MUSKOGEE muskogeephoenix.com p Build Building Main Street, not Wall Street: Brick-and-mortar must become unique BrickStory on Page 3
TUESDAY January 10, 2023
$1.25
INSIDE
Tucker reflects on 15-year tenure Former city attorney to continue by Orvil Loge, who was elected in by Muskogee County public service as special judge in November voters to serve as associate district Muskogee County judge for Oklahoma’s 15th Judicial By D.E. Smoot Phoenix Correspondent Muskogee City Attorney Roy Tucker handed the reins to his successor on Monday after serving the municipality for 15 years in various capacities. Tucker will continue his role as a public servant in February as special judge in Muskogee County. He will fill a post previously occupied
District. “I’ve had a lot of wonderful experiences and worked with some incredible people, not only city staff but also the leadership of city councilors,” Tucker said about his tenure with the city of Muskogee. “I’m very excited — this will be a change of pace …, something new, a new challenge.” Tucker was hired as an assistant city attorney in 2008 by the late Frank Medearis and continued in
that capacity under his predecessor, John Vincent. He stepped in twice during his 15-year tenure to serve as interim city manager while continuing to carry out his regular duties as city attorney. Tackling those challenges and others earned him recognition in 2016, when he was awarded the inaugural Roy Tucker Award of Excellence. The award is bestowed annually to a city employee whose public service reflects the values and work ethic demonstrated by its namesake. (See TUCKER, 6)
CATHY SPAULDING/Muskogee Phoenix
City Attorney Roy Tucker, left, shares his thoughts on his last Muskogee City Council meeting before he leaves to take the job of special district judge. Seated to his right are Councilors Jaime Stout, Stephanie Morgan, Shirley Hilton-Flanary and Traci McGee.
Gooding stops by to pay respects Actor who portrayed Roberts visits graves of local Tuskegee Airmen By Cathy Spaulding cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com
CNHI
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt waves at the crowd as he arrives for his inauguration, Monday, at the Oklahoma State Capitol.
A visit to Muskogee’s Booker T. Washington Cemetery on Saturday gave actor Cuba Gooding Jr. a deeper appreciation for how Black airmen helped secure freedom. Gooding, who portrayed Billy Roberts in the 1995 HBO movie “The Tuskegee Airmen,” spoke to people who packed the Roxy to see the movie Saturday afternoon. “Seeing men and women, not just in the military, but the doctor buried there, it’s the reason why I jumped on the plane when I heard that you all were screenJohnson Jr. ing the movie,” Gooding said “Screening the movie, I knew I had an obligation to help remind people of the history of Schagunn Muskogee and the wonderful passionate people here keeping it alive.” The movie depicts Black fighter pilots who saw considerable action in Europe and North Africa during World War II. Parts of the “The Tuskegee Airmen” movie were filmed at Muskogee’s Davis Field Airport and many area residents were extras. Roxy Manager and Marketing Director Oscar CATHY SPAULDING/Muskogee Phoenix Ray had invited those extras Dennis Wilhite, left, talks to actor Cuba Gooding Jr., center, as they pause at the grave of Faythe to Saturday’s showing. McGinnis, one of at least three Tuskegee Airmen buried at Booker T. Washington Cemetery. (See GOODING, 6) Gooding was in Muskogee on Saturday for a showing of “The Tuskegee Airmen.”
Keeara Clark
SMILE OF THE DAY
By Janelle Stecklein CNHI State Reporter OKLAHOMA CITY — As Gov. Kevin Stitt was sworn in for his final gubernatorial term, he vowed Monday that he’d continue to press for policies that “re-think education” and those that limit government. “We will continue our march to the top,” Stitt said. “It will come by building a strong economy, an education system that prepares all children for success, a limited government that is accountable for generations to come, and a culture that respects and protects each person’s constitutional right to fairness, family and freedom of faith.” The Republican was among nine statewide elected officials who took the oath of office Monday. (See STITT, 6)
in our community FOR? “Whatever they can give, even if it’s a little something, it can go a long way.” If you would like to volunteer at the Gospel Rescue Mission, call (918) 682-3489. NOMINATE SOMEONE:
KONNER MACMILLAN, OKAY Konner’s “NawNaw” Missy says Konner “loves to play Super Heros.” Nominate a smile: Send photos of someone smiling to features@ muskogeephoenix.com
POLL QUESTION
HOW CAN PEOPLE HELP THE ORGANIZATION YOU VOLUNTEER
WHAT MAKES VOLUNTEERING
WEATHER
IMPORTANT TO A COMMUNITY? “It brings people together. The world is not united right now, and volunteering helps people unite for one cause.”
Governor discusses state’s economy, education during inauguration
making a difference
AGE: 19. DAY JOB: Psychology major at Northeastern State University. VOLUNTEER WITH: Gospel Rescue Mission.
WHAT, PERSONALLY SPEAKING, DRIVES YOU TO VOLUNTEER? “I like giving back to the community, and I like knowing that what I do is helping people.”
Stitt pledges ‘march to the top’
Do you support the House bill rescinding $71 billion that Congress had provided the IRS?
Know somebody who is making a difference in the area through their volunteer efforts? Let us know so we can feature them in a spotlight. Send email to news@muskogeephoenix.com or call (918) 684-2929 and speak to Executive Editor Elizabeth Ridenour. — Ronn Rowland
Vol. 134 — No. 5
Yes. No.
Go to muskogeephoenix.com or email your vote to news@muskogeephoenix.com.
Founded Feb. 18, 1888