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Victim
News
July 20, 2023

Victim recovered from Lake Tenkiller after exhaustive search, rescue

By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 

A drowning incident at Cookson Bend Marina in Cherokee County claimed the life of a Muskogee resident on July 15, according to a report issued by Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

A drowning incident at Cookson Bend Marina in Cherokee County claimed the life of a Muskogee resident on July 15, according to a report issued by Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Ray L. Hutcherson, 55, has been identified as the victim.

According to the initial reports by authorities, the incident occurred around 6:05 p.m. when the victim walked to the southeast corner of the marina near the patio area.

Witnesses on-site recounted that without warning, Hutcherson jumped into the water and immediately disappeared beneath the surface, failing to resurface.

Promptly responding to the emergency, Marine Enforcement troopers, alongside members of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Dive Team and the Cherokee County detachment, launched an intensive search and rescue operation to locate Hutcherson. The efforts were further bolstered by assistance from the Cookson Fire Department, Game Warden Cody Youngblood, and personnel from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Despite hours of relentless searching, it was not until the following day, around 9:25 a.m., that the dive team discovered Hutcherson’s body about 14 feet below the water’s surface.

Hutcherson was not wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the incident, according to the report.

Investigating the tragic incident was Trooper Cody Cross #562 of the Marine Enforcement Division, who worked closely with Lieutenant Jon Huggins #151, Trooper Herbert Perry #349, and Trooper Stan Roedenbeck #842, all of the Marine Enforcement Division.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Dive Team also played a vital role, with Trooper Darrell Splawn #627, Trooper Brandon Groves #703, and Trooper Andy Floyd #261 contributing their expertise to the operation. Additionally, Trooper Colton Croft #309 from the Cherokee County detachment of Troop C provided support.

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OSU Rural Scholars bring passion and purpose to Sallisaw
A: Main, Main, News
OSU Rural Scholars bring passion and purpose to Sallisaw
By JADE PHILLIPS TIMES INTERN 
May 22, 2025
Amy Rodriguez and Emma Buchanan have come to study and help the local community. They are partnered with the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Rural Scholar program, in which they stay in Sallisaw while...
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Ward applies for sentence modification for 2021 kidnapping of Sallisaw woman
A: Main, Main, News
Ward applies for sentence modification for 2021 kidnapping of Sallisaw woman
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
May 22, 2025
A Vian man who has already been sentenced by a federal jury to serve prison time for drug charges has now applied for a sentence modification on another case he is facing in Sequoyah County District C...
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Authorities investigate misuse of elderly woman’s retirement funds
A: Main, Main, News
Authorities investigate misuse of elderly woman’s retirement funds
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
May 22, 2025
A Muldrow woman is under investigation for alleged elder neglect and financial exploitation after authorities say she failed to pay for a family member’s care while using their funds for personal expe...
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Casey Eubanks
A: Main, Just Folks, Main, ...
JUST FOLKS
Casey Eubanks
By JACIE EUBANKS TIMES INTERN 
May 22, 2025
Casey Eubanks originally hailed from the hills of Adair County, where he was born and raised in Stilwell. Growing up, he was familiar with Sallisaw from youth, coming to the town to rival against the ...
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Roland School Board welcomes new member, approves contracts
News, School News
Roland School Board welcomes new member, approves contracts
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
May 22, 2025
At the last regular meeting of the Roland Board of Education, significant administrative changes and personnel decisions headlined a packed agenda. The meeting, held at 6 p.m. on May 12, saw the board...
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House advances bill raising age of consent, preserving teen exception
News
House advances bill raising age of consent, preserving teen exception
May 22, 2025
A measure protecting Oklahoma's children and clarifying Oklahoma's 'Romeo and Juliet' law has been sent to the governor's desk. House Bill 1003, authored by Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, increases the age...
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