Muskogee faces $29.25M judgment, weighing options on taxpayer impact

The City of Muskogee is paying the piper for some awful management decisions nearly twenty years ago. The City is about to be on the hook for over $29,000,000 in judgments on three lawsuits over derelict properties that were condemned and demolished by the city in 2007.

Apparently, multiple mayors and city councils have punted on wrapping these particular cases up, to the point that what was probably "damages" well under a million dollars have now turned into over twenty nine million dollars that Muskogee taxpayers are now somehow going to have to pay. I wonder how much of that sum is interest – and legal fees. 

The impact to Muskogee taxpayers, and property owners in particular, could be extreme. Among the options some have floated include a temporary 25% property tax hike.

Here's a letter explaining the situation from the man with the most unenviable job in town right now, City Manager Kendal Francis:

Muskogee Public Schools seeks input on proposed 2027 Bond projects

MPS Seeks Input On Proposed 2027 Bond Projects

MUSKOGEE (August 24, 2026) – Muskogee Public Schools is seeking public input from patrons as it considers projects and priorities for a proposed 2027 bond issue. The district’s Long-Range Planning Committee, composed of community members, district leadership, staff, and other stakeholders, has been intentional in considering both the district's needs and the financial impact on local taxpayers.

A community survey will be available August 24 through September 4, 2026, allowing patrons to provide feedback on potential bond priorities and help the committee determine which needs should be prioritized.  Patrons may take the community survey at https://forms.gle/cbFc7iJPeRzAhso79

AG to Muskogee schools: 1st Amendment did not require canceling prayer walk

Drummond tells Muskogee schools the First Amendment did not require canceling prayer walk, offers future support

OKLAHOMA CITY (Aug. 21, 2026) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond today advised Muskogee Public Schools that it was under no constitutional obligation to cancel a community prayer walk earlier this month, and offered this Office’s assistance to any Oklahoma district that receives a similar demand.

Muskogee 6th and 7th Grade Academy had scheduled a Back to School Community Prayer Walk for the morning of August 12, the day before classes began. A Wisconsin-based advocacy organization, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, sent the district a letter the day before the event demanding its cancellation. The district canceled the walk, removed the announcements and notified parents.

In a letter to Superintendent Jarod Mendenhall, Drummond concluded that no student was required to be on campus that day, that no student faced any consequence for staying away, and that the walk was scheduled at an hour when no instructional period existed to interrupt.

Muskogee, Coca-Cola partner for 'Paint the Nation' America250 initiative, unveil downtown mural design

MUSKOGEE UNVEILS DESIGN FOR DOWNTOWN MURAL AS PART OF COCA-COLA'S PAINT THE NATION INITIATIVE

MUSKOGEE, OK – (8.12.26) – Love Bottling Company and ABV Agency today unveiled the final design for a mural in downtown Muskogee. The public art project will transform the southwest-facing wall of the Ruth Kelly Studio building into a vibrant tribute to the city's rich history, iconic landmarks and enduring community spirit. The mural is part of Coca-Cola's nationwide Paint the Nation initiative, commemorating America's 250th anniversary.

Legislature passes bill to enhance safety and security at Oklahoma Schools for the Blind and Deaf

Senator Frix Applauds Passage of School Safety Funding for Oklahoma School for the Blind

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, applauded the passage of House Bill 4067, which directs funding to enhance safety measures at the Oklahoma School for the Blind in Muskogee.

HB 4067 appropriates $93,000 to the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services for Fiscal Year 2027 to support the establishment and maintenance of a School Resource Officer (SRO) program or provide physical security improvements at the Oklahoma School for the Blind.

“At a time when school security is more important than ever, we must do everything we can to protect students in Oklahoma schools,” Frix said. “The Oklahoma School for the Blind is a valued part of the Muskogee community, and this funding will ensure they are equipped to maintain a safe and secure campus.”

City of Muskogee: sirens failed prompt activation due to communication disruption

In the aftermath of Tuesday's tornado in Muskogee and the failure of the tornado sirens to go off until after the EF1 twister (with a final path length of 14.3 miles) had blown through southern neighborhoods in the city, officials have tracked down the issue that caused the delay:

Statement on Outdoor Warning Siren Activation

MUSKOGEE, Okla. April 17, 2026 -  The City of Muskogee is providing an update regarding the delayed activation of the Outdoor Warning System during the severe weather event on April 14, 2026.

Following an extensive investigation by the contractor responsible for maintaining and servicing the Outdoor Warning System, the City of Muskogee has been informed of the conditions that prevented the timely activation of the sirens.

The investigation found that the system controlling the sirens functioned properly and issued the activation command immediately after the tornado warning was released by the National Weather Service. However, a disruption in the system’s communication link prevented that activation command from reaching the sirens.

City responds to siren delay after tornado strikes southern part of Muskogee

Last night around 11pm, a tornado struck southern portions of the city of Muskogee, with damage focused in the Grandview 7 and Hilldale areas. It seems to have been relatively minor, with no injuries reported that I have heard.

However, I noticed that tornado sirens did not go off in the city limits of Muskogee until the tornado was already crossing the Arkansas River headed toward rural portions of the county between Fort Gibson and Braggs, well after the damage had already been caused. 

Contrary to assumptions that some are posting on social media, the National Weather Service has no input or responsibility for activating sirens during severe weather. That lies with the local government bodies, in this case, the city emergency management department. The city will activate the sirens during damaging wind events in addition to tornado warnings. This storm system dropped a tornado in fairly rapid fashion, so whether the failure was because the system itself failed or because it wasn't activated by those responsible remains to be seen.

Here is the response from the City of Muskogee:

Muskogee Responds to Severe Storm 

MUSKOGEE, Okla. April 15, 2026 - The City of Muskogee is aware of concerns regarding the delayed activation of outdoor storm warning sirens during last night’s severe weather event.

Trump nominates Muskogee's Johnny Teehee for US Marshal

Lankford Applauds Nomination of Johnny Teehee III to be US Marshal for the Eastern District of Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued the following statement of support for President Trump’s nomination of Johnny Teehee III to serve as United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

Muskogee voters pick Lowe for mayor, send two council seats to runoff

Voters in Muskogee charted a new course yesterday, with the election perhaps the most "outsider" mayor since John Tyler Hammons in 2008. 

Don't think your vote matters? Ryan Lowe defeated former city councilor James Gulley in the mayoral race by a mere 11 votes out of 3,823 cast: he won with 1,917 votes (50.14%) to Gulley's 1,906 votes (49.86%). 

MuskogeePolitico Reader Giveaway!

Who likes giveaways? Muskogee Politico is partnering with Glenndale Grace Firearms & Training to giveaway TWO (2) Self-Defense Act classes (for you and a spouse or friend). Enter between now and the end of November by liking, commenting, and sharing this video on Facebook, or by emailing Muskogee Politico at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com. 

Thanks for reading MuskogeePolitico.com for the past 17 years! We'll have a lot more coming your way with the approaching 2026 Oklahoma elections.

Google bringing major data centers to Muskogee County

Under the code name Project Scissortail, Google has been preparing a massive nearly 420-acre new project just south of the Muskogee city limits. According to a document from the City of Muskogee, there will be multiple phases to the development (up to four), and "each developed Phase will include a data center comprised of approximately 300,000 square feet" together with other structures and buildings. Another data center will be built near the town of Council Hill.

Work has been going on for months, but the official public confirmation that Google is behind it all has only come in recent days. I drove out to the area the other day, and the amount of construction going on there is massive. KJRH has a little bit of footage of the construction in this news clip.

In addition to the Scissortail project, there's also construction at the CoreScientific data center, the existing (and expanding) Polaris data center, and Starburst Power's lithium refinery... there's a lot going on out there. 

~419 acre project area south of Muskogee

Here is the press release from Port Muskogee, officially announcing the plan:

Google Announces Two Data Center Campuses in Muskogee County, Oklahoma

published by Port Muskogee

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (November, 20 2025) – Google, along with Muskogee County, City of Muskogee and Port Muskogee today announced plans for two new data center campuses near the towns of Summit and Council Hill, as well as new agreements to add energy to the electricity grid — building on the company’s longstanding presence in Oklahoma.

Honor Heights Veterinary Clinic Clinic rebrands as CareVet of Honor Heights

For some Muskogee news, here's a press release from one of the city's oldest veterinary clinics:

Honor Heights Veterinary Clinic Clinic Rebrands as CareVet of Honor Heights

Muskogee, OK (July 14, 2025) – Honor Heights Veterinary Clinic, a trusted provider of small animal veterinary care in Muskogee, Oklahoma since 1986, is excited to announce its official rebranding to CareVet of Honor Heights. This new chapter marks a significant milestone for the hospital and the local pet community—bringing expanded resources, enhanced services, and a renewed dedication to delivering top-tier care.

Early Voting times adjusted this week due to Independence Day holiday

I have been swamped lately, but for readers in the City of Muskogee, we have a sales tax election coming up on Tuesday. I hope to get a post out on the particulars of the municipal proposition, but if you're one of those who votes through in-person Early Voting, those times have been moved to Wednesday and Thursday due to the Independence Day holiday:

Early Voting Begins Tomorrow!

Oklahoma City (July 1st) - Early voting begins tomorrow for some voters in Creek, Muskogee, Osage, and Seminole County. Due to early voting for the July 8 Election coinciding with the July 4th holiday, the Secretary of the State Election Board - as authorized by 26 O.S. § 1-106 -  has moved early voting for the July 8 Election to Wednesday, July 2 and Thursday, July 3 (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.) . A list of early voting locations, dates, and times is available on the State Election Board website.

Muskogee's War Memorial Park to relocate, first step in moving USS Batfish to permanent site

MUSKOGEE’S WAR MEMORIAL PARK RELOCATES AFTER 52 YEARS, MARKS FIRST STEP TOWARD MOVING USS BATFISH TO PERMANENT SITE

Muskogee, OK (July 1, 2025) - After 52 years at its original location, Muskogee's War Memorial Park and Museum will relocate to a temporary location at Port Muskogee's Three Forks Harbor on July 1, 2025. 

This move marks the first phase of the long-anticipated relocation of the USS Batfish to its permanent home at the Oklahoma War Memorial and Museum. In the meantime, the museum exhibits will be temporarily housed inside the Robinson Gallery and Event Center—located directly adjacent to the Batfish’s future site at Three Forks Harbor.

Polaris Technology blasts Muskogee City Council's annexation vote

Is this a case of the City getting greedy? As I recall, almost every single large industrial center in Muskogee is technically on unincorporated zones. They touted this data center investment when it came, but are they breaking any of the previous agreement?

Polaris Technology Responds to Muskogee City Council Annexation Vote

MUSKOGEE, OK (June 10, 2025) – Polaris Technology expresses deep concern following the Muskogee City Council's vote today to move forward with annexation of private property currently owned and operated by Polaris. If finalized, the decision would jeopardize prior good-faith agreements with former city and county leadership and risk undermining significant economic progress in Muskogee and the broader region.

Legislature approves $4M to help relocate USS Batfish

After five years of languishing following the 2019 Arkansas River flood, the USS Batfish finally has some good news: 

Top: April 2019 - middle: May 2019 - Bottom: June 2019

OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE APPROVES $4 MILLION TO RELOCATE USS BATFISH

Oklahoma City, OK (May 29, 2025) - One of America’s most decorated World War II submarines—and a beloved Oklahoma landmark—is one step closer to safe harbor. On May 22, the Oklahoma Legislature approved HB2794, allocating $4 million in FY26 funding to the USS Batfish. The state appropriation will be used to relocate the historic military vessel to its future home at Three Forks Harbor.

Folds of Honor lends support in effort to save USS Batfish

Almost six years later, the USS Batfish submarine at Muskogee's War Memorial Park continues to languish in limbo, with desperately needed repairs and a monumental move needed due to Corps of Engineers efforts to stem future river flooding at the Port of Muskogee. 

Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell and local legislators have been helping lead an effort to secure much-needed funding for the Batfish. Recently, the CEO and founder of the Folds of Honor Foundation lent his support to the campaign. You can sent an email of your own to legislators by going to this link. OklahomaWarMemorial.com has more details and renderings of the proposed new location and museum for the USS Batfish and associated military history artifacts, including a 45-foot section of the mast from the USS Oklahoma (sunk at Pearl Harbor with a loss of life second only to the USS Arizona).

Efforts underway to save USS Batfish with proposed Oklahoma War Memorial & Museum

Count me in. The USS Batfish is a hero of WWII, and an Oklahoma treasure, and deserves saving. A big thanks to Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell for his years of support for securing the Batfish for generations to come.

EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO SAVE THE USS BATFISH WITH PROPOSED OKLAHOMA WAR MEMORIAL & MUSEUM

Muskogee, OK (March 10, 2025) - The USS Batfish, a legendary World War II submarine and beloved Oklahoma landmark is at risk of being lost forever if not relocated to a new site. After devastating floodwaters in 2019 displaced the vessel from its foundation, the submarine suffered damage and was forced to permanently close to the public. With critical flood mitigation efforts underway and necessary controlled access measures required at the entrance to the current site, relocating the Batfish to a permanent home at Port Muskogee’s Three Forks Harbor is essential to its preservation.

GGF Firearms celebrates milestone with 50% off sale

Glenndale Grace Firearms & Training, a longtime sponsor here at Muskogee Politico, is celebrating their third year in business with a 50% off membership sale on March 1st.

In addition to 25-yard, 50-yard/180-degree, and 100/300-yard outdoor ranges and a trap field, GGF Firearms offers a wide range of training an certification courses, competition hosting, and an on-site firearms and gear store. I'm a customer, and can personally recommend and vouch for their professionalism and expertise. Link and Susan Mock, the owners, are great assets to the community.

GGF Firearms is conveniently located just north of Muskogee, within a 40-minute drive of Tulsa, Tahlequah, and Lake Eufaula. Check them out!

Muskogee's Stardust Power announces exclusive licensing agreement for new lithium refining process

One of Muskogee's latest industrial developments is the groundbreaking of a new battery-grade lithium refinery, a billion-plus dollar investment that selected Muskogee in 2024. The following press release from Stardust Power details a licensing agreement for a new refining technology/process they will be using at the Muskogee plant:

Stardust Power Announces Exclusive Licensing Agreement for Lithium Brine Concentration Technology from KMX Technologies

Following the October 8, 2024 announcement, Stardust Power finalizes exclusive licensing agreement with KMX Technologies to enhance lithium production efficiency and sustainability.

GREENWICH, Conn. – February 10, 2025 – Stardust Power Inc. (NASDAQ: SDST) (“Stardust Power” or the “Company”), an American developer of battery-grade lithium products, today announced the execution of an exclusive licensing agreement with KMX Technologies, Inc. (“KMX”), a leader in advanced lithium brine concentration technology. This agreement grants Stardust Power the exclusive rights to utilize KMX’s innovative vacuum membrane distillation (“VMD”) technology across the United States, Canada, and select international markets.

The exclusive license grants Stardust Power the full rights to use and operate KMX VMD units within the designated territory and field of use. This agreement will support Stardust Power’s continued commitment to build out the North American lithium supply chain and onshoring of critical minerals in the rapidly growing North America lithium market.

“This exclusive licensing agreement with KMX Technologies is a pivotal step forward in advancing Stardust Power’s sustainability and operational efficiency goals,” said Roshan Pujari, CEO and Founder of Stardust Power. “KMX’s VMD technology offers a unique opportunity to reduce both energy consumption and water use across our supply chain, particularly by concentrating lithium feedstocks for efficient logistics. By incorporating this technology, we aim to significantly lower operating costs while strengthening the U.S. critical mineral supply chain and enhancing national security, all while doing so in an environmentally responsible manner.” KMX’s technology is ideal for Stardust Power’s innovative hub and spoke refinery model. By reducing the volume of the brine feedstock, less volume needs to be transported. The large central refinery is designed to repulp feedstock and blend as needed.

KMX’s VMD technology is capable of concentrating lithium from brine sources with minimal losses, thereby enhancing the economic viability of lithium projects. Additionally, the technology produces high-quality water as a byproduct, which can be used to minimize reliance on local freshwater resources in the lithium extraction process, a key factor in increasing water sustainability for the industry.

Zachary Sadow, CEO of KMX Technologies, added, “We are excited to partner with Stardust Power, a visionary company dedicated to driving sustainability and innovation within the lithium sector. This agreement represents a shared commitment to improving the efficiency and environmental footprint of the lithium supply chain.”

With the execution of this agreement, Stardust Power is positioned to deploy KMX’s VMD technology throughout Stardust Power’s network design and supply chain in order to optimize delivery of feedstocks to its lithium refinery under development in Muskogee, Oklahoma, with up to 50,000 metric tons per annum production capacity upon completion. The Company plans to integrate this advanced technology across both its refining and upstream operations to further enhance the environmental and economic performance of its lithium production processes.

About Stardust Power Inc.
Stardust Power is a developer of battery-grade lithium products designed to bolster America’s energy leadership by building resilient supply chains. Stardust Power is developing a strategically central lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma with the anticipated capacity of producing up to 50,000 metric tons per annum of battery-grade lithium. The Company is committed to sustainability at each point in the process. Stardust Power trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “SDST. For more information, visit www.stardust-power.com.