Statewide Charter School Board audit finds no misappropriation at Epic

Opinion

January 15, 2026

The Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board has voted to accept the findings of a forensic audit of Epic Charter Schools’ finances. The audit revealed no misappropriation of funds or willful wrongdoing but did identify several areas of improvement the school should address.

A: Main, News...

Eufaula Chamber of Commerce welcomes Tim Turner as new executive director

January 15, 2026

SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER The Eufaula Area Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Tim Turner as its new executive director, a role he officially assumed on Jan. 1. “Tim brings fresh perspective and ener...

A: Main, News...

Plans for 18th Annual Chili Cook-Off underway

January 15, 2026

It’s time to pull out those famous family chili recipes and see if you have what it takes to win this year’s 18th Annual Chili Cook-Off set for Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Checotah Community Center. The ...

Opinion

Senseless killings still seen by a sovereign God

January 15, 2026

Every day I turn on the news I hear of more senseless killings. Headlines read “A senseless act” when a 15-year-old shoots and kills an Uber driver on New Year’s Day. One was working a holiday to make...

Opinion

Lankford, Cornyn, and Colleagues introduce Stop Illegal Aliens Drunk Driving Act

January 15, 2026

WASH INGTON, DC — US Senators James Lankford (R-OK), John Cornyn (R-TX), and colleagues today introduced the Stop Illegal Aliens Drunk Driving Act, which would strengthen current immigration laws to e...

Opinion

Letters

January 15, 2026

In May of 2000 republicans used the terms “jackbooted thugs” and “storm troopers” after the government’s raid to retrieve Elian Gonzalez. Today’s so-called godly republicans worship them. Trump idoliz...

Opinion

Oklahoma students invited to enter OBA Law Day Contest

January 15, 2026

Do you know an Oklahoma student who loves to write, draw or create? Encourage them to enter their work in the Oklahoma Bar Association’s annual Law Day Art and Writing Contest. The theme for this year...

News

Blood Institute launches blood donation appeal as O Blood inventory drops

January 15, 2026

The Blood Institute is issuing a broad blood donation appeal after blood inventory levels dropped sharply, from approximately 5,200 units at this time last year to about 2,200 units today. To help sta...

News

Voter registration and absentee ballot deadlines are approaching

January 15, 2026

Friday, January 16, is the last day to apply for voter registration to be eligible to vote in the February 10 Henryetta School Board Special Election, McIntosh County Election Board Secretary Kim Limb...

News

Senior Center menu

January 15, 2026

January 15-23, 2026 Thursday, Jan. 15: Baked chicken; mashed potatoes; green beans; roll; cake; milk Friday, Jan. 16: Egg/Sausage casserole; hash brown; juice; biscuit/gravy; milk Monday, Jan. 19: CLO...

News

Community Calendar

January 15, 2026

List local meetings or events in the Community Area Calendar by emailing ladonna@cookson. news, texting 479-422-4210 or dropping off information at the McIntosh County Democrat, 300 S. Broadway, Checo...

Sports

No. 1 Indiana crushes Oregon 56-22 to win Peach Bowl

By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR

January 15, 2026

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw five scoring passes and the No. 1 Hoosiers crushed No. 5 Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl semifinal on Friday night. No. 1 Indiana (15-0, No. 1 CFP) will face ...