Outlook 2014 muskogeephoenix.com
COMMUNITIES
Growing together
Photo illustration by Jerry Willis
Visions of a dynamic downtown Muskogee include a walkable corridor along Fourth Street that connects “a vibrant cultural district” with retail, dining, lodging and entertainment opportunities.
Chamber boosts business, tourism
City parks make improvements
MLK Center sees big changes coming
The Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce takes a lead role in a lot of areas, including supporting area businesses and promoting Muskogee tourism.
A five-year $2.5 million grant awarded by the City of Muskogee Foundation in 2011 has brought noticeable changes to the city’s parks.
The Martin Luther King Center focuses on the communities’ youth. Several programs have been added to the center, and major changes are on the horizon.
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Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014
Outlook 2014 Muskogee Phoenix
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Staff photos by Elizabeth Ridenour
Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Treasure McKenzie shows off some of the items available for purchase at the chamber. A variety of other items are being produced that will be for sale in the chamber.
Chamber boosts business, tourism By Elizabeth Ridenour Phoenix City Editor
Treasure McKenzie has a “Real. Okie.” passion for Muskogee. As president and chief executive officer of the Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce, her passion translates into a job requirement. “I’ve been at the Chamber for 13 years, and I’ve been the president for almost two years,” McKenzie said. “I have been able to witness change. I’ve seen this chamber grow to be a relevant and invaluable part of this community.” Muskogee’s chamber takes a lead role in a lot of areas. “The chamber does things that no other organization in town does,” she said. The chamber uses revenue generated by an 8 percent hotel and motel tax to promote Muskogee tourism. The 5 percent increase has nearly tripled the Chamber’s tourism budget. According to a 2011 report, tourism generated $79.35 million for Muskogee County, created 600 jobs, and added $9.33 million to payrolls. The report, McKenzie said, shows travel during the reporting period generated $4.6 million in state tax receipts and $1.9 million in local tax receipts, earning the county a ranking as the 11th in the state when it comes to generating travel dollars. McKenzie said tracking data compiled by the chamber shows 1.35 million visitors came to Muskogee in 2012. Each
Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce ADDRESS: 310 W. Broadway. HOURS: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. SERVICES OFFERED: The Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce is the unified voice of business dedicated to building and promoting a better business and community environment. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: Seven fulltime and one part-time. KEY PERSONNEL: Treasure McKenzie, president and chief executive officer; Alisha Tanksley, vice president of Chamber and Marketing; Anita Bucciarelli, director of Tourism and Marketing. BOARD OF DIRECTORS: 25 members on the Board of Directors. PHONE: (918) 6822401. EMAIL: info@muskogeechamber.org. WEBSITE: www.visitmuskogee.com.
visitor, she said, spends an average of $45 a day, and “that number triples if they spend the night.” The Chamber boasts a membership of 630. But, that’s not just Muskogee businesses. “Anybody can join the chamber,” McKenzie said. “We are the glue that holds businesses together. We connect commerce. The stronger the membership is, the better and more effective we can be.” Muskogee’s chamber is active in business development. The chamber and the city recently hired Retail Attractions, a consult-
ing firm that will actively recruit retail business. The chamber promotes tourism through advertising, networking, and hosting events like the Bassmaster fishing tournament and a national motocross event. The chamber holds community development programs. In addition to Leadership Muskogee, a Youth Leadership class is provided for area high school sophomores and juniors. Another leadership event, the Women’s Leadership Conference, also is an annual event. “It’s to help women to become stronger business leaders in the community,” McKenzie said. Recent projects are changing the face of Muskogee. “Progress sometimes looks like the Hunt’s building,” she said. The former Hunt’s store, which is directly across the street from the Chamber, is being demolished to make room for a green space. And progress also develops, she said, from the Action in Muskogee initiative, an initiative that has blossomed into many projects to improve Muskogee. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of the progress and watch it all unfold,” McKenzie said. “I can’t wait to see what Muskogee’s going to look like five years from today and 10 years from today.” Change already has been happening in the Chamber office. “We’ve expanded the chamber’s office to include a downstairs board room and the Okie store,” McKenzie said. The Okie store has Tshirts for sale, but they also plan to add additional items that promote the Muskogee brand — the Okie brand. “We’re working on getting our products developed,” McKenzie said. The Chamber also re-
Above: The Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce provides a variety of information to visitors about the area. Right: A banner from the 2008 Azalea Festival adorns the wall in the Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce.
cently presented a design for new signage to direct visitors to local attractions. Another project McKenzie hopes to see in the next few years is construction of a new tourism information center. The current building has no insulation, which makes it hot in the summer and cold in the winter. And for everyone who wants to know when Muskogee will get an Olive Garden restaurant, McKenzie said that until people shop local and quit spending money in other
cities, that will not happen. Potential new businesses want to know enough money is being spent here to make their move here worthwhile. “If you’re shopping out of town, our stores aren’t making the money for a new business to want to come here,” she said. “They’re looking at the bottom line we already have. They’re all looking at the sales we already have.” Reach Elizabeth Ridenour at (918) 684-2929 or eridenour@muskogee phoenix.com.
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Grant funds parks improvements By E.I. Hillin Phoenix Staff Writer
A five-year $2.5 million grant awarded by the City of Muskogee Foundation in 2011 has brought noticeable changes to the city’s parks. “We are in our third year,” said Mark Wilkerson, Parks and Recreation director. Several projects have seen positive responses in the past years. Wilkerson said the Parks and Recreation Department has made playground improvements a top priority over the last several years. Robison Park just finished its third phase of renovation. The park received an extension of the trail and the addition of the fitness equipment and the parking lot. The neighborhood now can access the splash pad, basketball courts and a soccer field at the park. “We’ve spent now over the last six or seven years in excess of $900,000. It’s really becoming noticeable to people,” Wilkerson said. Plans have been started for the design of a new skatepark in Robison Park. “It will be funded in part by the foundation money coming in the fourth year. Hopefully it will start in 2014, but we won’t have the money available until July,” Wilkerson said. Beckman Park received major upgrades, including a new splash pad and playground. “It’s a huge improvement,” Wilkerson said. New signs for all the parks are proof of the revitalization process. “One of the things that is happening in all of the parks is the new signs made with native stone. For me, that’s a huge difference. Those are beginning to appear all over town,” Wilkerson said. In the last budget year the city saw the arrival of community gardens at the teen center. The opening of one on Chandler Road is in the works, Wilkerson said. The Papilion, which features a garden and butterfly house, opened at Honor
Heights Park. “That was a five- or sixyear long project. Friends of Honor Heights, GeorgiaPacific and the City of Muskogee Foundation all helped to make that a reality,” Wilkerson said. “We finished our first year, and that was a tremendous success.” A grant to buy some additional adjacent property is in the future for Honor Heights. “Another huge improvement is we are building a new playground. It’s in the design process right now, and we hope that it’s built by summer this year,” Wilkerson said. The playground will be landscaped with elements of nature to accent the park. This year, a new addition to the park’s Garden of Lights Festival was an ice skating rink. The skating rink is a fixture and will return next year, Wilkerson said. “It met our expectations in regards to the traffic and the money.” A grant submitted recently includes three new components for Civitan Park. The plan to add a splash pad is in the works. There are several other projects that aren’t currently included in the five-year foundation money plan. A trail grant has been awarded to fund a new trail along Coody Creek. The grant also will benefit dog owners. The talk of having a dog park has circulated in the Parks and Recreation Department for some time, Wilkerson said. The issue was finding the right spot. The property along Coody Creek will fit the bill. The plans for the upgrade are projected to happen in 2014 or 2015. The Love-Hatbox Sports Complex property consists of 300 acres, and 120 acres has been developed, Wilkerson said. A water park was built on the property and has been a great success for Muskogee. It generates money and it serves as a tourist attraction. “Our proudest example most people look to is the water park,” Wilkerson
Muskogee Parks and Recreation ADDRESS: 837 E. Okmulgee Ave. HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 45 full-time employees, 25 part-time employees, and 125 seasonal employees. SERVICES OFFERED: Enriching the lives and meeting the recreational needs of Muskogee citizens. KEY PERSONNEL: Mark Wilkerson, director. PHONE: (918) 6846302. WEBSITE: www.cityofmuskogee.com.
said. The Love-Hatbox Sports Complex also is the site for another big future project for the Parks and Recreation Department. “What started this conversation was the desire to have a new expo fairground-type facility,” Wilkerson said. There has been a design prepared for that with a dirt floor arena. “This could be anywhere from $20 million on up,” Wilkerson said. In addition to the Expo center, there’s a proposal for an amphitheater with open areas for events. “We hope to some day have a music festival,” Wilkerson said. A plan to potentially modernize the Swim and Fitness Center is being discussed. Wilkerson said the proposal includes two gyms, an indoor walking track, and would double the center in square footage. The Muskogee Parks and Recreation Youth Volunteer Corps is a program that gives area youth the opportunity to participate in constructive and meaningful services to the community. “Our Youth Volunteer Corps was named the Chapter of the Year or National Affiliate of the Year. We are extremely proud of that accomplishment,” Wilkerson said. Reach E.I. Hillin at (918) 684-2926 or ehillin@ muskogeephoenix.com.
Phoenix file photo
Jaiden Alexander, 11, and Jessie Eatmond, 16, use HealthBeat exercise apparatus at Robison Park. The park just finished its third phase of renovation.
Staff photo by E.I. Hillin
Muskogee Parks and Recreation Department Director Mark Wilkerson says the department has made playground improvements a top priority over the last several years. A five-year, $2.5 million grant awarded by the City of Muskogee Foundation in 2011 has brought noticeable changes to the city’s parks. More improvements are expected in 2014.
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Staff photo by Anita Reding
Muskogee students Alexis Hamm, left, Kennedi Thompson, Anthony Jones, Anaria Barnes and Donae Williams run up the steps to the Martin Luther King Center. The students are participants in the after-school program at the center.
MLK Center focuses on youth By Anita Reding Phoenix Staff Writer
Several programs and services have been added to the Martin Luther King Center during the past few years, and major changes are on the horizon. “We focus on youth at this point,” with a variety of activities, said Derrick Reed, the center’s programs director. The 5,000-square-foot
facility also can be rented out for parties and other special events, he said. Each school day, school buses deliver students to the center, where they enjoy a Reed snack and receive help with their homework. For those students who don’t have homework
to complete, there are educational activities for them. “We cater to kids from all over the school district for first through eighth grades,” Reed said. Activities are held at the center all year. In the summer, “we’re a site for free summer lunches for youth,” he said. On Friday and Saturday nights in June and July, the center is the location for
Night Hoops. Outside, there are basketball games, tournaments, volleyball and Jupiter Jump. Inside, participants enjoy concessions, arts and crafts, movies and games. Open to youth and adults, Night Hoops averaged 300 nightly last summer, Reed said. The center’s programs are funded through the (See MLK, Page 5)
Martin Luther King Center ADDRESS: 627 N. Third St. HOURS: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; afterschool program is 3:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Special events on weekends. SERVICES OFFERED: After-school programs, special community events.
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: Eight. KEY PERSONNEL: Derrick Reed, programs coordinator. PHONE: (918) 684-6314. WEBSITE: www.cityofmuskogee.com (click on Parks and Recreation, Recreation Centers).
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City of Muskogee Foundation. Civic and church groups often use the building for meetings, and it is sometimes rented for special events, such as baby showers and family reunions. The programs at the center began four years ago, Reed said. Before that, the building was used just as a meeting place. “We’ve outgrown the space,” Reed said Plans are under way for a new 18,000-square-foot building to be constructed near the current location. The building will include classrooms, a large multipurpose room, a resource library, computer lab and conference rooms with dividers. The extra space will make it possible to conduct multiple events at the same time, he said. Cost for the project is $4.5 million. “At this moment, we are reaching out, seeking grants,” Reed said. The goal is to break ground in September and start construction of the new facility this year. A fundraiser gala was held last month. Many of the 400 who attended pledged to make donations toward the building costs, Reed said. The Muskogee Martin Luther King Task Force also will be requesting funds from the City of Muskogee Foundation and will attempt to seek approval from voters for capital improvement bonds, he said. One of the major goals for the next 10 years is “to better serve kids in the Muskogee area,” Reed said. More space at the center will make it possible to serve more children and have more events. Plans for the proposed new facility were designed after members of a task force received feedback from
Staff photos by Anita Reding
Deja Jones, 7, eats a snack during the after-school program at the Martin Luther King Center.
The building for the Martin Luther King Center has 5,000 square feet of space. The building is used for after-school programs, community events and meetings.
the kids and others who use involved in brainstorming Team,” Reed said. be the limit,” regarding Reach Anita Reding at the facility, plus a series of the plans began to refer to “We’re just dreaming big,” what services can be offered (918) 684-2903 or areding community meetings. Those themselves as the “Dream he said. “The sky’s going to to the community. @muskogeephoenix.com.
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Phoenix photo illustration by Jerry Willis
A walkable corridor is planned along Fourth Street to connect a cultural district including museums and a new Muskogee Little Theatre to Arrowhead Mall. Below: An artist’s conception of the planned Fourth Street corridor.
Corridor would boost downtown By D.E. Smoot Phoenix Staff Writer
Visions of a dynamic downtown Muskogee include a corridor along Fourth Street that connects “a vibrant cultural district” with retail, dining, lodging and entertainment opportunities. Plans for a Fourth Street corridor, identified by the Action in Muskogee initiative, is considered key to the success of its signature downtown projects. Most of those initial projects are designed to re-energize Muskogee’s downtown area. “The vision is to create an energetic, engaging downtown,” said AIM spokeswoman Kimbra Scott. It would be “anchored on one end by a vibrant cultural district and on the other by Arrowhead Mall with opportunities for retail, dining, lodging and entertainment in between.” Scott described the proposed Fourth Street corridor as key to “a downtown
development plan (that) will establish a framework for a development process both public and private.” AIM organizers see an improved Fourth Street “as an important pedestrian corridor linking many of the important features” in downtown Scott Muskogee. Those features, Scott said, would include the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and Muskogee Little Theatre as cultural hubs on the north and south ends. A proposed hotel and convention center would spur the development of entertainment and dining venues in between, while Arrowhead Mall would serve as a downtown retail center. Gary Sparks, a managing partner and co-founder of Tulsa-based architectural firm hired to conduct a (See CORRIDOR, Page 7)
Action in Muskogee ADDRESS: Muskogee Business Development, 216 W. Okmulgee Ave. HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. SERVICES OFFERED: The Muskogee City-County Port Authority’s business and economic development division works in partnership with the city of Muskogee to implement an economic development program designed to increase business investment and job opportunities in the Muskogee area. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: Port authority: 10; Muskogee Development: Three. KEY PERSONNEL: Scott Robinson, port authority director; Marie Synar, interim director of business development. PHONE: (918) 6827887. WEBSITE: www.muskogeedevelopment.org.
Outlook 2014
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Staff photo by Anita Reding
Joe Hester, dosimetrist, and Dr. Selam Negusse, a radiation oncologist, discuss a radiation treatment plan for one of EASTAR Health System’s patients.
EASTAR sees health care changes By Anita Reding Phoenix Staff Writer
EASTAR Health System has undergone many changes in the past 10 years, and more are expected during the next 10, said Tony Young, chief executive officer of EASTAR Health System. Young, who became EASTAR’s CEO in 2013, is looking to the future for EASTAR, which offers medical service Young at two locations — the Main Campus on Rockefeller Drive and the East Campus on Main Street. “What you saw in the last 10 years was a major shift to outpatient services,” Young said. That shift will continue with more and more medical treatment being provided on an out-patient basis, he added. The major changes during the past few years involved the merging of two hospitals and change of ownership of both. Muskogee Regional Medical Cen-
ter was previously cityowned. “The city fathers saw it was difficult to operate,” Young said. In 2007, the city entered into a long-term lease with Capella Healthcare, a company that owns and/or operates hospital facilities in six states. In 2009, a group of doctors formed Muskogee Community Hospital, which they operated until 2012. “Capella was asked to come in and consider a lease or purchase,” Young said. A lease was entered into, and Capella will be purchasing the facility this year, he said. EASTAR is a major employer in the area. Major capital projects in 2013 totaled $3,330,470, and the annual payroll was $57 million. Ninety-one volunteers provided 26,039 hours of service to patients and families last year. Also in 2013, EASTAR paid $4.5 million in property taxes and provided $25.5 million in uncompensated and charity care. Annual supplies purchased by EASTAR last year totaled $40
“In health care, if you are not open to change, you are not going to survive.” — Tony Young, chief executive officer of EASTAR Health System
million. New and or expanded services at the Main Campus last year included senior care (geriatric psychiatric) progressive care unit, obesity treatment center, physical medicine and rehabilitation, trauma center/Green Country Emergency physicians, and stroke center/neurology. New and or expanded services at the East Campus included Women’s and Children’s Center (including a special care nursery) a comprehensive breast care center, diagnostic imaging center, inpatient and outpatient surgical servic-
es, occupational medicine center and a sleep center. A full-service medical facility, EASTAR Health System also offers a cancer center, a cardiac catherization lab, cardiology services, home health, and an intensive care unit. The hospital has a threeyear plan in place, but does not have a plan beyond that. What will happen in the next 10 years in health care in general “is anybody’s guess,” Young said. “You just don’t know, with the technology, with medication.” Although specifics regarding changes and ad-
vancements in health care are difficult to determine, Young said, “I see this as a thriving regional hub for this part of the state” with good, broad health services. EASTAR will become a “regional health system” during the next 10 years, Young said. “We’re going to expand our services so there is no reason to go to Tulsa,” because the same quality of care will be available in Muskogee. Preventative medicine will also be a major focus. “We’re going to see hospitals and doctors partnering together” with more of a focus on “what can we do to improve the health of the community,” Young said. EASTAR is continuing to recruit physicians to continue to expand its services, Young said. And change is the key in preparing for the future, Young said. “The biggest way to be ready is to be open to change,” he said. “In health care, if you are not open to change, you are not going to survive.” Reach Anita Reding at (918) 684-2903 or areding @muskogeephoenix.com.
EASTAR Health System ADDRESS: Main Campus, 300 Rockefeller Drive; East Campus, 2900 N. Main St. HOURS: Main Campus open 24-hours daily. East Campus hours vary by service. SERVICES OFFERED: Variety of health services. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 870. KEY PERSONNEL: Administrative team: Tony Young, chief executive officer; Jay Gregory, MD, chief medical officer; James (Jim) Davidson, chief operating officer; Scott Bailey, chief financial officer; Deborah (Debbie) Kifer, RN, MSN, chief nursing officer; James (Jim) Wells, chief quality officer; Tracy Cox, physician recruiter; Dr. Dwayne Atwell, president of the medical staff; Mike Gilpin, director of marketing; Bill Peterson, human resources; and Delaine Bartsch, administrator of the women’s and children’s center. PHONE: Main Campus, (918) 682-5501. East Campus, (918) 687-7777. WEBSITE: www.eastarhealth.com.
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downtown engineering assessment, said the Fourth Street corridor was sparked by a previous study. He described that component as a “particularly unique part of the overall vision.” “We look at how far people are willing to walk, and this corridor is kind of like a mall,” Sparks said. “If you have one thing anchored at one end ... and another one at the other end, then you create a space available for other shops in between.” Lisa Wade, co-chairwoman of the AIM steering committee, said the study provided a map of present projects and others in the idea or planning stages that helped meld
the concepts that produced AIM’s signature projects. Being able to visualize those components sparked the idea for the Fourth Street corridor that would link Muskogee Little Theatre and the museum district to Arrowhead Mall and a new King Center. “With the creation of a walkable environment, our hope is there will be an increase in pedestrian traffic,” Scott said about the Fourth Street corridor. “That will not only lead to additional business development in downtown and stimulate the local economy, but it will also reinforce the sense that downtown is the heart and soul of our community.” Reach D.E. Smoot at (918) 684-2901 or dsmoot @muskogeephoenix.com.
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Building tomorrow
Staff photo by E.I. Hillin
Roger Kimball screws a panel back in place after performing maintenance on a plane at the Davis Field Airport. The airport offers maintenance and fuel to planes flying in and out of Muskogee. The airfield serves both business and the military.
Personalized care focus at VAMC
Hilldale Schools see steady growth
Downtown sees big changes
Many projects have been completed and more are planned at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center, but personalized care will remain a major focus.
Hilldale Public Schools officials are working to maintain the same steady growth the district has experienced over the past 10 years.
After 10 years, downtown Muskogee is the same place it’s always been — only vastly different.
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Personalized care focus at VAMC By Anita Reding Phoenix Staff Writer
Many projects have been completed the last 10 years and more are planned at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center, but the director said personalized care will remain a major focus. Director James R. Floyd is responsible for the overall operations of the medical center, but he said he enjoys going out in the hallways, and spending “one-on-one time” with veterans and their families. “You learn so much about them,” he said, as he finds out where they are from and helps them get to their destination in the hospital. He also said he also enjoys establishing long-term relationships with the veterans. Significant accomplishments during the past 10 years include: • 2004 — Added an additional 81 parking spaces. • 2006 — Officially changed the name of the facility to the Jack C. Montgomery Veterans Affairs Medical Center in honor of World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Jack C. Montgomery. • 2007 — Opened a new Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit; established prosthetics service; Floyd opened an optical shop for veterans and employees; established the Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Program to coordinate the care of veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. • 2008 — Opened a traumatic brain injury (TBI)/Polytrauma Support clinic. • 2009 — Opened an outpatient clinic in Vinita to treat veterans who live in Mayes, Craig, Ottawa, Nowata and Rogers counties. • 2011 — Established the Veterans Transportation Service for veterans with special needs and those without transportation to and from outpatient appointments; completed a
Staff photo by Anita Reding
Billie Waltz, a registered nurse, takes the blood pressure of veteran Donald Caffey of Keota. Waltz is a member of the Patient Alignment Center Team at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center. Caffey served two tours of duty in Vietnam with the U.S. Army.
$3.2 million renovation of the surgery suit; completed a new parking lot that added 87 parking spaces. • 2012 — Implemented free valet parking to veterans 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. • 2013 — Installed solar panels in three parking lots and over the hospital’s atrium; celebrated 90th anniversary; was recognized as a top performer on key health care quality measures for 2012 by The Joint Commission, an independent panel that accredits and certifies health care organizations; began using five Zenex disinfection systems, which work by pulsing zenon, an inert gas, twice a second at high intensity in an ultraviolet flashlamp; installed 18 self-service VetLink kiosks, which allow veterans to check in for appointments, view upcoming appointments, update personal information, review
insurance information and check their account balances; began offering on-site magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services. Several projects are being planned and are either in the design phase or the construction phase, said Amanda Riggs, chief of engineering service. A full facility stand-by generator will benefit the medical center and the community, Riggs said. “This is Riggs just to continue supporting our medical center in the event of a major disaster,” she said. The generator would make it possible for the medical center to continue operating. A storm shelter for patients and employees in the five small cottages across the street from the medical center also are being planned.
Another project is a parking garage which will go out for design this year. “We have been requesting funding for it for several years and just got funds for the design,” Riggs said. A security and surveillance package will be going out for design this year. With the package, the hospital will be “bringing up our current equipment to a better technological standard,” Riggs said. Other projects planned include an employee parking garage and renovation of inpatient wards. Both will be designed this year. During the next 10 years, the medical center will continue to keep up with the “changing initiatives of health care, in our perspective veterans health care in particular,” and Riggs’ department will support those initiatives, she said. Floyd said he is looking forward to the challenge of building and remodeling the infrastructure to adapt to new technology and main-
taining the historical significance of the facility during the next 10 years. Another 100,000 square feet is needed at the medical center, and the staff is looking at projects to add on space, he said. Maintaining the historical appearance of the outside of the building is important, he said. “It has memories for a lot of families who come here.” One of the major goals for the staff during the next 10 years is for the medical center to be a highly efficient facility, operating with as little operating expense as possible, in order to use the available money for the patients, he said. To help prepare for the future, the medical center now has a full-time planner. This will “position us to have a master plan for the campus ... facilitate better decision making in the future,” Floyd said. Reach Anita Reding at (918) 684-2903 or areding @muskogeephoenix.com.
Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center ADDRESS: 1011 Honor Heights Drive. HOURS: 24 hours/seven days a week. SERVICES OFFERED: In-patient and out-patient health services for approximately 38,000 enrolled veterans. In addition to the main facility in Muskogee, services are offered at three community-based outpatient clinics in Tulsa, Hartshorne and Vinita. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 1,200. KEY PERSONNEL: James R. Floyd, director; Richard L. Crockett, associate medical center director; Dr. Thomas D. Schneider, chief of staff; Bonnie Pierce, MSN, RN, associate director of Patient Care Services. PHONE: (918) 5773000, (888) 397-8387. WEBSITE: www.muskogee.va.gov
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Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding
Hilldale School Superintendent Dr. Kaylin Coody discusses school progress at a recent community forum. Such forums help the district plan for the future.
Hilldale Schools see steady growth By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer
Hilldale Public Schools officials are working to maintain the same steady growth the district has experienced over the past 10 years. They also seek to keep up with changes in technology and academic demands.
Assistant Superintendent Faye Garrison has seen such changes. Ten years ago, as principal at Hilldale Upper and Lower elementary schools, Garrison faced crowded classrooms and a change from half-day to full-day kindergarten. A successful bond issue solved that problem with additional kinder-
garten classrooms and other improvements in 2005, she said. “We have controlled our growth,” Garrison said, adding that the district has kept a firm grip on transfers. A $7.4 million bond issue passed in 2013 helps Hilldale keep up with growth. Framework has begun on
a new band room, which contractors say could be done by the start of the 2014-15 school year. Dirt work has begun on new kitchens and cafeterias for each campus. The band room and cafeterias also will feature safe rooms to protect students from se(See HILLDALE, Page 11)
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vere weather, said Superintendent Dr. Kaylin Coody. The bond issue also funds additional classrooms at the middle school, and parking lot and traffic flow improvements at the elementary school. Hilldale also has seen changes in technology, Garrison said. “We are working toward one-on-one computers,” she said, referring to programs in which each student has a laptop or tablet computer. “A couple of classes already are doing this,” Garrison said. Hilldale schools are progressing in other ways. “I’m very proud of our staff and our students,” Coody said. “We really have put a push on attendance. I am so proud to say our elementary school, first semester, had nearly 100 students with perfect attendance. When you think about the
weather we had and the illnesses we had, I think that’s pretty amazing.” In January, Hilldale Middle School was named a State School of Character for 2014, after receiving honorable mention in 2013. “Bottom line is are we teaching our students to take care of each other treat each other with dignity and respect,” Coody said. Officials are planning for continued growth over the next 10 years. “Our kindergarten classes are jam-packed; they are full to the gills,” Coody said. “Our ninth grade class is a huge class, the biggest one in the district.” Garrison said she anticipates eventually needing a bond issue for more elementary classrooms, maybe even a whole new elementary. Hilldale relies on parents, teachers and taxpayers to help chart its course for the future. Coody has encouraged such input through several community forums and online surveys. The forums
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Hilldale Public Schools ADDRESS: 500 E. Smith Ferry Road. SERVICES OFFERED: Education of students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,853 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 214. KEY PERSONNEL: Superintendent Dr. Kaylin Coody; Assistant Superintendents Faye Garrison and Erik Puckett. PHONE: (918) 683-0273. WEBSITE: www.hilldale.k12.ok.us.
not only include school updates and concerns, they allow patrons to share their desires and ideas. “It’s an opportunity for people to express and communicate their concerns,” Coody said after one forum held in late January. “We will use this information to guide us,” Coody said. “Some of their ideas are wonderful ideas, but we won’t be able to use them.
SCHOOLS: • Hilldale High School, 300 E. Smith Ferry Road, Principal Deborah Tennison, (918) 683-3253. • Hilldale Middle School, 400 E. Smith Ferry Road, Principal Darren Riddle, (918) 683-0763. • Hilldale Upper Elementary, 315 E. Peak Blvd., Principal Kair Ridenhour, (918) 683-1101. • Hilldale Lower Elementary, 3301 Grandview Park Blvd., Principal, Kair Ridenhour, (918) 683-9167.
But, it definitely helps us have long-term planning.” Garrison said she expects continued improvements in technology over the next 10 years. “If we had a money tree, I see definite growth in buildings and one-on-one technology.” Staff photos by Cathy Spaulding Reach Cathy Spaulding Workers fill a hopper with Quikrete as they work on a at (918) 684-2928 or band room addition at Hilldale Middle School and High cspaulding@muskogee School. It is part of a $7.4 million bond issue voters approved last March. phoenix.com. 021600354304
Discover Fort Gibson Oklahoma’s Oldest Town
Fort Gibson had other firsts, such as the first telephone, first drama theater, first steamboat land ing, first school for the blind, first highway to Fort Smith, the first interurban, which connected Fort Gibson to Muskogee, and one of the first post offices.
Outlook 2014 Muskogee Phoenix
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Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding
Traffic flows past signs of change in downtown Muskogee. The Surety Building, home of the former McEntee and Sons Jewelers has been converted into senior apartments while the former Hunts Department Store is under demolition.
Downtown sees big changes By Cathy Spaulding
it’s always been — only vastly different. Gone are the buildings After 10 years, downtown Muskogee is the same place that once housed the Bully Phoenix Staff Writer
Good Saddle Shop and Kress Department Store. The old Hunts Department Store is on its way toward
The Severs Block Builddemolition. Yet, residents living in ing on Broadway saw new life after bethe historic Manhattan, ing destroyed Surety and Doyal Bland by a fire in buildings can see what’s go2006. ing on downtown. The Ground floor Manhattan and Surety tenants now buildings, both built before include the 1920, and the Doyal Bland Davis Rustic Elebuilding have been converted into apartments over the gance shop and Dolce From Head 2 Toe salon. past 10 years.
Downtown Muskogee Inc. ADDRESS: 216 W. Okmulgee Ave. HOURS: No set hours. SERVICES OFFERED: To help individuals, businesses and building owners create and preserve an atmosphere where people want to live, work and play in downtown. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: One. KEY PERSONNEL: Lisa Susanne, executive director; Dan Chepkauskas, board president; Kamlesh Aggarwal, board vice president; Amber Crall, secretary; Roger Bell, treasurer. PHONE: (918) 6832400. WEBSITE: www.downtownmuskogee.com.
Michael Davis, owner of Square Deal Music, 212 W. Broadway, has watched the changes in downtown Muskogee. He said he sees one example across the street from the store in the You’ve Got to be Junking and Working Art Studio. He cited Studio Broadway, a business offering classes in acting and film-making, as (See DOWNTOWN, Page 13)
Outlook 2014 Muskogee Phoenix
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Staff photos by Cathy Spaulding
Traffic on Broadway passes the big windows of Dolce From Head 2 Toe salon as Ashley McGlothlin cuts Chris Emler’s hair. The salon is one of the key tenants of the historic Severs Block Building, a historic downtown Muskogee building restored in the past 10 years.
The entrance to Ricketts Piano Sales shows evidence of a former clothing store. Downtown preserves much of its retail history, even as other businesses come in.
Downtown Continued from Page 12
another example. “People are ready to help downtown and to see it revitalize,” Davis said. “I’d love to see more improvement.” Downtown Muskogee Inc. guided much of downtown’s development and preservation since 2008. The organization is part of Oklahoma’s Main Street Program, a state agency dedicated to building business and preserving history in the heart of cities across the state. Muskogee wasted little time getting its program going. In 2011, the Oklahoma Main Street Center recognized Downtown Muskogee Inc., for getting at least $5 million in private and public money invested into downtown projects in only three years since it began in 2008. Lisa Susanne has been executive director of Downtown Muskogee Inc. since August. She said she’s working with a new board
with new officers. “We are poised now to be taking more of a leadership role in downtown preservation and revitalization,” Susanne said. “By definition, that’s the whole reason the Main Street program was created.” Susanne said preservation “enhances the flavor of a community.” Pat Curtis, owner of Ricketts Piano Sales, 407 W. Broadway, said he has enjoyed the downtown location. “This is old town,” Curtis said. “Rent is reasonable. We’ve been at this location since who knows when.” Several restaurants, bars and cafes — including Max’s Garage, 112 N. Main St., Pisano’s Pizza , 102 N. Second St., and Sweet-nSassy Baking, 126 S. Main St. — beckon people to eat and unwind. Downtown Muskogee already is a job hub, Susanne said. “Several thousand people a day work here,” Susanne said, listing the VA Regional Office and Muskogee Public Schools among larger employers. Susanne said that 10
years from now, “we expect to be a very different landscape.” The Action in Muskogee initiative will help reach this goal, she said. “A centerpiece of the AIM program is downtown preservation, book-ended by the new Martin Luther King Center and the new Muskogee Little Theatre,” she said. Encouraging more people to live downtown is another goal, Susanne said. “We must look beyond low-income senior housing,” she said. “We need to appeal to a demographic that wants to live downtown that has access to restaurants and entertainment
The historic Surety Building has been converted into apartments.
here.” Downtown Muskogee Inc. is poised to help the AIM initiative make the goal come true, Susanne said. “We have a new staff and new board members in place, a fresh set of people at the helm,” she said. “We have a fresh, enthusiastic group of people.” Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogee phoenix.com.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 021600354404
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Staff photo by E.I. Hillin
Roger Kimball screws a panel back in place after performing maintenance on a plane at the Davis Field Airport. The airport offers maintenance and fuel to planes flying in and out of Muskogee.
Airfield key for business, military By E.I. Hillin Phoenix Staff Writer
Davis Field Airport has been providing service to the Muskogee area since 1942. It originated as a military airport to provide ground air support, and today it serves a multitude of purposes. “On any given day the mission of the airport may change and take on other responsibilities along with the flying mission,” said Garry Lynn, Davis Field Airport manager. The airport’s capabilities include handling airlinesize aircraft as well as heavy air traffic. In 2013, Davis Field was used for a variety of city and private functions. “The airport has acted as a forward operating base for the Oklahoma State
Emergency Management folks as well as Federal Emergency Management entities during the ice storm in early December,” Lynn said. The city of Muskogee owns Davis Field Airport. Lynn said they frequently receive corporate and general aviation aircraft that conduct business with the city. Davis Field also provides a shelter for private aircraft. A private hangar park is available for clients to lease property from the city and build a larger hangar to house their aircraft. “It is very important that businesses can visit their assets in a timely manner, and having an airport that can handle corporate jets or other business aircraft is a plus,” Lynn said. The airport often works
with ambulatory medical patients that arrive and depart by air. Flight instruction is also available at the airport from Davis Field Aviation. The airport is used as a host to a squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. The patrol participates in search-andrescue missions. Five people are employed at the fixed base operation, and one full-time city employee manages the airport. The airport staff offer many services, including maintenance, avionics and fuel for aviation customers. “The city has a T-hangar complex that will shelter 34 small general aviation aircraft,” Lynn said. New additions and projects have been in the works during the past year at the airport. A new terminal has
opened as of late July for customer use. Upgraded taxiway lighting will serve as visual approach aids. “The airport staff is in the process of closing out a nearly $2.3 million taxiway rehabilitation rejuvenating a 50-plus-year-old taxiway system,” Lynn said. Safety is a top priority for the staff at Davis Field. Renovations are being constructed to keep guests safe and happy for return visits. “Staff is working with engineers to do some major repairs to the secondary runway in 2014-2015 and then a rejuvenation project for the primary runway in 2016-2017,” Lynn said. Global Positioning Systems, or GPS, approaches are now available to four runways making it easier
to find the airport in severe weather conditions. Military remains firmly rooted in Davis Field Airport. “A $23 million Armed Forces Reserve Center has been built on airport property that the city of Muskogee has deeded to the Oklahoma Military Department which reflects the City of Muskogee’s long-time commitment to the military,” Lynn said. In the next five to 10 years the staff would like to provide a flight school. “Our hope is to try to lure aviation businesses to the airport and develop some of the 1,600 acres that makes up the property,” Lynn said. The future of Davis Field Airport continues to be a positive moving force. Lynn said the main goal is to keep it active.
Davis Field Airport ADDRESS: 1200 Sabre St. HOURS: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: Six. KEY PERSONNEL: Public Works Director Mike Stewart and Airport Manager Garry Lynn. PHONE: (918)6846333. WEBSITE: www.muskogeeport.com/i ndex.php/transportation/d avis_airport
“As the ever-shrinking monies are available to smaller airports, activity is the key to continued funding sources that are so important to the airports continued operation.” Reach E.I. Hillin at (918) 684-2926 or ehillin @muskogeephoenix.com.
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NURSING HOMES Caring for others... Caring for others...
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