Miami News-Digest

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 ...

Memorial Day Through a Spiritual Lens: Honoring Sacrifice, Seeking Peace By Sunny Mars – Miami News Digest As Memorial Day weekend arrives, many in the United States prepare for barbecues, family gatherings, and a moment of pause. Yet beyond the secular observance lies a sacred rhythm—a moment of national remembrance rooted in sacrifice, calling us to reflect through a spiritual lens. The Sacred Nature of Sacrifice At the heart of Memorial Day is a theme common to many faiths: the willing sacrifice of one’s life for the good of others . In Christianity, this is reflected in Jesus’ words: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13 Memorial Day mirrors this love in action, honoring those who bore the burden of death so others might live. In Jewish tradition, we hear “Zichron tzadik livracha” —“May the memory of the righteous be a blessing.” Their memory carries moral weight, a call to live rightly in the w...

Rock & Brews to Open June 26 at Indigo Sky Casino Resort By Miami News-Digest | May 15, 2025 WYANDOTTE, Okla. — Rock & Brews, the iconic rock-themed restaurant and concert bar co-founded by KISS legends Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, will debut its newest location at Indigo Sky Casino & Resort on June 26, 2025 . The new venue includes a 253-seat dining room, a large dance floor, high-top bar seating, and a stage for live concerts. One standout feature is the oversized “guitar throne,” a unique photo op spot for visitors. “The Eastern Shawnee Tribe is excited to bring yet another entertainment element to the Four States communities through our partnership with Rock & Brews,” said Melanie Heskett, General Manager of Indigo Sky Casino. “We look forward to the launch of this new endeavor.” Menu highlights will include Rock & Brews fan favorites such as the Okl...

Severe Storms Forecasted for Miami and Grand Lake Region Later This Week By Miami News-Digest Miami, Okla. — Residents of northeastern Oklahoma, including Miami and the Grand Lake area, should prepare for potential severe weather later this week. Meteorologists indicate a developing storm system may bring thunderstorms, heavy rain, and possible severe weather starting Thursday evening through the weekend. According to the National Weather Service , conditions will remain calm through midweek, but changes are expected beginning Thursday night. The NWS Tulsa office is monitoring increased instability, which could lead to organized storm development. “While it’s early to define storm severity, we’re tracking factors that could contribute to strong thunderstorms in the region,” said a Tulsa NWS meteorologist. “Preparedness is key—review safety plans, charge devices, and monitor alerts.” The Grand Lake...

Drummond Renews Call for Removal of Mental Health Commissioner By Miami News-Digest | May 8, 2025 OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has renewed his demand for Governor Kevin Stitt to remove Commissioner Allie Friesen from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) , citing the agency’s inability to meet payroll and a worsening budget crisis. “Commissioner Friesen offered no satisfactory answers for the agency’s ability or inability to meet payroll obligations. The commissioner is simply not equipped for the job – and she never was,” Drummond said in a press release . Drummond highlighted Friesen’s lack of both a license to practice and leadership credentials, adding that Oklahomans dealing with mental health and substance use challenges are suffering due to poor oversight. Legislative Testimony Sparks Outcry Friesen testified before l...

2nd Annual Coffee Wars Kicks Off in Miami, OK Support Child Abuse Prevention Month with Your Morning Coffee 📢 It's that time again! Miami, Oklahoma, is brewing up support for child advocacy with the 2nd Annual Coffee Wars . This fundraiser benefits the Children’s Advocacy Center of Ottawa County , helping to raise awareness and funds for child abuse prevention. Make a donation at any participating coffee shop and help your favorite spot win the coveted traveling trophy ! Here are this year’s contenders: ☕️ The Frozen Elephant (Last Year’s Winner) ☕️ 7 Brew Coffee ☕️ Scooter's Coffee ☕️ Chapters ☕️ Starbucks The event begins Friday and runs throughout the weekend , so grab your favorite drink, d...

Washington's Clergy Reporting Bill and the Constitutional Case for St. Isidore's Religious Charter School By: Sunny Mars Published by Miami News-Digest Abstract In a time of increasing state intervention into religious life, Washington State’s SB 5375 challenges centuries-old legal protections and presents a compelling argument for why faith-based institutions like St. Isidore must be granted clear legal space within public education. This article breaks down the implications of SB 5375, makes a case for religious liberty, and ties it to the current national debate on charter schools and First Amendment protections. I. Introduction Washington's SB 5375 proposes to strip the long-standing clergy-penitent privilege, even within Catholic confession. Simultaneously, religious institutions like St. Isidore Catholic Charter School are fighting for the right to eng...

City of Miami Enhances Tennis and Pickleball Facilities Amid Growing Interest By Miami News-Digest Outdoor Court Repairs A storm in November 2024 caused damage to the fencing at the city’s tennis and pickleball courts , particularly on the pickleball side. Starting Wednesday, March 20 , contractors will replace bent and damaged fence posts . Work is expected to be completed by Friday, March 21 . Once the fence posts are in place, the Sports crew will install windscreens beginning Monday, March 24 . “We ask the public to avoid this area for everyone’s safety,” said Miami Sports & Recreation Coordinator Chuck McKibben . Indoor Pickleball Court Upgrades The indoor pickleball courts at the Ottawa County Expo Building are also being refurbished. Crews began cleaning and painting the floors on Tuesday, March 18 . Pickleball lines will be repainted as part of the improvemen...

Col. Shane Riley Retires After 36 Years of Service NORMAN, Okla. — Friends, family, and fellow Guardsmen gathered at the Norman Armed Forces Reserve Center on Feb. 1, 2025, to honor the retirement of Col. Shane Riley , a distinguished infantry officer whose 36-year career in the Oklahoma Army National Guard has made a lasting impact. A Career of Honor and Service Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino awarded Riley with the Legion of Merit in recognition of his outstanding leadership. Riley’s military career began in 1989, and he served in Egypt (2002), Iraq (2008), and Afghanistan (two deployments) . His distinguished awards include: Bronze Star Medal Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Combat Infant...

InvolvedDad: Strengthening Families Through Fatherhood Engagement By Miami News-Digest In a world where fatherhood often takes a back seat, InvolvedDad is working to change that. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, they are dedicated to empowering fathers with the tools and support they need to be actively engaged in their children's lives. Transforming Lives Through Fatherhood Engagement Founded in 2015 by Shon Hart, InvolvedDad was born out of a realization: too many children grow up without a father figure. By offering legal assistance, mentorship programs, and parenting education, the organization is making a tangible impact on families across the country. Programs Designed for Fatherhood Success InvolvedDad offers structured programs tailored to help...