SPORTS/1B
Right time for a hit Lady Rougher gets her only hit to drive in tying run
Wednesday Aug. 28, 2013
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muskogeephoenix.com
Goals set in manager search City councilors have approved a job description for the position that defines the qualities they hope to find in the next top administrator. The revised job description was cobbled together by a committee made up of Personnel Director Kelly Epperson and three city councilors. Story on Page 3A
County approves port’s Judge limits talk plan to purchase factory by lawyers, others Commissioners concerned about loss of property tax revenues By D.E. Smoot Phoenix Staff Writer
US to offer proof against Syria The Obama administration tries to bolster its case for possible military action against Syria within days, with intelligence agencies preparing to release intercepted communications aimed at proving Bashar Assad perpetrated a largescale chemical weapons attack on civilians. Story on Page 7A
Fort Hood killer rests his case
75 cents
Port officials have taken the first steps necessary to secure a million-dollar community development block grant to help fund its acquisition of a Fort Gibson manufacturing site. Muskogee County commissioners approved plans that are part of the grant application process: a citizen participation plan and
an anti-displacement and relocation plan. But they questioned how the proposed acquisition would affect stakeholders who depend on the ad valorem tax revenue the property now generates. If the port acquires the former Simmons Metal Container plant, the property would be taken off the property tax rolls because it would be owned by a public trust. That would result in the loss of more than $22,000 a year in ad valorem taxes, more than half of which is designated for public education. “The phones started ringing pretty early when this
deal became public,” District 1 Commissioner Gene Wallace said. “I think it is positive this is being done, but stakeholders have a legitimate concern about what might happen as a result.” Dave Davis, special projects coordinator for the Muskogee City-County Port Authority, told commissioners steps are being taken to ensure that ad valorem tax recipients would lose no money. He said Whitlock Packaging, which would lease the Simmons site from the port authority for a warehouse if the (See PORT, 2A)
in Duncan killing Autopsy shows victim died from single shot Mike Smith CNHI News Service
DUNCAN — A judge has issued a gag order prohibiting attorneys and other parties involved in the fatal drive-by shooting case in Duncan from talking to the media or public about the matter. Also, the state medical examiner said Tuesday that Christopher Lane, the 22-year-old Aus-
Biker dies in collision
The Army psychiatrist who killed 13 people at Fort Hood, Texas, decides not to call witnesses or testify during his trial’s penalty phase, which is his last chance to plead for his life before the jury begins deliberating whether to sentence him to death.
Phoenix Staff Writer
Should the state Legislature provide matching funds for the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum? Yes No
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Vol. 125 — No. 206 20 Pages in Two Sections Muskogee, Oklahoma
Printed on recycled newsprint. Founded Feb. 16, 1888 © 2013 NHI
A motorcycle involved in a fatal wreck on U.S. 69 smolders as investigators work to find out what happened. The driver, Jessie Nail of Wagoner, died Tuesday when he struck a tractor-trailer rig that was crossing the highway north of the Arkansas River Bridge.
He struck truck that turned in front of him By Thad Ayers
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Party’s planners promote schooling By Cathy Spaulding
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(See JUDGE, 2A)
Organizer cites his experience as benefit of education
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tralian who was shot while jogging in Duncan on Aug. 16, was struck by a single bullet that collapsed his lungs, fractured two ribs and tore through his aorta and pulmonary artery, causing extensive bleeding. Authorities say Lane was shot in the back with a .22-caliber revolver. They say the three teens accused in the case targeted him at random. In his order dated Monday but filed Tuesday, Stephens County
Phoenix Staff Writer
A Wagoner man was killed Tuesday after his motorcycle collided with a tractor-trailer rig on U.S. 69. Jessie Nail, 24, was pronounced dead at the scene, just north of the Arkansas River Bridge, east of Muskogee in Wagoner County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The crash happened about 12:10 p.m. at the intersection of West 50th Street North and U.S. 69, the report states.
The red 1994 GMC tractor-trailer driven by Timothy Wheeler, 53, of Chouteau was going south. Wheeler legally turned east across the northbound lanes. Nail was driving the 2000 Kawasaki motorcycle north at high speed, and it struck the truck on the passenger side, just behind the cab, troopers said. Nail, who was wearing a helmet, was thrown from the motorcycle and landed in the intersection. The motorcycle (See ACCIDENT, 2A)
The truck bears damage from the collision.
Barresi says math-science program paying off Exam scores jump 55 percent after one year in state schools taking part in national initiative OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — State School Superintendent Janet Barresi said Tuesday that students at the six Oklahoma schools participating in the National Math and Science Initiative program showed a 55 percent increase on advanced placement exam scores in math, sci-
ence and English after the first year of the program. “Our students are truly being prepared for the rigorous coursework they can expect in college,” Barresi said. “They’ve learned strategies in how to succeed ... how to take better notes, how to write better, Barresi critical thinking, how to communicate.” A score of three on the exams, which measure a student’s knowl-
edge in the subject area and are scored from one to five, is considered passing and eligible for college credit. The program, which costs an estimated $150,000 a year, is partially offset by financial support from private companies, NMSI senior regional director Dale Fleury said. About 550 students in Oklahoma are part of the national program. Tayshawnya Edwards, a senior at Midwest City High School, said tak(See STUDENTS, 2A)
Two Muskogee brothers say a Back to School Bash set for Saturday is their way of giving back to the community. Dathan Brooks, said his brother, Carnelle, came up with the idea for the bash, but he wanted to help. “I love kids, and I always wanted to give back to the community, let the kids have a good time,” said Carnelle Brooks, who owns Brooks Detailing. The Bash will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Elliott Park. Free hot dogs and cold drinks will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The bash also will feature drawings for 50 backpacks. Angel’s Care Home Health is set to offer free cardiac assessments. The event also will have face painting, a dunk tank, a jumping booth and music from a live disc jockey. Carnelle Brooks said he’s noticed that a lot of children in the area do not have fathers or other support. “I want to encourage them to stay in school,” he said. “When I was in school, we didn’t have the opportunity to have some encouragement. I want to encourage them to do something for the community.” Brooks said he worked hard to get himself on track (See PROMOTER, 2A)
If you go WHAT: Back to School Bash. WHEN: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. WHERE: Elliott Park on Altamont Street, north of Sadler Arts Academy, 800 Altamont St. EVENTS: Free hot dogs and beverages until 1 p.m. Face painting and other games.