Bird On A Wire

By

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November 28, 2011

The scissortail flycatcher may be Oklahoma’s official state bird, but it’s a lesser-known avian icon of the state that is at the center of a controversy making national news. The Lesser Prairie Chicken, once a plentiful species across the Sooner State whose exotic courtship rituals inspired the war dances of Plains Indian tribes, now teeters dangerously on the edge of existence. And as numbers decline, some fear that Oklahoma’s burgeoning wind-energy development is poised to provide the shove that sends the species careening into extinction.

The Lesser Prairie Chicken
Not to be confused with the closely related Greater Prairie Chicken, Lesser Prairie Chickens (LPC) are a small, ground-dwelling member of the grouse family – it’s not technically a chicken, though it’s related. The stocky birds sport brown and black barred plumage and rounded tails. Breeding males have reddish neck pouches, which are inflated during courtship rituals, as well as bright yellow eye combs and specialized neck feathers, which resemble rabbit ears.
As many as two million LPC are thought to have once lived in the grasslands of the central Great Plains. Today, Audubon estimates their total population at 32,000 scattered in remnant habitats in the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles, southwest Kansas, southeast Colorado and northeast New Mexico. Numerous causes, including climatic shifts and invasive species, contribute to the destruction of LPC habitat, but conversion of prairie to agriculture and ranching are key factors.
More than 70 percent of LPC habitat is located on privately owned land, thus conservation efforts have focused on working with landowners to preserve habitat and introduce practices to reduce harm to the birds. For instance, collision with fences is known to contribute greatly to LPC mortality. Conservations groups have worked with landowners to remove miles of unneeded fences and to install inexpensive markers on other fences to make them visible to birds. As areas of LPC habitat are targeted for wind energy and other development, similar efforts are underway to work with landowners and businesses to maintain the delicate ecosystem in which LPC live. Still, the prognosis for LPC looks bleak. A 2007 Texas Parks and Wildlife study estimated that LPC could be extinct in that state as early as 2017.
Why should you care?
On its surface the disappearance of a small, chicken-like bird that many of us will never encounter may not seem of great consequence. However, the extinction of the Lesser Prairie Chicken would likely mark the eventual disappearance of a prairie ecosystem, and with it part of America’s natural and cultural history.

A Species in Peril

According to Steve Sherrod, executive director of the Sutton Avian Research Center at the University of Oklahoma’s Biological Survey, Lesser Prairie Chickens have experienced a 97 percent decline in numbers range-wide since the 1800s and a 78 percent reduction in occupied range since 1963. The species seems locked in such a drastic downward spiral that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating whether to list the species as threatened and endangered under the Endangered Species Act – something both state conservationists and energy developers in the state are desperately trying to prevent.

“If the Lesser Prairie Chicken was lost, the associated loss of the functionality of the prairie ecosystem, of which the disappearance of lesser prairie would provide irrefutable proof, would be significant,” says Russ Horton, lands and wildlife diversity supervisor with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “The prairie ecosystem provides ecological importance (carbon sequestration, erosion prevention, water quality), financial importance (ranching and recreation), and cultural importance (Native American history and culture, the American bison, and westward expansion). Most of these cannot be assigned a monetary value, and their true value is often not known or appreciated until it is lost.”

Everything from the encroachment of eastern red cedar to the planting of non-native grasses to global warming have been cited as reasons for the rapid loss of the prairie chicken’s habitat, but according to Sherrod, one of the biggest culprits is habitat fragmentation.

Sherrod compares the situation to a fishbowl with three goldfish. “First, you put in a little porcelain house, maybe a decorative fence, and all’s okay,” he says. “But then you put in four or five wind turbines, then relay stations, then maybe some transmission line poles. You keep putting in more and more. Before long, you still have a goldfish bowl. You still have water. But no place for the goldfish.”

It isn’t just the crowding of structures that make wind-power development such a player in habitat fragmentation. Research has shown that the Lesser Prairie Chicken instinctively avoids tall structures, including power poles and wind turbines, due to fear that predators roost there. Building these structures in the bird’s native habitat, researchers say, is guaranteed to deprive the Lesser Prairie Chicken of much-needed space to thrive.

What Price Conservation?

While State Rep. Gus Blackwell, R-Laverne, agrees that conscientious measures to preserve the Lesser Prairie Chicken should be considered, he cautions Oklahomans about the repercussions of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service placing the bird on the threatened and endangered species list.
“The economic impact of listing the Lesser Prairie Chicken would be devastating to the panhandle and to Oklahoma,” Blackwell says. “One out of every $4 in agriculture comes from the panhandle area. The area is rich in oil and gas. It also has been called the ‘Saudi Arabia of wind’ in terms of wind-energy economic development.”

Blackwell also does not entirely see eye to eye with some wildlife researchers regarding the severity of any dangers wind-energy development might pose to the species.

“The main problem is that there are still unproven assumptions made about the Lesser Prairie Chicken that would be applied to the historic habitat of this species,” Blackwell says. “One assumption is that they will not live near a tall structure. Since all oil and gas structures, wind generators or irrigation systems for farming all fall under these criteria, they all could be subject to a variety of consequences. These range from total denial of any more development to a long and tedious process of conservation analysis to allow a project to go forward.

“There is now no scientific study that shows that Lesser Prairie Chickens will not live around wind generators,” Blackwell continues. “In fact the opposite is true, with documentation that such symbiosis does exist. If one does not allow wind tower development then there should also be an end to drilling rigs, telephone poles, buildings and agricultural development.”

According to Blackwell, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department has not taken the necessary scientific measures and studies to accurately determine whether the Lesser Prairie Chicken has adapted to its changed environment in the Oklahoma panhandle. Instead, he maintains the department’s intensified scrutiny of the species’ population was prompted “in response to threatened lawsuits from the conservation community.”

In addition, Blackwell says that “to deny development of entire counties because of a single species is ludicrous.”

But according to Sherrod, the issue of development and the long-term, scientific study of its impact on the Lesser Prairie Chicken’s habitat is more complicated.

“Grouse, such as Lesser Prairie Chickens, generally avoid tall, vertical-type ‘structures’ ranging from red cedar trees to those built by humans, since these serve as perches for raptors and other predators,” he says. “Even though many of the high vertical structures used today are designed to prevent perching by birds of prey, the grouse do not realize this and are genetically programmed to avoid such construction.”

In addition, Sherrod says, “Anecdotal reports sometimes include instances of prairie chickens nesting near wind farms and other structures, but well-designed studies that examine the potential impacts of high vertical structures and other energy-related activities to prairie chickens and sage grouse are yet to be completed in both Kansas and Wyoming respectively. To add to the difficulty in assessing disturbances, results from studies can be confounded by the fact that impacts to grouse from anthropogenic activities on the landscape may not be fully realized for as many as 10 years post-construction.”

“There is quite a bit of evidence available indicating that prairie grouse need large (thousands of acres) tracts of land with native grassland vegetation that are not fragmented and not cluttered with red cedars or manmade tall structures; other species of grouse in Europe have proven sensitive to wind-farm activities as well,” Sherrod says. “Because wind-energy development in the American prairies is relatively new on the scene, however, and because locations for such activities have been very difficult to discover before construction, long-term scientific studies are either just now being initiated or are only currently underway.

“To responsibly evaluate the impact of this type of energy development on our own prairie chickens would seem prudent to accomplish prior to blindly undertaking activities that, judging from reactions by grouse in other parts of the world, will likely have a negative impact on our disappearing, cherished natural heritage.”

Finding A Compromise

While lines in the sand definitely have been drawn, the situation has not reached an all-out war yet. Conservationists, energy companies and legislators are working hard to find a mutually beneficial solution that will both provide long-term safety for the species and allow development.
“The biggest step toward saving the Lesser Prairie Chicken has been made by the Legislature in forming the Endangered Species and Economic Development Task Force,” Blackwell says. “This task force will combine the expertise of the Oklahoma State University agriculture scientific community with OU’s Sutton Avian Center’s experience. Together with the people whose livelihood depends on its care of the land, a solution will be found. This may be by designating specific wildlife areas as places where this bird can flourish. It may be by transplanting birds to specific areas near other “leks” [the prairie chicken’s grounds for mating and courtship rituals]. It may entail a variety of methods found to be successful.”

“What won’t work,” Blackwell contends, “is what has been done for the past 10 years by the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife. They have spent over $25 million in the last five years in simply ‘improving’ habitat. They ‘hope’ this will work and the Lesser Prairie Chicken will return. But it hasn’t worked in the past 10 years, and it won’t in the future. The answer is much more comprehensive than that. Oklahoma will do a better job in solving this problem as people who actually live in the Lesser Prairie Chicken’s habitat rather than by federal dictates from bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.”

Sherrod, who regularly advises the task force, sees no reason that responsible compromise on development can’t “let us have our cake and eat it, too.”

“We’re not against wind generators,” he says. “We favor putting them in plowed fields that have already been destroyed. Develop responsibly. Instead of putting them out there in the habitat and getting 100 percent energy, we could plant in other places and get 90 percent.”

On the energy side of the issue, OG&E seems to be leading the charge in walking the fine line between bringing new energy resources to Oklahoma and actively seeking solutions to helping the Lesser Prairie Chicken reclaim ground.

Thus far, the company has contributed $8.65 million to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to help offset the impacts of two wind-generation facilities in northwest Oklahoma. According to Horton, the money has been used for such initiatives as the purchase of more than 17,600 acres of Lesser Prairie Chicken habitat and a long-term lease of another 10,000 acres; the hiring of an energy issues biologist to work with the energy industry to promote conscientious development; the negotiation of habitat provision on private lands; and the hiring of a consultant to prepare a comprehensive Conservation Action Strategy and Recovery Plan for the Lesser Prairie Chicken. In addition, the funds will allow the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to partner with the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts to develop a wildlife credits program to incentivize conservation of the Lesser Prairie Chicken on private lands.

“OG&E Energy Corporation takes its stewardship toward wildlife species in peril very seriously,” Trish Horn, vice president for governance, environmental health and safety for the company, recently stated in a forum with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “OG&E is interested in good science and good research that will bring the best results. OG&E believes that the state wildlife leaders in Oklahoma – specifically Secretary of Environment (Gary) Sherrer and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation – are equipped with the expertise to accomplish the most effective results for protection, preservation and restoration of the Lesser Prairie Chicken.”

In addition to the donation of funds to help protect the species, some of OG&E’s upcoming projects, such as the Crossroads farm north of Canton, are being built in environments that will not impact the Lesser Prairie Chicken’s habitat.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation also has been hard at work to help bridge the gap between conservation and development. In response to the dilemma, the department has created the Oklahoma Lesser Prairie Chicken Spatial Planning Tool.

“This a web-based planning tool for any developer working in Lesser Prairie Chicken range to use to evaluate the potential ecological impact of a development on the Lesser Prairie Chicken and its habitat,” Horton says. “It is our intention that through utilizing the tool, the decisions the industry makes are as informed as possible concerning potential effects, either positive or negative, on Lesser Prairie Chickens and their habitats.”

A Murky Future

All parties agree that action must be taken to solve the problem of the Lesser Prairie Chicken, but as billions of potential dollars for Oklahoma and the fate of an entire species square off, a solution that will please all still seems elusive
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“The greatest difficulty in solving this problem is the conservation community, which seems more interested in stopping development and less desire to see the birds in greatly increased numbers,” says Blackwell. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s response has been a fanatic desire to follow the letter of the law and their rules. The end result of increasing numbers seems to be lost in their philosophical milieu. If they would allow Oklahoma time to implement strategies adopted by the state, then real progress could be realized.”

Horton sees conscientious development as the key. “There are plenty of places in northwest Oklahoma where energy development would have minimal or no impact on Lesser Prairie Chickens,” he says. “There are also places, however, where the effects of development would have a significant impact on the potential for long-term survival of the species. It is crucial that all stakeholders work together to protect these areas, and an integral part of that is to make sure that it remains financially appealing to landowners in those crucial areas to maintain populations of the Lesser Prairie Chicken.

“We must make sure, through whatever means available, that all stakeholders work together to maintain a suitable amount of high-quality habitat in sufficient quantities and locations, with functional connectivity to ensure long-term survival of the Lesser Prairie Chicken,” Horton continues.

“I have been fortunate to have traveled throughout the planet to watch wildlife,” Sherrod says, “and there is nothing better out there I’ve seen than to watch the Lesser Prairie Chickens on their leks. Nothing better. It’s just spectacular. We’re really doing our best to keep these glorious animals in our state.”

Left Behind

By

Roy Deering

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November 28, 2011

Most Oklahomans pay little attention to vacant buildings and abandoned property unless, of course, that property is located next door. Whether it’s a boarded-up school, an empty warehouse or an abandoned apartment complex, vacant property becomes a real worry only when it becomes an eyesore in the neighborhood.

Officials from state and local agencies see it differently. They see the problem of abandoned properties as a financial hardship and an emergency services nightmare. They’re pushing hard for legislation that would make it easier for municipalities to deal with the growing blight of vacant and abandoned properties. From decreased property values and increased criminal activity to the enormous cost of emergency services, the problem of abandoned and neglected property has become one enormous financial black hole.

Economic Drain

According to one Oklahoma City official, the issue is costing state and local governments millions of dollars in emergency services and other expenses, and could be costing the state billions in lost property values.

“I know people might hear that and think, ‘That’s ridiculous. How could some empty buildings be that big a problem?’” says Russell Claus, director of the Oklahoma City Planning Department. “I don’t think it’s possible to exaggerate the cost of abandoned and vacant property, when you consider the overall picture. It was a terrible and expensive problem before the housing collapse, and it’s gotten even worse the past few years. When you start to add up the numbers, it’s shocking how much money it’s costing Oklahomans in so many ways.”

There are no statistics on how many properties in Oklahoma fall into the categories of abandoned, neglected or vacant. Some reports estimate as many as 20,000 structures – maybe more – are currently vacant or abandoned in Oklahoma. Many of those are in economically depressed and/or low-income neighborhoods. According to Claus and others who deal with the issue, virtually every neighborhood in Oklahoma City and Tulsa has felt the impact in recent years.

A litany of city codes designed to help keep neighborhoods from appearing neglected are already on the books. But city code violations are seldom enforced, mostly because police and other city officials are already overwhelmed with more serious, criminal issues.

“Yes, those codes are on the books, but in almost every neighborhood you have people who either don’t know the laws or don’t care what the laws are,” says Bruce Hall, a member of the Miller Neighborhood Association in north-central Oklahoma City.

The Miller neighborhood and the Mesta Park neighborhood – also in Oklahoma City – are two areas where residents have battled back against vacant, abandoned and neglected properties the past 20 years. Both neighborhoods are now shining examples of how homeowners can save neighborhoods.

“A lot of the time it’s renters who don’t take pride in the property because it’s not their property,” Hall says.

The problem costs taxpayers and property owners in several ways. First, there is the simple issue of how unattractive the properties are.

“Nothing ruins a neighborhood faster than abandoned and neglected properties,” says Georgie Rasco, executive director of Central Oklahoma Neighborhood Alliance. “It’s very difficult and extremely frustrating to property owners who pour their entire livelihood into their homes, only to have their property values destroyed by vacant houses and abandoned buildings.”

In addition, Oklahoma’s cities are spending millions each year providing police and fire services to these buildings, and none of those costs are being recouped because owners many times are not paying taxes.

Crime

The issue isn’t just money and the unattractive nature of these properties. Crime has become a tremendous issue in and around these properties, according to Claus.

“We speak with law enforcement officials about this issue all the time,” Claus said. “These properties – such as abandoned apartment complexes and empty warehouses – quickly become a haven for illegal activities. It’s very common today for people to set up temporary meth labs in these structures, which often lead to fires and/or explosions.”

Claus says school officials in Oklahoma City and Tulsa deal with the criminal aspect of abandoned properties on a regular basis. He relays the story of one Tulsa school official who says troubles at home and gangs aren’t as scary to students as the crime-ridden, abandoned apartment buildings in their neighborhoods.

“These kids go miles out of their way to avoid these places because of the drug activity and the crime that is associated with these kinds of structures,” he adds. “That’s a real problem that has nothing to do with money. How do you measure that cost?”

No Quick Fix

There are ways state and local governments can attack the problem by “going after” the properties and the property owners. State and local laws provide municipalities with the legal right to condemn a property if the abandoned and vacant situation persists, but, for obvious reasons, a property cannot be seized easily.

“Yes, it is a lengthy process, and it’s designed that way to ensure that the state or the city doesn’t have the freedom to just go around snatching property away from owners who simply don’t act quickly enough,” says State Rep. Randy McDaniel, R-Oklahoma City. “There will most likely be legislation coming in the next session that will make it easier for cities to condemn properties, but we have to walk a fine line between public safety and the rights of property owners.”

Rasco says one ordinance allows a city to condemn a property that has not had utility services for three years.

“But the property owners know this, so often they will come along just as that three-year window is about to expire and they’ll have the water turned on for two or three months,” she says. “That not only stops the process, but it also forces us to begin waiting through another three-year period.”
Claus and officials with other Oklahoma cities are well aware of their rights when it comes to assuming control of abandoned and neglected properties. And, whenever that action becomes necessary, they will take those steps, but they do so very carefully.

“It’s certainly not a step we take lightly, no matter what people think,” Claus says. “It’s not something we want to do, and we do everything possible within our power to rectify these situations without having to resort to that. Taking someone’s property and terminating their property rights is and should be the last resort in a desperate situation.”

Compounding Effects

As much as city officials like Claus understand the need to protect the rights of property owners, he is quick to point out that the situation as it stands currently simply cannot be allowed to continue. The cost is just too high.

“In Oklahoma City alone we estimate there are more than 8,000 abandoned pieces of property,” he says. “And, on average, it costs us more than $1,500 per year to provide police and fire responses to each and every one of those. If you use those numbers, which I believe are actually conservative, that means in police and fire protection alone those properties are costing Oklahoma City $12 million every year.”

Claus says the U.S. Postal Service estimates the number of vacant properties in Oklahoma City as high as 16,000.

Both Claus and Rasco say the impact on property owners across Oklahoma is immediate and devastating when it comes to home values.

“When someone drives into a neighborhood to potentially look for a house to purchase, they don’t just consider the house,” Rasco says. “A lot of their decision for where to locate their family is based on the neighborhood. It focuses on the houses and the buildings around the property they are considering buying. And, especially in today’s housing market – with so many houses on the market – if you drive into a neighborhood and see abandoned and vacant houses, you don’t stick around to look any further.”

Studies across the United States have shown that abandoned and vacant properties have a direct impact on the prices being paid for new homes. One such study in Philadelphia estimated the average homeowner’s cost at $7,500.

Michelle Allen, spokesperson for the City of Tulsa, says Mayor Dewey Bartlett put additional funding in the current fiscal year budget to help offset the increased cost of dealing with vacant and abandoned properties. Claus adds that Oklahoma City officials are currently seeking a consulting company to study the issue.

“What we need are numbers,” Claus says. “We need to know exactly how many of these properties there are, exactly how much they’re costing every year, and we need someone to bring us information on how other cities are dealing with the issue.

“I understand that people are somewhat hesitant to ever give the city more authority to condemn property and take away the owner’s rights,” Claus continues. “This is by no means what we with the city of Oklahoma City want to do and not what we intend to do. We are simply trying to find some way to deal with this problem. It simply has to be dealt with and it has to be done quickly.”

Comic Relief

By

Meika Yates Hines

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November 28, 2011

It’s safe to say that politics is particularly amenable to satire. Who doesn’t enjoy a good joke at the expense of politics and politicians? Without political satire, enduring election season and heck, even reading the newspaper, could get downright unbearable. With all the mud slinging that goes on, a good pie in the face can be awfully refreshing.

But people don’t necessarily want to be hit in the face by it. This is why successful satire comes around the corner and takes you by surprise – and this is when you find yourself stifling giggles and laughing at the very things in which you believe.

Ask Bartlesville native Joe Sears. Having mastered the art of satire, he knows a thing or two about successful political pie throwing.

Together with longtime “laughing buddy” Jaston Williams, Sears is one-half of the mastermind behind the longtime, critically acclaimed Greater Tuna comedic plays, which have garnered a dedicated following of fans both new and old for the past 30 years.

“There is always something new and silly going on in politics, so I think that people are always ready to laugh. We need to laugh. That’s what’s so fun about being a satirist – we make you laugh at some of our own mistakes and make you take a second look at things. We take something and stretch it way out of proportion, so when it slings back you think, ‘Oh wasn’t that funny?’” Sears says.

Based in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas’ third smallest town, where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies, the eclectic band of citizens –men, women, children and animals alike – who live there are portrayed by only two performers, making the poke on life in rural America an endearingly good time, no matter what side of the fence you’re on.

First written as a skit, Greater Tuna was originally based on a political cartoon depicting the difference between totalitarianism and authoritarianism, where in it, both sides lose, with the U.S. government beating up the same people on both the totalitarianism and authoritarianism angles.

“There is always something new and silly going on in politics, so I think that people are always ready to laugh.”

“During the ‘80s, the Moral Majority was just raging, and every day in the newspaper it was something totally ridiculous. When we first performed it, I was a radio host interviewing a man from the U.S. government, and he was demonstrating the difference between authoritarianism and totalitarianism. He would beat me up, and I’d say ‘Folks, this man has just beat the livin’ hell out of me, and we’ll be back in a minute after this commercial,’” Sears explains.

During the commercial breaks, the little town of Tuna was born, and Sears and Williams would do commercials as the now seasoned, much loved array of different Tuna citizens. From that platform, the writing for Greater Tuna and its subsequent plays, A Tuna Christmas, Red White and Tuna, and Tuna Does Vegas came to life and have been making people laugh ever since, from Broadway and Carnegie Hall to the White House and the famed Edinburgh Festival in Scotland.

Sears says that they’ve always tried not to make any judgment in their plays, making sure that all of the characters have something likeable about them – a detail that he believes has contributed to the ongoing success of Tuna.

“We have never wanted to make fun of anyone in our plays. That’s just not who we are. Our roots are in small towns, with Jaston being a small town Texas boy, and me coming from Oklahoma ranch people. That’s who we are – those rural town people are our people. Our families are Republicans and conservatives and we love them,” Sears explains.

“At the same time, I think that’s why Tuna has been successful in places like New York and Washington. People don’t want to see us make fun of our own people – they enjoy the satire because that’s who they are, too. Our work may be stringing up small town folks, but politicians are just as much fodder.”

Now approaching retirement age, Sears says he’s looking to retreat from the national stage and utilize the teaching degree he earned at Northeastern State University in his younger years.

“I couldn’t have asked for a more glamorous life and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, but I’m ready to settle down and teach young people – particularly the young Oklahoma people,” he says.

“We have extremely good talent that comes out of Oklahoma. We come from an area that’s repressed in the arts – we’re not really known for the arts – but when we pop up, we’re a talented lot. I want to take part in guiding young people who are interested in pursuing the arts. That’s what artists do – we pass down what we know. I think that’s the responsibility of any accomplished artist.”

Great Companies Spotlight: Sovereign Nations

By

Lindsay Cuomo

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November 22, 2011

Oklahomans are well-acquainted with the numerous tribal casinos across our state. However, many may be surprised by the vast reach and variety of tribal businesses, as well as their economic impact on Oklahoma. Cherokee Nation Businesses, for example, operates in seven industries.

“People are often surprised at the size and the true economic impact of the Cherokee tribe,” says Molly Jarvis, vice president of Shared Services Marketing and Cultural Tourism. “The Cherokee tribe has a $1.3 billion economic impact to Oklahoma.”

The unique mission of tribal business sets the organizations apart from traditional businesses. The tribes have established for-profit businesses in order to fund services to address the needs of their respective tribes.

“Our stakeholders are the Cherokee people,” explains Jarvis. “Our goal is to make this a better Cherokee Nation for all our citizens.”

The Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes share the same goal.

“We get to take the profits and give it back to the Choctaw people,” explains Shannon McDaniel, executive director of Tribal Management.

“It’s like a family business,” adds Mendy Watkins, director of the Office of Management and Budget. “It’s for the Chickasaw people.”

As sovereign nations operating within and alongside the state of Oklahoma, each tribe is able to make its own determination in what way it uses those funds and how to best meet the needs of its citizens.

“We determine the best avenue to benefit our citizens,” explains Haskell Alexander, deputy gaming commissioner.

For example, Native Americans face an increased risk of developing diabetes. Therefore, the Choctaw Nation takes special care in providing members access to proper care.

“It’s important to not have to drive long distances for health care,” says McDaniel. “We want our people to have the means to manage their health and get the treatment they need.”

Each of the tribes agrees that community involvement is a high priority. Cherokee Nation Businesses has a community impact team that addresses the needs of the community in 14 northeast Oklahoma counties. The Choctaw Nation supports local schools and emergency service providers in several communities in rural Oklahoma.

The Chickasaw are premier sponsors for Ada’s yearly National Night Out celebration as well as many other functions throughout the year.

In addition to their community focus, the tribes are some of the largest employers in their respective areas, employing thousands of people at various levels.

“The opportunities are so vast (with the Chickasaw Nation),” comments Watkins. “There are so many things you can do and lots of room for advancement.”

“We strive to have a very low unemployment rate in all the counties we operate in,” says McDaniel.

“People are always wanting to work for the (Chickasaw) tribal businesses,” adds Alexander.

There is no denying the economic impact of tribal businesses in rural Oklahoma.

Cherokee Nation Businesses

Employ: 8,000

Benefits: A comprehensive package including paid leave, medical, retirement, and tuition reimbursement for full time employees.

Industry: gaming, hospitality, personnel services, distribution, manufacturing, telecommunications and environmental services.

Chickasaw Nation

Employ: 10,800

Benefits: A comprehensive package including paid leave, medical, retirement and tuition reimbursement for full-time and some part-time employees. Also feature an Individual Advancement Plan with financial incentives.

Industry: travel plazas and trading posts, gaming, chocolate factories, newspaper, radio stations, as well as many other small businesses through its Small Businesses Development Center.

Choctaw Nation

Employ: 8,000

Benefits: A comprehensive package including paid leave, medical at no cost to the employee, retirement and tuition reimbursement for full-time employees; additionally, a training program for employee advancement.

Industry: gaming, travel plazas, manufacturing and supplies for the federal government and branches of armed services and contracts with federal government to provide medical care to branches of armed services overseas.

The Brasserie Restaurant & Bar

By

Brian Schwartz

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November 18, 2011

Over the past year, the deft hand of Marcus Vause, The Brasserie’s immensely talented new chef, has raised that elegant Brookside standby to new levels of excellence. Seasonal ingredients are cooked to perfection, and the dishes are as delightful to behold as to consume. Dots of sauce and microgreens from a small Tulsa farm are strewn across the plate with the whimsy of Miro or Kandinsky, a constellation of edible stars. Duck might be served in summer with a carefully layered salad of wilted greens and Porter peaches, or in autumn with gnocchi and a tangy blue cheese sauce. Scallops – big, juicy and perfectly seared – might be topped with foie gras and served with fennel cooked sous vide and infused with coriander, or paired with pork belly, accompanied by sauce soubise and an orange gastrique. Most weeks, a $35 four-course set dinner is offered. One week, the menu included butter poached lobster with scallop mousseline ravioli followed by spiced rack of lamb with chorizo, peas and an intense brown demi-glace. The menu changes every week and is never repeated. 3509 S. Peoria Ave., #161, Tulsa. www.thebrasserietulsa.com

Wine Notes

By

Staff

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November 17, 2011

The advent of fall and of the late-season holidays signal an end to the wines that helped us survive this summer’s heat wave. Gone are the light-bodied, crisp, not necessarily complex flavors that paired so effortlessly with dinner off the grill and warm nights huddled inside in the air conditioning. Rising to replace them now that cooler weather has arrived are more food-friendly, flexible and elaborate wines that best accompany rich dinners, chilly nights and a season of parties.

Gewurztraminer is ideal for the fall. The medium-bodied, spicy white wine can be variably sweet, so you’ll want to find the one you prefer. But they are ideal with a traditional Thanksgiving feast and pair well with most seasonal spices.

Syrah/Shiraz stands up to fall seasonal flavors without the strict traditional food pairings of Cabernet and without the intensity of Merlot. Better flexibility, soft tannins and a slightly more delicate body combine with frequent flavor of cherry, currant and oak to create an ideal fall wine. The US, Australia and South Africa all have good wines that are less costly than their European cousins.

Light and fruity and as close to a white wine as a red wine can get, Beaujolais Nouveau isn’t just a wine, it’s a tradition in late November when it is releases to the world annually. Sure its popularity is at least half creative marketing. But it is also a festive wine, inoffensive and an ideal offering at seasonal get-togethers.

Simply Healthy

By

Staff

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November 17, 2011

In Norway, halibut is served to royalty on special occasions because of its delicate flavor and dense, meaty texture. Halibut can weigh upwards of 600 pounds, and are a member of the flatfish family. A 3.5-ounce halibut portion contains 1000 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids that help our bodies with inflammation. Most experts agree that people should eat at least six ounces of fish per week because the protein is high quality and low in fat, containing many vitamins and minerals.

Many people are concerned about the mercury content in fish. I believe the benefits far outweigh the risks, especially when you know where the fish were caught or farmed. Interesting research from Purdue University shows that drinking tea with fish can bind some of the mercury present in fish.

Halibut is easy to cook and does not smell or taste “fishy.” I bake it at 375 degrees in the oven for 20-30 minutes with a sauce or simply with lemon, butter and seasonings. Below are a couple of recipes for easy sauces that complement halibut. Simply mix together, pour over four to six halibut filets and bake in a 375-degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until fish flakes with a fork.

Apricot Sauce

1/2 c. apricot jam
2 tbsp. white wine vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. fresh tarragon, chopped

French Sauce

3 tbsp. honey
3 tbsp. Dijon mustard
3 tbsp. rice vinegar

What We're Eating

By

Staff

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November 17, 2011

My Thai Kitchen

The farther one is away from the homeland of an ethnic cuisine, the less likely one is to get a taste of food the way it is supposed to taste, usually. Fortunately, My Thai doesn’t cook “down” to its guests. Instead they perfectly balance tastes emerging from Thai staples such as Thai basil, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilis, fish sauce and coconut milk. The result is a sizable menu with many dishes permitting diners to choose a preparation and a protein to feature. Red and green curries leave some diners seriously wanting to lick their plates clean; the Steam Fish in Thai Herbs shows a masterful hand with seafood; and a Panang beef (or chicken) is one of many good options for those who don’t want any heat at all in their dish. 3023 S. Harvard, Tulsa. 918.794.7093

Big Al’s Healthy Foods

The arrival of the holiday season can have lunchers longing for something on the lighter side. Like, say, a delicious wrap containing avocado and turkey, or a homemade soup with healthy ingredients. Let Big Al’s feed you, then. With today’s emphasis on healthy, clean eating, Big Al’s has never been more relevant in its more than 30 years in operation. Sandwiches, salads, panini, wraps, smoothies – all can be found at the luncheon place in midtown Tulsa. Feeling frazzled? Try a Stress Relief Mix smoothie, which includes the juices of carrots, celery, red bell pepper, parsley and tomato. Or enjoy a warm bowl of soup. Some favorites at Big Al’s are spicy chicken enchilada, tomato basil, Italian wedding soup and hearty vegetable. 3303 E. 15th St., Tulsa. 918.744.5085

S & B’s Burger Joint

S & B’s is slinging burgers, sliders and beer that keep Oklahoma City patrons coming back for more. Most items on the menu can be ordered in slider or traditional burger form, but a few only come in mini format, including the Blue Philly, a slider topped with grilled rib eye, red onions, garlic and blue cheese. The Frenchman is a popular menu item, topped with mushrooms, swiss, fried onions and a French onion sauce. The Lava is topped with Cincinnati chili, sharp cheddar and onions, while the Columbian is an exotic choice, with a sea salt and coffee crusted patty served with smoked cheddar, lettuce, red onion, avocado and cilantro lime salsa. Fries, both French and sweet potato, are available, with an impressive selection of smothered fries. Embrace the season and try the Thanksgiving Fry, sweet potato fries topped with marshmallow cream, dried cranberries and chopped pecans. 5929 N. May Ave., Suite 106, Oklahoma City. 405.843.8777

Easing the Pain of Loss

By

Sarah Szabo

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November 17, 2011

End of life is as natural as the beginning of life, but is nevertheless often laden with anxiety and trepidation. For patients being treated for terminal illnesses, the reality is frightening – but it needn’t be a painful experience. It is this aspect of death that hospices seek to alleviate, by providing services to generally terminal patients, and assistance to families grieving their inevitable loss.

The services provided by hospices typically take the form of “comfort care,” a method of medical treatment which focuses on alleviating both emotional and physical suffering for people who are in the final days of their lives as a result of age or illness.

An important distinction should be made about comfort care in that it is not necessarily a process that only terminal patients go through, but rather a method of treatment that can be taken up by anyone who desires to not be in pain and to not be alone as they undergo aggressive treatment to heal their maladies.

Hospice workers advise that families should feel comfortable in asking questions about the approaching deaths of their loved ones, initiating the conversations with their medical providers if necessary.

“Some doctors will hesitate to ask about a family’s stance on comfort care with terminal illnesses,” says Carolyn McGhey, a staff member at Grace Hospice. “Good doctors will talk about it all along.”

In addition to providing care for those suffering pain, hospices also provide noteworthy services to the families and friends of their patients, some for up to 13 months after the patient’s death. These services range from therapeutic counseling, to discussions with social workers and meetings with clergy members – services that are also provided to all hospice patients over the course of their care.

Overall, what hospices offer to terminal patients is an easing of pain, with meetings taking place frequently over individual needs, plans of care, medical regiments and the providing of medical equipment.

Similar services are also provided by institutions such as Clarehouse, which offers medical care and nursing in conjunction with hospice care as part of an end-of-life regimen.
“We work side by side with the hospice,” says Cheryl Martinez, clinical coordinator of Clarehouse.

Of the family-type care they offer, she says that Clarehouse “provides a break to families, so they can enjoy their last days with a loved one.”

An important consideration regarding hospice care is of course the cost.

“Medicare pays for a lot of hospice care,” says Jamie Webb, a nurse with Saint Francis Hospice in Tulsa. “There’s no out of pocket costs for the patients for issues related to their illness,” meaning that services provided directly related to an illness are not often charged to the family.

Hospices often take charity cases as well, she adds.

Aside from providing comfort care, terminal patients and their families also have legal considerations as they face a life’s end.

Such considerations are typically expressed by terminal patients with end-of-life advance directives, which convey their wishes in concrete legal terms.

“Basically, the living will is what I sign when I’m terminally ill,” says Andrew Wolov, an estate attorney with the Hall, Estil law firm. “It’s what I sign if someone else is going to need to make decisions for me.”

But the living will – officially known as an advance care directive – is not the only document important for end-of-life patients. There are also arrangements that can be made for wishes regarding organ donation and to legally designate health care proxies.

Generating Relief

By

Lindsay Cuomo

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November 17, 2011

Autumn’s cool breezes and mild temperatures carry with them the anticipation that winter is just around the corner.

Recent winters have hit Oklahoma with several epic snowstorms. The record snowfall earlier this year left most of our state digging out for days and thousands without power. This season, many are looking to be prepared next time.

David Burke, president of Gilley Electric, who has been selling Generac generators for 18 years, says sales today are higher than ever.

Ginette Overall, owner of Power Ready, agrees. She opened Power Ready, an authorized Briggs and Stratton dealer, after she spent days without power. Upon opening, business was so busy she didn’t get her own unit installed for three months.

Why are so many people buying generators? Overall says the peace of mind that generators provide in case the lights go out and the heat is off is part of the reason. She believes generators add value to your home.

“I think generators will become expected to be in the home just like garage door openers and security alarms,” says Overall.

“There are lots of reasons to have (a generator) and not many to not have one.”

There are many options available when choosing a generator. Various sizes and fuel options allow for a range of uses. Choosing the right generator is as easy as a phone call.

Both Overall and Burke say they can help you analyze your needs and match your home with an appropriate unit.

The area you want to power with your generator can vary, including powering the whole house or a specific area for emergencies.

“We can install a generator to power your ‘safe zone,’” explains Burke. “You can power anything except your A/C with this set-up.”

Homeowners can also choose between a permanent unit and a portable generator. Permanent units have higher installation costs; however, they are less expensive to operate. Cheaper to purchase, portable generators will cost the price of the gas used, Burke points out. Additionally, a permanent unit can have an automatic transfer switch that senses when the power goes out and will turn the unit on and off. This convenient feature makes the unit very safe to use.

Typically, there are three common fuel types: natural gas, propane and gasoline. Natural gas tends to be the most cost effective choice, even though the upfront costs can be higher.

“Natural gas is the lowest costing fuel to operate a generator,” says Burke. “And, all of the other fuels’ supply has to be monitored so you are prepared.”

“The cost varies, but at Power Ready it usually starts at $3,200 (for a non-portable generator), and then installation can be around $1,500 to $3,500.”

Burke estimates the cost for a Generac portable generator between $1,200 and $1,500, and the cost of a large, permanent generator that can power the entire home between $6,000 and $7,000.

Generators require regular maintenance, reminds Overall.

“You should have a certified technician check it out regularly,” she explains. “It needs oil and filters, just like a car.”

Burke advises to be cautious of whom you buy from.

“They will be telling you how to use your generator,” says Burke. “So make sure they are properly trained.”

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Finding A Compromise

A Murky Future

Economic Drain

Crime

No Quick Fix

Compounding Effects

Apricot Sauce

French Sauce

My Thai Kitchen

Big Al’s Healthy Foods

S & B’s Burger Joint

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Editor's choice

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