Download - Images Muskogee, OK: 2012

DISTINCTIVE DESTINATION

National Trust recognizes city’s amazing history

BEST OF THE FESTS

Get Your Motor RunningMotorcyclists enjoy these meandering roads

SpONSORED BY THE GREATER MuSkOGEE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TOuRISM

2012 | IMAGESMuSkOGEE.COM

MuSkOGEE, OklAHOMA

®

www.muskogeechamber.org

Economic Development Information:P.O. Box 2819Muskogee, OK 74402(918) 682-7886www.muskogeeport.com

Civic Center Information:425 BostonMuskogee, OK 74401(918) 684-6363www.cityofmuskogee.com

Retail Development Information:310 W. BroadwayMuskogee, OK 74401(918) 682-2401www.muskogeechamber.org

Muskogee is … Home of a Castle, a Submarine, the Azalea Festival and

the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame

The Regional Retail Hub

Oklahoma’s Capital for Motorcycle Tourism

Home of the Port of Muskogee

One of the State’s Largest Manufacturing Cities

One of the Top 10 Cities for its Size on the Cost of Living Index

http://www.muskogeeport.com











http://www.cityofmuskogee.com











http://www.muskogeechamber.org

iMagesMuskogee .coM 3

all or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

Please recycle this magazine

ON THE COVER Motorcycling on the Sunset Tour Photo by Antony Boshier

dePartments

10 Almanac

26 Biz Briefs

28 Chamber Report

29 Economic profile

30 Image Gallery

32 Health & Wellness

37 Arts & Culture

38 local Flavor

42 Sports & Recreation

44 Education

47 Community profile

48 Through the lens

2012 EDITION | VOluME 7

MuSkOGEE, OklAHOMA

®

contents

Features

14 GET YOuR MOTOR RuNNINGMotorcyclists enjoy these meandering roads

18 DISTINCTIVE DESTINATIONNational Trust recognizes city’s amazing history

22 BEST OF THE FESTSMuskogee plays year-round host to festivals, concerts and more

22

14


www.arrowheadmallmuskogee.com

What’s online imagesmuskogee.com

DISTINCTIVE DESTINATION

National Trust recognizes city’s amazing history

BEST OF THE FESTS

Get Your Motor RunningMotorcyclists enjoy these meandering roads

SpONSORED BY THE GREATER MuSkOGEE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TOuRISM

2012 | IMAGESMuSkOGEE.COM

MuSkOGEE, OklAHOMA

®

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They say you should never ask a motorcyclist for directions if you’re in a hurry. You’ll reach your

destination, but you’ll probably have to navigate twisty back roads to get there.

Unlike most travelers who simply use the nation’s asphalt arteries to get from point A to B as quickly as possible, motorcycle riders favor the meandering journey. The rural two-lane blacktop is their route of choice, and the curvier the better.

The Muskogee Chamber of Commerce is helping bikers find dream drives throughout eastern Oklahoma with the Motorcycle Ride

Guide, a collection of five routes totaling 700 miles. The guide touts the region’s “asphalt rollercoasters” with detailed descriptions of the loops, including historical information and recommended sites to see.

It’s all part of an effort to promote the area as a motorcycle tourism destination, with Muskogee as the hub.

“Bikers enjoy getting out of the traffic of big cities. Muskogee offers the amenities of the bigger cities, without the traffic,” says chamber president and CEO Sue Harris, who rides motorcycles with her husband. “Bikers can ride out of Muskogee, enjoy the day, and then

come back at night for the restaurants and the hotels. We have what they need when they’re not on the bike.”

Biker-Friendly CityThe hills, rivers and forests of

the surrounding countryside are what entice bikers to hit the road, but Muskogee is giving them reasons to return to town. Many local businesses have window stickers promoting themselves as biker-friendly. This can include anything from special parking areas for motorcycles to shipping discounts for bikers who purchase merchandise they are unable to carry home.

MUSKOGEE AREA ATTRACTS MOTORCYCLISTS

MOTOR

STORY BY CARY ESTES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTONY BOSHIER

Running

Get Your

IMAGESMUSKOGEE .COM 15 IMAGESMUSKOGEE .COM 15 14 MUSKOGEE


www.imagesmuskogee.com

www.mfcuonline.org

MuSkOGEE, OklAHOMA

®

pROjECT MANAGER MiTch KliNe

pROOFREADING MANAGER RAveN PeTTy

AuDIENCE DEVElOpMENT DIRECTOR deANNA NelSoN

CONTENT COORDINATOR JeSSicA WAlKeR

STAFF WRITER KeviN liTWiN

COpY EDITOR Jill WyATT

CONTRIBuTING WRITERS cARy eSTeS, PAul lAdd,

SPeNceR MoheAd, Joe MoRRiS, KAReN SchWARTzMAN

MEDIA TECHNOlOGY DIRECTOR chRiSTiNA cARdeN

SENIOR GRApHIC DESIGNERS lAuRA GAllAGheR,

JeSSicA MANNeR, JANiNe MARylANd,

KRiS SexToN, viKKi WilliAMS

GRApHIC DESIGNERS RAchAel GeRRiNGeR, TAyloR NuNley

MEDIA TECHNOlOGY ANAlYSTS BeccA ARy,

chANdRA BRAdShAW, lANce coNzeTT

pHOTOGRApHY DIRECTOR JeffRey S. oTTo

SENIOR pHOTOGRApHERS Jeff AdKiNS, BRiAN MccoRd

STAFF pHOTOGRApHERS Todd BeNNeTT, ANToNy BoShieR

WEB CONTENT MANAGER JohN hood

WEB pROjECT MANAGER Noy foNGNAly

WEB DESIGNER II RichARd STeveNS

WEB DEVElOpER I yAMel hAll, NelS NoSeWoRThy

WEB ACCOuNT MANAGER lAuReN euBANK

AD pRODuCTION MANAGER KATie MiddeNdoRf

AD TRAFFIC ASSISTANTS KRySTiN leMMoN, PATRiciA MoiSAN

I.T. DIRECTOR yANcey BoNd

I.T. SuppORT TECHNICIAN dANiel cANTRell

SENIOR ACCOuNTANT liSA oWeNS

ACCOuNTS pAYABlE COORDINATOR MARiA McfARlANd

ACCOuNTS RECEIVABlE COORDINATOR diANA GuzMAN

OFFICE MANAGER/ACCOuNTS RECEIVABlE

COORDINATOR Shelly MilleR

INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER ScoTT voNcANNoN

SAlES SuppORT COORDINATOR Alex MARKS

COlOR IMAGING TECHNICIAN AliSoN huNTeR

CHAIRMAN GReG ThuRMAN

pRESIDENT/puBlISHER BoB SchWARTzMAN

ExECuTIVE VICE pRESIDENT RAy lANGeN

SENIOR V.p./SAlES Todd PoTTeR, cARlA ThuRMAN

SENIOR V.p./OpERATIONS cASey heSTeR

SENIOR V.p./ClIENT DEVElOpMENT Jeff heefNeR

SENIOR V.p./BuSINESS DEVElOpMENT ScoTT TeMPleToN

V.p./ExTERNAl COMMuNICATIONS TeRee cARuTheRS

V.p./CuSTOM puBlISHING KiM holMBeRG

V.p./VISuAl CONTENT MARK foReSTeR

V.p./CONTENT OpERATIONS NATAShA loReNS

V.p./SAlES chARleS fiTzGiBBoN,

heRB hARPeR, JAReK SWeKoSKy

V.p./TRAVEl puBlISHING SuSAN chAPPell

CONTROllER chRiS dudley

CONTENT DIRECTOR/BuSINESS puBlICATIONS

Bill McMeeKiN

CONTENT DIRECTOR/lIVABIlITY.COM liSA BATTleS

CONTENT DIRECTOR/AGRIBuSINESS JeSSy yANcey

MARkETING CREATIVE DIRECTOR KeiTh hARRiS

DISTRIBuTION DIRECTOR GARy SMiTh

ExECuTIVE SECRETARY KRiSTy duNcAN

HuMAN RESOuRCES MANAGER PeGGy BlAKe

RECEpTIONIST liNdA BiShoP

Images Muskogee is published annually by Journal communications inc. and is distributed through the Greater Muskogee Area chamber of commerce and

Tourism and its member businesses. for advertising information or to direct questions

or comments about the magazine, contact Journal communications inc. at (615) 771-0080

or by email at [email protected].

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:Greater Muskogee Area chamber of

commerce and Tourism310 W. Broadway • Muskogee, oK 74401

Phone: (918) 682-2401 • fax: (918) 682-2403 www.muskogeechamber.org

VISIT Images muskogee ONlINE AT IMAGESMuSkOGEE.COM

©copyright 2011 Journal communications inc., 725 cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, franklin, TN 37067,

(615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced

in whole or in part without written consent.

Member The Association of Magazine Media

Member custom content council

Member Greater Muskogee Area chamber of commerce and Tourism

mUskogee in action

Don’t just take our word for it – see for yourself how great Muskogee is in our quick videos at imagesmuskogee.com, highlighting a little bit of everything that Muskogee has to offer.

imagesmuskogee.com


mailto:[email protected]


http://livability.com/muskogee/ok/photos-video

www.bacone.edu

aN iNTroducTioN To The area’s people, places aNd eveNTs

Almanac

Welcome to Muskogee

PhoTo couRTeSy of JohN hASleR

dive inMuskogee residents cool off with a splash in Three forks harbor, the

city’s ultimate water escape. With water activities of all kinds, including

boating with full-service businesses like Arrowhead Boat Sales and a

range of activities that includes the Kids fishing Rodeo and various

other fishing tournaments, the harbor proves to be a popular hub of

entertainment in the area. The $12 million River center, a multipurpose

events center and plaza, gives recreational boaters access to a vast

network of waterways that spreads from New orleans to the Great lakes

and everywhere in between.

castle of MuskogeeThe castle of Muskogee hosts the

oklahoma Renaissance festival on

weekends throughout the month of

May. More than 500 costumed characters

provide much of the entertainment on

the spacious grounds of the castle. other

festival attractions include a Queen’s tea,

masked ball, Scottish party and a king’s

feast with henry viii. The castle of

Muskogee is also home to castle

fireworks (June-July), haunted castle

(october), a Boare’s heade feaste

(November) and christmas Kingdom

(November-december). it can also be

rented as a banquet/events facility.

down to the BoneThe Bare Bones international film and Music festival enters its 13th year in

2012, having grown so significantly that it inspired a spinoff in Tulsa and

earned a spot on livability.com’s Top 10 film festivals list. for eight days

each April in Muskogee, Bare Bones honors filmmakers and showcases low-

budget independent movies (less than $1 million) produced in the united

States and beyond. A Bare Bones Script-to-Screen film festival, held in Tulsa

each october, specifically recognizes screenwriters. The April festival takes

place at several downtown venues, including the historic Roxy Theater, the

oklahoma Music hall of fame & Museum, Max’s Garage and the Muskogee

civic center. visit www.barebonesfilmfestivals.org for more info.

iMagesMuskogee .coM 11 10 Muskogee

http://www.barebonesfilmfestivals.org

Fast Factsn The earliest record of a girl scout cookie sale is by Muskogee’s Mistletoe Troop, which sold cookies as a service project in 1917.

n Muskogee is home to the oklahoma school for the Blind.

n The outlaw Motor speedway is one of the largest dirt tracks in the state.

n history buffs can enjoy a day at the Fort gibson historical site, which is a registered National historic landmark.

Muskogee Tpk.

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Muskogee

MUSKOGEE City

City

City

City

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To City

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What’s online Take a virtual tour of Muskogee, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imagesmuskogee.com.

pOpulATION (2010 ESTIMATE)Muskogee: 39,223

Muskogee county: 70,990

lOCATIONMuskogee is in northeastern

oklahoma, about 50 miles southeast

of Tulsa and 50 miles west of the

oklahoma-Arkansas state line.

BEGINNINGSMuskogee traces its origins back to

1872 when the Missouri-Kansas & Texas

Railroad became the first rail line to

cross indian Territory. The town was

named for the Muscogee creek tribe

that long inhabited the area.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONGreater Muskogee Area chamber

of commerce and Tourism

310 W. Broadway

P.o. Box 797

Muskogee, oK 74402

Phone: (918) 682-2401

Toll-free: (866) 381-6543

fax: (918) 682-2403 www.muskogeechamber.org

muskogee at a glance

All the Sweets you can eatcitizens can collectively satisfy their sweet tooth at the annual home Sweet

home chocolate festival. More than 30 oklahoma restaurants and businesses

provide treats for the event, which is held at the civic center and hosted by the

local habitat for humanity branch. All proceeds go to the Muskogee habitat

affiliate, rather than the national organization, and the event alone can

generate enough money to cover almost half of what it costs to build a

home. Now in its fifth year, the festival features live music, food from local

restaurants and all the chocolate you can eat.




www.muskogeeregionalmedical.com

Performance Piece

culture in the city comes

from places like the Muskogee

little Theatre. The theater

originated in 1972 as a

nonprofit community theater,

and began scheduling full

seasons of plays in 1980.

Since then the theater has

racked up an impressive

array of awards, including

recognition as the oklahoma

Theatre of the year in 1994

and 2008. Three to seven

plays are produced each

year, and various educational

programs such as the young

Actors Studio and Summer

camp inspire a new

generation of theatrics.

for more information, visit

Muskogeelittletheatre.com.

fun in the MudThings get a bit messy at the

Three forks harbor Mud volleyball

Tournament, but it’s for a good cause.

This annual summer event combines a

mud volleyball tournament, belly flop

contest, live music, good food and

children’s activities to raise money for

two charities – the Muskogee county

council of youth Services (MccoyS)

and Women in Safe homes (WiSh).

The highlight is, of course, the

volleyball, which is played in two

feet of soft, sticky mud. Players must

duct tape their shoes to their legs so

they don’t fall off, and have the choice

of washing off by being sprayed by a

fire hose or jumping into the harbor.

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www.muskogeelittletheatre.com

They say you should never ask a motorcyclist for directions if you’re in a hurry. You’ll reach your

destination, but you’ll probably have to navigate twisty back roads to get there.

Unlike most travelers who simply use the nation’s asphalt arteries to get from point A to B as quickly as possible, motorcycle riders favor the meandering journey. The rural two-lane blacktop is their route of choice, and the curvier the better.

The Muskogee Chamber of Commerce is helping bikers find dream drives throughout eastern Oklahoma with the Motorcycle Ride

Guide, a collection of five routes totaling 700 miles. The guide touts the region’s “asphalt rollercoasters” with detailed descriptions of the loops, including historical information and recommended sites to see.

It’s all part of an effort to promote the area as a motorcycle tourism destination, with Muskogee as the hub.

“Bikers enjoy getting out of the traffic of big cities. Muskogee offers the amenities of the bigger cities, without the traffic,” says chamber president and CEO Sue Harris, who rides motorcycles with her husband. “Bikers can ride out of Muskogee, enjoy the day, and then

come back at night for the restaurants and the hotels. We have what they need when they’re not on the bike.”

Biker-Friendly CityThe hills, rivers and forests of

the surrounding countryside are what entice bikers to hit the road, but Muskogee is giving them reasons to return to town. Many local businesses have window stickers promoting themselves as biker-friendly. This can include anything from special parking areas for motorcycles to shipping discounts for bikers who purchase merchandise they are unable to carry home.

MuSkOGEE AREA ATTRACTS MOTORCYClISTS

MOTOR

SToRy By CARY ESTES | PhoToGRAPhy By ANTONY BOSHIER

Running

Get Your


“We’re going to be very biker-friendly when they come here. We’ll help in any way we can,” Harris says. “The chamber is very open to working with bikers and biker clubs, because we’re riders, too. We know what a great area we have, and we want to share the road with them.”

The Ride GuideMuskogee native Max Boydstun,

a member of the chamber’s tourism committee and a motorcycle enthusiast, came up with the idea for the Ride Guide in 2008. The chamber spent more than a year

working on the project, and in 2010, the guide became available both online and through printed brochures.

An executive with Citizens Security Bank, Boydstun has ridden every one of the 700 miles depicted in the guide, enjoying what he calls “knees-in-the-breeze therapy.” He says one of the best routes for weekend visitors is the 50-mile Sunset Tour, which takes riders to Lake Fort Gibson where they can watch the sunset.

“It’s a great little ride when you don’t have a lot of time,” Boydstun says. “Take a picnic and enjoy it.”

For longer rides, Boydstun recommends the 200-mile Winding Stair Journey, which includes a trek along the Talimena Scenic Drive. Boydstun calls it “one of the most spectacular fall foliage routes in Oklahoma.”

All of the Ride Guide routes contain samples of the rolling terrain that Boydstun says is attractive to bikers who live in the flatlands of neighboring states.

“These are the kinds of roads they look for when they go on their weekend rides or vacations,” Boydstun says. “This is paradise for them.”

Clockwise from above: riders stop at The Waterin’ hole; The Muskogee chamber of commerce’s Motorcycle Ride Guide; a group on the sunset Tour takes a quick break outside of Muskogee.

16 Muskogee

Muskogee is the hub of five great motorcycle rides – the Mountain Waters Tour, Moonshine Run, Winding Stair journey, Outlaw Trail and the Sunset Tour.

16 Muskogee iMagesMuskogee .coM 17

The city of Muskogee has been dubbed one of 12 Distinctive Destinations for 2011 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It’s a distinction that recognizes the city’s

commitment to preserving the past, including treasured buildings, landscapes and cultural milestones for future generations to enjoy. Some of Muskogee’s top attractions honor and celebrate its rich Native American heritage. Local leaders take pride in the diversity and sustainability that attracts visitors and often turns them into new residents.

History, Art, Civic prideThe city’s business, civic and tourism sectors are

all influenced by its Native American heritage, which includes one of the saddest moments in the country’s history, and some of its strongest people.

“It very much is part of the fabric,” said Jonita Mullins, executive director of Downtown Muskogee. “There’s a lot of history and culture here, and a high

percentage of our population claims Native American blood. It’s all very much a part of who we are.”

The Trail of Tears, in which entire Native American tribes were relocated, ended near what is now downtown Muskogee. The Five Civilized Tribes Museum preserves the history and culture of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek (Muscogee) and Seminole Indians who played a role in the founding and growth of Muskogee.

Ataloa Lodge, on the campus of Bacone College, features artwork and historical pieces from several Native American tribes. It’s named for Ataloa, also known as Mary Stone McClendon, a Chickasaw Indian known for her efforts to promote education among Native Americans.

The Masonic Building is an emblem of both the city’s Native American heritage and its civic pride. It’s one of the largest and most elaborate Masonic structures in Oklahoma, houses three lodges and is one of the city’s grandest structures, according to

NATIONAl TRuST RECOGNIzES CITY’S HISTORY

A DistinctiveDestination

The Stickballer by Jerome Tiger on display at the Five civilized Tribes Museum

SToRy By pAul lADD | PhoToGRAPhy By ANTONY BOSHIER

PhoTo By ANToNy BoShieR


501 N. 16th St. • Muskogee, OK 74401 Toll-free: (877) 625-0100

(918) 683-0100 [email protected]

www.bbonline.com/ok/grahamcarroll

Parties

Special Dinners

Weddings & Receptions

Rehearsal Dinners

Meetings

Retreats

Reunions

Murder-Mystery Dinners

Sunset Dinner Cruises

Whether you seek an evening escape or need a beautiful place to plant for a couple of months,

the Graham-Carroll House awaits. Five unique guest rooms on three levels provide the space, serenity and essence of home that can only be found in one location. Just be aware, you may not want to leave … Majestic 19-Room English Tudor Manor House Featuring:

• Honeymoon Suites • Private Baths with Whirlpool Tubs for Two• Rooftop Patio• Lighted Victorian Gardens with Fountains & Fish Ponds• Two-Course Gourmet Breakfast • Wireless Internet

Graham-Carroll House

Bed & Breakfast

Muskogee’s Largest & Most Elegant Bed & Breakfast

Voted Phoenix Readers Choice Award 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010


http://www.bbonline.com/ok/grahamcarroll

Mullins. There’s also a library in the building with many books about the history of Masonry. Efforts are underway to get the building placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“Oftentimes, we might take for granted the history we have,” says Sue Harris, president of the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce. “We have a lot of Native American history, African American history and more all in one place. It has been fun to see it celebrated by this kind of award.”

Distinctively DiverseAnother local event growing in popularity is the

National Soul Food Cook-Off. It’s normally held on the weekend before Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January.

“It started out local, then became regional, and now we have people coming from several states and it’s growing on a national level,” Mullins says, adding that several larger, unique food companies have become sponsors, and the festival has also attracted attention from the Food Network.

Heritage Days, held the second week in October, takes place in Muskogee’s historic Depot District on the grounds of the Three Rivers Museum and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, both of which are in former depots. Native American song, dance and storytelling are a big part of the event, along with living history reenactments of the Buffalo Soldiers, African-American Army units started after the Civil War.

“It’s growing, and we expect it to become one of Muskogee’s premier events in just a few short years,” Mullins says.

For military buffs, there’s the War Memorial Park and Museum, which is also home to the U.S.S. Batfish, a World War II submarine open for tours. The Thomas-Foreman historical home offers a glimpse of life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Harris says tourists notice and appreciate the city’s diverse history and culture. “Visitors say they enjoy our unique heritage.” It (the Distinctive Destinations honor) caused us to be able to reflect on what positive things we have going on in our community.”

A statue at Bacone College

Five Civilized Tribes MuseumNational Soul Food Cook-Off

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How’s this for a challenge: What will take longer to sort out, the number of festivals and special

events in Muskogee, or the types of them?

There’s a reason why “Festival City” is starting to be Muskogee’s nickname. Throughout the year, the city’s attractions and venues host a growing number of festivals, concerts and much, much more. And with more being added all the time, better start filling that calendar in now.

Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame & Museum

After several years of fundraising and building the collection, the

Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame & Museum opened its doors into the newly renovated Frisco Freight Depot. Recently the “Move That ‘Boose” campaign raised enough funds to relocate a red caboose from War Memorial Park to the depot, where it will serve as an interactive children’s educational facility.

Symphony in the parkMusic lovers here also flock to

Honor Heights Park every summer when the Muskogee Parks and Recreation Department presents the annual Symphony in the Park. Those in the know arrive early to stake out prime picnicking spots and stay all the way through the fireworks.

SToRy By jOE MORRIS

MuSkOGEE plAYS YEAR-ROuND HOST TO FESTIVAlS, CONCERTS AND MORE

BESTFESTS

of the

oklahoma Music hall of Fame & Museum STAff PhoTo


Mud VolleyballLike your outdoor fun a little more down and dirty?

Then go to, or even take part in, the Muskogee County Council of Youth Services and Women In Safe Homes’ annual Muskogee Three Forks Harbor Mud Volleyball Tournament. Contestants battle in two feet of mud!

River Rumba RegattaAnd while you’re near the water, don’t miss the

annual River Rumba Regatta, where you can build a cardboard boat to race by yourself or with a team in several different categories.

The Castle of MuskogeeStill have some free time? Every May, The Castle

of Muskogee goes back in time for the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival, a salute to all things English and medieval. The castle also plays host to the Haunted Castle in the weeks leading up to Halloween, with multiple family-friendly events.

National Soul Food Cook-OffThe National Soul Food Cook-Off pits cooks against

each other to whip up everything from sweet potato pie to macaroni and cheese, and has become the go-to event for people in search of some serious comfort food.

Chili & BBQ Cook-OffIf soul food’s not your thing, then swing by the

Muskogee Exchange Club’s Chili & BBQ Cook-Off. After 27 years, they’re still handing out blue ribbons for spicy entrees, plus there’s a kid zone and other activities for the whole family.

Flying Fez Wine-Tasting FestivalThere’s even more fun to be had at the Flying Fez

Wine-Tasting Festival, put on every February by the Bedouin Shrine Flying Fez unit. More than a dozen Oklahoma wineries compete for top honors.

Art under the OaksNeed some art to go with that wine? Head toward

the Art Under the Oaks Market and Festival, which is held at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum. The show focuses on the cultural, useful artwork of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole tribes.

Bare Bones International Film FestivalFor even more visual excitement, don’t miss the

Bare Bones International Film Festival, which has been hailed by such publications as Moviemaker magazine and draws more entrants and attendees every year.

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Above: castle of Muskogee; left: Three Forks harbor Mud volleyball Tournament

24 Muskogee iMagesMuskogee .coM 25 iMagesMuskogee .coM 25

scorecardBuSINESS AT

A GlANCE

$557 millionAnnual retail sales

$14,135Retail sales

per capita

$59 millionAnnual hotel

and food sales

2,993Total number

of firms

source: u.s. Census QuickFacts

Business

Biz BriefsBusiNesses – BoTh large aNd sMall – ThaT help deFiNe

Muskogee’s ecoNoMic cliMaTe

pORT OF MuSkOGEE BuSINESS DEVElOpMENTBiz: Workforce development companyBuzz: Working to increase job opportunities and investment in the area, Port of Muskogee Business Development creates and implements economic development programs in order to help companies and individuals establish and grow their businesses.www.muskogeedevelopment.org


http://www.muskogeedevelopment.org

lOVE BOTTlING CO.Biz: Bottling facilityBuzz: Love Bottling Co. was founded in 1919 when Kit Carson Love began distributing beverages in eastern Oklahoma. Today, the Muskogee-based business offers home and office water delivery, Mountain Valley Spring Water, Love Spring Water, coffee and more. In addition, soft drinks such as Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper are available, as well as teas and cocoa.www.lvbeverages.com

CAMp GRuBERBiz: Joint maneuver training centerBuzz: Located 14 miles southeast of Muskogee in the Cookson Hills, Camp Gruber is a training center for government agencies, law enforcement and joint service forces, and is one of 11 Category A facilities in the United States. The camp provides a challenging training environment, and is home to the only Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) Assault Course in the state.www.ok.ngb.army.mil/CGTS

ADVANTAGE CONTROlSBiz: Industrial water treatment equipment companyBuzz: Founded in 1994, Advantage Controls offers industrial water treatment equipment such as controllers, timers, metering pumps and various accessories. This family-owned and operated business also provides customer service and technical support in order to meet each customer’s needs. In addition, Advantage Controls offers Web Advantage, which allows customers to stay up-to-date with their water systems.www.advantagecontrols.com

BEBB’S FlOWERSBiz: Flower shopBuzz: Serving the Muskogee area since 1910, Bebb’s Flowers is the second oldest f lower shop in Oklahoma. The shop provides floral arrangements for a variety of occasions, and employs a certified master f lorist to help create beautiful bouquets. Conveniently located in downtown Muskogee, Bebb’s Flowers also offers gift baskets, candles, balloons, plush animals and more.www.bebbsflowers.net

6039-TR12260M_TGB_Livability.indd 1 3/22/10 11:40:09 AM

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Living greenstarts from the ground up.


http://www.lvbeverages.com

http://www.ok.ngb.army.mil/CGTS

http://www.advantagecontrols.com

http://www.bebbsflowers.net

http://www.epa.gov/radon

www.travelocity.com

www.travelocity.com

Business

chamber reportTax passage alloWs chaMBer To MarkeT Muskogee BeTTer

Billboards, television

commercials, radio ads,

print ads and direct mailings

to targeted groups.

Those are some of the specific

ways that the Greater Muskogee

Area chamber of commerce

plans to market the city better,

now that voters in January 2011

passed an 8 percent hotel/motel

tax. A large percent of the money

from hotel/motel taxes goes to

the chamber to promote

Muskogee, to hopefully attract

more tourism and conventions to

the city.

“The vote to increase the

hotel/motel tax was 590-174 in

favor, and the good thing is that

only visitors who use hotel rooms

account for the tax,” says Sue

harris, chamber president. “Places

like las vegas and Branson

promote their cities all the time

in a variety of marketing ways.

We want to do the same.”

No More 3 percentin 1974, Muskogee’s residents

enacted a 3 percent hotel/motel

tax, and harris says the chamber

did its best to market the city as

well as it could with that money.

“But as years went on, that

small 3 percent put us way behind

the curve and we were being out-

competed by other cities in

oklahoma and surrounding

states,” harris says. “We did

what we could for tourism’s

sake, and now we’ll be able to

market Muskogee much better.”

The 3 percent hotel/motel tax

had provided the chamber with

a budget of $250,000 a year, but

the 8 percent tax will boost the

annual budget to about $650,000.

“This will allow us to

aggressively market to places

like oklahoma city, north Texas,

south Kansas, southwest Missouri,

northwest Arkansas and even

california,” harris says. “We are

launching an aggressive five-year

plan to promote Muskogee

as a desirable destination for

vacations, getaways, meetings,

conferences and relocations.”

Strong Tourism StaffBesides harris, chamber staff

members who work with chamber

Tourism director Treasure

McKenzie and Marketing Assistant

Alisha Tanksley on Muskogee

tourism efforts are Joan eanes,

Meaghan Mccawley, Sharon

Sharp, and Katey Sherrick. As for

a couple of specific tourism

initiatives they are targeting, the

chamber has already embarked

upon a magazine campaign to

bring motorcycle tourism to

Muskogee because the city has

great roads to ride on, and the

chamber is also marketing the

city’s Azalea festival in April to

specific demographics.

one of the many local hotel

officials who appreciate the

chamber’s tourism efforts is Andy

Patel, president of the fairfield inn

& Suites by Marriott in Muskogee.“The chamber is active and

aggressive in bringing many events to Muskogee, which obviously helps us book more rooms,” Patel says. “i’m glad the chamber, along with the mayor and city council, made the push for the tax increase in order to boost tourism. The increased money for more marketing will help everyone in Muskogee – everyone.” – Kevin Litwin

and the redbud goes to ...

The Redbuds are awards handed out each year by the Oklahoma Department of Tourism to organizations and events that promote and enhance the state. • Greater Muskogee Area Chamber

of Commerce for the Best New Event – for promoting the Bassmaster Elite Sooner Run – a fishing tournament held in June 2010.

• The chamber also picked up merit awards for Best Social Media Campaign promoting the 40th Anniversary of the Okie From Muskogee song, Best Brochure for the Motorcycle Ride Guide and Tourism Organization of the Year.

• The Castle of Muskogee – for the Renaissance Festival, which draws 90,000 people each May.


RIVER

port of Muskogee

4901 harold Scoggins drive

Muskogee, oK 74403

(918) 682-7886

www.muskogeeport.com

Three Forks harbor

4901 harold Scoggins dr.

Muskogee, oK 74403

(918) 682-7886

www.threeforksharbor.org

RAIl SERVICE

BNsF railway co.

www.bnsf.com

union pacific railroad

www.up.com

WORkFORCE

76% White-collar Jobs

24% Blue-collar Jobs

EDuCATION

28%associate degree

10%Bachelor’s degree

7%graduate degree

9.15%Total sales Tax

INCOME

$23,667per capita income

$46,341average annual household expenditure

TRANSpORTATION

AIRpORTS

davis Field airport

1200 Sabre St.

Muskogee, oK 74403

(918) 683-0699

Will rogers airport

7100 Terminal dr.

oklahoma city, oK 73159

(405) 680-3200

www.flyokc.com

Tulsa international airport

7777 e. Apache St.

Tulsa, oK 74115

(918) 838-5000

www.tulsaairports.com

BuS SERVICE

union-greyhound

401 W. Broadway, Ste. 308

Muskogee, oK 74401

(918) 682-1371

www.greyhound.com

puBlIC TRANSpORTATION

Muskogee county

Transit authority

4401 e. hayes St.

Muskogee, oK 74403

(918) 682-1721

BuSINESS ClIMATEMuskogee is the third-largest manufacturing community in

oklahoma. items produced here include machinery, rubber

items, food products and consumer goods. The city also is

an important transportation, trade and industrial center in

the Arkansas River valley.

ECONOMIC pROFIlE

MAjOR EMplOYERS

georgia-pacific

1350 employees

Muskogee regional Medical

center 985 employees

Muskogee public school

district 850 employees

u.s. veterans hospital

839 employees

u.s. veterans administration

750 employees

dal-Tile 575 employees

city of Muskogee

460 employees

Wal-Mart 450 employees

og&e electric services

270 employees

acme engineering

251 employees

Trucks For You 250 employees

green country Behavioral

health 250 employees

owens-illinois 230 employees

county of Muskogee

250 employees

Whitlock packaging

200 employees

TAx STRuCTuRE

0.65%county sales and use Tax

4.0%city sales Tax

4.5%state sales Tax


http://www.muskogeeport.com

http://www.threeforksharbor.org

http://www.bnsf.com

http://www.up.com

http://www.flyokc.com

http://www.tulsaairports.com

http://www.greyhound.com

image Gallery

A goose at Greenleaf State Park

Photo by Jeff Adkins

30 Muskogee

Grace Episcopal Church

Photo by Jeff Adkins


health & Wellness

32 Muskogee

Take a deep breath and relax

because Muskogee residents

have plenty of health care

options.

Muskogee Regional Medical

center and Muskogee community

hospital give local residents two

fine choices for receiving quality

health care, while the city is also

home to the Jack c. Montgomery

vA Medical center. The city has

also established a health and

Wellness Grants committee to

provide funding for health-

wellness initiatives.

muskogee regional medical center

The Joint commission-

accredited hospital has 329 beds,

a trauma center and a staff that

can treat almost any medical

condition. MRMc recently

embarked upon a $1 million

renovation of its medical floor,

plus has acquired state-of-the-art

radiotherapy technology for its

cancer center. The medical center

also trumpets the fact that patients

can be treated for almost any

ailment right here in Muskogee,

eliminating the need to travel

to hospitals in larger cities.

one such example of

convenience is MRMc’s recent

introduction of an interventional

cardiology program, which allows

angioplasty patients to have a

wire mesh stent (either bare

metal or drug-coated) inserted

to relieve a blocked vessel.

muskogee community hosPital

Although still relatively new,

Muskogee community hospital

Breathe easyresideNTs luckY To have Three Top hospiTals iN Muskogee

Muskogee regional Medical center PhoTo By ANToNy BoShieR

We are here to help 24-hours a day,

seven days a week.

(918) 681-4440 (866) 681-4440

2307 S. York St. Muskogee, OK 74403

www.hometownhospice.com

Celebrating Over 15 Years as Muskogee’s Family-Owned and Operated Hospice

At Hometown, we care about your quality of life and the time you have to share with your family and friends. We help you LIVE … with dignity and peace of mind.

•NursesAvailable24/7

•MedicareBenefit

•SkilledNursing

•Counseling

•CertifiedHome HealthAides

•Grief ShareProgram

•Bereavement Program

•Medicine, Equipment &Supplies

Voted Muskogee’s Best Hospice

VolunteerPositionsAvailable

http://www.hometownhospice.com

209 S. 36th St., Ste. A Muskogee, OK 74401

(918) 683-8288

Dennis RiveRo, MDorthopedic surgeon

Specializing in:

General orthopedics Adult Reconstruction

Fractures Joint Replacement sports Medicine

34 Muskogee

www.cancer.org

www.stjudetribute.com

already has 20 doctors, 60 nurses

and a staff of 150 that equates to

an annual payroll of approximately

$5 million, plus contributes

$500,000 in taxes for the

community. Mch, with 45 beds,

is owned by local physicians and a

small group of business individuals,

and physicians were involved from

the very beginning in the design

of the facility.

diagnostic services at Mch

include MRi, cT, ultrasound,

mammography and radiology,

and surgical services.

Jack c. montgomery Va medical center

This hospital provides health-

care services to more than 44,000

armed services veterans in eastern

oklahoma. it offers a variety of

primary and secondary levels of

inpatient medical and surgical

care, along with outpatient

primary and consultative care in

medicine, surgery and psychiatry.

Specialty care services at Jack

c. Montgomery vA Medical center

include audiology, inpatient

behavioral health, cardiology,

dental, endocrinology, hospice,

oncology, optometry, orthopedics,

pulmonary, prosthetics, spinal

care and urology. in addition, the

hospital’s women veterans’ health

program includes a number of

clinical services available to

women, including gynecology,

mammography, reproductive care

and menopause treatment.

health and Wellness grants committee

Muskogee has a city of

Muskogee foundation in place

to provide grants earmarked for

several community projects,

including improved health and

wellness. As a result, a health

and Wellness Grants committee

oversees funds that go to

programs specifically affiliated with

the oklahoma health improvement

Plan, which advocates efforts

such as eliminating generational

poverty along with teen

pregnancy prevention.

other health and Wellness

Grants committee initiatives

include tobacco prevention,

obesity reduction through

increased physical activity and

better nutrition, and children’s

health.

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CreativeApparel

and More

• Embroidery • Screen Printing• Trophies • Uniforms

Broadway Shopping Center 1116 W. Broadway • Muskogee, OK 74401

(918) 682-1283 T • (918) 686-0999 F [email protected]

Connie DunCan • Carolyn DunCan

“As a lifetime Okie, I am proud to call Muskogee home ...

and you will be too.”

Clinkenbeard Group

Donna Elliott

2023 N. York Muskogee, OK 74403

(918) 684-8512

(800) 634-5750 [email protected]

www.realtor.com

I specialize in investment properties, office buildings, hotels/motels, land and land development. The success of my business depends on referrals. Knowing the desire of an investor and finding the right property for them makes my business grow. Helping clients with their real estate needs since 1986. I am very active in the Muskogee and Tulsa communities.

Kamlesh Aggarwal (918) 260-5296E-mail: [email protected]

www.soonerrealtyproperties.com




http://www.realtor.com


http://www.soonerrealtyproperties.com

www.daltilecareers.com

Arts & culture

The art and soul of Muskogee is

well represented, with multiple

cultural opportunities in music,

visual art, history and nature.

one of the most visited cultural

attractions is the oklahoma Music

hall of fame & Museum, which

since 1997 has been honoring

musical innovators and icons from

the Sooner State. entertainers

who have already secured spots

in the hall include carrie

underwood, Toby Keith and

Ronnie dunn.

Another popular historic site

is five civilized Tribes Museum,

which focuses on preserving the

art, history and culture of the

cherokee, chickasaw, choctaw,

Muscogee (creek) and Seminole

tribes. one of the museum’s

highlights is the world’s largest

collection of original works by

Jerome Tiger, a creek-Seminole

painter.

Meanwhile, other museum and

historic sites in Muskogee include

Ataloa lodge, Three Rivers

Museum and the U.S.S. Batfish

War Memorial Park and Museum.

Pleasing to the eyefor art fans, the Muskogee Art

Guild has been around since 1936

and today sponsors workshops,

art shows, art camps and events

throughout the year. Membership

is open to anyone over age 16,

with annual dues costing $25.

Another interesting site is the

Roxy Theater, established in 1946

and host to films and concerts in

the downtown district. The

Roxy was recently renovated

but still manages to maintain

its old-hollywood feel.

in Full BloomAs for cultural events, an

Azalea festival takes place

in April each year to celebrate

the spring flowers that grow

abundantly in Muskogee. The

festival includes driving and

walking tours through honor

heights Park, where more than

30,000 of the plants bloom.

And for an ideal spot to host

a variety of cultural events, the

Muskogee civic center can host

trade shows, concerts, sporting

events, circuses and other

traveling acts.

drawing rave reviewslocal culTure sceNe has pleNTY To oFFer

Five civilized Tribes Museum

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local flavor


O ffering everything from

savory home cooking to

sweet treats, hungry patrons

can expect to find culinary

satisfaction in Muskogee.

local BarBecuePatrons can enjoy a variety

of eats at cowboys Bar-B-Que,

such as sandwiches, ribs, dinner

entrees and more. The restaurant

also boasts celebrity patrons,

including country music stars

Garth Brooks, George Strait

and Tim McGraw.

Mahylon’s Bar-B-Que derives

client satisfaction from high quality

ingredients; it’s “personalized, not

commercialized.” My Place BBQ,

with locations in both Muskogee

and Tahlequah, has been in

business since 1927 and sells its

own line of barbecue sauce.

Another barbecue favorite is the

Rib crib, a popular chain that offers

everything from classic barbecue

to burgers, sandwiches and salads.

miss addie’s caFe & PuB and harmony house

originally a drugstore and soda

fountain, Miss Addie’s has been

a popular Muskogee eatery for

almost 20 years. The casual

atmosphere changes to casual

elegance for dinner, with a wine list

and entrees that include seafood,

chicken, steak and pasta dishes.

harmony house, a local

restaurant and bakery, was named

Best Place for lunch by the

Muskogee Phoenix and has been

featured in Southern Living

magazine. it serves primarily

lunch, with items ranging from

lunch specials like sour cream

enchiladas to tuna crunch salad.

amish country store and Fudge Factory

The Amish country Store and

fudge factory offers homemade

breads, cheeses, pies, jams and

jellies made by Amish artisans. in

From Barbecue to soul FoodgeT The BesT oF BarBecue aNd More iN Muskogee

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visit ouradvertisersA-Avanti Self Storagewww.a-avanti.com

Arrowhead Mallwww.arrowheadmallmuskogee.com

Bacone Collegewww.bacone.edu

Cherokee Nation Three Rivers Health Centerwww.cherokee.org

Creative Apparel

Cross Telephone Companywww.crosstel.net

Dal-Tilewww.daltilecareers.com

Donna Elliott – Century 21www.realtor.com

Georgia-Pacific Corporationwww.gp.com

Graham-Carroll Housewww.bbonline.com/ok/grahamcarroll

Greater Muskogee Chamber of Commercewww.muskogeechamber.org

Hometown Hospicewww.hometownhospice.com

Indian Capital Technology Centerwww.ictctech.com

Muskogee Civic Centerwww.cityofmuskogee.com/shell.asp?pg=377

Muskogee Federal Credit Unionwww.mfcuonline.org

Muskogee Industrial Developmentwww.muskogeeport.com/1_home/ fr_home.html

Muskogee Regional Medical Centerwww.muskogeehealth.com

Muskogee Surgical Associates

Saint Francis Hospitalwww.saintfrancis.com

Sooner Realty Propertieswww.soonerrealtyproperties.com

Sprocket Wirelesswww.sprocketwireless.com

Suddenlinkwww.suddenlink.com

The Castle of Muskogeewww.okcastle.com

Triad Eye Medical Clinicwww.triadeye.com


http://www.a-avanti.com

http://www.arrowheadmallmuskogee.com

http://www.bacone.edu

http://www.cherokee.org

http://www.crosstel.net

http://www.daltilecareers.com

http://www.realtor.com

http://www.gp.com

http://www.bbonline.com/ok/grahamcarroll


http://www.hometownhospice.com

http://www.ictctech.com

http://www.cityofmuskogee.com/shell.asp?pg=377

http://www.mfcuonline.org

http://www.muskogeeport.com/1_home/

http://www.muskogeehealth.com

http://www.saintfrancis.com

http://www.soonerrealtyproperties.com

http://www.sprocketwireless.com

http://www.suddenlink.com

http://www.okcastle.com

http://www.triadeye.com

www.triadeye.com

www.ictctech.com

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addition, customers with a sweet

tooth can choose from more than

40 different kinds of fudge to

satisfy their cravings.

The eatery is located on u.S.

highway 69 North and also opens

its doors after hours for parties.

muskogee Farmers’ market

Since 1995, the Muskogee

farmers’ Market has offered 100

percent oklahoma-grown food.

fresh produce is available, as well

as Amish baked goods, grass-fed

beef, cut flowers, herbal soaps

and soy candles. The market also

hosts special events open to the

public, including herb fest, Grill

crazy, harvest festival and the

Muskogee Salsa Tasting contest.

located in downtown

Muskogee, the market is open

on Wednesdays and Saturdays

from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Above: Muskogee Farmers’ Market Right: The cow patty, a chocolate-covered rice krispies treat, from cowboys Bar-B-Que

okie’s restaurantServing home-style food since

1978, okie’s Restaurant is a popular

eatery frequented by Muskogee

residents and visitors alike.

dr. martin luther king Jr. national soul Food cook-oFF

This community event was

started by Muskogee’s Multicultural

coordinator, cassandra Gaines,

and focuses on drawing attention

to family values.

The dr. Martin luther King Jr.

National Soul food cook-off

showcases unknown talents that

might otherwise receive little

attention, allowing participants

to set up decorated booths that

display their culinary creations.

The event is also open to members

of the community who are

encouraged to sample the fare

and enjoy a home-cooked meal.

– Jessica Walker


Sports & Recreation

Muskogee makes the most of

both the land and water,

with recreation opportunities

ranging from water parks and

sports complexes to boating and

fishing on the Three forks harbor.

loVe-hatBox sPorts comPlex

Perhaps best known for its

water park, the love-hatbox

Sports complex has other diverse

sports facilities. The 60-acre

complex contains 10 baseball

fields, eight softball fields, three

indoor batting cages, two full-size

football fields, 13 soccer fields

within the Georgia-Pacific Soccer

complex, a skate park, and more

than 3 miles of paved walking and

bike trails.

Between Memorial day and

labor day, River country family

Water Park opens its pools, slides,

playgrounds, volleyball court and

inner tube river to anyone looking

to cool off.

muskogee sWim & Fitness center

With its competition-size pool

and gym facilities, the Muskogee

Swim & fitness center improves

the health of Muskogee residents.

classes offered include high-

intensity body sculpting, yoga,

aerobics and even zero-impact

aquatic resistance training.

Membership options range

from an $8 day pass to special

corporate deals with businesses.

on the WaterThe new $12 million River

center, a multipurpose events

center and plaza, is the crowning

glory of Three forks harbor,

Muskogee’s port to the

whitecapped waves of the

Gulf of Mexico and the serene

Great lakes. full-service river

businesses like Arrowhead Boat

Sales and Marina make Three

forks a boating haven, while

the Biggest thrill of allrecreaTioN iN Muskogee iNcludes laNd aNd WaTer

ANToNy BoShieR

42 Muskogee

events like the Kids fishing

Rodeo and cardboard Boat

Regatta teach a new generation

to love the water.

state Parksvisitors to Greenleaf State Park

have the options of tent and Rv

camping or staying in one of

Greenleaf’s tranquil cabins. in

the winter, the heated fishing

docks and prospect of seeing

a bald eagle are the park’s

chief attractions.

lake ft. Gibson and lake

eufala State Park offer Rv and

tent camping, swimming, nature

trails and an 18-hole golf course,

complete with putting green and

pro shop.

– Spencer Mohead

Je

ff

Ad

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S

The Muskogee swim & Fitness center offers classes, such as a boxing cardio circuit class (left), swim lessons (right) and more.

42 Muskogee

www.okcastle.com

education

Muskogee high School

deserves a gold star for

becoming the first school in

oklahoma to receive the National

School of character Award from

the character education

Partnership.

ceP is a Washington, d.c.-

based organization that backs

effective character education in

our nation’s schools. five years

ago, Muskogee high had several

problems related to overall

student behavior, and the 2011

award celebrates the school’s

significant turnaround and great

strides made.

ceP officials say faculty and

students at Muskogee high now

score high in character traits such

as respect, leadership and

determination in their studies,

and are positively impacting the

community. Also cited by ceP

were the students’ higher exam

scores, good attendance and

grade point averages that have

significantly risen.

“We see that when schools

embrace the critical role they

have in shaping the character of

young people, achievement and

morale go up and bullying and

discipline problems go down,”

says Joe Mazzola, ceP president

and ceo.

11 PrinciPlesceP named 37 other public

schools, three charter schools, two

private schools and one school

district as 2011 National Schools of

character, and all schools had to

meet criteria outlined in the ceP’s

11 Principles of effective character

education. Those principles

include that the school must

create a caring community, foster

students’ self-motivation, and

engage families and community

members as partners in the

character-building effort.

“Muskogee high School made

the shift in culture by first building

positive connections between

kids and adults through a student

advocacy program, where

students are grouped in ‘families’

and meet with their advisor

weekly,” says Melony carey,

Muskogee Public Schools director

of communications. “Advocacy

groups also take outside field

class acthigh school WiNs NaTioNal characTer aWard

PhoToS By ANToNy BoShieR


trips – such as to ball games,

movies, bowling – to cement that

relationship outside of school

as well.”

road scholarscarey says Muskogee high

School also adopted the acronym

RoAd, which stands for Respect,

opportunity, Achievement,

determination.

“As a sign of congratulations,

businesspeople came together

to order National School of

character commemorative coins

that were distributed to students

in an assembly of the entire

school,” she says. “Also, four other

schools in our district received

2011 Promising Practices awards,

which is the precursor for being

a state School of character. our

Promising Practices schools are

Pershing elementary, Rougher

Alternative Academy, Sadler

Arts Academy and the MhS

Advocacy Program.”

oh, By the WayBesides Muskogee Public

Schools, Muskogee is also home

to hilldale Public Schools, Saint

Joseph catholic School,

Boulevard christian School,

oklahoma School for the Blind

and some fine colleges. They

include the private four-year

Bacone college, the public two-

year connors State college, the

public indian capital Technology

center and the public four-year

Northeastern State university. in

addition, virgil’s Beauty college

is a nationally accredited

cosmetology school that has

been training future beauticians

for more than 40 years.

– Kevin Litwin

left: Muskogee high school Right: Bacone Memorial chapel at Bacone college


10 Best Small Film Festivals

Introducing the Livability.com Top 10 Lists New lists every month | Not your average lists | Not your average website

TUPELOMississippi

ASHEVILLENorth Carolina

TRAVERSE CITYMichigan

BENDOregon

MUSKOGEEOklahoma

CHAMPAIGN-URBANAIllinois

GREENSBORONorth Carolina

TUCSONArizona

WICHITAKansas

SALEMOregon

Muskogeemade the list.10 Best Small Film FestivalsSee more Top 10 lists at Livability.com.


www.livability.com

maRITaL sTaTus

51%

Married

49%

single

eTHNICITY

54%

White

21%

Black

5%

hispanic

20%

other

TRANSpORTATION

14 minutes

Median Travel Time to Work

COST OF lIVING

$34,732Median household income

$79,000Median home price

$629Median rent for a Two-Bedroom apartment

HOuSEHOlD INFORMATION

age

36Median resident age

29%

19 and under

44%

20-54

27%

55 and over

SNApSHOTSurrounded by rivers, lakes, gardens and woodlands, Muskogee

offers residents and visitors a host of reasons to get outside and

play. or venture indoors to one of many arts centers, museums

and historical sites.

COMMuNITY pROFIlE

EAST

121 N. Country Club Rd. Muskogee, OK 74403

(918) 686-8839

WEST

4421 W. Okmulgee Muskogee, OK 74401

(918) 683-2391

WAGONER

1525 S. Madison Ave. Wagoner, OK 74467

(918) 485-7500

MUSKOGEE*

719 N. 41st E. Muskogee, OK 74403

(918) 686-6776

RENT and PAY 24/7*

• Security Cameras

• Seven Days a Week Access

• Variety of Sizes

• Computerized Security Gates

• RV and Boat Storage

• Se Habla Espanol*

This secTioN is spoNsored BY

ClIMATE

oklahoma has a continental

climate with cold winters and

hot summers. dry, sunny

weather generally prevails

throughout the state.

93°

July high Temperature

25°

January low Temperature

44”

annual rain Fall (vs. National average annual rain Fall of 37”)

TIME zONE

central


Ad Index 47 A-AvAntiSelfStorAge

4 ArrowheAdMAll

8 BAconecollege

c3 cherokeenAtionthree riverSheAlthcenter

36 creAtiveAppArel

c4 croSStelephonecoMpAny

36 dAl-tile

36 donnAelliott– century21

36 georgiA-pAcific corporAtion

20 grAhAM-cArrollhouSe

c2 greAterMuSkogee chAMBerofcoMMerce

33 hoMetownhoSpice

40 indiAncApitAl technologycenter

6 MuSkogeefederAl creditunion

12 MuSkogeeregionAl MedicAlcenter

34 MuSkogee SurgicAlASSociAteS

34 SAintfrAnciShoSpitAl

36 SoonerreAltypropertieS

2 Suddenlink

43 thecAStleofMuSkogee

40 triAdeye MedicAlclinic

Through the lens

Residents of Muskogee pride

themselves on having some of the

hottest summers in the country.

during the past couple of days,

the temperature has been around

100 degrees, while the heat index

has been around 112 degrees. in

an effort to stay cool while

shooting photos for Images Muskogee, i headed over to the

River country family Water Park

and to the Muskogee Swim &

fitness center. This didn’t solve

the problem since i wasn’t

actually in the water, but instead

watching other people cool off as

i continued to burn up. i started to

think of the coldest assignment

that i’ve had. it was actually on a

trip to Gillette, Wyo., during

January when the temperature

was minus 22 degrees with a

windchill of minus 40 degrees. So,

it would have felt like 152 degrees

cooler than it was in oklahoma

this week. After thinking about it

for less than a minute, i decided

i’d take the heat over the cold

any day!

From our Photo Blog: muskogee

PoSTed By Jeff AdKiNS

more online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at throughthelensjci.com.

Now that you’ve experienced Muskogee through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. visit throughthelensjci.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

get the story Behind the Photo

48 Muskogee

www.throughthelensjci.com

www.throughthelensjci.com

www.cherokee.org

www.sprocketwireless.com

www.crosstel.net

Download - Images Muskogee, OK: 2012

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