sheriff ’s deputies arrested a husband and wife on Oct. 1.
Bond for Jacob Daniel Smith, 32, has been set at $2 million. Bond for Stephanie Smith, 38, is set at $1 million.
City council names new board member
The Eufaula City Council is once again at full force after months of working with only four board members.
Monday night the Council appointed James Mason Dobbs, 29, to fill the position of Freeholder left vacant by the dismissal of Todd Warren for missing too many meetings.
Dobbs continues the family tradition of community service begun by his late mother Margaret Dobbs, who served on the Eufaula School Board for 15 years before resigning in June 2016. She passed away on Jan. 27, 2024.
His brother, Braddock Dobbs, 31, was appointed to the School Board last month.
NOVEMBER
SNAP benefits cut in half
Congress remains closed amid the dispute between Democrats and Republicans in Washington D.C. over health care benefits.
Due to the closure, SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Program, came close to closing, but the federal government announced Monday it would release some of the SNAP funds, about half the usual amount.
SNAP provides nearly 42 million low- and noincome Americans with federal money to buy groceries.
As the government shutdown dragged into its second month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture wrote on its website that “the well has run dry”and no benefits would be issued on Nov. 1. This is the first time SNAP funding has come to a halt since the program began in 1964.
The Trump administration announced on Nov. 3 through a court filing, however, that it would allocate money to send out partial payments to SNAP participants, covering “50% of eligible households’ current allotments.”
Two federal judges ruled the Department of Agriculture must cover food stamps during the government shutdown.
See 2025, page A4 Superintendent Guthrie announces retirement effective June 30, 2026 Eufaula School Superintendent Monty Guthrie announced at Monday’s School Board meeting that he is retiring effective June 30, 2026, the final day of this school year.
He stated he will finish his career with the Eufaula School District.
“I wouldn’t go anywhere else,” Guthrie said.
Eufaulan sentenced for second degree murder in Indian Country
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that William Clayton Brown, age 42, of Eufaula, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 300 months in prison for one count of Murder in Indian Country—Second Degree. The Court ordered the sentence to be served consecutively to a life sentence Brown is serving for one count of Murder in Indian Country—First Degree in a separate case.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Eufaula Police Department, the District 25 Violent Crime Task Force, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On July 11, 2025, Brown pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on September 15, 2017, Brown fatally stabbed the victim in the head and back with a knife, then attempted to hide the body in a field.
Mural dedication honors Watts’ legacy and leadership
Friends, family and officials attended a powerful moment of community pride on Monday as a new mural honoring former U.S. Congressman and Eufaula native J.C. Watts is officially dedicated at City Hall. Sponsored by Vision Eufaula. The public art project pays tribute not only to one of the town’s most influential leaders, but also to the broader story of Eufaula’s heritage and the people who helped shape it.
The mural was brought to life by Oklahoma artist Jack Fowler, whose work is widely known for capturing the spirit and stories of the state’s people. Fowler developed the rendering of J.C. Watts with the intention of honoring both the man and the community that shaped him. Fowler’s involvement helps ensure that the mural not only reflects Watts’ achievements, but also connects visually to Eufaula’s heritage and the values Vision Eufaula aims to highlight in its revitalization projects.
Local Flavor draws a packed crowd
Sandbar Tavern was filled to capacity on Tuesday, Nov. 18 as supporters from across the county gathered for an evening of food, fellowship, and hometown generosity, all in support of Under One Roof, the nonprofit community hub that has quietly served thousands of families in the Lake Eufaula area for nearly a quarter-century.
Local restaurants set the tone by offering samples of their signature dishes, giving guests a chance to enjoy a variety of flavors from across the region. Auction tables, filled with items donated by area businesses, lined the venue, helping generate energy and excitement even before the program began.
DECEMBER
Eufaula launches search for City Planner to guide growth
The City of Eufaula is taking a major step toward shaping its long-term future by launching the recruitment for its first-ever City Planner, a move that city leaders believe is vital to supporting responsible growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
City Manager Jacob Foos initiated the discussion in early December, highlighting how increased development pressures, a growing population during tourism season, and the city’s ambitious planning goals have created the need for a dedicated professional to lead Eufaula’s land use and development efforts.
Muscogee Nation celebration marks opening of Lake Eufaula Casino Hotel Leaders from the Muscogee Nation and the Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises (MNGE) held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting on Monday, Dec. 15, to open the doors on a $69.8 million capital investment, the new Lake Eufaula Casino Hotel.
The 78,000-square-foot development features a 20,500-square-foot casino with 500 new, state-ofthe-art gaming machines and a Player’s Club. Additionally, the development will further benefit regional tourism with a modern, three-story, 46-room hotel with three premier suites, concierge services, a fitness center and a paved parking lot to accommodate 645 autos.
“Today marks an important milestone for our Nation as we open a destination that reflects both our heritage and our vision for the future,” Principal Chief David Hill said. “The Lake Eufaula Casino Hotel strengthens our economic foundation, expands tourism and supports continued growth of this vibrant region, and as guests tour the property for the first time, this opening reflects our longterm commitment to expanding world-class entertainment options across our Nation’s reservation.”
The Lake Eufaula Casino Hotel includes a new, full-service, 90-seat restaurant and a 25-seat private dining room. The expansive restaurant and bar will serve guests, lake visitors and local citizens yearround. Additional hospitality and service options include Mazzio’s Go, a grab-and-go food counter for guests.
Eufaula decks the hall for inaugural holiday home tour
The Lake Eufaula Association (LEA) celebrated a successful launch of its first-ever Christmas Home Tour on Thursday, Dec. 11, drawing close to a reported 100 participants for a festive afternoon exploring decorated homes and local businesses throughout Eufaula.
In total, eight stops were featured on the tour, giving visitors a chance to enjoy a mix of holiday décor, community history and small-town charm. Guests began at the LEA office, where they picked up their wristbands and maps before setting out at their own pace to visit each location in any order they wished.
Main Street project update
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has shared a revised timeline for the Main Street Improvement Project. The new estimated completion date is now the first week of January 2026.
Dan Kirby conviction involuntary manslaughter charge overturned In March 2023, former Eufaula City Councilman Dan Kirby was indicted in federal court for involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country in connection with a motorcycle accident on July 23,2022 that claimed the life of his girlfriend, 56-year-old Sheryl Bischel. The accident took place in Mc Intosh County, but because Kirby is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation the trial must be held in federal court.
A grand jury voted on Feb. 15 to charge the defendant, but the charge was sealed until March 8, the day of Kirby’s arraignment.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Kirby was driving a 2003 Harley Davidson on which Bischel was a passenger when the accident occurred shortly before 10 p.m. five miles north of Eufaula on S.H. 150 in Fountainhead State Park.
“(The vehicle) was making a left turn at a T intersection (and) drove wide right, departing the roadway,” the OHP report said.
Bischel was flown to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa where she died the day after the accident.
