Okmulgee County News Source

Three killed in accident Sunday night

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says three people died in a head-on crash in Okmulgee County Sunday night.

Troopers said the crash happened at 9:24 p.m. on Highway 52 just south of Morris.

The OHP report on the wreck states Harold Dorsey, Jr., 45, of Tulsa was heading south in a 2004 Acura RL 4-door car when he went left of center and struck a northbound 2013 Ford Explorer driven by Jacqueline Browning, 63, of Boynton.

The crash killed Dorsey, Browning and Browning's passenger, 64-year-old Jimmy Browning, according to the OHP.

The OHP says all three were wearing seat belts. Troopers said the cause of the collision remains under investigation.

Roger Barnett resigns as MCN Second Chief
Roger Barnett has resigned as Second Chief of the Muscogee Creek Nation. The action was effective October 9, 2014.
Barnett’s resignation came on the day that he pleaded guility before United States District Chief Judge Gregory K. Frizzell to embezzling approximately $150,000 from the tribe.
Barnett was indicted on August 6, 2014. He admitted that, from April 2013 through April 2014, he embezzled more than $1,000 of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation funds from the Tribe’s Direct Assistance Fund, a tribal executive branch fund meant to aid tribal citizens in need.
Principal Chief George Tiger issued the following statements, which is posted on the Muscogee Nation website.
“It is with much regret that I report to the Citizens of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation that Second Chief Roger Barnett has plead guilty to charges brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and has resigned today with the effective date of October 9, 2014.  This administration allowed the legal and administrative process to take its course before making this statement to the citizens of our great Nation.  I ask that you pray for him and his family during this difficult time. It is a time that our actions and words as a Nation shouldn’t pierce the heart, but our actions and words be one of healing.
“As I stated previously, the Nation will continue to exercise fiscal responsibility and adhere  to all financial rules, policies, accounting principles, and the laws our Nation has adopted to  protect the integrity of our tribal funds.
“Second Chief Barnett’s resignation creates a vacancy that will need to be filled.  According to  the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Constitution at Article V §1.(c), “ In the event of a vacancy of the  Office of Second Chief, an election shall be held within sixty (60) days to fill the Office of the  Second Chief unless it happens within the last six months of the term in which case the term  would remain vacant until the next election.”  I have corresponded with the Election Board  Office to start the process of calling a special election. As soon as the details are finalized I  will relay the information to our citizens and issue a proclamation announcing the date.
“The Nation has been challenged by this unfortunate situation; however, our strong communal values established by strong traditions and culture will allow us to endure.   We are not  just a corporate organization, but rather a family bound by our ties of our ancestors.  As a Nation, we will persevere just as our forefathers did and continue to be stronger than ever.”

Okmulgee City Council plans session on Tuesday
The Okmulgee City Council will meet in regular session this week to consider several agreements, including  setting up the bylaws for the Okmulgee Community Trust.
The session will begin at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 111 East Fourth Street.
Agenda items for consideration are:
• Resolution calling for an Election to elect Councilmembers for Ward Three and Ward Four.
• Approve or reject the proposed ordinance removing references to the 2006 International Fire Code, and adopting an emergency clause.
• Ordinance amending the zoning map of the City of Okmulgee by rezoning of the property of Thomas-Okmulgee Lots 1 & 2, Block 23, AKA 802 W. 8th from RS-2 (Residential-Single Family) to CG (Commercial General) and declaring an emergency.
• Application for variance to the Okmulgee Municipal Code for the properties of OT Okmulgee S1 00' E 1/2 Lot 4, Block 87, OT Okmulgee S 100' W 1/2 Lot 4 Block 87, and OT Okmulgee Lot 5 & 6, Block 87, City of Okmulgee, Okmulgee County, State of Oklahoma.
• Addendum to the Collection Services Agreement between the City of Okmulgee and American Municipal Services to incorporate the utilization of the State of Oklahoma's Warrant Intercept Program (WIP) into the collection process and authorize the mayor to execute the Addendum.
•Proposed changes in the travel and training expenses policy, any changes to be effective the next business day following adoption.
• Warranty deed from Mary Kathryn Ducote for the real property legally described as: A tract 54' x 125' W of Lot 6, Block 1, Boyd & Wiemer 2nd, commonly known as Lot D of Deans Acre, and sometimes described as the North 125' of Lot 6, Block 4, Boyd & Wiemer 2nd Addition to the City of Okmulgee, Okmulgee County, State of Oklahoma and authorizing the mayor and City Clerk to execute the Acceptance.
• Lease agreement with project H.E.A.R.T., Inc. for rental of the Senior Nutrition Center for $150 per month for FY 14/15; and authorize the mayor or City manager to sign the lease agreement for the site located at 1021 North Seminole.
• The 2011-2012 Workers' Compensation Plan Refund Voucher Agreement from the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the voucher.
• Proposed bylaws of the City of Okmulgee Community Trust.
• Consider and vote to go into executive session to consider confidential communications between the City Council and City Attorney concerning the purchase or appraisal of real property by the City of Okmulgee. At the conclusion of the executive session (if any), the Council may consider the purchasing of a quit claim deed for the real estate under such payment terms as may be authorized. The land includes parts of Lots 12, 11, 10, 9 and 8 of Block 79, Original Town of Okmulgee; Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter and Bob Horn are the claimants. Authority for the execute session is 25 O.S. §307B3.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT HOSTS PROGRAM ON EBOLA
The Okmulgee County Health Department hosted a 90-minute program on the topic of Ebola and what precautions can be taken to safely work with potentially-infected patients. The session was held Friday morning in the Student Union building on the OSUIT campus in Okmulgee. A large group of public service employees were on hand to hear advice from Becky Coffman, Oklahoma Department of Health.   Law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, health and medical field representatives were in attendance. See Wednesday’s Okmulgee Times for additional information.
(Staff photos by Herman Brown)

OSUIT inspires and motivates with

Awareness Week Oct. 19-25
For more than a decade, OSU Institute of Technology has hosted events on campus coinciding with Alcohol Awareness Week, a national initiative that aims to educate and raise awareness of the consequences of substance abuse among college students.
“We call it Alcohol Awareness Week, but it’s really about drugs and alcohol awareness,” said Student Life Director Bruce Force. “For us, it’s all about educating students about alcohol and drugs and how addictive these substances can be. Learn from others’ mistakes and not your own.”
This year, OSUIT will offer three programs for students, staff and the public to attend during Alcohol Awareness Week, which is Oct. 19 through 25.
The newest program is the Austin Box Story. Austin Box was a starting linebacker for the University of Oklahoma football team before he died in May 2011 from an accidental prescription drug overdose at the age of 22.
His mother, Gail Box, will tell his story of how multiple football injuries led to an addiction to pain medications, and that he suffered silently, never telling his family what he was going through.
The Austin Box Story will be presented Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. in the Covelle Hall Auditorium and the public is welcome to attend.
On Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 1 p.m. in the PSO Lounge in the Student Union, the Honorable Cynthia Pickering, Special Judge of the District Court of Okmulgee County, will once again make an appearance for Here Comes the Judge, a presentation and Q&A session about the consequences of an impaired driving arrest, which includes charges of driving under the influence, DUI, or driving while intoxicated, DWI.
“Judge Pickering will talk about everything from a bare-bones DUI arrest all the way to a manslaughter charge if someone dies as a result of a drunken driver. She talks about jail time and all that goes with it,” Force said. “She’s a tough lady and she doesn’t mince words.”
A three-person Victims Impact Panel is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 22, at noon in the Covelle Hall Auditorium. Each panelist will present their story of how alcohol and drug abuse affected their life or the life of a family member.
“They are great speakers and very passionate about spreading the word. It’s very thought provoking and very powerful,” he said.
In 2012, more than 10,300 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, a third of all traffic fatalities in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Young people are at the greatest risk, according to the CDC. One out of every three drivers with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher involved in a fatal crash in 2012 was between 21 and 24 years of age. The next highest age groups were 25 to 34-year-olds at 27 percent, and 35 to 44-year-olds at 24 percent.
These events on the OSUIT campus are all about making sure students don’t become statistics, Force said. And even if no one is hurt there are still consequences to abusing drugs and alcohol, or supplying those substances to minors, including felony charges and jail time, being expelled from sponsored programs on campus or being fired from paid internships or jobs.
“It’s all about education. We don’t want to beat them over the head with ‘don’t do this, don’t do that’ because, frankly, they’ve heard about the dangers for years,” he said. “We do this from the perspective of education and decision making. This is what can happen if you make certain choices.”

OSUIT Carnifall Thursday, October 23rd
Carnifall, a tradition at OSU Institute of Technology for more than two decades, offers the Okmulgee community a safe and fun event for families and children right on the university campus.
The Office of Student Life hosts the free event, which is a harvest carnival with games, food, entertainment and inflatables.
Carnifall is Thursday, Oct. 23, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., on the Covelle Hall Lawn on the OSUIT campus, 1801 E. 4th St., in Okmulgee.
Sixteen campus student groups and organizations also participate by offering games and food items for a minimal cost to families.
“Student Life and student clubs put on this event each year as a fundraiser, but it also offers families and children in the community a place to celebrate in a safer environment than traditional door-to-door trick or treating,” said Bruce Force, Student Life director.
Carnifall has become a tradition for many in the Okmulgee community as well as across campus, Force said. As many as 1,500 people come out for the event each year, depending on the weather, and if it does rain, the festival will move indoors to Covelle Hall.
“This gives us a chance to connect with the community and gives families a chance to visit our campus,” he said. “My favorite part of Carnifall is seeing the smiles on the children’s faces as they play the games and enjoy the activities in a safe environment.”
The student clubs will offer:
Bowling Game sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineering
Basketball Shoot-out sponsored by the Association of Information Technology Professionals and Network Gaming Executives
Face Painting & Photo Booth sponsored by Visual Communication Collective
Wiffle Ball Toss & Pie Throwing Contest sponsored by Consolidated Construction Club
Ball Toss sponsored by the Future Chefs Association
Feed the Pumpkin Game & Raffle sponsored by the Horology Club
Hot Dogs, barbecue Sandwiches & Drinks sponsored by Instrumentation Systems and Automation Society
Hot Chocolate, Coffee, Cookies, Chocolate Spoons & Free Trick or Treat Bags sponsored by IT Peer Mentoring Club
Ping Pong Games, Nachos & Candy Apples sponsored by Native American Student Association
Ring Toss, Ping Pong Ball Toss, Cotton Candy, Funnel Cakes & Drinks sponsored by Orthotics and Prosthetics Club
Airbrush Tattoos sponsored by Residence Halls Association
Basketball Shoot & Raffle sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa and Student Government Association
Maze & Health Education Activities sponsored by the Student Nurses Association
Mini Putt Putt Golf sponsored by the Student Veterans Association

Scare on the Square set for October 31st
The Okmulgee Main Street “Scare on the Square”  is rapidly approaching.  The event is set for 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, October 31st in downtown Okmulgee.
This safe and fun Halloween event will feature lots of candy for the trick or treaters, a costume contest, jupiter jumps, table decoration contest for those handing out treats and face painting for the ‘brave at heart.’
Businesses and organizations interested in participating in the Scare on the Square should contact the Okmulgee Main Street to sign up. Deadline is Friday, October 25th to be included in the promotional materials. Contact the Okmulgee Main Street Office at 918-758-1015 for more information

Obituaries

Mamon Peterson
Mrs. Mamon Peterson, a longtime resident of Okmulgee, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 from Okmulgee.
  Mamon Patterson Snoddy Peterson, was born in Haskell, OK to Jessie and Maggie Patterson.       
She attended and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Haskell, OK and also accumulated hours from Langston University.
  In her youth she was a member of Bethel A.M.E. in Haskell, OK. After her marriage to Rosea Snoddy, she relocated to Ft. Worth Texas. From this union two sons were born William and Billy. Upon the death of Rosea, she returned to Oklahoma. She met and married Reverend Leroy Peterson, and from this union 2 sons and 2 daughter were born; Leemon, Renee, Russell and Gay Lynn.
  She was a faithful and loving Pastor’s wife, a wonderful mother, grand-mother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and community servant. As first lady of Shorter Chapel (as well as other churches) she led the Missionary Society, and always had programs and events for them and the youth, locally as well as other levels of the A.M.E. church. She became a life member of the A.M.E. Church Missionary Society under the tenure of Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr.
  She taught youth and adults, friends, neighbors and organized groups as a home economist, to cook, to budget, to clean, how to shop and was always happy to share what she knew. What she taught then is known now as “life skills”.     
She was preceded in death by two husbands, her mother and father, 3 brothers and 6 sisters.
Mamon leaves to cherish her memories; a loving sister, Mildred Chamberlain of Tulsa, OK, 6 children, 20 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
 Her Sacred Farwell will be shared on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. in the First Baptist Church. Elder Marcellus Fields will officiate.  Burial will follow in the Haskell City Cemetery.  Friends may convey condolences and sign the online register at www.biglowfunerals.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors - Okmulgee Chapel.

Maurice A. Coulter
In Oklahoma City on October 13, 1952 a baby boy was born to Pearlie Weathers and Alexander Coulter, they named their son Maurice Archille Coulter.  Maurice was reared by his grandparents A.J. and Essie Barnes (Poppa & Mama) in the Dripping Springs Community west of the City of Okmulgee .
 Maurice received his formal education at Rocky Hill School until its closing then transitioned to Okmulgee High School where he was member of the class of l970.  He was an exceptional basketball player.
 Maurice confessed the Lord Jesus as a young teen and was baptized at the Greater Jones Chapel AME
Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Lyons Manuel.
In l975 Maurice met Sharon Jones and her son and shortly afterwards he and Sharon were married.  To this union two daughters were born. After 21 years the marriage was dissolved.
Maurice acquired the nicknames Reese Dog & AhVay by friends and family.  He was a very outgoing person always the center of attention.  He kept you laughing with his witty sayings and jokes.  You never knew what to expect when he was in the midst.  He loved hanging out with this friends, playing cards, dominos, playing pool and occasionally riding motorcycles.  He would brag about his children’s athletic abilities and didn’t allow anyone to mistreat them. He taught the children about being honest and standing up for them selves. Maurice worked different jobs while in Okmulgee, heavy equipment operator for the City of Okmulgee, cement finisher and brick layer and maintenance technician for the DFCA Senior Citizen Site.
 In 1997 Maurice started a new chapter in his life and moved to Purcell Ok. With his personality it didn’t take long for him to make many new acquaintances and he became well liked. And the people started calling him “Mo” He was employed by the City of Purcell as Street Superintendent.  He worked until his health forced him to retire in 2009.
 Maurice rededicated his life to Christ and joined the First Baptist Church of Purcell under the pastoral ship of Rev. Ricky McNeal.  He served faithfully, was ordained a Deacon and was a member of the choir. He show cased his singing ability with the song “I know the Lord Will Make A Way ”. He served until moving back to Okmulgee in 2014 due to his declining health.
 On October 9, 2014 , in Okla. City in the comfort of his son’s home surrounded by family, Maurice exchanged his earthly suffering for his eternal home.
 Love ones awaiting him: His father, grandparents, sisters, Palecia Roundtree, Valerie Coulter and brother Regional Weathers.
 Family remaining to cherish his memory: His mother, Pearlie Weather, OKC, two sons, Tyrone (Tiffany) Harris, Edmond OK . Waylan Jones, OKC, Three daughters,  Marquecia (Kent) Rice, Okmulgee , OK Scherryl Coulter and LaQuita Adams, OKC. Four Grandchildren; Shylan , Kent , Tyler and Kovan.  4 Brothers, Se’Carl Hopkins, Dennis (Ruth) Matthews, Alexander Coulter II, Kevin Coulter all of OKC. 8 Sisters; Sonya Smith, Rochelle Coulter, and Tracy Kirkendoll all of  OKC. Diane Jenkins, ATL, Larcenia Coulter, Sucellia Coulter both of  San Antionio TX, Beverly (Bruce) High, Yukon OK, Denise (CD) Byndom, Dibol, TX., a host of uncles, aunts and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends,
 The final hour with Brother Maurice will be on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. in the St. Matthew Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Sharp Cemetery in Okmulgee.
  Friends may convey condolences and sign the online register at www.biglowfunerals.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors - Okmulgee Chapel.

Michael Patterson
Mike Patterson, 64 of Inola, Oklahoma died October 16, 2014 at Clare House Tulsa, surrounded by family.
Mike was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma April 7, 1950, the son of Norma Jean and the late Kenneth (Pat) Patterson. He was the middle son of three boys. On October 30th 1971 he married Marcia Joan Patterson his wife of 43 years. He graduated from Okmulgee High School in 1968. After graduation, Mike attended Southwest Business college in Plainview, Texas. After graduating Mike was a court reporter in Omaha, Nebraska for twenty eight years.
Mike was an avid hunter and OU fan. He also loved to fish with his grandsons. Mike loved his family and was proud of being an Okmulgee Bulldog.
He is survived by his wife Marcia, of the home. His son Bill and wife Suzi Patterson of Hooker, Oklahoma. Daughter Kelli and husband Ryan Jones of Norman, Oklahoma. Oldest brother Dale and wife Donna Patterson of Miami, Oklahoma and youngest brother Rick and wife Linda Patterson of Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Three grandsons, Gavin and Justin Jones and Colt Patterson. He is also survived by many other nieces and nephews and friends.
 Funeral services will be held at the Calvary Baptist Church in Okmulgee on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at 11 a.m. with Reverend Richard Manning officiating. Interment will follow at the Okmulgee Cemetery under the direction  of the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. There will be no public viewing for Mike. Memories, condolences, photos and video may be shared with the family on his tribute page at www.mcclendon-winters.com

Milton Codford Cunningham, Jr.
Milton Codford Cunningham, Jr., a resident of Okmulgee, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2014 at the age of 78.   No Services are planned at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of the Jackson Funeral Home and Crematory in Okmulgee.  Friends may send their condolences to www.jacksonfhandcrematory.com

John Roy McGee
John Roy McGee, 79 of Henryetta, died Monday, October 13, 2014.  Graveside Service was held at    11:00 AM Friday, October 17th, 2014 at the Westlawn Cemetery, Henryetta, Oklahoma. Arrangements were under the direction of the Integrity Funeral Service of Henryetta.

Anna Harjo
Funeral service for Anna Harjo, 71 of Okmulgee, Oklahoma are pending with Integrity Funeral Service. She died on Thursday, October 16, 2014, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Chamber of Commerce sets banquet Nov. 11th
The Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce Annual banquet is set for November 11, 2014. The theme for this year’s event is “A Small Town-Big Time”.
The planning committee of Brooks and Teresa Brewer, Chris Azbell, Amy Nix and Linda Janzen came up with a fun theme and event. All the festivities will be at the Tulsa RV Ranch, North Hwy. 75. Happy hour will be from 5:00-7:00 with dinner, awards and entertainment beginning at 7:00. Entertainment for the evening will feature local talent i.e., June and Johnny Cash, Dolly Pardon and Kenny Rogers, the B52’s (First National Bank) and many others. There will be a silent auction and door prizes. Cost for the event is $25.00 per person. Contact the Chamber of Commerce 112 N Morton or call 918-756-6172 to reserve tickets.

Library to host photographer
Kelly Kerr Oct. 23
Kelly Kerr, award winning photographer, filmmaker & visual communications instructor at OSU-IT will share his experiences and photographs of his book "Oklahoma Revisited: Out of the way faces and places" at the Okmulgee Public Library, Thursday. October 23rd. Refreshments will begin at 6:00 PM and Kelly's presentation will start at 6:30PM.
Born and raised in Ada, Oklahoma, Kelly discovered his passion for visual arts as an OSU student. Hired at the Tulsa World in 1994, Kelly covered breaking news, features, entertainment, sports and anything else his editor threw his way. He has been named the Oklahoma Press Association's Photographer of the Year as well as two-time Associated Press Sweepstakes Award Winner.
In December 2007 Kelly became a faculty member at the OSU Institute of Technology teaching photography and film in the Visual Communications Program. Since joining OSU-IT, he has received two teaching awards. In 2011, he received the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Award. In 2010 he won OSU-IT's Outstanding Faculty Award.
The Friends of the Okmulgee Public Library invite everyone in the community to come hear this engaging and creative speaker. For more information please call the library at 918-756-1448.