McIntosh County Democrat

12/11/2025

OKLAHOMA CITY – – The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) through their project OK Foster Wishes is assisting Oklahoma Human Services (OHS) Holiday Hope program in an effort to provide support for foster youth in the state, according to Joe Dorman, OICA’s CEO.

“Our goal is to raise $30,000 – enough to provide 200 gift cards of $150 each to teens in foster care,” Dorman said. “We’ve only raised $1,240 as of Monday, December 1, and that includes one $500 donation.”

OKLAHOMA CITY – – The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) through their project OK Foster Wishes is assisting Oklahoma Human Services (OHS) Holiday Hope program in an effort to provide support for foster youth in the state, according to Joe Dorman, OICA’s CEO.

12/11/2025

One former and two current state lawmakers are leading an effort to gradually reduce residential property taxes to zero by the end of the decade.

State Question 841, filed with the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office on Nov. 21, looks to eliminate residential property taxes in Oklahoma by 2029. A 33.5% reduction would take effect in 2027, followed by a 67% decrease in 2028.

One former and two current state lawmakers are leading an effort to gradually reduce residential property taxes to zero by the end of the decade.

12/11/2025

When one family lost their matriarch they finally realized the importance of taking care of each other and their community. That’s why the late Beverly Ann Barrow’s children and grandchildren took up her cause to host a Community Thanksgiving dinner each year.

“We just felt like we needed to pick up her mantle to help others in the local area,” said daughter Kim Codner. “I think she would be proud.”

When one family lost their matriarch they finally realized the importance of taking care of each other and their community. That’s why the late Beverly Ann Barrow’s children and grandchildren took up her cause to host a Community Thanksgiving dinner each year.

12/10/2025

Recently the Checotah High School Drama Club produced their first short film “Gone” which was enjoyed by friends and family in the local community theatre.

Recently the Checotah High School Drama Club produced their first short film “Gone” which was enjoyed by friends and family in the local community theatre.

12/10/2025

🏠When you give a gift subscription, you’re sharing the stories that bring neighbors together and keep our community close.🏠

📰Give a McIntosh County Democrat gift subscription at www.Cookson.news or call (918) 473-2313 to order.

🎄Holiday offer🎄Current subscribers receive three free months when they give a gift subscription.

12/10/2025

The Lake Eufaula Association is thrilled to announce our 1st Annual Christmas Tour of Homes, happening Thursday, December 11th from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM. This brand-new holiday event celebrates the beauty, creativ- ity, and festive charm of our community—and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you!

Guests will tour several beautifully decorated homes along with a couple of local businesses that have joined in the holiday fun. Each stop will feature delicious hors d’oeuvres, festive touches, and even a few surprises along the way—including the possibility of live Christmas music to make the evening feel even more magical.

The Lake Eufaula Association is thrilled to announce our 1st Annual Christmas Tour of Homes, happening Thursday, December 11th from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM. This brand-new holiday event celebrates the beauty, creativ- ity, and festive charm of our community—and we couldn’t be more excited to share it...

12/09/2025

The first Checotah Turkey Dinner Drive was a huge success, serving over 212 families.

It all started with the EBT scare that families wouldn’t have enough money for food this last month but it turned into a day of thankfulness for many.

The first Checotah Turkey Dinner Drive was a huge success, serving over 212 families.

12/09/2025

Every holiday season angels aren’t just around fellow believers, they are also the symbols placed on Christmas trees around town in hopes that everyone’s Christmas is merry and bright. Whether it’s a gift for a child or an elder, each angel represents a need in McIntosh County that can be met by kind, caring individuals who want to make a difference in their community. With two unique programs, Lions Club Angel Tree Program and the Checotah Art Guild Golden Christmas, there are plenty of angels to choose from during this time of year.

Every holiday season angels aren’t just around fellow believers, they are also the symbols placed on Christmas trees around town in hopes that everyone’s Christmas is merry and bright. Whether it’s a gift for a child or an elder, each angel represents a need in McIntosh County that can be met ...

12/09/2025

Patricia Freeman, a 1968 graduate of Checotah High School and longtime advocate for education, has announced a generous pledge to support first-generation students at the University of Oklahoma.

Patricia, who was raised in Checotah, plans to fund a series of scholarships aimed at helping students who are the first in their families to attend college.

Patricia Freeman, a 1968 graduate of Checotah High School and longtime advocate for education, has announced a generous pledge to support first-generation students at the University of Oklahoma.

12/08/2025

Former Chief of Police Andy Blizzard and Assoc. Chief of Police Justin Durrett were honored by Oklahoma State legislators and the City of Checotah last month during a Memorial Highway Dedication on Nov. 19. Oklahoma Rep. Tim Turner along with Oklahoma Rep. Neil Hays, Senator Bryan Logan and Senator Avery Frix pushed for the memorial signage to forever immortalize these officers’ names for the community they served and the family they left behind. The ceremonial memorial highway is located at the section of U.S. Highway 266 beginning at the intersection of South 4230 Road extending east to the intersection of South 4250 Road east of Checotah.

Former Chief of Police Andy Blizzard and Assoc. Chief of Police Justin Durrett were honored by Oklahoma State legislators and the City of Checotah last month during a Memorial Highway Dedication on Nov. 19. Oklahoma Rep. Tim Turner along with Oklahoma Rep. Neil Hays, Senator Bryan Logan and Senator....

12/08/2025

🎅 Santa’s envelopes just leveled up!
✉️ “Nice List Notices” are going out in style.
✨Santa knows—legendary lists deserve legendary print.

12/08/2025

One week left! The Haltom’s Huddle Holiday Food Drive is underway now through December 15! We’re collecting non-perishable food items to support families in our community.
Drop off donations at these locations:

• 100 N. 2nd Street, Eufaula (Indian Journal)
• 300 S. Broadway, Checotah (The Democrat)

Thank you for helping us make a difference this holiday season.