2019
Guide Muskogee
Fighting
& Annual Progress Forecast
the battle of
perception Muskogee’s Superintendent
discusses improving
INSIDE t h i s e d i t i o n
Find out what’s new with Muskogee businesses & education Get to know your health & fitness centers Discover a local park to be active, have fun or enjoy a family picnic
SPRING 2019
school district, image
MUSKOGEE
muskogeephoenix.com
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GUIDE Muskogee | 2019
Guide Muskogee
& Annual Progress Forecast
Publisher
Dale Brendel Editor
Elizabeth Ridenour L ay o u t a n d D e s i g n
Josh Cagle
Contributing Writers
Kenton C. Brooks Chesley Oxendine D.E. Smoot Cathy Spaulding
Advertising Director
Marci Diaz Apple
Advertising Sales Executives
Kristina Hight Angela Jackson Therese Lewis Debbie Sherwood
What’s new in Muskogee E d u c at i o n
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Closing the gap Muskogee Superintendent responds to the district's reputation.
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Mendenhall’s Top 10 Superintendent lists favorite things about Muskogee.
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City, business leaders discuss school’s influence on economic growth.
Simulated fully-functioning baby to be used by nursing students.
Connors adds new tech
Settling down
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ICTC continues to grows Indian Capital Technology Center touts new programs, students and facilities.
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NSU to add master’s program Accreditation awaits for physician assistants program.
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Hilldale seeing changes Construction, renovation abound as result of recent bond issue.
Business Matters is a publication of the
MUSKOGEE
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muskogeephoenix.com
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Fort Gibson gets facelift
Business
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Chamber touts tourism Efforts underway to strengthen tourism as economic driver.
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Port sees success Industrial development team earns grant for not named prospect.
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Airport economic powerhouse Muskogee-Davis ranked 11th in state for economic impact.
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Downtown business thrives District expands rapidly as new businesses set up shop.
214 Wall Street Muskogee, OK 74401 Phone: (918) 684-2828 Email: news@muskogeephoenix.com
Various school projects improve safety, visuals of campus.
Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without permission is prohibited.
Native focus reborn
New leader takes charge at Advantage Controls
Bacone College seeks to strengthen American Indian roots.
Jeff O’Neal seeks to keep core elements of company’s vision.
Address advertising inquiries to (918) 684-2894.
On the Cover
Muskogee Superintendent Jarod Mendenhall reads a story to children at the Early Childhood Center. Photo by Mandy Lundy Corbell
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Getting to know your city Government
Se r v i c e s
42 Muskogee City Council
48 Lake Area United Way service organizations
44 Muskogee County Commissioners 45 Public Safety
H e a lt h & Wellness
45 State Elected Officials
50 Fitness Activities
52 Health Care Facilities
Quality of Life 54 Muskogee City Parks
GUIDE Muskogee | 2019
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Education M u s ko g e e P u b l i c S c h o o l s
Closing the gap Superintendent discusses reality versus reputation By Cathy Spaulding
Muskogee Phoenix
M
uskogee School Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall says Muskogee Public Schools must get better — regardless of the district’s image. “I feel very strongly that you’re never status quo,” Mendenhall said. “You’re either getting better or getting worse. Maintaining is not really in my vocabulary. I’m always trying to stretch and get better and better.” He said there’s plenty of work to be done to make Muskogee better — in reality and in reputation. He said he is aware of rumors that new residents are supposedly referred to other school districts. “I think a lot of that is perception,” he said. “But a lot is reality. We don’t have many places to live. So many of the newer houses are going to be out at Hilldale or Fort Gibson.” He said Muskogee’s reputation does not match the reality he sees. “You will find that we provide a very good product,” he said. “We have great teachers, we have a great staff, so I do think we are underrated.”
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GUIDE Muskogee | 2019
He said Muskogee Schools is experiencing a Renaissance. “We’re our own worst enemy. That’s why I hired a director of communications and marketing,” Mendenhall said. “Every single day we talk about something great that’s going on in Muskogee Public Schools. But people don’t see that because it is not publicized.” But work still needs to be done. Oklahoma Department of Education figures showed Muskogee Schools had a 74 percent graduation rate in 2017 and 75 percent graduation rate in 2016. Mendenhall said he is working with staff to offer a strong, consistent curriculum. The district will monitor academic progress. For example, under a Star 360 program, the district will test all students from kindergarten through eighth grade to check reading growth every six weeks. The district also is bringing in Reading Recovery, which Mendenhall said can help students raise their reading level.
Early Childhood Center students surround Muskogee Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall, who seeks to make their future at Muskogee Public Schools brighter and better. (Mandy Corbell)
Chelise Kirby, right, adjusts her twin sister Felise Kirby’s graduation stole before Muskogee High School Class of 2018 commencement.
Education By the Numbers
Enrollment:
muskogee
FUN D I N G S O U RCE S Local and Intermediate:
$14,781,462 $28,131,357
DISTRIC T LEAD ERSHIP
Federal:
$5,971,387 Total projected:
$48,884,206 B U I L D I N G P R I N C I PA L S: Elementary: Rick Hoos Grant Foreman Elementary: Dr. Justin Walker Pershing Elementary: Karen Watkins Tony Goetz Elementary: Sarah McWilliams Whittier Elementary: Lisa Rogers Irving Elementary: Katy Thomson Early Childhood Center: Dr. Malinda Lindsey
“Our plan is to put reading teachers in all the elementaries and to identify every single student through a plan of where they’re at in reading and what do we need to do to help them,” he said. A high poverty rate challenges such efforts. Education Department figures showed 78.7 percent of MPS students were on free and reduced
5,601 Certified teachers:
371
State:
Muskogee High School: Kim Fleak Rougher Alternative Academy: Heather Jones Alice Robertson Junior High: Ryan Buell Ben Franklin STEM Academy: Donna Pillars Sadler Arts Academy: Ronia Davison New Tech at Cherokee Elementary: Dr. Reubin McIntosh Creek
Students:
Board of Education President, Keith Biglow; vice president, Danny Shiew; clerk, Bobby Jefferson; members, Larry Stewart and Tommy Anderson. MPS Cabinet Superintendent: Dr. Jarod Mendenhall Chief Financial Officer: John Little Executive Director of Teaching and Learning: Dr. Kim Dyce Executive Director of Federal Programs: Shannon Turner Chief Information Officer: Eric Wells Director of Human Resources:
meal programs in 2018. Four schools — Cherokee, Pershing, Grant Foreman and Whittier elementaries — were above 95 percent. “Poverty in Muskogee is a real situation we’ve got to deal with,” he said, adding that educators spend each day trying to remove barriers. For example, last fall, MPS secured a $1.6 million T-Mobile Em-
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Administrators:
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Lori Boots Director of Communications and Marketing: Steve Braun Executive Administrative Assistant: Carla Cooper MPS Coordinators and Directors Transportation Director: Brad Smythe Child Nutrition Director: Kim Hall Special Education Coordinator: Veronica Teague Federal Program Coordinator - Title I & Title III, District RSA Coordinator, District Test Coordinator: Ginger James Maintenance Director: Wayne Johnson
powerED initiative grant to enable every student to have an internet access hotspot. The grant came on the heels of the district’s program to give students Chromebook computers. New Tech at Cherokee Elementary, which started this year, emphasizes project-based learning and students working together. Cherokee
Support staff:
Principal Reubin McIntosh said students see themselves as the “main ingredient” in their educational achievement. Mendenhall said he seeks to spread this “ownership culture” throughout Muskogee Public Schools.
Continued on Page 10 GUIDE Muskogee | 2019
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Education
Mendenhall lists Top 10
favorite things about Muskogee schools
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FAM I LY ATM O SPH ER E
In the years that I’ve been in education, I’ve not seen this type of undying support, honor and reverence to their alma mater.
Muskogee reminds me of my childhood. There is a saying, “it takes a village to raise a child” and I believe that Muskogee provides this opportunity for families. Muskogee could be considered a relatively large community with approximately 40,000 residents but it feels smaller. Families know each other and often look out for each other. The staff at Muskogee Public Schools has embraced me and my family – almost like I’ve been here my entire life. Very often when eating at a restaurant or going to different local stores with my family, I am usually stopped and encouraged by community members. I always appreciate when people stop and say positive words or support the work that is being completed.
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H O M E TOW N TR A D I T I ONS
I knew that Muskogee was a perfect fit for me when I observed our Early Childhood students walking down Broadway to form their own parade. A fire engine and police cars had their lights on, and business owners lined the sidewalks as the children were escorted down the street. The scene was one that could be watched in a movie or read about in a book. The children were wearing their red, white and blue and waving small American flags as they walked proudly down the street showing their patriotism. This has been one of the many highlights for me as the superintendent in Muskogee. There is definitely a sense of pride around being a Muskogee Rougher. Many of the leaders in the community will be the first to point out that they are a proud graduate of Muskogee High School. Many of them will share a fond memory and then offer their support.
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S TUDENT DIVERS IT Y
I love the fact that if you attend any of our schools in the district, you find diversity in virtually every classroom. There is an opportunity for our students to see the differences and the similarities in each other, which helps them grow and develop into thriving productive citizens. It is so interesting to see that Muskogee reflects our country’s diversity. I believe it gives our students an advantage when it comes time to face the real world, go off to college, or join the work force.
Meet Jarod Mendenhall
Dr. Jarod Mendenhall has served as the superintendent of schools for Muskogee Public Schools since July 1, 2018. He has been in the field of education for 28 years, with experience as a classroom teacher, coach, principal and central office administrator and superintendent. Prior to his service in Muskogee, he was the chief of Governmental Affairs at Mesquite ISD in Mesquite, Texas, where he was the district liaison for local, state, and federal government and helped lead public education legislation for the state of Texas. Mendenhall was also charged with assisting with strategic planning, policy development, and a new accrediting process. Before his stint in Texas, Mendenhall served six years as the Superintendent of schools at Broken Arrow Public Schools where he led the district through a comprehensive strategic planning process, oversaw the district’s largest bond construction, opened four new early childhood centers, and raised test scores across the district with new and innovative initiatives. Mendenhall received his high school diploma (1986) from Enid High School. He later earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education (1991) and a Master of Science Degree in Public School Administration (1997) from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. Mendenhall received his Doctorate Degree in Education Leadership (2010) from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa. Mendenhall was named the 2015 Man of Distinction by the Tulsa Business & Legal News and was awarded the District 5 Superintendent of the Year in 2014. He has also received the Broken Arrow Citizen of the Year in 2013 and named Superintendent of the Year for Rachel’s Challenge in 2012. Dr. Mendenhall has been married for 29 years to Janna Mendenhall, who is also a career educator and serves as an elementary special education teacher. The couple also has two daughters, Jessica (24) and Allie (19). Source: www.muskogeeps.org.
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BOARD AND COMMUNIT Y S UPPORT
Since the moment I started working in the district, I have been embraced and supported by the community. Everyone I’ve encountered is encouraging and appreciative of the work that we are doing for kids. There is a true commitment by the Muskogee community to support our students and our staff. An example of this commitment is the creation of the 31-member longrange planning committee, and these individuals have already met numerous times this year. I’ve been thoroughly impressed with their passion for our students and their commitment to make the school district a better place. I have challenged the group to place their own personal situations aside and think about what is best for all students across the district. No matter the situation, this group has proven to place the interest of the kids ahead of their own interests.
Education
Muskogee Superintendent Jarod Mendenhall serves a doughnut to an Early Childhood Center walker after she joined a patriotic march to mark 9/11.
GUIDE Muskogee | 2019
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Education The Board of Education has been unwavering in their support, which makes my job not only easy, but also enjoyable. It affords me the opportunity to be creative and not afraid to be a visionary leader. I am a big dreamer that often stretches people beyond their comfort zone so, it’s reassuring to know the board supports this type of leadership.
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EXC E LL E N C E IN FI N E A RTS
An MPS student that participates in the fine arts program is provided the best instruction in this part of the country. Yes, I realize that I said in this part of the country. We have some of the best teachers and instructors I’ve observed in my career. It is intentional by our staff to provide our students with the kind of instruction that allows them to compete at a state and national level. I had the opportunity to observe our
high school choir perform at the Holy Family Cathedral in downtown Tulsa earlier in the year. They were recognized as one of the best choirs in the state and were asked to perform in this venue. I was overwhelmed with emotion as I listened to their pitch perfect voices fill the cathedral ceiling in the church. The high school drama department performed a play called “Legally Blonde” this spring that rivaled any play that you might see on Broadway in New York City. What was so impressive about this performance was the 20 high school staff members that performed with the students to make the play come to life. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the performance of the Nutcracker at Sadler Arts Academy. I have never observed a better performance by a school that ensures that every student is included, whether on stage or working behind the scenes. This is a group effort by the staff, which works to engage every student in the school.
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F RIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
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S TEM EMPH AS IS
The district has made an intentional effort to provide the tools There’s nothing better than the for students to experience hands-on smell of fall in the air, which always experiences. The staff understands the reminds me of Friday night football importance of providing opportunities games. Muskogee Roughers football has for students to actively participate in always had a positive statewide repuScience, Technology, Engineering, and tation, but it’s hard to fully understand Mathematics (STEM). These are the until you experience a home football areas that skills need to be developed game. Everyone becomes a fan after for our students to be competitive in a attending just one game. global society. The student athletes at Muskogee The New Tech philosophy is a great Public Schools compete at a very high example of the teaching and learning level. The commitment and prepamodel that focuses on project based ration of these student athletes is learning. Asking our students to work recognized through the success of these collaboratively with others, solve real teams. There has been numerous disworld problems and produce a product trict, regional and state championships from the information they’ve learned is throughout the school district’s history the best instructional model that exists. – too many to name. It is impressive to see the students at There is definitely a culture of New Tech solve problems together, excellence throughout the athletic department. All of the individual sports which is the reason we need to expand the program. have experienced their own successes The one-to-one Chromebook throughout the years. initiative is another tool that’s been
Muskogee quarterback Ty Williams, right, hands off to Jimmie Coleman. The two accounted for most of the nearly 500 yards the Roughers got in a win in the 2018 season.
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Education
New Tech Academy students, from left, Chris Jones, William McIntire and Haidyn Henry, show their ideas on how to improve Arrowhead Mall.
provided to MPS students. It is not the device itself that has made the difference but the information that can found and researched. The recent T-Mobile partnership has afforded every student in the district with internet connection. The combination of the Chromebook and the hot spot devices has opened up the world for our students. Finally, the Fab Lab at the high school provides our students access to machinery and technology that is utilized in today’s workplace. Machines that fabricate materials, 3-D printers and advanced technology has provided our students with tools that no other high school in the state has to offer. It is impressive to see our students utilize this equipment and astonishing to see the products that are produced out of the lab.
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STUDENT FOCUSED
to perform community service, which teaches our students the importance of giving back. Students also are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities or clubs, which helps ensure engagement. One of the glowing examples of this engagement is the concerted effort to inspire our students to get involved in the band. The administration hired a fine arts coordinator who started with the recruitment process in the elementary schools. Five years later we have over 200 students in the marching band, which has perpetuated students being a part of something greater than themselves. It is exciting for me to see students thriving because they are involved in an activity or club. Since the staff understands the impact of student engagement, there is high participation numbers in extracurricular activities.
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I have noticed that our district EAGER FOR CHANGE culture encourages students to be engaged in different activities and events. We Everyone seems ready for ask our student clubs and organizations transformative change. I’ve had the
opportunity to speak to numerous civic organizations and community groups since arriving in Muskogee. There is a common theme among all of them – we need change. My perception of the conversations is they are hungry for progress. We have recently embarked on a new strategic plan. My goal was to receive feedback from as many people in the community as possible. There have already been over 500 responses on the community survey and we are getting a number of people attending the community forums. Seeing this kind of interest tells me that people are interested and want to see the school district thrive.
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POISED FOR GREATNESS
I am honored to serve as the superintendent at Muskogee Public Schools. I believe this is a time in the district’s history that will be a special time of growth and progress. I often
tell people that I see everything lining up for something special to occur in Muskogee. I encourage every student, teacher, administrator, and community member to believe in Muskogee and believe great things will happen. It is a time for our community to think bigger than ever before and reach further than ever thought possible. I believe our kids are worth it, and in fact, our kids deserve it. I have the opportunity to meet with high school students through my superintendent advisory council. This is a group of 15 students that help inform me on student life and their needs as students. What has struck me is their keen perceptions of the district and their clear understanding of what needs to happen for the future. I always come away from these meetings feeling inspired and ready to tackle any problem. We are raising the next generation and I can assure you our students are receiving a strong foundation they will need to be successful in the future.
GUIDE Muskogee | 2019
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Education Muskogee High School’s Class of 2018 makes a final walk across the stadium during May commencement.
Alice Robertson Junior High School students Genesis Houston, left, and Hunter Hollingshed work on a robot they entered in the school’s VEX Robotics competition earlier this year.
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GUIDE Muskogee | 2019
Muskogee High School sophomore She’quieo Ragsdale puts clay muscles and other organs into a model during a class in the MHS biomedical lab.
Education C l o s i n g t h e G a p C o n t i n u e d. . . “The culture is for me, you and everyone, in this community, in the building, to take ownership of what we’ve got here — and that is our kids really can make a difference,” he said. Students are encouraged get involved in at least one activity, Mendenhall said. “They’ve got to feel engaged in what they’re doing or they’re not going to learn.” MPS also is working to improve discipline, Mendenhall said. According to Oklahoma Department of Education figures for 2017, Muskogee Public Schools reported 14 alcohol-related incidents, 28 incidents involving illicit drugs, 17 vandalism reports and 178 reports of truancy. The 2017 report also showed 75 reports of bullying of students; 15 reports of aggravated assaults against students and eight reports of aggravated assaults against staff. There also were 356 reports of fighting. The 2017 figures show improvement in most areas from 2012, when there were 225 truancy reports, 584 reports of fights, 14 reports of aggravated assaults against staff and 38 incidents related to illicit drugs. However, 2012 figures showed 71 reports of bullying, six alcohol-related incidents and seven reports of aggravated assaults against students.
Mendenhall said administrators and teachers seek to address the behavior behind the problems. For example, students who may get in trouble for fighting would undergo anger management lessons during suspension, students with substance abuse issues would be required to undergo counseling, he said. Schools will bring in outside resources, such as CREOKS health services. “Students are being disciplined and being asked to go to the next step in correcting their behavior,” he said. “Requiring this is better than just suspending them out of school.” The district also seeks to improve school appearance. “Our facilities look tired,” Mendenhall said. “It’s little things like painting the buildings, mowing the lawn, picking up the trash around the facilities. I think it’s all our schools.” A Long-Range Planning Committee is looking at projects to put on a bond issue this October. One item includes overhaul at the historic Alice Robertson Junior High. Mendenhall said he’s challenging MPS staff and students, as well as the Long-Range Planning Committee to believe the impossible is possible. “Even though we’re OK right now, we can be a great, great school district,” he said.
Muskogee High School’s Rougher bulldog mascot does a peppy dance with MHS teacher Ja’Corie Maxwell. The Rougher dog is a long-cherished mascot for Muskogee.
GUIDE Muskogee | 2019
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Education
Does school image affect growth? Business, city leaders discuss possible economic impact By D.E. Smoot
Muskogee Phoenix
A
bad reputation is like a shadow that will follow anything placed in the spotlight regardless of whether it is deserved. There is a perception shared by some that Muskogee Public Schools has a somewhat tarnished reputation. Those who subscribe to the idea fear that image may have contributed to the city’s stagnating growth. Assistant City Manager Gary Garvin, who oversees much of the city’s commercial and residential development programs, said he has been work-
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ing out details of a proposed housing study that could find out whether there is anything to support those suspicions. While any study would require approval of city councilors, Garvin said researchers who took part in developing a downtown master plan would ascertain — among other things — the reasons people buy — or don’t buy — homes in Muskogee. “It could be multiple reasons: It could be lack of inventory, it could be price, location or schools,” Garvin said, noting scope of the proposed study
would be much broader than this topic alone. “We want them to look at those issues and determine what roles they play.” Garvin said prospects being courted for commercial development have little concern about what the public perception of public schools might be. He said their primary concern is whether consumers “can afford to eat at their restaurants or buy their goods.” “I very seldom, if ever, get questions about the schools,” Garvin said. “They are more interested in household in-
come and the number of roof tops, the traffic count, the infrastructure that is available.” Garvin said the issue may be more pivotal for residential developers. Garvin said some developers believe “a new school or remodeled school will generate new housing developments in those areas.” “What I have heard from some residential developers is they would like to see some of the older school buildings fixed up or some new schools built,” Garvin said. “But the city is excited
Education
Some fear that the somewhat tarnished reputation of Muskogee Public Schools may have contributed to the city’s stagnating growth.
GUIDE Muskogee | 2019
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Education
Fort Gibson eighth-graders, from left, Brooklin Landers, Kaycie Farmer and Linzi Foutch wind copper wire to make model steamboats. Eighth-graders learned about manufacturing careers during a Dream It. Do It. program at the Three Forks Harbor River Center.
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about the new superintendent and the long-term goals he has set for the district.” Industrial Development Director Marie Synar at the Port of Muskogee said when manufacturers are considering expansion or relocation their top consideration is the availability of a skilled workforce. She said schools absolutely are a part of that equation, and “on that end we have a great story to tell.” Synar said her office has developed programs at Fort Gibson, Hilldale and Muskogee high schools, partnering with local manufacturers, to spur interest in manufacturing jobs among students. She said what she and her team are doing leads “the state in what we are doing with workforce development.” “What we are doing with our Dream It, Do It effort is getting manufacturers in the class-
room and getting students into manufacturing facilities,” Synar said. “We are encouraging youth to consider careers in manufacturing and filling that pipeline to address ... a shortage that will continue to multiply as baby boomers retire.” Synar said companies are concerned about whether they will have workers 20 years from now and what schools are doing today to meet that need. The image of those schools, she said, might be more of a concern for today’s workers than their employers. “If our school system has a poor image then our workers are going to want their kids to go to a better school district,” Synar said. “That affects our ability to retain a our current workforce — the availability of workers and our population, those are the local concerns we should always be thinking about.”
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Education I n d i a n C a p i ta l T e c h n o l o g y C e n t e r
Center touts focus on quality training By Cathy Spaulding
Muskogee Phoenix
I
ndian Capital Technology Center continues to grow with students, programs and facilities, ICTC Superintendent Tony Pivec said. Enrollment has grown districtwide for the fifth straight year, he said. “We’re really happy about that,” he said. “It speaks to how well our instructors are doing and the quality of training we offer, attracting more and more students.” Pivec said ICTC focuses on programs “that lead immediately to employment.” “They can come to us, finish the
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program, and there is a reasonable expectation that if they’ve done the things they should have done in class, there will be employment opportunities as soon as they’re done,” he said. “A lot of kids cannot afford college. We provide a good alternative to that. A lot of people are waking up to the opportunities that don’t require a college education.” Muskogee’s physical therapy assistant program recently received accreditation and is “up and running,” Pivec said. “That’s one of the programs we
Indian Capital Technology Center instructor Sarah Foster, standing, right, helps Jaycee Buckmaster measure flexibility for fellow student Erann West in the ICTC’s new physical therapy assistant class. partner with Connors State College, and it is going really well,” he said. ICTC’s Muskogee campus continues to undergo renovation. The cosmetology department recently finished renovation. “It looks fantastic,” Pivec said. “Kids just love that class.”
Work is now being done in the graphic arts classroom, he said. The ICTC district recently hired an architect to design a Wagoner County campus. Pivec said the new campus, between Coweta and Wagoner, should be ready for the 2023 school year.
Education By the Numbers Musko gee C ampus Total Students:
660
Number of High School Students:
553
Number of Adult Students:
113 Male:
375 Female:
294
E TH N I C I T Y:
Locations
AD U LT TUITION, FEES
Muskogee Campus: 2403 N. 41st St. East, Muskogee; (918) 687-6383 Sallisaw Campus: 401 E. Houser Industrial Blvd., Sallisaw; (918) 775-9119 Stilwell Campus: Rt. 6 Box 3320 (Oklahoma 59 and Maryetta Road), Stilwell; (918) 696-3111 Tahlequah Campus: 240 CareerTech Way (Vo-Tech Road),
$2 per credit hour for each regular full-time career major. Classes usually run 1,050 hours per year; $2.25 per credit hour beginning in FY18 for Practical Nursing, Surgical Technician, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapy Assistant, and Radiology Technician for each career major hour (books and fees not included).
Tahlequah, (918) 456-2594 Adult Health Careers Campus: 2403 N. 41st St. East, Muskogee; (918) 348-7998
White:
50% Native American:
32%
African American:
10%
Hispanic:
7%
Other:
1%
TOP M U S KO G E E C A M P U S STAF F Muskogee Campus Director: Greg Phares. Muskogee Campus Assistant Director: Angela Kohl.
Top courses at the M uskogee C ampus Auto Collision Repair Technology, Automotive Service Technology, Biomedical Academy, Business Management & Administration, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Drafting, Electricity, Graphic Communications, Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning; Information Technology; Machine Tool Technology; Service Career Innovations, Welding, Health Careers Certification; Sports Medicine; Nursing Transition.
FACULT Y S IZE Full-time certified: Approximately 185 fulltime employees districtwide. Adjunct or other: This can vary by year, but approximately 250 adjuncts work for ICTC each year.
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Education C o n n o r s St a t e C o l l e g e
College adds tech for nursing students By Cathy Spaulding
Muskogee Phoenix
A
cademically and athletically, Connors State College continues to make an impact beyond the Warner and Muskogee campuses In the classroom, the occupational therapy assistant and physical therapy assistant programs will be graduating their third and second classes in the coming year, said Ron Ramming, the school president. The programs are just at the Muskogee campus. “We saw a need for them,” Ramming said. “The genesis of the programs came from Tom Stiles (past superinten-
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dent of the Indian Capital Technology Center) and Tim Faltyn (past president of Connors) and the brain-storming sessions they had.” Connors also is particularly excited about the addition of a new simulated full-functioning baby to be used by nursing students at the Three Rivers Port Campus. The baby arrived in early March and is first of its kind in the state and goes with the functioning adults. “We’re happy to have her,” SIM Lab Coordinator Fabiela Kemble said. Athletically, the men’s basketball
Travis Cockrell, third semester nursing student works with a simulated full-functioning baby added to help with lessons. team finished their season in March after losing in the regional finals. A team from Connors exhibited the national champion Santa Gertrudis Bull at the Dixie National Livestock Show in Jackson, Mississippi, the Livestock Judging Team finished first overall nationally for the fourth straight year. Ramming, in his third year as president, has been pleased the school
has done well despite all of the budget reductions. “You have to go back to 1998 to find an appropriation ($5.2 million) smaller,” he said. “It would be nice to get to the point where we don’t have to raise tuition and fees to maintain some semblance of quality. We have so many good people who are dedicated to the students and for their success.”
Education By the Numbers St ude n t I nf or mat i on: Number of Students: 3,084 Male: 965 (31 percent) Female: 2,119 (69 percent)
E TH N I C I T Y: White:
64.5% Native American:
38.6%
African American:
10.8% Asian:
1%
BUDGE TS FACULTY INFORMATION Number/Percentage of Tenured or Tenure-Track instructors: 0/0 percent. Number/Percentage of NonTenured or Tenure-track instructors: 46, 100 percent. (Including clinical faculty, visiting faculty, adjunct faculty, lecturers) Spring Adjunct: Qty: 53 FTE: 22.5 Number/Percentage of faculty with doctorate degrees: Six, 13 percent. Male: 12/26 percent Female: 34/74 percent
FY 2018 Total Budget: E&G budget $11,535,611 (Appropriation $5,224,588)
FY 2019 Total Budget: E&G budget $12,303,695 (Appropriation $5,192,718)
Oklahoma School for the Blind student Dayton Baccus swings a lasso while Connors State College student Chase Wolf guides him. Connors students help during OSB’s Western Heritage Day.
(The total ethnic percentages may exceed 100 percent as individuals may select more than one ethnicity.)
Students come from In-State: TUI T I ON A N D MAN DATORY FE E S Resident:
$150
Non resident:
$308.76
96.2% Out of State:
3.8%
The most popul ar majors General Education (1387), Pre Nursing/Nursing (393), Business Administration (303), Nursing (261), Agriculture (212)
Connors State College students Paige Green, left, and Gina Parent, both from Muskogee, savor some hot cider while getting a selfie by the Nursing and Allied Health building’s Christmas tree.
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Education N o r t h e a s t e r n St a t e U n i v e r s i t y
University to add master’s program By Kenton Brooks
Muskogee Phoenix
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nticipation continues to grow at the Northeastern State University’s Muskogee campus with the expected addition of the master’s program for physician assistants. Dr. Timothy McElroy, the NSU Muskogee dean since 1999, said he expects accreditation for the program to come from the Board of Regents. Once the program is accredited, he said, the new program will start in August. “There’s a need in this area and in Oklahoma for physician assistants,” he said. “We expect it to be accredited any day.”
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NSU has added programs in the past, such as occupational therapy in 2014. “Hopefully, we’ll continue to grow and do other things as we work in conjunction with the academics colleges in Tahlequah,” McElroy said. McElroy said he’s noticed the “increase of enrollment,” particularly in the school’s nursing bachelor’s and master’s programs. NSU Muskogee also is going to have physical changes including a new roof on the administration building. That’s the building where the clock tower is located.
Occupational Therapy Students Katherine Knight-Raley, left, and Danielle Chronister work together in a class. Both students graduated in 2016 from Northeastern State University Muskogee. Occupational Therapy was added to NSU in 2014. “That building opened in 1993 and we’ve had an issue with leaking,” McElroy said. “We hope to get a new roof this summer. That’s a big deal for us.” McElroy said he looks to a bright future as well.
“We’re excited about it,” he said. “I think we’re in better shape than we have been because of the new programs we have. We also get credit for online enrollment as we have students that we don’t see. We’re serving their need.”
Education By the Numbers St ude n t I nf or mat i on: Number of Students:
607 Male:
19.9% Female:
80.1% E TH N I C I T Y: White:
53.9% Native American:
17.1%
(The percentage above represents the students who selected only American Indian or Alaska Native from the race categories. See note below.)
African American:
6.1%
Hispanic:
5.3%
Other or unknown:
0.8%
(The percentage above includes Asian as well as students who selected two or more races.) Note: This represents the students who selected only American Indian or Alaska Native from the race categories.
TUITION/Per credit Hour
Facult y
Undergraduate Resident tuition:
There are 24 faculty teaching courses either offered at or through NSU-Muskogee, 50 percent with doctorate degrees. *Faculty information is based on the current spring semester.
$211.65
Undergraduate Non-resident tuition:
$490.65
Graduate Resident tuition:
$272.40
Graduate Non-resident tuition:
$566.15 most popul ar majors Nursing, 251; Organizational Leadership, 90; Occupational Therapy, 41 (at capacity due to accreditation requirements)
Undergraduate Resident nursing tuition:
$221.65
Undergraduate Non-resident nursing tuition:
$222.65
Graduate resident nursing tuition: Number of majors: Two undergraduate online majors based out of the Muskogee campus — Nursing, Organizational Leadership; Three graduate programs — Occupational Therapy, Nursing and the Physicians Assistant program scheduled to launch in Summer 2019 Students come from In-State:
92.6%
$274.40
Graduate non-resident nursing tuition:
$275.40
Graduate Resident Occupational Therapy tuition:
$324.15
Graduate Non-resident Occupational Therapy tuition:
$617.90
Northeastern State University Muskogee Campus 2400 W. Shawnee Bypass
Out of State:
(918) 683-0040
6.6%
International:
www.nsuok.edu/ muskogee
0.8%
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Education Hilldale Public Schools
Changes on way to Hilldale schools By Kenton Brooks
Muskogee Phoenix
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rive by Hilldale’s schools and one can see the changes literally going up. A new fifth-grade classroom and gymnasium are under construction at the elementary school, an indoor facility for baseball and softball was recently finished at the high school and locker rooms for soccer, golf and cheerleading are expected to be finished in mid-April. “We have a whole lot of construction,” said Erik Puckett, the superintendent of schools since July 1. All of this is a result of the $15
million bond that was approved by voters in October 2017. Not all of the changes are outside the classroom. There have been changes going on inside school with the emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “We’re adding new programs so we can ramp up our math, science and computer science at all grade levels,” Puckett said. “That’s the big thing right now, because those are the jobs of the future. We’re doing our best to have our kids prepared when
Hilldale Public Schools Superintendent Erik Puckett stands in front of the gymnasium being built at Hilldale Elementary School. The gymnasium, a classroom and office are being built after an $15 million bond was approved by voters in October 2017. they go out the door. We’re trying to stay ahead of the game. “We meet with the Chamber of Commerce and business on what they want us to provide for the workforce.” Puckett pauses and marvels at the
Hilldale
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thought that Hilldale will graduate its 37th senior class later this year. “Compared to most school districts, we’re young,” he said. “We’ve graduated people who are making a big difference in the world.”
Education By the Numbers Scho o l I n f or mat i on:
Certified staff (excluding administration):
Superintendent: Erik Puckett Assistant superintendents: Dr. Deborah Tennison and Chad Kirkhart
Number of support workers:
Building Principals
Enrollment:
1,829 121 83
Number of administrators, both central office and on site: Nine and one part-time.
F unding sources
DISTRIC T LEAD ERSHIP
Local and Intermediate:
$1,885,577.01 State:
$8,817,588.51 Federal:
$886,538.20 Total projected:
$11,589,703.72
Lower Assistant Principal: Christina Hamm Upper Assistant Principal: Donna Lorenz Elementary Principal: Pattie Bilyard Alternative teacher/director: Tim Stevens
500 E. Smith Ferry Road (918) 683-0273 http://www.hilldale. k12.ok.us/ Hilldale Public Schools Superintendent Erik Puckett checks over the progress of construction at Hilldale Elementary School.
Workers at the Hilldale Elementary build a wall for new gymnasium being built on campus. The gym is part of the $15 million bond approved in October 2017.
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Education Fort Gibson Public Schools
Renovations in works for campus By Kenton Brooks
Muskogee Phoenix
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he sounds of hammers, saws and other equipment will soon be heard at Fort Gibson Schools. Projects that include repairing the roof over the school cafeteria, the re-carpeting of kindergarten and high school and improving the main entrance to the campus will get underway once school is out for the summer. “We’ll start on the roof once school is out and we hope to have the projects completed before school starts,” Superintendent of Schools Scott Farmer said. “We’re working on the entrance because we want to make it safer.”
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The school also is finishing construction or has completed work on the bus barn and agricultural building. Fort Gibson will also get new looks inside as high school principal Gary Sparks and intermediate elementary principal Sherry Rybolt are retiring at the end of the school year. “Those jobs are currently posted,” Farmer said. “We’re setting up interviews now. They did a good job.” Farmer is particularly excited about the school’s robotics team qualifying for world competition during the Easter weekend in Houston. Tim Berres is the
Early Learning Center first-graders, from left, Rihyn Martin, Kayleigh Smith and Teagan Peters practice for a Veterans Day program. sponsor. “They went to regionals in Oklahoma City with 63 teams and they ended up winning it,” Farmer said. “It’s quite the accomplishment.” Farmer said it’s been “a good transition” after he replaced Derald Glover
in July. Farmer came to Fort Gibson in July after 16 years as superintendent at Sallisaw. “Derald still gives me advice,” Farmer said. “I look forward to continuing the district in the right direction. We’ll do our best.”
Education By the Numbers Inf o r mat i o n: Enrollment:
1,771
Certified teachers/staff:
145
Support workers:
114
Administrators: 1.5 central office, four site principals, and two site assistant principals
Fort Gibson eighth-graders, from left, Cody Parker, Cole Mahaney and Wyatt McManus study the puzzle they assembled at a Manufacturing Block Party.
Fundin g s ou rces Local and Intermediate:
Mai n Adminis tr ators/ Direc tors
State:
Child Nutrition Director: Kathy Reich Special Education Director: Patty Pereira Principals High School: Gary Sparks, principal High School Assistant/Athletic Director: Chuck London Middle School: Ben Pemberton Middle School Assistant: Carrie Willis Intermediate Elementary Principal: Sherry Rybolt Early Learning Center Principal: Shelly Holderby
$4,915,770 $6,795,145 Federal:
$1,010,000 General Activity Fund:
$245,000 Total projected:
$12,965,915 Central office: 500 S. Ross Ave. (918) 478-2474 http://www.ftgibson. k12.ok.us/
George Wilson escorts his daughter, Tiffany Wilson, to the center of the Fort Gibson football stadium after Wilson was announced as Fort Gibson All-School Homecoming Queen.
D is tric t Leade rship Superintendent: Scott Farmer Assistant Superintendent, part time: Tom Stiles GUIDE Muskogee | 2019
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Education
Enoch Kelly’s “Chickasaw Warrior” gazes over Bacone College’s campus with the Bacone Memorial Chapel in the background.
BACONE COLLEGE
School renews indigenous focus By Chesley Oxendine
Muskogee Phoenix
B
acone College celebrated 139 years of American Indian-focused education this February — a celebration the school almost didn’t have. The school faced closure as financial concerns came to a head in May 2018. But under the leadership of new President Dr. Ferlin Clark and a group of new administrators, the school has fought its way back from the brink. “We’re still stabilizing,” Clark said. “We’re still accomplishing things, still meeting challenges.” Bacone’s mission remains twofold: to
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offer faith-based education in tandem with academia rooted in American Indian traditions and history. Their recent steps belie a renewed focus on that American Indian side of the mission. “We’re moving towards becoming a tribal college,” Clark said. “We’re engaged in meetings with tribes small and large. We have some interest in sponsorship from them as we move forward.” There’s also the new art program, which director Dr. Gerald Cournoyer refers to as “a blank canvas.” “We’re trying to create a whole new
group of artists interested in coming to Bacone,” Cournoyer said. “Our recruiting efforts consist of going to the local high schools and career fairs. In the future, I envision an art camp on Bacone College campus where high school juniors and seniors spend two weeks going through studio courses preparing them for college art courses.” The program’s goal is to provide students with a strong foundation through advanced drawing, painting and art history classes, Cournoyer said — as well as a focus on digital media. “Moving into the 21st century we
will embrace technology in the arts,” Cournoyer said. “Our program must turn out a great product: art student graduates that have the opportunity to get accepted into an art institute, college or university program for a Bachelors of Fine Arts.” Through measures like these, Dr. Clark said, Bacone College will continue to course-correct as it gets back on its feet. “We were now here when this happened, but we’re going to own it and we’re committed to making progress,” Clark said.
Education By the Numbers St ude n t I nf or mat i on: Number of Students: Fall 2018:
269
Spring 2019:
224
Male:
Male:
Female:
Female:
157 112
Bacone College student Barry Belindo, a Kiowa, shows other Bacone students different items used and worn in powwows.
121 103
E TH N I C I T Y: Fall 2018: White:
Spring 2019: White:
Native American:
Native American:
African American:
African American:
Hispanic:
Hispanic:
10
152
Other or unknown:
Other or unknown:
107
46 92 62 17 34
35 94 40
33
Students come from Fall 2018: In-State:
Spring 2019: In-State:
Out of State:
Out of State:
International:
International:
10
138 175 10
TUI T I ON A N D MAN DATORY FE E S
most popul ar majors
Resident: Full time tuition:
1. Business 2. Criminal Justice
General fee – Per semester:
Total number of majors: 19 majors (degree programs)
www.bacone.net
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$6,000 $1,350
2299 Old Bacone Road (918) 683-4581
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Business
Tourism on the rise Efforts underway to expand By Chesley Oxendine
Muskogee Phoenix
Re-enactors man guns on top of the USS Batfish during a Living History Day.
G
reater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce Marketing Manager Justin O’Neal has a simple pitch for those eyeing a visit to Muskogee. “My pitch is that we have everything from a World War II submarine to a Renaissance castle,” O’Neal said. “That’s the attention-grabber.” Once attention has been sufficiently grabbed, O’Neal said, he dives into the details, outlining everything in between the aforementioned submarine and castle. “We have the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, we have Honor Heights Park with the Azalea Festival, we have the Chili Cook-Off, which brings 25,000 to 30,000 people to a town with a population of 38,000,” O’Neal said. “We have the Three Rivers Museum that focuses on local history. We have two Civil War forts. We have an award-winning winery. A lot of things here that large destinations would have, and we are just lucky enough to have them in our medium-sized town.” The pitch seems to be working: Muskogee saw 200,000 more new visitors in its fiscal year 2017-2018 than years prior, and the hotel/motel lodging tax which the Chamber uses to measure its success has climbed 5.5 percent in the intervening months, O’Neal said. It’s that lodging tax that serves as the focus for many of the Chamber’s tourism efforts, O’Neal noted.
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Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism’s Tourism Director Ashley Wilbourn speaks to a gathered crowd of potential event holders about the Community Support Grant. The grant is a Chamber program intended to help fund advertising for newer events. “Creating those overnight stays really just capitalizes on the whole idea of tourism. You know they’re going to eat. If they’re staying the night you know they’re going to have one or two meals. They’re going to go shopping. They’re going to fill up before they hit the road,” O’Neal said. “Overnight stays have been the bottom line of our measurements.” Encouraging people to stay overnight guarantees money for the city, essentially, O’Neal said. “It’s, you know, a cut-and-dry way of saying you know at least this person spent $100 in a night in most cases,” O’Neal said. “It’s pumping a lot of money in that citizens of Muskogee
Knights joust for glory during the Renaissance Festival.
Business aren’t having to pay themselves.” Still, those measurements don’t account for the people coming from places like Tulsa for day-trips, O’Neal acknowledges. New metrics are in the works for a broader picture of Muskogee’s success as a destination. “We’re looking at a new formula that has those stays as the majority of the deal, but we’re also missing all these visitors that are coming in for day trips,” he said. “So we’re working on a way to record those.” The matter was discussed at a January meeting for the Muskogee Tourism Committee, in which committee members floated a new formula: rather than exclusively relying on the lodging tax, the formula would instead weigh 10 percent alcohol tax, 10 percent fuel tax, 20 percent sales tax and 60 percent hotel tax. Efforts to grow all of those numbers remain underway, from bringing large events like Bassmaster fishing to town to providing financial help for smaller events, O’Neal said.
Take, for example, the Community Support Grant program, which offers up to $5,000 in marketing dollars for fledgling events to help them grow. “This is really a seed fund for new projects,” Tourism Director Ashley Wilbourn said in a prior Phoenix story. “It’s a way for us to interact and talk about what we’re excited about, and what will bring new people to the city.” Through efforts like those, the Chamber hopes to see Muskogee tourism continue its expansion as an economic driver for the city, O’Neal said. “Tourism in general is extra dollars pumped into our community that we wouldn’t have on a normal basis. That money coming in helps drive the economy, helps drive the sales tax, the hotel/motel tax in our case, different stuff,” O’Neal said. “It’s kind of an ever-growing situation. You’re never going to be happy with what you have because you always want it to grow.”
Azaleas bloom white, hot pink at Honor Heights Park.
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Business Barges queue along the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System at the Port of Muskogee awaiting transport on the inland waterway.
Taking a proactive approach Port of Muskogee nails industrial development efforts By D.E. Smoot
Muskogee Phoenix
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ort of Muskogee’s industrial development team managed 36 recruitment projects this past year and was awarded a grant that is good through June for a prospect that has yet to be named. Industrial Development Director Marie Synar said partnerships with site consultants, the Tulsa Chamber, Oklahoma Department of Commerce and others continue to pay dividends in recruiting and retention efforts. While past efforts consisted primarily of responding to requests for proposals, Synar said her office is more proactive today than ever.
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An overhead lift stands ready for use at the Port of Muskogee. In addition to a constant hunt to recruit new manufacturers to Muskogee, Synar said the Muskogee City-County Port Authority’s Industrial Development Office works hard to cultivate a healthy climate for the existing industrial base. Those efforts include support for the Greater Muskogee Manufacturers Alliance and workforce development programs with local schools. “We work closely with our existing businesses to make sure that not only is there an environment that helps them grow, but we help create an environment that facilitates that growth on their behalf,” Synar said. “We do a
Business The driver of a front-end loader weaves a path through a pipe yard at the Port of Muskogee.
very good job of encouraging business to business — we want them to do business with each other, and if they can’t get it here then someplace else in Green Country.” Synar said her team also has stepped up efforts at area high schools to ensure future workforce for the local manufacturing base. She said a manufacturing club was formed at Muskogee High School, the first of its kind in Oklahoma, that will give its members “a leg up” when they graduate and get ready to join the workforce. “We have done plant tours and mock interviews with them,” Synar said. “When these kids graduate from high school they are going to know the HR managers at these plants, they are going to know about their operations, so we are really going to be giving these kids a leg up before they graduate.” Local manufacturers decided this past year to create a new scholarship to commemorate GMMA’s 10th anniversary. The technical education scholarship, Synar said, will provide “great opportunities for our students and incumbent workers who are willing to further their education and training.”
A tractor-trailer rig awaits its next load while parked at the Port of Muskogee.
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Business Muskogee-Davis Regional Airport hosts over 12,000 yearly takeoffs and landings. Private flights, corporate flights, and military exercises all come through the airport. (Drew Saffell)
Muskogee-Davis soars high Regional airport sees plenty of traffic, success By Chesley Oxendine
Muskogee Phoenix
T
he modern, sleek terminal at Muskogee-Davis Regional Airport belies the station’s origins as a World War II support base. During the conflict, what was once Muskogee Army Airfield and then Davis Field, housed the 410th Bombardment Group’s A20 Havocs and the 41st Photo Reconnaissance Squadron’s P-38 Lightings. Deeded to the City of Muskogee as a civilian airport in 1947, what is now Muskogee-Davis Regional Airport has become a powerful economic force in the state, ranked 11th out of 109 Oklahoma airports in total economic impact by the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission. According to the Commission’s recent economic study, aviation is Oklahoma’s number 2 economic driver. That makes that ranking significant, says airport manager Drew Saffell. “Our airport contributes $7.7 million to the state, regional and city economy, so we’re a vital entity
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It’s not just planes, but also helicopters that frequently find their way to Muskogee-Davis Regional Airport. (Drew Saffell)
up here,” Saffell said. “For a regional business airport, we do quite a bit of business out here.” “Quite a bit” translates to over 12,000 yearly operations, or takeoffs or landings, at the airport, Saffell said. “If an aircraft comes in, lands, fuels,
and leaves, that’s two operations,” he said. Muskogee-Davis also has one of the highest based-aircraft numbers in Oklahoma at 98, Saffell noted. Between the based aircraft and high traffic, the airport sees a variety of people coming
through. “We see about one jet a day, and that’s usually a Lear jet, or a Volkstream. We have a lot of businesses in Muskogee that utilize corporate jets. Dillard’s, Georgia-Pacific, a lot of attorneys fly in to use the federal court-
Business This Marchetti aircraft is just one of the many kinds of planes and helicopters that land at the airport. (Drew Saffell)
Construction workers build a “hard stand� into the apron at Muskogee-Davis Regional Airport. The hard stand, completed in December, is meant to provide jets with a more stable parking spot. (Drew Saffell)
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Business house,” Saffell said. “We never know who we’re going to see.” The 150-feet-wide primary runway means that just about anyone could land at the airport, potentially – whether that be smaller aircraft or bigger jets like business flights, or even Air Force One, Saffell said. Speaking of jets, the airport installed a jet hard-stand in December of last year to better accommodate jet parking on hot days, Saffell said. The hard-stand is a 60-feet-by-150feet concrete area meant to give jets a harder surface for parking. “When we have jets come in, if they sit on hot asphalt long enough they kind of sink into it a little, and then when they move, it cracks,” he said. “Now we’ve got a place for them to park without damaging the rest of our apron.” Other improvements have included rehabilitations of parking lots, runways and taxiways, Saffell said, as well as the installation of Tesla electric car chargers. These improvements come at a time when the airport is as busy
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businesses are seeing the advantages of aviation. If we do build a hangar in the future, we’re going to be building a commercial hangar.” The funds for that would come from the airport’s revenues and the City of Muskogee, too — FAA and OAC grant monies are exclusively used for infrastructure such as pavements and parking lots, Saffell noted. The flight manager also explained that, while the airport is an enterprise fund for the city, their revenue often covers their costs. “According to what the OAC came up with, $459,825 in annual state and local tax revenue comes from our airport,” Saffell said. “Our operations out here are paid for through revenue. The pansion, though any potential growth airport is for the most part a self-sufficient entity out here.” in the future will be for corporate Future projects for the airport flights, Saffell said. include improved lighting on the “Right now, we’re not looking at airport’s primary runway, environbuilding any new hangars. The FAA mental studies as part of the FAA’s is predicting a decrease in general prienvironmental due diligence, and vate aviation over the next 20 years,” ensuring surrounding land is ready for he said. “At the same time, corporate development. jet traffic is expanding. More and more
Even older aircraft still show up at Muskogee-Davis Regional, like this Curtiss P-40 Warhawk from World War II. (Drew Saffell)
as ever. “Our hangars are 99.9 percent full right now, and most of the time we are at 100 percent capacity,” he said. “We get enough jet traffic that the FAA numbers convinced the OAC they needed to build the hard stand out here.” There are no plans for hangar ex-
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Business
Muskogee’s heart
beats vigorously Downtown area thrives on arrival of new businesses By Chesley Oxendine
Muskogee Phoenix
D
owntown Muskogee isn’t the same place it was 10 years ago. Taking a stroll down Broadway or Okmulgee Avenue means visitors will run into all sorts of new restaurants and shops. “This place is growing at a ridiculous rate,” said resident Joseph Reed. “Every time I turn around there’s something new, someplace new to go eat or shop. It really shows you how thriving Muskogee is.” The district has expanded rapidly throughout the last year as businesses have flocked to the spaces along Main Street, in turn attracting crowds to everything from art classes to coffee to wine to craft beer. Even businesses that have become downtown fixtures have remodeled to embrace the new demographics appearing in the space, like Erly Rush or Jim and Em’s second locations, or Club Lunch’s remodeled interior. That’s not to mention the construction of not one, but two green spaces planned for the area — one in the downtown area itself called the Hunt’s Green Space, and one in the Depot District near the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. “You’re seeing a place step into its own identity again,” Reed said. “You’re seeing a city sort of find itself. Going to downtown Muskogee these days is an experience you can’t really get any-
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Muskogee Brewing Company brewer Josh Ellis checks one of the tanks ahead of a brew. The Brewing Company makes its variety of beers in-house.
Judy Holybee of Muskogee puts the finishes touches on a painting she had done for the mini-banners during an art event at Creative Soul on South Main Street. Holybee, also a photographer, said it’s “relaxing” to paint.
Business The Rail Taproom was busy on a Tuesday evening as the venue specializing in craft beers held a special event. In the near future an outdoor stage, game area and seating area will be added to the location.
where but downtown Muskogee.” Local restaurants like Station 1 and Max’s Garage join stores like Hoopes’ Hardware and Creative Soul in giving people “reasons to shop in town instead of going to Tulsa,” Reed said. But that growth won’t be sustainable if people aren’t shopping local, Reed noted, or shopping from small businesses whenever they can. “When you take that business else-
where, you’re not letting your dollars go to people you know, people who live in the same place, whose kids go to the same schools,” he said. “The fact is that if we want this place to continue growing, we’ve got to continue supporting the entrepreneurs who open businesses here.” Newfound Okie Latisha Jones said she was glad she moved to Muskogee amid its bustling economy.
“Sometimes I just take a walk downtown just because I enjoy the atmosphere of it,” she said. “It’s one of my favorite places to be. It feels optimistic around here.” The environment encouraged Jones to think about opening her own business in the downtown district some day — a hair salon, if she has her way about it. “I just feel like this is the kind of
place that would support me,” she said. “You just get that sense of friendliness around here.” Reed said that friendliness was part of what made Muskogee the city that it is. “Like I said, this is a city sort of finding out its overall character,” Reed said. “The downtown district is proof positive of just how lively Muskogee can be.”
Hattie’s House and Vintage Market, 212 S. Main St., offers antique, home decor and a gift shop.
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Business
Honoring the core vision New president takes reins at Advantage Controls By Chesley Oxendine
Muskogee Phoenix
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eff O’Neal began his tenure with Advantage Controls as an inside sales rep in 1997. In the intervening years, O’Neal worked in every department as he climbed the ladder, until finally he reached the top — company presidency, where O’Neal took over for exiting president Dan Morris. “It’s definitely an honor,” O’Neal said. “It’s been something that I feel has been in a long time in the making.” Advantage Controls provides industrial water treatment equipment for companies across the country and the world, with a presence in over 60 countries, O’Neal said. “We treat water specifically, almost exclusively in cooling towers and boilers,” O’Neal said. “Anywhere that has recirculating water in an industrial setting, we treat that water to make sure there’s no mineral scale formation or corrosion that can eat away at the heat exchange surfaces, and we also prevent bacterial growth that causes airborne diseases that are carried by pathogens.” Advantage’s equipment can be found in school systems, injection molding plants, military bases — even on top of the Burj Khalifa in the United Arab Emirates, the tallest building in the world. “We have a nationwide focus and an international presence,” O’Neal said. Even with that extensive reach, Advantage maintains a close relationship with Muskogee, where it’s headquartered, O’Neal said. That starts with their hiring practices.
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“We’re Okies through and through,” O’Neal said. “We like the Okie ethic and what the local workforce brings to the table here. We’re fortunate to have people with a good work ethic that work for us, team members with a long tenure that have been around a long time. There’ve been multiple generations of family members working for the company.” There’s also Advantage’s community service efforts, O’Neal noted. “I’m really proud of the footprint that we have in the community with respect to our community service and our presence in the community,” he said. “We’ve always been one of the largest and strongest per capita contributors to the community be it either in service aspects or financial contributions. That’s something that all of our team members take a lot of pride in and a high percentage of our team members take part in those. We’re really proud of our team for their contributions.” Examples of those contributions included Lake Area United Way, CASA for Children, and the Rotary Club, among others. “We’ve found ourselves to be active contributors in lots of different organizations,” O’Neal said. The new president doesn’t plan to change that value, nor the other core elements that make up the company’s vision, he said. “At its very core, nothing fundamentally will change about the company. We really pride ourselves on the
Advantage Controls President Jeff O’Neal took his position in January after working with Advantage since 1997.
Advantage Controls employee Ryan Gray works on a component for industrial water treatment.
Business culture we’ve built here and that the Morris family has established through the years,” O’Neal said. “The last thing I want to do is disrupt any of the core elements that make up our culture.” Instead of sweeping changes, O’Neal wants to focus on improvements, he said. “During my tenure as the vice president of operations, I was charged with our continuous improvement efforts, and I would like to continue that in all aspects – operational and on the sales side as well,” he said. One change in O’Neal’s approach will be a focus on working with U.S. manufacturing partners rather than foreign companies, he said. “I’d like to reshore some of the business that we’re currently doing with overseas manufacturing partners and bring that business back here to the states to other companies that have the ability to do that,” O’Neal said. “In light of the recent tariff announcements and the general economic climate worldwide, dealing with overseas manufactur-
Advantage Controls employee Ted Auckerman writes down data after an equipment check.
Advantage Controls has equipment in over 60 countries, creating a “multi-national presence,” said president Jeff O’Neal.
ing partners has become less attractive than it had been in previous years. At this point it makes not only financial sense but logistical sense to do that.” Overall, the president said he looked forward to where the company would go next. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead our team into the next phase,” O’Neal said.
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Government Get to know your leaders...
Muskogee City Council Mayor Bob Coburn
Cale enjoys being involved in the city projects and helping its residents in any Bob Coburn is a way he can. Muskogee High School Cale is a longtime busigraduate who also nessman and civil servant. attended Connors State When it comes to his College and Northeastern hometown, he is upfront State University. He owns about his ideas and takes A-Avanti and Legacy concerns seriously. He Self Storage. He and understands the financial his wife, Gwen, have a needs and demands of daughter, Jami and a son running, growing and and daughter-in-law, Joey Councilor Mayor maintaining a city and and Mindy Coburn; four knows that making informed decisions for the future Vann. Vann is a member of Rayfield Baptist Church grandchildren. is the only way for a city to prosper. Reach Ward I where he serves on the Bob and Gwen attend First Baptist Church, where Councilor Cale at pcale@muskogeeonline.org. Usher Board, sings with Bob is a Bible study leader and deacon. His hobbies the Brothers in Christ include golfing, boating, grandchildren’s sports and Dan Hall Choir, and serves on the activities. Dan Hall was born in Pastor’s Aid Committee. Muskogee in 1966 to Earl Vann is a state delegate for Janey Cagle-Boydston and Mildred Hall. Dan is the Democratic Party. He Janey Boydston was the youngest of eight chilalso is a member of born and raised in Muskdren. Dan is married to Muskogee’s Rotary Club ogee. She went through the love of his life, Gina where he serves on the the Muskogee School Antonioni, in 1992 and Board of Directors. He is system and graduated from Councilor they have three children: president of the Robison Muskogee Central High Libby, Parker and Alex. Park Community Association. Reach Ward III School with the class Hall attended Pentecostal Councilor Vann at ivann@muskogeeonline.org. of 1951. She worked 22 Academy (Muskogee), Councilor years for attorneys Chester Marlon J. Coleman Connors State College Norman, Chal Wheeler and Northeastern State University. The Rev. Marlon Joand Judge Mike Norman. Councilor Hall has been employed with Muskogee Public seph Coleman is a native Janey owned and operated Schools since Jan. 3, 1995. He is the director of Secuof New Orleans, LouisiCagle’s Flowers and Gifts before turning the business rity, where he has enjoyed working with the future of ana. He was unanimously over to her daughter, Becky Hearon. Since that time, Muskogee. elected pastor of the Janey has been a volunteer worker at the flower shop. Hall is a member and attends First Baptist Church Antioch Missionary BapCagle served on the Muskogee City Council from of Muskogee. He is the president of Muskogee Youth tist Church, now known 2000 to 2008. Upon the resignation of David Jones Football and Cheer, Mason and a Shriner. His hobas Antioch, the Temple as Ward I councilor in January 2015, she was asked to bies are coaching youth sports, scuba diving, hunting, of Hope, in Muskogee, fill the remainder of his term. She then won election fishing, going to Muskogee Little Theatre, Muskogee where he faithfully serves. later in 2015 until 2018. She is an active member of High School musicals and spending as much time He completed a BachCouncilor St. Paul United Methodist Church, Muskogee Rotary with his wife and children as possible. Reach Ward II elor of Science Degree Club, A More Beautiful Muskogee and is interested Councilor Hall at dhall@muskogeeonline.org. in Business Administration from the University of in all things involved in the growth of Muskogee and Phoenix. Later, he went on to study at the Andersonthe betterment of the quality of life of its citizens. Ivory Vann ville Theological Seminary where he obtained the Reach Ward I Councilor Boydston at jboydston@ Ivory Vann was born in Muskogee in 1957. He at- Master of Theology Degree and then the Doctorate of muskogeeonline.org. tended Wheatley Elementary, Edison Elementary, Al- Theology Degree in Pastoral Care. He also completed the Master of Business Administration degree from ice Robertson Junior High, Muskogee High School, Patrick Cale the University of Phoenix. then Oklahoma State University, where he received Patrick Cale loves his hometown and understands a degree in plumbing and pipefitting. In his career, Professionally, Coleman has served in several manthe importance of community service. Whether it’s he worked for Garrett Plumbing, Muskogee Regional agement positions with federal government with the serving pancakes or ringing bells for the Salvation U.S. Department of Agriculture across the country Medical Center, and Fort Howard/Georgia-Pacific, Army, he understands the importance of serving his and with the Veterans Affairs as the physician reand remains a city and state licensed plumber. community. As an active member of the Noon Lions cruiter at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical CenVann has four children: daughters Jacqueline and Club member and a former chamber board member, ter in Muskogee, where he retired from federal service Shabriel Vann, sons Ivory A. Vann and Michael
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Government Muskogee City Council continued after serving 22 years. Enjoying the calling to teach and serve the people of God, Coleman was selected to serve as an instructor at the historic Washington Baptist Seminary where he taught Homiletics and Systematic Theology. He is an adjunct professor with Connors State College. Coleman assists the community by serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce. He also is a member of the Lake Area United Way Community Investment Board, committee member for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, board member for Neighbors Building Neighborhoods, steering committee member of Action in Muskogee (AIM), National Action Network, and chairman of Religious Affairs for the Muskogee NAACP. He is the National Youth director for the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America and gives leadership to several national and regional youth and civic organizations. Reach Ward IV Councilor Coleman at mcoleman@muskogeeonline.org.
Wayne A. Johnson Johnson and his wife Debbie grew up in Checotah. After graduating OSU Tech with an associate degree in technology, they moved to Western Oklahoma where Johnson worked as manager for a mechanical, plumbing and HVAC Company. When their son, David, was born they moved back closer to family and Johnson took a position with Acme-Reese. He has worked for Muskogee Public Schools in
the position of director of Maintenance and Facility since 1991. Since becoming employed with Muskogee schools, Johnson had the opportunity of working with a number of different agencies, organizations and systems of government. He is a member of First Baptist Church, where he has served in a number of different Councilor capacities. Reach Ward IV Councilor Johnson at wjohnson@muskogeeonline.org.
enced the date of his victory with that of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last public speech before he was slain by an assassin. In that speech is remembered the phrase, “I’ve been to the mountain top.” It was April 3, 1968, when Dr. King gave his last public speech. On April 3, 2012, Reed stood in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center giving his victory speech. Reach Ward III Councilor Reed at dreed@muskogeeonline.org.
Jaime Lynn Stout
Derrick Reed Reed won election in 2012 and took over the seat of Robert Perkins. In addition to his backing from labor supporters, Reed credited Perkins for his win. Reed said Perkins groomed him for the city council. Reed, who oversees Councilor various programs at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, refer-
Councilor
Stout attended school at both Hilldale and Oktaha school districts. She has an associate’s degree from Connors State College as well as a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from Northeastern State University. She is employed with ORS Nasco as an information technology
support analyst. She also is actively involved with her church, Immanuel Baptist. She has served in leadership and volunteer roles in many community organizations serving with Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, Gospel Rescue Mission, Women in Safe Home, The Barracks and United Way Day of Caring. She is a councilor in Ward II.
Get to know your leaders...
Muskogee County Commissioners Kenny Payne
guns and spending time with family.
County Commissioner, District 3
Stephen Wright
HOMETOWN: Muskogee. FAMILY: Wife, Stephanie Payne; two children, Tori and Tate. OCCUPATION: Regional sales, Springfield Grocer Co. EDUCATION: Northeastern State University, safety and education. RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Timothy Baptist Church. HOBBIES: My children’s activities, classic cars and trucks, and golfing.
Ken Doke County Commissioner, District 1.
HOMETOWN: Muskogee. FAMILY: Wife, Jodi; three children,
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County Commissioner, District 2.
Commissioner Kenny Payne
Commissioner Ken Doke
Kaje, Kensli Faith, and Jenlee Hope. OCCUPATION: Vice president, business development director at Arvest Bank in Muskogee. EDUCATION: University of Phoenix,
Commissioner Stephen Wright
bachelor’s degree in business administration. RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: New Hope Assembly of God. HOBBIES: Hunting, fishing, shooting
HOMETOWN: Porum. FAMILY: Wife, Roberta; son Hayden. OCCUPATION: County Commissioner District 2. EDUCATION: 1975 graduate of Porum High School, Oklahoma Miners School 1986, C lab tech certification from Rogers State College 1992, B lab tech certification from Carl Albert State College 2002, wastewater lab certification Sapulpa Vocational Center 2005. RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian. HOBBIES: Riding horses and playing golf, hunting and fishing.
Government Get to know your leaders...
Public Safety Cit y of Muskogee Emergency Management Phone: (918) 684-6295. Fax: (918) 684-6316. Address: P.O. Box 1927 Muskogee, Ok. 74402-1927 Muskogee Count y Emergency Management Director: Jeff Smith — (918) 682-2551. Fax: (918) 684-1699. Address: P.O. Box 2274, Muskogee, Ok. 74402. E-mail: mcem@ readymuskogee.org.
Police Department Chief: Johnny Teehee — (918) 6838000. Fax: (918) 680-3197. E-mail: MPD@ muskogeepd.org.
Jeff Smith
911 C all Center 911 Coordinator: Darryl Maggard — (918) 682-6911. Address: 520 Court St. Fax: (918) 577-6934. E-mail: darryl@mcc911.org. Fire Department Chief: Mike O’Dell — (918)
Johnny Teehee
684-6252. Fax: (918) 684-6253. E-Mail: fire@ muskogeeonline.org. Fire Department Stations 1. 515 Columbus St. 3. 2603 Border St. 4. 100 S. Country Club Road
Mike O’Dell
Terri Mortensen
Darryl Maggard
5. 1706 N. York St. 6. 513 E. Peak Blvd. 7. 200 North 40th St.
Address: 200 Callahan St., Muskogee, OK 74403. Email: terrim@mcems.us.
Muskogee Count y Emergency Medical Service
Okl ah oma Highway Patrol
Address: 1806 N. York St., Executive Director: Terri Muskogee, Oklahoma 74403. Mortensen, RN, EMT-P, BBA — Phone: (918) 683-3256. (918) 683-0130.
Get to know your leaders...
State Elected Officials Dewayn e Pembe r ton
District 9 Oklahoma Senator (R-Muskogee)
HOMETOWN: Cabot, Arkansas. FAMILY: Wife, Claire Pemberton; three sons, Matt, Ben, and Adam Pemberton; six grandchildren. OCCUPATION: Retired educator. EDUCATION: University of Central Arkansas, bachelor’s degree with a double major in social studies and health-physical education; University of Arkansas-Little Rock; Northeastern State University, master’s degree in education administration; Oklahoma State UniversityTulsa, principal and superintendent specialist certification. RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: St. Joseph Catholic Church. HOBBIES: Hunting, fishing and playing with grandchildren. CAPITOL ADDRESS: 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 427; Oklahoma City, OK 73105; (405) 521-5533; pemberton@ oksenate.gov Executive Assistant: Peggy White.
Senator Dewayne Pemberton
Representative Chris Sneed
Murray State College and Northeastern State University. RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian; Member Muskogee First Assembly. HOBBIES: Hunting, watching college football and baseball, playing golf. CAPITOL ADDRESS: 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd.; Room 300C; Oklahoma City, OK 73105; (405) 557-7310 Legislative Assistant: Hayden Ball* (405) 557-7310 *Session-Only
Avery F rix District 13 Oklahoma Representative (R-Muskogee)
HOMETOWN: Muskogee. FAMILY: Parents, Kem and Paige Frix. Chris S n eed OCCUPATION: President, Oxford Productions Inc.; vice president, Frix Construction Co. District 14 Oklahoma Representative (R-Fort Gibson) EDUCATION: University of Oklahoma, bachelor’s degree HOMETOWN: Fort Gibson. in business administration, accounting. FAMILY: Wife, Joie Sneed; three children: Summer Brock, RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: First Baptist Church of Cody Sloan and Keaton Sloan; one granchild. Muskogee. OCCUPATION: Business owner, Chris Sneed Insurance. HOBBIES: Watching Hilldale Hornets play football. EDUCATION: Graduate of Hulbert High School; Attended CAPITOL ADDRESS: 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd.; Room 328B;
Representative Avery Frix
Representative Randy Randleman
Oklahoma City, OK 73105; (405) 557-7302 Legislative Assistant: Gina Kanelopoulos* (405) 557-7302 *Providing Interim Coverage
Ra ndy Ra ndleman District 15 Oklahoma Representative (R-Eufaula)
HOMETOWN: Eufaula. FAMILY: Wife, Jennifer; Children: Brandon, Chad, Jordan, Zachary, Rhea; Grandchildren: Julianne, Tinley, Case. OCCUPATION: Licensed psychologist. EDUCATION: Associate’s degree from Northeastern Oklahoma A & M; Bachelor’s degree from University of Tulsa; Master’s degree from Northeastern State University; Ph.D from Oklahoma State University. RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Community Culture Church, Eufaula. HOBBIES: Love to draw and travel; like to use my bulldozer, it’s relaxing; hunting, fishing. CAPITOL ADDRESS: 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd.; Room 302; Oklahoma City, OK 73105; (405) 557-7375 Legislative Assistant: Elisabeth Schlebach* (405) 557-7375 *Providing Interim Coverage
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Services L a k e A r e a U n i t e d Way S e rv i c e O r g a n i z at i o n s Boys & Girls Club of Tahlequah
Hope House of Cherokee County
Provides youth development to Cherokee County youth by working to inspire, educate, and empower kindergarten-eighth graders to realize their full potential as productive and responsible citizens in a safe and fun environment. www.tahlequahbgca.org (918) 456-6888.
Helping people help themselves by providing a supportive network of services and providers such as emergency food, shelter, and utility assistance to aid individuals and families in becoming self-sufficient. (918) 456-4673.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma
Providing high-quality civil legal services to lower income and elderly residents. www.legalaidok.org (918) 683-5681.
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma
Girl scouting equips young girls in making better life choices by developing leadership, confidence, and girls of courage through a variety of scouting pro- CASA for Children in Muskogee — Court grams. www.gseok.org (918) 683-7738.
Muskogee County Council of Youth Services — MCCOYS Provides guidance and character building programs in two United Way funded areas; 1) supervised community experiences for youth and young adults working within the judicial system, and 2) in-school “Lifeskills” training for 6-8th graders at Braggs, Okay and Muskogee Public Schools. www.mccys. org (918) 682-2841.
United Methodist Children’s Home Provides a spectrum of transitional living assistance into early adulthood for at-risk high school and college-aged youth through an independent living program to better equip them in making their way into the adult world. (918) 456-6166.
Dolly Parton Imagination Library Provides age appropriate books to children ages 0-5 years of age each month to boost children during the early formative years and put them on a path towards a successful education. www.lakeareaunitedway.org (918) 6821364.
American Red Cross A volunteer led humanitarian organization. United Way support touches lives daily with relief to victims of disasters as well as emergency and prevention/preparedness training. www. oklahomaredcross.org (918) 682-1366.
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Appointed Special Advocates
CASA recruits, screens, trains, and supports community volunteers to advocate in the best interests of children involved in juvenile cases of neglect and abuse in Muskogee, Wagoner and Sequoyah district courts. www.casaok. org (918) 686-8199.
CASA of Cherokee Country Advocating as a voice for children who enter the court system as a result of abuse and/or neglect by providing trained volunteers to speak independently for the best interests of the children. www.oklahomacasa.org (918) 456-8788.
Kelly B. Todd Cerebral Palsy & Neuro-muscular Center Provides children and adults with motor deficit or developmental delays physical therapy to enhance mobility and interaction with friends and family. www.kbtoddcpcenter.org (918) 6834621.
Kids’ Space – Muskogee County Child Advocacy Center Provides a child-friendly environment for the intervention, assessment, and investigation needed to assist with prosecution, treatment and prevention of physically and sexually abused children. Provides educational and child protective classes. www.kidsspacemuskogee.org (918) 682-4204.
Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma Roberta Preston gets a surprised look from Sophie Vaughn with Troop 2173 from Tulsa during an event in the Muskogee Arts District commemorating the centennial of Girl Scout Cookie sales.
Volunteers of America – RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program) Creates opportunities for senior citizens to remain actively engaged in their communities through volunteer services in a variety of organizations ranging from hospitals to youth centers by utilizing their time and talents in service to others. www.voaok.org (918) 683-1578.
Women In Safe Home — WISH Provides shelter, counseling, and support services to victims of domestic violence, rape, and adult survivors of child sexual assault or harassment in order to achieve safety, survival, recovery, empowerment and rehabilitation to women and children coping with domestic violence. (918) 682-7879.
Physical therapist Pat Pack helps 2-year-old Kate Whytal reach a ribbon on a climbing wall at the Kelly B. Todd Cerebral Palsy & Neuromuscular Center.
MUSKOGEE Appraisals
Home Inspections
Automotive
Insurance
Automotive
Glass Company
Medical Scrubs & Accessories
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Health & Wellness W h e r e to f i n d F i t n e s s a c t i v i t i e s i n M u s ko g e e
T
here is no shortage of beautiful parks and complexes where people can find physical activity options in Muskogee. From gorgeous running and cycling trails to swimming pools, Muskogee has plenty to offer for those who want a solid workout or some places to play sports. The city is home to numerous public parks, golf courses, football fields and a water park. That barely scratches the surface of what Muskogee has to offer for everyone, from athletes to casual joggers to those who just want to play a game of basketball or skate with their friends. People who want to commit to an activity or sport can join an intramural softball team, a weightlifting program or a golf club. If you want to do something at your leisure, there are plenty of natural trails, tennis courts and places to practice soccer or baseball. Tr ai ls
There’s several good trails in town for runners or cyclists to choose from. The most notable trail in the city is Centennial Trail, which is located in the southwest portion of Muskogee and has two sections. The first is the Love-Hatbox Sports Complex loop, a 3.1-mile paved trail that weaves through the wilderness surrounding Love-Hatbox Sports Complex. This trail is perfect if you’re training for or running a 5K. The second section, Centennial Trail South, goes from Love-Hatbox Sports Complex to the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in the downtown area. Honor Heights Park is home to three trails. The first is Stem Beach Trail, a 1.2-mile trail that loops around the park’s largest lake and includes a waterfront gazebo and fishing docks. The second is the Henry Bresser Nature Trail, a quarter-mile nature trail that goes through the woods and includes sitting areas and picnic tables. The third is the Audubon Trail, which is a half-mile long and popular among birdwatchers. Running and cycling trails are also available at Spaulding Park, Civitan Park and Robison Park. Baseball and Softball The main place in Muskogee for fun on the diamond is Love-Hatbox Sports Complex, which is home to 10 baseball
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Brooke Hall, left, is recreation manager for Muskogee Parks and Recreation. Doug Walton is the Healthy Living coordinator for Muskogee Health Department. fields, eight softball fields and several batting cages. There are a multitude of options available at Love-Hatbox for those who want to join a baseball, softball or adult softball league. The fields are often kept open at other times for those who just want to play some baseball or softball with their friends without joining a team. Grandview Park is a 29-acre complex that’s home to two softball fields and a play area that borders a creek. For those who just want a place to practice, Robison Park has a baseball practice area. Golf There are two places to go for a traditional round of golf. If you’re looking for a country club experience, look no further than the Muskogee Golf Club. If you don’t want to make that commitment and are looking for a daily fees
Cole Whitaker jumps toward the ball while playing tennis at Spaulding Park.
Health & Wellness course, Cobblestone Golf Course is the place to be. Perhaps, instead of traditional golf, you’re more interested in playing some disc golf. If that’s the case, Civitan Park has an 18-hole course that will be right up your alley.
Country Water Park is located on the edge of Love-Hatbox Sports Complex. The park doesn’t reopen until May 25, but when that time comes, you can experience its water slides, beaches and lazy river. Lifeguard training also is offered at the park. Spaulding Park is another place to Soccer and Footba ll check out if you’re looking for an outdoor As is the case with baseball and soft- public pool. ball, Love-Hatbox Sports Complex is the best place to play some soccer. The Baske tball massive complex has 13 soccer fields Just looking to shoot some hoops? — as well as two American football While there aren’t any indoor basketfields — available for use. If you want ball courts available to the public in to work on your soccer technique, play Muskogee, outdoor courts can be found a game with some friends or join the at many local parks. Muskogee Soccer Club, Love-Hatbox is Tennis a good place to kick it. Rooney Park and Robison Park also You’d be hard-pressed to find a more are home to soccer fields. scenic place to play tennis in Muskogee Swimming
Skyler White of Muskogee goes nearly horizontal as he wheels his skateboard around Midland Valley Skatepark.
Looking for a place to swim indoors and work on your technique, sign up for swimming classes or take a lifeguard certification course? Look no further than the Swim and Fitness Center located downtown. You can also book private and open pool parties to celebrate a special occasion. If you’re looking for more of an outdoor swimming experience, River
than Honor Heights Park, which is home to three tennis courts. If you’re looking for somewhere to play tennis that’s closer to downtown, however, Spaulding Park is the place to go. Skateboardi ng If you’ve been gifted with the coordination and skill to ride a skateboard and you’re looking for a place to ride with friends or do some tricks, there are two options for you in Muskogee. An outdoor skate park can be found at Love-Hatbox Sports Complex, while a smaller park can be found right on the edge of Robison Park. Weight and Fitness Tr ai ning Want to pump some iron or join a fitness program? A visit to or a membership with the Swim and Fitness Center might just be for you. There’s a gym in the complex where you can run on a treadmill or strengthen yourself through weightlifting. The Center offers customized programs, personal fitness evaluations and one-onone personal training. More into group fitness? The Swim and Fitness Center has plenty of options on the table for you, including water aerobics, Zumba, Aqua Zumba, Zumba Step, yoga, tai chi, JointFlex, Boxing Cardio Circuit, Combo Step Aerobics, strength and cardio, pilates, Hip Hop Fitness, and Tabata.
A class of 19 students take to the pool for the Aqua Zumba class at the Muskogee Swim and Fitness Center. The class, which meets three times a week, doesn’t have an age limit.
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Health & Wellness H e a lt h C a r e Fa c i l i t i e s Saint Fr ancis Muskogee Address: 300 Rockefeller Drive. Phone: (918) 682-5501. Saint Fr ancis Hospital Muskogee East Address: 2900 N. Main St. Phone: (918) 687-7777. Saint Francis Muskogee is made up of two hospitals and several Muskogee area clinics. The community hospitals, totaling 320 beds, serve a seven-county area and are one of Muskogee’s top employers. In April 2017, Eastar Health System and affiliated clinics became part of Saint Francis Health System. Along with Warren Clinic physician offices, Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee and Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee East provide area residents with quality care and expanding services. As part of Saint Francis Health System, patients in Muskogee and the
surrounding communities have access to continuum of care and services offered by eastern Oklahoma’s largest health care network. Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center Address: 1011 Honor Heights Drive. Phone: (918) 577-3000. The Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System consists of a Joint Commission accredited, complexity Level 2 medical center in Muskogee that serves veterans in 25 counties of eastern Oklahoma. The 89-bed facility offers primary and secondary levels of inpatient medical and surgical care, as well as an inpatient rehabilitation and inpatient behavioral health unit. As part of the Rocky Mountain Network (VISN 19), EOVAHCS has ready access to seven sister facilities for referral, although it uses the
Cherokee Nation Three Rivers Clinic performs more than 2 million outpatient visits.
Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center offers primary and secondary levels of inpatient medical and surgical care, as well as an inpatient rehabilitation and inpatient behavioral health unit.
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Health & Wellness
Saint Francis Muskogee is made up of two hospitals and several Muskogee area clinics. Oklahoma City VA Medical Center for the majority of its tertiary services. EOVAHCS also operates three community-based outpatient clinics that provide primary and consultative care in medicine, surgery and mental health in Tulsa, Hartshorne and Vinita. In addition, they operate a Behavioral Medicine Clinic in Muskogee that provides outpatient therapy for post-traumatic stress
disorder and substance abuse, and a Behavioral Medicine Clinic in Tulsa that provides outpatient mental health therapy and substance abuse treatment. Cherokee Nation Three Rivers Clinic Address: 1001 S. 41st St. E. Phone: (918) 781-6500.
Cherokee Nation Health Services, a division of Cherokee Nation, is a medical facility that provides nursing, nutritional, emergency medical, and behavioral and community health services. The center also offers treatment solutions for cancer and diabetes. Cherokee Nation Health Services performs more than 2 million outpatient visits. It works with communities, families and individuals. The
center additionally specializes in the areas of dentistry, radiology, optometry and tobacco cessation. Cherokee Nation Health Services provides the Healthy Nation Program. It also maintains a residential adolescent treatment center and offers disease prevention services. The center operates a WINGS Activity Club. Cherokee Nation Health Services also provides a cancer prevention program.
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Quality of Life M u s ko g e e C i t y Pa r k s Beckman Park North 16th Street and West Broadway.
Located in the heart of Founders Place Historic District, this 3.7acre neighborhood park has a new playground, splash pad and picnic shelter.
Bill Pool Park Gawf Lane and Foltz Lane.
This 2.5-acre park in Phoenix Village has picnic tables, a playground, and a basketball court.
Civitan Park 3301 Gibson St.
Daniel Boone’s son, Nathan, originally surveyed this 43-acre hillside park across the street from the Oklahoma School for the Blind. The eastern boundary of the park is the boundary of the Cherokee and Creek Nations. Amenities include a concrete trail that is .8 mile in length and is the meeting place for many regular park patrons. An 18-hole disc golf course is open to the public at no charge. There are picnic areas, playground, open play areas, and a historic shelter that is available by reservation.
Douglas-Maxey Park South Sixth Street and West Southside Boulevard
This 2-acre park was originally two separate parks. Now considered a single park, it has picnic areas, playground, open spaces, and a basketball court.
Visitors ride their bicyles around the pond at Honor Heights Park.
Honor Heights Park North Honor Heights Drive
Originally purchased by the City of Muskogee in 1909, Honor Heights Park has proven to be the “the crown Elliott Park jewel in Muskogee’s park system.” The idyllic setting of this 132-acre Altamont Street and Tower Hill park makes it attractive to visitors Boulevard One of Muskogee’s older historic year-round. There are many picnic parks, Elliott Park is situated on Tower areas, two picnic shelters, a pavilHill, the site of Muskogee’s first water ion, gazebos, and public restrooms. tower. This beautiful treed and terYou also will find activities such as raced 29-acre setting has picnic areas, fishing in five lakes and ponds from playgrounds, lighted basketball courts, a the shore of the fully accessible shelter that is available for reservation. fishing docks, playground, open play areas, three tennis courts, and a sand During summer days the sprayground, volleyball court. A splash pad located an interactive water playground, is in operation. next to the playground area is in operation May-September. HonGulick Park or Heights is home to three trails: Henry Bresser Nature Trail, the South Seventh and Elgin streets Audubon Trail, which is a favorite This 1-acre neighborhood park has of local birders, and the half-mile shaded picnic areas, playground, and Stem Beach Trail which is a habit open play areas.
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Cord Perry, 10, of Muskogee, fits inside a circular seat on a Civitan Park playground set.
Quality of Life of local runners and walkers. Also home to the Conard Rose Garden, the C. Clay Harrell Arboretum, Art Johnson Memorial Dogwood Collection, Elbert L. Little Jr. Native Tree Collection, azalea gardens, floral gardens, white garden, and at the top of Agency Hill, you will find the Rainbow Division Memorial Amphitheater. Honor Heights Park also is home to the city’s largest festivals: The Azalea Festival and The Garden of Lights.
Love-Hatbox Sports Complex/Hatbox Field 34th and Arline streets
This 60-acre site is formerly a historic airport that had seen the likes of such people as Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart. Newly expanded and developed over the last several years,
this complex is home to many leagues, tournaments, and individual users.
King Park Gibson Street and East Side Boulevard
Palmer Park Honor Heights Drive and Denison Street
Club, this 3.5-acre park is home to a newly renovated playground and splash pad, picnic areas, open play area, pavilion, and two basketball courts.
This 2-acre park is named after early Park Superintendent George Palmer. Spaulding Park You will find shaded and sunny picnic This fenced park has a shaded picnic areas, a playground, open play area, and East Okmulgee and East Side area, playground and an open play area. two fishing ponds. Boulevard This setting is home to 19 acres of Langston Park many amenities and some of the first Robison Park publicly planted trees in the city. There Euclid and Sandlow streets Augusta and Gulick streets This 2-acre park north of Shawnee are picnic areas, a playground, open This park offers a playground and Bypass has shaded picnic areas, a playplay areas, fully accessible swimming sprayground with picnic areas, basketground, an open area, and a basketball ball courts, baseball/softball practice facility, tennis courts, the asphalt court. multipurpose Spaulding Trail, a picnic area, and soccer goals. Walking trails shelter (reservations available), a and outdoor fitness equipment are Optimist Park gazebo surrounded by the water of available, as well. the park’s lake, two basketball courts, South F and Independence streets There is a shaded playground and Rotary Park a fishing dock, and public restrooms. picnic area in this 1.5-acre park. Located directly next to the Parks and South 24th and Elgin streets There is also a ballfield and an open Recreation Administration offices. Originally donated by the Rotary play area. Source: City of Muskogee
A family takes advantage of nice weather during an outing at Robison Park, where this gazebo provides a place to sit and relax.
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