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News
June 12, 2025
Jacob Foos re-hired as Eufaula City Manager
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR

It was a surprise hire, but not a great surprise as former Eufaula City Manager Jacob Foos was rehired as Eufaula’s city manager.

The hiring took place following an executive session at a special meeting on Monday. Ward 2 Councilman Roger Barton and Freeholder Todd Warren were absent.

Monday’s threemember panel, including Mayor James Hickman, Vice Mayor Tisha Morgan and Ward 3 Council Member Evelyn Gulley, voted for the rehire.

This was a two-phase hiring. He was hired as interim-city manager through June 23 at a salary of $60 an hour. On June 23 he becomes city manager, at a salary yet to be determined, pursuant to the finalization of his contract.

Foos resigned in 2021, following a public outcry by a number of people over his management style and countered by a vocal group who supported him.

All voiced excitement about Foos’ return Monday.

Since leaving, Foos has served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Shawnee, which has a population of about 32,000, where he co-managed a $41 million operating budget and $100 million in capital projects while securing more than $12 million in grants.

From Shawnee he went to Dallas, population about 1.3 million, where he served as the city’s Cash and Debt Manager, participating in debt transactions exceeding $1.9 billion.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Foos back to Eufaula,” said Mayor Hickman. “His prior tenure was marked by sound financial management, strategic infrastructure investments, and forward- thinking leadership that benefitted our residents and visitors. We are confident that his return will bring new momentum to our community’s continued growth.”

Hickman credits all of the major projects now underway or just completed – including the water and sewer and the splash pad – as part of Foos’ strategic planning.

“I think it’s pretty amazing that he had the desire to come back,” he said.

Hickman said the council was looking for the most qualified individual, and based upon Foos’ employment history since leaving, he is the type of person they were seeking.

“He is obviously a great choice. I’m excited. I’m excited for Eufaula,” Gulley said. “He has the ability to put our vision on paper and make it work. He has already proven that.”

Morgan also said she is very lucky he wanted to come back.

“He’s well-qualified,

and he’s willing to listen,” she said.

Foos said he was excited about being back.

“I missed Eufaula, and there is a lot of unfinished business,” he said.

He noted the growth the town has experienced since his departure – new restaurants, the casino now under construction and more.

“Housing has gotten more expensive,” he said.

When he left, he sold the home he was buying here.

“It would cost $50,000 to $70,000 more to buy it back,” he said.

He was city manager of Eufaula from 2018 to 2021, managing dayto- day operations, overseeing more than $11 million in capital improvements, and securing over $3 million in grants and donations.

He helped lead important updates to the city’s planning and zoning codes and supported efforts to boost tourism and economic development.

Foos had been seen around town two weeks ago, which led to speculation that he might be re-hired. The speculation proved to be accurate.

Karen Weldin has been Foos’ strongest supporter since he was first hired and was on hand for his re-hiring.

“He is knowledgeable and gaining in experience. He is a good and intelligent man,” she said.

He says he will focus on “growth, infrastructure and community engagement.”

“I am truly honored to return to Eufaula,” said Foos. “This community means a lot to me, and I am grateful for the chance to work alongside the Mayor and City Council, city staff, and residents, and business owners once again. I am excited to support economic growth, improve our infrastructure, and most importantly make sure that we are listening to and working with the people of Eufaula every step of the way.”

Lefties making things right
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Lefties making things right
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
August 14, 2025
If today’s paper looks a little backward, that’s the point. We’re flipping things around in honor of International Left-Handers Day, a moment for all the lefties out there to enjoy the upper hand. Eve...
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Left is Right
August 14, 2025
If this week’s backward paper seems to be coming out of left field, you’re probably right. In honor of International Left-Handers Day being celebrated worldwide, this week, this edition of The McIntos...
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National Night Out event puts on a show
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National Night Out event puts on a show
August 14, 2025
The public met first responders at the annual National Night Out event, held Tuesday, Aug. 5 in downtown Eufaula. There were police, firefighters, sheriff ’s deputies, department of wildlife officers;...
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FAIC receives significant grant for new gear
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FAIC receives significant grant for new gear
August 14, 2025
FAIC was recently awarded a grant for 15 sets of structure gear, 15 sets of dual certi wildland/extrication gear, helmets, nomex hoods, boots (structure and wildland) and gloves for a total of $82,485...
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Wildcat Welcome kicks off school year
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Wildcat Welcome kicks off school year
August 14, 2025
Wildcat Welcome kicked off Checotah Schools new school year on Tuesday, Aug. 5 at Ogle Field. It is completely planned and organized by Checotah’s 21st CCLC After School programs. The entire track and...
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Testing yourself for left-handedness
News
Testing yourself for left-handedness
August 14, 2025
We all, of course, know in which hand we hold a pen, but how far does this bias extend throughout your body? Are you left-eared? Lefteyed? Here is a simple test you can apply to yourself. 1. Imagine t...
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Editor Picks
Famous left-handers
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Famous left-handers
August 14, 2025
Jason Alexander, actor Tim Allen, actor Duane Allman, guitarist Earl Anthony, bowler Nate Archibald, NBA player Aristotle, Greek philosopher Neil Armstrong, astronaut Dan Aykroyd, actor Cardi B, singe...
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News
What’s involved in producing a left-handed newspaper?
August 14, 2025
As you’ve already noticed, after thinking that there must have been some printing error with this edition of the Eufaula Indian Journal, this is a left-handed paper and was printed opposite of what yo...
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McIntosh County Free Fair Friday/Saturday
News
McIntosh County Free Fair Friday/Saturday
August 14, 2025
The annual McIntosh County Free Fair, hosted by the OSU Extension Center, will be held Friday, Aug. 15 and Saturday, Aug. 16 at the county fairgrounds in Eufaula. Exhibits will be on display Friday fr...
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Being a ‘Leftie’
commentary
Being a ‘Leftie’
August 14, 2025
Overall 40 percent of us are left-eared, 30 percent are left-eyed and 20 percent are left-footed, but only 10 percent of us are left-handed. I have the privilege of being all of these, so I’m an extre...
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News
Drummond fights against federal overreach
August 14, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Gentner Drummond is fighting to protect Oklahoma’s right to secure its communities through immigration law enforcement. He and a coalition of 22 attorneys general are ...
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