Checotah wrestler Annabelle Mowdy punches ticket to State and makes school history

B: Sports, sports

February 25, 2026

By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR

Checotah Wildcats wrestler Annabelle Mowdy earned a 4th place standing in the Girls Class 5A East Wrestling Regional at Inola. With that she punched her ticket to the State meet and made Checotah school history by being the first female wrestler to make state.

“Annabelle came to Checotah to be a part of our wrestling program in the 7th grade. Wrestling just isn’t for the men. She isn’t afraid of anyone and her mental toughness serves her well in the sport. She checked her first goal of being a state qualifier and now she wants to finish on the podium.

Her work ethic, commitment, and consistency has got her where she is today. I’m proud Annabelle is our first ever girls state qualifier and she has set a bar showing our JH and youth wrestlers what is achievable,” Checotah head wrestling coach Brett Oleson said.

A: Main, news

Coffee With the Chiefs first of community discussions

By Shauna Belyeu General Manager

February 25, 2026

Residents gathered for Coffee with the Chiefs on Monday, Feb. 23 at City Hall for an open discussion about public safety, training, equipment and the future of services in Eufaula. The informal meetin...

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Escaped convict

February 25, 2026

As of press time, Local and state authorities are on the lookout for an escaped inmate from the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center in McAlester. Robey Butler allegedly walked away from the facility la...

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2026 National Theme: A Century of Black History Commemorations

By ALMA HARPER GARDENIA ART FEDERATED CLUB

February 25, 2026

The sit-ins The Sit-In movement was a nonviolent movement of the United Civil Rights era. The sit-in, an act of civil disobedience, was a tactic that aroused sympathy for demonstrators among moderates...

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Morning Rescue inspired by Paws N Claws pup

By LaDonna Rhodes Staff Writer

February 25, 2026

Paws N Claws started their meager rescue efforts to save the local pound pups on January 26, 2024. Some of the first dogs ever adopted went out of state and one very lucky pup was adopted by Brad Shro...

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Local students show their true passion at the Eufaula Livestock Show

February 25, 2026

Local students were recognized for their work in the barn and in the show ring during the 2026 Eufaula Local Livestock Show and Premium Sale on Feb. 14, where exhibitors competed for top honors across...

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Chamber blood drive a success

February 25, 2026

The Eufaula Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a community blood drive Monday, Feb. 23, at the Chamber office in Eufaula. The drive was conducted in partnership with the Oklahoma Blood Institute, which p...

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A Food Pantry guided by faith and experience

February 25, 2026

Just east of Highway 69 on Texanna Road sits a single building that houses Thimbles N Thread Quilt Shop, owned by LaDonna McKay. The fabric and quilting shop is bright, colorful, and welcoming. Bright...

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Night to Shine, Part II: Where the celebration comes home

February 25, 2026

After the music faded at Night to Shine and the final crowns were placed, the celebration cont i nued quietly — following a group of guests home to Pioneer Campus. Just hours before, on February 13 — ...

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Abner Haynes

By By Michael Barnes

February 25, 2026

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Free tax preparation available

February 25, 2026

Free tax preparation service is being offered by the AARP Foundation beginning Feb. 14 and continuing through April 11. The service will be available on Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Eufaula C...

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ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH SEMINAR

February 25, 2026

Saturday, February 28 at 11 a.m. Mt. Olive Star Baptist Church 413665 E. 1080 Rd., Checotah, OK Rev. Samuel Cunningham, Pastor Sponsored by the Warrior School Restoration Organization Inc. Alma Harper...