The new director for Okmulgee County OSU Extension was introduced during Monday’s meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.

Brenda Miller who has served as the Interim Director of the Okmulgee OSU Extension office for the last few years, introduced two new members of the team: Jake Kell, the new director Ag 4-H Educator, and Shelby Lofton, the Ag 4-H Extension Educator who will be working in partnership with the Muscogee Nation Extension program.

“OSU Extension has partnered with MCN,” Kell said.

“We have a grant that we filed for federally recognized tribal extension programming… we partnered with Muscogee Nation extension, and this is our new ag 4-H Extension educator, Shelby Lofton. She works in all 11 counties through the Creek Nation, but is housed through our Okmulgee County Extension agency.”

“I do work with OSU as well as Muscogee Creek Nation, more on the college side,” Lofton said. “We partnered with Muscogee Creek Nation Extension program to bring tribal programming to the citizens of the Muscogee Creek Nation as well Okmulgee County citizens, as well as all other citizens within the 11 counties of the Nation. My position is Ag/4-H so I will be working with all of the 4-H clubs across all the counties, as well as producers. It just brings more agricultural programs, youth enrichment programs, etc, but that’s my role, and I’m happy to be here.”

Miller emphasized the unique position of Oklahoma, which has three main land grant universities: Oklahoma State University, Langston University, and the College of the Muscogee Nation.

“Oklahoma is very fortunate, because we have three main groups in our state and Oklahoma State University is a land grant university. Langston is the land grant university, and College of the Muskogee nation is the land grant university,” Miller said.

Also approved was a Resolution to use the LATCF fund to purchase a drone for Okmulgee County Emergency Management.

Director Jeff Moore highlighted the use of drones and specialized software to aid in mapping capabilities, search and rescue operations, and the assessment of fire damage. The commissioners expressed their support for the purchase of this advanced technology to enhance the county’s emergency management capabilities. The drone is approximately $10,000.

The agency has had to get assistance from the OCCJA Drone coordinator for use of their equipment with several incidents in the county recently, so the purchase of new equipment is much needed.

Agenda items approved were:

• Minutes from March 10 meeting.

• Officers Reports: Sheriff ’s Office for month of February and correction for month of January.

• Blanket Purchase Orders: District 3 to Kennedy Lumber for $500 and RPI, $500; Health Department to Amazon, $5,000 and to Muscogee Nation, $500.

• Employee Forms: Jody Boone – County Clerk’s Office, Ryan Roberts – District 2, and Adam Branch – Sheriff ’s Office, employment ceased.

• Submitted Utility Permits: District 3 with RWD #1, water line; District 2 with RWD #20, water line; and District 1 with RWD #6, water line.

• Tabled action on Bid#1 for a 2020 or Newer Day Cab Truck.

• Approved Transfer of Appropriations and Payment of Claims.

The board discussed action on a Bid # 2 for Erosion Control/ Embankment Repair on Dentonville Rd in District 2. Due to no bids being received, Commissioner Steve Ward inquired of the Circuit Engineering District representative about posting a 14 or 21-day notice.

“It’s 21 days that will be statutory for public works, for what we have for the dollar figure, which we have on estimate for 21 days. So I’m hoping that the bid that comes in is within less than a $200,000 budget, and they can get that work done in less than hopefully three weeks. We’ve got a very short window before the next major wet season arrives. I don’t think the area would be safe to work in,” the CED representative stated.

Ward explained further: “The new Deep Fork River Bridge on Dentonville Road over the Deep Fork River Bridge … There’s no riffraff put on the south side of it, and the river comes straight towards the south side… if we have a big flood or something, we have to shut the bridge down, and that’s highly traveled road, so we’re working as fast and as quick as we can legally to get this accomplished.”

“We are also your county bridge inspector, and that is the issue here, is that it’s currently in safe condition,” the representative said. “It hasn’t lost a significant amount of soil. We’re at a safe point today. But we’re not going to put the public at risk…” More details on what needs to be done and the re-bid will be brought up in next week’s meeting.

Okmulgee County Emergency Management Director Jeff Moore provided a detailed report on the recent wildfire activities in the area, and also updates on the recovery efforts from last year’s tornado and reimbursement.

Moore stated that over the past two weeks, the county had experienced approximately 5,000 acres of land burned due to wildfires.

He praised the dedication of the county’s emergency management volunteers, who worked tirelessly to assist in the response efforts.

“We thank them and appreciate them for what they did,” Moore said. “Our volunteers didn’t get back in till 3 a.m. Saturday morning, they were back at the office at 9 a.m. for a full day of training.”

Under New Business, Jason Davey with Trane gave an update and statement about the work that has upgraded the historic Okmulgee County Courthouse.

“I’m the project executive for the total transformation we did for HVAC controls, lighting here at the courthouse. The document in front of you signifies a major milestone as the final completion of the project. Our process is complete … There are punch list items to ensure that those are completed, and then sign off on final completion.

“I made some notes here that I’d like to speak, if I may. Trane is completely grateful for the trust you placed in us to carry out this work, ensuring that the integrity and legacy of this building remains stronger for years ahead, this project has been a collaboration in every sense, and it would not have been possible about the dedication of so many a major shout out to Jamie Steph…. She has been a steady guide to this entire process, her commitment, problem solving, communication, coordination, ensures this project kept moving forward as it should have been. We’re tremendously grateful for your efforts. This milestone is a celebration, beginning of a new chapter for this building and the people that come and serve daily as well as all the individuals that walk through the door. Thank you for your leadership, your vision and your partnership in making this transformation a reality. It has been a true honor.”

Phillip Ward spoke during Input from the Public. He spoke about why citizens need to show an ID to get into the courthouse, a public building. He asked the commissioners to look into it.

During New Business, Sheriff Eddy Rice spoke briefly about why there are security and metal detectors at the courthouse entrance.

“We’ve had attempts on victims, witnesses, judges, D.A.s, other people that come to our courthouse,” Sheriff Rice said. “So the violent people that come into this courthouse and are amongst our citizens as well, we stepped up the security … So if you have a proposal that you think would work better to protect the innocents that are in this building, that’s my only concern. So if you have a proposal, please put it together. Let me look at it. But this is the best way I can think of it, to protect the people by knowing who’s in here among the other people … We’ve got to know all these people that are standing right next to victims or to innocent people.”

Sheriff Rice added that for those wishing to vote during elections at the courthouse, no ID is asked at the front entrance.

The commissioners went into executive session to discuss several matters listed on the agenda.