An Editorial...Secret Grove City Council Meetings

There are two ways the Grove City Council can hold secret meetings.
--Get together over a cup of coffee at McDonald's, which is strictly illegal.
--Post a single sheet of paper on the side door of the community center 48 hours prior to the meeting with a legal agenda, and tell no one. This method is quite legal, but certainly not very informative.
Therefore, if one does not go by the community center every day, get out of the car and walk up to the $12,000 doors in the shadows and squint at the piece of paper, one could miss the most important Council meeting of the year.

And so it was Friday, June 16. The agenda was posted Wednesday morning on the doors, regarding a special meeting Friday to discuss the qualifications, procedure and advertisement for the next city manager's position. The meeting started at 9 a.m. and lasted approximately one hour and a half. There were no reporters there from any news media. The General Manager of the Grove Sun Daily happened to be driving by the community center and noticed cars belonging to councilors and dropped in on the last 15 minutes of the meeting.

We failed, we did not drive by the Community Center on Thursday.
But so did certain councilors and city hall officials.

And so we have the very first Council meeting to discuss the most important agenda item for Grove's future, and no news reporters there and very few people in any case. Of course, there were a few there from the anti-Galletly forces who always seem to know where the meetings are.

The Grove Observer gets "tips" all the time; we get calls from Councilors asking what we know that they don't know.

This time, the phone was silent.

A sorry way to start off the search that was supposed to involve the citizens of Grove.

DA: No Violations at Jay School Board Meetings

Assistant District Attorney Ben Loring said this week that no violations of either the Oklahoma Open Meetings or Records Acts occurred during recent Jay School Board meetings, at least through June 2, and that the secret "memo" given to School Superintendent David Schachle at the May 30 meeting was part of the Executive Session, even though it was listed as item #8 on the public agenda portion.
The memo is believed to be a list of do's and don'ts for Schachle during his resignation period, effective June 30, 2007, and if violated would result in his immediate firing.

In the meantime, the school board has enraged Jay parents by hiring a new administrative assistant over the objections of Schachle; accidentally disclosing a document revealing that the board is looking for a replacement for Schachle; possible violations of state school standards, deleting public participation from board meetings, and taking the school system more into the direction of athletics than previously.

The last meeting occurred on June 13 and there was discussion of fire alarms in the school buildings. Board member Warren Shackleford was asked if it wanted Schachle to get them installed, Shackleford replied "not until we see how much it will take to repair the athletic fieldhouse," according to one source.
Schachle had also alerted the board that the school had taken a $10,000 penalty for class size overcrowding and felt that before any new staffing is made to the athletic department "we first need to make sure that academic needs of the children are met."

Schachle had pressed for the hiring of two new teachers to alleviate classroom size problems but the board majority voted instead to hire a new administrative assistant, publishing the notice only six days in advance of the actual hiring. Hired was Charles Cooper, a former Grove and Jay coach, without disclosing salary or benefits, who then recommended the hiring of Shane Holland as head football coach, all without the approval of Schachle. It has also been asserted that Holland is Cooper's nephew by marriage.

Julie Miller, legal counsel for the Oklahoma State School Board Association, stated that "the procedures for the search for an 'administrative assistant' should be decided by board action," and further "the board president does not have any legal authority to decide to take those applications home." Board member Steve Lane had told Miller that Mr. Dick's wife had taken "the stack of applications to review himself prior to the rest of the board seeing them at the next scheduled meeting."

According to the State of Oklahoma Accreditation Standards, "the superintendent shall recommend candidates for administrative, support and certified positions."

Current policy lists agenda items of public input at the beginning, and the end of a regular meeting, Lane said, adding that "the board president has decided he doesn't want public input at the beginning, therefore he has just removed it from the agenda." Miller said the board president does not have legal authority to remove "public participation" from the agenda and the issue should be placed on a public agenda at a future meeting for the entire board to discuss.

Another peculiar incident occurred at the June 13 meeting when an audience member, Phyllis Dunaway, asked board member Tom Dick to disclose the contents of a manila envelope he had opened during the meeting. Dick replied that he certainly had not opened an envelope but Dunaway replied that he had, in front of witnesses. He then admitted to opening the envelope and read the heading to the effect, "advertising and search for superintendent." Dunaway asked if the position had been posted and his reply was "no."

Dunaway asserted this week that the Board "is continuing to disregard legal requirements contained in the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act." "The conduct of posted meetings leaves little doubt the members are getting together out of the public's view," she added. She urged the public to become active, concerned participants in this governing process "to assure that the interests of the children are always at the core of every decision and not the hidden agenda of someone sitting on the board or of one manipulating from behind the scenes."

Airport Trust Authority Says No to Land Transfer

Members of the Grove Municipal Airport Authority voted to not approve a request from the Grove Industrial Development Authority to transfer ownership of a parcel of land on the airport's East side, for future industrial development. The board wants to hold it for future hanger use, as it is the only piece of undeveloped property it currently owns.

The vote at Monday's regular meeting was 4-0 with member David Adzigian voting to abstain. The land in question was part of an FAA grant purchase in 1998, and at that time owned by GIDA; later it was transferred to the airport trust authority "because they asked for it."
Last summer the board wanted to purchase 59 acres of land owned by Mike Prather on the west side of the airport but grant money and local bank loan could not be accomplished prior to the deadline date.

Prather now has a contract for 25 acres from a developer wishing to build housing on the land at a price range from $100,000 to $120,000; Prather has kept another 10 acres off market, but combined with the 23 acres left, would total 33 acres.
The trust authority approved entering into a contract to purchase this land, subject to Council approval. The authority has $250,000 in grant money available, which on July 1 rolls over into the next fiscal year.

The board noted that if this land is not purchased, the airport could not expand as there is nothing else left.
Meanwhile, the price keeps rising, now to $6160 per acre, the board noted.

Grove Airport Survey Results Revealed

Results of a survey of 48 airports in the region were revealed at this week's airport trust authority meeting showing Grove Municipal Airport pretty much in the middle of the group.
Board member David Adzigian spent several weeks tabulating the questionnaire, sent out in April by airport manager Terry Abercrombie.

Since all questions were not answered by all airports surveyed, the results are based on responses to each question. Here is a summary:

How many based aircraft? Of 40 respondents, seven had 100 or more; 10 had 45 or more; 23 had 37 or fewer. Grove has 60.
Annual operating expenses? Of 30 respondents, the average was $200,000/year at 21 airports. Grove is $266,000.
City/County funded? Of 41 respondents, 22 receive funding, 19 do not. Range is $2,500 to $200,000 with five being 100% funded. Grove is $46,200, or 17% of the total budget.
Of the 40 respondents, 11 offer full and self service fueling, 24 offer full service only, and five offer self service only.
Fuel markup for LL100 surveyed respondents was an average of 58 cents per gallon; Grove is now 60 cents; for Jet A, average markup is 81 cents, while Grove is 60 cents minimum.
Charges for T Hangar fees ranged from $16.67 a month at Vinita to $600 a month at Wiley Post, with Grove charging from $65 to $135 a month. For airports with multiple rates there were seven airports who charge from $121.91 to $183.70 while the average for single rate airports is $87.68. Some 35 airports have a waiting list for T hangers, including Grove.
Of 41 airports, 31 have other hanger rentals while 10, including Grove, had none.
The airport board agreed to study the results before discussing it any further but congratulated Adzigian on a job well done. Two agenda items were tabled until the next regular meeting as a result of the survey, including T Hangar rental rates and land lease rates.

Annual Huckleberry Festival Starts June 22

JAY, Okla. - It's time for the 39th Annual Huckleberry Festival, scheduled to get underway with the first event, the Huckleberry Pageant, on Thursday, June 22nd according to Festival planners.
Area citizens, especially the youngsters, will get an early start on celebrating during the Great Plains Amusements Carnival at J. B. Earp Stadium June 29th through July 4th. "Wrist Band Night" tickets will be $12 in advance by June 29th and $15 at the box office. For Thursday, June 29th and Saturday, July 1st, hours are from 6 to 9 p.m.
The annual Rodeo will officially open beginning at 8 pm. on June 30th with a second performance 8 p.m. on July 1st at the Delaware County Fair Grounds.
From 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday, the annual fundraiser Pancake Breakfast will be served at the Senior Citizens Center, Breakfast items include bacon and plenty of tasty pancakes and syrup. The Huckleberry Festival event is the only fund-raiser for the Center during the year, according to Rosalie "Pinky" Holt, manager of the Center.
Registration for the Huckleberry Run will be a 7:15 a.m. at the J.B. Earp Stadium, where the run will start at 8 a.m.
From 8 a.m. until noon, entrants will register for the Car Show at the Court House Square, with many vintage and special vehicles available for viewing throughout the day.
Farmer's County Market, featuring delicious fruits and vegetables, will again be conducted in front of the Delaware County Museum for 8 am until 2 p.m. Hand made items from local craftsman will also be for sale at the Museum from 9 a.m until 5 p.m. Plan to arrive early - the fruits, veggies and crafts sell out fast! The Huckleberry Arts & Craft Show is back this year and will begin at 9:00 until 5:00 p.m. at the Community Center.
Huckleberry Pie Contest registration will be at Arvest Bank from 8:30 a.m. until 9 a.m. with local pie bakers competing for the best of show award. Pie judging will be at 9:00 a.m. The Huckleberry Pie Auction will be held on the Court House Square at 10:30 a.m.
Other morning activities will include Horse Shoe Pitching at the Jay Wal-Mart, Wal-Mart parking lot at 9 a.m. Huckleberry parade down Main Street and Turtle Derby registration at the Pizza Hut, both at 10 a.m. The Turtle Derby, in which all of the children love to participate, will be at 11 a.m.
From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. the Dunk Tank will be at the Grand Savings Bank. At 10:30 a.m. free balloons will be distributed at the Community Chapel and free ice cream and huckleberry sauce will be given away at Grand River Abstract on the Court House Square. Eat your ice cream and bid on a Huckleberry Pie at the same time.
The Jay Masonic Lodge will have its annual, very popular Hog Fry beginning at 11:30 a.m. at 5th and Carver. Also at 11:30 a.m. the Remote Control Car Races will get underway at Hometown Boyz Car Wash. Contestants will bring their own cars for the big race while you cheer in your favorite driver. The Long Cheese Coney Eating Contest (for all age groups) at Mom's Kountry Kitchen at 12 noon.
Delaware County Museum will be selling Watermelon by the slice at 12 as part of a fundraiser.
More good stuff to savor will be the Homemade Ice Cream being served from 12 noon until 2 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Center as part of their fundraising event. Two other fun events will begin at 1 p.m. will be the Prize Walk at Homeland Grocery Store and the Tricycle Race at Grand Savings Bank. At 1:30 Grand Savings Bank will have a Water Balloon Relay Race. Arvest Carry an Okie will be at the Wal-Mart at 2 p.m. followed by a Pie Eating Contest at Deb's Diner at 2:30 p.m.
The Egg Toss will begin at 3 p.m., 3-legged race 3:30 p.m. and the Root Beer Chug-A-Lug Contest at 4 p.m. will be held at the Sonic. The Red, White, and Blue Contest Registration will be held at the Community Center at 3 p.m. with judging at 3:30 p.m.
Closing events for the day will be a free Christian movie in the Park to be held at the Jay City Park at 9:30 p.m.
On Sunday July 2, the Huckleberry Festival Arts and Crafts will continue from 12 noon until 5 at the Community Center.
Tuesday July 4th The Jay School Old Timer Reunion will be held at the Community Center.
The Gospel Music Show will begin at 6:30 p.m. also on the 4th at the J. B. Earp Stadium, concessions by Jay Booster Club.
Finally the much anticipated fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m. climaxing the Fourth of July celebration and closing the special weekend of Community Spirit.
(from Correspondent Carol Fortner)

Observations...

Last November Sand Springs voters approved a $4.2 million bond issue for a new community center, but only this week did city leaders get around to discussing the type of facility and size. Floor plans were revealed from 25,400 to 31,130 square feet and leaders are seeking public input as to what kind of facilities should be built. In the meantime, costs of concrete and all kinds of materials have increased, some as much as 40%. Seems to us they got it backwards. This city of 17,500 people, three times the size of Grove, is thinking about a new building of only 31,130 square feet at the max, passed a bond issue without knowing any of the details, and now faces rising costs.Maybe Grove should take a lesson here, deciding what size, type and location, the project the amount and get construction underway shortly after passage (if it does pass)...The Tulsa School Superintendent search committee failed to turn up anything negative regarding the final two candidates, but a Nashua, N.H. newspaper did. It found that Julia Earl had some expensive out of state trips that were not maybe all business, and owed the IRS $147,000 in back taxes plus $8000 owed to the county for back property taxes. The Grove City Manager search committee could learn a thing here as well, newspapers almost always ferret out previously undiscovered information…...The Grove Planning and Zoning Board this week approved an amendment pertaining to off street parking requirements, parking spaces, and storage and parking of trailers and commercial vehicles in residential areas. The item now goes to the City Council for approval May 20...Asphalt will be laid on 18th Street in the next two weeks, say city officials, and on the portion from 13th to 18th on Shundi Road. Hopefully this will all be accomplished in time for the city's annual fireworks show July 3…This weekend features the 19th Annual GroveFest with lots of neat things to do downtown, including a karoke contest, barbecue tasting, carnival and more...Entertainer Roy Clark has purchased a lakefront home at Patricia Island Estates, we hear. Wait until he finds out he can't even get decent internet service, like a lot of others have. Maybe he'll write a country/western tune about it, like "My Internet Service is Broke, and so is my Pickup Truck."

Introducing...Advertz

The Grove Observer this week is introducing Advertz, a unique way for you to promote your business in the Grove and Grand Lake area, reaching a weekly audience of more than 800 homes. Advertz is a combination of an advertisement and editorial matter, written by you. If you have a new product, a promotion, want to sell something, or special event concerning your business, then you will want to be included each week in Advertz.
The cost is nominal: $25 per week for up to 50 words.
Simply email your ad copy to groveobserver@yahoo.com and put Advertz in the subject line. Deadline is Wednesday at 5 p.m. for the Friday issue. Include your name and phone number.
Payment: Via check payable to Jim Mills; mail to 5076 Lake Breeze Rd, Grove, OK 74344. Questions? 791-0203
Our thanks to Java Dave's in Grove for giving us the idea...they sent us a news release which wasn't a news release at all, but a greatly worded advertisement.

A Matter of Faith...

We Call Him Our Father…
By Carol Round
”God’s Spirit doesn't make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father.” Romans 8:15 (CEV)

My sister and I had to share our father with other children when we were growing up in southwestern Louisiana.

In our middle class neighborhood, there were two families with single mothers and several fathers on the block who were just too busy for their kids. Although my father’s job took him away from home weeks at a time, he always spent time with my sister and me when he returned.

My Dad also raised Angus cattle on leased land outside the city limits. He would often take us, along with six or more neighborhood kids, to the country where we would help him pick up fallen limbs and brush. When the pile was large enough, Dad would start a fire so we could roast hot dogs and marshmallows.

On several occasions, Dad was a stand-in for one of our friends who needed an escort to a Camp Fire Girls father/daughter banquet. I can remember one family of three sisters whose father had passed away. Dad not only escorted my sister and me to the different Camp Fire events but always offered his other arm to one of these three so she did not feel left out.

When we attended the father/daughter banquets at our local elementary school cafeteria, we brought our own boxed supper. With the assistance of our mothers, we usually prepared fried chicken with the trimmings. Since Dad had two young girls to escort, he also had an extra meal to eat. Because he didn’t want to disappoint either one of us, he managed to do his part in eating from both boxes.

My sister and I were in our teens when we moved to Oklahoma. Dad started a new job that required him to travel. When he came home, however, he always found time for us. As we made new friends and brought them home, Dad became a substitute for many who had no father at home.

When I began to teach school in a rural community in northeastern Oklahoma, I often brought students, who had no father, to meet mine. Although he never officially adopted any of them, my father earned their respect and love. He became the father figure some of them never had.

When my mother passed away almost two years ago, many of those young people attended her funeral. It was a testimony to a father’s love—even if they were not related by blood.

How much greater is our heavenly father’s love? He has adopted us as his children. He has given us the greatest gift of all—an unconditional, sacrificial love that knows no boundaries.

My own father sacrificed for my sister and me. He worked long hours to save money so that we could attend college debt-free and he never expected anything in return except our love.

What does your heavenly father expect from you? To accept that you are His child. Love Him. Praise Him.
(Carol Round is a former Jay High School teacher and is a free lance writer who lives in Claremore)

Special Care Given BASS Fish at Elite Series

The “Sooner Run” BASS Elite Series bass tournament wrapped up last Sunday following four days of competition on Grand Lake. Professional anglers and their amateur partners caught 1,849 bass during the event. Of those fish, only 3% were judged dead at the weigh-in by tournament officials.

Brent Davis, GRDA Tournament Coordinator along with Lake Patrol personnel combed release areas following the tournament and reported finding only a handful of other bass that died in the days following the release.

“These professionals did things very well and are a good example for other tournaments,” said Davis. “They were able to keep the fish kill to a minimum.”

This remarkably high survival of bass caught and released is a testament to not only the emphasis BASS puts on fish care, but to the pro anglers commitment to protecting the fishery resources of the lakes, rivers and reservoirs that they visit during their tour.

BASS has been the leader in better tournament fish care since they first began promoting the idea of catch and release in 1972. Now, professional tournaments can boast a better than 90% survival rate of released fish.

Gene Gilliland, Senior Fisheries Biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) who has worked with BASS for over ten years, refining and perfecting live-release procedures said “BASS and the anglers that fish their tournaments do everything they can to protect the fisheries they visit. They utilize the best equipment and instruct the anglers on how to keep fish as healthy as possible – so they can be caught again and again.”

Davis checked the BASS waiting line tanks and release boats prior to the event’s first day weigh-in and found the water quality parameters to be well above the minimums necessary to keep fish healthy during the weigh-in and release process.

Grove Fireworks Set for July 3

The City of Grove is again presenting its Independence Day celebration on Monday, July 3, from 7 to 9 p.m. with an expanded fireworks program. Fireworks should begin shortly after dark.
The event will be held at the sports complex on 13th Street.
Along with the free watermelon, drawing for classic baseball caps at 6:45 p.m., the city is providing professional entertainment with Tony Ramsey and his Red River Cowboy band, made up of great professionals, at 7 p.m.
Many of these country artists have played as backup for some of the best known vocalist in the music business. And then, the legendary Doug Gabriel, seven time male vocalist of the year in Branson, Mo...(8:00PM), along with his band and lovely wife, Cheryl, who does a great rendition of Patsy Cline favorites and yodels her way to stardom with her version of
"I Want to be a Cowboys Sweetheart", It will be a great way to spend an evening..
Be sure to bring lawn chairs or blankets, organizers said.
In the event of inclement weather, the entertainment will be moved to Cornerstone Church, adjacent to the sports complex on 13th Street.

GRDA to Hold Meeting with Realtors

In an effort to find a common, workable solution to the issues of pre-permitting docks included in the sale of new lake property and permit transfers with the sale of existing property, the Grand River Dam Authority is announcing it will hold a special meeting for all interested lake area realtors, brokers and agents on Thursday, June 22, at Grove City Hall (Room 6), beginning at 6:30 PM.
“GRDA realizes there are some complexities associated with private dock permitting and transfers of those dock permits during the sale of real estate,” said GRDA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Easley. “So we have set this meeting to gather input from realtors in the hopes of finding a solution.”
While there are potential problems with the idea of pre-permitting docks and permit transfers, Easley added that the best way to shape a plan for the future is to have the input of realtors. “They are the people who are on the front lines when it comes to lake are development,” said Easley, “and their input is important to GRDA. We want to hear from them.”

Grove Summer Reading Program is June 20

The Grove Public Library Summer Reading Program will present Ryan O'Brien and his Big Magic Book on Tuesday, June 20, at 2 p.m. Ryan never knows where the story will take him and the audience. Somewhere in the forest is the Witch of the Woods and a mysterious creature named Big Mouth. Silly songs, funny puppets, and a great time are waiting inside the Big Magic Book.
The program the following week will be John Hinkel, storyteller, appearing on Monday, June 26.

Spring Book Sale is June 17

The big Spring Book Sale is coming on Saturday, June 17, in the parking lot at Main and 11th Streets in front of the Grand Savings Bank. The hours will be 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friends of the Grove Public Library are holding the sale. "Everything from books to videos will be priced to sell," said Marcia Tackkett, president of Friends. "The spring and fall book sales are the main source of revenue for Friends whose activities support the Grove Public Library.
All types and kinds of books, videos, and audio books from current fiction to classics, romances, westerns, cook books, and children's materials will be on sale, Tackkett said.

Scotland Program Set for June 20

Jeff Savage will present a program about Scotland at the June meeting of the Delaware County Genealogical Society Tuesday, June 20, at 7 p.m. at the Grove Public Library.

Savage is a second generation American whose grandmother, Marion Cameron, was born in Ft. William, Scotland. The presentation is "Scottish Migration to the New World" which will include a short history of Scotland, Scottish contributions to America, and details of Scottish dress,
customs, and poetry of Robert Burns.

Having traced his lineage to Cameron of Erracht, Savage, who spent nearly two years in Great Britain, made many visits to his Scottish cousins.
More recently, he has been active in the Scottish Club of Tulsa, and participated in the Scottish Games and Gathering as the head horse wrangler in change of the Clydesdales.
The Genealogical Society invites everyone to attend the monthly meetings. New members are welcome. Annual dues are$7.50 for a person or $10 for a couple.