News

Jara James DURANT, Okla. - Jara James, Choctaw economic developer serving Latimer and Haskell Counties, became one of 1,200 people worldwide to obtain the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) accreditation through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). “Becoming a Certified Economic Developer isn’t just a credential, it’s more»

The Choctaw Development Fund awarded RockinB Landscaping with a $5,000 forgivable loan. RockinB Landscaping is owned and operated by Grace and Kris Bearden in Idabel. RockinB Landscaping offers mowing, edging, weeding, trimming, mulching, flower bed design and seasonal clean ups to residential and commercial clients in McCurtain County and surrounding more»

The Choctaw Development Fund awarded Potts Family Showbirds with a $5,000 forgivable loan. Potts Family Showbirds is owned and operated by Jeffrey Potts in Atoka. The business raises quality birds for 4-H and FFA youth exhibitors, hobby poultry keepers, and local families looking for egg production. Money from the Choctaw Development Fund helped purchase more»

The Choctaw Development Fund awarded Big D’s Lawn Service with a $5,000 forgivable loan. Big D’s Lawn Service is owned and operated by Zachry Dickieson in Hugo. The business offers mowing, weed eating, and weed spraying to residential and small commercial businesses in Hugo and the surrounding areas. Money from the Choctaw Development Fund was more»

The Choctaw Development Fund awarded Lolli and Pop’s Diner with a $5,000 forgivable loan. Lolli and Pop’s Diner is owned and operated by Darla Crutchfield in Valliant. Crutchfield opened the diner in 2025 and offers made-from-scratch meals and rotating daily specials. Lolli and Pop’s is open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7 a.m.-2 p.m. more»

The Choctaw Development Fund awarded Rob’s Construction with a $5,000 forgivable loan. Rob’s Construction is owned and operated by Robert Dickieson in Grant. After 10 years in the construction business, Dickieson founded Rob’s Construction in October 2025. The business offers home remodeling, repairs, and basic construction, including more»

The Choctaw Development Fund awarded WiseKeeper with a $5,000 forgivable loan. WiseKeeper is a cleaning business owned and operated by Priscilla Wise in Poteau. Wise, who’s worked in the cleaning industry for over a decade, offers customizable cleaning experiences to residential and commercial clients in the Poteau area. Money from the Choctaw more»

The Choctaw Development Fund awarded Jam Hotshot with a $5,000 forgivable loan. Jam Hotshot, a freight transportation company, is owned and operated by Melissa Marris out of Grant. Marris hauls freight across the United States and employs her husband, Joe, to load and unload the trailer. Money from the Choctaw Development Fund helped purchase a larger more»