PROGRESS C O M M U N I T Y
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E D U C A T I O N SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR | SECTION G
It’s been a busy year in and around Shawnee, from new businesses being built to ongoing progress and bond projects at area school districts — and even community programs at work that enhance the area overall.
Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2, 2019
Shawnee has new restaurants to choose from as well as an array of new businesses for residents to explore. Here’s a look at some of the progress over the past year.
Museum of Art
The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (MGMoA), at 1900 W. MacArthur in Shawnee, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. MGMoA Curator of Collections Delaynna Trim said in the early 1900s Fr. Gregory Gerrer started collecting for a museum in Oklahoma while he was in Europe training to be an artist. She said he saw these wondrous museums across Europe and wanted to bring the world to Oklahoma. “The collection started small — a few magnificent paintings, samples of woods and seashells collected from across the world and ethnographic objects from a variety of cultures,” Trim said. “The collection continued to grow with his travels and with the people he would meet.” By 1914, she said the collection was well on its way in his studio behind St. Benedict’s Church where he was an assistant pastor. “He would tell people of his dream to bring art and culture to Oklahoma, and they would give him their treasured art and artifacts for this great museum,” Trim said. “By 1919, the collection had grown beyond his studio, so he moved it to the newly-built Benedictine Hall at the St. Gregory’s campus.” Artwork hung in the hallways and the artifacts were displayed on the second floor, she said. Unlike many art museums, the Gerrer Museum as it was called then, was never the collection of a wealthy individual. Fr. Gerrer always collected for a museum for the people of Oklahoma. After Gerrer passed away in 1946, there was not a director of the museum until 1957 when Stephen Gyermek was asked to take the post. The Gerrer Museum was officially reopened Jan. 12, 1958. For more information, visit mgmoa.org or call (405) 878-5300. Information compiled from the MGMoA website.
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of Pottawatomie County
Just celebrating its third anniversary in April, Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County works to restore relationships from within neighborhoods. Director Brandon Dyer said his organization now has more than 3,200 We Care. team members, 136 Block Leaders and its Kids
Club program serves 275 children from seven neighborhood schools and its Friendship House. The nonprofit’s first Friendship House in Kickapoo Park, at 7th and Pottenger, is up and running; its second, at Main and Bryan, will soon follow suit.
PHOTOS BY VICKY O. MISA SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
at the Santa Fe Depot
Three years after its groundbreaking, Shawnee’s longtime downtown museum and depot site just celebrated its open house. Right next to the Pottawatomie County Historical Society and Museum at the Santa Fe Depot at 614 E. Main St., now sits the Pottawatomie County Museum — Paul and Ann Milburn Center, at 207 N. Minnesota (just north of
the depot). Director Ken Landry said with the help of Dr. and Mrs. Paul Milburn, numerous donors from the community, and volunteers and staff, a lot has been accomplished. “The building has been erected and the west wing has been completed, along with the restrooms and offices in the main area,” Landry said. The facility is approx-
imately 90 percent complete, Landry said, and fundraising continues in a push for the goal line. “We are actively seeking grants and financial assistance from the City of Shawnee and other entities to complete the building and grounds, and operate the museum,” he said. Fundraising for the new museum started in 2009, Landry said.
VICKY O. MISA SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
So far, $1.8 million in donations from more than 220 individuals, businesses and organi-
zations over the last 10 years of fundraising have made the new building possible, he said.
“We still need about $300,000 to completely finish the museum, inside and out,” Landry said.
2G • Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2, 2019
PROGRESS SHAWNEE | COMMUNITY
news-star.com Shawnee News-Star
BEST OF PREPS
STUDENT OF THE YEAR
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Caleb Kelsey of Tecumseh High School, one of the 16 Student of the Month finalists, was named Student of the Year and winner of a new Jeep Renegade during the News-Star Best of Preps event Monday, May 6 at FireLake Arena. The car was sponsored by Patriot Auto Group. Caleb, who is the Class of 2019 president and serves as president of THS Student Council and National Honor Society, also spends countless hours volunteering through his church and civic organizations. Caleb is also active in FFA and played varsity football and baseball for THS since 2016.
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PROGRESS SHAWNEE | COMMUNITY
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Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2, 2019 • 3G
The Blue Zones Project continues its mission to help Shawnee — and Pottawatomie County — become a healthier and more active place to live. Area entities like restaurants, businesses, schools and nonprofits are increasingly being added to the list of Blue Zones-approved worksites — meaning those entities have pledged to make more healthful choices.
ELISABETH SLAY SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
VICKY O. MISA SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
Retirement Community
Mike Little Construction continues to make progress on his apartment project underway just west of the Shawnee Public Library. VICKY O. MISA SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
KIM MORAVA SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
Construction has recently begun on a new retirement community near Shawnee Middle School along the west side of Union Street. The Grove, a multi-unit retirement community, is being built on 20.14 acres at 3900 N. Union. The development is expected to be single-story units in a gated neighborhood for those age 55 years and up. Amenities such as a clubhouse with workout facilities, safe room and meeting room also are expected at the site.
Foundation
After spending five years establishing itself as a driving force behind the goal of betterment for the community it has established itself in a building of its own. Avedis put down roots at 1500 E. Independence, wrapping up construction of its new building that spans 6,800 square feet — enough space to accommodate coordinated efforts with partners and fellow dreamers. Michelle Briggs officially retired as Avedis CEO a year ago, but former board member Kathy Laster has taken the reins since then. With assets in excess of $100 million, Avedis Foundation is one of
Oklahoma’s larger foundations. It was formed in June of 2012, following the sale of Unity Health Center to SSM Health Care/St. Anthony Shawnee. The sale prompted the establishment of a foundation from Unity’s former board, known as Community Health Partners. Avedis continues to dole out millions in grants each year to aid in healthful improvements in the area. Its mission is to measurably improve the health, wellness and quality of life for the people of Pottawatomie County and its surrounding communities.
PHOTOS BY VICKY O. MISA SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
Emmanuel Episcopal Church in downtown Shawnee is building a new addition that will house children’s classes, offices, a new kitchen and a bigger parish hall. It will also have a new front door and parking lots. The long-awaited construction project, which will make more
MOLLY KRUSE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
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PROGRESS SHAWNEE | COMMUNITY
4G • Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2, 2019
Recent Citizen Potawatomi Nation economic development milestones include new casino games, healthy living and more.
Grand Casino Hotel & Resort The Grand Casino Hotel & Resort now offers more ways to enjoy an evening out or weekend away than ever before. The south event center hosts karaoke every Friday night from 9 p.m. to midnight and a live band on Saturdays. The Grand Spa’s services include massages, body wraps, manicures, pedicures, facials and more. Six Tesla charging stations as well as spots for other electric vehicles sit on the south side of the property waiting to power up cars at no cost. Since the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ approval in August 2018 of Oklahoma House Bill 3375 that allowed establishments to offer ball and dice games, the Grand welcomes visitors to play its newest offerings. Both roulette and craps are available on specially crafted tables made in-house. The casino opens one craps and one roulette station seven days a week from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. Second stations open at 6 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Bets start at $5, and during peak times, patrons sign up on a waiting list for their chance to roll the dice or spin the wheel. The Grand’s new conference center opened at the end of January, offering spaces for convention breakout sessions or small group meetings for up to 200 people. The center is accessible through both the casino and an exterior door to the parking lot. The building also serves as a public storm shelter. Information on concerts, hotel rentals, spa packages and more is at grandresortok. com. Blue Zones certified The Blue Zones Projects aim to make the healthy choice easy, not just on an individual level but throughout the community. As a leader in the Shawnee area, the Tribe took responsibility in all levels of its enterprises, including making them healthy spaces for employees. As the largest employer in Pottawatomie County, CPN felt an obligation to add to the well-being of its staff. First National Bank & Trust Co. became the first bank certified as a Blue Zones-approved worksite in November
2018. Since last June, Blue Zones designated FireLake Wellness Center, CPN Health Services and the Grand Casino Hotel & Resort healthy worksites as well. Considering the broader community and consumers, CPN sought the endorsement of other establishments. The organization recommended FireLake Discount Foods as the first Blue Zones grocery store in the county in May 2018. Over the past year, the Grand Café and Grandstand Sports Grille, both located at the Grand Casino, became approved restaurants.
Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation The Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation moved to new offices inside the former First National Bank & Trust Co. building next to Tribal administrative offices. The CPCDC helps Native-owned businesses across the country with finances, offering services including loans, connections with training, credit counseling and more. It welcomes Festival attendees to its open house Friday, June 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Read more information about the corporation’s services available during Festival. Visit the CPCDC online at cpcdc.org. FireLake Bowling Center One of the premiere bowling centers in the Oklahoma City metro, FireLake Bowling Center offers 24 state-of-the-art lanes. The top choice of professional bowling leagues in the area, the center’s pro shop sells items needed for getting serious about striking down pins. The arcade and game room as well as glow in the dark bowling on the weekends make it an ideal spot for families and parties too. House of Hope CPN’s domestic violence program, House of Hope, increased its service area from two to five counties, adding Lincoln, Oklahoma and Seminole counties to Pottawatomie and Cleveland. HOH provides resources, safety planning, shelter, court advocacy, crisis intervention and more to anyone experiencing intimate partner violence across central Oklahoma. HOH also offers weekly support groups and eightweek parenting classes for those exposed to dating and family violence. Their office number is 405-2753176, and the 24/7 crisis
news-star.com Shawnee News-Star
number is 405-878-4673. Visit facebook. com/cpnhouseofhope or cpnhouseofhope.com for more information.
Workforce Development & Social Services CPN Workforce Development & Social Services’ programs help those looking for work and unconventional students finish their education. Offering career training, education counseling and a computer learning lab, Workforce recently filled another gap in the greater Tribal area. The GED testing center at Workforce Development & Social Services celebrates its anniversary this summer. It has been the only GED testing site in Pottawatomie County since it opened and has scheduled over 150 tests for students ranging from Oklahoma City to Okemah and Stillwater to Konawa. Available to anyone wanting to take GED tests, the center accepts registration at GED.com. Find out more at cpn. news/workforce. CPN Cultural Heritage Center The Cultural Heritage Center spent the year updating its artifacts and galleries, including the Veterans Wall of Honor, as well as the gift shop. The CHC reopened in January 2018, but since last summer, the new interactive displays on the museum floor provide hands-on learning in a fun, modern format, and the galleries feature new items that explain the history of the Potawatomi as well as present traditions. The gift shop offers new items, including dishware sets, and regularly holds sales. Apparel, art and much more is also available at giftshop.potwatomi.org. The CHC also continually expands the Veterans Wall of Honor and the specially crafted cases filled with photos and memorabilia in the Long Room, both honoring Potawatomi who have served in the U.S. military. The CHC asks Tribal members to help add to the displays. More information is online at potawatomiheritage.com. FireLake Golf Course FireLake Golf Course always offers something new, whether the shelves of the pro shop display the newest putting gear or the café cooks up a new dish. The event space hosts two evenings of live entertainment and dinner each month, featuring
some of the best musical and comedy acts in the OKC metro in the past year. FireLake now houses two course dogs to look over the fairway. In March, FireLake Golf Course welcomed its new puppy, Brodie — a co-worker with its other dog, a chocolate lab named Scout. Scout began in 2013. Now, he is teaching Brodie how to chase geese away and what else to look for out on the greens.
CPN West Clinic Imaging Center Citizen Potawatomi Nation Health Services began construction on its new imaging center in 2018. While the East Clinic offers ultrasounds, X-rays and mammograms, the center opening next to the CPN West Clinic and Grand Casino Hotel & Resort offers those processes as well as CT and MRI scans. It will cover a majority of tribal patients’ imaging needs in-house. In addition to imaging, the new specialty clinic fills the first floor of the two-story building. Medical experts in cardiology, general surgery, orthopedics, podiatry, audiology and more will travel to those offices to be accessible in-house as well. An inside walkway connects both the West Clinic and the new 7,500-squarefoot imaging center, allowing patients to move easily between the two. Physical therapy will be available on the second floor. CPN Child Development Center The CPN Child Development Center Dale location near the Grand opened August 2018. Eighty children between 8 weeks and 3 years old can receive care at the second CDC location, with approximately 60 currently enrolled. The center gives priority to Native American families who apply, more specifically CPN families; however, enrollment is open to the public. Open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. five days a week, the site employs 25 trained staff members that teach Pinnacle Curriculum, a comprehensive and
PROVIDED PHOTOS
age-specific early childhood developmental program. The infants and toddlers play in the indoor playroom and outdoor playground as
part of it; they include a STEM area for the 2 and 3-year–olds and a smart board that cultivates movement through music among other things.
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E D U C A T I O N SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR | SECTION H Saturday-Sunday, June 1, 2019
Local Dispensaries At Oklahoma’s June 26 primary election last year, voters made it abundantly clear they, too, are in support of an option in medical treatment that 29 other states have embraced: marijuana. Passing with 57 percent, State Question 788 legalized the licensed use, sale and growth of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Since then, the question the state has had to answer is how to implement the new law; this is brand new terrain for Oklahomans. Both at the state and local levels, rules have been established, rejected and rewritten. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) worked for months to develop emergency rules. The law had to be implemented quickly — within 60 days of passage. The public was allowed a short time to submit
comments to the draft; the vast majority of recorded public comments centered around a grave dissatisfaction for OSDH’s proposal to allow only a limited amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content — 12 percent for medical marijuana products and 20 percent for a mature plant. Countless residents cited the limit as “unacceptable.” The policies — after the board added two amendments (requiring dispensaries to be operated by pharmacists and banning the sale of smokable marijuana, despite a warning from legal counsel that it could open the door for legal challenges) — were adopted by the State Board of Health and then quickly approved by thenGov. Mary Fallin. Civil lawsuits were filed soon after in two Oklahoma counties accusing state health officials of improperly imposing
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strict rules on the state’s recently approved medical marijuana industry. Attorney General Mike Hunter issued a statement advising the board to reconsider its actions. Hunter added a laundry list of other concerns in the proposed regulations, as well. Soon another updated draft was offered — with six pages of revisions to the rules. Locally, Shawnee city commissioners took a step back from a September decision to impose regulatory fees and fines for marijuana growing facilities for personal medical use; in March they removed the fee and fines from the City Fee Schedule. Before that, the board repealed rules previously enacted in the fall regarding the passage of medical marijuana in the state. Repealed items included the removal of the reg-
istry requirement of owners of marijuana-growing facilities for personal use — as well as removal of the fee to register; owners of marijuana-growing facilities for personal use will no longer be subject to security provisions; and growing marijuana for personal use without first obtaining a license from the state is no longer be punishable by a $200 daily fine while in violation. In March Mayor Richard Finley also moved to adopt the ordinance striking Section 8-515, 8-B, which was a locally-added rule (above and beyond what state rules required) stating a permit would not be granted to any applicants where the pro-
Several dispensaries have been planted throughout the city after medical marijuana became legal in the state. PHOTOS BY VICKY O. MISA SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
posed location would be located within 1,000 feet of any juvenile or adult halfway house, correctional facility or substance abuse rehabilitation or treatment center. “I don’t know that it should be our job to determine where these businesses are located, outside of the parameters of state law,” Finley said. With the freedom to
plant their businesses where they want, local entrepreneurs have produced a swell of dispensaries throughout the city. More than a half dozen of the medical marijuana shops have settled down just on Main Street alone. Countless dispensaries can be found as residents expand their treatment options.
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2H • Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2, 2019
PROGRESS SHAWNEE | BUSINESS
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For several months a new steakhouse, the Bar H Bar Branding Iron, and retail center have been under construction just to the east of Vision Bank on Harrison Street. Owner Richard Hefner said the 6,000 square foot restaurant to the north and 9,600 square foot
retail center on the south side could be open any day now. With seating expected to hold 140, the restaurant will offer a sit-down experience similar to other steakhouses, like Charleston’s, Hefner said.
VICKY O. MISA SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
The former CD Warehouse building at Kickapoo and MacArthur Street underwent a remodel and transformation this spring and is now home to a new AT&T store. ELISABETH SLAY SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
Construction on a new building with room for several businesses at 35th Street is nearing completion, with for lease signs posted in that area. KIM MORAVA SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
A new hotel is being constructed on Harrison Street just north of Interstate 40. KIM MORAVA SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
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Strip malls and the last lots of Marketplace Phase 1 have filled in the area, and continue to do so as Kickapoo heads south. Discount Tire and Harbor Freight have been a part of Shawnee’s newer business district for awhile now. A little south, a strip mall has filled up with various retail businesses. Yet a bit farther south, expansion of
PROGRESS SHAWNEE | BUSINESS
Bison Crossing also is nearing completion on the west side of the 3900 block of Kickapoo. Residents recently saw the Hearing Health Care, Inc., building, at 3954 N. Kickapoo, replaced by a parking lot. Several suites now line the street — on the south end, finished and inhabited spaces are thriving as others are wrapping up construction to the north.
PHOTOS BY VICKY O. MISA SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
www.news-star.com
Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2, 2019 • 3H
PROGRESS SHAWNEE | BUSINESS
4H • Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2, 2019
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Harrison & MacArthur • Kickapoo Spur After more than a year of occasional spurts of dirt work at Domino Plaza along Harrison Street south of Interstate 40, the strip continues its promise to house up to two hotels and four restaurants — as well as a dog park — at the location. A gas station/convenience store already is in operation at the south end of the property, just to the west of Gordon Cooper Technology Center (GCTC). There is no confirmation yet as to what businesses are planning to fill the site.
Harrison street location front view
Harrison street location pumping island
Harrison street location dirtwork
Kickapoo location drive thru entrance PHOTOS BY VICKY O. MISA SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
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PROGRESS
SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR | SECTION I Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2, 2019
BUSINESS
CONT’D.
First United Bank construction continues at the southeast corner of MacArthur Street and Harrison Avenue. The former site of Joe Cooper Ford at 2600 N. Harrison is to become the new headquarters for First United Bank of Shawnee. When construction is completed, the location at 912 E. Independence will close, President Paul Bass said.
MOLLY KRUSE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
ELISABETH SLAY SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
ELISABETH SLAY SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
SHAWNEE MILLING COMPANY 1906-2019
The mill J. Lloyd Ford bought for $10,500, his life savings, on April 20, 1906. He immediately renamed it Shawnee Milling Company and opened its doors for business on Tuesday, April 24, 1906.
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Good Millers Simce 1906
Several additions had been made to the original mill by 1908 - two years after J. Lloyd Ford opened for business. Ford is shown in horse and buggy near building with “Shawnee Chief Flour” painted on its side. A wagon loaded with mill products is at far left.
PROGRESS SHAWNEE | BUSINESS
2I • Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2, 2019
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Tapatio & Cazadorez
Mexican Restaurants
Tapatio Mexican Restaurant, at 3100 N. Harrison, opened for business in Shawnee in August. Tapatio now occupies the building left vacant by Cazadorez, which moved several blocks up the street into the former site of Degraffs restaurant. VICKY O. MISA SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
Sancho Ancho Latin Cuisine
Sam’s Southern Eatery
The former Delta Cafe, at 4734 N. Kickapoo, is being remodeled to make way for Sancho Ancho Latin Cuisine. According to the Dec. 12 building permit, the remodel is valued at $300,000 and spans 4,000 square feet. No opening date has been confirmed yet.
Sam’s Southern Eatery opened its doors in December 2018. Filling the former Pizza Hut site at 1718 N. Harrison, Sam’s Southern Eatery made its debut with entrees including shrimp, oysters, as well as various types of fish and chicken. The menu also includes gumbo, salads, sandwiches and burgers. In 2008, Sam’s opened its first location in Shreveport, Louisiana; The company has now grown to more than 51 locations in nine Southern states with over 750 employees.
VICKY O. MISA SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
ELISABETH SLAY SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
Pizza Hut
Chicken Express
A new Pizza Hut was constructed and opened last fall in the 3300 block of North Kickapoo.
Chicken Express wrapped up construction of its first Shawnee restaurant and opened the restaurant on Harrison Street, just south of 45th Street.
ELISABETH SLAY SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
MOLLY CRUSE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
Taqueria El Dolar Taco Truck
Don Ciro’s Mexican Restaurant
A banner hangs at the site of Yummy Donuts, at 1201 N. Harrison, advertising the upcoming arrival of the Taqueria El Dolar Taco Truck. Well-known as a regular staple to the Oklahoma City area, the taco truck reportedly has earned high marks — 4.7 out of 5 — according to reviews on Facebook.
Don Ciro’s, after being at the same location on Harrison Street, moved north into a different building at 1902 N. Harrison.
VICKY O. MISA SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
ELISABETH SLAY SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
PROGRESS SHAWNEE | BUSINESS
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Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2, 2019 • 3I
Bell Street
Social Club
A complete laser light show hangs from the ceiling, a video jukebox controlling various screens sits near the front and 40 vintage standing video games from the 1980s line the walls of Bell Street Retro Arcade. Located in a historical building owned by Travice Jennings, 71, with games supplied by David Taylor, 36, this business is the first of its kind in Shawnee. The arcade opened last fall.
Though it housed private parties and gatherings at the beginning, Theopolis Social Club, 419 E. Main St., officially opened early in the spring. VICKY O. MISA SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
ELISABETH SLAY SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
Dollar Tree opened its second location at 600 West Independence, formerly Eckerd Drugs. VICKY O. MISA SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
Though it housed private parties and gatherings at the beginning, Theopolis Social Club, 419 E. Main St., officially opened early in the spring.
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4I • Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2, 2019
PROGRESS SHAWNEE | BUSINESS
Independence & Bryan
Though construction of the new Fire Station No. 2 was delayed some by rain in the past year, the new station is open and in full operation. Following a history of repeated mold caused by ongoing water leaks and drainage problems, the city of Shawnee chose to tear down the former Station No. 2 on Bryan Street and rebuild it.
news-star.com Shawnee News-Star
The structure was torn to the pre-engineered “red–iron” structure and concrete slab, and then construction began with a expansion designed to improve the apparatus bay. The way it was reconstructed, the new and improved Station No. 2 is expected to serve the community and fire department for at least 40 years.
VICKY O. MISA SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
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E D U C A T I O N SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR | SECTION J Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2, 2019
Technology Center
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
Gordon Cooper Technology Center builds new Public Safety Center By Elisabeth Slay
Gordon Cooper Technology Center continues construction on Public Safety Center.
(405) 214-3926 | eslay@news-star.com | Twitter: @ElisabethSlay
ELISABETH SLAY SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
Gordon Cooper Technology Center (GCTC) is still in the process of building its new Public Safety Center. According to Public Information Officer Tracy Farley, while the rain has put construction behind, workers have started putting up the structure steel. GCTC Superintendent Marty Lewis said the Safety Center will offer training programs and services to various public safety workers. “The facility will include space to train for new and current paramedics to serve in our region, have a high school program that takes high school students through an introduction to
law enforcement along with exposure to firefighting, paramedics, and other career opportunities associated with the Public Safety Pathway, train for existing law enforcement and security employers in our region, train existing firefighters (paid and volunteer) and train for any other Public Safety areas,” Lewis said. Farley said the program is scheduled to begin in January. The building is located on GCTC’s main campus between the diesel training facility and 45th Street. Lewis explained the Safety Center will benefit Pottawatomie County and surrounding counties because future
and current workers, such as law enforcement or volunteer fire fighters, will receive top notch training. “Quite simply this facility and the training will allow many in our region to have access to a level of training that hasn’t been feasible before within our region,” Lewis said. The Safety Center will be more than 20,000 square feet, Lewis said, and will include: four classrooms, a paramedic training lab, a firearm simulation room, a driving simulation room, a workout space for law enforcement and firefighter training activities, a large meeting room, a fire training tower and additional water
features for fire equipment. The estimated cost for the Safety Center is $5 million and funds for the building and its features will be supplied by Building Fund proceeds. Lewis said the choice to build the Safety Center was inspired by a myriad of people including internal staff, student interest surveys and external stakeholders. In addition to the new Public Safety Center, Farley said Gordon Cooper will celebrate its 50th Anniversary Tuesday, Oct. 15 with a bash at the GCTC campus. For more information on the celebration visit www. facebook.com/GCTC50th.
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PROGRESS SHAWNEE | EDUCATION
2J • Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2, 2019
news-star.com Shawnee News-Star
Dale • McLoud • North Rock Creek • Shawnee
• Tecumseh
McLoud Public Schools is using funds from a $10 million bond issue to build a new intermediate building for fourth, fifth and sixth graders. ELISABETH SLAY SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
McLoud continues construction on new intermediate school By Elisabeth Slay (405) 214-3926 | eslay@news-star.com | Twitter: @ElisabethSlay
The new Dale High School Building will house 250-300 students and will have 20 classrooms. ELISABETH SLAY SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
Dale: New high school, gym By Elisabeth Slay (405) 214-3926 | eslay@news-star.com | Twitter: @ElisabethSlay
In January of 2018 Dale Public Schools broke ground on their new high school building and since then have made much progress on the project and expect to have it finished before the start of the 2019-2020 school year. According to Superintendent Charlie Dickinson, the new high school will have 20 new classrooms and house around 250-300 students. Dickinson said the new classrooms include two new science labs and a 30 station computer lab. Construction workers are scheduled to demolish the old high school build-
ing June 3, except for the library which will receive a makeover. In addition to the new high school, DPS has also built a new gym which Dickinson said is bigger, has air conditioning and better climate control. The gym will be able to hold around 400 people during sporting events and it will be more modern. Dickinson said the project is funded by a $10 million bond issue that was passed in 2017 with 72 percent of people in favor of the enhancements.
Shawnee bond issue projects update By Elisabeth Slay (405) 214-3926 | eslay@news-star.com | Twitter: @ElisabethSlay
In 2016 Shawnee Public Schools passed a $32 million bond issue and since then have made several improvements to schools throughout the district. According to SPS Public Information Officer, Cherity Pennington, since 2016 these projects have been completed: secure entrances at Shawnee Middle School, Horace Mann, Sequoyah, Will Rogers and Jefferson, safe rooms/ classrooms at Horace Mann and Jefferson, new classrooms at Sequoyah, a new parking lot at
Shawnee High School, new science and special needs classrooms at SHS, ADA seating on the home side at the SHS Football Stadium and land purchased for the new elementary school. The new elementary school is expected to be finished at some point in the 2021-2022 school year or later. The district is currently working on the Stucker Facility and the addition of safe rooms at SHS. Pennington said there are several projects remaining but construction for those is scheduled to
begin during 2019-2020. The remaining projects include security vestibules on the East and West side, SHS counseling area relocation, enhancements to the SHS library media center, cafeteria/dining area, band and choir rooms and the tennis facility, updates to the baseball field concession and restrooms and new SHS softball dugouts. Construction for safe rooms and additional classrooms at Will Rogers will begin later than 2020, Pennington said.
In early fall of 2018 McLoud Public Schools broke ground on their new intermediate school for fourth, fifth and sixth graders and are currently working on the infrastructure. According to McLoud Superintendent Steve Stanley, the school will house 500-600 students, but because of weather, workers are 70 days behind the planned opening date. Stanley is hopeful the school will be ready by the spring semester of the
2019-2020 school year. The building is 47,000 square feet and will have 24 classrooms, a new gym, gym lobby, cafeteria, library, computer lab and a safe room. Stanley said the new building will help with many issues the school district currently faces. “It’s going to help with the over crowding because we currently have pre-K through sixth grade in one building,” Stanley said. Current teachers will join students in the new building but the district
is planning to hire a P.E. teacher, librarian and cafeteria workers. Stanley explained in addition to the new building, the district is remodeling some existing class rooms and putting up new technical signs throughout the schools. Funds for the project are primarily coming from a $10 million bond issue but Stanley said the furnishings and technology are being funded by the half cent sales tax.
The new Tecumseh Middle School gym is expected to be finished at the end of July. ELISABETH SLAY SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
Tecumseh Public Schools to finish bond issue projects By Elisabeth Slay (405) 214-3926 | eslay@news-star.com | Twitter: @ElisabethSlay
Since Tecumseh Public Schools passed their $12.4 million bond issue in fall 2016 several changes have been made to the district including the addition of the Early Childhood Education Center and improvements to the band rooms, vocal music rooms and security. Now three years later, TPS Superintendent Tom Wilsie said, the district has only a few more proj-
ects left that are currently being worked on or will begin this summer. For example Wilsie said at this point in time, construction workers are putting up the exterior metal for the middle school’s new gym, working on plumbing in the building and making improvements to the cafeteria, restrooms and lobby. Wilsie said though rain has slowed the process
down, the project is expected to be completed at the end of July. In addition, TPS is currently taking bids on the school farm and will begin construction and Phase One also at the end of July. Wilsie also said improvements to the high school’s roof will begin next week.
North Rock Creek finishing new high school By Elisabeth Slay (405) 214-3926 | eslay@news-star.com | Twitter: @ElisabethSlay
The new North Rock Creek High School will be available to students on the first day of school Aug. 8. ELISABETH SLAY SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR
North Rock Creek Public Schools is finishing up the final touches to their new high school which is expected to be open at the end of July or beginning of August. The first day of the 2019-2020 school year on Aug. 8. According to Superintendent Dr. Blake Moody, construction workers are putting the final touches on the building and the district will spend the next few months preparing for the school year. “We plan on taking our time this summer and getting trained in the new building technology because there is a ton of new technology in this building,” Moody said. Moody said each classroom in the new school will have 65-inch teaching screens that educators can touch, write and work on. The high school will house ninth graders and tenth graders and Moody said by the time next year’s sophomores are seniors there will be 350-500 students, making it a 3A school.
Though the new building will be for high schoolers, Moody said students in the middle school will also have access. “Our middle school seventh and eighth graders will benefit from this building as well as it’s right next door and it has the science labs, cafe, Innovation Center, band, agriculture, and art room that currently are not in the middle school,” Moody said. In addition to the new school building, Moody said the district is continuing their work on their new FEMA safe room at the elementary school. It will be a multipurpose four classroom during the day and a safe room after hours. It is expected to be completed around December 2019. Moody explained workers are still doing construction to various athletic sites including a new baseball field, new track, athletic complex, administration building and new stadium seating. These are expected to be completed in February or March of 2020.
news-star.com Shawnee News-Star
PROGRESS SHAWNEE | EDUCATION
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OBU concluded yet another successful year in May. The University celebrated numerous milestones and achievements by faculty, students and staff, experienced positive changes and improvements in facilities, and made continued progress in many University initiatives. On Friday, May 17, the University saw 293 graduates receive their diplomas during OBU’s 105th Spring Commencement. The University saw 108 students graduate during Winter Commencement in December 2018, including 72 undergraduates and 36 graduate students. This combined for a 2018-19 graduating class of 401 students. In early May, OBU dedicated a new collaborative learning space inside Bailey Business Center, provided through the generous donations of the Jeff and Kathy Madison family. It was created to be a place where students can refresh themselves between classes while collaborating with other students and faculty. It includes four sets of tables and chairs, sofas, a kitchenette, a wall-mounted TV, a large dry erase whiteboard, a soda machine, and more. In April, the University enrolled nearly 300 new students during its annual Priority Enrollment Day. The University also recognized 38 employees for a combined total of 440 years of service during its annual service awards luncheon. The OBU Shawnee Community Orchestra celebrated the service of Dr. Jim Hansford, professor of music emeritus, who retired after serving as the group’s founding conductor for 19 years. In March, OBU hosted the seventh annual Green and Gold Gala in Oklahoma City. The event featured a keynote address from NASCAR driver, TV personality and humanitarian Kyle Petty. The Green and Gold Gala raises money for student scholarships at OBU. In January, OBU President Dr. David W. Whitlock announced his retirement, after serving on Bison Hill for more than 10 years. Whitlock finished his term through May 31 as University chancellor. Dr. Pat Taylor was named interim president by the OBU Board of Trustees in February. Taylor retired as president of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, in 2018, and returned to Bison Hill after serving as OBU’s senior vice president and provost from 1986 to 1996. During the past year, 341 students and mentors were commissioned for global service through Global Outreach trips and other service opportunities. They traveled to locations in seven states and 22 other countries on 27 Global Outreach and seven academic trips. The end of this academic year marks the completion of OBU’s second year as full members of NCAA Division II. The Bison teams have met the challenge, both on the field and in the classroom, rising to the occasion of NCAA competition and standards. While the level of competition has increased, so too has the prowess and ability of Bison athletes. The Graduate College at OBU announced it will begin offering an on-campus MBA program in Shawnee beginning in fall 2019,
Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2, 2019 • 3J
complementing the current online MBA program. Classes will be held in the evenings. This in-person experience allows students to complete courses in the same timeframe as online courses, with each class lasting eight weeks. With this new program, students are allowed to complete a degree that is completely in-person or a blend of online and on-campus. Since the courses are designed for working professionals, students are allowed to take classes at their own pace but are able to complete the program in as little as 16 months. Last fall, the University dedicated the Dick and Sue Rader Office of Student Life and Women of Vision Center for Spiritual Life. The newly renovated section of the Geiger Center officially opened at the beginning of the fall semester. The decision to remodel the Geiger Center was made in an effort to bring student life and spiritual life together to better serve the student body in a centralized location. This included moving and remodeling OBU’s mail room, as well as renovating and constructing offices, meeting spaces, and conference rooms for campus organizations. For the 27th consecutive year, U.S. News and World Report ranked OBU as one of the top colleges in the nation in numerous categories, including, “The Overall Best Regional Colleges of the West,” “The Foreign Student Factor,” “2019 Best Colleges for Veterans,” “A Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching,” “Student Debt Load at Graduation,” and “Best Value Schools in the Western U.S.” In the Best Regional Colleges of the West, OBU ranked seventh out of the 15-state region, maintaining its spot as the highest-ranking Oklahoma institution on the list for 25 consecutive years. OBU ranked ninth in the Western region on the list, “The Foreign Student Factor,” based on percentage of international students in its student body. OBU also ranked fifth in the Western region on the “2019 Best Colleges for Veterans.” The University was ranked as the only Oklahoma school and one of only two schools in the Western region recognized to have “A Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching.” It ranked 14th best in the 15-state Western region for having the lowest debt load at graduation, and the University ranked ninth for the “Best Value Schools” in the West. OBU received another high honor from a nationally respected entity, as it was recognized by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education as a “Top School for Student Engagement.” OBU ranked second in the nation for student engagement out of 968 institutions. OBU likewise ranked second on a list of top colleges and universities in the state of Oklahoma, as rated by College Consensus, trailing only the University of Tulsa while ranking higher than both the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. It then ranked 23rd on a list of Best Christian Colleges and Universities in the nation, also on the College Consensus lists.
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4J • Saturday-Sunday, June 1-2, 2019
PROGRESS SHAWNEE
news-star.com Shawnee News-Star
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