Escaped inmate is captured near Keota

Main, news

March 4, 2026

By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor,

Sequoyah County Sheriff Larry Lane announced Monday morning that Robey Butler, an inmate at Jackie Brannon Correctional Center in McAlester who unlawfully walked away from the facility on Feb. 18, has been captured.

Sheriff Lane said Butler, 36, was apprehended from a small island near Keota, where he had reportedly been staying most of the time.

According to authorities, when Butler heard a drone approaching during search efforts, he would jump into the water to obscure the heat signature.

Oklahoma Department of Corrections said Butler was captured at 9:25 a.m. He is

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Vian School Board appoints Parks as new member

By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor

March 4, 2026

The Vian Board of Education approved a $745,000 building bond resolution, appointed a new board member and re-employed administrative and district leadership for the 2026-2027 school year during its r...

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Gore woman charged with first-degree manslaughter

By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor

March 4, 2026

A Gore woman is facing two felony charges nearly nine months after a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 100 claimed the lives of two motorcyclists in Sequoyah County. According to an affidavit filed Fe...

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Sex offender sought for failing to comply

By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor

March 4, 2026

An arrest warrant has been issued for a Gore man classified as an aggravated sex offender after officials say he failed to comply with Oklahoma’s Sex Offender Registration Act. According to an affidav...

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High-speed chase ends in arrest, officer bitten by dog

By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor

March 4, 2026

A late-morning investigation in Vian escalated into a high-speed pursuit on Feb. 2 after a driver allegedly sped toward an officer, fled through town at nearly 80 miles per hour, and later attempted t...

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Tribe announces passing of David Thornton Sr.

March 4, 2026

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. released the following statement following the passing of David Thornton Sr.: “Today we honor the life and service of David Thornton Sr., a dedicated l...

news

Eagle tour is March 7

March 4, 2026

An Eagle Tour at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Vian is scheduled for Feb-March 7. For more information, contact the Refuge at 918-773-5251.

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Teen transported in two-vehicle crash, Vian woman uninjured

By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor

March 4, 2026

A 17-year-old Park Hill driver was injured last Monday morning in a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of U.S. Highway 82 and Carters Landing in Cherokee County, according to OHP. The crash occ...

lifestyle

Vian Band receives good rating

March 4, 2026

Congratulations to the Vian School Band for their recent performance at the Checotah Band Daze competition. They received a good rating from the judges at the concert competition.

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Finding purpose in service

By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor

March 4, 2026

At 37, Brandie Kennedy of Sallisaw is building a life rooted in service to her family, her faith and her community. A graduate student at the University of Oklahoma studying clinical mental health cou...

lifestyle

Students inducted

March 4, 2026

Webbers Falls Public School students Hailey Shanks (left) and Peyton Hobbs have been inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. These two young ladies were honored with an induction ceremony ...

lifestyle

Students compete at chess tourney

March 4, 2026

Webbers Falls Public School students DJ, Elizabeth, and Abby all traveled to Jenks on Feb. 21 for a chess tournament. All three came away with a win, and DJ earned a medal. Great job to all three stud...