The Grove Observer

New Web Site Replaces "the blog"

2008-02-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

We've now launched a new web site replacing this blog.

Please go to:

http://www.thegroveobserver.com

This new version of The Grove Observer will be more mainstream, will offer the opportunity for you to get it emailed to you each week, make comments, send letters to the editor, purchase classified ads, banner ads, yellow page ads, and the "ad for $1 a day" reaching The World 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Many people expressed concerns that the blog was on hiatus since October. It was read even by our service people in Iraq and other countries, as a way to keep up with what is going on in Northeast Oklahoma.

We're pleased to bring it back, in the form of a true web site, not a blog. We hope you enjoy it.

Jim Mills
Editor

Grove Steps on Miami Wardogs 34-20

2007-10-19T02:05:00.000-07:00

Extends Season Record to 8-0

The Grove Ridgerunners proved that smaller and quicker can bring down a larger opponent by defeating Miami's Wardogs Thursday night 34-20, extending this season's record to 8-0 for the first time in memory.

Grove's first touchdown came only 15 seconds into the game on its first offensive play, with a 63-yard pass play from Senior quarterback Darius Hopper to wide receiver Dusty Gehrke. Gehrke broke out of the pack so quickly the nearest tackler was in Welch. The score stood at 7-0 with the clock at only 11:45.

Hopper, at 5'10", and his opposite, Wardog quarterback Grant Longcrier at 6'2", seemed to typify the difference in the two teams.

Looking across the field the Wardogs seemed to be a head taller than Miami, but Grove moved more quickly and appeared to be all over the field on defense.

Miami now goes to 5-3 on the season.

Miami's first score came at 5'59" left in the first quarter after a nine play six minute drive, with a pass to James Pickens in the corner of the end zone good for 11 yards. The point after attempt missed, making the score 7-6.

Grove's next drive took only five plays to score with a third down, 45-yard pass play from Hopper to Junior half back Michael Hudgens. The extra point was good bringing the score to 14-6 with 3'29" left in the first quarter.

Miami's next drive ended with a quarterback sack by Grove's Bobby Harris and R.J. Brantley and an incomplete pass on fourth down. Now into the second quarter, Grove took over on the 27 yard line and ran into penalty trouble, a holding call on first and 10; another holding call on third and 12; and a pass interference call on third and 25. This drive ended with a punt from Grove's 27 yard line which was fumbled and recovered by Miami's Trent Turner on the Wardogs 30.

The rest of the second quarter saw excellent play by Grove's Corey Davenport and Darius Hopper and the half ended at 14-6.

In the third quarter Miami ran into penalty troubles with a face mask call, illegal motion, delay of game call, and ended up kicking to Grove, taken out of bounds on the 23 yard line.

After mixing up a series of run and pass plays Grove moved to the Wardogs 27.
On second and one, Hopper threw a quick pass to Jesse Hale which resulted in first and goal from the one, with Hopper smashing it over the line with a quarterback sneak. The extra point was no good leaving the score 20-06 with 4 minutes left in the half.

Another Grove scoring opportunity late in the second quarter was thwarted when Hopper threw an interception to Miami's Nick Henson on the Wardogs 22 yard line. But Grove's R.J. Bartley returned the favor by intercepting a Miami pass attempt and returning it to the Wardogs eight yard line.

Hopper then ran through the middle for another six points with two seconds left. The point after was good ending the third quarter at 27-6 Grove.

The fourth quarter begin with an interception by Grove Junior Corey Davenport who returned the ball for a touchdown. Grove 34, Wardogs 6. At this point Grove was well in control of the ball game. Grove appeared to be quicker, and well coached. But Miami's Longcrier was downright scary in the dominating way he moved the ball, mowing down tacklers along the way.

Grove's kickoff was taken at the Wardogs 16 by Trent Turner and run to the 28. After a nine play drive Miami scored with a Longcrier pass bringing the score to 34-12 after a two point try failed.

Miami's last score came with only 26 seconds left in the game with a Longcrier run and a successful two point try making the score 34-20. Miami's on-side kick attempt was recovered by Grove and Miami, out of time outs, could not stop the clock.

Standout players for Grove included Hopper, Davenport, Bartley, Gehrke, and Hudgens.
Grove's next opponent is Wagner, followed by Collinsville and Idabel. Grove is ranked #2 in Class 4-A play behind Bishop McGuinness.

(our thanks to spotters Carla Mills and Bob Henkle)

FERC OK's Big Marina on Main Lake

2007-10-19T02:00:00.000-07:00

The Peninsula Resort & Club on Grand Lake announces that The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved the commercial marina located on the tip of the peninsula in addition to the residential boat docks in Davis Cove. The GRDA Board of Directors had previously unanimously approved the permit in the Fall of 2006 and submitted their recommendation to FERC for their approval as required under the GRDA license.

"This is a very exciting day for Grand Lake, Northeastern Oklahoma, and The Peninsula Resort & Club," said Peter C. Boylan III, Chairman. "I would like to personally thank the GRDA board of directors and staff, elected officials, state agencies, and the hundreds of citizens whom proactively voiced their support for this important permit."

"The issuance of this permit remained a critical element associated with our ambitious plans to develop a premier four star resort on Grand Lake."

Charles Banks Wilson Coming to Grove

2007-10-19T01:55:00.002-07:00

Acclaimed artist, Charles Banks Wilson, will be at Jana Jae’s Gallery Southwest at 10th and Main in Grove, OK, Saturday, November 3 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in celebration of Oklahoma’s 100 years of history and to sign his latest book entitled, “Charles Banks Wilson,” consisting of over 175 images of the artist's finest works, including oils, watercolors, pencil drawings, and lithographs created over nearly seven decades of the artist’s life.

Artist Wilson is well known for his murals and portraits in the rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol. Wilson creates portraits that honor great Oklahomans, murals that pay tribute to the history of his home state, and a long running series of portraits of Native Americans, all of which assure him a place in the hearts of Americans. Charles Banks Wilson is quoted as saying, “I believe, as I look back, every drawing I made--and every painting--is a sentimental observation of people and places.” Currently, Gilcrease Museum is exhibiting Wilson’s works in a highly acclaimed and very extensive display.

Gallery Southwest is featuring artist Charles Banks Wilson through Christmas, with many works newly framed, and a nice selection of prints and lithographs ready for framing and signing. Gallery manager Betty Scott invites the public to meet Wilson, “We are pleased to have this outstanding artist visit Grove and Gallery Southwest November 3. His new book is just wonderful--very colorful, and very affordable. This is a rare opportunity to meet the artist and to have Mr. Wilson sign your own collected works as well.”

“I can’t remember ever not drawing,” Wilson said of his artistic genesis. Following his graduation from High School in Miami, Oklahoma in 1936, Wilson enrolled in the Chicago Art Institute, studied there for the next five years, and became well-known for his book covers and illustrations. He later returned to Miami where he taught Art at Northeastern Oklahoma A & M College for 15 years. By the late 1930s, fellow students spoke of the unique “Wilson Indians” and the first phase of Wilson’s career was under way.

In the early 1960s, Charles Banks accepted a commission from the Oklahoma legislature to paint murals depicting Oklahoma history and life size portraits of famous Oklahomans for the Oklahoma State Capitol. His subjects were without question the most notable and influential individuals of their time: humorist Will Rogers, Cherokee educator, Sequoyah, Senator Robert S. Kerr, athlete Jim Thorpe, and others.

Wilson’s most recent commission from the Oklahoma legislature occurred in 2001 when he was approached to paint another notable Oklahoman and was told he could choose any subject he wanted. Wilson’s subject was songwriter-activist Woody Guthrie. The portrait was unveiled at the State Capitol in 2002 and was well received. Prints of this portrait and other works are available for sale at Gallery Southwest.

The public is invited to meet and visit with Charles Banks Wilson at the book signing of his latest book, “Charles Banks Wilson,” from 1 p.m. to 4 p,m, Saturday, November 3 at Jana Jae’s Gallery Southwest, 10th and Main, in Grove, OK.

Fire Damages Grove Home

2007-10-19T01:55:00.001-07:00

The Grove Fire Department responded to a house fire Tuesday around 11 a.m. at 114 N. Hazel with one tanker truck and two engine units, and extinguished the fire, confined mostly to the living room and front porch. Cause of the fire was an electrical problem. Also responding was a unit from the Cowskin Fire Department, which automatically responds every time there is a fire in Grove. "We had plenty of water available, water was not a problem," said Chief Lee Dollarhide. A fire hydrant is located one block away on Mill Street. The home belongs to J.D. Blackmore.

Observations...

2007-10-19T01:55:00.000-07:00

According to news reports, Integris Health could soon begin construction on a new hospital on I-35 south of Edmond costing $40-$60 million with 30-60 beds, if members of Henderson Hills Baptist Church vote to sell 24 acres of church-owned land to Integris. No mention of contributions from Edmond taxpayers or local donors as a requirement for construction…Troy Helms, son of Beverly and Dave Helms, was honored with a National Boy Scout Heroism Award last week as a result of preventing two young girls from a possible drowning at a Springfield, Mo. Days Inn swimming pool in May. The two girls had drifted into water over their heads and were in trouble and Troy dragged them to shallower waters…GPS Units in Grove Police Department vehicles will be removed and disconnected by Nov. 1 as being "ineffective and unnecessary" said City Manager Bruce Johnson. This will save the city $282 a month. The system tracked each patrol car and automatically sent an email to the Police Chief anytime units were stationary for more than 30 minutes with the motor running, or exceeded 70 mph, among other things. The system was designed as a high tech way of keeping track of police vehicles when in service…"Several" resumes have been received at City Hall from attorneys applying for the job of City Attorney, a 40-hour per week full time job, says Johnson…City Council will hold a special meeting next Tuesday regarding the city's garbage collection contract…

Highway 28 Closing Next Tuesday

2007-10-19T01:54:00.000-07:00

The Grand River Dam Authority has announced that Highway 28, crossing over the middle spillways of Pensacola Dam (one eighth of a mile east of Disney) will be closed to all traffic from 9 AM to 1 PM on Tuesday, October 23.

GRDA crews will be performing some maintenance work across the spillway and both lanes of traffic will be completely closed during the four hour period. Because the maintenance includes pouring concrete, the work is subject to weather conditions.
An alternate route for westbound traffic during the closure would be to take Highway 28 east to Highway 20, then west to Highway 82, which goes back to Langley. An alternate route for eastbound traffic would be Highway 82 south from Langley to Highway 20, then east to Highway 28.

GRDA Credit Rating Upgraded to "A-"

2007-10-19T01:53:00.000-07:00

The Grand River Dam Authority, a wholesale electricity supplier for Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative in the Grand Lake region, is announcing that Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Rating Services has upgraded GRDA’s credit rating. On Monday, S&P announced it was changing GRDA’s credit rating from “BBB+” to “A-”, and improving the outlook from stable to positive. While GRDA has received three rating outlook improvement from rating agencies in recent years, S&P’s announcement is historic, marking the first rating upgrade in GRDA’s history.

“Similar to the three outlook improvements we’ve received since March 2005, this upgrade is proof that the financial community believes GRDA is growing more financially stable,” said GRDA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Easley.

According to an S&P statement, “the willingness of [GRDA] board members … to strengthen the authority’s financial profile” was a chief factor in the upgrade decision. Long-term partnerships with customers was also a strong factor. The partnership between NEOEC and GRDA first began in the 1940s.

According to Easley, recent decisions by GRDA to strengthen its financial position have also helped to strengthen customer partnerships for the coming years. "This news is historic," he said. "Moving the rating from “BBB+” to “A-” adds even more stability to the financial foundation this agency will rest on in the future.”

Of course, the impact this upgrade has on all those Oklahomans will show up in savings, said Easley. “For those who may be asking ‘why does this matter to me?’ GRDA would respond that it believes this upgrade will save our customers millions of dollars in finance and insurance charges as we continue to grow and plan a safe, reliable and affordable electric future.”

According to Easley, the upgrade could not have come at a better time for GRDA, which is entering an extensive growth mode. “GRDA is a progressive agency focused on meeting our customers’ needs while always retaining our reputation as Oklahoma’s low-cost, reliable electric supplier. An excellent workforce, solid customer partnerships and recognition like this from the financial community will help us achieve those goals.”

In March 2005, Fitch Ratings reaffirmed GRDA’s “A-” rating and upgraded its outlook of the utility’s bonds from stable to positive. In March 2006, S&P cited GRDA customers’ acceptance of rate increases and GRDA’s low-cost power supply as factors in its decision to, at the time, affirm the “BBB+” credit rating and improve the outlook from negative to stable. Then, in January 2007, Moody’s Investor Services affirmed an “A2” rating on GRDA’s outstanding electric revenue bonds and announced it would also change GRDA’s rating outlook from negative to stable.

“These improvements by the rating agencies give us confidence that GRDA is on the right track with the financial decisions we’ve made,” said Easley, “and I certainly want to commend the GRDA Board of Directors, for the role it has played in this effort. The rating agencies thought that leadership was noteworthy.”

Talbot Library Offers Souvenir Pavers

2007-10-19T01:50:00.000-07:00

Colcord, Okla -- As part of the Springtown Schoolhouse renovation project in Colcord, Oklahoma, the Talbot Library and Museum is offering paving bricks available for engraving to honor family members, friends, special events, businesses, etc. The bricks can be engraved with 3 or 4 lines of text, depending on the size of letters selected. They will be displayed in the walkway connecting the Talbot Library and Museum and the historic Springtown Schoolhouse. Truly a great way to create a permanent remembrance for your loved ones.

The Schoolhouse has been designated officially as Talbot’s Historic School Restoration Project by the Oklahoma Centennial Commemoration and funded in part through a grant made possible by the Oklahoma Legislature.

The cost of each paver is $50.00 during the Oklahoma Centennial Year of 2007, $75.00 thereafter. For more information, contact Talbot Library and Museum, P.O. Box 349, Colcord,OK 74338, or call 918-326-4532. e-mail-talbotlibrary@earthlink.net

SMP Debate Could Last Another Three Years

2007-10-12T02:00:00.000-07:00

It may be three years before the Grand Lake Shoreline Management Plan issue will be settled, Rusty Fleming, founder of Grand Lakers United Enterprise (G.L.U.E.) told Grove Rotarians this week.

He also predicted Wednesday that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) would not like the revised GRDA plan as it currently exists, and that a round of lawsuits from both sides would eventually ensue.

The GRDA Board of Directors will consider the current plan at its November meeting and then send it to FERC, where a 60-day comment period will exist.

He told Rotarians that GLUE has 220 members, with only three commercial marina owners. "The majority are waterfront and non-waterfront property owners just like you and me."

"I am a pro-GRDA guy and although they are not perfect, they are preferable to overseeing Grand Lake than FERC," he said. The 50-year-old license that GRDA had since 1940 ran out in 1990 and the 1992 re-license brought about changes, one of which is FERC insisting on a shoreline management plan.

FERC recommended the hiring of Kleinschmidt, a Maine consulting firm that also has a number of ex-FERC employees, Fleming said, to do a study begun almost two years ago. When the first draft came out "only two people" favored it, he said. Waterfront use was broken down into 17% for commercial development, 3% for GRDA operations, 52% for limited use, and 28% designated as "sensitive." It was judged far too harsh, especially relating to shoreline tree clearance.

The latest plan, re-written by GRDA with input from GLUE and hundreds of pages of testimony from area hearings, designates 71% of the waterfront as "responsible growth" area for commercial and residential development areas. There is no separate designation for residential use.

Opponents of the latest plan say it is just another invitation for the big commercial marinas to expand, and the new plan says nothing about on-water homes, or dockominiums. They say the GRDA board is loaded with conflicts of interest and has historically favored commercial installations and has been arbitrary and capricious in making dock and retaining wall decisions based on the influence of the applicant. Some predict that FERC may put a residential land use category back in the plan.

Tiger Wouldn't Have Been Welcome at Patricia Island GC

2007-10-12T01:53:00.001-07:00

Tiger Woods, who first took up the game of golf at age 3, would not have been welcome at Patricia Island Golf Club, as new signs have gone up prohibiting anyone under the age of 8 from setting foot on the golf course grounds. That includes the practice green, the sandtrap, and driving range, and of course, the 18-hole golf course.
And Tiger shouldn't bring his First Tee program to Patricia Island either, as some of the kids are under age 8.
Little Megan, shown here, has five more years before she can use her family membership.
Golf course management says the new sign and policy helps to keep insurance costs down.

11th Annual Weedin Benefit Takes New Twist

2007-10-12T01:53:00.000-07:00

For the past 10 years, the Art Weedin Benefit Auction and Golf Tournament have served
as a significant fund raiser for the newly named Grand Lake Area Chamber of
Commerce. The organization, previously named the South Grand Lake Area Chamber of
Commerce, has announced significant changes to this year’s event scheduled for October 26th at Arrowhead Yacht Club.
In the past, the event has virtually been an endurance contest featuring 18 holes of golf followed by a dinner and auction in the evening. This year’s event will feature a new and not as challenging format as the six plus hours of real golf will be replaced with Fantasy Golf. Whether you’ve ever touched a golf club or not, you’re chanced of claiming first, second or third place in this fun-filled tournament will be right up there with Tiger Woods and his professional friends.
A $250 golf team sponsorship package includes dinner for four and four Fantasy Golf
Cards. Participating in the golf portion of the event is as simple as playing the lottery.
Simply scratch off the surface on the card associated with holes one thru eighteen to
determine your score. And, just like in a real charity golf tournament, minus the cheating, mulligans will be available at $5 each. The winning teams will capture $500, $250 and $100 respectively to be used towards any silent or live benefit auction item. Bragging rights will definitely be on the line.
The dinner and auction portion of the event will feature great food and some truly unique silent and live auction items. The auction lineup is still being formulated but include a Colorado ski retreat, a week at the Quarter Deck Condos in Venice, Florida, three rounds of golf at Southern Hills Country Club, dinner for six at the home of Darrel & Sheryl Hicks, a fish fry for fifty provided by Joe Johnson, a beer and football party at Mark Oliver’s “Doghouse,” and the list is growing.
The two major $2500 Platinum Sponsors of the event are the Grand River Dam Authority
and Arrowhead Yacht Club and Marina. Other levels of sponsorship are the $750 Gold
Sponsorship, which includes your company’s name on all promotional materials, dinner
for eight with associated Fantasy Golf Cards, acknowledgement in the event program and table signage and the $500 Silver Sponsorship, which includes dinner for four and
associated Fantasy Golf Cards, acknowledgement in the program and signage at the
event.
For the past 10 years, this event has been the largest chamber fund-raising event of the year and we need your help to insure its continued success. For reservation information or to donate an item to the upcoming auction, contact the Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce at 918-782-3214.

Grove Beginnings...Part 16..More on Mayors

2007-10-12T01:50:00.003-07:00

By Rose Stauber

We have established that the first Grove mayor was James Caleb Starr, elected when the town was incorporated in 1897. The next known mayor was John H. Gibson in 1899. The county history lists the mayor in 1900 as Simps Melton. He apparently was mayor at some point and perhaps 1900 was the correct year.

First, let's get his name correct. It was Simpson Foster Melton. Sounds much better than Simps. Like his two predecessors named above, he was a Cherokee. He was born in the Cherokee Nation in 1851. His father was Samuel N. Melton, a white from Bates County, Mo., who had come to the Cherokee Nation where he married Narcissa Monroe. She had first married John M. Ward. One of the children of that marriage was George M. (Monroe) Ward. So Simpson and George M. Ward were half-brothers.

Simpson married Isabelle Graham, daughter of William and Nancy Matoy Graham formerly of Georgia. She had married Thomas Murphy who died leaving two daughters, both married. The marriage of Simpson and Isabelle resulted in five children: Narcissus, George A., Rosa B., Maud M., and Simpson Jr. The family was enrolled by the Dawes Commission.

According to a biography in Gideon's History of Indian Territory, Simpson had been prominent in agricultural circles and operated a farm west of Grove. In 1899, he sold that property and moved to Grove while retaining 600 acres of good land south of Vinita. Simpson reportedly did not take part in business in Grove, but supported improvements for the town. He fitted right into Grove; he was a Democrat and his wife a Methodist.

The family seems to have gone West in later years. According to David Hampton's Cherokee Mixed-Bloods, Isabelle died in Denver and is buried at Vinita, and Simpson died at Boise, Idaho, at age 79.

The next identified mayor was William A. Walton who is said to have served in 1902-1903. Not much is known about Walton but he apparently was prominent in public affairs. He served as chair of the school board in 1906. In the sale of town lots, Walton had lots 3 and 4 in Block 19 which was on the north side of Third Street. The frame house on one lot was valued at $500 and two barns on the other lot were valued at $100.

The 1910 census shows a William A. Walton, age 76, widowed, with a nephew and a daughter-in-law and four grandsons. The adults were born in Virginia and West Virginia.

James P.Butler, is said to have served as mayor in 1903-1904. A classmate and friend of John H. Gibson at the Cherokee Male Seminary, Butler was active in affairs in Grove. He had lots 1, 2, and 3, in Block 31 on the corner of Cherokee and 4th Streets. A barn and a large frame house worth $800 occupied the lots. The county history gives Butler's middle name as Proctor; in other places the middle initial is "E".

Butler's obituary in the Grove Sun of Feb. 8, 1945, offers the most information found on this man. His parents were Rev. Elisha Butler and Dorcas Landrum. He had three brothers and five sisters, one of whom, Elizabeth, married James Crittenden, subject of a previous column. James married Nancy Muskrat. One son, James, survived of this marriage. Butler was survived by his second wife, Laura Inlow Paden.

In his early life he had served as a Cherokee Nation policeman. Later he was elected to serve two terms as representative from Delaware County to the Oklahoma Legislature. In early Grove, Butler was one of those who worked to build the Methodist Church in 1899 and 1900.

He had joined the Methodist Church as a young man. Later he become so interested in religion that he began preaching and continued as a minister until his death. The family home of the Butlers is on Honey Creek. Today the Butler Cemetery is the resting place for many including the Butlers.

W.H. Morgan was listed as mayor when the Grove Sun of April 14, 1905, gave the list of new city officials. The Grove Sun of April 20, 1906, announced that a new council was sworn in by the retiring mayor, W.H. Morgan. The paper explained that due to installing a new steam press the Sun was unable to get full particulars.

William Thomas took office as mayor April 20, 1906. Thomas and his family had come to Grove since the 1900 census when they were in Arkansas. Thomas was born in Kentucky in 1841, the son of Isaac and Elizabeth Thomas. He and his wife Susan had been married about 40 years and raised a family of nine children. On an 1885 census of Colorado, the family is found in Weld County.

Public service was something Thomas seemed to like. He had been elected to two terms as county judge in Kentucky and was elected and served as sheriff for a term. Thomas bought Lot 4 in Block 35, the lot on the west side of the Christian Church. It had a frame house valued at $145. The Thomases, husband and wife, died within four days of each other in late January, early February, 1919 and are buried in Olympus Cemetery. William's obituary says he had 40 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Tom Witty, who grew up on Cowskin Prairie and spent his working years away from Grove, retired here some years ago. He is a grandson of the Thomases.

In May 1907, John H. Gibson again became mayor and served for the beginning of statehood. The council was concerned enough to inquire how statehood might affect the incorporated towns. They were told just to continue the march. Nothing changed their governments or ordinances.

© 2007 Rose Stauber

Coats for Kids Program Launched

2007-10-12T01:50:00.002-07:00

The First National Bank of Grove has launched its annual Coats for Kids program and is now accepting clean, good condition coats for children of all ages.
Drop off is at the bank, 600 S. Main. Deadline is Oct. 31.

Outdoor Adventurer To Speak at Third Thursday Event

2007-10-12T01:50:00.001-07:00

Gary Courtney, native Oklahoma author, photographer, and historian, will be the speaker at the Grove Public Library's Third Thursday on Oct. 18, at 12 noon. His talk will be followed by a book signing. The public is invited, and brown bag lunches are in order.

Courtney will talk on the famous or infamous Cookson Hills of eastern Oklahoma and the outlaws and people of the area. For most of the last ten years, Gary Courtney has lived on a mountain top overlooking Lake Tenkiller, in the heart of the Cookson Hills, where he roamed as a boy and young man, fishing, hunting, camping, cave exploring, and Scuba diving. He moved there to observe, interview, research, explore, photograph, and to write about the area history and pioneers.

One result of his work is the book, "The Historic Cookson Hills Dictionary – Old Time & Slang Words & Phases." Courtney's latest book will be out in about a month. It is "Carl Janaway – Smartest Bandit of the Cookson Hills." The author is working on a book in progress for ten years, "Cookson Hills Chronicles."

The Cookson Hills Dictionary contains a history of the area with color photographs, tourist information and information on the notorious cave hideouts of outlaws on the run.

Courtney is noted for his outdoor attire which includes an old felt hat, blue jeans, and flannel shirt, topped by a big Bowie knife. His cameras are always nearby.

Beginning over seven years ago, he previewed chapters of his books to the public on his online magazine and as front page feature stories in the "Oklahoma Legend" weekly in Tahlequah. His two month-long museum exhibits at Northeastern State University featured the history of the area.

Courtney has a tie to Grove and the northeast Oklahoma area. His grandfather, James Grover Cleveland Tillman, was born in this area in 1891. Courtney now lives in Broken Arrow and Colorado.

Third Thursday is a program about books and authors sponsored by the Friends of the Grove Public Library and the library.

Drinks and dessert are provided.

Pelican Power Fun Run Set Nov. 10

2007-10-12T01:50:00.000-07:00

The first annual “Pelican Power” 5K and Fun Run has been scheduled for Saturday, November 10 at 9 am at Patricia Island Estates and Golf Club in Grove.
A partnership of the Cherokee Nation Wings Program and the Grand Lake Family YMCA, the Pelican Power run is USATF Certified and Sanctioned.
The first 240 registered participants will receive a t-shirt, fruit and water. Awards will go to the top overall male and female winner, and to the top three males and females in each standard age group.
Pre-registration is $10. Race day registration begins at 8 am for $15.
Sponsors include Arvest Bank of Grove; Curtiss Tate's Tire & Service; Drake's Restaurant; Joan Vermaire, ReMax Grand Lake; Lakehaven Dental; Lowe's Home Improvement Center; Lupe's Mexican Restaurant; and Sanco Lumber Inc.
The Cherokee Nation Wings Program is a volunteer-based organization of the Cherokee Nation that helps communities organize events to promote healthy lifestyles.
For more information and registration forms, contact Ida Sue Gray at (918) 253-4271 ext. 288.
(Editors Note: No one under the age of 8 permitted (see related story)

Genealogical Society Meeting is Tuesday

2007-10-12T01:00:00.001-07:00

The monthly meeting of the Delaware County Genealogical Society will be held on Tuesday, October 16, 2007, at 7 pm at the Grove Public Library. Harley Buzzard, of Jay, will speak on Cherokee History. Mr. Buzzard is newly elected to the Tribal Council of the Cherokee Nation, representing Delaware County . He will bring us up to date on the Cherokee Nation and the current status with the Freemen issue and several bills in Congress to withhold funds from the Cherokee Nation.

Refreshments will be served. The meetings are open to the public and anyone who is interested in their family history.

Bowling Fundraiser set for EquiSpirit.

2007-10-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

EquiSpirit Theraupeutic Riding Acadeny Announces The First Annual Bowling Tournament set for Sunday, October 21 3 to 7 p.m. at Country Lanes, 28300 South 620 Road
North Cherokee Street in Grove.

Individual Bowlers: $25 Adult
$15 Age 17 and Younger

Five Bowlers per Team

PRIZES:
Highest Score Per Team
Highest Score Adult Bowler
Highest Score Age 17 and Younger

Staff Attorney Sought by Council

2007-10-05T02:00:00.000-07:00

Unable to agree on the selection of a City Attorney, Grove City Councilors have approved a motion to seek a full-time attorney to work on staff at City Hall, 40 hours a week. Action came at Tuesday night's regular Council meeting following a one hour executive session. The vote was 4-0 with councilor Gary Trippensee absent.

Grove has been without a City Attorney since Aug. 21, when Ron Cates resigned after learning the city was to issue Request for Proposals to law firms. Cates said he did not know that he was being replaced until the council Agenda came out a few days prior to the meeting.

Five law firms responded to the RFP and it is believed Council narrowed down the list to two firms, Logan and Lowry of Grove, and the Hartley Law firm of Vinita. Council voted 3-2 to reject Hartley at the Sept. 18 open council meeting.

Councilor Mike Davenport made the motion Tuesday night to hire a full time attorney on staff. Wednesday, he said there are several advantages.

"It makes more sense, in that any trust authority board member who needs a legal opinion on an issue can ask the attorney directly. We have plenty of work to keep him busy…the city ordinances need updating, and he can help with planning and zoning issues. We will be dealing with one single attorney, not a firm that could send a different lawyer to our council meetings every two weeks. The attorney will be guaranteed a salary and benefits and not have to worry about ups and downs in income. I think we will get some good applicants but in the event this does not work out we can always go back to the proposals already received. Let's give this a chance," he said.

Davenport also noted that he visited in person with Jot Hartley and came away impressed with his background.

Councilman Terry Ryan said he supported Davenport's motion and hoped the city would get a number of good applicants.

There are 457 towns and cities that are members of the Oklahoma Municipal League and it is known that two, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, have full time attorneys on staff, both in the six figure salary bracket. Attorneys for most small cities are employed on the basis of need, paying only for services rendered on an hourly or monthly retainer basis.

Previous Grove city attorneys were hired by the City Manager, following a state statute, Title 11 Section 10-119, which requires cities to have a "department of law headed by a city attorney," and Title 11 Section 10-113 and Grove City Ordinance 2-302 "the city manager shall appoint…all heads of administrative departments…except as otherwise provided by law."

However, City Ordinance 2-501 states that the city attorney shall be "appointed by the city council for a one-year term and removable by the council."

Title 11 Section 14-101 then follows up by stating "the municipal governing body may enact ordinances, rules and regulations not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of Oklahoma…"

One could argue that the "not inconsistent" phrase takes the hiring matter away from City Council and awards it to the City Manager. In fact, three previous city attorneys have stated that the City Attorney position reports directly to the City Manager, not Council.

Currently, only the City Manager and City Treasurer report directly to the Grove City Council, per state statute.

Mayor Appoints Two to P&Z Board

2007-10-05T01:55:00.000-07:00

Larry Sadler and Rollie Cornelson of Grove were appointed to the Grove Planning and Zoning Board by Mayor Gary Bishop at Tuesday night's regular Council meeting.
Sadler previously served six years on the P&Z board and served on the Grove City Council until the 2004 election, when he was defeated by Dave Helms.

Cornelson has lived in Grove nine years and has been involved in the construction of four homes. Before retirement he worked for the Beech Aircraft Corporation and has a multi-engine instrument rating from the FAA.

Other applicants included Jason Pickett and Jim Simmons.

The appointments fill vacancies created by the resignation of Norma Halterman and the retirement of Bettie Kardos-Bishop.

Councilman Terry Ryan noted that several new people have come forward to make applications and he would like to see that trend in appointments continued in the future. "We need new blood in city government," he said, but then voted for Sadler. Mayor Bishop said "your comments have been duly noted."

Council Honors Former Mayor, Discusses SMP Plan

2007-10-05T01:54:00.001-07:00

Former Mayor Carolyn Nuckolls was honored with an appreciation plaque at Tuesday night's council meeting, presented by Mayor Gary Bishop. Nuckolls was cited for her 18 years of service to the city as Mayor, and service on the City Council, GIDA, and GMSA boards.

Council also approved a resolution requesting GRDA classify all water front adjacent to the city limits as a "responsible growth" area in the final version of the Shoreline Management Plan being developed for GRDA Board and FERC approvals.

Council also approved the low bid of $32,315 to Traffic & Lighting Systems LLC for purchase of a traffic light sensor system at Third & Main, which had been budgeted at $30,000.

Honored as Employee of the Month was Steve Brewer who has worked for the city for 21 years and currently serves as the Utility Line Locator for GMSA.

Vintage Car Rally Comes to Grove

2007-10-05T01:53:00.001-07:00

This weekend the Vintage Car Rally Association is holding its regional time, speed and distance rally around the Grand Lake region. They will be beginning from the Stonebrook Inn, Hwy 59 North in Grove on Friday at 12:30 pm for their first TSD, at 7:30 am Saturday and at 7:30 am Sunday. In order to qualify, the vehicles must be 1948 and earlier vintage.

This rally is a fund raiser for Autism research, drivers have a chance to win $10,000 in prize money. On Saturday they will all be assembled at the Route 66 Packard Museum located in Afton for dinner. If you would like additional information you can contact Rex Gardner at 918-786-1950 or call the Grand Lake Association at 918-786-2289.

Rotary District Governor Here Oct. 17

2007-10-05T01:53:00.000-07:00

Dr. Ellis Potter, District Governor of Rotary District 6110, will be speaking at the Grove Rotary meeting on Oct. 17 at Noon at the Cowskin Prairie restaurant.

Dr. Potter was born and raised in Chanute, KS and after graduation from Kansas University and Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN, Dr. Potter served as base optometrist for Kincheloe AFB, Michigan. He practiced in Salina, KS and Denver, CO before returning to South East Kansas to establish a multidiscipline practice that now includes three optometrists and two ophthalmologists. Dr. Potter has been involved on many Optometry Boards and committees. He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry and Diplomate Chairman for the Primary Care Section. He serves on the educational committee of the Heart of American Contact Lens and Primary Care Society. He has authored over 80 Optometric articles and served his state association as editor of the Kansas Optometric Journal. In 2006 he was named by the Kansas Optometric Association as Optometrist of the Year.
Dr. and Mrs. Potter have participated in five international eye care missions. Inspired by hosting a Rotary Group Study Exchange from Chile in 1989, they received a RI Discover Grant to travel to Chile to determine the feasibility of an eye care mission to that country. In coordination with VOSH (Volunteer Optometrists for Service to Humanity) they subsequently have organized and led three teams of eye doctors and Rotarians to Osorno, Ancud and Coyhaique, Chile, South America. Dr. Potter is a Fellow of VOSH International.
He has served in most positions in the Iola Rotary club as well as four terms as Assistant Governor. His father was president of the Chanute, Kansas Rotary club. The Potter’s son and daughter both participated in Rotary Youth Exchanges. Dr. Potter and his wife have been involved in 9 Group Study or Youth Exchanges and he has received the RI District Service Award, the RI Four Avenues Service Citation, several citations from the Ancud and District 4350 Rotarians and the Iola Service Above Self Award. He is a member of the Rotary International action group for Avoidable Blindness. Both he and his wife, Jane are Paul Harris Fellows
He and his wife, Jane a nurse, have two children: Jim, a Real Estate Development Consultant and developer in Kansas City, MO and Julie Mercer, a bank Human Resource Officer in Glen Ellyn, ILL. They have two grandsons, Kale Evan Mercer and Hayden James Potter.

Nautical Flea Market Set This Weekend

2007-10-05T01:50:00.000-07:00

The Nautical Flea Market is coming to Grand Lake again this weekend. The Grand Lake Sail & Power Squadron is sponsoring the event near Grove, at Bears Den Resort, just north of Sailboat Bridge. For the second year, an impressive array of vendors has signed up to offer boats, nautical items, clothing and marine related services at some great prices to the people of Grand Lake.

Several marinas will be participating including South Winds Marina with boats and merchandise from their Ship¢s Store, Redbud Marina which is a good place to look for sailboats and sailing instruction, and Dripping Springs Yacht Club which, among other things, will be promoting the businesses in the Dripping Springs area. Arrowhead Marina will have boats to sell and offers consignment services to others wishing to sell their boats. Harbors View Marina will be offering items from the Ships Store, Marine Max will have Sea Ray boats available, and Personal Vendors will be offering boats and handmade nautical items.

Marine services can be found at the vendors from Rebel Marine who will have nautical items, boat parts, and boat repair & maintenance services, and also from North Lake Mobil Marine which offers mobile repair services and has a shop near the Hwy 10 Cowskin Bridge. Jerry's Dock Construction will be talking to people about dock manufacturing and repair, and also about their rubbish disposal service. Boat Floater of Oklahoma will have dock related items for sale, and boat lifts at winter prices.

There will be lots of nautical items, clothing and knick-knacks offered by vendors such as Naut-A-Woody who will have nautical items, glassware and paintings. Magnolias will be offering water sports apparel, flags and other related items, and Grand Lake Sports Center will have water sports items and summer apparel at end of summer prices. The Boater¢s World booth will have their excess inventory of marine clothing, shoes, and equipment at bargain prices, as will Grand Outdoors with water sports equipment and new & used jet skis.

You can expect to find unique fishing equipment at the booth of Be Ready Rod Holders, and when you get hungry, stop by the Knock Out BBQ booth where you'll find scrumptious barbeque and burgers, etc; and breakfast on Saturday.

The Grand Lake Sail & Power Squadron booth will be offering items donated by its members and some very generous businesses such as: Indian Hills Resort, Lees Resort, Monkey Island Marine Electronics, and Barkers Edgewater Marine. Kings Marine has made a financial contribution to this effort which helps the Power Squadron continue to provide free boating safety classes to the Public.

The 2nd Annual Nautical Flea Market will be open from 3 PM to 7 PM on Friday, Oct. 5, and from 8 AM to 5 PM on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007. Bears Den Resort is on Hwy 59 one-half mile north of Sailboat Bridge. For additional information about the Nautical Flea Market, call 918-786-4488. The Grand Lake Sail & Power Squadron can be found online at: www.usps.org/lc/grandlake.

Hiring of City Attorney on Council Agenda

2007-09-28T02:15:00.000-07:00

The matter of hiring a city attorney for the city of Grove will be re-visited Tuesday night at the regular Council meeting. Two weeks ago Council met in executive session to discuss five candidates, with one being nominated in public session, Jot Hartley of Vinita. The vote was 3-2 against hiring him and no other candidates were nominated.
At least two councilmen indicated they wanted to interview Hartley in person before reconsidering the matter.
An executive session items is on the agenda, as well as appointments of two trustees to the Grove Planning and Zoning Board. Council will also discuss a request to GRDA to designate all shoreline within the Grove City Limits as a Responsible Growth Area under the new Shoreline Management Plan under final consideration by GRDA.
Council will meet at 6 p.m. at City Hall.