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Fire destroys businesses but not dreams
A: Main, News
July 18, 2024
Fire destroys businesses but not dreams
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

A fire that started in the wee hours of the morning a little over a week ago may have destroyed three local businesses but it didn’t destroy Vicky David’s dreams.

“I am so grateful for God’s protection and the local fire department’s help,” Vicky said. “We may have lost our building, but we didn’t lose any lives and we sure haven’t lost our hopes or dreams. Sometimes God tells us ‘Sit yourself down somewhere, let Me take care of this.’ So it’s just time for us to rest in Him and let Him take the wheel.”

According to Fire Chief Greg Carmack, the fire started in the Rent-A –Flick video store and from the time of dispatch to on scene was eight minutes. However, the fire spread quickly across the old building structure and engulfed the other two businesses, Elite Fitness and Vic’s Mobile Detail, and a truck belonging to the video store tenant.

“My dad started his business over ten years ago with just a soap bucket and some towels. He was originally from Houston, TX but he moved here and started detailing cars on Texanna Road. Then later he opened his business here in Checotah off Gentry and was detailing vehicles up until the time of his death in January, 2023.

“As long as I have been alive, 43 years, my daddy has been detailing cars. That had been his whole life. But it wasn’t until he died and we moved here from Houston ourselves that we learned about all the things my daddy had done here in the community and with the schools. People said how much they loved him because he would help out in any way he could. He would give people getting out of jail a job because he knew how hard it was to be in their shoes. I tell everybody my dad had a past as well and he knew how hard it was to get out and get back on your feet again. That’s why he never judged. He just told them ‘I had a past too, but let me help you.’ That’s why I believe so many people have called offering their help and asking what they can do? I’ve told them I have no clue. I’ve never been through anything like this before. The shop is a total loss. We lost everything inside to do any detailing but we haven’t lost our hope or our dreams.

“We actually just bought property a little over a month ago in Oklahoma because we had been slowly transitioning from Houston. So I was thankful God had just moved us out of there and even my puppies were out of there. I have so much to still be thankful for because we can get that material stuff back. God is going to provide. But if the timing wasn’t in God’s hands, I wouldn’t have been able to get my kids out of there or my fur kids out of there, including my dad’s dachshund, Cash. So I just thank God for that.

After watching the building smolder for two days after the fire, Vicky and her family are still counting their blessings every day and their dreams did not go up in smoke. In fact, when asked by other news personnel if they were going to now pack up and go back to Houston, Vicky was quick to state that they are staying right here in Oklahoma.

“I said, girl, not a chance! This is not going to get me down. We are going to see what we can do and we are either going to rebuild or God is going to provide another place. This isn’t running us back to Houston. We are going to keep going and keep dreaming of what’s next. My daddy would have said, ‘Next chapter, baby girl. Now dry those tears; grab that Windex bottle and keep going.’ So we are going to hang in there and keep trusting God.”

Treasurer honored at retirement party
A: Main, News...
Treasurer honored at retirement party
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 3, 2025
Retiring McIntosh County Treasurer Betty Whisenhunt received high praise from the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd at Whisenhunt’s retirement party Friday. “She could give courses acros...
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A: Main, News...
Council approves water rate increase for city and rural users
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
July 3, 2025
A newly adopted ordinance, passed June 9 by the City Council, increases rates for all users, including those living outside city limits. This new ordinance officially raises monthly water rates for re...
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Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery
A: Main, News...
Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 3, 2025
A 57-year-old Eufaula woman was killed by lightning during a routine stroll through a cemetery Friday evening. Joy Ann Rogers was walking through Greenwood cemetery shortly before 7 p.m. when a thunde...
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Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
A: Main, News...
Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
July 3, 2025
Her casket rested below center stage at the Checotah Performing Arts Center, open for friends, fans, and family to view her precious body before her life’s celebration began. No one lingered long. Tha...
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Classmates reunite after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend
A: Main, News...
Classmates reunite after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
July 3, 2025
Class of 1975 honor Jim Caro as 'Significant Alumni' Classmates from all over the U.S. reunited after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend. The Class of 1975 celebrated their 50th reunion by hon...
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Killing them with kindness
commentary
Killing them with kindness
July 3, 2025
What a month it’s been for me personally and in our close-knit communities. Trying to cope with the loss of loved ones has been extremely difficult and downright demanding. Yet having to come to terms...
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For the Children ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
commentary
For the Children ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
By JOE DORMAN, OICA CEO 
July 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Over the past month, I have highlighted portions of the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, the bill is under consideration by the U...
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Another busy week in the district
commentary
Another busy week in the district
By REP. TIM TURNER 
July 3, 2025
I started last Saturday June 21, bright and early at Stigler Reunion Days. I kicked things off at the Haskell County GOP Tent, answering questions and catching up with friends and supporters. Then I h...
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Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
commentary
Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
July 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Neil Hays, R-Muskogee, today expressed strong support for Gov. Kevin Stitt’s new “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” (MOHA) executive order, which targets artificial food additives and ...
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News
Woman captured following foot chase
July 3, 2025
A 39-year-old Eufaula woman who had an outstanding warrant on an arson charge was arrested Wednesday, June 25, following a foot chase in a wooded area around south 7th Street in Eufaula. Tamara Dean K...
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Katy Depot Meet and Greet
News
Katy Depot Meet and Greet
July 3, 2025
Mike Key talked to his Class of 1975 and other alumni about their Significant Alumni Jim Caro at the Katy Depot Meet & Greet on Saturday.
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