COMMUNITIES
Outlook 2013
Improving lives
Submitted photo
Connors State College nursing students Brandy Israel, left, and Noah Morgan work in a laboratory setting. The students are recipients of the Muskogee Difference Healthcare Scholarship, a two-year commitment by the City of Muskogee Foundation worth $300,000.
Tahlequah offers something for all
Wagoner is growing community
Eufaula experiences renaissance
Tahlequah is a growing, vibrant town with something to offer everyone, Mayor Jason Nichols said.
Wagoner Mayor James Jennings is excited to see Wagoner growing as it comes out of the state’s recent economic problems.
Cradled between the North and South Canadian rivers and the shores of Oklahoma’s largest lake, the city of Eufaula is experiencing a renaissance of sorts.
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Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Outlook 2013 Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Page 2
Foundation seeks to boost quality of life By D.E. Smoot Phoenix Staff Writer
City of Muskogee Foundation staffers and board members continued efforts in 2012 to improve the quality of life for Muskogee residents and plan to expand its reach this year. Possibly its biggest initiative this past year was the commitment to a comprehensive scholarship for Connors State College allied health and nursing students who promise to work locally. The program is part of the foundation’s focus on education and empowerment. Grants Administrator D.J. Thompson said the foundation made a twoyear commitment to the scholarship program worth up to $300,000. The Muskogee Difference Healthcare Scholarship, launched during the most recent fall semester, attracted 46 applicants. Connors State College President Tim Faltyn described the foundationbacked program as “the first of its kind.” The scholarship program also is the largest in the college’s history. “Muskogee is a natural fit for a scholarship of this nature considering the high concentration of health care facilities in the city,” Faltyn said. “MDHS is the first of its kind and unlike any other program in the state, and we are honored to be a part of it.” Thompson cited two examples of how the scholarship program is making a difference already. She said a young mother working at a local restaurant learned about the opportunity to pursue a nursing career while serving Mayor Bob
Phoenix file photo
St. Joseph Catholic School students Alicia Bravo, left, Jack Richardson and Dylan Le bounce on a three-person seesaw while classmates in the background run on a log-roll. The equipment is part of the school’s community fitness trail. The City of Muskogee Foundation helped fund the project.
Coburn. After sharing her dreams of becoming a nurse, Coburn told her about the scholarship program. Thompson said the woman is attending Connors this semester with the help of foundation funds. Prince Barnes, a cancer survivor and kidney trans-
plant recipient who works at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center, learned about the opportunity to study nursing at Connors. Thompson said Barnes qualified for a full gap scholarship, which covered his tuition, fees and books for the spring semester.
“I feel deeply that I have been given a new lease on life,” Barnes told foundation officials. “I am positive that nursing is my calling, and I feel that I am positively doing something to help my community.” The foundation’s $2.5 million pledge to renovate
and restore each of the city’s 22 parks, a five-year commitment, is part of its focus on Muskogee’s quality of life. Thompson said the parks department’s mission to “enhance the quality of life ... by providing the best possible recreational facilities, open nat-
ural spaces and programs,” is one shared by the foundation. Major accomplishments at parks chalked up so far include the addition of four new basketball courts and new picnic shelters at Ro(See EFFORTS, Page 9)
Muskogee provides great opportunities By D.E. Smoot Phoenix Staff Writer
Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding
The front window of The Twig gelato store gives Becky Partain and her 10-year-old son Cruz a great view of downtown Tahlequah activity. The town boasts an active restaurant scene just south of the Northeastern State University Campus.
Mayor: Tahlequah has something for everyone By Dylan Goforth Phoenix Staff Writer
Tahlequah is a growing, vibrant town with something to offer everyone, Mayor Jason Nichols said. Nearby lakes and rivers provide ample opportunity for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Northeastern State University, which is experiencing its own transformation, keeps a steady flow of young people into the town of more than 16,000 residents. The Cherokee Nation houses its capitol building in Tahlequah, adding a splash of cultural diversity to the town. And, with numerous retirement homes, Tahlequah provides services and programs for the elderly, as well. “We’ve got a lot of natural beauty here,” Nichols said. “And the Cherokee Nation adds variety that you would-
n’t normally find in a community this size. “We have a low cost of living, it’s a safe community, it attracts students and retirees. You can’t find that in many communities our size.” And Tahlequah keeps growing. In 2000, the U.S. Census showed the town’s population at 14,458. The most recent numbers, from 2011, peg the current population at 16,021. To match that growth, the town recently passed a $21 million sales tax. More than half the money will go to fix roads, a project Nichols called “essential.” The rest of the money will be spread out to various capital improvement plans throughout the town. “We recovered quickly from the recession because of the prudent background of our citizens,” Nichols said. “And things are looking good for Tahlequah right now.” As for the Cherokee Na-
City of Tahlequah ADDRESS: 111 S. Cherokee Ave. HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. SERVICES OFFERED: Municipal governmental services. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 179. KEY PERSONNEL: Jason Nichols, mayor; Mike Corn, street commissioner; Lanny Williams, treasurer; Deb Corn, city clerk; Clay Mahaney, police chief. PHONE: (918) 4560651. WEBSITE: www.cityoftahlequah.com
tion, one of their largest projects is transforming part of downtown Tahlequah. The Cherokee Nation Capitol building is being restored to look more like it appeared in the 1800s. The building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in
1869, and now houses the judicial branch of the Cherokee Nation’s government. Cherokee Nation officials have said the restoration will include roof repairs with new decking and historic era shingles, restoration of soffits and fascia, a new gutter system and a cupola “replicated to the building’s late 1800s appearance,” as well as new doors, windows and a back porch. Financing for the restoration was paid for in part with federal funds from the Save America’s Treasures program. Work on the building began in January and is expected to be complete by this summer. To track the construction’s progress, the Cherokee Nation has set up a website (http://www.cherokeetourismok.com) full of photos and information. David Moore, executive director for the Tahlequah area Chamber of Commerce, (See CITY, Page 9)
Muskogee’s origins sprang from its roots as a trading hub in the Indian Territory near the confluence of three major rivers that flow through northeastern Oklahoma. It grew as a center of commerce along with the railroads that began to criss-cross the region as the state was opened for settlement. U.S. Census data show the city’s population began to shrink in 1980, when its population peaked at about 40,000. By 1990, the number of residents dropped to about 37,700. Since then the city has experienced slow, but steady, growth in its numbers. By 2011, Muskogee’s population was just about 700 people shy of the 40,000 mark. With continued investments in its infrastructure and its parks, along with a significant investment in economic development, city officials remain confident Muskogee’s glory days may be just around the corner. “Muskogee provides such great opportunities — if it hadn’t been for the economy dipping down and the recession, we would have seen a lot more growth and economic activity,” said City Manager Greg Buckley. “We were right there, poised for growth, when everything collapsed. We are seeing some of that come back now, so we are positive and poised to continue to do great things.” Buckley said the recent engagement of residents participating with the Action in Muskogee initiative signals the beginning of good things to come. The AIM initiative was launched last year by economic development experts with the Muskogee City-
City of Muskogee ADDRESS: Muskogee Municipal Building, 229 W. Okmulgee Ave. HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. SERVICES OFFERED: Municipal governmental services. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: About 450. KEY PERSONNEL: City Manager Greg Buckley. PHONE: (918) 6846201. WEBSITE: www.cityofmuskogee.com
County Port Authority as a way to identify and address ways to improve the community. The visioning sessions drew hundreds of participants, who identified eight issues that need to be addressed. Committees made up of residents and experts with working knowledge of the subjects will devise plans to address those issues, which range from educational excellence and public safety to community pride and infrastructure. Connors State College President Tim Faltyn, chairman of the AIM steering committee, stated in a letter to participants “There is no limit to what we can accomplish as long as we stay together and keep moving in the direction of our goal to strengthen our community.” The city invested $600,000 this year in economic development. Buckley said business retention and recruitment efforts have “been very successful.” His assessment is based upon the number of contacts being made through outreach efforts and job retention and expansion of companies already here. “It could take up to five years from the point of an initial contact at a trade (See BUCKLEY, Page 9)
Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Outlook 2013 Page 3
Fort Gibson completes several projects By Wendy Burton Phoenix Staff Writer
FORT GIBSON — Fort Gibson saw several big projects come to fruition in 2012, and officials look forward to several more this year. Mayor Steven Hill said major accomplishments — particularly in infrastructure last year — were a skate park and splash pad, new aeration system at the sewage plant and downtown sidewalk and light project. Of those projects, the town incurred debt only on the aeration system — a $980,000 loan through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board with 15 percent debt forgiveness, because Jay Updike got the project certified as a green project. Fort Gibson Municipal Park, a $471,828 project, was funded through grants and donated work and funds, and the $523,000 Downtown Enhancement Project was funded through grants as well. Nancy Skidmore, with Clothern CPA, which did the town’s 2011-2012 audit, recently told Fort Gibson’s Board of Trustees “It is an amazing feat for a town this size, and the only debt you incurred was for the aerator project. I think you guys have done very well.” Hill said though the new aeration system incurred debt, it “was a major energy savings for the town.” The town also put the sports complex out for bid Dec. 19. Zenith Construction of Tahlequah was recently awarded the $523,000 bid. Work on soccer fields, concession stands and more is slated to begin soon with a project completion date be-
Town of Fort Gibson NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 34 full-time, 13 part-time. KEY PERSONNEL: Mayor Steven Hill, Trustees Brad Clinkenbeard, Myra Cookson, Theda Rowan and Jim Huggins. Town Attorney Forney Sandlin, Town Administrator Kathryn Carson, Clerk/Treasurer Debby Daniels. ANNUAL BUDGET: Approximately $1.7 million. POPULATION: 4,154, according to 2010 US Census. PHONE: (918) 4783551.
fore soccer season starts in the fall. The town hired a new police chief in July. Chief Clint Vernon has since hired reserve officers, updated employee handbooks, upgraded equipment and more. Completion of the first phase of the sports complex and replacement of several streets on the east side of town are projects to look forward to in 2013, Hill said. Work recently began to replace Boydstun, Walnut and Pierce streets — areas with pitted surfaces and drainage problems. The $543,860 project is funded by the Street and Alley Sales Tax and State Collections Sales Tax. Additionally, the town recently purchased the Old Town Mall on Poplar Street with hopes of using the property for a flood control project and possibly using it for a public park area as well — though there aren’t plans or funding in place to begin the project the Board of Trustees eventually settles on in 2013. Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton @muskogeephoenix.com.
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Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
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Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
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Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
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Muskogee Phoenix
Outlook 2013
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Page 7
Wagoner grows By Dylan Goforth Phoenix Staff Writer
WAGONER — Wagoner Mayor James Jennings is excited to see Wagoner growing as it comes out of the state’s recent economic problems. “I can’t say enough about how hard the city workers worked to get us through the tough times,” Jennings said. “And now we’re starting to reap the benefits.” Darla Heller, who works for the Wagoner County Economic Development Authority, said Wagoner is considered prime real estate for retail shops. “We’ve done some research for the community to help them locate retail inside the city limits,” Heller said. “We’ve found that Wagoner’s trade area is about the same as Coweta, even though Coweta is larger, because Broken Arrow pulls customers from Coweta.” According to 2011 census data, Wagoner has 8,436 residents, while Coweta has 9,505 residents. “It’s exciting for Wagoner,” Heller said. “It looks really good.” Orscheln Farm and Home, a store that supplies farm and wildlife supplies, as well as clothing, footwear, lawn and garden and pet supplies is opening up a store in Wagoner this spring. The store, which will be
City of Wagoner ADDRESS: 231 Church St. HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. SERVICES OFFERED: Municipal governmental services. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 128 employees. KEY PERSONNEL: James Jennings, mayor; Dwayne Elam, utilities director, Larry Morgan, city superintendent. PHONE: (918) 4854586. WEBSITE: www.wagonercity.com
more than 35,000 square feet, will be located at 1207 W. Cherokee St. “We feel the Wagoner community will be a great addition to our company, and we are excited about the new store there,” Orscheln Director of Operations Dave Hult said in a media release. Orscheln has more than 200 locations across the United States. Jennings also noted Wagoner’s industrial board is looking to develop a new industrial park. “We’re going to work hard to lure some new industry to Wagoner,” Jennings said. “And in the next six months to a year, we expect retail will see a big boom. It’s a very exciting time to be in Wagoner.” Wagoner City Superintendent Larry Morgan said the town is exploring the possibility of expand-
ing to its already large youth sports program. “We have so many children in our leagues now, that the fields are kind of full,” Morgan said. “It’s a good sign for Wagoner that we have so many active kids in the youth age group.” Morgan said the current complex in Maple Park is being outgrown. The ideas vary from a complex featuring one individual sport, or a multisport area featuring fields for all sports. “We have a lot of interest in it, and we’re short on fields in all areas and all sports,” Morgan said. “There is a definite need for new fields. We’ve gotten lots of support from the community and some good ideas. We’re going to try to pull from all of them and try to make everybody happy.” Wagoner Youth Football President Ron Moore has seen the need for new facilities first-hand. “We had pitched some ideas to some of the councilmen, “ Moore said. “You know, we talked about how Muskogee has (the LoveHatbox Sports Complex). I’d actually drawn something up myself, drawn up a print of a location right behind Walmart. “What I had drawn up had baseball, soccer and a gym where you could house youth wrestling and basketball.” Moore said he would like
Staff photo by D.E. Smoot
Andy Scroggins, an employee of PT Enterprises of Tulsa, hangs a piece of metal trim on what will be the entrance to the new Orscheln Farm & Home store in Wagoner. The store, which sell farm and wildlife supplies along with other goods, is scheduled to open this spring at 1207 W. Cherokee St.
the town to let the youth organizations help design the new facilities. “As far as youth football goes, we’ve been raising
money ourselves for a long time,” Moore said. “We could probably fund a building ourselves. Let us help, and it wouldn’t just
be a city funded thing. That’s my spin on it.” Reach Dylan Goforth at (918) 684-2903 or dgoforth @muskogeephoenix.com.
Checotah mayor: 2012 was good, 2013 is promising Sales taxes up; city needs more housing By Wendy Burton Phoenix Staff Writer
City of Checotah
Rick McAdoo, left, and Jon Foreman assemble a model airplane at a new flying field located in Checotah’s city recreation area. The recreation area, located in the north part of town, boasts a softball and baseball field, driving range, jogging trail and a place where people can fly model airplanes.
“We just received a grant from EODD (Eastern Oklahoma Development District) through the Department of Commerce, which will go toward improving more of our water and sewer lines this year,” Sanders said. Nichols said the city replaced three or four miles of sewer line in 2012, and this year they are working on dropping cameras into existing lines to check for blockages and breaks. “Our latest grant was to replace water lines from U.S. 69 down to the South Main Street area,” Nichols said. “We will replace the old lines that have been damaged and are busting all the time and hopefully, give people more water pressure down in the southeast area of city.” Nichols also said business growth is looking promising. “Downtown is doing pretty well the last couple of years,” he said.
“Most of our commercial spaces are filling up, and that says we’re doing better — that’s a good thing to have.” The city’s recreation area on the north edge of city is much improved, the mayor said. “It’d been there for about four or five years before I got here, but all that was out there was a baseball field and a grown-up pasture,” Nichols said. “We’ve got it all cleaned up, and with the baseball park, driving range and walking trail, plus volleyball, it’s just benefited the city so much. I see plenty of people out there using it every day.” The city plans to work with area tribes on expanding and lengthening the existing walking trail and talk about possibly adding disc golf, he said. Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton @muskogeephoenix.com.
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than we have houses.” Checotah has 1,528 total housing units, according to the U.S. Census Bureau 2010 Quickfacts guide. Of those, 540 are renter-occupied. Financially, the city is “holding its own,” said Finance Director Betty Sanders. “This time in fiscal year 2011-2012, the amount available for appropriations was $15.3 million,” Sanders said. “This year we have $17.5 million.” “We have been very cautious about purchasing large-ticket items, plus, our sales tax is somewhat better,” Sanders said. “The total amount of available appropriations this year over last year is 7.61 percent, so we’re doing well keeping our budget under control.” Major projects under way for 2013 include a continuation of replacing existing 100-year-old sewer and water lines.
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POPULATION: 3,335, according to 2010 U.S. Census. ANNUAL BUDGET: 2012-2013 $17.5 million. KEY PERSONNEL: Mayor Marvin Nichols, Finance Director Betty Sanders, Utility Director Rick Cox, Maintenance Director Danny Hale. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 51. WEBSITE: www.checotah.net PHONE NUMBER: (918) 473-5411. HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding
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CHECOTAH — City of Checotah officials say they’ve seen a good year in 2012, and 2013 continues to look promising. “All in all, we’re doing pretty good for a small city,” said Mayor Marvin Nichols. Sales taxes are up 1.79 percent compared to January last year, and monies available for appropriation are also up. Some major sewer line projects were completed in 2012, and more will be completed in 2013, he Nichols said. The city also seems to be growing, Nichols said. According to the 2010 Census, the population is at 3,335; a 4.19 percent loss since the 2000 Census, but an increase over the last few years. Nichols said the city needs more housing and hopes to see new building construction grow in 2013. “We need more housing here because we do have people moving in all the time,” Nichols said. “Judging by rental waiting lists, we evidently have more people that need them
Outlook 2013
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Muskogee Phoenix
Page 8
Eufaula experiences renaissance By D.E. Smoot Phoenix Staff Writer
Cradled between the arms of the North and South Canadian rivers and the shores of Oklahoma’s largest lake, the city of Eufaula is experiencing a renaissance of sorts. The city of 2,813 is located in McIntosh County with about 20,360 yearround residents, but the population of each swells during the tourist season. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials in Tulsa say Lake Eufaula attracted nearly 2.85 million visitors in 2011. Mayor Selina Jayne-Dornan said one of her main goals during the first half of her tenure has been to upgrade Eufaula’s infrastructure. But she also has assembled a group of volunteers to help improve the city’s appearance. “I really believe in first impressions, so we have been trying to spruce the place up with new signage around town and keeping the litter picked up,” JayneDornan said. “We have a great bunch of volunteers. When you have a small crew and you’re not able to hire more people, especially in a tourist town like ours, it is really nice to have that extra help.” Besides keeping the city looking nice, the city has continued to chip away at infrastructural improvements under Jayne-Dornan’s leadership the past two years. Much of the work has included a renovation and expansion of the city’s wastewater treatment plant and the replace-
Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding
Workers install an 18-inch line as part of the city of Eufaula’s wastewater expansion project. The project is south of the city.
ment of old sewer lines. “We had to tear up some of the streets — and we hear about that — but we did get some of the oldest lines replaced,” Jayne-Dornan said about the sewer line replacement projects. “The bad thing is, we have had some water line breaks because of the drought, which causes the earth to move and the lines to break.” The wastewater treatment plant and sewer line
upgrades were mandated by a consent order issued by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. The agency ordered improvements be made to the city’s antiquated wastewater treatment plant as a way to address inflow at the facility and sanitary sewer overflows. The wastewater treatment plant expansion project includes the construction of a new aeration basin and a flow-equalization
basin, a new clarifier, an aerobic digester and additional drying beds. The work, which is expected to be completed by the end of May, also includes the modification of the existing headworks and the construction of a new sewage lift station and replacement of some sewer mains. The projects, which cost more than $4 million, were funded with a low-interest loan from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
Jayne-Dornan pushed through a 20-year extension of a half-cent sales tax to repay the loan and “avoid huge rate increases.” While the sewer upgrades are critical components for future growth and environmental compliance, Jayne-Dornan said one of the recently completed projects of which she is most proud involved Eu-
City of Eufaula ADDRESS: 64 Memorial Drive, Eufaula. HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. SERVICES OFFERED: Municipal government services. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: About 35. KEY PERSONNEL: Mayor Selina Jayne-Dornan PHONE: (918) 6892534. WEBSITE: www.cityofeufaulaok.com
(See MAYOR, Page 9)
Port moves more steel in 2012 By Wendy Burton Phoenix Staff Writer
Though 2012 wasn’t a perfect year in terms of tonnage for the Port of Muskogee, 2013 is looking pretty good, officials said. Port Director Scott Robinson said tonnage, how much goods are transported by barge either to or from the port, was down overall about 17 percent in 2012, with about 3 percent of that inbound tonnage. There were several factors involved, he said, including that 2011 was a record year for the port, and some entities that ship out of the port weren’t as actively shipping as normal in 2012 for different reasons. However, Robinson said there has been some prom-
ising developments in port operations, and steel tonnage was up overall, he said. “Anytime I see an increase in steel tonnage, I’m encouraged,” Robinson said. “We were up 25 percent in that area.” Businesses such as Paragon Industries in Sapulpa use the port to transport metal that is too heavy to put on a truck, he said. Paragon has a facility at the Port of Muskogee where they unload heavy coils and divide them into manageable sizes for shipping from there. Additionally, some new shipping business has come the port’s way, and a rail project promises to bring even more, Robinson said. The Port of Muskogee
doesn’t do much traffic in the way of produce or agriculture in general, he said, because most agricultural products ship out of a port north of St. Louis. However, the drought of recent years has sent producers up north looking for somewhere farther down the river to ship from because of low water in the Upper Mississippi River that doesn’t allow industries to fully load barges. That situation brought soybean meal to the port by rail recently, where it is sent to the gulf by way of the Port of Muskogee, Robinson said. “It’s almost a newfound piece of business for us, but will it remain?” he said. “Some shippers have already gone back to shipping from St. Louis be022400354302
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Rail cars are used by V&M TCA at the Port of Muskogee. The port saw a 29 percent increase in rail tonnage in 2012, and upcoming projects to expand the rail yard are key in developing more industry at the port, officials say.
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cause the situation is becoming resolved, but others saw how well this works and consider us another option, which is great for the port.” In 2012, the Port of Muskogee completed a years-long development project of about 100 acres of land that wasn’t previously suited for development. Over the last two years and with about $2 million, the port has moved a lot of
dirt to change the base flood elevation of the land, added drainage to the properties and done some road expansion, Robinson said. “Since 1992 or so we have acquired 57 properties,” he said. “We should close on the last property some time next week, and we’ll then have everything there ready and waiting for new industries.” The Port of Muskogee also is in the next phase of a
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Port of Muskogee KEY PERSONNEL: Scott Robinson, port director; Dave Davis, special projects coordinator; Lewis McLemore, operations manager; Kim ManardHenkelman, maintenance supervisor; and Jan Davis, executive secretary. INDUSTRIES: There are 17 companies operating at the Port of Muskogee and Port of Muskogee Industrial Parks, including asphalt, scrap steel, cargo handling, steel processing, animal feed, pipe, ceramic tile and other industries. ADDRESS: 4901 Harold Scoggins Drive. PHONE: (918) 6827886. WEBSITE: www.muskogeeport.com
project to expand rail service at the port. In mid-December, the Muskogee City-County Port Authority approved a resolution to seek financing from the Economic Development Administration to help pay for improvements to its rail marshaling yard. “We’re hoping a piece will be done in the first half of this year,” he said. “All of this will give us a more fantastic rail delivery system. And I think it will lead to a major investment in the properties the rail has improved.” Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton @muskogeephoenix.com.
Muskogee Phoenix
Outlook 2013
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Page 9
Efforts geared toward ‘capacity building’ Continued from Page 2
tary and Ruby parks and a new splash pad at Rotary Park. Thompson included the construction of seven new playgrounds, new community gardens at the Martin Luther King Center and Civitan Park, the renovation of the Spaulding Park pond, and the construction of the Honor Heights Park Butterfly and Teaching Gardens as other major accomplishments. Parks and Recreation Director Mark Wilkerson said the improvements made to the city’s parks creates a source of pride for Muskogee’s neighborhoods. The parks, he said, are common spaces “that bring neighbors together.” “I think you can point to that as a reason why the foundation chose to fund parks and recreation,” Wilkerson said. “It is a value to the community.” To further the foundation’s goal of promoting health and wellness, Thompson said exercise equipment and a track at St. Joseph Catholic Church provides the community with fitness opportunities. The ground work for the track and equipment was completed in November, so the extent of its use will not be known until May. Thompson said survey of community participants and families of the students who use the facilities at St. Joseph will be conducted in May. The survey will measure usage and its impact on quality of life along with designated fitness parameters for the students who use the track and equipment. During the first half of this
City of Muskogee Foundation ADDRESS: 120 N. Third St. SERVICES OFFERED: The City of Muskogee Foundation was established in 2008 for the purpose of effectively developing, supporting, promoting, and improving programs and facilities relating to education, arts, culture, community revitalization and beautification, social services, health care, economic development, infrastructure, housing, and recreation for the city of Muskogee and surrounding areas and to improve the quality of life of residents of Muskogee. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: The foundation is managed by Foundation Management Inc. and overseen by a 13-member board of directors. KEY PERSONNEL: Executive Director Frank Merrick; Grants Administrator D.J. Thompson; Chief Financial Officer Sherrie Schroeder. PHONE: (918) 577-6562. WEBSITE: www.cityofmuskogeefoundation.org/ Submitted photo
Connors State College nursing students Brandy Israel, left, and Noah Morgan work in a laboratory grams designed to improve the setting. The students are recipients of the Muskogee Difference Healthcare Scholarship, a two-year comquality of life in Muskogee. The mitment by the City of Muskogee Foundation worth $300,000.
year, Thompson said the foundation will continue efforts geared toward “capacity building.” That focus will include the provision of grants to the Nonprofit Resource Center, which will assist other nonprofits with grant writing, administrative office duties and training opportunities. A key aspect of the foundation’s focus on capacity building is the training provided to grant recipients, which helps them evaluate programs and measure outcomes. With that capability, Thompson said, foundation-funded programs can be operated more efficiently and effectively.
“The Foundation is particularly focused on the outcomes of the programs we fund, and we want to ensure we’re helping our grantees evaluate their programs,” Thompson said. “By providing them with training and other resources to measure outcomes and conduct program evaluation we’re helping them make their programs effective and efficient for the people they serve. This helps Muskogee.” Thompson said foundation staffers and directors will be working this year with Brien Thorstenberg in support of his Action In Muskogee initiative.
Thorstenberg, director of the Port of Muskogee’s economic development team, launched the citizenbased program in August as a way to provide a sense of direction. Thompson said Thorstenberg and his team “did a great job” launching the community-driven initiative by engaging the entire community throughout the process thus far. The foundation’s mission, Thompson said, is closely aligned with AIM’s objectives. The City of Muskogee Foundation is a nonprofit corporation formed in 2008 by the city to develop, support and promote pro-
foundation is funded with proceeds from the 40-year lease of EASTAR Health System, formerly known as Muskogee Regional Medical Center, to Capella Healthcare. A portion of its returns on the investment of that money is used to fund grants designed to promote its mission. Its board of directors — made up of nine at-large members, two city councilors, the mayor and city manager — is entrusted with overseeing and investing the organization’s assets to meet the foundation’s objectives. Reach D.E. Smoot at (918) 6842901 or dsmoot@muskogee phoenix.com.
Mayor: Sales tax Buckley: City must address infrastructure receipts up 7 percent Continued from Page 2
Continued from Page 8
faula’s municipal airport. Broken runway lights and other issues posed some real problems for the city and airport users. “I got my airport back into compliance,” Jayne-Dornan said, noting those efforts were awarded with a $90,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. “We fixed the broken runway lights and will be using the grant money to put up perimeter fencing to protect all the work we have done.” During the coming year, Jayne-Dornan said she is pursuing grant funds that would be used to build a trail along the shores of Eufaula Cove. Plans also are in the works for the construction of a new animal shelter. “We have been working really hard to make it a nokill shelter ... designed to make it economical ... efficient for the volunteers and comfortable for the animals as well,” Jayne-Dornan said. “The only thing we are waiting for now is finding the perfect place for it — the city owns several parcels, so we are looking
at some of those.” On the economic front, Jayne-Dornan said sales tax receipts for the year are up about 7 percent. In an effort to spur commercial development, Jayne-Dornan said the city contracted with Retail Attractions to study the market and attract new businesses. Meanwhile, Jayne-Dornan said she is continuing her efforts to educate area residents about the importance of shopping locally. Because municipal governments depend on sales tax dollars for most of its general budget, Jayne-Dornan said the issue is at the forefront of her agenda. “Every time I speak somewhere, I try to educate the people about how local government works and keep them informed about what the city does for them,” Jayne-Dornan said. “If you go out of town and spend money at the big box stores, they get that money, not us. I think they are starting to understand that.” Reach D.E. Smoot at (918) 684-2901 or dsmoot @muskogeephoenix.com.
City will be able to use new NSU event center Continued from Page 2
Our service department features skilled technicians, factory-trained to service products we sell. We also stock a large inventory of accessories and parts for the products we carry and have the latest computer technology to quickly find any part you may ever need. AGCO Parts PM360 Preventative Maintenance Program protects your equipment from unnecessary down-time and costly repairs. Your AGCO Parts Dealer has the expertise to maximize your equipment’s performance and keep you field ready. Be ready this season by: • Installing Genuine AGCO Parts • Scheduling regular maintenance check-ups This is our 63rd year as a Massey-Ferguson dealer as Bill Chupp Sr. signed the contract with Massey-Harris on Feb. 18, 1950.
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said the town works nonstop to bring in new restaurants, jobs and attractions. “We have a new tenant in the industrial park, Backwoods Food Manufacturing Inc.,” Moore said. “It’s a local business that has expanded past what their current facilities offer. Construction will start this spring. We expect that to bring in 50 new jobs. “Cherokee County is the sixth fastest growing community in Oklahoma, and we’re going to see it continues.” And, Moore said, Northeastern State University’s new $14.4 million, 3,000seat multipurpose event center, expected to be com-
pleted this fall, could host a variety of events. “Of course, the college’s basketball games will be held there, but they’re also allowing the city to use it as a community partner,” Moore said. “We’re hoping to have home and garden shows, and outdoor and boat shows. Really, there are a number of things that could be hosted there.” A 2011 analysis conducted by the NSU Business Services Center pegged the event center to generate $2 million in sales and $150,000 in taxes annually by using the building for sporting events and conventions. Reach Dylan Goforth at (918) 684-2903 or dgoforth @muskogeephoenix.com.
show or an inquiry by a phone call before you actually see results,” Buckley said. “Helping our existing businesses stay and grow is just as important as recruiting new ones. If you create a hundred jobs at an existing business or a new business comes in with a hundred jobs, you still have a hundred new jobs.” Buckley said the city is seeing continuing interest on the retail side of the equation, and he is hopeful “we will soon see some construction starting.” New hotels are springing up along U.S. 69 and rooms available “are staying full.” “People are stopping in Muskogee and staying overnight,” Buckley said, noting efforts to move forward with the development of the Love-Hatbox Sports Complex as a regional destination will boost those numbers. “That helps us with our hotel-motel tax and our outreach efforts to attract new tourism dollars.” To accommodate the anticipated growth officials hope to see as a result of those investments, Buckley said infrastructural improvements continue to move forward. Muskogee’s new water treatment plant opened in 2012, and some street work has begun with
revenue coming in from the dedicated sales tax approved by voters. But an even bigger focus has been on the city’s aging sewer collection system. Buckley said replacement of the Coody Creek outfall line, which was mandated by a consent order issued by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, is close to completion. But supplemental projects, which have included extensive testing of sanitary and stormwater systems, likely will expose more problems requiring additional work. “As we complete that study, that will open up a lot of things we will need to address,” Buckley said, noting the cost of additional sewer work could total $35 million to $40 million. “Our water infrastructure (supply lines) is getting old, too. We will have to start addressing those things soon.” Public Works Director Mike Stewart said the renovation of the city’s water treatment plant, completed in 2012, expanded capacity to more than double what is presently needed on average. The $23 million project, Stewart said, will be able to serve any residential and commercial growth well into the future. Improvements at Davis Field also are moving
along, with the completion of an airport terminal and taxiway resurfacing expected to be completed in April. “That gives us a good front door to the city of Muskogee, with the capability of having corporate conferences right there at the airport,” Stewart said. “This will keep us competitive with other cities our size also looking to recruit new businesses.” In addition to the typical governmental services upon which residents rely, officials said great strides are being made toward the improvement of city parks. Much of that is due to a $2.5 million grant from the City of Muskogee Foundation to enhance the quality of life within the community. Parks Director Mark Wilkerson recited a litany of parks projects completed during the past year and more in progress or in the works. New playgrounds, splash pads, community gardens and trails were among the most notable at several city parks. The Honor Heights Park Butterfly and Teaching Gardens, which has been in the works several years, is scheduled to open by April. A lot of work was completed this past year in
Honor Heights Park to improve the azalea beds, many of which were rebuilt and replanted with 1,000 new azalea plants. The colorful shrubs that dominate the park’s landscape, draw tens of thousands of visitors during the city’s annual Azalea Festival in April. Wilkerson said the benefits of the park improvements being made are multi-faceted. Those improvements not only” create beauty and environmental green space,” they address the goals of health and wellness initiatives by providing a source of outdoor activities. Wilkerson said park improvements also restore a sense of pride for those whose neighborhoods have declined over the years. “When the parks department can come in and rebuild that common space, it brings neighbors together and increases the likelihood they will keep their own property up,” Wilkerson said. “When you create a place where people want to be, the bad element tends to go away and people are more likely to call the police when they see suspicious activities.” Reach D.E. Smoot at (918) 684-2901 or dsmoot @muskogeephoenix.com.
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Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Page 10
Outlook 2013
EDUCATION
Building the future
Staff photo by Wendy Burton
Students walk between classes in January at Northeastern State University’s Tahlequah campus. NSU officials are in the midst of a detailed “Master Plan,” a 16-month, five-step plan designed to help identify the school’s strengths, as well as to develop a path to maximize those strengths.
Muskogee puts STEM at top of list
Activities big at School for Blind
Bond lets Wagoner schools expand
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics top the list of goals at Muskogee Public Schools, officials said.
For students at Oklahoma School for the Blind, some of their biggest 2012 accomplishments came in terms of participation in extracurricular activities.
Central Elementary students have space to learn computers and to read. Now it’s the high school’s turn to grow, both thanks to an $8.57 million bond issue.
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Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Outlook 2013 Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Page 12
Staff photo by Wendy Burton
Students walk between classes in January at Northeastern State University’s Tahlequah campus. NSU officials are in the midst of a detailed “Master Plan,” a 16-month, five-step plan designed to help identify the school’s strengths, as well as to develop a path to maximize those strengths.
NSU launches detailed plan process By Dylan Goforth Phoenix Staff Writer
A series of plans outlined by Northeastern State University officials are set to help the school advance during the course of the next decade. NSU Vice President for Operations Tim Foutch said the school
recently unveiled its official “Master Plan,” a 16-month, five-step process to establish goals for the university’s future. “The hope with the plan is to determine our own path,” Foutch said. “Instead of just reacting to a need that we didn’t anticipate or allocate funds for, this al-
lows us to say, this year, these are the projects we will do.” There are five steps in the plan: • Discovery; • Analysis; • Idea generation; • Refinement; and • Documentation. Each plan has an expected time period for completion.
I N C O M E TA X AND INVESTMENT GUIDE 2013
“Instead of just reacting to a need that we didn’t anticipate or allocate funds for, this allows us to say, this year, these are the projects we will do.” — Northeastern State University Vice President for Operations Tim Foutch
“We are beginning the in-depth aspect of the analysis,” Foutch said. “The next step will be idea generation where we come back and say ‘OK, now that we’ve identified who we are, lets talk about our strengths and weaknesses.” Ideally, Foutch said, the plan will identify the university’s strengths and weaknesses and display a path officials need to take to continue to expand their strong points. “We might determine we need to build new facilities to be good in a particular need, or remodel a building, or even move operations,” Foutch said. “We want to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of the programs we feel can be maximized.” The 16-month process should be finished by the end of 2013. A website, www.nsuok.edu/masterplan, was launched in January, and Foutch said it will not only keep interested parties up to date on the plan, but also will encourage feedback.
“We’d like people to become comfortable with looking at the website and asking questions so it will maintain momentum and energy,” Foutch said. “It will bring a sense of coordination to the projects and ideas.” Another program NSU is a part of, Allied Health partnerships with a number of area schools, is a coalition aimed at addressing health care related issues in the region. Dr. Martin Venneman said the group was originated to address three distinct areas: • Retention of health care providers; • Recruitment of health care providers; and • Education of health care providers. “I think most of the people in Muskogee are aware of the fact that regionally, we have some pretty significant deficiencies in health care providers.” It didn’t take long to see the weaknesses the state was facing. “It became very apparent very rapidly that we were heading into a major crisis in eastern
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Oklahoma,” Venneman said. Venneman said a study found there were 148 open slots for occupational therapists in the state. In five years, the state, which produces 50 occupational therapists a year, would need a total of 600. “It ain’t going to happen,” Venneman said. NSU officials recognized the opportunity. With the number of hospitals and schools in the area, why not develop NSU-Muskogee into a type of regional health care hub? “So, we introduced programming that doubled the size of medical science lab program,” Venneman said. “The entire state would produce 23 graduates a year. NSU now produces about 45 each year all by itself.” NSU also expanded its nursing program from 40 to 50 majors a year to 100 majors, as well as expanding its dietetics program, opening a speech language pathology clinic and moving forward with an occupational therapy program. “Our next step is to move forward with a physicians assistant program,” Venneman said. “But that’s not down the pike for four to five years, yet. “All in all, there’s a lot of good things happening in this field, and we’re excited to be so active in it.” Reach Dylan Goforth at (918) 684-2903 or dgoforth @muskogeephoenix.com.
Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Outlook 2013 Page 13
Staff photo by Dylan Goforth
Lyndee Davenport, left, Maddie Parish, and Madisyn Matthews, first-graders at Tahlequah’s new Heritage Elementary School, look through books in the school’s library. They are three of the more than 400 students enrolled in the new elementary school, which opened in August.
A lot is new at Tahlequah schools By Dylan Goforth Phoenix Staff Writer
There’s a lot new going on in the Tahlequah Public Schools system, starting at the top. Lisa Presley is “new,” in that she was named in November as full-time TPS superintendent, taking over for Shannon Goodsell. However, Presley is a 30-year veteran of the school system who has seen it all, yet still has the motivation to push TPS ahead. “We offer a lot of things for a school system that doesn’t have a lot of money,” Presley said. “We’re committed to offering a full range of classes and
Tahlequah Public Schools ADDRESS: 225 N. Water Ave. SERVICES OFFERED: Public education from prekindergarten through 12th grade. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 490. NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 3,481. KEY PERSONNEL: Lisa Presley, superintendent; Anita Lightcap, special programs coordinator; Connie Garrett, personnel manager. PHONE: Main number, (918) 458-4100. WEBSITE: www.tahlequah.k12.ok.us
activities for our students. There’s a vision, and we’re committed to it.”
Part of that vision is getting a jump on the Common Core Curriculum set to begin in the 2014-15 school year, Presley said. “Last year, we started preparing the kindergarten kids,” Presley said. “This year, we’re doing it everywhere.” In 2015, students will be assessed on their reading and math skills, according to Common Core standards. “It’s more of where you teach the concepts behind math instead of just algorithms,” Presley said. “So, when they leave the 12th grade, there is (See HERITAGE, Page 16)
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Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
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Muskogee Phoenix
Page 16
Heritage Elementary opened Continued from Page 13
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knowledge they can use in a variety of different situations instead of just saying ‘Well, I’m not taking any more math classes, why do I need to know this?’” Students also are reading higher level text and reading more nonfiction. “And they’re doing it earlier,” Presley said. As part of the commitment the school system has to young students, Heritage Elementary School, a K-4 school, was opened in August. Tucked into a scenic part of Tahlequah in the Southridge area, the new facility stands out with its glass exterior. Inside, more than 400 students and faculty buzz around the building. “At first, when we were here getting ready, it almost didn’t feel like a school,” Heritage Elementary Principal Lacie Dav-
enport said. “But once the students got here, things changed.” Now, the walls are decked with artwork, as the facility is broken in, so to speak. Students have access to the school’s sprawling library, gymnasium and stage, as well as two computer labs that each host 30 computers. “There really is a lot here,” Davenport said. “The system is dedicated to providing every possible thing it can for these students.” There also are rooms for nurses, physical therapy, a school resource officer and a parent-resource room. “Our vision is ‘Tiger’s ROAR’ — Removing Obstacles, Achieving Results,” Presley said. “We take it very seriously.” Reach Dylan Goforth at (918) 684-2903 or dgoforth @muskogeephoenix.com.
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Cleo Tiner, a third-grader at Tahlequah’s new Heritage Elementary School, looks over some artwork that decks the school’s halls.
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Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Outlook 2013 Page 17
Hilldale improves technology By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer
After her first semester as superintendent of Hilldale Public Schools, Dr. Kaylin Coody reports positive growth. “It’s just a great place,” Coody said, praising students, parents and staff. “We started so many things,” she said. Even the little things make a difference. For example, the district started honoring a support staff person and certified staff person of the month. “That is a big morale booster, and we have great community participation,” Coody said. Several places give gift certificates, and Tulsa Teachers Credit Union takes them to lunch at Harmony House. It’s a wonderful way to say thank you and to show appreciation.” Coody came to Hilldale from Bixby Public Schools, where she was associate superintendent. Soon after coming aboard at Hilldale, Coody and other district officials conducted a series of community forums to see what patrons expected from the district. The first forum drew 48 people. Those attending set priorities in several areas: • Quality curriculum and instruction, including more technology, more electives and smaller class size; • Safe learning environment, including better traffic flow and more secure entrances to buildings; • Attract and retain quality staff; and • Provide quality facilities. One result of these meetings is an upcoming $7.4 million bond issue which could fund new cafeterias at all schools, a new high school band room and expanded parking and pick up/drop off lanes at the elementary. Hilldale also continues to upgrade its technology. Part of the upgraded technology makes the schools more secure. District Technology Director Eric Wells said schools are upgrading camera systems to increase the time recorded footage is kept and to improve quality of video sig-
Staff photos by Cathy Spaulding
Hilldale Middle School seventh-grader Jaycee Gardner uses a remote to answer a math question. Such “student response” systems are one way Hilldale Schools are keeping up with technology.
Hilldale Public Schools technology director Eric Wells wears a name tag bearing his bar-code access to schools. Exterior entries throughout the district now have keyless locks, accessible by passing these codes across a scanner.
nals. Administrators now have the ability to see the camera images on their tablet computers or phones, he said. Keyless electronic door locks have been installed
on nearly all external doors in the district, Wells said. “We currently have 28 doors that have electronic access,” Wells said. “Having electronic doors like
this actually eliminates the needs for metal keys and allows the district to issue each employee a radio frequency key that we call fobs.” The fobs are controlled
at a “granular level.” That means each employee can have access to different buildings at different times. The district also has a new Voice Over Internet Protocol phone system, Wells said. The phone system uses existing computer network infrastructure, cutting the cost of an allnew phone system. “We were able to add about 10 phone sets on top of what we already had,” Wells said. “The new phone system also incorporates into users’ computers and allows for things like visual voice mail and extensive caller ID log.” Technology also is enabling students to interact with the Smart Boards (the high-tech replacement for the old chalk boards) from their desks. One method is through a student response system similar to a TV remote. The other, called a WACOM pad, enables students to move items on the
Hilldale Public Schools ADDRESS: 500 E. Smith Ferry Road. SERVICES OFFERED: Public education from prekindergarten through 12th grade. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 124 certified and 68 support. KEY PERSONNEL: Superintendent: Kaylin Coody; Assistant Superintendents, Erik Puckett and Faye Garrison; High School Principal, Deborah Tennison; Middle School Principal, Darren Riddle; Elementary Principal, Kair Ridenhour. NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,809 PHONE: (918) 6830273. WEBSITE: www.hilldale.k12.ok.us
board by using a computerized tablet. Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogee phoenix.com.
Muskogee schools put STEM at top of list of goals By Wendy Burton Phoenix Staff Writer
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics top the list of goals at Muskogee Public Schools, officials said. Additionally, the district is working to build college and career readiness skills in students and is continuing to work toward Promising Practices in character building for all schools. “We are looking forward to the 2013-14 school year and continuing to lead the way into the 21st century with quality programs,” said Melony Carey, district spokeswoman. In 2011, Muskogee High School was named National School of Character by the Character Education Partnership in Washington, D.C. This school year, the Rougher Alternative Academy was named a State School of Character and is now in the running for national designation. “RAA is the only alternative school that has ever received this award,” said Madison Tomlinson, director of character education for the district. “MHS was the first State and National School of Character in Oklahoma, and RAA is the first alternative school in the nation to be recognized. It really speaks to our belief that we have excellent students who will lead the way for Muskogee in the future, and they are preparing for that leader-
Submitted photo
Muskogee High School students Ian Gomez, Andy Shahan and Phillip Hamm are working on a robot. Robotics is one of many ways the school district is working to boost science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills.
ship right here, right now.” The district’s key focus both in 2012-2013 and looking ahead to 20132014 is STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Laying the foundation at the elementary level is the FIRST Lego League Robotics program, now expanded to every elementary school, Carey said. Peggy Jones, MPS exec-
utive director of curriculum and instruction said, “Robotics is important in the elementary grades because it develops students who are problem solvers, innovators, self-reliant and are able to think logically.” The district offers such scientific inquiry at both ends of the spectrum, Jones said. “In the pre-K years, we
encourage parents to engage in engineering activities with their 4-year-olds using the Lego Parent Outreach Program,” she said. “At the upper end of elementary school, all sixth graders explore elementary engineering in preparation for more formal pre-engineering classes at Alice Robertson Junior High.” At the secondary level,
Gateway to Technology and Project Lead the Way provide the framework for a sequence of courses, which, combined with traditional math and science courses, introduce students to the scope of engineering prior to entering college, she said. At the middle level, preengineering and robotics provide a foundation for high school courses.
Both programs have been very successful, with students winning several honors during the last two years, Carey said. Muskogee High School will expand its course offerings in the 2013-14 school year to include a biomedical sciences program that will prepare students for careers in the medical field. Working to build college and career readiness skills in students is another goal of the district. “Helping students achieve their educational goals is what high school is all about,” said Mike Garde, superintendent of Muskogee Public Schools. “One thing students can do is take advantage of the concurrent classes offered on the Muskogee High School campus by Connors State College.” In this program, juniors and seniors can begin earning college credits free of charge without leaving their high school campus. Courses are taught by Connors faculty. “This is a win-win opportunity,” Garde said. “Both parents and students get a head start on college expenses and credits.” Muskogee High School also will be adding to its list of 18 Advanced Placement courses next year. AP also allows students to earn college credits while in high school. Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton @muskogeephoenix.com.
Outlook 2013
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Muskogee Phoenix
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Activities big at Oklahoma School for the Blind By Wendy Burton Phoenix Staff Writer
Muskogee’s Oklahoma School for the Blind students had a great year in 2012, and 2013 appears set to be exceptional too, the superintendent said. OSB is the statewide resource for students with visual impairments, serving 36 counties. Its mission is to provide individualized academic, social and vocational education, evaluations, and outreach services to Oklahoma’s blind and visually impaired children and youth. “Approximately 55 percent of our graduates from the past four years are either working, including volunteering, or enrolled in post-secondary education,” said Superintendent James Adams. “That is good news in terms of opportunities for our graduates.” For students at OSB, some of their biggest 2012 accomplishments came in terms of their participation in extracurricular activities and competitions. “We are well known for our jazz band, academic team, wrestling and cheerleading programs,” Adams said. “We have had more students participate in the Global Explorers program that any other School for the Blind in the nation and we are the only School for the Blind that has a 4-H program.” The last year saw many accomplishments and many events in which students and staff participated in the community. OSB student Richelle Zampella won the 2012 Eastern Oklahoma Spelling Bee in March, continuing on to the national competition in Washington, D.C. — a point of pride for OSB, Adams said. The school began a project to create a brick Walk of Honor in December, which will lead to the school’s new mascot statue purchased in October. In November, students participated in the Special Olympics Cherokee Coun-
Oklahoma School for the Blind graduate Kimberly McCall of Durant smiles after receiving her diploma in May. More than 55 percent of OSB graduates in the last four years are either pursuing higher education, working or volunteering, said Superintendent James Adams. For the visually impaired, that number is excellent, he said. Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding
Oklahoma School for the Blind ADDRESS: 3300 Gibson St. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 93. NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 92. KEY PERSONNEL: Superintendent James Adams, Principal Carolyn Sheppard, Dean of Students Lynn Cragg and Compliance Officer Karen Reed. PHONE: (918) 7818200. WEBSITE: osb.k12.ok.us.
try Area Aquatics meet, and students participated in the Oklahoma School for the Blind Panther Prowl, 5K run/walk. Students participated in a mock election in October to test new voting machines which incorporate an audio aid to guide visually impaired voters through the various ballot choices. Students visited a farm in Haskell in September, interacting with goats, horses and mechanical bulls during the school’s Western Heritage Day. Oklahoma School for the Blind’s jazz band received a l rating in Class 2A at the State Jazz Band contest in April. More than 20 visually handicapped youths from across Oklahoma competed in the Oklahoma Braille Challenge held at OSB in March. The contest tests proficiency in Braille reading and comprehension as well as speed, accuracy, spelling, proofreading and tactile graphics. Oklahoma’s Challenge is one of 37 such competitions in the United States. OSB will host the challenge again March 1. And 2013 is a milestone year for OSB — the 100th anniversary of its move to Muskogee from Fort Gibson, where it was originally established in 1897, Staff photo by D.E. Smoot Adams said. Reach Wendy Burton at Brittany Donley, 17, of Cache navigates her ballot choices during a mock election in October in which Oklahoma (918) 684-2926 or wburton School for the Blind students were able to check out new technology that provides those with visual impairments the opportunity to cast votes independently and privately. @muskogeephoenix.com.
Checotah superintendent expects high school to be ready by spring By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer
CHECOTAH — People driving along Interstate 40 or north on U.S. 69 can’t miss it — rising above surrounding houses and school buildings. Checotah’s new high school is taking shape. Checotah School Superintendent Mark Calavan said he expects the graduating class of 2013 to march across the new high school’s stage this spring. He remains vague as to when students would move into the new facility. Workers are busy doing electrical work, installing flooring, finishing asphalt work. Desks and chairs have arrived in many of the classrooms. The high school, part of a $15.4 million bond issue passed by voters in 2009, features 33 classrooms, an event center, a safe room, an ag building and careertech building. In the gym, a running track goes around the back of the bleachers. The end opposite the stage features a second-floor band room with an industrial-sized garage door that opens on-
to the gym. “The band can come into the gym and just rock the place,” Calavan said. The cafeteria will feature two serving lines, plus a snack-bar area where kids can get hamburgers, he said. The courtyard will feature an amphitheater, which can be used as an outdoor classroom, he said. An old victory bell, once rung at Checotah High School football games, also has a new home in the courtyard. The bell once was part of Victor School, an early 20th Century school house that closed generations ago. The bell later was painted blue and white and was rung at Checotah High School football games in the 1960s and 1970s. A fund from the senior classes of 2010 to 2013 helped pay for a new brick tower for the bell. The new ag building will feature an area to keep animals, plus a 500-seat show arena, he said. Not all the Checotah’s change is going on at the new high school. Checotah Middle School began a wrestling program this year. Calavan said fu-
Checotah Public Schools
Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding
Checotah School Superintendent Mark Calavan walks the hall of the new Checotah High School.
ture plans call for the wrestling program to expand to the high school next year. The high school also is beginning a speech and debate program, Calavan said. “And the FFA is beginning a parliamentary program,” he said. Like other schools across Oklahoma, Checotah Public Schools strives to keep up with changes in education,
both at the national and state level. “This is a year of change,” Calavan said, citing the Oklahoma Department of Education’s new A-F School Report Card program as an example. The state uses the A-F system to gauge how well a school is performing thorough state achievement test scores, attendance, dropout rate and other factors. The state also is requir-
ing schools to start a new teacher evaluation program, he said. Schools across Oklahoma also are adopting a more rigorous course of study known as the Common Core Curriculum. “We’re doing everything we can to accommodate the Common Core Curriculum,” Calavan said. “The principals have gone through training.” The school also received
ADDRESS: • Main office, 310 S. Second St. • High School, 320 W. Jefferson St. • Middle School, 310 S. Second St. • Intermediate School, 1401 S. Second St. • Marshall Elementary School, 205 Owens St. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 126 certified staff and 82 support personnel. KEY PERSONNEL: Superintendent Mark Calavan; Assistant Superintendent Toni Brown; High School Principal Brian Terry; Middle School Principal Jason Donathan; Intermediate School Principal Ryan Ambrose; Marshall Elementary Principal Jann Ledbetter. NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,580. PHONE: Main Number, (918) 473-5610. WEBSITE: www.checotah.k12.ok.us
an $80,000 GEAR UP grant, designed to help students move on to post-secondary programs. Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogeephoenix. com.
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Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
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Bond lets Wagoner schools expand By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer
WAGONER — Central Elementary students have plenty of space to learn computers and to read, thanks to expansion at their library and computer area. Now it’s the high school’s turn to grow. School expansion was a key part of an $8.57 million bond issue Wagoner Public Schools voters passed in 2010. Patrons, teachers and students are enjoying the results of the bond issue’s passage. “We’re getting to the end of our bond issue projects,” said Wagoner School Superintendent Monte Thompson. “We have one final project to be completed this summer.” That project originally was to have been a $150,000 expansion of the high school library. However, savings from other bond issue projects enable the district to do more at the high school, Thompson said. “Trigon, our general contractor, saved enough money from other projects, that we now can double the size of our media center, put a computer lab in and add a new entry,” he said. “We actually put the fencing up around the project this week.” Thompson said he hopes to have the high school project completed by the time school starts in August. Wagoner High School Principal Mike Christy said the new entrance will be both open and more secure for students. Central Elementary’s expansion put the library and computer lab in separate rooms. Before the renovation, the computer lab took up space in the media center. However, an old school gym was renovated and converted into a media center. The bond issue also funded a new multipurpose building at W.R. Teague Elementary School, plus additions to Ellington Elementary School. Thompson said the district’s bonding capacity is full until 2020. Not all building projects are from the bond issue. Thompson said a generous donation from a school patron is helping to fund an indoor athletic facility The foundation for the new facility is being laid on the south end of the high school’s running track, he said. “It will be an all-sports structure,” Thompson said. “We’ll have Astroturf, golf nets inside, bat-
Staff photos by Cathy Spaulding
Central Elementary School student Aurora Statsman finds a helping hand for reading in her school’s new media center. The school’s library used to have to share space with its computer lab.
Wagoner Public Schools ADDRESS: 308 N.E. Second St. PHONE: (918) 485-4046. HOURS: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. SERVICES OFFERED: Public education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: Support, 100; certified, 200. KEY PERSONNEL: Superintendent, Monte Thompson; Assistant Superintendent Doyle Bates; Ellington Principal Grace McMahan; William R. Teague Principal Penny Risley; Central Intermediate Principal Curtis Janko; Wagoner Middle School Principal Dawn Henley; Wagoner High School Principal Mike Christy; Lincoln Academy Principal Robert Schaefer. NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 2,430. WEBSITE: wagonerps.org.
Central Elementary School students Torea Marks, left, and Alex Znaiden have plenty of room to check out books now that the school has its library and media center in separate rooms.
ting cages.” He said the donor was a “gentleman who had a young son and two high school-age daughters.” Wagoner Schools also are upgrading their technology throughout the district. “We’ve spent $150,000 in infrastructure alone,” Thompson said. One school, William R. Teague
Elementary, already has one tablet computer for each student, he said. “The buzz word is one-to-one education,” Thompson said. Schools throughout Wagoner are working to get their students computer literate, partly to help them perform better on state tests. “The state’s goal is to put all
their achievement tests online,” Thompson said. The middle school has three computer labs to help with the testing, he said. Wagoner educators have other academic ambitions. For example, the district is planning a summer academy for eighthgraders this summer, Thompson said. The academy could feature
field trips to the Oklahoma State Capitol or the Fort Gibson Dam, he said. “We could visit the hospital and discuss why students need to learn science,” he said. “We already have math teachers who signed on to it.” Schools also are working to improve security, he said. “We have new systems so we can monitor more closely who is going into and out of the buildings.” Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding @muskogeephoenix.com.
Eufaula’s new field house first renovation to field since 1967 By Cathy Spaulding
Eufaula Public Schools
Phoenix Staff Writer
EUFAULA — The Ironheads got a new field house just in time for their 2012 football season. Football coach Larry Newton still boasts about it. “I love it,” Newton said. “The old building was slanted. It leaked and it only had one toilet.” The new field house boasts new locker rooms for the coaches as well as the players, he said. The new building has much more space for storage, workouts, showers and training, he said. “We have three sinks and a big shower area,” Newton said. He said his favorite part of the new field house might be the additional washing machines and dryers in the new facility. It gives a new look to the old stadium. “There had been no renovations to the football field since 1967,” said Interim Eufaula Superintendent Jeanette Smith. Smith said the field house was built through a partnership with Eufaula’s Belt Foundation. “It’s a lease-purchase with the Foundation,” she said. “The land was donated by Bill Smith, then the Belt Foundation built the facility.” The stadium might boast
ADDRESS: 215 North St. SERVICES OFFERED: Public education from prekindergarten through 12th grade. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 103 certified and 69 non-certified. NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,250. KEY PERSONNEL: Jeanette Smith, interim superintendent; Bonita Warren, district treasurer; Garrett Davis, high school principal; Chris Welan, middle school principal; Brenda Lewis, elementary principal. PHONE: Main number, (918) 689-2152. WEBSITE: www.eufaula.k12.ok.us
Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding
Eufaula Middle School eighth-graders including Dakota Adams, center, lift weights and do deep knee bends in the new football field house. It is the first renovation to the Ironhead football stadium since 1967.
an even newer look by the time the 2013 football season rolls around. Smith said the Eufaula Board of Education recently agreed to replace the stadium’s aging wooden bleachers with new aluminum ones. Things are looking pretty healthy in the lower grades as well. Eufaula Elementary School is working with the Creek Nation to encourage kids to keep fit through the Move It program. Elementary School physical education teacher Kassie Flinn said Creek Na-
tion representatives Kimberlee Little and Taylor Thompson visit the school once a week to work with students in third- through fifth-grades. Flinn said students are introduced to games and programs that promote exercise and healthy living. Now in its second year at Eufaula, the program encourages fitness and good health beyond the school day, Flinn said. Students are given coupons for each 30 minutes of physical activity they do outside the school day. They can double their
coupons if they get their parents involved, she said. The daily limit is four coupons a day, she said. The coupons are turned into the teacher for a monthly drawing. Monthly winners get such incentives as footballs, basketballs, soccer balls and bags. “Last year, we had a winner go to Disneyland.” Flinn said, explaining that a winning coupon was drawn at the end of the school year last year. Students have performed some of the dances they learned in the Move It pro-
gram at basketball games, Smith said. Flinn said the program is special for another reason. She said Kimberlee Little is her twin sister. Eufaula schools also are going wireless, Smith said. School officials received ERate funding to help the Middle School go wireless this year, she said. E-Rate, or the Schools and Libraries Program, is a federal program that helps make telephone and Internet access service more affordable for schools and libraries. “We’re working to get the
high school and elementary school go wireless next year,” Smith said. “We’re looking at other schools to see what they’re doing.” Eufaula’s FFA chapter continues to grow, partly because of a second ag teacher, Kory Ridley. He joins David Turner, who has taught ag in Eufaula for five years. “And we’re back in the Eastern Oklahoma Spelling Bee,” Smith said, adding that a middle school and an elementary school student will compete in the bee, set for March 29 at Muskogee Civic Center. Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogee phoenix.com.
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WORK & PLAY
Outlook 2013
Purposeful living
Phoenix file photo
Josh Baird, left and Charlie Thurber, maintenance technicians with the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission, stake down fabric on Oct. 19, 2012. The fabric was placed along the Illinois River at Todd Public Access Area where a streambank stabilization project was completed in 2012. The wide-mesh fabric secures the contours of the river bank until vegetation takes root.
GP upgrades equipment
Fort Gibson Lake big draw
Medical center provides acute care
Georgia-Pacific’s Muskogee plant weathered the economic downturn without reducing capacity.
Fort Gibson Lake attracts a variety of anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts. A 21,798-acre public hunting area offers a chance to bag many kinds of game.
A Muskogee physician’s decision to buy a hospital built in 1975 by the city of Eufaula may have been a lifesaver for McIntosh County residents and others.
Story on Page 22
Story on Page 29
Story on Page 31
Muskogee Phoenix
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Outlook 2013
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Muskogee Phoenix
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VA Regional Office a top employer VARO employs 1,427 at three locations By Wendy Burton Phoenix Staff Writer
Muskogee’s VA Regional Office is one of the largest employers in the city with three locations and employment at 1,427. The VA Regional Office main facility is located at 125 S. Main St. Two other facilities located along East Side Boulevard and Okmulgee Avenue house the national Education Call Center and Education Benefits Processing Center. The regional office added 143 employees in 2012, said Jacob Nichols, spokesman. The Muskogee Regional Office provides non-medical benefits and services to veterans and their families, including disability compensation, education, vocational rehabilitation and em-
ployment, Nichols said. “Disability compensation benefits are provided to veterans disabled by an injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military service,” he said. “Education and training benefits are provided to eligible service members, veterans and dependents attending an approved program of education or training.” Vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits are provided to assist veterans with employment and independent living services including vocational counseling, job search assistance and post-secondary training. “In addition, our office is home to VA’s national Education Call Center, which provides assistance in answering questions related to GI Bills benefits and provides customer service support to those recipients utilizing VA Education Benefits,” Nichols
said. Currently, there are no plans to expand the workforce even further in 2013. “At this time, the Muskogee Regional Office does not have plans to increase its physical space beyond existing facilities, or its workforce beyond its operating ceiling of 1,427 employees,” Nichols said. The VA Regional Office is also an active participant in community events. Employees of the regional office donated time and money to numerous charitable events, including: • Combined federal campaign — $109,000. • Junior Achievement — 424 volunteer hours impacting three local schools and 749 students. • “To Muskogee With Love” food boxes — 621 holiday food boxes for a total cost of $24,840. • Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center coat drive —
$2,000. • Salvation Army Angel Tree — 194 Angel Tree recipients at a total cost of $7,760. The Muskogee Regional Office also supports non-profit and government entities in providing benefits and services to veterans and their families, Nichols said. “Throughout the year, the Muskogee Regional Office is represented at veteran job fairs, VA benefit briefings, town hall meetings and other special events in Oklahoma communities that serve our nation’s heroes,” Nichols said. Specifically, the Regional Office supported the following events: • 16 Wounded Warrior benefits briefings. • 21 Yellow Ribbon benefits briefings. • 12 Homeless outreach events. • Nine Native American out-
VA Regional Office NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 1,427. KEY PERSONNEL: Director Jason McClellan, Assistant Director Linda LoPinto, Assistant Director Judy Sikes, Division Manager (Compensation) Tim Clark, Division Manager (Education) Phyllis Curtis, Division Manager (Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment) Kathy Wentzel, Division Manager (Support Services) Lynda Armstrong, Division Manager (Human Resources) Debbie Salmon. WEBSITE: www.benefits.va.gov/muskogee. OFFICE HOURS: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. PHONE: (800) 827-1000.
reach events. • Six congressional forums. • Seven job fairs. Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton@muskogee phoenix.com.
GP upgrades equipment, shifts production to meet demand By D.E. Smoot Phoenix Staff Writer
Georgia-Pacific’s Muskogee plant weathered the economic downturn without reducing capacity by responding to shifts in the demand for certain products. The Atlanta-based company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of tissue, pulp, paper, packaging, building products and related chemicals. Once a publicly traded corporation, Georgia-Pacific has been a privately held, whollyowned subsidiary of Koch Industries since 2005. The company’s Muskogee plant manufactures several lines of consumer tissue products. Operating Vice President and Mill Manager Rodney Bond, who has been at the Muskogee plant for about five years, said the facility survived the recession without reducing plant capacity. “It did have some impact. We saw some product changes as people moved to the more economical grades of our products,” Bond said, noting the company has 11 facilities similar to its Muskogee mill. “We always try to shift for the products we are making in our region. I think it was felt harder in other regions ... so in our area, I think we did OK.” Much of the shift, Bond said, included the company’s high-end commercial products typically sold to restaurants and gasoline stations. Those products are coming back, Bond said. But because some of the company’s commercial consumers have gone out of business, they are coming back slowly. Despite production shifts to meet changing demands, Bond said the Muskogee plant has had opportunities to modernize its equipment. A $20 million capital investment project included the installation of equipment used to make compact rolls of bath tissue for commercial use. The installation of what Bond described as a “converting asset” resulted with the addition of more than 20 new jobs. Bond said starting wages and salaries at the plant are comparable with the state average for hourly wages for manufacturing jobs — the Bureau of Labor Statistics set that at $14.76 in 2009. Bond said the equipment modernization undertaken during the past year “has a strong environmental play.” The tissue is made from recycled fiber, and the high-volume rolls have no core. The result, Bond said, is less waste for the end users. “It is one of our fastest growing products,” Bond said about the compact rolls of commercial bath rolls sold in conjunction
Staff photo by D.E. Smoot
Rodney Bond, operating vice president and mill manager, oversees production at Georgia-Pacific’s Muskogee facility.
Submitted photos
Wes McClain, a Georgia-Pacific employee from the converting department, inspects the quality of bath tissue before it is packaged for shipment. The Muskogee mill employs about 1,000 full-time employees and additional 400 full-time contracted employees.
with the company’s leased, proprietary dispensers. “We had one line of that, and now we have two — it is the fifth line for the company.” The company’s $20 million investment in plant modernization and expansion efforts earned Georgia-Pacific the title of business of the year in 2012. The company’s reputation
for community service also have been recognized by its peers. “We are the largest private employer in Muskogee to the best of my knowledge,” Bond said. “We support our community in many ways ... (and) we have a lot of employees who are very active in the community.” Julie VanDeWater, com-
munications and public affairs manager at the plant, said Georgia-Pacific employees are among the largest contributors to Lake Area United Way. They pledged a record $146,000 during the company’s 2012 campaign. The company, through the Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s Bucket Brigade, presented a grant worth $10,000 to
Brad Hayes, a Georgia-Pacific converting employee, keeps an eye on bath tissue as it moves through the production process. The company’s Muskogee plant was named business of the year in 2012 in recognition of an expansion project that added more than 20 full-time jobs.
the Porum Landing Fire Protection Association. Bond said other significant contributions to the community include recent donations to the Honor Heights Park Butterfly and Teaching Gardens. The fa-
cility, for which Georgia-Pacific is the title sponsor, is scheduled to open by this year’s Azalea Festival in April. Bond said Georgia-Pacif(See GP, Page 23)
80796
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Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
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D EVELOPMENT THE MEN AND FAMILIES OF FRONTIER –In partnership with Millwood, Inc. Would like to thank Owens Illinois for their trust and confidence in us, and for allowing us to continue to provide for their pallet and product packing needs.
Submitted photo
Rodney Bond, operating vice president and manager of Georgia-Pacific’s Muskogee mill, stops to visit with employee Terry Gann on his way to a meeting.
GP has big impact on area economy Continued from Page 22
ic plans to continue to focus on its environmental, occupational safety and health initiatives. While the company has earned the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration Voluntary Protection Program Star designation, Bond said the Muskogee mill is “really working beyond that” program. “Certainly, earning the star status is a significant achievement,” Bond said. “But we are truly trying to get to the point of having zero injuries. That is very difficult, but that is our goal, and we are going to get there.” In addition to its safety initiatives, VanDeWater said the Muskogee mill will be named this month as a certified healthy business by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. In addition to the 1,400 direct jobs at the plant, Georgia-Pacific’s operations
Georgia-Pacific ADDRESS: 4901 Chandler Road, Muskogee. SERVICES OFFERED: Manufactures consumer tissue products from recycled paper products. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: About 1,000 full-time employees and 400 on-site contractors. KEY PERSONNEL: Plant Manager Rodney Bond. PHONE: (918) 6837671. WEBSITE: www.gp.com.
live within the area. “The people who live and work here buy and trade here in Muskogee.” Reach D.E. Smoot at (918) 684-2901 or dsmoot @muskogeephoenix.com.
Remember Only The Best Comes In Glass & The Best Glass Comes From
Muskogee
28 YEARS SERVING THE COMMUNITY Est. 1985 “Still Working Strong” 240 North Street, Muskogee • 918-682-6571
022400377601
are estimated to support another 2,400 indirect jobs. Total compensation and benefits for Oklahoma employees is estimated to be about $76 million directly, resulting with “$180 million in combined wages and benefits.” “With the number of people who earn their living here, we support basically every business in Muskogee,” Bond said, noting most of the plant’s workers
M USKOGEE M USEUM E VENTS S UMMER A CTIVITY G UIDE 2013
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Tenkiller offers 130 miles of shoreline By D.E. Smoot Phoenix Staff Writer
The cool, clear waters of the Illinois River and its tributaries flow into Tenkiller Lake, an eastern Oklahoma reservoir cradled by the Cookson Hills.
The lake is considered by many to be the prettiest in Oklahoma, with water clear enough for scuba diving. Its 130 miles of shoreline features bluffs and deep coves. Its depths in some parts plunge 165 feet below the lake’s surface
with underwater terrain ranging from gentle slopes to steep cliffs. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir is a big tourist draw. Corps officials said nearly 3.34 million visitors enjoyed Tenkiller Lake in 2010.
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nually, is overseeing winter projects geared toward providing new activities for its summer guests. “I guess you could say we are going a little retro: Visitors can come in and rent a bicycle to ride or go fishing at our children’s — Tenkiller State Park Manager Les Pulliam pond,” Pulliam said, notExtreme drought condi- an estimated $30 million ing those 16 years and tions in 2011 attracted to the local economy. younger may catch a limit fewer visitors, but still Tenkiller State Park of three fish a day without nearly 2.28 million people Manager Les Pulliam, who charge or a permit. “We visited the lake — officials said the park attracts estimate lake traffic adds about 375,000 visitors an- (See TENKILLER, Page 30)
“We want to be a place where people can come and reconnect with each other on the shores of Lake Tenkiller.”
Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Outlook 2013 Page 25
Phoenix file photo
Josh Baird, left and Charlie Thurber, maintenance technicians with the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission, stake down fabric on Oct. 19, 2012. The fabric was placed along the Illinois River at Todd Public Access Area where a streambank stabilization project was completed in 2012. The wide-mesh fabric secures the contours of the river bank until vegetation takes root.
River draws about 1.5 million visitors a year By D.E. Smoot Phoenix Staff Writer
Flowing from the Ozark Plateau in northwestern Arkansas into northeastern Oklahoma, the Illinois River is considered the “crown jewel” of the state’s scenic rivers system. The Class II river snakes its way through thick forests below high bluffs as it tumbles across rocks worn smooth over time. Efforts to protect the river from upstream development and pollutants are beginning to pay off as water quality and clarity have begun to improve. The upper Illinois River is a popular draw for anglers, campers, canoeists and other river enthusiasts, attracting about a half-million visitors annually. Economic experts estimate river activities contribute about $12 million annually to the Cherokee County economy. The lower Illinois River that flows below the Tenkiller Lake Dam is home to one of only two year-round trout fisheries in the state, which is stocked weekly at three locations. With nearly 8 miles of the river designated for trout fishing, the popular destination contributes an estimated $4 million annually to the local economy in Sequoyah County.
Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission Administrator Ed Fite said conservation efforts this past year on the upper Illinois River included about a dozen streambank stabilization projects. The restoration projects were designed to repair areas where there has been significant erosion and reduce sedimentation. The largest project included the restoration of a stretch of the river just south of the Chewey Bridge in northwestern Adair County. Smaller projects were completed on the Town Branch tributary of the river in Tahlequah. “As people have developed the land upstream, it has created impervious surfaces and removed some of the vegetation that would naturally occur,” Fite said. “A river like the Illinois should have lush, thick vegetation immediately adjacent to the stream to stop all the energy of the runoff that occurs after a heavy rain.” The impervious surfaces, Fite said, increases the volume of stormwater runoff and concentrates the energy as it flows toward the river. As a result, erosion occurs much quicker and more frequently along the river’s banks and increases the sediment load. Increased sediment
during the summer months allows the water to absorb more heat, disrupting the fishery and wildlife habitat. Fite said the project near Chewey included the introduction of “woody and rocky material” that “mimic what the natural stream would be” without erosion. “The fish have definitely gone back to that area, according to the reports I am getting from fishermen,” Fite said. “Because of the habitat, it is holding the fish.” On the lower Illinois River, work is continuing at the Tenkiller Lake Dam to protect the downstream trout fishery. The lack of a constant flow of fresh water caused after repairs were made to leaking gates at the dam resulted with two fish kills in 2011. Because all the water impounded upstream from the Tenkiller Dam has been allocated for other uses, a permanent water source for the trout fishery would require congressional action. Reallocating the water in Tenkiller Lake would also take time, which prompted plans for the current project. Kent Dunlap, chief of natural resources for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Tulsa Dis-
trict, said the project includes the installation of a special lowflow pipe from an existing surge tank located at Tenkiller Dam. A super-saturated dissolved oxygen system will be installed below the dam. These two systems, along with multi-agency cooperation and the donation of water storage rights, were designed to offset the loss of fresh water. The installation of the low-flow pipe was completed this month, and the dissolved oxygen system “should be done sometime this spring.” Dunlap described the low-flow piping as “the key component” of the project by providing a consistent flow of fresh water. The dissolved-oxygen system, Dunlap said, is more “like an elephant gun.” “Normally you would never use it,” Dunlap said about his elephant-gun analogy. “But if you ever get charged by an elephant, that’s going to be the one you are going to reach for and shoot.” While agencies work to find a dedicated source of water for the lower Illinois River trout fishery, Fite said the stream’s upper stretch has suffered after two years of severe to extreme drought conditions. Before the most recent significant rainfall
Illinois River ACTIVITIES: The Illinois River offers visitors more than 60 miles of adventure and recreation as the scenic river meanders from the Arkansas state line near Watts toward Tahlequah and into Tenkiller Lake. From there, the lower Illinois River winds its way toward the Arkansas River near Gore. The river offers activities that include camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, rafting and swimming. FACILITIES: Along the upper Illinois River, outfitters located along Scenic Oklahoma 10 North offer canoes, kayaks, rafts and shuttle service among other things. Most outfitters rent the watercraft including life jackets and paddles and shuttle guests up the river, allowing them to float back down to the outfitter. CONTACT: Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission, 15971 Scenic Oklahoma 10, Tahlequah, (918) 456-3251. WEBSITE: www.oklahomascenicrivers.net
in January, Fite said the upper Illinois River was flowing at a rate less than half the median historic average. “The drought is a long way from being over, but the river is doing very well,” Fite said. Reach D.E. Smoot at (918) 6842901 or dsmoot@muskogee phoenix.com.
Outlook 2013 Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Page 26
Staff photos by Dylan Goforth
Betty Isler, an employee at Lake Eufaula State Park’s Deep Fork Nature Center, demonstrates some of the new teaching material at the Nature Center.
Lake Eufaula state’s largest By D.E. Smoot Phoenix Staff Writer
Lake Eufaula is known as the “gentle giant” among the many lakes that dot the Oklahoma landscape. The state’s largest lake, with 102,000 surface acres of water and more than 600 miles of shoreline, offers a wide variety of activities.
The lake and the millions of visitors it attracts annually provide a major source of revenue for the local tourism-based economy. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers report found the lake drew nearly 2.3 million visitors in 2010. That number increased to nearly 2.85 million people in 2011, one of the only area lakes to see increased traf-
fic during a year of extreme drought conditions. A Department of Commerce report estimated those visitors spent more than $50 million for goods and services provided vendors located within 30 miles of the lake. Those tourism dollars rippled through the local economy, supporting more than 750 jobs and generating more
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consumer spending. Kent Dunlap, chief of natural resources at the Corps’ Tulsa District office, said the development of an environmental impact study and shoreline development program. The projects have been in the works for about a year and a half and are expected to be completed by June. “The impact that has on users and the recreating public is it sets out the rules for what can and cannot be done,” Dunlap said about development at the state’s largest man-made lake. “The result of this is going to allow us to take a new look at shoreline management — where private boat docks and mowing on public lands can be done.” The study required the Corps to issue a moratorium on development to set a baseline gauge from which to measure impacts while the study was being completed. Dunlap said several developers have been waiting for completion of the plan to see how their proposed projects might be impacted. “What they are able to do on public property is a big piece of this,” Dunlap
Lake Eufaula ACTIVITIES: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir features 102,000 surface acres of water, more than 600 miles of shoreline and year-round outdoor activities that include boating, camping, fishing, golfing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, picnicking and swimming. FACILITIES: Lake Eufaula State Park and Arrowhead State Park feature beautiful 18-hole golf courses. A number of marinas are scattered around the lake, some of which rent houseboats, pontoon boats, ski boats and paddle boats. CONTACT: Lake Eufaula State Park, U.S. 69 and Oklahoma 150, Checotah, (918) 6895311. WEBSITE: www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.4336
said. “Once it (the environmental impact study and shoreline management plan) is completed, then we can move forward.” While Corps officials have been focused on technical issues at the lake, state park officials have (See PARK, Page 29)
A collared lizard peers from a terrarium in Deep Fork Nature Center. 021700089002
Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
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Outlook 2013 Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Page 28
Staff photos by D. E. Smoot
Sequoyah State Park offers golfing on an 18-hole, par 70, 5,860 yard golf course in addition to other outdoor activities that include boating, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, picnicking and swimming.
Fort Gibson Lake big outdoor draw Reservoir offers wide variety of activities for enthusiasts By D.E. Smoot Phoenix Staff Writer
Fort Gibson Lake is one of nearly 20 northeastern Oklahoma lakes — it nestles up against the rolling hills of the eastern part of the state. The lake is the last in a string of three reservoirs that impound the Grand (Neosho) River before it flows into the Arkansas River. From its dam — about eight miles north of the historic town from which it draws its name — Fort Gibson Lake stretches north through three counties to the Markham Ferry Dam at Lake Hudson. Fort Gibson Lake, a popular lake among anglers, attracts a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. A 21,798acre public hunting area offers hunters a chance to bag just about any kind of game found in the state. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir attracted 1.72 million visitors in 2011, down from 1.96 million in 2010 due primarily to continued drought conditions. Its 19,990 surface acres of water and 225 miles of shoreline provide plenty of room for boating, skiing and swimming. Two state parks and 21 recreation areas managed by the Corps of Engineers offer a range of opportunities for camping and lodging. Wagoner Mayor James Jennings said while a study of the lake’s impact on the local economy has not been done, the city “considers it a a valuable resource” worth promoting. Sequoyah State Park Manager Tony Presley said crews have been busy this winter “continuing to improve everything.” The park’s disc-golf course was moved from one of the campground areas to the regular golf course. But Presley said much of the work has been focused on remodeling its lodging and campground facilities. The Lodge at Sequoyah State Park, formerly known as Western Hills Guest Ranch, is the largest with-
Keara Miller, a Tahlequah High School sophomore who is taking part in mentoring program, handles a red corn snake at the Sequoyah State Park Nature Center while Naturalist Paula Hanafee shares information about the snake’s natural habitat.
restaurant and meeting rooms to accommodate conDESCRIPTION: The ferences and other large U.S. Army Corps of Engigatherings. It also features neers reservoir features a bunkhouse, swimming 19,990 surface acres of pool and a splash park for water, 225 miles of shorechildren. line and year-round out“We repainted the extedoor activities that include boating, camping, fishing, rior of the lodge last year hiking, horseback riding, and finished all the remodgolfing, hunting, picnicking eling at the cabins this and swimming. year,” Presley said, adding FACILITIES: Visitors the mechanical plant with will find 21 areas manthe heating and air condiaged by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and tioning system at the lodge two state parks. Recreis being updated this year. ational areas feature “We are excited about the campsites, picnic areas, mechanical — there’s is not drinking water, rest rooms, a whole lot the public will & boat launching ramps. Some campsites have notice — and getting ready electrical hook-ups, showto remodel the rooms next ers, recreational vehicle year.” hook-ups, and dump staOther improvements on tions. the books, Presley said, inCONTACT INFORMAclude a modern water TION: Fort Gibson Lake Association, 300 S. treatment plant, new Dewey, Wagoner, (918) campground facilities and 485-4623. signage throughout the WEBSITE: www.fortgibpark. Presley, who has sonlake.com worked at the park for 27 years and managed it for about five years, said new in the state park system. It drinking water guidelines has 104 guest rooms and 44 cabins, and an in-house (See BASS, Page 32)
Fort Gibson Lake
A new sign marks the entrance to Paradise Cove at Sequoyah State Park at Fort Gibson Lake. The new signage is one of several projects designed to give the park a facelift.
Outlook 2013
Muskogee Phoenix
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Page 29
Park nature center also offers classes 022400354301
Continued from Page 26
“We’re also doing some general face-lifting, putting up new signage and getting ready for the new season — we are ready to see people again.�
been focused on the upcoming tourist season. Lake Eufaula State Park Manager Sue Hughart said improvements are being made at some campsites, and the park is getting a facelift with new signage throughout. “We have put in a ninehole disc golf course — it’s an advanced nine, I wouldn’t call it very easy — but I hope to enlarge that to 18,� Hughart said, noting the state park on the lakes north end draws about 275,000 to 300,000 visitors a year. “And we are putting in 50-amp pedestals at some of the campsites — a lot of peo-
– Lake Eufaula State Park Manager Sue Hughart
ple like that now because they have the larger units.� During the off-season, Hughart said park visitors have had opportunities to attend a variety of classes at the nature center. Those classes have included soapmaking, stained glass,
fused glass bead-making and other artisan crafts. The Deep Fork Nature Center provides visitors the chance to learn about the animals and plant species native to the area. The park naturalist, Hughart said, leads a variety of programs and activities for visitors of all ages. Barbara Moore and her daughter, Polly Moore, will teach a silversmithing class March 22-24 at the group campground. Hughart said the three-day event costs $130 with a $50 deposit required by March 10. (Registration is required by calling (918) 689-7450.) “We have different people teach different classes throughout the winter months — we try to mix it up,� Hughart said about the various arts and crafts activities and classes. “But we’re also doing some general facelifting, putting up new signage and getting ready for the new season — we are ready to see people again.� Hughart said improvements that may not be seen but will be noticed by those who maintain the park include the replacement of some of the older water lines inside the park. Reach D.E. Smoot at (918) 684-2901 or dsmoot @muskogee phoenix.com.
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Outlook 2013
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Muskogee Phoenix
Page 30
Tenkiller Scuba Park a divers dream Divers can explore sunken objects, remains of flooded homesteads Continued from Page 24
want to be a place where people can come and reconnect with each other on the shores of Lake Tenkiller.” Tenkiller Scuba Park, an underwater destination toward the south end of the lake, “is a diver’s dream.” Divers can explore a variety of sunken objects at the park or venture into areas where the structural remains of flooded homesteads can be found. Two diving pro shops offer training, certification and equipment rentals. As with most of the other lakes in northeastern Oklahoma, Tenkiller also offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Among them are boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, skiing and swimming. Tenkiller State Park, located at the southeast end of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake, offers visitors a chance to “reconnect ... in a natural setting.” The park offers volleyball, basketball and shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pit, amphitheater, playgrounds and a swimming pool. Also available are a nature center, com-
munity building, group picnic shelters, a paved hiking trail and a children’s fishing pond. Pulliam said because of state budget cuts, he and his staff are “having to be a little more self-sufficient.” But with the benevolence of Tenkiller Park Partners and the Greater Tenkiller Area Association he remains optimistic about future prospects. Pulliam said plans are in the works to add a disc golf course at the park, but the big draw will continue to be its natural splendor. Eagle and loon tours, guided by the park’s naturalist, will continue each weekend through March 2. Three trails, one paved, provide scenic routes across the hilly terrain. “You can’t access the bluffs anymore,” Pulliam said. “But you can get down there and get a good view overlooking the dam and river valley below.” Kent Dunlap, chief of natural resources for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Tulsa District, said the agency’s big project at Tenkiller Lake involves the protection and preservation of the trout fishery in the lower Illinois River. The project includes the in-
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Tenkiller Lake DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir features 12,650 surface acres of water, 130 miles of shoreline and year-round outdoor activities that include boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, swimming and scuba diving. FACILITIES: Tenkiller Lake has 10 marinas and 14 parks managed by either the state of Oklahoma or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. All levels of campsites, from primitive to full hook-ups for recreational vehicles, are available. The lake also has 24 boat ramps. CONTACT: Tenkiller State Park, eight miles north of Gore on Oklahoma 10, Vian, (918) 4895641 or (918) 489-5643. WEBSITE: www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.7706
stallation of a special low-flow pipe from an existing surge tank located at Tenkiller Dam. A super-saturated dissolved oxygen system will be installed below the dam. These two systems,
(918) 684-2901 or dsmoot along with multi-agency campsites. Reach D.E. Smoot at @muskogeephoenix.com. cooperation, were designed to offset the loss of fresh water that used to leak from the gates at the dam before they were repaired. Two fish kills reported in Minor Medical 2011 spawned a multiCoughs • Colds agency effort to find a way • Flu • Earaches to save the trout fishery, • Sore Throats which contributes more • UTI • Stomach than $4 million annually Issues • Rashes to the local economy. • Allergies Dunlap said the low-flow • Eye Infections pipe has been installed, Accepting and the dissolved oxygen Health Choice Insurance system should be done & SoonerCare sometime this spring. The completion of both projects 918-686-6551 918-473-0110 should provide some relief Muskogee Checotah for the distressed fishery M,T,Th,F 11-4, Sat 9-11 M,T,Th,F 5-7:30pm downstream. Other Tenkiller Lake projects, Dunlap said, include a major repair contract that was funded in response to flood damage resulting from spring storms in 2010. This park repairs and rehabilitation efforts include roadways, parking areas, new concrete pullouts, new grills, tables, fire rings, fences and turf at Corps-operated
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Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Outlook 2013 Page 31
Staff photos by Dylan Goforth
Epic Medical Center Registered Nurse Lorraine Williams explains modifications the hospital has made in the last year, including turning this room into an outpatient endoscopy room.
Medical center provides acute care By D.E. Smoot Phoenix Staff Writer
A Muskogee physician’s decision to buy a hospital built in 1975 by the city of Eufaula may have been a lifesaver for McIntosh County residents and others. Epic Medical Center, owned and operated since 2011 by JEAY Medical Services LLC, has served McIntosh County residents for more than 35 years. The hospital was built in 1975 and operated by the city of Eufaula for 10 years as Community Hospital Lakeview before it was sold in 1985 to Community LifeCare Corp. Epic Medical Center was sold to BHC LLC effective January 2009, when it became a physician-owned hospital. The acquisition in August 2011 by JEAY Medical Services, a company organized by longtime Muskogee physician Yee Se Ong, allowed the acute-care facility to continue its tradition of providing health care services in McIntosh County. Vicki S. Schaff, the hospital’s chief operating officer, said the previous owners of Epic Medical Center had discussed the acquisition with others. But Schaff said it was Ong’s desire to keep the hospital open as an acute-care facility that helped seal the deal. “We know people need the care we provide, and I knew that if this facility ceased to exist people would die,” said Schaff, who remained on staff after the hospital was acquired by JEAY Medical Services. “Even though Muskogee and McAlester are only 30 minutes away, there are times when that extra time is the difference between life and death.” Ann Ong, an authorized agent for JEAY Medical Services said an example of the area’s need for emergency care occurred within a week of her husband’s acquisition of Epic Medical Center. She said hospital staffers were able stabilize a patient who had a heart
Shari Stinnett, assistant chief nursing officer at Eufaula’s Epic Medical Center, readies a wound cart in the hospital’s new trauma room.
attack and transfer him to Muskogee, saving the man’s life. “My husband thought it was important because the citizens in that area needed more immediate access to health care,” Ong said about the decision to buy the Eufaula hospital. “He was concerned they would not be able to access the health care in time for it to be especially helpful. Dr. Ong is a doctor first and foremost, and he always has been.” In addition to providing lifesaving care, Schaff said the acquisition saved the jobs of about 50 people who earn their living at the hospital. Losing those jobs, Schaff said, would have had “a negative economic impact” on Eufaula and the surrounding area. Eufaula Mayor Selina
Jayne-Dornan said having a local hospital “is very important to area residents and the local economy. “With this being a small town and with the tourists we have, a facility like Epic Medical Center is important to them,” Jayne-Dornan said. “I think it will help with the growth of the city as well.” In order to accommodate the needs of area residents and those who recreate at Lake Eufaula, Schaff said several improvements have been made at Epic Medical Center, and more are in the works. During a retreat earlier this month, hospital administrators refocused the facility’s mission statement. Epic’s mission, Schaff said, “is to provide high quality, easily accessible primary, emergency and inpa-
Epic Medical Center ADDRESS: 1 Hospital Drive, Eufaula. SERVICES OFFERED: Short-term acute care facility with 33 staffed beds that offers general medical and surgical services. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 50. KEY PERSONNEL: Vicki S. Schaff, chief operating officer. PHONE: (918) 6892535. WEBSITE: www.epichealthcare.net
tient medical services and to improve the health status of the local population of Eufaula, McIntosh County and surrounding areas.” While those outcomes have been the goal for some time, Schaff said there have been times during the past when the hospital’s reputa-
tion has become questionable. Part of that was because of the absence of primary-care providers within the community, a factor that is being addressed by actively recruiting new doctors. Schaff said efforts are ongoing to improve and update the hospital’s facilities. During the past year, Schaff said, Epic Medical Center doubled the capacity of its emergency room operations. By relocating the emergency room within the facility, Epic now has five emergency room beds, which allows its staff to “see and treat more people at one time.” Schaff said the consolidation of the hospital’s nursing staff is expected to “increase productivity in caring for patients.” And the
implementation of a new electronic health information system will make the provision of care more efficient and decrease the likelihood of medical errors. “We are basically taking an old structure and trying to accomplish some things that haven’t been done before,” Schaff said. “We are looking to expand our radiology and diagnostic services, and we want to do more preventive medicine in the community through educational programs promoting healthy lifestyles.” Schaff said the move toward a paperless system was part of the provisions contained in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Small, rural hospitals like Epic Medical Center, Schaff said, could benefit from federal health reforms if Gov. Mary Fallin would reverse her decision to opt out of the law’s expanded Medicaid provisions that come with federal funding. “If the state would have accepted those Medicaid dollars, this hospital would have benefited,” Schaff said. “Small, rural hospitals are struggling — we lose money caring for the uninsured.” Schaff said Epic Medical Center, like most other hospitals, must see every patient who walks into an emergency room. Expanding the state’s Medicaid system would reduce the number of uninsured Oklahomans. Craig Jones, president of the Oklahoma Hospital Association, said hospitals in the state provide uncompensated care to uninsured worth nearly $600 million a year. Without increased coverage for the uninsured, which an expanded Medicaid system would provide, “these costs are shifted to businesses and those who have insurance.” Jones, in his organization’s response to Fallin’s decision, said the end result will be increased health care costs for everyone. Reach D.E. Smoot at (918) 684-2901 or dsmoot @muskogeephoenix.com.
Outlook 2013
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013
Muskogee Phoenix
Page 32
Bass tournament scheduled for lake in early June Continued from Page 28
“One overriding thing that could affect all of our lakes is the continuing drought.”
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rig for the overall winner. “And besides, there is monand increased maintenance ey involved.” needs of the old plant made Kent Dunlap, the chief of building a new one a prior- natural resources for the ity. U.S. Army Corps of EngiOutside Sequoyah State neers’ Tulsa District, said Park, which work is conattracts about tinuing with 150,000 visithe rehabilitators annually, tion of campthere will be site electrical plenty of other systems at activities for several Corpsthose who bemanaged gin venturing parks at Fort out as the winGibson Lake. ter winds This updown. grades, Dun“We are lap said, ingearing up for cludes the rea good sumplacement of mer, said Patolder 30-amp ty Stewart, exelectrical servecutive direcice with new tor of the Fort 30-amp servGibson Lake ice and upAssociation. grading some “The Corps – Kent Dunlap, chief of 30-amp has done a lot natural resources for pedestals with of things dur- the U.S. Army Corps of 50-amp servEngineers’ Tulsa ing the winter ice. Several District to improve the older toilets lake, and we are scheduled are looking forward to to be replaced with new sponsoring the Oakley Big CXT toilet buildings — Bass Tour tournament this vandal proof, precast conyear.” crete structures — before Stewart said the Quan- the summer recreation seatum Big Bass Classic, son begins. scheduled June 8-9, drew “One overriding thing about 400 amateur anglers that could affect all of our during its most recent Fort lakes is the continuing Gibson event. She expects drought,” Dunlap said. “You that number to grow to 600 have all these things that for this year’s event, which compete against each other is one of the major ama- — hydropower, navigation, teur tournaments of the recreation and water supyear. ply — and there is just a “It is really a fun tourna- finite amount of resources ment,” Stewart said of the available.” event, which features Reach D.E. Smoot at hourly payouts and a hefty (918) 684-2901 or dsmoot cash prize and new fishing @muskogee phoenix.com.
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