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Mystery surrounds the man who went missing
A: Main, News
April 24, 2025
Mystery surrounds the man who went missing
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR

Memorial service Saturday

A memorial service for Zachary Paul Smith Sr., 49, of Sand Springs will be held Saturday at Reach Church.

Smith left Sand Springs on Dec. 8, 2024, and his skeletal remains were found on April 13 on the bank of a creek that runs through Rattlesnake Hollow in a remote area of northwest McIntosh County.

What happened during the four months remains a mystery.

The OSBI continues to investigate.

How and why he died is not known.

A group of hunters looking for turkeys and morel mushrooms found the body, which was located several miles from where his yellow 2023 Corvette was found abandoned at the Dustin exit off the Indian Nation Turnpike south of Henryetta.

To get to the body, deputy sheriffs had to go deep into the country, cross a couple of cattle guards, then go north to a residence and pond where they then followed a trail north 1.8 miles where the body was on the east bank of the creek.

Many mysteries remain, but an obituary by Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs gives a glimpse into this life.

Born on January 22, 1976, in Virginia, He grew up in the Jenks community and attended Jenks High School, where he was a talented athlete, wrestling and playing basketball.

He worked as a traveling electrician and also served as an EMT with several fire departments, including Black Mud Fire Department in Kentucky and Yorktown Fire Department in Indiana.

According to the obituary, “Zach had a brilliant mind and entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. He flipped houses, launched businesses, and in 2017, he and Kathy proudly opened Electrical Alliances.

“He was a master electrician, a barbecue enthusiast (especially known for his brisket), and a fireworks showman who put on unforgettable 4th of July celebrations.

“Whether grilling in the backyard, cracking jokes, or just connecting with people, Zach had a way of making everyone feel seen and important.”

“Zach’s legacy is one of passion, laughter, adventure, and deep love for his family. He was infamous and legendary, hilarious, and generous, intelligent and hardworking— forever the spark in every gathering, and forever missed.”

Checotah lit up the sky this 4th of July
A: Main, News...
Checotah lit up the sky this 4th of July
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
July 10, 2025
The City of Checotah showed off its bold stripes, bright stars and brave hearts this Fourth of July after working countless hours so residents could celebrate their freedom with lots of family fun and...
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A: Main, News...
Sexual Assault Awareness Honor Walk
July 10, 2025
Friday, July 11 at 12 p.m. Posey Park, Eufaula Show your support for survivors Take a stand against violence! Muscogee (Creek) Nation Center for Victim Services
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A: Main, News...
Annual Memorial Service planned at Honey Springs Battlefield
July 10, 2025
CHECOTAH — Honey Springs Battlefield will hold its annual memorial service on Saturday, July 19, at 10:30 a.m. to honor the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Honey Springs near Checotah. The service ...
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Farewell to Checotah’s friend, Jerri Reaves
A: Main, News...
Farewell to Checotah’s friend, Jerri Reaves
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
July 10, 2025
Last Thursday family and friends said goodbye to former city councilwoman Jerri Reaves who had passed away on June 26 at the age of 82. Jerri graduated from Checotah High School in 1962. In 1980, she ...
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News
Trump administration freezes over $70 million state’s education funds
By NURIA MARTINEZ-KEEL OKLAHOMA VOICE 
July 10, 2025
States won’t receive funds from six federal programs, including after-school care and English learner support, until further notice. OKLAHOMA CITY — The Trump administration is indefinitely withholdin...
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Jeff Starling launches campaign for attorney general
July 10, 2025
TULSA ––Jeff Starling, Oklahoma’s Secretary of Energy and Environment, has officially announced his candidacy for Attorney General of Oklahoma. Starling is a conservative, attorney, businessman, and d...
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Plumb Theatre News
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Plumb Theatre News
By MATTIE AND PAUL MALOY PLUMB THEATRE 
July 10, 2025
Never too early to start singing and the HALLELUJAH HONEYS are representative of that. Kate Andrews will be singing and playing with two other Honeys, Aubree,13, and Charlee, 10. They are some cuties ...
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Freedom Fest
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Freedom Fest
July 10, 2025
Checotah residents celebrated their freedom with lots of family fun and fireworks on July 4th weekend at Freedom Fest.
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Police training
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Police training
July 10, 2025
Recently local law enforcement trained for two days on different scenarios that might arise during traffic stops, hostage situations, domestic disturbances, and more.
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Two from area on UCO Honor Rolls
July 10, 2025
EDMOND - Two from this area have made he University of Central Oklahoma recently announced the students named to the university’s honor rolls; a distinction given to those who achieve the highest acad...
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Warriors of God, ready yourselves
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Warriors of God, ready yourselves
July 10, 2025
Of my 56 years of being in this world, 50 of those years I have been filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I was only six years old when I attended my first Tiger Mount...
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