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Venables receives raise and new six-year contract
Sports
June 27, 2024
Venables receives raise and new six-year contract
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR

Oklahoma’s Board of Regents on Friday, approved a contract extension and raise for head football coach Brent Venables ahead of his third year as Sooners coach. Venables received a new six-year deal worth $51.6 million that will keep him at OU through the 2029 season. He will earn an average of $8.6 million annually for the duration of the contract, including a salary of $8.15 million in 2024 ($7,225,000 this year, plus an annual base salary of $325,000 and an annual installment of $600,000 that goes toward retirement).

Venables was originally hired as Oklahoma’s coach in December 2021, when he was signed to a six-year, $43.5 million deal to take over the program following Lincoln Riley’s departure for USC. Venables earned $7 million in his first season at OU, and that salary increased to $7.1 million last season, when he was the 17th-highest paid head coach in college football.

Running backs coach DeMarco Murray and defensive ends coach Miiguel Chavis also received a bump in pay. Murray’s new deal runs through Jan. 31, 2027, and while he will maintain a base salary of $285,000, his total compensation over the duration of his contract will increase considerably, to $2,525,000 through the end of his deal.

Murray will earn $800,000 for the upcoming season, which will be Oklahoma’s first in the SEC. That’s a singleseason raise of $225,000 from the $575,000 in total compensation that was originally approved in January. Murray’s outside income, on top of the $285,000 base salary, will increase from $290,000 for the upcoming season to $515,000. Murray’s outside income will increase to $565,000 in 2025, bringing his total compensation for that year to $850,000. The final year of his deal is worth $875,000 in total compensation, with his outside income growing to $590,000.

Chavis’ new contract runs through Jan. 31, 2027, with a base salary of $285,000. His total compensation over the next three seasons comes to $2.17 million. He will earn $690,000 in total compensation this season, with $405,000 of that coming from outside income. That’s a $40,000 increase from the previously approved raise he received in January.

Chavis’ total compensation will increase to $740,000 on Feb. 1, 2025, and remain there through the end of his contract. In addition to the $285,000 base salary, he will receive $455,000 in outside income in each the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Stilwell Indians pull away in second half to defeat Checotah Wildcats
B:, Sports...
Stilwell Indians pull away in second half to defeat Checotah Wildcats
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
January 22, 2026
STILWELL — The Stilwell Indians used a strong offensive performance and physical defense to defeat the Checotah Wildcats (3-9) by a final score of 74–38 in a nondistrict boys basketball game Friday ni...
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Paws N Claws – Eufaula celebrates second anniversary
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Paws N Claws – Eufaula celebrates second anniversary
By STAFF REPORT 
January 22, 2026
It’s been two years since Paws N Claws –Eufaula, OK started their volunteer group to help pound pups find homes in McIntosh County and the surrounding areas. What started off as a small volunteer part...
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Absentee Ballot applications available for 2026 election year
January 22, 2026
Voters in McIntosh County who want absentee ballots mailed to them for elections in 2026 should apply now. Any registered voter may request absentee ballots for a specific election or for a full calen...
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Fast Lanes Bowling Center celebrates 25 years
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Fast Lanes Bowling Center celebrates 25 years
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
January 22, 2026
Fast Lanes Bowling Center recently celebrated a mile marker anniversary – their 25th year in Checotah. “It’s hard to believe 25 years ago, Fast Lanes opened its doors,” Lori Barnard said. “And because...
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MLK Day gathering in reflects on faith, responsibility and community
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MLK Day gathering in reflects on faith, responsibility and community
By STAFF REPORT 
January 22, 2026
Community members gathered Sunday, Jan. 18, at Mount Olive Star Missionary Baptist Church in Checotah for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance centered on faith, reflection, and shared responsibili...
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Author shares story of purpose and memory
News
Author shares story of purpose and memory
By STAFF REPORT 
January 22, 2026
Sulli Mariah Lee, author of the book Wees Are Kneak Moments and a member of the Eufaula High School Class of 1965, opened her presentation last Friday at the Eufaula Public Library by recalling a sent...
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Editor Picks
News
Checotah Senior Center menu
January 22, 2026
January 26-30, 2026 Call to make reservations. Lunch served 11:30 a.m. Mon. - Fri. Monday, Jan. 26: Sloppy Joe; potato; veggie salad; cookie; milk Tuesday, Jan. 27: Chicken salad; cucumber salad; frui...
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Local Beta Sigma Phi announces meetings
News
Local Beta Sigma Phi announces meetings
January 22, 2026
The local Beta Sigma Phi chapter met Jan. 12, 2026 at the lovely home of Janelle McKnight who served as hostess along with Gretchen Payne who served as cohostess. After Karen Martin reported that memb...
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News
Competitors needed for Chili Cook-Off
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
January 22, 2026
Who is ready to compete for the best tasting chili in McIntosh County? The 18th Annual Chili Cook-Off is set for Saturday, Feb, 28 to benefit the Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery. This year the chi...
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Relax to reset and reconnect
Opinion
Relax to reset and reconnect
January 22, 2026
In a world where it seems we stay connected 24-7 to social media, our jobs and more, we must intentionally do what we can to stop and relax, reset and reconnect. Each week if I don’t intentionally tak...
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Opinion
MLK Day in Eufaula: Justice That Keeps Moving
By MICHAEL BARNES 
January 22, 2026
In a town like Eufaula, people still know one another. We see familiar faces at ball games and grocery stores, in church pews and along the lake. That closeness is a gift. It is also a responsibility....
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