June 28, 2023 by muskogeephoenix

Friends recall Janway family as caring, supportive

Husband, wife, grandson found dead from gunshot wounds

By Cathy Spaulding

cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com

Ronn Rowland

rrowland@muskogeephoenix.com

A Muskogee chiropractor and his family are being remembered for their willingness to help and support

others.

Dr. Jack Janway, 69; his wife, Terry Lynn, 68; and their 11-year-old grandson, Dalton Janway were found dead late Monday in a residence in the 2800 block of Suroya St. Muskogee Police Officer Lynn Hamlin said the deaths are being investigated as a murder-suicide.

Hamlin said Terry Janway is considered the shooter

and investigators are unsure what led to the shooting.

Jack Janway was longtime owner of Janway Chiropractic and Acupuncture.

Brian Ousley, founder/ owner of Strictly Fitness said the Janways were supporters of the center’s annual Weight Loss Challenge, and were long-time friends.

“We were friends long before we started the chal-

lenge,” Ousley said. Ousley said Jack Janway “was always willing to do whatever we needed.”

“Anything we needed supporting the challenge, he was always ready to help,” Ousley said. “He spoke, not just from a chiropractic perspective, but from a medical perspective as to the downside of obesity and the bene-

See FRIENDS, Page 2

Storywalk trail opens at Honor Heights Park arboretum

Each stop features page from children’s book under plexiglass

By Cathy Spaulding

cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com

Honor Heights Park’s little visitors can read a story and get some exercise while roaming through its arboretum.

Eastern Oklahoma Library System has installed a StoryWalk, along the paved trail at the C. Clay Harrell Arboretum, north of the Papilion.

“We thought it would be a beautiful venue and allow families to use these trails more, and highlight a wonderful part

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the U.S. Department of Agriculture gives information on how eligible seniors can received a monthly benefit for fresh fruit and vegetables.

What is the Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program?

“The SFMNP awards grants to States, U.S. Territories and Federally recognized Indian Tribal Organizations to

of our city,” said Jennifer Fuller, Muskogee Public Library youth services director. “The whole purpose is to get families engaged with one another and exercise in a fun way, as well as read.”

The StoryWalk features 22 stops. Each stop, just tall enough for a kindergartner, features a page from a children’s book displayed under Plexiglass.

“If it’s a shorter story, sometimes we’ll post activities that

are going on at the library,” Fuller said. “For the first story, we put out the pages because we want people to get used to the concept.”

The first story is “Be a Tree,” by Maria Gianferari. The book encourages readers to “Stand tall. Stretch your Branches to the sun.”

Books will be switched every 35 to 40 days, Fuller said.

“We select books with very colorful pictures, something that will play well,” Fuller

said. “We’re looking for a book that has movement. We’re also looking for books that are culturally diverse.”

The walk might have books to match each season.

“We’ll definitely have books for the winter time, and possibly relating it to the Garden of Lights,” she said, referring to the holiday light display at Honor Heights.

Youngsters are encouraged

See PARK, Page 2

DAVIS

CORDOVA/ Muskogee Phoenix

A sign outside Janway Chiropractic and Acupuncture on East Okmulgee Avenue advises patients about the office being closed and whom to call for referrals.

Sparse grant list might be an anomaly

Foundation says short-fall could be one-time occurrence

By Cathy Spaulding

cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com

This year’s sparse list of City of Muskogee Foundation new grant recipients might be a onetime shortfall, Foundation officials say.

Foundation Board members approved eight new grants, totaling $640,000, for 2023 at its regular meeting Monday. The Foundation has awarded between $2 million to more than $5 million in previous years.

“We think this was kind of a one-year off, with the way the market crashed after COVID,” Foundation Investment Committee Chairman James Gulley said. “We look for it to regrow, not as fast as it was, but for next year, we’re looking forward to having the regular grants.”

Rising inflation and volatile markets in late 2022 prompted the foundation board to slash its budget for grant projects to $700,000. Gulley said the committee wanted to ensure that the foundation remains viable for generations to come. Foundation Executive Director Frank Merrick on Monday thanked committee chairs for working through what he called a challenging year.

“I can report we are in budget and I just want to

How seniors can receive benefits for fresh fruit, vegetables

provide low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs.

Eligible seniors can receive $50 in benefits that can be exchanged for fresh fruits and vegetables from authorized area farmers.”

What are the eligibility requirements for a Native senior?

“Must reside within the

service area that you are using the coupons. Native Americans at least 55 years of age, verified by a tribal membership card and valid CDIB card.

Disabled persons at least 55 years of age living in elderly housing with congregate nutritional services, proof of SSI.

Income does not exceed 185% of the federal poverty income guidelines.

Provide most recent pay stubs for a 30-day period,

current tax returns, current eligibility letter to Indian commodities, or current eligibility letter for SNAP.”

What is the program’s purpose?

“The purposes of the Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program are to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey through farmers’ markets, roadside stands and CSA programs to low-income seniors; and increase the

ADDISON AND ALANNA

consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding, developing, or aiding in the development and expansion of domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and CSA programs.”

What are the requirements for a non-Native?

“Must reside within the service area.

Non-Native Americans at least 60 years of age; ID required.

Income does not exceed

185% of the federal poverty income guidelines. Provide most recent pay stubs for a 30-day period, current tax returns, or current eligibility letter for SNAP.”

5 How can I apply for the benefit? Applications can be found online at www. choctawnation.com/services/ seniors-farmers-market-nutrition/ or can be obtained by visiting a Choctaw Nation Community Center. — McAlester News-Capital

CATHY SPAULDING/Muskogee Phoenix

Muskogee Public Library youth services director Jennifer Fuller shows one of the 22 StoryWalk stops along the arboretum trail at Honor Heights Park.

LORETTA FAYE HERNANDEZ 1943 - 2023

Loretta Faye Hernandez 1943 - 2023

Continued from Page 1

to exercise while reading.

Loretta Faye Hernandez, 79, of Fort Gibson, was born August 20, 1943, in Muskogee to Stanley and Rosie Kidder and peacefully passed away, Saturday, June 24, 2023 at her home. She married her best friend, Nieves 'Snow' Hernandez, together they shared many years making precious memories together.

Loretta Faye Hernandez, 79, of Fort Gibson, was born August 20, 1943, in Muskogee to Stanley and Rosie Kidder and peacefully passed away, Saturday, June 24, 2023 at her home. She married her best friend, Nieves ‘Snow’ Hernandez, together they shared many years making precious memories together.

“In addition to story pages, we’re going to have activities for the children to do, such as maybe pretend to jump like a frog to the next page, or spread your wings and fly to the next page,” Fuller said. “Fun things like that to get them moving.”

SPAULDING/ Muskogee Phoenix

A StoryWalk

Loretta worked as a Home Health Aide, making many home visits, spending time and caring for those she loved for many years.

Loretta enjoyed quilting in her spare time and was a very good cook, making and preparing meals with love. She enjoyed spending time in her garden and sitting down and reading a good book. Her family was her passion.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Dixie, Lorelei, Margie and Linda; and a brother, Howard; son in law, Robert. She is loving survived by her husband, Nieves ‘Snow’ of the home; daughter, Tina Cox also of the home; sons, Jeff

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Dixie, Lorelei, Margie and Linda; and a brother, Howard; son in law, Robert. She is loving survived by her husband, Nieves 'Snow' of the home; daughter, Tina Cox also of the home; sons, Jeff Triplett and Jim Hight both of Muskogee;

DEATHS MEMORIALS

Larry James Moore, 73, Fort Gibson, Rental Property Owner, passed away 06/25/2023. Visitation 1PM, Thursday, 06/29/2023 at funeral home. Services 2PM, Thursday, 06/29/2023 Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home Chapel, Fort Gibson. Online condolences clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.

both of Muskogee; daughter in law, Susan Travis of Muskogee; grandchildren, Zach, Kimberli, Courtni, Brittani, Josh, Halle, Jimmy, Tyler, Baylee, Justin, Autumn and Deakon; many great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and many friends.

daughter in law, Susan Travis of Muskogee; grandchildren, Zach, Kimberli, Courtni, Brittani, Josh, Halle, Jimmy, Tyler, Baylee, Justin, and Deakon; many great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and many friends.

Assistant Parks Director Rick Ewing said parks department crews finished setting up the signs about three weeks ago. He said the Eastern Oklahoma Library System sought the parks

department’s help with a grant they were seeking to erect the walk.

“When we heard it involved people visiting a park and promoted activity, walking and families

doing things together, we decided that was something we wanted to be a part of,” Ewing said. Muskogee’s walk is funded by the Oklahoma

Department of Libraries, Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The StoryWalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Oklahoma has 13 official StoryWalks, including three in the EOLS area — Checotah, Eufaula and Stilwell. Checotah’s Jim Lucas Public Library erected a StoryWalk along the Checotah Sports Complex Fitness Trail in May 2020.

Grants: Board told Foundation has fought inflation

Continued from Page 1

Loretta’s wishes are to be cremated and planted in a magnolia tree on the family farm.

Loretta's wishes are to be cremated and planted in a magnolia tree on the family farm.

express our appreciation for your hard work,” Merrick said.

NEW CITY OF MUSKOGEE FOUNDATION GRANTS FOR 2023

The family of Loretta Faye Hernandez has entrusted her care and cremation to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson, OK. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left for Loretta's family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh. com

com. Leamon Glee Webb, 87, of Webbers Falls, OK, passed away Sunday, June 25, 2023. Graveside service will be @ 10AM, Wednesday, June 28, 2023 @ McLain Cemetery, McLain, OK. Services provided by Cornerstone Funeral Home, Muskogee, OK

Gully told the board that the Foundation has sought to keep up with the rate of inflation since its inception in 2008. He said the foundation began with a $93 million investment.

“If you take that $93 million over the expanse of the grant cycles, the value of the $93 million would be $129 million,” Gulley said. “And right now, we have over $133 million. and we have granted out over this time frame $94.8 million, so we have granted out the entire funds we were first given 15 years ago, and we still have a portfolio of $133 million.”

Board member Dan Morris said the Founda-

GRANTS TO BE CONSIDERED: Education & Empowerment Committee: Hilldale Public Schools, $25,000 for the Inclusion of All Students Program. Neighbors Building Neighborhoods, $250,000 for the Dream Team Youth Programs. Neighbors Building Neigh-

tion should establish a Rainy Day Fund to keep from having to make drastic cuts in future new grants.

“When times are good, times are good, you know,” Morris said. “But they’re never going to stay that way.”

Merrick said establishing a Rainy Day Fund is the role of the investment committee.

“It would be invested

borhoods, $0 for the Program Manager & VISTA Support position. RISE, $5,000 for general operational support. Health & Wellness Committee

Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc., $95,000 for CASA For Children, Inc. Eastern Oklahoma Development District (EODD), $195,000 for Momma C’s Meals on the Go 2023 Program. Kids’ Space, $50,000 for Trauma Focused Therapy Program. Quality of Life Committee $20,000 for the Volunteers of America (VOAOK) Payee Services – Muskogee Program.

like everything else, but it would be set aside to help smooth out the peaks and valleys of the grant cycles,” he said. “We will keep that item on the agenda for the investment committee.”

Gulley said the Foundation operates two budgets for grants.

One grant budget allocates funds for ongoing obligations, such as streets, he said. Other on-

going obligations include bridges, Hatbox Event Center, Muskogee Little Theatre, Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center, housing rehabilitation and the Muskogee City-County Port Authority. “Then we have what we call new money, and usually we’ve been doing that at $2 million,” Gulley said. “This year, it was only $700,000.”

Friends: MPS to have counseling available

Continued from Page 1

fits of exercise.”

His wife also was supportive, Ousley said.

Dalton Janway was a fifth-grader at Sadler Arts Academy.

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR Ed Choate

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email: jmack@muskogeephoenix.com

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Bill Martin 918-684-2955

email: bjmartin@muskogeephoenix.com

way, in a skydiving accident in 2014. He was 27. Their daughter, Chandra Janway Johnson, is the wife of seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson.

Sadler Principal Ronia Davison said Dalton was “absolutely precious and just a good friend to everyone.”

“His classmates adored him, thought of him highly,” Davison said. “He was thoughtful. He was someone who was able to pick up on the needs of others and extend goodness in any turn that he could.”

Davison said Dalton’s willingness to accept everybody as they were and find a way to connect with people made him special and a standout.

“He had a loving smile and he just carried himself in a way that just made him approachable and friendly and someone you wanted to be around,” Davison said.

Johnson’s race team, Legacy Motor Club, announced on Twitter it was withdrawing his No. 84 Carvana Chevrolet from this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series event in Chicago. The team added: “The Johnson family has asked for privacy at this time and no further statements will be made.”

“We are saddened by the tragic deaths of members of Chandra Johnson’s family,” NASCAR said in a statement.”

Muskogee Public Schools said counseling services are available through Green Country Behavioral Health Services. Students, families, and employees in need of counseling are encouraged to call GCBS at (918) 682-8407.

MPS officials issued the statement “Our heart goes out to the entire Rougher community who knew him as a friend and classmate.”

The Janways lost one son, Jordan Jor-el Jan-

Emergency dispatch received a call at approximately 9:05 p.m. Monday from a residence in the 2800 block of Suroya St., according to a Muskogee Police Department media release. A woman said there was a disturbance and someone there with a gun and then hung up. Officers found one victim, later identified as Jack Janway, laying in the hallway inside the house. Shortly after that, they heard another gunshot from further inside the house. Jack Janway was pulled outside. Terry and Dalton Janway were found dead inside the house, according to the release. Associated Press contributed to this story.

@muskogeephoenix; facebook.com/ MuskogeePhoenix; muskogeephoenix.com

Genetics, ethics creates eerie world

Silvia Moreno-Garcia is killing it in the horror genre, literally. Like her 2022 novel “Doctor Moreau’s Daughter,” Moreno-Garcia’s 2020 best seller “Mexican Gothic” (Del Rey) combines the science of genetics with the underbelly of human ethics to create an eerie and fantastical world in which “the gloom” infiltrates the lives of her characters and their dwelling.

We are told today that mushrooms have intense health benefits, but none so great as that used by the Doyle family, who consume the fungus to prolong their lives and mind control others. When socialite Noemi Taboada is requested to visit her sick cousin at High Place, her home in the mountains of Mexico, she discovers that the house and the people in it are hiding dark secrets.

Barely allowed to visit her cousin, who is possibly dying of consumption, Noemi spends her days trying to unravel the mystery of the house and her cousin’s assertion that her English husband, Virgil Doyle, is trying to kill her. With the supernatural creepiness of Henry James-meets-Guillermo del Toro’s magical realism, Silvia Moreno-Garcia has crafted an uncanny thriller of the finest kind.

Oklahoma native Rick Bayless knows a thing or two about Mexican cuisine. Owner of Frontera Grill and all its franchises, Bayless hosts the PBS program “Mexico: One Plate at a Time.”

Here I use his ahogado (drowned) tomato sauce with store bought taquitos and cole slaw for a light and delicious lunch. Make his full recipe when you have time. Get it at https://www. rickbayless.com/recipe/

MELONY CAREY/Muskogee Phoenix

You will say “te quiero” for Rick Bayless’ taquito ahogado

sauce made with fire roasted tomatoes and serrano chilies.

Serve as a base for store-bought taquitos and a simple cole slaw and you have yourself a delicious lunch.

drowned-taquitos.

TAQUITOS AHOGADOS

1 package chicken and cheese taquitos

For the sauce:

4 garlic cloves, peeled

2 serrano chiles, stemmed and roughly chopped

One 15-ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained

1 1/2cups chicken or vegetable stock

Salt

Put the garlic and chiles into a small microwaveable dish, cover with water and microwave at 100% power for 1 minute. Drain and transfer to a blender or food processor, along with the tomatoes and their juice. Blend to a smooth puree, then pour into a small saucepan and stir in the broth. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Taste and season with salt. Cover and keep warm over low heat. I used a veggie chop for a rougher sauce and it was still

YOU SHOULD KNOW

• Potholes, clogged storm sewers — Call City Hall switchboard, (918) 682-6602, and ask for public works.

• A dog problem — Call the police department, (918) 6838000, and ask for animal control.

• Water bill or service prob-

lems — Call City Hall switchboard, (918) 682-6602, and ask for water department revenue.

• Questions about zoning — Call City Hall switchboard, (918) 682-6602, and ask for planning department.

• Questions about the Recycle

very good.

FOR THE COLE SLAW:

2 cups thinly sliced cabbage (I used angel hair cole slaw in a bag)

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2/3 cup chopped cilantro

In a medium bowl, mix together the cabbage, red onion and vinegar. Season with salt to taste. Add the chopped cilantro just before serving so it doesn’t wilt or turn brown. Prepare the taquitos according to package directions. To serve, ladle the sauce into a deep plate then top with about five taquitos. Add the cole slaw on top. Some may prefer a saucier cole slaw, but the vinegar in the slaw sets off the heat of the sauce.

Reach Melony Carey at foodbythebook@ gmail.com or (918) 6833694.

Center — Call (918) 684-6340.

• To file for homestead exemption or personal property tax assessment: Visit county assessor’s office, second floor of County Services Building, Fourth Street and Broadway, (918) 682-8781.

Entertainment like spinning plates

Have you ever watched a circus or stage performance that featured simultaneously spinning plates?

It’s mesmerizing to watch such a blur of motion, fearing that one or more of the spinning plates could fall over at any time and crash.

I believe Muskogee is caught up in a similar state of perpetual motion because of the abundance and diversity in its ongoing and overlapping spring and summer activities.

It’s like there’s a Muskogee buzz of multiple spinning entertainment opportunities and celebrations to attract our attention.

The reality is our community has invested time and effort over many years to create entertainment offerings that support the Muskogee brand. Bravo!

We have many Muskogee leaders and organizations to thank for making entertainment a top priority. These include Muskogee Parks and Recreation, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, Three Rivers Museum, Muskogee Little Theatre and various nonprofits that host repeating monthly and annual events.

Let’s review the lineup of events over the last two months. What we find is a variety of outstanding and ongoing community activities that compete for calendar space. It’s a good thing.

During April and May, our ‘spinning’ entertainment plates included live music every Thursday night, regular art and fun projects, scheduled races at Thunderbird Speedway, a project to paint a community piano, two separate nights of downtown sip and shop experiences, Saturday Farmer’s Markets, art crawls, parades and parties

Andrea Chancellor Now trending

to celebrate beautiful azaleas, a shrimp and creole fest, movie and music performances at an historic theatre, a home and garden show, a garden market with food and live music, a film festival that attracts national movie producers and script writers, a library ancestry research event, the annual celebration of our railroad heritage, monthly All Aboard Thursdays events of music, fun and train rides at the Depot Green, outdoor movie nights, and car, truck and bike shows. These events were once just a plan drawn on paper, but they have grown to support our appreciation of the arts and bring new life to our community. It seems that once an event is launched for the first time, it gains momentum and is repeated successfully.

Our spinning entertainment plates are always in motion.

So what’s ahead in July? Again, we are invited to live music every Thursday night, food truck Tuesdays at the Hunt’s Green space, Saturday farmers’ markets, the annual Martin Luther King Center backpack giveaway, the opening of Story Walk at the Honor Heights Arboretum, a public library presentation and book signing and first Thursday sip and shop events. There’s more, as well. Theater performances at the Muskogee Little Theatre and at the historic Roxy.

While the calendar is already crowded, each day seems to bring news of additional entertainment opportunities through Facebook, Visit Muskogee online, the Main Street Muskogee website and on various other entertainment websites. We’ve said it before. There is always something to do in Muskogee, especially on weekends during the spring and summer.

Andrea Chancellor has more than 20 years in newspaper and magazine journalism and 20 years in public relations.

and Cliff Garrett

Muskogee Phoenix Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Protests filed on proposed housing development after court reversal

By Mindy Ragan Wood CNHI Oklahoma

NORMAN

A proposed residential zoning application that faced heavy opposition is back on the city council’s agenda after a judge over-

turned a vote by members in 2021. Shaz Investments Inc. sued the city of Norman after the council voted against an amendment to place land from the 2025 Land Use Masterplan’s

future urban service area to the masterplan’s current urban service area. The proposal would add 140 homes to the existing Eagle Cliff housing addition at 12th Avenue Southwest and Cedar

MUSK OG EE

Lane. Because the council declined to approve the land use amendment, it did not hear three additional items related to the proposal on Oct. 21, 2021. The items, which reappear on Tuesday’s agenda, are a request to rezone the property from agricultural to residential land, a preliminary plat, and an agreement for a lift station.

Members of the Eagle Cliff Home Owners Association and members of the Potts Family Farm protested the proposal in

2021, which led the Planning Commission to unanimously vote against it.

Protestors claimed the development would increase stormwater runoff, and swell Bishop Creek downstream, which often floods onto the farm, owners of the farm said.

City staff and Shaz attorney Sean Rieger argued before the council, and later the court, that Shaz had followed the city’s ordinances to qualify for the land amendment and the development would not aggravate flooding with the

MUSKOGEE POLICE REPORTS

ASSAULTS

826 S. York St., June 24, with a weapon.

605 S. Seventh St., June 24, domestic.

405 W. Augusta St., June 23, juvenile. South 14th and Denver streets, June 25, with a weapon.

600 Dayton #433, June 25, with a beer bottle.

1203 Fremont St., June 24, domestic.

1512 Denver St., June 26, domestic.

514 N. 15th St., June 26, with a knife.

BURGLARY

Jiffy Mart, 900 W. Broadway, June 24-25, illegal entry into business.

THEFTS North Seventh Street and West Shawnee Bypass, Aug. 1-Sept. 30, 2017, vehicle.

841 N. 38th St., May 27-28, credit card used by someone other than account holder.

1813 Tanglewood St., June 24, vehicle.

Walmart, 1000 W. Shawnee Bypass, June 24, shoplifting.

2707 Estelle St., June 25, security camera.

1123 Fremont St., June 21, license plate.

603 S. Third St., June 22, license plate.

1517 Baltimore St., June 23, property removed.

3704 Club View Drive, June 5-12, checks cashed by someone other than account holder.

VANDALISM

920 S. junction St., June 24, vehicles.

3601 Arline Ave., June 25, skate park.

With acareer in bankingthatspans45years, VickySpradling chose AmericanBankofOklahoma to spend the last18ofthem She might tell youshe got luckywith thatdecision.But we think the oppositeisfar closertothe truth.

As vicepresidentofthe MuskogeeRetail Divisionatour eastside branch, Vickyhas not only worked with hundreds of ABOK customers and fellowemployees,she’s madecountlessfriends and fans alongthe way.Weare truly gratefulfor herdedicationand commitment to AmericanBankofOklahoma and the Muskogee community

Now, to celebrate Vickyand herretirement, please joinusfor a special reception in her honor—andanopportunity to say, “Thanks, Vicky”.

installment of detention ponds. Cleveland County District Judge Thad Balkman sided with the developer in his Feb. 21, 2023, ruling, which ordered the city to place the land in the current urban service area. A settlement with Shaz has not been reached, nor has the city appealed the ruling, City Attorney Kathryn Walker said Monday in an email to The Norman Transcript. Mindy Ragan Wood writes for the Norman Transcript.

INITIAL APPEARANCES

HAWKINS, Rodney Tyler. Fugitive from justice. Bond $10,000. Preliminary hearing June 30. McGEE, Nathan Christopher. Second-degree burglary. Bond $5,000. Sounding docket July 6. MOORE, Doris Ann. Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs; possession of controlled dangerous substance (alprazolam). Bond $1,500. Disposition docket July 27. PEEBLES, Clint Keith. Domestic assault and battery by strangulation; domestic assault, battery or assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Bond $10,000. Sounding docket July 17.

ACCELERATION

GRAVES, Cratezz Shamore. Knowingly receiving or concealing stolen property. Bond $3,000. Hearing June 30.

DISMISSAL

SMALLEY, Matthew Scott. Larceny of outomobile, aircraft or other motor vehicle; knowingly receiving of concealing stolen property. Request of complaining witness.

REVOCATION

HAWKINS, Rodney Tyler. Assault and battery on police officer; possession of controlled dangerous substance; larceny of merchandise from retailer; obstructing officer. Bond $5,000. Hearing June 30.

DUI ARRESTS

FITZGIBBONS, Meghan Elizabeth. Driving under the influence. County arrest.

GROSSMAN, Jenny Lynn. Operate a vehicle while a blood alcohol content of .08 or more. City arrest.

HERNANDEZ, Roberto Montoya. Operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or intoxicants. County arrest. TERRONEZ, Jonathon. Driving under the influence of any other intoxicating substance; child endangerment. City arrest.

OUR VIEW

Foundation helps community fulfill dreams

Muskogee is very fortunate to have the City of Muskogee Foundation available to help fulfill our community’s dreams. Few communities in the United States have this type of funding mechanism available.

It is important to remember and embrace that every time the foundation gets ready to announce the latest round of grants.

The foundation approved $640,000 in grant requests at its regular meeting Monday. That’s down from last year’s $2 million in grants.

Rising inflation and volatile markets forced the foundation to reduce the amount of grants it could approve this cycle.

That’s perfectly understandable and warranted considering the foundation’s mission.

This is not a funding one-night stand. The foundation needs to have a seriously long-term relationship with our community.

That can’t happen if the board spends beyond its means. The foundation board must ensure the organization has funds to last for generations, not just this week.

The board must ensure those funds continue to grow at a rate that exceeds inflation so the funds will have buying power in the future. Money’s buying power decreases as time passes because of inflation.

The original stake must grow to be viable for the future.

They may be some nonprofits that are annoyed their grants were not approved or reduced. They can’t rely on the foundation to be the only revenue source for their work.

That is true for any government entity such as the City Council. The foundation is not a rubber stamp for whatever councilors seek.

The only way for the City of Muskogee Foundation to survive and thrive is for individuals and organizers to realize the foundation’s mission must look into the future.

A year in which foundation grants are down is not the end of the world. It’s another step in the natural progression of one of our most precious assets.

Publisher Ed Choate publisher@muskogeephoenix.com News news@muskogeephoenix.com

Editorials in “Our View” are the institutional opinions of the Muskogee Phoenix’s Editorial Board. Columns, commentaries, letters and cartoons on the Opinion Page are the views of their respective writers and artists and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editorial Board.

Why I ordered 200 light bulbs

I knew this day would come. Still, I wasn’t prepared for the dark, psychic wallop it would deliver.

Naturally, I found solace in retail therapy. I ordered 200 incandescent light bulbs online. You laugh. Or, perhaps, you weep in consonance with my pain. Either way, the end of pleasant lighting is nigh. On July 31 — a date that shall live in infamy — the United States will cease production of incandescent light bulbs. How did this happen?

Slowly and inevitably.

Let me take you back to 2010 and to the house at 2913 Olive St. NW in Georgetown, where I lived with an adopted blind poodle named “Ollie.”

My house emitted a warm, pinkish glow that set it apart from the others on the block. Or so passersby would mention from time to time if I happened to be sitting outside on the stoop. What caused this beautiful glow, they would ask. And if I happened to be sipping a glass of wine, which often bestirs a tendency to share secrets, I would reply, “Pink light bulbs.”

I had been using them for years, ever since the prettiest woman I have ever known told me about them. Pink light is flattering to women, she said — men, too, presumably, but who cares? When I told others about the pink bulbs, they’d race to hardware stores to stock up.

In later years, after I surrendered to online shopping, I ordered pink bulbs by the case. This was already considered heretical by hardcore environmentalists pushing the industry (and unassuming Americans) toward the hideously harsh bulbs known as “snow cones,” “swirls” or, more accurate-

ly, CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs). We’re all familiar with the CFLs’ ghastly, greenish hue, especially in motels and hotels where, with the flick of a switch, an alien being can stare back at you from the bathroom mirror. (I travel with my own light bulbs.) I suspect that CFLs were invented by communists who believe that incandescent bulbs contribute to vanity and, thus, to the pursuit of individual desires. By ridding America of incandescence, they could undermine its citizens’ positive self-image and condition them to accept the moral imperatives of harshness and inconvenience. First, they take the light bulbs; next, the gas stove. Eventually, capitalism surrenders to state enforcement mechanisms. Of course, I’ve made all this up, but it seems plausible. What is true is that the CFLs are more efficient and last longer. In 2006, author Charles Fishman, whose several intriguing books should be on your reading list, wrote a piece for the magazine Fast Company titled “How many light bulbs does it take to change the world? One. And you’re looking at it.” It was the hideous snow-cone CFL.

Fishman, an A-plus reporter who loves numbers, was on to something. A friend from our days together at the Orlando Sentinel in the early 1980s, Fishman was never happier than when he was writing sentences like this one: “. . . if every one of 110 million American

households bought just one ice-cream-cone bulb, took it home, and screwed it in the place of an ordinary 60-watt bulb, the energy saved would be enough to power a city of 1.5 million people.”

Four short years later, an even better bulb — the LED (light emitting diode) — became popular in hotels and hospitals, where lighting efficiency often exceeds performance efficiency.

I dislike these bulbs even more for all the same reasons. Efficiency has no place in art.

It’s worth noting that Fishman also published a book in 2006 titled “The Walmart Effect,” which I read at the time and remember mostly for a chapter concerning salmon. Thanks to Walmart, the previously pricey salmon was democratized. Everyone could buy and enjoy salmon for a little more than $4 a pound — unless they read this book.

More than half of all salmon sold in the United States comes from Chile, where millions of salmon are “farm-raised” in huge wire pens in the Pacific Ocean. Crammed together like sardines in a can, the fish eat and defecate in concentrations so dense, they coat the ocean floor with a toxic sludge that is destroying coral reefs, among other ocean life.

After reading Fishman’s book, I quit eating salmon that isn’t wild-caught.

All of this raises the question: If I can give up farm-raised salmon over environmental concerns, why can’t I give up incandescence? Admittedly, CFLs and LEDs have improved greatly in the past 20 years or so. But I’m more interested in compromise. A détente with the communist impulse, if you will.

Because I go to bed early, my light usage is relatively minor compared with that of superusers who burn the midnight oil. Perhaps we could implement “incandescent offsets,” sort of like carbon credits. I get to use pink light bulbs in exchange for going to bed by, say, 9 p.m. at least five nights a week. Obviously, this would work on the honor system.

Also, because young people don’t as much need the softening effects of incandescence, efficiency bulbs could be mandatory for people under, say, 45 — or 60 — and let mature Americans enjoy sunset lighting during their remaining years. Finally, we could eliminate daylight saving time, thus allowing us to go to bed earlier during the summer months. By now, you’re surely wondering where I found my 200 light bulbs. I learned about them through a discreet network of fellow light connoisseurs — and I never reveal my sources. I could tell you, but . . . you know how the rest goes. When I last checked, only 300 remained.

Even these aren’t the pinks I know and love, alas; I could only find a few of those, and I’m still praying for a black market. The ones I ordered allegedly mimic my old pale pinks. I’ll let you know. But if bulb-makers are smart, they’ll quickly duplicate the GE pale pink bulb that projects the desired illumination.

Good luck — and hurry!

P.S.: That prettiest woman I mentioned? Turns out, it was the pink light bulbs.

Kathleen Parker’s email address is kathleenparker@washpost.com.

Conservative justices preserve Voting Rights Act

Although largely upstaged by former President Donald Trump’s federal indictment, the Supreme Court’s voting rights decision earlier this month is likely to have a game-changing impact for many years to come.

What the court decided is almost as surprising as who decided it. By a 5-to-4 vote, justices from the conservative and liberal sides came together to reaffirm the court’s 1986 ruling on how legislative districts must be drawn under the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act, as amended in 1982.

In Alabama, where 1 in 4 voters is Black in the state’s seven congressional districts, the justices ruled that the Republican-dominated state legislature had denied African American voters a reasonable chance to elect a second representative of their choice.

A panel of three federal judges, including two appointed by Trump and one by former President Bill Clinton, had thrown out the state’s congressional map and

ordered lawmakers to draw a new one with two, not just one, districts that are likely to elect Black representatives. It was the sort of racial gerrymandering case for which the Voting Rights Act was enacted and, in more recent times, weakened by conservatives. Now Alabama will have to redraw its map to include a second predominantly Black district.

Although the ruling does not expand minority voting rights, it doesn’t reduce them either. That’s a net gain for Democrats and other liberals at a time when the Dems feared worse as they try to recover from the loss of their House majority, among other setbacks.

Suddenly, they see new hope coming from an unexpected source, the conserva-

tive court of Chief Justice John Roberts, which leaves many wondering why two of the court’s conservatives moderated their opposition enough to let Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits racially discriminatory voting practices, survive.

One was Roberts. He has been a famously outspoken critic of race-based remedies who authored or joined earlier decisions that gutted key parts of the voting law. Roberts declared in a 2007 affirmative action case that “the way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.”

Sure, but if it was that easy we wouldn’t need to turn to the Supreme Court to sort it out.

The other was Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a Trump appointee, who leaned toward the belief that the need for Section 2 was fading over time and suggested in his opinion that plaintiffs could try to return in some future case to

argue that changing times had rendered the law unconstitutional. I hope I live that long.

Which left many, including me, to wonder why both justices just happened to moderate their opposition enough to let the strongest remaining enforcement section of the Voting Rights Act survive.

I’m intrigued by how Roberts maneuvers as best he can to sound fair and evenhanded in weighing his opinions, as a good, credible chief justice should.

Roberts has long been reported to be extremely concerned about the court’s integrity and credibility, a noble and necessary goal, even when both sides of the political spectrum are shouting at him.

With opinion polls in these polarized times showing the high court’s approval ratings to be in the cellar, I’m sure recent headlines about a billionaire patron providing luxurious gifts to Clarence Thomas — as well as about Justice Samuel Alito’s al-

leged luxury vacations paid for by a billionaire Republican donor — must cause the chief justice no end of consternation. I cannot write about the high court without the classic 1901 quote from the “Mr. Dooley” stories of Finley Peter Dunne coming to mind: “No matter whether the constitution follows the flag or not, the Supreme Court follows the election returns.”

I’m sure the justices might well deny that, but one thing is certain: Supreme Court appointments follow elections. And they last a lifetime. That’s another reason for us, the voters, to pay attention. Still, there’s another reason why the high court’s conservatives voted to rescue the Voting Rights Act. They’re softening us up before they overturn affirmative action, which also is expected any day now.

If so, that also will be controversial. But nobody should be too surprised.

E-mail Clarence Page at cpage@chicagotribune.com.

40th Street IMuskogee, Ok 74401 918.682.6161 www.chghospitals.com

By Tesina Jackson CNHI Oklahoma TAHLEQUAH — A

Tahlequah woman is suing Newk’s Eatery and Cherokee Nation Property Management for negligence after she fell while attempting to enter the store.

Marlene King filed the civil suit in Cherokee County District Court on May 30, 2023, two years after the alleged incident occurred.

According to the petition, King, who was 64 years old at the time, she claimed to be an “invitee” of the business, and while trying to enter the store, she fell to the ground.

While the petition

doesn’t provide information on what the plaintiff fell over or how she fell, it states the fall was “a result of defendant’s lack of due care to keep the premises in a reasonably safe condition.”

King is seeking relief in the amount of $75,000, claiming her injuries “prevented her from transacting her business, forced her to incur costs to attempt to effect a cure to her injuries, and significantly adversely affected her day-to-day life and activities.”

The plaintiff is represented by Tahlequah attorney Ryan Langston. Tesina Jackson writes for the Tahlequah Daily Press.

Breaking down OSU’s first 10 commits in Class of 2024

By Jon Walker CNHI Sports Oklahoma

STILLWATER — Tuesday marks the start of a dead period for Oklahoma State football, meaning the Cowboys are effectively done recruiting until the backend of July. Mike Gundy and Co. have already gone to work on the Class of 2024, though.

OSU won’t play any of the usual Texas schools – Texas, Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech – this fall, but that hasn’t stopped the Pokes’ recruiting efforts in the Lone Star State. They’ve already addressed an increased need for versatile defenders, too.

Here’s what the Cowboys are getting in each of their first 10 recruits from next year’s class, currently all three-star recruits in 247Sports’ database, broken down in order of their commitment:

JOSH FORD, TE – STILLWATER (OK)

The Cowboys didn’t have to go far for their first commitment from the soon-to-be seniors. Stillwater High’s pipeline to OSU – a mile down the street – continued when Ford gave his pledge to the Pokes in January. This past fall, he had 19 catches for 140 yards and three scores. and at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, he’ll give the offense another versatile piece to the newly split Cowboy Back room, which is now divided into tight ends and fullbacks, whether it be as a receiver or blocker on the end of the line.

RODNEY FIELDS, RB –SOUTHEAST (OK) Fields is figured to be one of the top in-state prospects the class has to offer, and OSU locked him up shortly after his official visit in late January. Three days later, he announced his commitment via social media. He stood out as a sophomore, but his junior campaign drew warranted attention, resulting in 107 carries for 1,147 yards and 17 touchdowns (10.7 yards/carry). He’s a downhill runner who wastes little time identifying a gap, bursting through it and maneuvering through the second level of the defense. Fields has the speed to bounce it outside, but he isn’t scared of contact.

WILLIE NELSON, S –LONGVIEW (TX)

The Lone Star State safety brings more to the table than the same name as one of country music’s cornerstones. Nelson locked down opposing receivers in the secondary en route to Longview’s appearance in Texas’ 5A Division I semifinals – recording 77 tackles, five interceptions, two touchdowns (one punt return) and a handful of pass breakups. He’s a 5-foot-9, 170-pound defensive back who has a knack for the ball

once it’s in the air and takes good pursuit angles if it’s kept on the ground.

JAYLEN BOARDLEY, LB –

PLEASANT GROVE (TX)

OSU didn’t have a cakewalk in landing Boardley, a 6-foot, 190-pound linebacker. He eventually chose the Cowboys in early April over offers from LSU, Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Texas Tech and others. He’s been crucial in Pleasant Grove’s offense at wing back the past couple of seasons. But he’s been monstrous in the middle of the Hawks’ defense, shedding blocks at the point of contact and reeling in interceptions. Boardley should be a standout in the middle of Bryan Nardo’s defensive scheme – and under the direction of Joe Bob Clements, OSU’s linebacker coach and co-defensive coordinator.

CALEB HACKLEMAN, OL –

PLEASANT GROVE (TX)

At 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, there weren’t too many blocks that he didn’t finish in 2022. Pleasant Grove ran the rock a ton, and Hackleman had a lot to do with that. He played offensive tackle on both sides of the line, and his blocks continued into the second level if the defender lined across wasn’t already on the ground. Hackleman took an official visit in mid-April before announcing his commitment on his final day in Stillwater. For a team that’s struggled with offensive line health as of late, Hackleman provides the Pokes one more piece to work with up front.

LANDYN CLEVELAND, S –

MANSFIELD LEGACY (TX)

Cleveland surpassed Jaylen Broadley as the Cowboys’ highest-ranked recruit upon committing April 23 – the Sunday on the weekend of his official visit to Stillwater.

A top-100 player in Texas, Cleveland’s junior season at Mansfield Legacy included 116 tackles, three interceptions and five pass breakups. If there’s a jump ball, expect Cleveland to be at the top of the pack. The safety doesn’t shy away from contact, either, making open-field tackles when needed in addition to an impressive ability to play the ball when it’s in the air.

DAVID KABONGO, S – BYRON NELSON (TX)

Kabongo visited Kansas the weekend of June 9. Then he committed to OSU – over the Jayhawks, Missouri, Texas, Texas Tech, Utah and more – that Monday and take an official visit to Stillwater the following weekend. In Kabongo, the Cowboys are getting a 5-foot-11, 180-pound safety who’s willing to do it all on defense. Kabongo tracks the ball well once it’s thrown, and he’s willing to stick his nose into the action at the line of scrimmage, finishing his junior campaign with 64 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble.

TRE GRIFFITHS, WR – KELLER (TX)

Cowboys offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn has a history of landing – and further developing – big-time wideouts. Griffiths, at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, became OSU’s first receiver commit

in the class on June 18. The Pokes held off Baylor, Boston College, Kansas and more to get Griffiths, who reeled in 30 catches for 836 yards and seven scores in 2022. He’s also a track star, and his tape shows it. He’ll give the Cowboys a physically daunting pass catcher who has shown an ability to burn just about anybody across from him.

CHAUNCEY JOHNSON, OL –LONOKE (AR)

Johnson, similar to Caleb Hackleman, will have a chance to make an early impact on OSU’s offensive line. He’s every bit of 6-foot-4, 295 pounds, and he chose the Cowboys over offers Arkansas State, Missouri and Arkansas. The tape shows a rarity if a defender doesn’t end up on the ground, regardless of whether it’s a run or pass, along with a left tackle who’s willing to work his way up field after securing an initial block.

GUNNAR WILSON, LB –MELISSA (TX)

Bryan Nardo’s 3-3-5 scheme will thrive with versatile, instinctive, disciplined defenders on the field. That’s exactly what the Cowboys got when Wilson announced his commitment Saturday, only a few hours after Chauncey Johnson. He played a little bit of offense for Melissa, too, but what he did as a junior showcased how effective he can be as an edge-setter, flat-defender and boundary safety. He finished the 2022 campaign with 42 tackles and three interceptions.

Jon Walker writes for the Stillwater News Press.

ODWC approves antlerless deer, other seasons

Submitted by Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation During a regular meeting June 5, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commissionapproved hunting season dates and bag limits for the antlerless deer gun seasons and migratory bird and waterfowl seasons for 2023.

Big Game Biologist Dallas Barber said last year’s increased opportunities for antlerless deer harvest produced good results and bolstered the Department’s deer management goals.

Preliminary numbers show harvest over 131,000 deer, a new record harvest with 45 percent being antlerless. Commissioners approved proposed dates, zones and bag limits for antlerless deer, which are nearly identical to last year’s seasons.

Migratory Bird Biologist Paxton Smith presented the resolution that will again offer a liberal harvest for ducks, a six bird daily limit, and the season and bag limits for the other migratory birds.

Commissioners approved the resolution so the duck season dates for both Zones 1 and 2 will be Nov. 11-26, 2023, and Dec. 2, 2023-Jan. 28, 2024. The annual Oklahoma Fishing and Hunting Regulations booklet is expected to be available online around Aug. 1 and in print around Aug. 15. Also, Commissioners approved the Wildlife Department’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2024 totaling $78.2 million, a 21 percent decrease from last year’s budget.

“We don’t have a spending problem in the Department; we have a revenue problem,” said Commissioner D. Chad Dillingham, chairman of the Commission’s Finance Committee.

“We’ve been capped for … an excess of 20 years on our ability to generate additional revenue. and you can imagine what expenses have done over that same 20-year period of time with inflation, and how much less that same dollar will fund each year.”

Commission Secretary Rick Holder commended ODWC leadership and staff for finding ways to not increase, and in some cases cut, expenses in the face of runaway inflation.

JASON ELMQUIST/CNHI Sports Oklahoma

Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy addresses the media before the Cowboys’ first spring practice on March 21.

DO JUST ONE THING

When it’s hot and sunny outside, the sunlight coming through windows generates a significant amount of heat; according to the Department of Energy, “76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat,” and all of that incoming heat makes your home’s cooling system have to work that much harder. To help keep things cool, opt for drapes or blinds with a white backing, which blocks the sun’s rays. Mount them as close to the frame as possible for maximum effectiveness. This simple action can help lower your cooling costs. — Danny Seo

No such thing as sunscreen pill

Dear Readers: Welcome to a bonus letters column. You’ve had us thinking about and researching a fascinating collection of topics, and we’re eager to dive right in.

— With the warmer weather and longer days, we’re in peak sunscreen season. We recently heard from a reader wishing for an alternative. “I hate the feel and look of sunscreen, and my husband just forgets to use it,” she wrote. “What about these sunscreen pills you see advertised? Are they an option?” The short — and emphatic — answer is no! While some companies tout dietary supplements as a so-called sunscreen pill, the claims they make are false. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration issued a statement several years ago warning against these products and ordered the manufacturers to correct their advertising. The only products that protect against sun damage are topical lotions, sprays

Ins, outs of

Ask the Doctors

Dr. Elizabeth Ko and Dr. Eve Glazier

and creams that contain either minerals that physically block UV rays or specially formulated chemicals that absorb them. If not a fan of sunscreen, you can use hats, clothing and umbrellas to block UV rays.

— After a column touched on time-restricted eating, we heard from a reader who wondered if it’s suitable for her. “Would this approach be safe for someone who is in perimenopause?” she asked. Time-restricted eating refers to the practice of limiting food intake to a set number of hours each day. For instance, eating from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and fasting until the following morning. Because perimenopause involves fluctuating hormone levels,

which can be influenced by outside factors, this is an important question. A body of research into this question suggests that time-restricted eating is safe. This includes a study published last fall in the journal Obesity. It looked at premenopausal and postmenopausal women who restricted food intake to windows of four or six hours. After eight weeks, researchers saw no changes to levels of estrogen or testosterone in either group. However, before embarking on any significant change to your dietary habits, please first check with your doctor.

— A recent column discussed the guidelines for colon cancer screenings, which have recently been updated. This led a reader to inquire about a potential cause of the disease. “Is it possible that stress could be a precursor to colon cancer?” they asked. Chronic stress has emerged as a factor in the occurrence and

communication

Shakespeare wrote, “All the world’s a stage, / And all the men and woman merely players: / They have their exits and their entrances.” In bridge, we are the players, and we must watch the entrances and exits of both sides very carefully.

In today’s deal, South’s overcall isn’t recommended. North, who must have been tempted to contract for a game, presumably knew his partner’s style and trusted the opponents’ vulnerable bids.

Against three spades, West led his fourth-highest heart. Declarer put in dummy’s nine and, when it won, ran the spade 10. Upon winning with the ace, West switched to a low club, but declarer won with dummy’s ace, overtook the spade eight with his nine, drew East’s last trump and played a heart to dummy’s queen. He had nine tricks: five spades, three hearts and one club.

Does anything strike you?

Right — that South hand is very

Bridge

Phil Alder

short of entries. If only West had ducked his spade ace at trick two, South wouldn’t have been able to reach his hand in time to finesse the heart queen. Note also that it doesn’t help South to overtake dummy’s spade 10 with his jack. Again, West ducks. South continues with the heart 10, covered by the jack and queen, but West wins the next spade trick and leads the heart king, East ruffing away dummy’s ace. When dummy is weak, the defenders usually can keep declarer in his hand. In contrast, though, when declarer is weak, the defenders find it much more difficult to keep declarer in the dummy. It’s the power of the closed hand.

DATEBOOK — J UNE 28 HOROSCOPE — J UNE 28 CROSSWORD

Use your downtime wisely. Participate in activities that broaden your sense of awareness. Changing how you handle your money may interest you, but don’t leave your best interests up to someone else. Take an active role in your financial investments, and you’ll advance. Avoid joint ventures and shared expenses.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Concentrate on what’s important to you. Refuse to let anyone sidetrack you or sabotage your effort. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Don’t make unnecessary changes.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

-- Don’t let what others do ruin your day. Look inward and pursue what makes you happy. Taking care of yourself and striving to live a healthy, stress-free lifestyle are in your best interest.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

-- Go after what you want, make necessary changes and make your dreams come true. Envision the possibilities. Dedication and hard work will help you gain respect and reach your goal.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

-- Be a good Samaritan. Your input will make a difference.

Today is the 179th day of 2023 and the eighth day of summer.

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1914, Franz Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria, was assassinated by a Serbian nationalist, sparking World War I. In 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed, ending World War I. In 1950, North Korean troops captured Seoul. In 1965, the United States launched its first major military offensive in Vietnam.

In 2004, the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq transferred sovereignty to an interim Iraqi government.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Pe-

progression of a number of diseases, including several types of cancer. Stress can drive inflammation, which in turn appears to have a role in colorectal cancers. But the disease has numerous other risk factors as well. These include smoking, being overweight, poor diet, alcohol consumption, being sedentary, the composition of the gut microbiome and genetics. We will take this as an opportunity to remind everyone that, when caught early, colorectal cancers are highly treatable. Please keep up with your screenings. Is it repetitive to thank you (again!) for your letters? We love hearing your thoughts, appreciate your kind words and take your criticisms to heart. And just a reminder — we can’t provide a diagnosis, offer a second opinion or comment on a specific treatment plan. Please do not send us your personal medical information.

Astrograph

Eugenia Last

Distance yourself from people who would let you do all the work, and reach out to help those who appreciate your kindness.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Keep your eye on your money and possessions. Use your ingenuity, and you’ll find new ways to lower your overhead and bring in more cash. Protect your reputation. Make your home your refuge.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) -- Look closely at your associates before you share information. Once you determine peoples’ intentions, you’ll know what to do and whom to trust. A problem at home will be due to misinformation.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Your input will make a difference and encourage you to make adjustments. Embrace change. Honest communication will help seal a deal. You’ll discover a valuable concept if you are flexible.

ter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), painter; Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778), philosopher; Joseph Joachim (1831-1907), violinist; Richard Rodgers (1902-1979), composer; Mel Brooks (1926- ), actor/filmmaker; Kathy Bates (1948- ), actress; John Elway (1960- ), football player/executive; John Cusack (1966- ), actor; Mary Stuart Masterson (1966- ), actress; Mike White (1970- ), filmmaker; Elon Musk (1971- ), business magnate/inventor; Rob Dyrdek (1974- ), skateboarder/actor.

TODAY’S FACT: President Woodrow Wilson was the first of the leaders at Versailles to sign the treaty ending World War I.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Listen to what someone tells you, and you’ll figure out how to use the information to your advantage. Don’t make a change because someone else does. Honesty is the best policy.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- When in doubt, ask an expert. Financial assistance will get you on the right track and help you lower your overhead. Stability will lead to peace of mind and opportunity.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Avoid negative situations. Do research, verify facts and protect against illness or injury. Stick to your game plan, and take care of yourself first. Don’t let anger take the reins.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Review your routine and schedule and make needed adjustments. By eliminating what isn’t necessary in your life, you’ll be able to pay more attention to what’s important.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Address money matters. Spend money only on what you need. A minimalist attitude will help you get your finances in order. Declutter your space and sell off what you no longer want.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1997, Mike Tyson was disqualified from a heavyweight title fight when the former champion twice bit titleholder Evander Holyfield’s ears in the third round.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “It is too difficult to think nobly when one thinks only of earning a living.” -- Jean-Jacques Rousseau, “Confessions” TODAY’S NUMBER: 1 -Academy Award given to Mel Brooks (for the screenplay of

How long is too long to grieve?

Dear Annie: I have had a friend for many years, a person who got me through some pretty rough times many years ago. Now she is the one going through a rough time. Ten months ago, she lost a grandson to a fentanyl overdose. We live about three hours apart. At the beginning, she just let everyone know that her grandson had died and gave no details. I felt it was intrusive to ask how he had died since she didn’t offer. I figured she’d share the details when she was ready. I sent sympathy cards and notes of encouragement. When I tried calling, however, I would leave messages and get no return call. Finally, about a month ago, she answered when I called. And I was able to get the details of her grandson’s death.

She has been mired in grief for the past 10 months, posting on Facebook two or three messages every day. I want to help her but don’t know how, and I feel guilty about cringing every time I see another mournful post. It almost seems as if she is taking some sort of comfort out of her sorrow. I know it

Annie Annie Lane

takes some people a long time to recover enough to go on with their lives, although I am sure the sorrow is for a lifetime. Part of me wants to bring her back to reality. She has a son (the grandson’s father) and a granddaughter. I don’t know if they are going along with this prolonged grieving period with her or not, but I am sure they could use some support, too.

Last time I spoke with her, I suggested counseling or a grief support group, but she does not seem interested. I suggested she come for a visit, but she said not right now. How do I get her to snap out of it? That sounds so cruel, but I feel it’s what she needs. Am I just a cold-hearted friend? -A Bewildered Friend Dear Bewildered Friend: You are not a cold-hearted friend, but you are a powerless friend. You are trying to control the situation by placing some sort of

a grief timeline onto her, which is completely unfair. Everyone grieves in their own way and on their own time. Know that, and give her time and space to process this terrible tragedy. Her life will never be the same. It is forever changed with the loss of her grandson, and that is tragic. If you really want to be a friend, just continue to love and support her in whatever way she needs. Allow her to take as MUCH time as she needs to grieve. There will be some days that are easier than others for her, and part of being a friend is being there for her on the good as well as bad days. Be patient and kind with your friend and you will help her through this very difficult process.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology -- featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation -- is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

with the Muskogee County Court Clerk and provide a copy by mail or delivery of any objections to the Petitioner or they will be deemed to have waived any objections; further that if any objections are timely filed, the Court will determine at the hearing whether the Petition shall be admitted to probate, whether summary proceedings are appropriate and, if so, whether the estate should be distributed and to whom.

King Street Muskogee, Oklahoma 74401

1. It is the Order and Notice of this Court that a Petition has been filed requesting Summary Probate, hearing on final account and distribution of the estate.

2. It is the further Order and Notice of this Court that hearing on the Petition is set for the 16th day of August, 2023, at the hour of 9:00 o’clock a.m. in the District Courtroom, of the Honorable Orvil Loge in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

3. It is the further Order of this Court that Personal Representative’s Final Account.

4. It is the further Order and Notice of this Court that the Petition alleges that Decedent, Jessie J. Johnson, deceased, died on February 21, 2023, a resident of Rogers County/Muskogee County, Oklahoma; Petitioner is representing both the heirs and the fiduciary of the decedent, Jessie J. Johnson, the total value of the decedent’s estate is $61,634.67.

5. The names and addresses of the heirs are: Name Age Residence Relationship to Decedent Jessie Johnson, Jr. Legal 4575 Lamaida Lane Ave Maria, FL34142 Son Steve Kearney Legal 931 Briar Oaks Dr. Rockwall, TX 75087 Fiduciary to the Veterans Administration

6. It is the further Order and Notice of this Court that any person objecting to the Petition must file any objections at least ten (10) days before the hearing

7. It is the further Order and Notice of this Court that any claims against this estate, not shown in the Petition will be barred unless the claim, with supporting vouchers, is presented to the Personal Representative at his office, Wilcoxen and Wilcoxen, 112 N. 5th Street, Muskogee, Oklahoma 74401, on or before the following presentment date the 25th day of July, 2023, which date is at least thirty (30) days after filing of the combined notice.

DATED this 23rd day of June, 2023.

Timothy King JUDGE OF THE DISTRICT COURT

ANDREW C. WILCOXEN, O.B.A. #9604

Wilcoxen & Wilcoxen

P.O. Box 357 Muskogee, OK 74402-0357

Telephone: (918) 683-6696

Facsimile: (918) 682-8605

Attorney for the Estate

Published in The Muskogee Phoenix June 28, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE: FANSTEELMETALS SUPERFUND SITE COMMUNITY MEETING AND OPEN HOUSE

On March 29, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the Fansteel Metals Superfund Site (Site) to the National Priorities List (NPL). On July 6, 2023, EPA will hold a community meeting and open house at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Date: Thursday, July 6, 2023

Times: Open House 4:00 pm until 5:30 pm Presentation 5:30 pm until 6:00 pm Open House 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm

Location: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center 300 W Martin Luther

EPAwill give a presentation about the Site history, the Superfund cleanup process, resources for the community, and information on how the community can get involved. Before and after the presentation, staff from EPA, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Oklahoma department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and the Oklahoma Department of Health will be available to talk with community members and answer your questions.

If you wish to submit questions and/or comments about the Fansteel Site to EPA prior to the community meeting, please contact EPA Remedial Project Manager Sai Appaji at Appaji.sairam@epa.g ov or (214) 665-2704 or at the toll-free number 1 (800) 5333508.

If you require accessibility services, need to request interpreter services in a language other than English, or have other questions about the community meeting, please contact EPA Senior Community Involvement Coordinator Janetta Coats at coats.janetta@epa.gov or (214) 665-7308 or at the toll-free number 1 (800) 533-3508.

All press inquiries should be directed to the EPARegion 6 Press Office at (214) 665-2200.

Published in The Muskogee Phoenix June 28, 2023

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF MUSKOGEE COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KENNETH CLARK McCURDY, Deceased.

Case No. PB-2023-76 NOTICE OF HEARING PETITION FOR PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND DETERMINATION OF HEIRS, DEVISEES AND LEGATEES

Notice is hereby given to all persons interested in the Estate of Kenneth Clark McCurdy, Deceased, that on the 22 day of June, 2023, Melanie Foy produced and filed in the District Court of the County of

Muskogee, State of Oklahoma, an instrument purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of Kenneth Clark McCurdy, with a petition praying that the same be admitted to probate and that Letters Testamentary issue to Melanie Foy;

Notice is further given that the 27 day of July, 2023, at the hour of 9:00 o’clock a.m., has been fixed as the time for hearing said Petition and proving said Will in the District Court Room of the Honorable Orvil Loge, District Judge, in Muskogee, in said County of Muskogee, State of Oklahoma, when and where any person interested may appear and contest the same.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said District Court this 22 day of June, 2023. Robin W. Adair JUDGE OF THE DISTRICTCOURT

Paula Ranallo Wilburn, OBA# 12446 WRIGHTSTOUT& WILBURN, P.L.L.C. Attorney for Petitioner 300 West Broadway, P.O. Box 707 Muskogee, Oklahoma 74402-0707 (918) 682-0091 / Fax: (918) 683-6340

Published in The Muskogee Phoenix June 28 & July 5, 2023

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF MUSKOGEE COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

In the Matter of the Estates of Ellen Toney and Evans Toney, Cherokee Indians, Deceased.

Case No. PB 23-45 SECOND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

TO: All persons interested in the Estates of ELLEN TONEYAND EVANS TONEY:

You are hereby notified that on the 27th of April 2023 an Order for Probate, Determination of Heirs and Appointment of Personal Representative was entered in the abovestyled case. All creditors having claims against Ellen Toney and Evans Toney, deceased, are required to present same, with a description of all security interest and other collateral, if any, held by each creditor with respect to such claim, to the Personal Representative. David Toney, c/o Brenda S. Golden at P.O. Box 741, Okmulgee, Oklahoma, 74447 on or

before the following presentment date: July 30, 2023 or the same will be forever barred.

Dated June 6, 2023.

Brenda S. Golden, OBA#31564

Attorney at Law P.O. Box 741 Okmulgee, OK 74447 Telephone Phone: (918) 304-2066

Fax: (918)304-2067

E-Mail: brenda_golden@msn.com

Published in The Muskogee Phoenix June 21 & 28, 2023 IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF MUSKOGEE COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Carolyn Leatherman, Deceased.

Case No. PB-2019-136 NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE OF HEARING ON SUMMARY ADMINISTRATION, FINAL ACCOUNTING, DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP DISTRIBUTION AND DISCHARGE

All creditors having claims against Carolyn Leatherman, Deceased, are required to present the same with a description of all security interests and other collateral (if any) held by each creditor with respect to such claim, to Paula Ranallo Wilburn, P. O. Box 707, Muskogee, Oklahoma, 74402, Attorney for the Personal Representative, on or before the following presentment date: 22nd day of July, 2023, or the same will be forever barred. Further, Notice is hereby given that Eddie McBride, Personal Representative of the Estate of Carolyn Leatherman, will file in this Court his Final Account as the Personal Representative of said estate, and Petition for Determination of Heirs, for Distribution of said estates and for Final Discharge of said Personal Representative no later than the 28th day of July, 2023. The hearing on the Final Account of the Personal Representative and Petition for Determination of Heirs, for Distribution of said estate and for Final Discharge of said Personal Representative, has been fixed by the Judge of said Court

for the 3rd day of August, 2023 at 9:00 o’clock a.m., in the District Courtroom of the Muskogee County Courthouse in Muskogee County, State of Oklahoma, and all person interested in said estate are notified then and there to appear and show cause, if any they have, why the said account should not be settled and allowed, the heirs of said Carolyn Leatherman, Deceased, be determined, said estate distributed, and the Personal Representative be discharged.

Dated this 16 day of June, 2023.

Orvil Loge JUDGE OF THE DISTRICT COURT

WRIGHT, STOUT& WILBURN, P.L.L.C. Paula Ranallo Wilburn, OBA#12446 P. O. Box 707 Muskogee, Oklahoma 74402 (918) 682-1121

ATTORNEYFOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Published in The Muskogee Phoenix June 21, 25, 28 & July 2, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE Porum Police Department and Porum Public Works Authority will be taking sealed bids for the following surplus items:

2009 Dodge Charger, 2005 Dodge Pickup, 2009 Ford Pickup, 2003 Chevy Pickup, 2002 Chevy pickup, Massey #135 Diesel Tractor, Kubota #M7950 Tractor with side boom, office equipment, and other miscellaneous equipment.

Bid sheets may be picked up at 105 S. Arkansas St. (Porum City Hall / Water Dept. Office)

All sealed bids must be received in the Town Clerk/Treasurer's office no later than 4:00 p.m. on July 5, 2023.

Hand delivers to: 105 S. Arkansas St., Porum, OK or

Mail in to: Town of Porum, P.O. Box 180, Porum, OK 74455

Sealed bids will be opened at a regular Town Meeting held on July 5, 2023, at 6:00 pm at 105 S. Arkansas St., Porum, OK. Porum Police Department and Porum Public Works Authority reserve the right to refuse any or all bids

DELIVERY DRIVER

TheMuskogeePhoenix isacceptingapplicationsfor 1PartTimeDeliveryDriverPosition. ThePhoenixsuppliestheVantodrive, pikepassandfuel. ApplicantsmustpossessaClassDDriver’s Licensewithproofofpersonalvehicleinsurance andmustpassaMVRcheckpriortohiring. ForkliftOperatorRequired. TheworkScheduleforeachweekwouldbe: Mon-Fri10pm-6am Sat6pm-8pm Dutiesincludedriving&deliverybypalletjack orseveralbulkskidstoClaremore,Pryor, Tahlequah,and/orMcAlester. Approx.32hrs/week. Applicationsmaybefilledoutbetween 8:30am&4:30pm Monday-Friday MuskogeePhoenix 214WallSt. NOPHONECALLSPLEASE

PositionsAvailable

Lessthan30hoursperweek. Applicantsplease applyinperson. Pleaseﬁllout applicationbetween 8amand4:30pmM-F. MuskogeePhoenix 214WallSt. NOPHONECALLSPLEASE

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