MUSKOGEE
NOTE TO OUR READERS Because of the winter storm that arrived Monday morning, we apologize if your newspaper arrived late.
muskogeephoenix.com Building Main Street, not Wall Street: It takes an army Column on Page 6
TUESDAY
January 31, 2023
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INSIDE
County appoints committee to make recommendations Panel to select candidates for volunteer fire department boards By Cathy Spaulding cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com A three-person committee is to recommend board members for four volunteer fire departments in Muskogee County, county officials decided. At Monday’s regular meeting, the Muskogee Board of
County Commissioners appointed Tim Thompson, Tim Murphy and Jerri Stoutermire to a committee to make recommendations for fire department boards. The panel is to nominate board members for the county’s four Title 19 volunteer fire departments — Brushy Mountain, Buckhorn, Keefeton and Mountain View. The action came out of a resolution commissioners approved Jan. 23 to bring the
four departments more under county control after the county’s general counsel, John Tyler Hammons, said some of the departments were not in full compliance with Title 19 statutes. Buckhorn Fire Chief Clayton Webb said the panel is just going to “muddy up the process” of appointing board members. “I’ve got to deal with people other than the county commissioners,” he said. “It’s
something I’m going to have to learn, a new process. I really can’t say if it’s going to be easier or harder.” He said he was concerned about whether Buckhorn can retain its five current board members. During the commission meeting, Webb asked if the county intended to replace existing fire department board members. Commission chairman Kenny Payne answered “possibly.”
“If they want to be on the board, they have to fill out an application,” Payne said. He said the panel will take applications for anyone wanting to serve on the four fire department boards, then submit them to the county. Board members have to live within the fire district they serve. The Jan. 23 resolution requested the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector to con-
Grateful for warming centers CATHY SPAULDING/ Muskogee Phoenix
Tommie Killer, left, and Buddy Ward, center talk to a woman, who chose not to give her name, inside the Gospel Rescue Mission’s Bankston Chapel. The chapel offers a place from freezing temperatures.
(See COUNTY, 6)
How to keep your car running in deep freeze
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Quick
AAA of Oklahoma offers these tips to keep your car running during the very cold weather. Allow extra time to make sure your vehicle starts. “Look for deflated tires — especially if you haven’t driven in a while. And keep your gas tank full.” Never leave a vehicle running in a closed garage without adequate ventilation. “Also, don’t leave it running with keys or a key fob inside to avoid opportunistic thefts.” Make sure your battery is not too old. “Most car batteries last three to five years, so if your battery is more than three years old, get it checked. They fail without warning and are 35% weaker even at 32 degrees. At zero degrees, a car’s battery loses 60% of its strength, yet the engine needs about twice as much power to start.” Check your tire pressure. “Tires need more air when it is cold. Proper cold weather tire pressure can be found in the vehicle manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s
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2 Cold temps, wintry weather expected to stick around a few days By Cathy Spaulding cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com
will remain under a winter storm advisory until 6 a.m. Wednesday, according to the As temperatures stayed be- National Weather Service. low freezing Monday, Buddy Under the advisory, sleet Ward said he and his brother accumulations of less than a found shelter at the Gospel half-inch and ice accumulaRescue Mission. tions of up to one-tenth inch “We came in Sunday night. are expected. The warming center did a According to the Accugood job of opening up,” Ward Weather website’s forecast said. for Muskogee, an 84 percent Below-freezing temperachance of precipitation is extures brought about 15 peopected on Tuesday and a 91 ple to the shelter by noon percent chance is expected Monday, said Cara Schaus, on Wednesday. Temperatures GRM chief of staff operations. are not expected to get above The cold is expected to 30 degrees on Tuesday and continue over the next few 36 degrees on Wednesday. days. Eastern Oklahoma Gospel Rescue Mission,
323 Callahan St., operates a warming center in its Bankston Chapel any time weather gets below 32 degrees, Development Director Nicky Miller said. “The warming center is available to anybody who wants to get out of the cold,” Miller said. “There’s no rules on it. You just have to be able to play nice with others.” She said people can remain in the center for as long as the weather remains below freezing. Ward’s brother, Tommie Killer, said they came in from the street Sunday night. He said his smartphone showed
Mandy Wildman
WHAT MAKES VOLUNTEERING IMPORTANT TO A COMMUNITY?
SMILE OF THE DAY
WEATHER
“Kids’ Space is an important organization
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(See CAR, 6)
in our community
to the community that needs volunteers. I believe without the volunteers they would not be able to give back to the community as much as they do.” HOW CAN PEOPLE HELP KIDS’ SPACE?
“As much as they want or as little as they
can. Any help I know is greatly appreciated.” If you would like to help out at Kids’ Space, call (918) 682-4204. NOMINATE SOMEONE:
Know somebody who is making a difference in the area through their volunteer efforts? Let us know so we can feature them
KENNA FRALEY, WARNER Kenna’s mother Brittany says Kenna’s “sporting her new bangs that she was so excited about.” Nominate a smile: Send photos of someone smiling to features@ muskogeephoenix.com
POLL QUESTION
“I feel that it’s important to give back to the community if you are able to.”
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making a difference
AGE: 44. DAY JOB: Dental Office Manager. VOLUNTEER WITH: Kids’ Space.
WHAT, PERSONALLY SPEAKING, DRIVES YOU TO VOLUNTEER?
a temperature of 27 degrees and a wind chill of 14. Killer and Ward spent Monday chatting with other warming center guests. A drama played on the big screen TV. Muskogee County Emergency Management Director Jeff Smith said Monday morning that the roads were pretty slick and more precipitation was expected. According to the National Weather Service, people who must travel are advised to slow down and use caution while driving. Also, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in the vehicle.
Do you adhere to warnings and stay off the roads during bad weather?
in a spotlight. Send email to news@muskogeephoenix.com or call (918) 684-2929 and speak to Executive Editor Elizabeth Ridenour. — Ronn Rowland
Yes. No. Sometimes.
Go to muskogeephoenix.com or email your vote to news@muskogeephoenix.com.
Vol. 135 — No. 17 Founded Feb. 18, 1888