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City of Checotah announces promotion of Laurie Burkhalter to Finance Director
A: Main, News
August 21, 2025
City of Checotah announces promotion of Laurie Burkhalter to Finance Director

The City of Checotah is pleased to announce the promotion of Laurie Burkhalter to the position of Finance Director.

Burkhalter has served as Asst. Deputy City Clerk for the past year and has quickly demonstrated her commitment, expertise and leadership within city operations.

In making the announcement, Mayor Daniel Tarkington praised Burkhalter’s contributions saying, “Though she’s only been with the city a short period of time, Laurie has stepped in and proven herself to be an invaluable asset to our city government. She has taken on many roles already and has met or exceeded our every expectation. Her diverse professional experience and her connection to the community make her an ideal fit for this important position.”

Burkhalter, a lifelong Checotah resident and graduate of Checotah High School’s Class of 1990, brings a wealth of professional and civic experience to her new role.

She worked for 12 years at First Family Federal Credit Union in Checotah, including 10 years as Branch Manager, and is a graduate of Southwest CUNA (Credit Union National Association) Management School.

Burkhalter served 7.5 years on the Checotah Board of Education, including four years as president, and has been a trustee of the Checotah Industrial Development Authority since 2019. Burkhalter has also been active in the Checotah Chamber of Commerce since 2014, serving three years as president and currently as secretary.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Northeastern State University.

Burkhalter’s service to the City of Checotah began on May 3, 2024. Since beginning her employment with the city, she was given the title of the city’s Investment Officer last fall and, most recently, assumed the role of HR Manager earlier this year.

She has also taken it upon herself to be trained in municipal court clerkship.

She recently completed the Oklahoma Municipal League’s Community Leadership Development Class 12 and will graduate on September 9, 2025 at the OML conference.

Laurie Burkhalter and her husband, Jerome, make their home in the Central High community southeast of Checotah. They have one daughter, Taylor Cone, who is a teacher in Checotah Public Schools.

“I truly appreciate the opportunity to continue serving my hometown and the trust placed in me by the mayor and city council,” Burkhalter said. “I love Checotah, and I pledge to take my fiduciary responsibilities extremely seriously. I’m proud to be a part of a wonderful team of committed public employees and officials.”

Walker named District Teacher of the Year
A: Main, News...
Walker named District Teacher of the Year
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
October 16, 2025
Amber Walker, a 4th grade math teacher at Checotah Intermediate School (CIS), was recently named the District Teacher of the Year for Checotah Schools. From a young age, Walker knew she was destined t...
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Reed launches ‘Season of the Warrior’ Tour to honor Native American vets
A: Main, News...
Reed launches ‘Season of the Warrior’ Tour to honor Native American vets
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
October 16, 2025
Former Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Director Pete Reed made a stop in Eufaula Oct. 2 on behalf of the Season of the Warrior campaign tour. The goal of the campaign is to reach 100 cities in...
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Teen dies from injuries caused by blowout
October 16, 2025
A juvenile from Indianola has died as the result of a tire blowout that caused a collision on the Indian Nations Turnpike at mile marker 75 in Pittsburg County on Monday, Oct. 6. According to the Okla...
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Boo to Domestic Violence
A: Main, News...
Boo to Domestic Violence
October 16, 2025
McIntosh County Democrat invites the community to say “Boo to Domestic Violence” next Thursday, Oct. 23 from 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Unique Touch, 505 N. Broadway in Checotah. Several superheroes, some ...
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BARKtoberfest, a howling-ghoul time for pups and people
A: Main, News...
BARKtoberfest, a howling-ghoul time for pups and people
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
October 16, 2025
Porches & Pastures hosted their 7th Annual BARKtoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 11and lots of locals and visitors had a howling-ghoul time as they listened to live music from Last Call Band and browsed thr...
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Annual turkey shoot Oct. 25
October 16, 2025
The annual Eugene Woodfork Turkey Shoot will be held Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Warrior School Grounds 10 miles west of Checotah. Turkey shoot is $4 a shot. Bring your own gun or ...
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Editor Picks
A: Main, News...
Operators of daycare center accused of abuse
October 16, 2025
Jacob and Stephanie Smith, operators of a daycare center in Checotah, have been formally charged with multiple counts of child abuse. They were arrested on Oct. 1 and at their arraignment on Oct. 7 Ja...
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Checotah 4-H and FFA Booster Club
A: Main, News...
Checotah 4-H and FFA Booster Club
October 16, 2025
Monday, Oct. 20 at 6 p. m. At Checotah Agricultural Education Building Dinner will be provided.
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A: Main, News...
7th Annual Checotah Lions Club Charity Golf Tournament
October 16, 2025
Friday, Oct. 24 at Arrowhead State Golf Course – Canadian, OK Registration begins at 8 a.m. Shot Gun start at 8:30 a.m. Four Man Scramble –Cash Prizes & Door Prizes & More! Lunch immediately following...
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Heartland Heritage Museum & Checotah Art Guild 3rd Annual Pumpkin Painting Contest
October 16, 2025
For Kids Ages 3 – 11 Bring your own pumpkin or paint one of ours - first come first served - 30 painters. Sat., Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery Prizes and Ribbons Aw...
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Eternal Treasures found at Freedom House
News
Eternal Treasures found at Freedom House
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
October 16, 2025
The Freedom House Adult and Teen Challenge Eternal Treasures BBQ Banquet and Graduation Ceremony was held Saturday, October 4 and celebrated several ladies’ freedom from the struggles in this world. W...
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Checotah, OK
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