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Former Checotah police officer dies
News
October 19, 2023
Former Checotah police officer dies
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

Steve Kirby, a former Checotah police officer who was nearly killed in a car crash on Thanksgiving, 2018, has died.

In 2018, Kirby was hit by another man who ran a stop sign that fateful day. Kirby was seriously injured, went into a coma and was placed on life support. The other driver died at the scene of the accident.

That Christmas the Kirby’s spent their holidays as a family at a Muskogee medical facility. His wife, Kacy, and their son, Kyler, even opened their gifts there. Then Steve was moved to Houston where he spent weeks at TIRR Memorial Hermann, a facility that specializes in brain injuries, before getting to come back home to Checotah to a new way of life.

The community of Checotah even held a huge fundraiser to help with Kirby’s medical expenses.

It’s been an emotional journey for the whole family that knows all too well that every day is a gift from God.

His Class of ’87 posted on social media their deepest condolences for a man with the biggest heart who always opened his home to everyone and loved to strum a cord or two on his guitar and sing for his friends and family. He definitely was “Kirby Strong.”

A celebration of Kirby’s life will take place at 1 p.m. on Monday, October 23, at Westside Freewill Baptist Church with graveside at Greenlawn cemetery.

Tyler Mountain BBQ – a local café that’s all about community
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Richard Tyler and his wife Jackie first came to Checotah and just toured the area, but then they decided they wanted to be a part of the community and offer Tyler Mountain BBQ. Now they have become qu...
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A Night to Shine: Community stood together in celebration of dignity and joy
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Friday night Feb. 13,, Community Culture Church was transformed into something extraordinary. Purple draping cascaded from the ceiling. Gold accents shimmered beneath soft lights. Guests first gathere...
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Don’t miss this year’s Chili Cook-Off
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Don’t miss this year’s Chili Cook-Off
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Don’t miss the 18th Annual Chili Cook-Off set for Saturday, Feb. 28 at the First Free Will Baptist Life Center , 713 N. Broadway, Checotah. Who will walk away with bragging rights this year? Who will ...
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2026 BLACK HISTORY MONTHTHEME: ACENTURYOFBLACK HISTORY COMMEMORATIONS
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Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery to host anthropologist
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Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery to host anthropologist
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The Heartland Heritage Museum and Gallery is hosting another meeting of special interest on anthropology on Thursday, February 19 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Mel Phillips of the Oklahoma Anthropological Soci...
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ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH SEMINAR
News
ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH SEMINAR
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Saturday, February 28 at 11 a.m. Mt. Olive Star Baptist Church 413665 E. 1080 Rd., Checotah, OK Rev. Samuel Cunningham, Sponsored by the Warrior School Restoration Organization Inc. Alma Harper, Presi...
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Birthday bash hits all the right notes
News
Birthday bash hits all the right notes
By LENORE BECHTEL 
February 19, 2026
A crowded audience filled the Plumb Theatre on Feb. 7, including several members of the Maloy family prepared to sing alongside their father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Paul Maloy. The evenin...
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McPeak’s Be A Champ show cattle and lamb camp is celebrating 45 years
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McPeak’s Be A Champ show cattle and lamb camp is celebrating 45 years
February 19, 2026
Generations of showmen have attended this camp! Geared for 4-H and FFA student 5th -12th grade. Students have attended from 44 different states and even Canada! Your showing experience isn’t complete ...
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Paws N Claws Pet Pantry sets new hours of operation
February 19, 2026
The Paws N Claws Pet Pantry located at the Eufaula Indian Journal has set new hours of operation -Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Those in need of cat food or dog food from the pantry may ...
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Letters
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Letters
February 19, 2026
James Finck’s last piece is leaning towards fascism. I don’t know anyone who thinks Trump didn’t win the election, but we do know he got beat in 2020 and instigated an insurrection. The first thing he...
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Bill to protect First Responders advances unanimously
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Bill to protect First Responders advances unanimously
By Rep. Hays 
February 19, 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, secured unanimous approval today in the House Civil Judiciary Committee for House Bill 4260, a measure aimed at strengthening workers’ compensation protecti...
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