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Burglary suspect’s bond set at $1 million
A: Main, News
January 23, 2025
Burglary suspect’s bond set at $1 million
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR

Between them, two young burglary suspects face almost 30 felony and misdemeanor counts after being caught on video breaking into cars at a residence in a rural area near Eufaula.

Upon further investigation, it is alleged that the pair burglarized numerous residences and vehicles in McIntosh and Pittsburg counties.

Trenton Cave, 20, of Eufaula, and Jodi Shelea Hays, 19, of Checotah, are accused of acting in concert in their burglary spree, with Hays driving and Cave doing most of the burglarizing.

A video presented as evidence allegedly shows Cave breaking into three vehicles at one site while carrying a rifle and repeatedly pointing it at the residence.

Both were arrested on Dec. 30 and arraigned on multiple charges on Jan. 7, when Associate District Judge Brendon Bridges entered not guilty pleas on their behalf.

He set bond for Cave at $1 million and for Hays at $100,000.

They are scheduled for a pre-preliminary conference hearing at 9 a.m. on Feb. 5.

Charges against Cave include: – four counts of thirddegree burglary – one count of credit/ debit card theft – four counts of conspiracy to commit a felony – possession of a firearm in commission of a felony – knowingly concealing stolen property – unlawful possession of marijuana – unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia – bringing or possessing contraband into a jail Charges against Hays include: – four counts of accessory to burglary in the third degree – accessory to credit/ debit card theft – four counts of conspiracy to commit a felony – possession of a firearm in the commission of felony – knowingly concealing stolen property Investigator Kevin Branscum with District Attorney’s Office District 25 outlined the chain of events in a probable cause affidavit leading up to the arrests.

He said that on Dec. 29 Dustin Berry of rural McIntosh County stated that three vehicles parked outside his residence had been burglarized.

“Berry explained that upon the discovery that items were stolen from his vehicle, he began reviewing home video surveillance and observed an unknown male enter his property on foot and proceed to burglarize three vehicles … While committing these crimes, the subject responsible was armed with a rifle which he pointed at the residence, occupied by Berry and his family, as he went from vehicle to vehicle stealing items to include a Louis Vuitton purse,” the affidavit states.

About $1,775 worth of merchandise were taken in that theft, he said.

Through his investigation, Branscum says he identified Cave and Hays as the suspects and went to their residence near Checotah where numerous items were reportedly taken in burglaries.

He also identified four more victims of burglaries, allegedly by the two suspects.

One of the victims lost about $1,500 with property; another lost $498.

According to Branscum, Hays would drive their vehicle while Cave sat in the passenger seat looking for targets to burglarize.

Paws N Claws – Eufaula celebrates second anniversary
A: Main, News...
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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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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Absentee Ballot applications available for 2026 election year
A: Main, News...
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
A: Main, News...
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
A: Main, News...
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
Checotah Senior Center menu
lifestyle, 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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Competitors needed for Chili Cook-Off
lifestyle, 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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MLK Day in Eufaula: Justice That Keeps Moving
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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Which schools and county services do you want eliminated with property tax cuts?
Opinion
Which schools and county services do you want eliminated with property tax cuts?
By JOE DORMAN, OICA CEO 
January 22, 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY – Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. famously stated, “Taxes are what we pay for civilized society.” This quote illustrates that taxation is a necessary component to fund pu...
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