Holiday cheer comes at a premium: PNC Christmas Price Index rises 4.5%

PITTSBURGH — The cost of celebrating Christmas is climbing again. Now in its 42nd year, the PNC Christmas Price Index (PNC CPI) reveals that the cost of the gifts from the classic holiday carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” has risen 4.5% compared to last year, outpacing the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index (BLS CPI) October year-over-year reading of 3.0%.

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Lighting up the night

December 18, 2025

The new 20-foot-tall programmable, animated, musical, artificial Christmas tree has been a “huge success,” says Sallisaw City Manager Brian Heverly. The tree is located on the lawn of Stanley Tubbs Me...

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Police chief salary increases in 2026

By Lynn Adams Staff Writer

December 18, 2025

When John Owens is sworn in as Sallisaw’s new police chief in April, his salary will be almost $16,000 more than what Terry Franklin is now making in the last few months before his retirement. It’s no...

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Roland mourns student’s passing

December 18, 2025

Roland Public Schools is mourning the unexpected death earlier this week of a 3-year- old who was “a bright and precious” pre-K student. Bellamy Mithlo, who attended school in Roland, passed away in T...

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Fishermen pulled from Illinois River

December 18, 2025

Two fishermen who fell into the lower Illinois River and were quickly overcome by the cold water temperatures were transported by helicopter to area hospitals on Wednesday, according to reports from t...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

It’s the most wonderful time of the year

December 18, 2025

Dec. 19 Photos with Santa Bring your camera for photos with Santa, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the Grinch and Misfit Toys. Crafts, cookies and hot cocoa also available. Cherokee Community Organiza...