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News
November 2, 2023
Woman arrested after attacking officers, others
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR

Vamella Marie Banks, 38, of Checotah, is facing charges of assaulting a police officer and a medical care provider as well as malicious injury to property under $1,000 in value and resisting an officer.

Associate District Judge Brendon Bridges on Friday, Oct. 27, entered a not guilty plea on behalf of the defendant and set bond at $25,000. Her pre-preliminary hearing conference will be held on Nov. 29 at 9 a.m.

Banks was arrested on July 27 after exhibiting bizarre behavior at a stranger’s residence in a rural area east of Eufaula.

Arresting officer Deputy Quinton Short said when he arrived at the scene he ended up in a battle with a suspect whose arms were covered in blood.

After her arrest, the suspect was taken to McAlester Regional Hospital and, because of the seriousness of the injuries to her arms, she was transported to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Short stated in his arrest report.

She spent several days in the hospital before being released into police custody and taken to the McIntosh County jail.

Short said he went to the rural McIntosh County residence after receiving a report that a woman was trying to break into a man’s home.

“The caller advised that he did not know the woman,” said the probable cause affidavit.

When Short arrived at the scene he said he was met by a male in a wheelchair, identified as Mark Caldwell, owner of the residence.

Caldwell said a strange woman, later identified as Banks, was in a bedroom of the residence breaking things and a home health aid was locked in a bathroom.

With some difficulty, Short was able to get the suspect out of the bedroom, he said.

“Once in the hallway, (Banks) began fighting with me and attempted to bite my left arm. (She) hit me with the back of her hand. I pushed (her) against the wall and was able to partially control one arm. Due to the fact Vamella’s arms were covered in blood, they were slick and hard to control her body movements,” Short said.

A second deputy, Jeff January, arrived and assisted in handcuffing the suspect.

“Once Vamella was placed into hand restraints, she began trying to kick me in the legs,” Short said.

An ambulance arrived and the EMS aid determined that the suspect was possibly under the influence of drugs and “could be overdosing,” according to the probable cause report.

The EMS administered Narcan to the suspect, which calmed her down, Short said.

But, while in the ambulance, the suspect allegedly bit one of the medics.

Battle of Honey Springs still making history
A: Main, News...
Battle of Honey Springs still making history
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
November 13, 2025
The Battle of Honey Springs Reenactment drew sizable crowds as did Education Day as actors and staff made history come to life over the threeday weekend of events from Nov. 7-9. Visitors and students ...
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Youth missing then found safe
November 13, 2025
A 16-year-old youth who went missing from his home in Lawrence, KS and was later found in Checotah, though he had no local ties to the area. According to a missing flier shared on social media, on Nov...
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Gardenia Club hosts Program of Honor
A: Main, News...
Gardenia Club hosts Program of Honor
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
November 13, 2025
The Gardenia Art Colored Women’s Club recently hosted a Program of Honor on Saturday, November 1 at the Checotah Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. The club works diligently to: - Honor God in Worship and Pr...
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Missing in Oklahoma sets event
November 13, 2025
TULSA - Family and friends of missing persons can receive free help in their search by a Missing in Oklahoma meeting to be held Saturday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Martin Regional Library...
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Checotah Art Guild to host Holiday Art Show
November 13, 2025
All artists and crafters are welcome to come Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to the Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery located at 116 N. Broadway to compete in a judged Holiday Art Show & Sa...
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The Perk hosting Campbell anniversary
November 13, 2025
The Perk will be hosting an anniversary party for Jeannie and Don Campbell on Monday, Nov. 24, from 6-8 p.m. at the Perk on West Gentry. Drop by and wish them a happy anniversary.
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News
The Great Comet Debate — Science vs. the Backyard Conspiracies
By The Comet that launched a thousand theories 
November 13, 2025
In Eufaula and Checotah, fall usually means football talk and cooler evenings by the lake. But this year, heads have tilted skyward toward 3I/ATLAS — the mysterious comet racing through our solar syst...
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Eufaula street work continues
November 13, 2025
The Main Street project (SH 9) by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation in Eufaula is expected to continue through the first week in December. An ODOT spokesman said the downtown section of the pr...
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News
McIntosh County GOP
By LYNELLE MEDLEY CHAIRMAN 
November 13, 2025
Our 2025 Patriot Retreat was a smashing success -- we had nearly 50 people there from all areas of the state. Beaver’s Bend State Park was gorgeous and our keynote speaker, The Honorable Jake Merrick,...
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Humphrey again asks AG to investigate former DOC Director
November 13, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, today again asked Oklahoma’s attorney general to investigate Steven Harpe, the former director of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC). Humphrey s...
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GOBBLE
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GOBBLE
November 13, 2025
3rd Annual Feed the Community Tuesday, Nov. 24 Dinner served from 5 p.m. until the food runs out Checotah Community Center Everyone is welcome! By TNT Power Washing Services In Memory of their mother,...
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