living here

LIVING HEREA NEWCOMERS GUIDE TO MUSKOGEE

Muskogee Phoenix2012

By Travis SloatPhoenix Correspondent

Muskogee is home to awide selection of healthcare facilities that arecapable of providing bothlong and short-term careto those who may be suf-fering from any number ofillnesses or maladies.

The primary health careproviders in Muskogee areMuskogee RegionalMedical Center, MuskogeeCommunity Hospital,Three Rivers HealthCenter, the Jack C.Montgomery VA MedicalCenter and Solara, whichis a long-term acute carehospital.

Christina Deidesheimer,the public relations direc-tor at MRMC, said thatshe was upbeat about the

current state of healthcare in the Muskogee area.

“Health care is rapidlychanging,” Deidesheimersaid. “And the need for col-laboration of providers hasbecome more and morenecessary. We are creatinga multi-year plan thathelps us accomplish ourvision.”

MRMC recently part-nered with the MuskogeeCommunity Hospital, andthe two are working close-ly together to achieve acomprehensive health caresystem that will be able tobetter serve the residentsof Muskogee.

Jason Butler, a materi-als manager for Unarcoand Muskogee resident,said that all of his experi-

ences with the Muskogeehealth care system havebeen positive ones.

“It’s local,” Butler said.“You get great coverage,great service, and greattreatment, and you don’thave to make an extra tripout of town to get it. It’s allavailable here. Othersmall cities may have thefacilities, but they mightnot have the capabilitiesthat Muskogee has.”

The Three Rivers HealthCenter is an outpatientfacility just off theMuskogee Turnpike thatoffers a full range of healthservices to eligible tribalmembers. The facility isrun by the CherokeeNation and offers primarycare, dental care, pedi-

atrics and a myriad ofother services.

Cindy Martin, a repre-sentative for the hospital,said that the Three RiversHealth Center plays animportant role in provid-ing health care to theMuskogee area.

“Patients receive servic-es that are located in theircommunity, close to theirhomes,” Martin said. “Wealso work with otherhealth entities in our com-munities in coordination ofcare of our patientsthrough referral and/ordischarge planning.”

Another hospital in theMuskogee area is the JackC. Montgomery VAMedical Center, on HonorHeights Drive. The VA

serves veterans who werehonorably discharged frommilitary service with a111-bed facility that offersboth inpatient behavioralmanagement and inpa-tient rehab services.

Nita McClellan, thepublic affairs officer at theVA, said it provides safe,high-quality health care to36,000 qualified veteransin 25 counties in easternOklahoma.

“In a medium-sizedhealth care community, theVA focuses on teaching,”McClellan said. “We areaffiliated with OSU andOU to assist the communi-ty in training providers forcare in rural settings. The

Special photo by Travis Sloat

Muskogee Regional Medical Center is one of several health care options in Muskogee.

City has selection of health care facilities — Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012 Living HereMuskogee Phoenix

Timothy Holder, MD Maternal & Family Practice Associates 3330 West Okmulgee St., Muskogee, OK 74401 918-682-4318 Specializing in Family Practice/Obstetrics

081900183005

Evan Cole, DO Maternal & Family Practice Associates 3330 West Okmulgee St., Muskogee, OK 74401 918-682-4318 Specializing in total family care for patients of all ages.

081900183001

Jason Dansby, MD Maternal & Family Practice Associates 3330 West Okmulgee St., Muskogee, OK 74401 918-682-4318 Specializing in total family care for patients of all ages.

081900183003

Brad McIntosh, MD Maternal & Family Practice Associates 3330 West Okmulgee St., Muskogee, OK 74401 918-682-4318 Specializing in Family Practice/Obstetrics

081900183004

(See PROVIDERS, Page 3)

Muskogee community iswell suited to these typesof training programs.”

All Muskogee healthcare centers provideunique and individualservices that can both helpheal those admitted, butalso enrich the lives ofthose simply wanting tomake a few healthychanges.

MRMC/MCH, the VA,and Three Rivers HealthCenter all offer individual-ized plans with one similargoal: getting the city ofMuskogee in better shape.

Deidesheimer saidMRMC/MCH takes its roleof promoting the healthand well-being ofMuskogee residents veryseriously.

“We collaborate with amultitude of partners inworking to improve thehealth of our community,”she said. “We are commit-ted to continuing our manyfree health screenings, andwe also work with thephysicians on our medicalstaff to offer free seminarson popular health topics tothe public.”

The VA Medical Centeris also encouraging itspatients to make healthierchoices in regards to botheating and exercise,McClellan said.

“The VA’s MOVE pro-gram is designed to teachveterans how to eathealthy and lose weight,”McClellan said. “Whenthey enroll in the program,they get access to our exer-cise room. We also offerdieticians and a cookingclass that teaches them

how to cook healthiermeals for themselves andtheir spouse.”

In addition to that, theThree Rivers HealthCenter also has a focus onmaking Muskogee ahealthier place in terms ofeveryday choices that thecommunity makes towardsdiet and fitness goals.

Martin said the staffgoes above and beyond byholding and participatingin fitness events through-out the year.

“The Health Promotions/Disease PreventionServices department andstaff are actively involvedand hold events such asthe Muskogee Run held inApril, Run for Wellnessheld in May, Port to Fort

Adventure Race held inJuly and the Garden ofLights,” Martin said “Inaddition, a WellnessChallenge was held foremployees from Februaryto May.”

Butler said he thinksMuskogee health careproviders are doing anexcellent job when it comes

to taking care of him andhis family.

“We trust them,” Butlersaid. “It’s easy to see theyare taking an interest inthe community, and theyare trying to make us eachhealthier. I’m proud to bein a town with such thor-ough health care. It makesme feel safe.”

Continued from Page 2

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Those looking for collec-tions of culture inMuskogee don’t have tolook very far. Muskogee ishome to several museums,and each has a specificniche to fill.

From Oklahoma musi-cians and memorabilia toa decommissioned subma-rine and military historyto a rich Native Americanhistory, Muskogee muse-ums give everyone anopportunity to learn some-thing new about the histo-ry of the state and the city.

At the Three RiversMuseum in downtownMuskogee, ExecutiveDirector Sue Tolbert saidMuskogee’s history isunique because of themelding of the differentraces.

“The history of(Muskogee) is something

that lots of people areinterested in,” Tolbertsaid. “If you can go into amuseum and hear a story— especially local storiesabout people who camehere and why they came

here — it makes the expe-rience more real.”

The museum is richwith Muskogee history,with exhibits dedicated toAlice Robertson, the rail-road, and even a silver tea

service, given to CharlesHaskell by the city ofMuskogee and lost by thefamily, only to be discov-ered on eBay, and is now

Emergency• Police, Fire and

AmbulanceEmergency, 911.

Non-emergency• Police, (918) 683-

8000.• Fire, (918) 687-

5483.• Ambulance, (918)

683-0130.• Muskogee Animal

Shelter, (918) 684-6285.

• Animal ControlOfficer, (918) 683-8000.

• Promoting AnimalWelfare Society Inc.(PAWS), (918) 686-7297.

Cable Television• SuddenLink

Communications,2510 Elliot St., (918)687-7511.

Driver’s License• Driving

Examinations,Department of PublicSafety, OklahomaHighway PatrolOffice, 651 N. 43rdSt. E., (918) 687-9831.

• Tag Agent, 315State St., (918) 682-3763.

City of Muskogee• City Hall, 229 W.

Okmulgee Ave., (918)682-6602.

Electric CompanyOG&E Electric

Services• Customer Service,

(800) 522-0280.• Repair Service

(24 hours), (800)522-6870.

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Cultural opportunities aplenty


The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame displays memorabilia from area musicians.

(See MUSEUMS, Page 9)(See NUMBERS, Page 12)


EMPLOYMENT DIRECTORY 081900354401

081900295301



When Joe Burk needs tobuy athletic equipmentfor his sons, he chooses tospend his time and moneyshopping in Muskogee.Burk said that he wouldrather not spend his gasmoney going anywhereelse, when great deals canbe found right here intown.

“I would have to saythat Arrowhead Mall ismy favorite place to shop,”Burk said. “My kids enjoyit because of the experi-ence. They get to go to alot of shops at once, andthey love the activity cen-ter by the food court.”

Retail shopping can bevery easy in Muskogee,with a myriad of storesthat combine well-stockedinventories with competi-tive pricing.

Sporting goods can befound at Walmart andKmart, as well as HibbettSporting Goods, FootLocker, Sport About, andmany smaller specialtystores around Muskogee.

Arrowhead Mall, Curt’sShopping Center, and theRiver City Plaza are hometo a collection of storeswith retail giants likeSears, JCPenney,Walmart, Best Buy andBig Lots. In addition tothose three centers, thereare plenty of other stores,shops, boutiques, andeven a few antique stores.

Cristan Spear, who isthe public relations man-ager for Arrowhead Mall,

said that when she waslittle, the mall was typi-cally the place they camefor their shopping trips.

“The mall is really con-venient,” Spear said. “Youcan have lunch whileyou’re here, or you can get

a PikePass while you’rehere. We have some differ-ent amenities that youwon’t find anywhere else.

Convenience is reallythe essence of Muskogeeshopping, with a lot ofvariety packed into a rela-

tively easy driving dis-tance.

Alana Justice, a cus-tomer service representa-tive for State Farm, saidshe loves going into Catoand Ross at the River CityPlaza.

“They have incredibleprices,” Justice said. “Theyalso have a variety of sizesand styles, and theirclearance sales reallyrock. I try to shop therewhenever I can because Iknow I’m going to get a

good deal.”The River City Plaza,

located on ShawneeBypass, is home to Catoand Ross, a Best Buy,PetCo, Dollar Tree, Game

Retail shopping easy in Muskogee


Dillard’s associate Ashley Hyslope assists Derrick Cheater and his dad with back-to-school shopping. Muskogee offers a myriad of storesthat combine well-stocked inventories with competitive pricing.

(See RESIDENT, Page 8)

Stop, and several otherstores that provide essen-tial goods and services.

Curt’s Mall has plenty ofoptions to choose fromwith Hastings, Big Lots,Hobby Lobby, and many

more retailers, some ofwhich are smaller nicheshops.

All three major shop-ping centers also give youthe option to enjoy a mealwhile you’re out shopping.The River City Plaza hasChili’s and Subway,

Arrowhead Mall has a foodcourt with a variety ofrestaurants, and Curt’shas a Mazzio’s, HunanChinese buffet, and even asnow cone shack if youneed a sweet treat.

Muskogee is also hometo more than a few home

improvement stores, suchas Lowe’s, Hoope’sHardware, and Mill Creek.In addition, those lookingfor farm and ranch sup-plies can find them at J&EFeed, Orscheln, or TractorSupply.

Burk said that he couldfind just about anythinghe needed while shoppingin Muskogee.

“The prices are competi-tive,” Burk said. “Thereare always new storesopening up, and I enjoyseeing the communityshop locally to keep thelocal economy growing.That’s very important in atough financial climate.”

Brandace Moore, thestore manager atJCPenney, said that thestore she manages is herfavorite because it’s a veryfamily-oriented store.

“We have a great selec-tion,” Moore said. “We alsohave great customer serv-ice. We recently increasedour amount of associates... in preparation for theholiday shopping season.”

Other store managersechoed her sentiments,and all were pleased to beworking and managingstores in Muskogee, par-ticularly because of theimportance the city placeson family values.

Justice said that whileshe greatly enjoys shop-ping in Muskogee, shewould like to see a coupleof improvements in theoverall experience.

“I wish some of thesmaller shops would try tobe a little more competi-tive on pricing,” Justicesaid. “I’d also like to see aTarget and a Gordman’sbrought in. Overallthough, I love shopping inMuskogee. I’m from asmall town, and it’s nice tosee such a big variety ofitems without all theheadaches that come withbig-city shopping.”



081900210001

Resident: There are always new stores opening up here

residing under glass in themuseum.

Muskogee residentsEvan and Leigh Coopersaid they enjoy the muse-ums around town and tryto support them wheneverthey can.

Evan, an automotivemechanic, said the ThreeRivers Museum is a reallygreat place to take chil-dren.

“Not many towns havethe heritage that we havehere,” Evan said. “Our sonloved the choo-choo exhib-it at Three Rivers.”

Leigh, who is a school-teacher, said she enjoystaking her students to thelocal museums to enrichtheir knowledge of localhistory.

“I recently took my classto the Batfish exhibit,”Leigh said. “My kids arereally inquisitive, and alltheir questions wereanswered expertly by theguides there. Most of themhad never seen an actualsubmarine, and this pro-vided them with thatopportunity.”

Evan agreed that theBatfish submarine was“pretty cool.”

The USS Batfish is aWorld War II submarineused from 1943-1945 thatsunk 14 enemy vessels —three of which were othersubmarines. It is 300 feetlong and allows visitorsthe opportunity to walkthrough it in a self-guidedor professionally guidedtour.

Rick Dennis, who man-ages the park and the

museum, said that theUSS Batfish arrived inMuskogee in 1972, andthe museum followed in1986.

When asked what sethis exhibit apart from oth-ers in Muskogee, hisanswer was simple andbrief: “We have a subma-rine.”

“We have a 2,000-square-foot museumwhere we have artifactsdating back to theSpanish-American War,”Dennis said. “TheMuskogee War Memorialis here to honor and edu-cate, and provide experi-ences for people inregards to military histo-ry, specifically our veter-ans.”

In addition to the USSBatfish and the ThreeRivers museums,Muskogee is home to theOklahoma Music Hall ofFame museum, theThomas-Foreman Home,Ataloa Lodge, and theFive Civilized TribesMuseum.

The OMHOF is home toseveral exhibits showcas-ing Oklahoma andMuskogee musical talent,as well as offering anevent center for musiciansto perform.

Cases filled with signedguitars, records, and evencostumes worn by per-formers while they wereon stage, adorn the muse-um’s displays. A welcomevideo for tourists pro-vides a vast amount ofinformation on theOklahoma music industry,both past and present.

The Thomas-ForemanHome is a living museum,and Tolbert is the directorof that as well.

“It’s really one ofMuskogee’s best-keptsecrets,” Tolbert said.“Only we’re really not try-ing to keep it a secret. TheThomas-Foreman Homewas built in 1898 as afarmhouse. John Thomasbuilt it when he moved toIndian Territory tobecome a judge. Hisdaughter married his lawpartner, Grant Foreman,and they all lived therefor the remainder of theirlives.”

Tolbert also said thething that makes this aunique museum is thatthe house has been pre-served as the originaloccupants left it, completewith original furnishingsand an exceptional bookcollection.

The Five Civilized TribeMuseum is dedicated topreserving the art, histo-ry, and culture of theCherokee, Chickasaw,Choctaw, Muscogee(Creek), and Seminoletribes, according to themuseum informationsheet.

Also it is a historicbuilding, built in 1875 andused by the Bureau ofIndian Affairs as well asthe Creek freedmen. Ithas served as an office, aresidence, a school, anorphanage, and is nowhome to a large collectionof art and sculptureexhibits from NativeAmerican artists.

Ataloa Lodge museumis on the Bacone Collegecampus and provides visi-tors with an inside look atNative American livingthroughout Oklahomaand the United States.


• Oklahoma Music Hallof Fame, 401 S. Third St.Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Thursday-Saturday. Cost:Adults $3, seniors and stu-dents $2, children 3 andunder are free. Website:www.omhof.com

• Ataloa Lodge, BaconeCollege campus in theNorthwest quadrant behindthe chapel. Hours: 8:30a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, closed fromnoon to 1 p.m. for lunch.Cost: None, but donationsaccepted. Website:ataloa.bacone.edu

• Thomas-ForemanHome, 15th Street andWest Okmulgee Avenue.Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday and Saturday. Cost:Adults $3, students $1.50,children 6 and under arefree.

• Three Rivers, 220Elgin St. Hours: 10 a.m. to5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Cost: Adults $3,students $1.50, children 6and under are free.Website: www.3riversmu-seum.com

• USS Batfish andMuskogee War Memorial,Muskogee Turnpike, Exit33. Hours: Seasonal,check website. Cost:Adults $6, children $3,seniors and retired military$5. Website: www.ussbat-fish.com


Pictures of artists line the walls of the OklahomaMusic Hall of Fame.

Museums display submarine, music and Native culture

Special photos by Travis Sloat

The USS Batfish, a World War II submarine, is on dis-play at the Muskogee War Memorial Park. The sub sunk14 enemy vessels — three of which were submarines.

If you goContinued from Page 5


MEDICAL DIRECTORY

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527 W. Broadway Mon-Fri 9-6 Sat 10-2

918-683-8383

• Peaches • Landau • Iguana Med • Urbane

• Cherokee • Rampage • Crocs • Med Couture


MEDICAL DIRECTORY

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• A dog problem — Callthe police department,(918) 683-8000, andask for animal control.• Trash service prob-

lems — Call City Hallswitchboard, (918)682-6602, and ask forpublic works.• Weeds or litter — Call

City Hall switchboard,(918) 682-6602, andask for code enforce-ment.• Water bill or service

problems — Call CityHall switchboard, (918)682-6602, and ask forwater department rev-enue.

• Potholes, cloggedstorm sewers — CallCity Hall switchboard,(918) 682-6602, andask for public works.

• Questions aboutzoning — Call City Hallswitchboard, (918)682-6602, and ask forplanning department.

You should know


USS Batfish Wednesday - Saturday

10:00am to 6:00pm Sunday 1:00pm to 6:00pm

Call for more information on upcoming events 918-682-6294

081900172901

081900089001

• Call Before YouDig, (800) 522-6543.

Gas CompanyOklahoma Natural

Gas Co.• Customer Service,

(918) 683-5691.• Repair Service

(24 hours), (800)664-5463.

Medical Facilities• Muskogee

Regional MedicalCenter, 300Rockefeller Drive,(918) 682-5501.

• MuskogeeCommunity Hospital,2900 N. Main St.,(918) 687-7777.

• Jack C.

Montgomery VAMedical Center, 1011Honor Heights Drive,(918) 577-3000.

• Three RiversHealth Center, 1001S. 41st St. E., (918)781-6500 (877-781-6511 toll-free).

• Solara Hospital,351 S. 40th St., (918)682-6161.

• Green CountryBehavioral HealthServices, 619 S.Main St., (918) 682-8407, (918) 682-8407(24-hour crisis hotline).

Newspaper• Muskogee

Phoenix, 214 WallSt., (918) 684-2828.

Poison Control• Oklahoma Poison

Control, (800) 222-1222.

Post Office• Muskogee Post

Office, 525 W.Okmulgee.

• Customer Service,(800) 275-8777.

Telephone Company

• AT&T CustomerService, (800) 288-2020.

• Repair Service(24 hours), (800)246-8464.

Social Security• General

Information/ Services,(800) 772-1213.

• Local office, 24thStreet and ShawneeBypass, (918) 687-2338.

Water Company• City of Muskogee

Payment Center, 113S. Third St.

• By phone, (866)899-3610.

• Online: ipn.pay-mentus.com/otp/stde/mskg.

Public Library• Muskogee Public

Library, 801 W.Okmulgee Ave., (918)682-6657.

Area legislatorsFederal:

• U.S. Sen. TomCoburn, R-Okla., 172Russell Senate OfficeBldg., Washington,D.C. 20510, (202)224-5754; 1800 S.Baltimore St., Suite800, Tulsa 74119,(918) 581-7651.

• U.S. Sen. JimInhofe, R-Okla., 205Russell Senate OfficeBldg., Washington,D.C. 20510, (202)224-4721; 1924 S.Utica Ave., Suite 530,Tulsa 74104, (918)748-5111.

• U.S. Rep. DanBoren, D-Okla., 2447Rayburn HouseOffice Bldg,Washington, D.C.,20515 (202) 225-2701; 431 W.

Broadway,Muskogee, (918)687-2533.

State:• Sen. Earl

Garrison, D-Muskogee, 2300 N.Lincoln Blvd., Room533, Oklahoma City73105, (405) 521-5533.

Rep. GeorgeFaught, R-Muskogee,Room 301-A,Oklahoma City73105, (405) 557-7310.

• Rep. JerryMcPeak, D-Warner,Room 503, OklahomaCity 73105, (405)557-7302. PO Box63, Warner 74469.


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American LegionAuxiliary, Post 15, is opento the child, daughter orwife of someone who hasserved in the military,(918) 687-6171.

Girl Scouts, (918) 683-7738 or (877) 855-7738 toreach the MuskogeeMagic Empire office. Callthe Tulsa volunteerdepartment at (800) 707-9914.

Muskogee CountyCommunity Action, 1313N. Main St., MonicaBlakely, route manager,(918) 683-2431; StacyTurner, project director,(918) 577-6896.

Muskogee CountyDemocratic Party, DennisWilhite, (918) 680-1942.

Muskogee CountyRepublican Party, JerryHuffer, chairman, (918)616-1747.

Muskogee RegionalMedical Center, AndreaWilcoxen, (918) 684-2460.

Boy Scouts of America,Joe Lopez, NeoshoDistrict director, (918) 743-6125.

Court Appointed SpecialAdvocates, (918) 686-8199,[email protected].

Kids’ Space MuskogeeCounty Child AdvocacyCenter, Shelly Stout, (918)682-4204.

Muskogee NursingCenter, (918) 682-9232.

Magnolia Gardens, (918)683-8388.

Grace Living Center,(918) 683-2914.

Eastgate VillageHealthcare Center, (918)682-3191.

Promoting Animal

Welfare Society Inc.(PAWS), Dorothy Farmer,(918) 686-7297.

Jack C. Montgomery VAMedical Center, GregSorensen, (918) 577-3621.

American Red Cross,Ryan Hardaway, (918)682-1366.

RSVP (must 55 andolder). Drivers needed forhelping senior citizens runerrands, (918) 683-1578.

Meals on Wheels, any ofthe following numbers:Elaine Brownell, (918)

683-2666; BethanyPresbyterian Church,(918) 682-8683; GraceEpiscopal Church, (918)687-5416; St. Paul UnitedMethodist Church, (918)687-7571.

Muskogee Public Library,Friends of the Library andadult literacy tutoring,(918) 682-6657.

Muskogee PublicSchools MentoringProgram, Peggy Jones,(918) 684-3700.

Muskogee Garden Club,

Martha Stoodley, (918)683-2373.

Muskogee Farmers’Market program withGospel Rescue Mission togrow things for low-incomepeople, Doug Walton,(918) 686-6939.

The Salvation Armyneeds people during theschool year, (918) 682-3384.

Ark of Faith, 401 E.Broadway, SallyWeiesnbach, (918) 682-8411. Food handlers need-

ed.Disabled American

Veterans, help take veter-ans from home, to andfrom VA facilities includingJack C. Montgomery VAMedical Center, 1011Honor Heights Drive.Volunteers must have avalid driver’s license andinsurance, pass a briefphysical examination andhave background check.Orientation attendancerequired. Contact: CaronGabbard, (918) 577-3737.

AARREEAA VVOOLLUUNNTTEEEERR OOPPPPOORRTTUUNNIITTIIEESS

Phoenix file photo

A batch of visitors, including 1928 Girl Scout Adelaide Johnson, right, celebrate the Girl Scouts’ centennial during a March 10 gath-ering at Three Rivers Museum by posing with “Promises to Keep,” a statue of a Girl Scout with boxes of cookies. The statue honorsthe city’s role as birthplace of the Girl Scout cookie tradition. Girl Scout are just one of the agencies that need volunteers in the area.


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FOR ALL YOUR PROJECTS FOR ALL YOUR PROJECTS AROUND YOUR HOME, COME SEE US!! AROUND YOUR HOME, COME SEE US!!


Runners, joggers, walkers orsimply those with children whoneed to burn off some extraenergy will not be disappointedthe parks and recreation selec-tion Muskogee offers. With 18parks, seven trails, a fewsplash pads, and a full-blownwater park, Muskogee is hometo a rich parks and recreationexperience.

Dustin Carter, a Muskogeeresident, said his favorite parkto go to is Civitan, because ofthe fond childhood memorieshe has there.

“It’s really nice to see theimprovements they’ve madeover all,” Carter said. “The

walking trail is really nice, andthat new playground is reallygood for the kids.”

Civitan Park is located onGibson Street, just across fromthe Oklahoma School for theBlind. It features Oklahoma’slargest “all-access” playgroundand an 18-hole flying disc golfcourse.

Other parks include HonorHeights, Spaulding, and theLove-Hatbox Sports Complex.Each park has several uniquefeatures that offer somethingdifferent to its patrons.

Ember Jacobs, who works forFirst Baptist Muskogee, saidthat for Muskogee’s size, theselection of parks and walking Special photo by Travis Sloat

Members of the Bacone College women’s basketball team play in the splash pad at Honor Heights Park.

Muskogee is rich in parks and trails

(See HONOR, Page 19)

• Dec. 25, 1871 —The first traincrossed the ArkansasRiver bridge toMuscogee Station.The new stop took itsname from theMuscogee tribe ofthe Creek Nation,which had beenremoved toOklahoma from thesoutheastern UnitedStates in the 1830s.The spelling of thecommunity’s namewas changed official-ly July 19, 1900, toMuskogee.

• Jan. 18, 1872 —First post officeestablished atMuscogee Station.James L. Barnesnamed postmaster.

• Spring 1872 —First hotel estab-lished. Crude sleep-ing facilities were inrailroad cars on asiding. Guests wereserved meals in the

Pioneer BoardingCar.

• 1874 — The Rev.John Elliott ofOswego, Kan., whohad been preachingat Fort Gibson,established FirstPresbyterian Church,the first church inMuskogee.

• 1874 — TheIndian Progress,owned by E.C.Boudinot, Dr. E. PoeHarris and George A.Reynolds, becamethe city’s first news-paper.

• 1874 — Dr.George W.Cummings becamethe town’s first physi-cian.

• 1876 — Servicesto the Five CivilizedTribes were central-ized in Muskogeewith the opening ofUnion Agency onAgency Hill. Thebuilding now housesthe Five CivilizedTribes Museum.

• 1879 — The firstopera house openedwith a stage andrough board seats in

a barn owned byJoshua Ross, east ofthe railroad tracks, offwhat is now MartinLuther King Street.

• June 3, 1885 —Bacone Collegeopened with dedica-tion of RockefellerHall.

• 1886 — First tele-phone servicebetween Muscogee,Fort Gibson andTahlequah.

• March 1, 1889 —U.S. District Courtestablished here, withJames M.Shackleford of

Indiana as judge. Itwas the first whiteman’s court in IndianTerritory. With theestablishment of thecourt, the city’s firstcourthouse was builtat Second and Courtstreets. The first jailwas a two-storystockade just west ofthe courthouse.

• 1889 — FirstNational Bank, await-ing its official charter,began construction ofthe town’s first bank.

• May 2, 1890 —Federal law allowedmarriage licenses to

be issued in IndianTerritory for the firsttime in Muscogee.The town’s firstknown wedding, how-ever, was in January1876, when Miss F.B.Laberelle wed A.J.Maxwell.

• October 1891 —Construction beganat C Street andOkmulgee Avenue ona library organized bythe Women’sChristian TemperanceUnion of IndianTerritory.

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• 1893 — Prisonersin the federal jail nearSecond and Courtstreets set fire to thatstructure and weremoved to a stockadeknown as the BullPen between Thirdand Fourth streets,just north of Denison.The town’s gallowsalso were in thatfacility, and at leastfive men werehanged there beforethe turn of the centu-ry.

• Oct. 30, 1896 —Oil was discovered at1,200 feet by CreekOil and Gas Co. nearF.B. Severs gin onthe east side of therailroad.

• March 19, 1898— Muskogee grantedincorporation. P.J.Byrne, a Democrat,was elected the firstmayor the followingJune 1.

• April 4, 1899 —Andrew Roberg ofMuskogee wasissued the first natu-

ralization papers inIndian Territory.

• 1900 —Muskogee Light andPower Co. beganelectric and powerservice from a plant

on South CherokeeStreet.

• March 16, 1905— Muskogee ElectricTraction Co. ran itsfirst street car inMuskogee.



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Precinct Polling place Address5 Bethany Presbyterian Church 2000 Haskell Blvd.7 Eastern Heights Baptist Church 2401 Haskell Blvd.9 Chandler Road Church of Christ 3507 Chandler Road11 Immanuel Baptist Church 711 Spaulding Blvd.13 York Street Christian Church 1125 S. York St.17 Rayfield Baptist Church 601 Indianapolis Ave.21 Boston Avenue Baptist Church 201 S. 30th St.22 Honor Heights Chapel 302 Honor Heights Drive23 Martin Luther King Center 627 N. Third St.28 Church of God of Prophecy 2410 N. 24th St. W.33 Central Church of Christ 402 W. Main St., Haskell36 Taft Resource Center 208 W. Seminole St., Taft37 Timothy Baptist Church 5530 W. Okmulgee Ave.38 Indian Capital Technology Center 2403 N. 41st St. E.40 Fort Gibson Church of Christ 806 Lee St., Fort Gibson41 Fort Gibson City Hall 200 W. Poplar St., Fort Gibson

44 Emmanuel Pentecostal Church 100 Buce St., Braggs45 Rural Water District #2 2310 S. Woodland Road46 First Assembly of God 3100 Gulick St.47 Lifepoint Church 2200 S. 32nd St.49 Grandview Baptist Church 3608 S. Cherokee Drive50 Boynton Community Center 200 W. Kenefick, Boynton51 Council Hill Community Center Council Hill52 Wainwright School 100 Walnut St., Wainwright53 Trinity Baptist Church 107 E. Prairie St., Oktaha55 New Hope Assembly of God 110 W. 58th St. S.58 First Baptist Church Webbers Falls59 Warner Assembly of God Church 206 Third St., Warner60 Green Valley Baptist Church 19702 S. Ross Road, Webbers Falls61 Summit First Baptist Church First Street and Broadway, Summit64 Porum Senior Citizens Center Second Street, Porum

Information: Muskogee County Election Board, (918) 687-8151.

Muskogee County polling places

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• Origin of name:Named for Muscogee(Creek) Indians.

• Population:70,990, according to2010 census estimate.

• Area: 811 squaremiles.

• Board of CountyCommissioners:(918) 682-9601, firstfloor, County ServicesBuilding, 400 W.Broadway.

District 1, GeneWallace, (918) 682-

4511, 3000 North St.District 2, Stephen

Wright, (918) 682-7101, 1300 S.Cherokee St.

District 3, DexterPayne, (918) 682-1910, 901 S. 74th St.W.

Commisioners’ meet-ings: every Monday, 9a.m., commissioners’office.

District attorney:Larry Moore, (918)682-3374, Muskogee

County Courthouse,220 State St.

Sheriff: CharlesPearson, (918) 687-0202, MuskogeeCounty Courthouse.

County clerk:Dianna Cope, (918)682-7781, first floorCounty ServicesBuilding.

County treasurer:Kelly Garrett, (918)682-0811.

District court clerk:Paula Sexton, (918)

682-7873, MuskogeeCounty Courthouse.

County assessor:Dan Ashwood, (918)682-8781, second floorCounty ServicesBuilding.

District judges:Mike Norman, (918)687-1950; Thomas H.Alford, (918) 687-6388;Muskogee CountyCourthouse.

Associate districtjudge: Norman D.Thygesen, (918) 683-

7786.Special district

judges: Robin Adair,(918) 683-2997; CarlRobinson, (918) 684-1611, MuskogeeCounty Courthouse.

County healthdepartment: (918)683-0321, 530 S. 34thSt.

County parks andrecreation depart-ment: (918) 684-6302,837 E. Okmulgee Ave.

Voter registration

as of July 25, 2012:Total voters, 39,105.Democrats, 25,137;Republicans, 9,503;Independents, 4,465.Muskogee CountyElection Board, 687-8151, 400 W.Broadway. ElectionBoard Secretary BillBull.

County seat:Muskogee, incorporat-ed March 19, 1898;Mayor Bob Coburn,(918) 682-6602.

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trails is “awesome.”“Most people just know

about the three mainparks,” Jacobs said.“There are also severalmore that are very nice,especially with the addi-tion of splash pads. Thecity does an exceptionaljob of maintaining all ofthe parks and the trails,and I feel safe and securein whichever one I chooseto go to.”

The Parks andRecreation website saysthat the city of Muskogeeoffers more than eightmiles of trails for its citi-zens and visitors to tra-verse. Some of these trailsrun through other parks,and some take youthrough some scenic vis-tas along the way.

Centennial Trail is oneof the newer and moreunique trails to the city ofMuskogee. It has tworoutes, one of which is acircuit around the Love-Hatbox Sports Complex,and the other, which con-nects the complex withdowntown Muskogee andthe museums there.

There is also the StemBeach Trail, which islocated inside HonorHeights Park, the CivitanTrail, the Spaulding Trail,and several others locatedin different areas ofMuskogee. The Parks andRecreation Departmentsays in its Master TrailPlan that it wants to “besure trails are safe andlocated where they are

needed and where theywill be used.”

Carter said that he triesto make it out toMuskogee parks andtrails any chance he can.In fact, he said his bandhas even had the opportu-nity to play in theRainbow DivisionMemorial Amphitheater.

“The Rainbow DivisionMemorial Amphitheatermakes an excellent

venue,” Carter said. “Thatis a really good thing for apark to have. People canspend time in the parkand listening to music. I’dlike to see more localartists showcased there.”

Honor Heights Park islocated on Honor HeightsDrive, and is said to bethe “crown jewel inMuskogee’s Park system.”It is situated on 132 acres,features many of the

walking trails, severalponds and small lakes,offers visitors and citizensfishing, volleyball, andtennis, and is also home tothe biggest drive-throughChristmas light show inMuskogee.

Jacobs said she alsoloves Honor Heights Park,and all of the things thatare offered there.

“It’s nice because thereare a lot of trees andshade,” Jacobs said. “I feellike I can do anythingthere anytime of the year.Dustin and I love goingout and having picnics bythe ponds. Usually theducks get a pretty goodlunch too, because wecan’t resist includingthem in our picnic.”

River Country WaterPark is a relatively newaddition to the city ofMuskogee, but it’s onethat keeps residents andvisitors cool and wetthroughout the hot sum-mer months. The park isopen from Memorial Dayto Labor Day, and offersswimming pools, a lazyriver ride, an interactivekids pool, and waterslides. It’s located at 3600Arline St. in Muskogee.

The Muskogee Parksand RecreationDepartment provides theresidents and guests ofMuskogee plenty of spaceand facilities for rest andrelaxation. In addition,they’ve also provided sev-eral places in the parksfor those who want to beactive.

Spaulding Park fea-tures two basketballcourts as well as six ten-nis courts. The park alsohas a public swimmingpool that is open fromMemorial Day to LaborDay. Grandview Park ishome to softball fields forthose with a need to runthe bases. Bill Pool Park,Douglas Maxey Park,

Elliot Park, and RotaryPark all offer basketballcourts as well.

If you have any ques-tions about any of theparks or trails listed, oryou’d like to find out moredetails for other parks,then check the Parks andRecreation Web page atwww.cityofmuskogee.com/shell.asp?pg=17.



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