Competitors needed for Chili Cook-Off

News

January 22, 2026

By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

Who is ready to compete for the best tasting chili in McIntosh County? The 18th Annual Chili Cook-Off is set for Saturday, Feb, 28 to benefit the Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery. This year the chili competition will take place at the Checotah First Free Will Baptist Event Center at 713 N. Broadway.

B:, Sports...

Stilwell Indians pull away in second half to defeat Checotah Wildcats

By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR

January 22, 2026

STILWELL — The Stilwell Indians used a strong offensive performance and physical defense to defeat the Checotah Wildcats (3-9) by a final score of 74–38 in a nondistrict boys basketball game Friday ni...

A: Main, News...

Paws N Claws – Eufaula celebrates second anniversary

By STAFF REPORT

January 22, 2026

It’s been two years since Paws N Claws –Eufaula, OK started their volunteer group to help pound pups find homes in McIntosh County and the surrounding areas. What started off as a small volunteer part...

A: Main, News...

Absentee Ballot applications available for 2026 election year

January 22, 2026

Voters in McIntosh County who want absentee ballots mailed to them for elections in 2026 should apply now. Any registered voter may request absentee ballots for a specific election or for a full calen...

A: Main, News...

Fast Lanes Bowling Center celebrates 25 years

By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

January 22, 2026

Fast Lanes Bowling Center recently celebrated a mile marker anniversary – their 25th year in Checotah. “It’s hard to believe 25 years ago, Fast Lanes opened its doors,” Lori Barnard said. “And because...

A: Main, News...

MLK Day gathering in reflects on faith, responsibility and community

By STAFF REPORT

January 22, 2026

Community members gathered Sunday, Jan. 18, at Mount Olive Star Missionary Baptist Church in Checotah for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance centered on faith, reflection, and shared responsibili...

News

Author shares story of purpose and memory

By STAFF REPORT

January 22, 2026

Sulli Mariah Lee, author of the book Wees Are Kneak Moments and a member of the Eufaula High School Class of 1965, opened her presentation last Friday at the Eufaula Public Library by recalling a sent...

News

Checotah Senior Center menu

January 22, 2026

January 26-30, 2026 Call to make reservations. Lunch served 11:30 a.m. Mon. - Fri. Monday, Jan. 26: Sloppy Joe; potato; veggie salad; cookie; milk Tuesday, Jan. 27: Chicken salad; cucumber salad; frui...

News

Local Beta Sigma Phi announces meetings

January 22, 2026

The local Beta Sigma Phi chapter met Jan. 12, 2026 at the lovely home of Janelle McKnight who served as hostess along with Gretchen Payne who served as cohostess. After Karen Martin reported that memb...

Opinion

Relax to reset and reconnect

January 22, 2026

In a world where it seems we stay connected 24-7 to social media, our jobs and more, we must intentionally do what we can to stop and relax, reset and reconnect. Each week if I don’t intentionally tak...

Opinion

MLK Day in Eufaula: Justice That Keeps Moving

By MICHAEL BARNES

January 22, 2026

In a town like Eufaula, people still know one another. We see familiar faces at ball games and grocery stores, in church pews and along the lake. That closeness is a gift. It is also a responsibility....

Opinion

Which schools and county services do you want eliminated with property tax cuts?

By JOE DORMAN, OICA CEO

January 22, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY – Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. famously stated, “Taxes are what we pay for civilized society.” This quote illustrates that taxation is a necessary component to fund pu...