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Main, news
August 7, 2024
Bias handed 30-year sentence for child sexual abuse, exploitation
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor,

Gregory N. Bias, 41, of Tahlequah, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for a series of serious child sex abuse and exploitation crimes.

The sentencing, delivered by Chief U.S. District Judge Ronald A. White, includes 360-month terms for multiple counts of aggravated sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of two children, as well as additional sentences for related offenses.

Bias’s extensive criminal activities, which involved the abuse and exploitation of children, were uncovered following a January 2022 arrest. This followed an alert from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about illicit files being shared by an internet user in the Tahlequah area. Subsequent investigations by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed disturbing evidence of Bias’s crimes.

The evidence showed Bias not only abused children but also distributed and possessed illegal materials related to child sexual abuse. Alongside these charges, Bias was also convicted for possessing a firearm unlawfully, due to prior felony convictions.

On January 18, 2023, Bias pleaded guilty to 18 counts of the indictment.

His co-defendant, Leiloni B. Smith, 30, of Tahlequah and formerly of Vian, was found guilty by a federal jury on March 21, 2024, of eight counts of aggravated child sexual abuse among other charges. Smith is currently awaiting sentencing while in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service.

U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson commended the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local agencies, highlighting the case as a significant step in safeguarding children and delivering justice. “This case underscores the relentless efforts of law enforcement to ensure that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable,” Wilson stated.

The sentencing reflects the commitment of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative aimed at combating child exploitation and abuse. As Bias begins his non-paroleable sentence, law enforcement continues to urge the public to report any information related to child exploitation to appropriate authorities.

Community rallies to help 2-year-old Erick and family
Main, news...
Community rallies to help 2-year-old Erick and family
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
January 28, 2026
The Vian community is coming together in prayer and support for 2-year-old Erick Taylor, who has spent nearly two months in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) fighting for his life after a sudden ...
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Hard work pays off
Main, news...
Hard work pays off
January 28, 2026
Vian Public School students don’t shy away from dirt or hard work. The school’s Ag shop boys are showing what manual labor, teamwork and school pride look like as they build and improve the school’s b...
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Main, news...
Early voting begins February 5
January 28, 2026
Early voting begins Thursday, February 5, for voters in Sequoyah County. Voters who will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day, have the option of voting early at their County Election B...
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Main, news...
Sequoyah County Jr. Livestock Show set for February
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
January 28, 2026
The 61st annual Sequoyah County Junior Livestock Show will be held Feb. 4 and 5, with the Premium Sale taking place on Feb. 6 at the Sequoyah County Fairgrounds, according to the Sequoyah County OSU E...
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Main, news...
The Poultry Federation Issues statement in response to denial of motion
January 28, 2026
For stay in Illinois River Watershed case The Poultry Federation released the following statement by its President, Blake Rollins, regarding the court’s denial of the poultry industry’s motion for sta...
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Addison is art winner
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Addison is art winner
January 28, 2026
Gore Public School student Addison Douglass is the winner of the Missouri State School of the Arts 2026 Juried Exhibition for Art & Design. The school wishes to thank Mrs. Freeman for fostering a love...
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Anka makes a visit
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Anka makes a visit
January 28, 2026
Former Gore Band member Anka Leyva recently stopped by Gore Public School’s guitar class. He shared his pedal setup, talked about his passion for music and guitar, and gave students a great look at wh...
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Fostering hope
lifestyle
Fostering hope
January 28, 2026
A huge thank you to Webbers Falls Public School student Elizabeth (right) for organizing a drive in support of Fostering Hope, delivering an incredible collection of essential items. Because of effort...
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GHS academic team is runner-up
lifestyle
GHS academic team is runner-up
January 28, 2026
The Gore High School academic team recently won area runner-up. Next stop is the state tournament! Congrats to these awesome students and Coach Wooten.
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Vian FFA Chapter selling Blue & Gold products
January 28, 2026
The Vian FFA Chapter is currently selling Blue & Gold products to raise funds for the Vian FFA organization. Sausage, chicken tenderloin fritters, and thick-sliced bacon can be purchased from Jan. 26 ...
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Booster Club fundraiser set for Jan. 30
January 28, 2026
The Webbers Falls Athletic Booster Club will host a bake sale fundraiser to support their athletes and coaches on Jan. 30. The sale will be held inside the school’s gym lobby during the middle and hig...
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