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John Cox announces candidacy for State Superintendent 2026
News
June 12, 2025
John Cox announces candidacy for State Superintendent 2026

TAHLEQUAH – Dr. John Cox, a long-time teacher and superintendent in Oklahoma is running for the office of State Superintendent.

With multiple advanced degrees in education as well as decades of working in the Oklahoma School System, Cox represents not only the highest levels of professional competence but also a keen understanding of what is needed to fix Oklahoma’s broken school system.

Cox believes it is a priority to support and trust Oklahoma’s teachers. Without strong, dedicated teachers, it is impossible to teach our children. Dr. Cox believes we have a strong base of experienced, certified teachers to build on.

“Many teachers are still here who have been dedicated to the children of Oklahoma for decades. However, I recognize” that without the right resources, Oklahoma will struggle to attract and retain teachers. In today’s work environment, corporations are recruiting young teachers out of college at a much higher salary.” Cox said.

Cox understands from his inside-theclassroom experience that the critical needs of education are not being met, and he promises to bring a clear focus to those needs along with plans on how Oklahoma can start moving in the right direction.

Dr. Cox also believes in providing safe and secure schools.

“Protecting our students from indoctrination, inappropriate materials, sexual predators, or harmful intruders, is of the highest priority, and will be a focus of my administration.” he said.

As an advocate for stronger investment in our public schools, Cox knows that the answers are not political. They are educational.

He said his plan is to first, educate the public and the legislature about the defined needs of education and then engage all parties in an exploration of ways to meet those needs.

“I will focus on solutions, not politics.” Cox said.

Strong Pre-K through 8th grade curriculums, Cox believes, plus greater flexibility in high school courses will best meet the individual interests of each student and enable them to have more and better career choices.

Cox said he is also a strong supporter of local control of schools by our locally elected board members.

“I understand that decisions made for a local school district are at their best when left in the hands of those who are invested in that local school district. Parent and community control of our schools is the backbone of great school systems.” he said.

After getting his Associate of Arts degree from NEO A&M, Cox went on to earn his Bachelor in Education from Northeastern State University, a Master’s in Counseling from NSU, and then a Doctorate in Education Administration from Oklahoma State University. He has also served in officer and leadership positions with several statewide education organizations.

For more information on Candidate: Website: https://coxforok. com/

City of Checotah prepares fireworks and family fun
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City of Checotah prepares fireworks and family fun
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
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The City of Checotah is gearing up for the greatest Fourth of July Freedom Fest celebration the community has ever seen. There will be plenty of sights and sounds to see this year during their allday ...
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Ex Pittsburg County jailer charged with attempting to rob Lakeside Pharmacy
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A barefooted 23-year-old Oktaha woman was walking near I-40, pulling a toy wagon missing its front wheels, has been arrested for assault and battery on a police officer, conspiracy to perform an act o...
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Smelser to become county treasurer July 1
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Smelser to become county treasurer July 1
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Kimberly Smelser has been first deputy in the McIntosh County Treasurer’s Office since January 2021. On Tuesday, July 1, she will become county treasurer, replacing Betty Whisenhunt, whose final day i...
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Checotah Alumni to host reunion this weekend
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Checotah Alumni to host reunion this weekend
June 26, 2025
The Checotah High School Alumni Reunion is finally here and will be two days reminiscing over high school days gone by too quickly. On Friday, June 27, everyone is invited to the Katy Depot to catch u...
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Minor leads lawmen on wild chase
June 26, 2025
A juvenile driving a stolen 2020 white Jeep Compass led lawmen on a chase that exceeded 110 miles per hour on U.S. 69 shortly after midnight on Friday, June 20. After the Eufaula Police Department was...
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Bingo Night blazed a trail for suicide awareness
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Bingo Night blazed a trail for suicide awareness
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
June 26, 2025
Bingo Night blazed a trail for the Lake Eufaula Out of Darkness Walk on June 12. Many patrons and volunteers came out to help raise money for the walk set for September 20. All the proceeds of the fun...
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Olivia Shackelford honored with 2025 Youth Prevention Award
News
Olivia Shackelford honored with 2025 Youth Prevention Award
June 26, 2025
On June 5, local student Olivia Shackelford was recognized as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Youth Prevention Award in Oklahoma City at the Heartland Conference. This award was presented to an ...
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When death steals a first-class friend
News
When death steals a first-class friend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
June 26, 2025
I may have been the last person—other than her murderer—to talk to Selby Minner before her murder on Monday, June 9. She and I planned to meet that day, but when we talked by phone around 4:30 p.m., w...
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We celebrate the 250th anniversary of our United States Army
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We celebrate the 250th anniversary of our United States Army
June 26, 2025
We Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Our United States Army Happy 250th birthday to the United States Army. Thank you to all my many friends and family who bravely served and to all the soldiers toda...
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Forgiveness for all
commentary
Forgiveness for all
June 26, 2025
Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice to extend forgiveness for all. So God, why is forgiveness so hard? Why do bad things happen to us and those we love? Why is there so much anger and animosity in the ...
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