A legendary, world-champion freestyle fighting bull named “Hugh Hefner” from Penthouse Fighting Bulls, was tragically shot and killed in Oklahoma. Hugh was known as a dominant, blackcoated bull feared...

The Muscogee Nation is suing the State of Oklahoma over whether tribal members need a state license to hunt or fish on land within the Five Tribes’ reservations. The Okmulgee-based tribe has filed a c...

The day report cards come out at school is often rife with anxiety for students. Did I do as well as I think I did? In areas with room for improvement, did I succeed? Students aren’t the only ones who...

CELEBRATION – Jan. 18 The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 3 p.m., Mt. Olive Star Baptist Church, located at 413665 E. 1080 Rd., Checotah;...

To support the Checotah 4H and FFA Booster Club Sunday, January 18 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. $12 donation per plate 625 W. Gentry Ave. Checotah, OK

Friday Conference: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Saturday Breakfast: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Conference: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Ages 13 and up Checotah First Free Will Baptist Church 713 N. Broadway St., Checota...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In the Lower Illinois River, researchers from OSU are studying the importance of the trout fishery to both the River’s biology and the local economy. Through angler surveys and a mark-recapture study,...

On January 15, 1811 – In a secret session, Congress planned to annex Spanish East Florida. 1815 – During the War of 1812, American frigate USS President, commanded by Commodore Stephen Decatur, is cap...

Rank and organization: Specialist Fifth Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 1st Battalion, 69th Armor, 4th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Dak To, Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, 15 January 196...

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward

On New Year’s Day, State Parks across Oklahoma conduct First Day Hikes, welcoming families of all ages to come enjoy the great outdoors and reconnect with nature. 226 hikers and 21 furry friends gathe...

Recently the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center presented the Blue-Collar Small Business 2025 award to 3F’s Poultry and Rabbit Processing, the only state-inspected facility for non-commercial ...

The Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting a search for Erik Throne 2/2/1969. Erik was involved in a motor vehicle accident on December 14, 2025 at around 1500 hours. Witness reports...