On March 2, the Eufaula City Council opened its regular meeting by honoring the life and legacy of longtime journalist Jerry Fink. Mayor James Hickman read a formal proclamation recognizing the late Eufaula Indian Journal editor for his decades of service to the community and his steadfast commitment to local journalism.

Fink’s sister Barbara Risley and his niece Karleen Cox, of Sallisaw, were present and accepted the proclamation on behalf of the family along with Fink’s coworkers.

Hickman recounted Fink’s more than 50 years in journalism, describing a career “defined by clarity, fairness and respect for the public’s right to know”.

The proclamation noted Fink’s educational background, earning a bachelor’s degree in speech from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma in 1973, and highlighted his coverage of events of national significance, including major criminal trials, natural disasters and the Oklahoma City bombing.

In Eufaula, however, Fink was best known for his steady presence at City Hall and throughout the community. Hickman read that Fink regularly attended City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission meetings to ensure residents stayed informed about local government decisions. Beyond official meetings, he was a familiar figure at school programs, fundraisers and other community events, often seen with camera and notepad in hand.

The proclamation also recognized Fink’s dedication to community journalism until the end of his life, noting his final published story ran Jan. 30, 2026.

“Now, therefore, as Mayor of the City of Eufaula, I hereby issue this proclamation honoring and remembering Jerry Fink for his lasting contributions to journalism and to the Eufaula community and expressing gratitude for the steady presence he provided in documenting the life of this city,” Hickman said.

Council members and attendees reflected on Fink’s commitment to local news and the role he played in chronicling the history of Eufaula, honoring a man whose work ensured the community’s stories were told.

Jerry, who passed away Jan. 30, leaves a lasting imprint on newspaper pages from Sallisaw and Eufaula to Tulsa, Las Vegas and communities across the United States. Through decades of dedicated reporting, his byline became a trusted source of information, and his work will remain part of the historical record in the towns and cities he served.