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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 approves fire truck funding, hires part-time police officer
Main, news...
Vian approves fire truck funding, hires part-time police officer
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
April 8, 2026
The Vian Board of Trustees approved major funding for a new fire pumper truck, hired a part-time police officer, and honored local veterans during its regular monthly meeting on March 16. The meeting ...
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Community rallies around Jimmy Carson
Main, news...
Community rallies around Jimmy Carson
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
April 8, 2026
After more than 40 years of answering emergency calls and serving his community as both a paramedic and deputy, Jimmy Carson now finds himself facing the most difficult challenge of his life—an aggres...
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Main, news...
Project launced to combat property crime
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
April 8, 2026
A new multi-agency initiative aimed at reducing property crime across District 27 has been announced by District Attorney Jack Thorp, who says stronger coordination among law enforcement agencies will...
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Gore School Board approves hires, accepts audit report
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
April 8, 2026
The Gore Board of Education approved several personnel hires and accepted the district’s annual audit report during its regular meeting held at 6 p.m. on March 9. The board members began the meeting b...
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Williams pleads guilty to shooting officer
Main, news...
Williams pleads guilty to shooting officer
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
April 8, 2026
A LeFlore County man accused of shooting a Webbers Falls police officer during a traffic stop in 2025 has now pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges stemming from the incident. According to the Un...
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Vian graduate named new Eufaula School Superintendent
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Vian graduate named new Eufaula School Superintendent
April 8, 2026
The Eufaula Board of Education voted in a special meeting on March 26, to hire Brian Hummingbird to succeed their current superintendent, Monty Guthrie, who is retiring this summer. Currently serving ...
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Free unwanted pesticide disposal event set for April 28 in Sallisaw
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
April 8, 2026
Residents of Sequoyah County and surrounding areas will have an opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted pesticides during a free collection event scheduled for April 28 at the Sequoyah County Fairgr...
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Webbers Falls Head Start announces 2026 pre-enrollment
April 8, 2026
Webbers Falls Head Start announces their 2026 pre-enrollment, which will be held from 9:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, in the school gym. Documents needed at enrollment include: • Birth certifi...
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Blood drive April 10
April 8, 2026
Our Blood Institute (OBI) is kicking off its April and May donor campaign, inviting the community to make a stop along the iconic Route 66 and help fuel the journey for patients in local hospitals. OB...
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Cleanup announced for District 2
April 8, 2026
District 2 County Commissioner Beau Burlison has announced the cleanup dates and sites for disposal as part of the upcoming county wide cleanup. Dumpsters will be set out on April 20 and 21 at the fol...
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Cherokee Nation celebrates grand opening of Sallisaw Creek Park
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
April 8, 2026
A new chapter in outdoor recreation and conservation began last Wednesday as the Cherokee Nation officially opened Sallisaw Creek Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and public tours. The event, held ...
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