Miami News-Digest

Eastern Shawnee Tribe Opens Rock & Brews at Indigo Sky Casino; Free Gene Simmons Concert Tonight Wyandotte, Okla., June 26, 2025 — The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma officially opened its Rock & Brews Restaurant & Concert Bar at Indigo Sky Casino Resort today, and capped the celebration with a free live concert by the Gene Simmons Band tonight. The grand‑opening ceremony was held at 1 p.m. in the new dining-and-entertainment venue, located inside the Eastern Shawnee‑owned Indigo Sky Casino in Wyandotte. The ribbon cutting was led by tribal officials alongside Gene Simmons of KISS fame, marking a significant milestone in the Tribe’s expansion into hospitality and cultural tourism. The Rock & Brews concept was co‑founded by Simmons and Paul Stanley, bringing a “great flavors meet rock ’n’ roll” vibe to the casino. The restaurant features scratch‑made American classics, 18 rotatin...

Eastern Shawnee Tribe Celebrates Ribbon-Cutting for New Administration Building WYANDOTTE, Okla. (June 26, 2025) — Story by Miami News-Digest The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma celebrated a major milestone today with the ribbon-cutting of its new Administration Building located at 10300 S. Bluejacket Road in Wyandotte, Oklahoma . Chief Glenna J. Wallace , the first woman elected as tribal leader in 2006, led the event and delivered a keynote speech to a crowd of tribal members, elders, and community partners. “This building stands as a testament to our sovereignty, our people’s resilience, and the future we build together,” she said before cutting the ceremonial ribbon. A traditional blessing followed, offered by an Elder, invoking peace and protection over the building and its work. A Long Journey Home The Eastern Shawnee people desce...

Friends of the Miami Public Library Hosting Annual Book Sale Through June 30 MIAMI, Okla. — The Friends of the Miami Public Library are holding their annual Friends of the Library Book Sale at Miami Public Library, 200 N. Main St. , now through Monday, June 30 . The sale began with a special fundraising kickoff on Saturday, June 7 , and continues during regular library hours — Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. . Book lovers will find thousands of gently used items, including books, DVDs, Blu-rays, and audiobooks . Popular authors featured include Danielle Steel, David Baldacci, Nora Roberts, John Sandford, C.J. Box, Debbie Macomber, Stuart Woods , and William Johnstone . Proceeds from the sale support both the Miami Public Library and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library , promoting early childhood literacy in the community. Donations of gently used me...

Deadline Nears for Heirs to Claim $38 Million in Unclaimed Indian Trust Funds By Miami News-Digest  |  June 2, 2025 MIAMI, Okla. — Heirs of more than 17,000 deceased Native American account holders have until June 30 to claim a share of over $38 million in unawarded trust funds from the landmark Cobell v. Salazar settlement. The funds are held in Individual Indian Money (IIM) accounts belonging to individuals whose heirs were never identified or paid after the federal government was found to have mismanaged more than 300,000 tribal trust accounts in a class-action lawsuit settled in 2009. According to William Dorris , a lead attorney for the plaintiffs, more than 4,100 of those accounts belong to deceased members from Oklahoma , representing over $7 million in available compensation. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for families to recover funds that rightfully belong to them,” Dorris said. “But they m...

Officer-Involved Shooting in Miami, Oklahoma Leaves Suspect Hospitalized MIAMI, Okla. — A suspect was critically wounded in an officer-involved shooting Saturday night in downtown Miami, Oklahoma, following reports of gunfire at a local restaurant, authorities said. At approximately 9:00 p.m. on May 31, Miami police responded to reports of shots fired on North Main Street. Upon arrival, officers encountered a suspect who fled on foot, leading to a pursuit that culminated in an exchange of gunfire. Four officers discharged their weapons during the incident, according to a preliminary investigation. The suspect sustained gunshot wounds and was airlifted to a Tulsa hospital. Their condition remains unknown. Miami Police Chief Thomas Sigmon stated that multiple scenes across the city are part of the ongoing investigation but emphasized that there is no immediate threat to public safety. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the ...