Veterans Day 2014
The Okmulgee community held several Veterans Day programs to honor those who have served our country in the military. At the left, First Sgt. Steve Treagesser (retired-Army) was the featured speaker at Okmulgee Elementary School. In the photos (counter clockwise), OES students thank veterans for their service. The OES Show Choir performed several patriotics numbers. Three veterans visit following the OES program. Above, James Floyd, director of the Veterans Adminstration Medical Center in Muskogee poses with VFW Post 1189 former commander Robert Bill Jones prior to Tuesday’s program.
(Staff photos by Patrick Ford & Herman Brown)
It’s cold!
Citizens urged to prepare for winter weather
On Wednesday, November 12, citizens in Okmulgee County are urged to prepare for the upcoming winter weather season as part of "Winter Weather Preparedness Day.”
“In recent years we’ve experienced winter weather storms, including devastating ice storms and blizzards," Tim Craighton said. "We all need to be aware of these natural threats we face in our community and take responsibility to make sure we are properly prepared when disaster strikes."
The Okmulgee County has joined with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the National Weather Service and other agencies to raise public awareness about what can be done to prepare for hazardous winter weather. Individuals or groups who would like to host a program to help become better prepared should call the Okmulgee County Emergency Management at 918-759-9984.
Winter Weather Awareness Tips:
Have A Plan:
Discuss with your family what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued.
Ensure your family knows meeting places and phone numbers of other family members in case they are separated when a winter storm hits.
Know what to do if basic services such as water, gas, electricity or telephones are cut off for an extended period of time.
Understand the hazards of wind chill. Cold temperatures are even more dangerous, and potentially deadly, when combined with strong winds. The lower the temperature and stronger the wind, the more at risk you are.
Check on family, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly. Make sure they are prepared.
Plan to bring pets inside during winter weather. Move livestock to sheltered areas with non-?frozen drinking water.
Install and check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Let faucets drip to avoid freezing and know how to shut off water valves if necessary.
Have an alternate heating method such as fireplace or wood or coal burning stove. Always be cautious using a portable space heater.
Have your car winterized before winter storm season. Keep your gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
Make sure your home is properly insulated. If necessary insulate walls and attic. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills.
Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of old newspapers. Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.
Make A Kit:
Wind-shield scraper, de-icer, snow shovel and small broom for ice and snow removal.
A cell phone with charger and a battery powered radio.
Several blankets or sleeping bags.
Mittens, they are warmer than gloves.
Rain gear, warm coats and extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks and a cap.
Non-perishable snacks like dried fruit, nuts and other high energy “munchies.”
Bottled water. Eating snow will lower your body temperature. If necessary, melt it first.
Sand or cat litter for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains or traction mats.
Jumper cables, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit and brightly colored cloth to tie to antenna if you get stranded.
Stay Informed:
Know what National Weather Service winter storm and blizzard watches and warnings mean.
A winter storm watch is a message indicating a winter storm is possible in your area.
A winter storm warning indicates a winter storm is occurring winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area and could threaten life and property.
A winter weather advisory means winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists.
A frost/freeze warning means below freezing temperatures are expected.
Ice storms usually bring heavy accumulations of ice that can bring down trees, electrical wires, telephone poles and lines, and communication towers. Communications and power can be disrupted for days while the utility company works to repair the extensive damage.
A blizzard warning means sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater and considerable falling or blowing snow is expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.
Depend on your NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio, along with local radio and television stations, for weather reports.
Be Cautious with Alternative Heat Sources:
Never use generators, grills, camp stoves or other gasoline or charcoal-burning devices inside your home or garage. They produce carbon monoxide.
Never heat a home with an oven if the electricity goes out
Use fireplaces, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented.
Do not place a space heater within 3 feet of anything that may catch on fire, such as drapes, furniture, or bedding, and never cover your space heater.
Use extra caution when using space heaters. Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.
Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
Do keep a multipurpose fire extinguisher on hand in case of emergency.
Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning by installing a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector and never using generators, grills, camp stoves or similar devices indoors.
Applications available for Festival of Lights Parade
Applications are available for Okmulgee Main Street’s Festival of Lights Parade. The entry is FREE! The parade will be held on Saturday, December 6, at 6:00pm in downtown Okmulgee.
The theme of this year’s parade will be “The Spirit of Christmas”.
Entries are accepted in the following categories: Business and Church/Non-Profit. Entries will compete for Best Use of Theme, Best Use of Lights, Best Use of Costumes, Best Use of Mechanical Movement and Best Use of Music. Trophies are awarded in each category, and one float will receive the Committee Choice Award.
Entries are also available for car clubs, horse clubs and motorcycle clubs.
Okmulgee Main Street wishes to remind everyone that no Santa’s are allowed on any floats. No candy is to be thrown from any float or car entry. You may have walkers, along the float, to hand out candy to the children. And no vendors of any type are allowed on any parade streets.
Applications are available at the Okmulgee Main street office, 112 N. Morton. Deadline for registration for the parade will be Friday, November 28, 2014.
County High Schools Bands are being invited, along with area dignitaries, Junior High and Senior High cheer squads are also invited to participate.
For information on the Festival of Lights Parade, contact Okmulgee Main Street at 918-758-1015.
Special session slated for
local school board
The Okmulgee School board will meet in a special session at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 13th at the district’s Administration Building.
Listed on the agenda for consideration by the 5-member panel will be:
• Negotiated Agreement for Certified Staff (OCTA) for FY15.
• Resolution calling for an annual School Election to be held February 10th, 2015 with a run-off election (if needed) on April 7th, 2015, along with a request to close precincts 34 and 38.
• School bond issue and campaign for the Spring of 2015, including discussion of potential projects
• Review potential calendar dates for conducting student suspension appeal hearings for two separate suspension appeal requests.
Long-time educator remembered
Okmulgee Elementary School held a tree planting ceremony Tuesday in honor of longtime teacher Kenneth Bridgman, who passed away last year. Friends, students and family fondly remembered Bridgman and love for his students, his work and his family. Below, OES teachers Kary Neal and Ross Thorman plant the oak tree in front of the school. At right, family members pause for a moment in front of the tree - father Kenneth Bridgman Sr., son Brian Bridgman, wife Jenny Bridgman, Michelle Bridgman-King and her husband Matt King.
(Staff photo by Patrick Ford)
Obituaries
Shari McClendon
April 1, 1952 - November 7, 2014
Shari LaRue Fulmer McClendon left her incredible life on this earth in Oklahoma City on Friday, November 7, 2014. She was born in Oklahoma City on April 1, 1952, and graduated from Northwest Classen High School in 1970. She then attended Wake Forest University and went on to graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma.
On August 7, 1976, Shari married James (Jimmy) McClendon Jr. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. The marriage was blessed with three miracle children. Shari later discovered that her health condition should have been fatal each time she gave birth. Shari was an excellent scuba diver, water skier and snow skier. Her other many talents included glass work, sewing, embroidery and serving her church in Catholic Daughters of America and the Altar Society.
She served her community as president of the Okmulgee Service League, chairman of the Follies and founding board member of Marion Academy. Shari worked as a registered nurse with both Okmulgee Rehabilitation and the Department of Human Services. She was involved in the family funeral home business and owned and operated Martin Monument Company for eleven years.
In 1993, Shari was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension that was caused by a heart defect that she had since birth. At the time Pulmonary Hypertension was relatively unknown. Doctors told Shari that she had fourteen months to live at most. Clearly, they underestimated her. She was cared for by wonderful doctors, nurses, hospitals and an incredible palliative care team. The fourteen month prediction did not take into account her extraordinary determination to see her children graduate from high school and college, marry incredible spouses and have grandchildren.
Shari was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Fulmer and Janie Martin Fulmer Parmley, brother Marty Fulmer, grandparents Roy and Ethel Martin, George and Eunice Fulmer and aunt Joyce Arrington.
Survivors include her loving husband Jim McClendon, daughter Brooke and husband Jake Burks of Oklahoma City, daughter Marcy and husband Trey Butler of Manhattan, Kansas, son James E. McClendon III (Trey) and wife Jessica of Denver, Colorado, granddaughter Suttyn Brooke Butler of Manhattan, Kansas, dad Jerry Parmley of Houston, Texas, uncle Bob Arrington of Sulphur, Oklahoma, aunt Jane and uncle Joe B. Mauldin of Nashville, Tennessee, cousins Gina Starr and Jill Centala and a host of very special people that she called friends.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 12, from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home. Her family will be available at the funeral home from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Okmulgee. Rev. Joshua E. Litwack, Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Okmulgee Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Randy Hess, Terry Moore, Nevyle Cable, Burl Butler, Jr., Bill Barksdale, Gene Lewellen, Fred Harlan, and Fred Burks. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jason Winters, Donna Prior, Larry Biddle, Jeff Rogers and Gerald Thompson.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the following:
Pulmonary Hypertension Association: 801 Roeder Rd., Suite 1000 Silver Spring, MD 20910
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church: P.O. Box 698 Okmulgee, OK 74447
Arrangements are under the direction of the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee.
Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Shari’s Tribute Page of our website at www.mcclendon-winters.com
Floretta Broxton
Mary 7, 1926 - November 8, 2014
Floretta Broxton was born March 7, 1926 in Holly Springs, Mississippi to the late Moses and Eva Jones. She passed from this life on November 8, 2014 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. She attended college and became an LPN, spending much of her career caring for United States Veterans at the Topeka VA Medical Center. Floretta was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Shellie Broxton. Survivors include her daughter, Eva Collins and husband John Collins, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, son, Richard Bridges and significant other Loretta Phoenix of Emporia, Kansas, one grandson, DeAndre Morris, of Norman, Oklahoma, one granddaughter, Taneke Anderson and husband Tim of Lenexa, Kansas and one sister, Mae Helen Brooks of Los Angeles, California. No services are planned at this time.
Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Floretta’s Tribute Page of our website at www.mcclendon-winters.com
Ronald Hubert Robinson
April 15, 1927 - April 20, 2014
Ronald Hubert Robinson, 87, died April 20, 2014, in Spring, Texas. A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 15 at 2:00 p.m. at Southern Hills Baptist Church in Tulsa, OK. Ronald was born April 15, 1927 in Wagoner, Ok. to Rev. Chester and Della Robinson. In his youth, Ronald attended school and church in the Schulter area where his father was pastor. He graduated from Webster High School in 1946. After graduating, he attended Okmulgee State Tech, where he earned a degree in Electronics. There, he met his wife, Rhetta Nesbitt. After school, he enlisted in the Army and served during the Korean War. After his service, he worked for Wells Survey, Century Geophysical, Douglas Aircraft, and Southern Specialties. Ronald and Rhetta were married December 23, 1955 and had their son, Joey Ronn, on July 1, 1957 in Tulsa. Ronald was preceded in death by his parents Chester & Della, his brothers and sisters, William, Pearl Parris, Maxwell, C.L., Donald (his twin brother), Leslie, and Opal Ruth Stanke. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rhetta, son Joey and his spouse Cheryl, grand children, Cody and his wife Meagan, Laura, and Joseph. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Norma Ruth Christy and Jane and brother-in-law Dean Monigold, Doris Robinson, and brother-in-law Fritz Stanke, and a whole slew of nieces and nephews, who were near and dear to him.
Johnnie Bell Poole
February 5, 1965 - November 7, 2014
Our beloved mother, Johnnie Bell Poole joined our heavenly father on Friday, November 7, 2014 at the age of 49. She was born on February 5, 1965 to Katie Smith and Harold Maples. Johnnie married Mark Poole on April 30th, 2007 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Johnnie Bell, also known as "J.B." was a strong woman who never lost her faith in God. She enjoyed attending Mount Zion Baptist Church and read her bible faithfully. Johnnie never met a stranger and loved making others laugh. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her children and grandchildren. A close second was gambling at the casinos. You could also find her watching her favorite television show, Criminal Minds. Although our hearts are breaking and our lives will never be the same, Johnnie wanted us to celebrate her life instead of mourning her death.
Johnnie is preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband Mark Poole, her four children, Melissa DePriest, Gary DePriest, Tasha Duff, and Brooke Duff and step-son Andre Poole, three sisters, Janet Maples, Alene Burbank and Mary Jane Harjo, three grandchildren, Tyler Duff, Kiely Daum and Elijah Poole, an aunt, Nora Factor and a host of other family members and friends.
A wake will be held at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, November 13, 2014 at the Tallahassee Indian Methodist Church in Okmulgee. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2014, with John Tulsa officiating. Interment will follow in the Okmulgee Indian Baptist Church Cemetery. Services are under the direction of the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee.
Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Johnnie's Tribute Page of our website at www.mcclendon-winters.com
Harry Morris Jr.
October 30, 1920 - November 7, 2014
Harry Morris Jr., long time resident of Tulsa passed away on November 7, 2014 at the age of 94. He was born October 30,1920 to the late Harry Morris Sr. and Ann (Thorman) Morris. He graduated from Morris High School in 1938. He then married Myrtle Ann Frank on June 23, 1943 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Harry was the owner of Remco Manufacturing. In his spare time he enjoyed playing golf. He was also a member of the Elk's club in Tulsa.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two brothers Melvin Morris and Lee Morris. Survivors include two sons Larry Morris and wife Sue and Stewart Morris and wife Lynn both of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Grandchildren Matt Morris of Little Elm, Texas, and Kelly Lawrence of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Great grandchildren Hayden Lawrence and Cooper Lawrence both of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
A private family service will be held.
Loujoe Kinney
April 5, 1930 - November 10, 2014
Loujoe (Minyard) Kinney, a resident of Henryetta, Oklahoma, died Monday, November 10, 2014 at the age of 84.
Funeral services are pending with the Integrity Funeral Service of Henryetta.
Gary Bivin
December 12, 1947 - November 10, 2014
Gary Bivin, 66, a resident of Muskogee, OK and retired educator, died Monday, November 10, 2014.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at the First Baptist Church of Muskogee.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Bradley Funeral Home of Muskogee.
SPECIAL MEETING
OKMULGEE BOARD OF EDUCATION
November 13, 2014
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
316 E. 8TH ST
OKMULGEE, OK
6:00 P.M.
===== AGENDA =====
As required by Section 311, Title 25 of Oklahoma Statues, notice is hereby given that
the Okmulgee Board of Education will hold a Special meeting at the location and time
above.
1. Roll Call and Declaration of Quorum
2. Consent Agenda – Items recommended for approval by a single motion.
At the request of any Board Member, any item herein listed may be removed from the consent agenda for
discussion or vote as a single issue.
A. Consideration of the minutes of the October 14, 2014, Regular Meeting and October
14, 2014, Special Meeting.
B. Consideration of monthly encumbrances /expenditures as listed:
1. General Fund (F11);
Purchase Orders: # 423-477
Payroll: # 50049 - 50205
Change Orders: As listed
2. Building Fund (F21);
Purchase Orders: #35-40
Payroll: None
Change Orders: As listed
3. Child Nutrition Fund (F22);
Purchase Orders: # 43
Payroll: #50000-50021
Change Orders: None
4. Bond Fund (F32);
Purchase Orders: None
Payroll: None
Change Orders: None
5. Bond Fund (F33);
Purchase Orders: None
Payroll: None
Change Orders: None
6. Sinking Fund (F41);
Purchase Orders: None
Payroll: None
Change Orders: None
C. Consideration of School Rental Requests as listed:
D. Consideration of Bus Rental Requests as listed:
E. Consideration of fundraising activities for FY15.
F. Discussion, consideration and possible vote to acknowledge receipt of an annual
report to verify compliance with requirements for Emergency Plans and community
response agencies.
G. Discussion, consideration and possible vote to approve a schedule of Regular School
Board Meetings for the 2015 calendar year.
H. Discussion, consideration and possible vote to declare as surplus/junk, certain kitchen
equipment, specifically: a microwave oven, milk box, and pan rack.
3. Reports:
A. Superintendent’s Report – Tod Williams
B. Treasurer’s Report – Brenda Barnett
C. Site Report – Ginger James
4. Action Agenda – Individual items for discussion, consideration, and possible vote:
The Board may choose to take action on any item listed, including: motion to approve; motion to not
approve; make a specific motion; take no action; table an item; or concur no action required, Members may
second a motion, cast a vote, or abstain.
A. Discussion, consideration and possible vote to acknowledge ratification of the
Negotiated Agreement for Certified Staff (OCTA) for FY15.
B. Discussion, consideration and possible vote to approve a resolution calling for an
annual School Election to be held February 10th, 2015 with a run-off election (if
needed) on April 7th, 2015, along with a request to close precincts 34 and 38.
C. Consideration regarding selection of lowest and most appropriate bidder for the
Middle School Roofing project.
D. Discussion, consideration and possible vote regarding a school bond issue and
campaign for the Spring of 2015, including discussion of potential projects, along
with possible board action and/or directive to the Superintendent regarding the scope
and depth of certain projects, as well as a choice of projects to be included.
E. Discussion, consideration and possible vote regarding selection of an architect and
approval to contract with same, for the following ostensive Bond Issue projects
subject to a vote of the people in March 2015:
a. OHS Band Room addition or new facility
b. Armory Roof
c. Football fieldhouse dressing room renovation
d. Harmon Coed Weight Room Restroom renovation
e. Softball fieldhouse interior renovations
F. Board to review potential calendar dates for conducting student suspension appeal
hearings for two separate suspension appeal requests.
5. Discussion, consideration and vote to go into executive session, pursuant to OKLA.
STAT. tit. 25 § 307(B)(1) & (B)(7) (Supp. 2002) for:
A. Discussion and possible vote by Board regarding athletic staff and athletic staffing
assignments for FY15 and FY16.
B. Discussion and vote by Board regarding the employment of Support Staff for the
2014-2015 school year:
Dorothy Kanada (cafeteria staff)
C. Discussion and vote by Board regarding the employment of Substitutes for FY15:
Page 4 of 4 November 13, 2014 / Special Meeting | Okmulgee Public Schools
Holland, Katina
Creech, Darla Sue
6. Vote to acknowledge return to Open Session.
7. Board Clerk statement of compliance with the record keeping requirements of
executive session.
8. Recommendations for consideration and vote:
A. Discussion and possible vote by Board regarding athletic staff and athletic staffing
assignments for FY15 and FY16.
B. Discussion and vote by Board regarding the employment of Support Staff for the
2014-2015 school year:
Dorothy Kanada (cafeteria staff)
C. Discussion and vote by Board regarding the employment of Substitutes for FY15:
Holland, Katina
Creech, Darla Sue
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS
10. ADJOURNMENT
Veterans Day 2014