McIntosh County Democrat

06/03/2026

Lake Eufaula State Park to celebrate naturalist program’s 50th anniversary

Families and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to Lake Eufaula State Park on Saturday, June 6, for a special celebration marking the 50th Anniversary of Oklahoma’s Naturalist Program.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Center Field inside Lake Eufaula State Park and will feature family-friendly activities, raffle prizes, refreshments, and photo opportunities with Park Pal, the Oklahoma State Parks mascot.

Oklahoma State Park naturalist programs are designed to help visitors learn about and connect with the outdoors through educational and hands-on experiences. Park naturalists lead activities and programs that focus on Oklahoma’s wildlife, plants, ecosystems, history, and conservation efforts.

Full story in the McIntosh County Democrat
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06/03/2026

VFW Post 8798 honors fallen heroes on Memorial Day

Community members gathered Monday at VFW Post 8798 in Eufaula to honor the nation’s fallen servicemen and women during a Memorial Day event focused on remembrance, gratitude and patriotism.

The event, held along Highway 9, featured a flag pole ceremony honoring those who gave their lives in military service as well as veterans who have served the country through the years.

Residents, veterans and families attended the gathering throughout the afternoon, pausing to reflect on the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces. Patriotic displays and American flags lined the area as attendees joined together in observance of the national holiday.

In addition to the ceremony, VFW members and Auxiliary hosted a luncheon that welcomed the public through freewill donations, giving community members an opportunity to fellowship while supporting local veterans efforts.

Full Story in the McIntosh County Democrat
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06/02/2026

🕵️‍♀️ HEALTHY HABITS HUNT — NEW CLUES ALERT! 🕵️‍♂️

This round of clues will take you all across the community 💚

Today’s hidden game pieces may be near:
🐾 A place where furry friends get pampered
🍔 A diner serving classic hometown favorites
🍭 A candy shop full of sweet and sour treasures
📍 A community hub for visitors and local info
💙 A nonprofit helping neighbors in need
🗣️ A place helping people grow through therapy services

Remember:
✨ Respect all businesses and locations
✨ One prize per person
✨ Take photos and tag us while you hunt!

Happy hunting! 🔍🎉

06/02/2026

🤠 60th Annual Old Settlers Day is Coming! 🤠 Get your business in front of readers during one of the area's most anticipated community celebrations!

Reserve your spot in the 60th Annual Old Settlers Day Special Section, publishing June 11, 2026, featuring the event schedule, calendar of activities, and community information in full color both in print and online.

📅 Event Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
🎨 Color 2x2 Ad: $40
🗓️ Deadline to Reserve Space: June 3, 2026

This special section reaches attendees before the event and remains available in the newspaper and digital edition.

To reserve your advertising space, contact:
📞 LaDonna Rhodes — 479-422-4210
📧 [email protected]

Don't wait—DEADLINE IS JUNE 3RD.

06/02/2026

CIS principal Ryan Ambrose to take the reins as new CPS superintendent July 1

Checotah Intermediate School (CIS) Principal Ryan Ambrose was recently announced as the new Checotah Public Schools superintendent and will take over the reins July 1.

Ambrose brings a lot to the table especially after being chosen as a recipient of the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership in 2022 by the U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona. Ambrose one of nine school leaders with National Blue Ribbon Schools who were honored during the National Blue Ribbon Schools awards ceremony in Washington that year.

As the CIS former principal, the Checotah School Board chose Ambrose because “he understands the vital role school leaders play in shaping school culture and welcoming learning environments in an effort to improve student achievement and empower teachers to meet the needs of their students and be recognized for that effort as well.” CHS School Board president Chris Brown stated, “We are pleased to have Ambrose as our new superintendent as he raises the bar for building positive school climates, increasing achievement, and finding creative ways to nurture, engage, and support our students, families, educators, and school staff.”

Full Story in the McIntosh County Democrat
Digital Subscriptions Available

06/01/2026

05/30/2026

47th Duvall Steer Wrestling Jackpot drew all ages this past weekend

The 47th Duvall’s Annual Steer Wrestling Jackpot held this weekend drew cowboys and cowgirls of all ages to the Checotah Round Up Club as the Duvall Dynasty continued.

There were lots of old timers reliving their glory days as they watched the next generations carry on family traditions.

Of course the legends were there, Roy Duvall and Ote Berry, along with Sam, Spud, Riley and Tom Duvall.

Full story in the McIntosh County Democrat

05/30/2026

Healthy habits don’t have to be complicated. Try one small thing today that supports your wellbeing:
💧 Drink more water
🚶 Take a short walk
📵 Unplug for 30 minutes
🍎 Add a fruit or veggie to a meal
😴 Go to bed a little earlier
Small choices add up over time — and every healthy step counts. 💚

The Health & Wellness Center, Inc.

05/29/2026

First young female join a troop within the Indian Nations Council

From Cub Scout Pack #642 to the new Family Troop #642

Checotah First United Methodist Church recently pioneered a new initiative by becoming the first Charter Organization of Scouting America to launch a Family Troop, which includes girls.

Cindy Robertson Riedel, pastor of the Checotah First United Methodist Church and the first woman to pastor this local church, was honored to participate in the Awards Banquet and Crossover.

“It was exciting to see the first young female join the troop,” Riedel said. “Her father is the troop leader, and now she gets to enjoy the campouts and badge projects with the rest of her family and troop.”