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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.

Vian Police Department honors local resident for heroic actions
Main, news...
Vian Police Department honors local resident for heroic actions
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
November 5, 2025
The Vian Police Department has recognized local resident Kevin Chew for his courage and selflessness during a recent emergency. According to Vian Police Chief Mark Harkins, on Sept. 28, a medical emer...
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Ricochet headlining benefit concert
Main, news...
Ricochet headlining benefit concert
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
November 5, 2025
Country music fans are in for a treat this November as 1990s hitmakers Ricochet and Oklahoma’s own Becky Hobbs take the stage together for a special concert benefiting The Oklahoma School for the Blin...
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Veterans Day
Main, news...
Veterans Day
November 5, 2025
Veterans Day Assembly at 10 a.m., Gore Event Center. All veterans and a guest are welcome to join students for lunch following the assembly. Veterans Day Breakfast and Program. Breakfast will be serve...
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Main, news...
Vian Board of Trustees approve Purple Heart Town designation
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
November 5, 2025
The Vian Board of Trustees took several key actions during its regular monthly meeting on Oct. 20, including approving the town’s designation as a Purple Heart Town and officially taking over this yea...
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Burnin’ Down Main Street is Saturday
Main, news...
Burnin’ Down Main Street is Saturday
November 5, 2025
Vian’s 8th annual Burnin’ Down Main Street is slated for Saturday, in downtown Vian, at the Anna Belle Farmer Park. This year’s event is hosted once again by B&B Auto and Vian Wheel and Tire. Car Show...
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Help Grace get her new heart
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Help Grace get her new heart
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
November 5, 2025
GoFundMe established to support Sallisaw family during transplant journey Grace Prentice, 13, of Sallisaw is known for her bright personality, love of cats and unique indyemo style. But behind her vib...
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Youth and adult Turkey Shoot scheduled at Evening Shade Community Building
November 5, 2025
The Evening Shade Community Building is hosting a youth and adult Turkey Shoot at 11 a.m. on Nov. 15, at the Evening Shade Community Building, located at 453929 E. 995 Road, Vian. Ammo supplied are .2...
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news
Senator Hamilton holds interim study to examine CCP influence
November 5, 2025
Senator Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, recently held an interim study to evaluate the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) within the state of Oklahoma. The study evaluated the surge in illeg...
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news
CN Public Health announces community flu vaccination events
November 5, 2025
Cherokee Nation Public Health has listed the dates and times for community flu vaccination events in November. Drive-thru flu vaccination clinics hours are Tuesdays from 12 to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays from ...
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Sequoyah County Historical Society takes annual fall trip
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Sequoyah County Historical Society takes annual fall trip
By SUBMITTED BY JACKIE SNOW POP 
November 5, 2025
The Sequoyah County Historical Society made their annual fall trip on Oct. 15. They met at the society’s museum, 200 E. Creek in Sallisaw, and left for McAlester on a chartered Kats bus provided by Ch...
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Special ceremony planned for Vietnam veterans
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Special ceremony planned for Vietnam veterans
November 5, 2025
A special ceremony for the family members of veterans who gave their lives in Vietnam has been announced by Don Nichols of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH). The MOPH will be honoring fami...
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