Miami News-Digest

06/07/2026

Newly obtained video of Miami, Oklahoma Police Department officer involved shooting coming soon...

06/05/2026

06/04/2026

Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma food distribution tomorrow morning, 8am at Sacred Heart Church - Miami, OK ... First Friday of each month.

June 6th, 2026

06/04/2026

Wyandotte True Value Hardware Offers One-Stop Shopping for Four-State Communities

WYANDOTTE, Okla. — For residents across northeastern Oklahoma and the Four-State region, a trip to Grove, Joplin, or other larger retail centers is no longer necessary for many home improvement, automotive, lawn and garden, and outdoor living needs.

Located just west of River Bend Casino on Quindaro Drive, has quickly become a valuable resource for families, homeowners, ranchers, and do-it-yourselfers throughout Wyandotte, Miami, Commerce, Quapaw, Welch, Bluejacket, and surrounding communities.

The store features more than 7,500 square feet of retail space and was developed as part of the Wyandotte Nation's long-term community growth initiative. The hardware center offers a broad selection of products ranging from tools, paint, plumbing, and electrical supplies to lawn and garden products, outdoor furniture, pet supplies, and grilling equipment.

As summer arrives and barbecue season gets underway, customers can find grills, outdoor cooking accessories, lawn care supplies, fertilizers, garden tools, and seasonal products all under one roof. The store also stocks automotive maintenance essentials, helping local residents tackle routine vehicle upkeep without making a lengthy drive out of the area.

Beyond products, the store provides practical services including key cutting, paint color matching, propane tank exchange, and rope and chain cutting, making it a convenient stop for both homeowners and contractors.

The opening of the store marked a significant milestone in Wyandotte Nation economic development efforts. Tribal leaders described the project as an important investment in both community growth and local quality of life, bringing essential goods and services closer to area residents while helping strengthen the regional economy.

For many families across Ottawa County and neighboring communities, the store represents something increasingly valuable: convenience. Whether preparing for a weekend barbecue, repairing a leaky faucet, maintaining a lawn, or tackling a major home improvement project, residents can often find what they need close to home.

In an era when many small communities have seen local hardware stores disappear, Wyandotte's True Value Hardware stands as a reminder that quality service, practical products, and local accessibility remain important parts of community life.

For residents of , , , , , , and the surrounding area, the message is simple: before making the drive to Grove or Joplin, it may be worth checking what's available right here in Wyandotte.

06/02/2026

MIAMI, Okla.— Ottawa County voters could decide this summer whether to approve a temporary one-cent county sales tax increase intended to fund repayment of a multimillion-dollar judgment against Ottawa County.

According to information shared publicly following Monday's Ottawa County Board of County Commissioners meeting, commissioners approved a resolution calling for a countywide election on Aug. 25 that would ask voters to authorize an additional 1% county sales tax.

If approved, the tax increase would support a bond issue designed to satisfy the judgment against the county. The proposal comes as local officials continue to grapple with how to finance the court-ordered obligation without imposing what some residents describe as severe impacts on property owners.

Local resident Richard Coiner, who attended the commissioners' meeting, summarized the action in a public social media post, stating that voters would have the opportunity to decide whether to authorize the temporary tax increase.

Ottawa County's current sales tax rate stands at 1.35%, according to Coiner's account. State law allows counties to levy up to 3% in county sales taxes.

Combined with state and municipal taxes, the total sales tax rate on most non-grocery purchases in Miami currently stands at 9.35%, while groceries are taxed at 5%.

The proposed increase has already generated discussion among residents concerned about the rising cost of goods and services. However, supporters argue that the alternative could place an even greater burden on property owners.

Coiner noted that one alternative discussed would involve paying the judgment through property taxes over a three-year period. Critics of that approach warn it could significantly increase property tax bills, potentially affecting homeowners, farmers, and small businesses.

"This is unpleasant and seems unfair, but we are in this situation now and the only other choice is a three-year property tax payout," Coiner wrote. "This would require at least a doubling of property taxes."

The proposal stems from a judgment against Ottawa County connected to actions involving a former jail nurse. While many residents have expressed frustration that taxpayers may ultimately bear the financial burden, county officials and community members continue to debate the most practical means of satisfying the court's ruling.

One concern raised by residents has been whether the proposed sales tax would become permanent. According to language contained within the resolution, the tax would automatically terminate once the associated debt has been paid.

The resolution states that the sales tax is to terminate on Dec. 31, 2042, "or until any debt issued in connection with said sales tax increase has been satisfied in full, whichever occurs sooner."

The Aug. 25 election will allow voters to determine whether the temporary sales tax increase should be implemented as the county seeks a long-term solution to the judgment.

Additional details regarding the bond amount, repayment schedule, and projected revenue generated by the proposed tax are expected to become topics of public discussion in the weeks leading up to the election.

06/01/2026

Through the looking glass...

Full Article in Comments...

05/28/2026

June 5th Wyandotte Nation

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

Exciting new update comings soon to the Heritage Acres Splash Pad in Wyandotte, Oklahoma

05/27/2026

WYANDOTTE, Okla. — Families visiting Heritage Acres Park this summer may soon notice new changes taking shape around the community splash pad known locally as “Bear Park.”

According to information published by the wyandotte-nation.org⁠ in its February 2026 tribal newsletter, tribal officials are currently in the planning stages for a new addition to the existing splash pad located within the Heritage Acres Housing Addition. Tribal officials stated the project is expected to include “new water features” and additional play space, with hopes of beginning construction sometime during 2026.

Wyandotte Nation

The splash pad has become a popular seasonal attraction for families in northeast Oklahoma and the Four-State region. The existing facility includes water-play features themed around Native heritage and regional culture, including teepee-style spray structures and decorative tribal imagery integrated into the design.

Community members have long referred to the area as “Bear Park,” a nickname tied to the surrounding Heritage Acres development and nearby tribal facilities. The park already features playground equipment, shaded seating areas, pavilions, and open recreational space adjacent to the splash pad.

While detailed construction timelines and final design plans have not yet been publicly released, the expansion reflects broader growth occurring throughout the Heritage Acres area. The same Wyandotte Nation report noted ongoing housing expansion projects, new infrastructure development, and additional community investments throughout the tribal housing addition.

Wyandotte Nation

The splash pad itself has drawn praise from visitors for being free to the public, family-friendly, and accessible, particularly during Oklahoma’s summer heat. Online reviews frequently mention the fenced play area, maintained grounds, and nearby playground amenities as major attractions for local families.

As construction planning continues, residents and visitors alike are expected to watch closely for updates as Heritage Acres Park prepares for another season of growth and community recreation in 2026.