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Checotah Stories from the past
News
June 27, 2024
Checotah Stories from the past
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR

114 YEARS AGO McIntosh County Democrat Thursday, July 7, 1910

WATERY GRAVE

While bravely attempting to rescue the girl whom he was engaged to marry, Frederick A. Knowlton, assistant cashier and a stockholder and director of the Muskogee National Bank, and Miss Catherine Jarrett were carried to their deaths Monday afternoon by the heavy undertow of the Grand river near Kio, a small station on the Frisco road east of Fort Gibson.

A wedding planned for the immediate future which would have united the unfortunate couple will now never be solemnized.

Catherine was a former resident of Checotah.

KATE BERNARD HERE

Miss Katie Bernard, that noble, fearless little woman who has accomplished more for the morals of the state than any other agency, or in fact all other agencies combined, was in Checotah Sunday and at night addressed a large throng at Tuckabatchee hall, her theme being “Practical Christianity.”

Katie is the Superintendent of Charities and Corrections Department.

•••••

100 YEARS AGO McIntosh County Democrat Thursday, May 29, 1924

TERRIFIC STORM Four Injured

Checotah experienced what her people consider a real storm about six o’clock Wednesday evening.

A terrific wind came from the west, southwest and northwest, accompanied by a downpour of rain and hail.

And while the worst lasted but about 10 minutes it looked as though the whole city might be doomed. And when it was all over and a check of the damage made, all agreed that perhaps we were lucky.

Near here, only four people were injured. They were Mr. and Mrs. A. Pack and two small children who lived in the Ruby Long place a mile southwest of town.

New Goods Arriving

As we announced briefly last week, we have opened for business in our building on Gentry Avenue with a nice assortment of groceries. We are now receiving some dry goods and expect more each week and will soon be enabled to serve you in the staple lines at least.

Our stock of Hamilton Brown shows is on the way. We have handled this line for 17 years and know there are none better.

We invite our old patrons as well as new ones to come in and see us at Chenault’s store

•••••

80 YEARS AGO McIntosh County Democrat Thursday, December 2, 1943

Stars and Bars

– Mayverd Hogan of the U.S. Naval Air Station at Corpus Christi, subscribes for the paper, saying that news from Checotah is most welcome and all too scarce in that “foreign corner of Texas.”

– Another stripe has been added and another promised to Juney Patterson, who was recently made a sergeant at the Army Air Base in Muroc, Calif. Patterson says he has really been rolling up some flying time, having completed a total of 300 hours in a B-24 Liberator as a radio operator-gunner.

– Promoted to Corporal is Jo Wilson, son of Dr. and Mrs. Lyle Wilson. Corporal Wilson, who is stationed at Camp Wolters, Texas, is in Company A of the 56th Infantry Battalion.

Eufaula Soldier Killed In Action

Frank Eckelkamp, 29, son of Mrs. Frank Ekelkamp of Eufaula, was killed in Italy on Nov. 17 while fighting with the American Fifth Army.

He arrived in Italy Nov. 13 and died four days later, the war department advised his mother. He was a graduate of Eufaula High school and was a salesman in Turley’s Store for several years.

•••••

75 YEARS AGO McIntosh County Democrat Thursday, June 2, 1949

LOCAL POLICE SHOOT BURGLAR

A fusillade of bullets from the pistol of Arthur Musgraves, Checotah night policeman, temporarily ended the crime career of three Oregon youths Monday night after they were found burglarizing a café here and attempted to shoot their way to freedom.

Selan Johnson, 22, of Hillsburg, Ore., was taken into custody after he was shot in the right side by Musgrves near the Edythe Nichols Café about 1:30 a.m.

The second man, Hoot Warren, was captured by Police Chief Jess Frazier, who was trailing the fugitive about two miles north of the city.

Still at large is John Warren, 18, brother of Hoot Warren. He is said to be heavily armed.

Telie Dover Heads India Mission

Miss Telie Dover, native of Checotah, who has been working in India for the past 15 months serving as principal of a high school and president of a junior college in a Pentecostal school of 300 pupils, has been promoted to missionary in charge of her station.

Miss Dover’s pupils consist of Hindus and Mohammedans. Her station consists of a boy’s orphanage, girl’s orphanage, a grade school, a high school, a junior college, a church and three branch churches. She was also elected a member of the board of trustees of the mission property of her station.

••••• 50 YEARS AGO McIntosh County Democrat

Thursday, June 27, 1974

Coach Resigns At High School

Ray Grandstaff, head coach of the Checotah Wildcats for the last five years, resigned this week to take the head coach job of the Muskogee Roughers. Grandstaff, who put together an 8-2 record the last two seasons, brought the Wildcats from a football slump to one of the top ranked teams in the state.

Ray stated that “In leaving, I am leaving a part of me.”

Ray is originally from Muskogee.

“Agape Choir” To perform At Lodge

The Agape Choir, composed of 50 youths of the First Baptist Church, Edmond, will present a concert of contemporary sacred music at Fountainhead Lodge at 8 a.m. on Sunday, June 30. Everyone in the lake area is welcome.

There is no charge.

•••••

19 YEARS AGO McIntosh County Democrat Thursday, September 15, 2005

9/11 Is remembered

A parade remembering Sept. 11, 2001, was held in Checotah Monday morning.

The parade was sponsored by the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, City of Checotah, Checotah Chamber of Commerce, Checotah Industrial Authority, Checotah Public Schools and Veterans Upward Bound of Connors State College.

City Council discusses new workers’ comp plan Monday’s meeting of the Checotah City Council saw city officials discuss a new workers’ compensation plan, grant proposals for some projects around town and possible plans for the town’s skate park equipment.

•••••

10 YEARS AGO McIntosh County Democrat Thursday, June 19, 2014

48th Annual Old Settlers Day is history Old Settlers of 2014 came to an end Saturday with great success.

This year the Chamber of Commerce gave away lots of prizes, to the joy of the crowd.

Jeri Holder of the Chamber of Commerce and member LaDonna Rhodes worked to make sure everyone had a great time.

Long wait expected for resolution of pay issue

Cal Ware, advocacy specialist for the Oklahoma Education Association, said the support personnel who requested a hearing on their pay cut recommended by Superintendent Janet Blocker are going to “hurry up and wait” for the next step.

A special meeting held June 9 ended with approval of the “Recommendation for Modification of the Employment of District Personnel.”

Those affected by the pay decrease by working fewer days gave statements about how it would affect them. Most are members of the Checotah Support Personnel Association.

More adoptions, less litters
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More adoptions, less litters
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
April 23, 2026
Two more city pound dogs found their forever homes through Paws N Claws rescue efforts this week. McIntosh County and abroad definitely need more adoptions and less litters of puppies and kittens. Of ...
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Checotah daycare case moves forward in district court
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Checotah daycare case moves forward in district court
April 23, 2026
SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER A Checotah couple accused of abusing children in an in-home daycare appeared April 16 in McIntosh County District Court for a preliminary hearing before Associate Distric...
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Election Board hears contest in county commissioners race
April 23, 2026
The McIntosh County Election Board heard testimony at 10 a.m.Thursday, April 16, in a contest of candidacy filed against District 1 County Commissioner candidate Jeffery Coleman (Mc-Intosh County sher...
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Suspect accused of striking patrol car, fleeing deputies before arrest
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
April 23, 2026
A McIntosh County man was arrested April 16 on a complaint of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, according to a probable cause affidavit. Steven Wayne Smith, 54, of Checotah, was taken into ...
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Senior Send Off and upcoming events
April 23, 2026
It’s hard to believe another school year has already come and is almost gone as seniors prepare for their last days in class, on stages and on the field. Here are a few end of the year events to remem...
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‘Art in The Park’ to celebrate all mothers
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‘Art in The Park’ to celebrate all mothers
April 23, 2026
Local artists with the Checotah Art Guild invite the public to celebrate motherhood at their annual “Art in the Park” on Saturday, May 9. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Veterans P...
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Successful City Wide Spring Trash-Off Day
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Successful City Wide Spring Trash-Off Day
April 23, 2026
The City of Checotah and Checotah Chamber had a successful City Wide Spring Trash Off Day on Saturday, April 18. Around 13 Chamber and city personnel as well as 14 local volunteers, young and old, joi...
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Maura McDermott Wood chosen Beta Sigma Phi Sister of the Year
News
Maura McDermott Wood chosen Beta Sigma Phi Sister of the Year
April 23, 2026
Local Beta Sigma Phi members have chosen Maura McDermott Wood as Sister of the Year. An active member, Maura designs and produces an attractive and historic yearbook for the local president each year....
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News
Chaney’s Pizza coming to Checotah
April 23, 2026
Chaney’s Pizza announced that in light of changing circumstances, they were finalizing their current operations in Eufaula on Friday, April 17 and opening a new chapter at a new location in Checotah. ...
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FFA Speech Contest draws record-breaking entries
News
FFA Speech Contest draws record-breaking entries
April 23, 2026
On Monday, April 6, Checotah FFA hosted their annual Speech Contest with a record-breaking 599 speeches entered and judged throughout the evening. “What an incredible day it was!” stated FFA advisor Z...
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Studio 45: A new creative space bringing artists, ideas and community together in downtown Eufaula
Opinion
Studio 45: A new creative space bringing artists, ideas and community together in downtown Eufaula
By MICHAEL BARNES 
April 23, 2026
On April 12, Studio 45 opened its doors in Eufaula, offering something more than a new venue. It is a place where creativity can gather, take form, and begin to take shape. Just off Main Street on Sel...
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