Rougher win, Bacone woes and city art among top 10 stories of 2023

Dec. 30—Victories on the gridiron and in the classroom, along with proposed sculptures and housing projects, highlighted positive things in Muskogee during 2023. However, the year also was marked by continuing challenges to a historic college and discord between the county and volunteer fire departments.

Roughers win state football championship

After 37 years, Muskogee High School Roughers won the Oklahoma state football championship, defeating the Stillwater Pioneers, 28-26 on Dec. 1. The win generated a massive welcome-home celebration that night when fans erupted in shouts, roars and whistles when their bus rode into the Rougher Village parking lot. On Dec. 11, team members rode their own float as grand marshals in the Muskogee Christmas Parade.

Bacone College threatened twice with property auctions

Bacone College ended a roller coaster year with its future in question. Twice the campus property was ordered to be sold at auction to repay a debt sought by an energy company. Twice the auction was called off. The latest time, on Dec. 14, Bacone College officials already had let go of most of their professors and cancel the spring 2024 semester while they ponder what to do next.

Sadler reopening includes Manual Training alumni center

Past and present students were welcomed back to the newly remodeled Sadler Arts Academy and Manual Training High School alumni center this fall. The school building at 800 Altamont St., which dates to the 1950s underwent a $10 million renovation, funded by part of the $110 million bond issue voters approved in 2019. The renovation dedicated part of the building as a Manual Training alumni center. Renovations to Muskogee High School, adding space for music and relocating main offices, also were completed.

Volunteer fire departments sue County commissioners

In March, Buckhorn and Keefeton volunteer fire departments sought restraining order to keep Muskogee County commissioners from designating a requisitioning officer for fire department purchases. Commissioners had earlier appointed the Muskogee County Emergency Management Director as purchasing officer. In their lawsuits, Buckhorn and Keefeton maintained that the requisitioning officers cannot be county employees. The lawsuit remains unresolved.

Merle Haggard sculpture ready to roll

Efforts to put a Merle Haggard statue at Muskogee Civic Center bore fruit when the Merle Haggard Statue Committee raised the money to build it. After several months of searching, the committee chose Idaho sculptor Benjamin Victor to create the statue. The statue will show Haggard sitting in front of the building where he sang "Okie from Muskogee" back in 1969. People can get selfies with Haggard and Old Glory flying at the nearby federal courthouse.

Mayor Coleman rules out another term

After 10 years on Muskogee City Council, including four as Muskogee's first Black mayor, Marlon Coleman ruled out seeking another term. He confirmed his decision in July, shortly after being hired to teach business and social studies at Hilldale High School. Coleman said he planned to continue as pastor of Antioch Temple of Hope, as well as encourage young people to get involved with public affairs. Coleman's decision left the mayor position open. Wayne Divelbiss and Patrick Cale will run for mayor in the April 2, 2024, municipal election.

Cherokee Nation brings housing project to Muskogee

In April, Muskogee city officials joined Cherokee Nation leaders in breaking ground for a 12-acre housing addition on East Hancock Street. The new neighborhood will be named the ditlihi, or Warrior Addition. Officials said the addition helps meet a need for affordable housing. The project includes 12 houses, plus 30 lots for further expansion as needs increase.

Chiropractor, wife, grandson found dead at their home

Dr. Jack Janway his wife, Terry Lynn, and their 11-year-old grandson, Dalton Janway, were found dead at their home on June 26 in what police called a murder-suicide. The deaths made national news because the Janways' daughter, Chandra Janway Johnson, is the wife of seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson. The Janways had lost their son, Jor-el Janway in a 2014 skydiving accident.

Sadler repeats as Blue Ribbon School

In September, the U.S. Department of Education named Sadler Arts Academy as a National Blue Ribbon School — for the second time. The school was one of four Oklahoma schools to receive the Blue Ribbon distinction, which is based on overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups on assessments. Sadler had received the honor in 2016.

Bass Reeves statue to be built on Second Street

Efforts to put a Bass Reeves statue along Second Street bore fruit when a statue committee raised the money to build it. After several months of searching, the committee chose sculptor Joel Randell of Luther to build it. The statue is to depict the legendary lawman during his years as a Muskogee Police officer, patrolling his beat on Second Street.