Cookson Hills Publishers, Inc.

10/08/2025

🎉 It’s Oklahoma Newspaper Week! (Oct. 5–11, 2025) — and we’re celebrating by shining a spotlight on the amazing crew who make the headlines happen! 🗞️ From writers and designers to our front-desk heroes, meet the team bringing your local stories to life! 💛

🎉 Oklahoma Newspapers Week Spotlight: Meet Rodney Haltom! 🗞️

If it’s happening on a field, court, or track in McIntosh County — Rodney’s there! From Eufaula to Checotah, he’s the one bringing fans every score, stat, and standout moment in football, baseball, softball, basketball, golf, track, and cross country. He has covered McIntosh County sports for the past 17 years and designed and started the McIntosh County Championship Trophy program.

When he’s not chasing the next great sports story, Rodney’s creative side shines through — he writes poetry and songs, loves foreign films, and is a proud supporter of our veterans. 🇺🇸

Rodney keeps us all on our toes and our readers in the know. We are glad to have him on the team. 👟📸

10/08/2025

🐴✨ Meet Tammy Shoemaker! ✨🐴

One of our fantastic sales representatives at the Okmulgee Times and Henryetta Free-Lance! Tammy not only helps local businesses shine with her advertising expertise, she’s also a true horse lover who brings the same passion and dedication to our team as she does to her four-legged friends. 🐎💛

📸 Stay tuned as we finish introducing the hardworking faces behind your local news! Only a couple left!

10/08/2025

📰 In celebration of Oklahoma Newspaper Week (October 5–11, 2025), we’re introducing the hardworking faces behind your local news — the team that keeps our communities informed, connected, and inspired every week!

🐾 Oklahoma Newspaper Week Spotlight: Meet LaDonna Rhodes!

Office Manager. Staff Writer. Salesperson. Resident animal rescuer.
LaDonna — better known around town as “The Paper Lady” — tries to be everywhere at once! Her phone, inbox, and Facebook are always buzzing with requests to cover the next big Checotah event.

When she’s not juggling stories, sales, or deadlines, LaDonna’s out rescuing dogs, cats, and any furry friend in need — often finding them loving homes faster than you can say “press deadline.” 🐶🐱

She’s also a lover of nature, clouds, and that perfect photo op. So if she’s running a few minutes late, don’t worry — she probably stopped to save an animal or capture a sunset. ☀️📸

LaDonna’s passions go far beyond the newsroom. She’s a tireless voice for those who are hurting — especially victims of domestic violence and abuse. Through her powerful column, “LaDonna’s Last Words,” she shines light on tough issues, shares stories of strength, and reminds readers that compassion and courage can truly change lives.

We’re so lucky to have LaDonna’s heart, hustle, and humor keeping newsroom running strong! ❤️



’sLastWords

10/08/2025

🎨✨ Meet Wes Stout! ✨🎨

Our talented graphic designer and the creative mind behind the visuals you see in the Okmulgee Times and Henryetta Free-Lance. From eye-catching layouts to stunning graphics, Wes makes sure every page pops — and he does it all with style and a smile! 😎

📸 Stay tuned as we continue introducing more of the hardworking faces behind your local news!

10/08/2025

10/06/2025

💪🔥 Meet Justus Mosco! 🔥💪

The youngest member of our crew and a real go-getter! Justus jumps into every task with energy and enthusiasm. Always eager to learn and lend a hand, Justus proves that drive and determination have no age limit. 💥We’re lucky to have this rising star on our team! 🌟

📸 Stay tuned this week as we continue introducing more of the hardworking faces behind your local news!

10/06/2025

📰 Celebrating National Newspaper Week! 📰

This week, we honor the important role newspapers play in keeping communities informed, connected, and engaged. From local events and school achievements to city updates and stories that matter, the Okmulgee Times is proud to deliver the news that impacts YOU.

Thank you to our readers, advertisers, and staff for supporting local journalism — because a well-informed community is a stronger community!

Stay connected — subscribe to the Okmulgee Times today.

10/06/2025

👋 Meet the Team Behind Your Local News! 👋

All week long, we’ll be introducing the amazing people who work hard to bring you the news you trust. Today, we start at the top!

Meet the owners of Cookson Hills Publishers, Inc. which includes the Okmulgee Times and Henryetta Free-Lance:
✨ Beth Mayo (Jeff's Wife) the heart of the business — resident sweetheart who keeps everything running with kindness and a smile.
✨ Jack Mayo - works remotely, but he’s always just a click away — our resident tech guru who keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes!
✨ Jeff Mayo - the steady hand we can count on no matter what!

Not just bosses — they’re mentors, cheerleaders, and the heart of our team!

They’re dedicated to keeping our community informed, connected, and celebrated every single day. Stay tuned for more introductions throughout the week!

10/06/2025

🗞️ Meet Patrick Ford — our fearless editor and storyteller-in-chief!🗞️

Whether he’s chasing headlines, snapping photos, or polishing stories, Patrick brings energy and heart to every issue of the Okmulgee Times and Henryetta Free-Lance.

📸 Stay tuned this week as we continue introducing more of the hardworking faces behind your local news!

07/09/2025

🎯 At Cookson Hills Publishers, we believe local news should be fun, too! That’s why our newspapers love hosting community games like Treasure Hunts, Bingo, and more — all designed to engage our readers while supporting our amazing local advertisers. 🗞️🧩🎉

From picking up clues to visiting local shops, these games bring neighbors together, boost local business, and remind us all how special it is to be part of a small-town community. 💛🏘️

Keep an eye on your local paper — the next game might be coming soon! 👀🗺️

🎉🗝️ The Stigler News-Sentinel Treasure Hunt has officially begun! 🗝️🎉

Ready to unlock some fun? 🔐💰 Swing by the Stigler News-Sentinel to grab your first key and pick up a paper to find out how YOU can collect keys from 9 awesome local businesses! 🗞️🏃‍♀️

💎 GRAND PRIZE SPONSOR:
🏠 Wimberly’s Home Furnishings

🔑 Participating Treasure Spots:
💐 Mimi’s Flowers & Gifts
🔨 Stigler Home Center
🌸 Stigler Flower Box
✨ Sparkle & Rust
💇 Curl Up & Dye
🛞 Buchanan Quick L**e & Tire
🧰 Stigler True Value
☕ Patriot Cafe

Let the hunt begin — and may the best treasure seeker win! 🏴‍☠️💎


Official Rules
- No purchase is necessary! Come by our office at 204 S. Broadway to request and receive one key* or visit the participating businesses and shop to get additional keys*.
- Participating business will distribute keys based on their own individual promotions.) Keys can be collected starting on Thursday July 3, 2025 by visiting participating businesses or by visiting the Stigler News-Sentinel office.
- Beginning on Monday July 21, 2025 you may try your keys in our Treasure Chest lock. (Non-winning keys holders will be asked to provide contact information and will be entered into a second-chance drawing that will be held at the end of the contest if the lock has not been opened.)
- Key attempts may only be made during regular business hours.
- Only one key may be tried at a time. If there is a line and you have multiple keys, you may only try one key and then move to the back of the line to attempt your additional key.
- If the lock has not been opened by Monday August 25 by noon, we will draw from the list of non-winning key holders. Contestants must be 18 years or older to play.
- Stigler News-Sentinel employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to win. Participating sponsors are only eligible to win if keys are collected from other businesses.
- Stigler News-Sentinel assumes no responsibility for accidents or injuries sustained by contest participants. Participants are urged to use good sportsmanship and well-mannered conduct.
- Violators may be disqualified and forfeit any claim to the prize.
- All applicable rules, laws and regulations must be followed.
- Chances of winning depend of total number of keys distributed. A winner is guaranteed, because if the lock is not opened by a winning key during the promotion, a winner will be drawn from the second-chance drawing entries. *While supplies last.

06/23/2025

Congratulations to Shauna at the Eufaula Indian Journal and Denise at Okmulgee Times!