Cherokee Nation citizen Tanya Butler Edward Jones is a financial advisor with the Edward Jones investment company.

WAGONER – The Encore! Performing Society entertained audience members with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 8 at the Wagoner High School Performing Arts Center.

Encore’s Chairwoman Elena Gladkova Huffman spoke on the organization’s origin.

The United Keetoowah Band is offering $40 to each eligible child and $75 for each eligible elder.

Sara Hill has led efforts resulting in 10,000 tons of nuclear waste recently being removed from the former Sequoyah Fuels Corp.

Sierra Betancourt is honored at the state Capitol where she addressed the Governor’s Committee representing Eastern Oklahoma Workforce.

WATTS – The historic Howard Hotel will host its annual Christmas open house on Dec. 15-16 at 102 First St.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 15 and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 16.

At 106 years, the hotel is the oldest building in town with three floors decorated for Christmas. All ages are welcome and cookies will be served.

After completing an internship, Colby Luper became an on-air personality and eventually production designer at Lakes Country Radio.

Presentations should tell the stories of past and present women leaders, from the most well known and celebrated to those who are just beginning to be recognized.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court is asking new questions in a case that will decide whether an Oklahoma-based Indian tribe retains control over a vast swath of eastern Oklahoma.

The court on Dec. 4 asked attorneys for both the U.S. and Muscogee (Creek) Nation to file written answers to questions in the case that involves a Native American man sentenced to death for murder in state court.

The justices specifically asked whether any statute grants the state jurisdiction over crimes committed by Indians on Indian land, and whether land can qualify as an Indian reservation in certain cases.

The order could mean that the nine-member court is divided on the case and that the justices are looking for a way to reach a decision. Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch is not taking part.

PRAGUE, Oklahoma (AP) — Three oil companies have reached a settlement with plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit over damaging earthquakes in central Oklahoma.

The Cherokee Phoenix will accept concepts from artists who are Cherokee Nation, United Keetoowah Band or Eastern Band citizens until midnight on Jan. 1.