Violence Awareness Prayer Walk

News

June 19, 2025

Remembering those lost to murder, suicide or violent acts Thursday, June 26 from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Veterans Park, 114 N. Broadway, Checotah Calling all prayer warriors and those affected by these recent acts of violence to come shine a light of compassion and get concerned about mental health issues in our communities.

Text LaDonna Rhodes at 479-422-4210 or Teresa Ellifritt at 405-361-0067 for more information.

A: Main

Family, fans gather to share their grief over the death of Selby Minner

By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR

June 19, 2025

Jason Chandler, 44, Selby Minner’s adoptive grandson, was among the dozens of family, friends and fans who attended a celebration of life ceremony held Sunday for the renowned Blues musician who died ...

B:, Sports...

Thunder one win away from glory after Game 5 thriller

By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR

June 19, 2025

The Indiana Pacers stormed back from an 18-point first-half hole to make it a two-point game in the fourth quarter Monday night — but Oklahoma City never flinched. Fueled by a breakout performance fro...

A: Main

Blues legend slain, brother charged; competency hearing set

By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR

June 19, 2025

Eighteen years ago Blues icon Selby Minner filed for a permanent protective order against her brother Louis Carl Guenther after he allegedly verbally and physically abused her. Tuesday morning, June 1...

A: Main

No Kings protests attended by millions

By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

June 19, 2025

Saturday’s “No Kings” rallies represented the largest one-day protest in US history as Americans protested a trend toward “authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of democr...

A: Main

Celebration of Life for Selby Minner, 11 a.m., Satur

June 19, 2025

A GoFundMe account, Justice For Selby Minner, has been set up to raise $11,000 to help with expenses. As of Tuesday, almost $6,786 has been raised. Let's help keep her blues legacy alive.

A: Main

59th Old Settlers Day goes off without a hitch

By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

June 19, 2025

The 59th Old Settlers Day weekend went off without a hitch this Friday and Saturday in Checotah and some of the cutest little cowgirls and cowboys came out to celebrate. The excitement began Friday ni...

News

Don’t miss the 2025 CHS Alumni Reunion

June 19, 2025

Don’t miss the Checotah High School Alumni Reunion scheduled for June 27-28. Friday, June 27, come to the Katy Depot to catch up with old friends. It’s a nice, cool place to visit and reminisce over o...

News

Selby Minner keeps her late husband’s music — and their festival — alive

By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR

June 19, 2025

Destiny guides the life of Selby Minner, who with her husband, the late D.C. Minner, created the annual Dusk ‘Til Dawn Blues Festival in Rentiesville. She was destined to become a blues musician, even...

News

Friends, fans wonder what will become of the Blues

By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR

June 19, 2025

“We have to make sure that the show goes on,” said Alicia Nevaquaya, friend of Selby Minner’s for 15 years. Alicia was at the Blues Club property in Rentiesville on Wednesday morning, June 11, two day...

News

Rentiesville’s mayor mourns the loss of Selby Minner

By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

June 19, 2025

Rentiesville’s mayor Mildred Burkhalter, hours after hearing about the horrific news about the slaying of Selby Minner, said, “Everyone here is just in total shock and disbelief of what happened to Se...

News

Fans react to death of Blues musician

June 19, 2025

News of Blues legend Selby Minner’s murder on June 9 spread quickly and inspired compassionate responses from across the state. Here are a few of the heartfelt comments posted by fans and friends. Gle...