Professional Bull Riders? Hall of Fame to be exhibited at National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City

News

September 22, 2022

Beginning in September 2023, the PBR Heroes & Legends ceremony, previously held annually in Las Vegas to honor individuals who have made a substantial contribution to the sport of bull riding, will now be held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, prior to the PBR Team Series event in Oklahoma City.

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City of Checotah prepares fireworks and family fun

By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

June 26, 2025

The City of Checotah is gearing up for the greatest Fourth of July Freedom Fest celebration the community has ever seen. There will be plenty of sights and sounds to see this year during their allday ...

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Ex Pittsburg County jailer charged with attempting to rob Lakeside Pharmacy

By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR

June 26, 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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Woman barefoot and pulling toy wagon fights officer

By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR

June 26, 2025

A barefooted 23-year-old Oktaha woman 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 o...

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Smelser to become county treasurer July 1

By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR

June 26, 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...

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Checotah Alumni to host reunion this weekend

June 26, 2025

The Checotah High School Alumni Reunion is finally here and will be two days reminiscing over high school days gone by too quickly. On Friday, June 27, everyone is invited to the Katy Depot to catch u...

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Minor leads lawmen on wild chase

June 26, 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...

News

Bingo Night blazed a trail for suicide awareness

By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

June 26, 2025

Bingo Night blazed a trail for the Lake Eufaula Out of Darkness Walk on June 12. Many patrons and volunteers came out to help raise money for the walk set for September 20. All the proceeds of the fun...

News

Olivia Shackelford honored with 2025 Youth Prevention Award

June 26, 2025

On June 5, local student Olivia Shackelford was recognized as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Youth Prevention Award in Oklahoma City at the Heartland Conference. This award was presented to an ...

News

When death steals a first-class friend

By LENORE BECHTEL

June 26, 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., w...

commentary

We celebrate the 250th anniversary of our United States Army

June 26, 2025

We Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Our United States Army Happy 250th birthday to the United States Army. Thank you to all my many friends and family who bravely served and to all the soldiers toda...

commentary

Forgiveness for all

June 26, 2025

Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice to extend forgiveness for all. So God, why is forgiveness so hard? Why do bad things happen to us and those we love? Why is there so much anger and animosity in the ...