Drake murder trial scheduled for 2027

By Lynn Adams Staff Writer

The triple-murder trial of Stacy Lee Drake, the Alabama felon accused of the June 2024 murders of Tara Underwood and Taylor Sharp at LaFerry’s Propane near Gans as well as the El Reno slaying of Phillip Emerson, has been postponed until February 2027, according to Sequoyah County District Court records.

A: Main, Main, News

Poultry industry still refuses to abide by judge’s ruling in Illinois River Watershed case

By Lynn Adams Staff Writer

January 8, 2026

It’s been 25 years since Oklahoma first began its pursuit of reform and resolution in the arduous legal quagmire that seeks to hold the poultry industry liable for polluting the Illinois River Watersh...

A: Main, Main, News

Sallisaw woman recounts near-death leap from bridge

By Lynn Adams Staff Writer

January 8, 2026

When confronted with a near-death situation, survivors often report that, as the emotional event unfolds, their life flashed before their eyes. Malora Stites of Sallisaw knows all too well the almost ...

A: Main, Main, News

In-person assistance available for ad valorem exemption filing

By Lynn

January 8, 2026

The Sequoyah County ad valorem exemption filing period is now open, and the county assessor’s office is providing in-person assistance at five county locations to help with filling and answer question...

A: Main, Main, News, ...

School board approves $1.21 Million building bond issue

By Amie Cato-Remer Editor

January 8, 2026

Sallisaw Public Schools’ Board of Education on Wednesday approved the issuance of $1.21 million in General Obligation Building Bonds during a special meeting. The board first approved its annual revie...

A: Main, Just Folks, Main, ...

JUST FOLKS

Joseph Spencer

By ALLY TROTTER | STAFF WRITER

January 8, 2026

Joseph Spencer’s life began the way many stories from Sequoyah County once did – simply, humbly and surrounded by the forces of nature. Born on May 3, 1943, in Bird Flat north of Marble City, Spencer ...

B: Sports

SALLISAW BASKETBALL

Sallisaw gets sweep over Heavener

By DAVID SEELEY SPORTS EDITOR

January 8, 2026

The Sallisaw High School basketball teams opened the 2026 portion of their seasons Tuesday night at Paul Post Field House with a sweep of the visiting Heavener squads. The Lady Diamonds opened the nig...