COUNCILOR RECALL DEMAND SHORT ON SIGNATURES

(STILLWATER, OKLA. / February 5, 2010) -- Stillwater Deputy City Clerk Clara Welch released a statement Friday that said, "A document titled 'Demand for the Drawing and Circulation of a Recall Petition' was filed with this office on February 4. The document demands a petition seeking a recall election for City Councilor Darrell Dougherty be drawn and circulated.

"The Payne County Election Board Secretary has today determined that only 83 of the signers are registered voters of the city. The City Charter requires that a petition demand statement be supported by the signatures of 100 or more registered voters before the recall process may be initiated."

Feature Photo: Glassblowing at the Multi Arts Center

With 73 different classes and 32 local artists, area residents are sure to find the right class to help them find their inner artist at the City of Stillwater Multi Arts Center (MAC).

Pictured here is MAC instructor Mark Gregory during a glassblowing class. Photo by Zack Ahern.

Click here to learn more about classes at the Multi Arts Center...

Stillwater citizens may apply to become members of advisory boards

Stillwater citizens may apply to become a member of a variety of City of Stillwater's Citizen Advisory Boards and Committees, many of which have or will have openings. Appointment may be made at the Feb. 15 City Council meeting.

Boards or committees include the following: Board of Adjustment, Library Board, Library Trust Board, Sister Cities Council, Board of Drainage Appeals, Rural Water Advisory Board, Business Improvement District #1 Advisory Board, Stillwater Regional Airport Authority, Stillwater Convention and Visitor Bureau, and the Use Tax Committee

Deputy City Manager Mary Rupp said, "We encourage citizens who would like to be on a board to keep an application on file. They don't have to wait for an opening to submit a form."

The Advisory Board Application Form is available at the Stillwater Municipal Building, 723 S. Lewis, or online at stillwater.org. For more information call (405) 742-8209 or e-mail news@stillwater.org.

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Galloway presents 'Mid-Year Budget Adjustment' to City Council

City Manager Dan Galloway made a presentation of his 'Mid-Year Budget Adjustments' to the Stillwater City Council on Monday night. The presentation is available for download here. Read more...

Watch meetings: Stillwater City Council 2-1-10; Planning Commission 2-2-10

Watch on Vimeo.com or YouTube.com. Follow link for more information about Stillwater's City Government.

Residents and businesses reminded to help remove snow and ice from sidewalks

tillwater has once again borne the brunt of a major ice and snow storm that left the streets and sidewalks in somewhat hazardous conditions. While City of Stillwater workers are responsible for clearing streets, it should be noted that Stillwater citizens, students and business owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks of snow and ice.

"It's really a matter of public safety and being a good neighbor," Sherry Fletcher, director of marketing and public relations. "That's why we're asking all residents and business owners to clear the ice and snow from sidewalks adjacent to their homes or businesses so everyone has a safe path to walk. You can see around town that many people have already cleared their sidewalks."

Read more...

Animal welfare community unites to hold Spay Day event at Stillwater Public Library Feb. 20

Ever wonder how important it is to have a companion animal spayed or neutered? Answers may be found at the Spay Day @ the Stillwater Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 20. Designed for the whole family, Spay Day is will include useful information from OSU veterinarian Lara Sypniewski, pet-education booths and family fun with Susan Phariss and her performing Wonder Dogs.

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Stillwater Public Library’s Chocolate Festival for grades 6 to 12

Stillwater Public Library’s popular Chocolate Festival for teens returns on Friday, Feb. 12. All “chocoholics” in grades 6 to 12 are invited to this free program full of chocolate eating, activities, and fun. From 4:00-5:30 pm there will be chocolate treats, games, crafts and contests.

For chocolate tasting, there will be a variety of chocolates including chocolate fondu with fruit, cake, and pretzels for dipping. Participants will have the opportunity to create a mouse from Hershey Kisses and lollipop flowers as well as other simple paper crafts. “Chocolate” games are Candy Heart Bingo and Hugs ‘n Kisses chocolate trivia game. Contests will include “How Many Candies in the Jar?” and “Name the Candy.”

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Harley Hitches a Ride: Stillwater Animal Welfare helps reunite dog and family

Late last year in Winslow, Ariz., the Vasquez family lost their dog, Harley. They searched, put up flyers and waited, hoping to receive that phone call saying that Harley was safe.

However, never in their wildest dreams did they except the call would come from Director Mary Dickey of the City of Stillwater Animal Welfare Shelter.

It's still unclear how Harley, a pretty female golden retriever, became separated from her family, but on New Year's Day she somehow found her way to a rest stop on I-40. When a man traveling through found her and thinking she had been abandoned, he put her in the car and continued his trip to Stillwater where he was relocating.

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Step Afrika!steps into Stillwater Thursday, Feb. 18

Step Afrika! is the first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. They will step into Stillwater Thursday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m.at City of Stillwater Community Center, 315 W. 8th Ave.

Step Afrika! celebrates stepping, an art form born at African-American fraternities and based in African traditions. As the first professional company dedicated to stepping, Step Afrika!'s intricate kicks, stomps and rhythms mixed with spoken word pound the floor and fill the air.

Tickets are on sale for $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $12 for students (applies to anyone with a valid high school, college or university I.D.).

Read more ... or Watch a Step Afrika! performance

AARP tax-aides to provide free help with returns

AARP Tax Aides on hand to help people prepare their income tax forms at two City of Stillwater locations until April 15.

Aides will be at the City of Stillwater Senior Activity Center, 1015 E. 12th Ave., Monday through Thursday between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and at the Stillwater Public Library, 1107 S. Duck St., Wednesday and Thursday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

This service is free and open to the public; however, bring all of tax documents including W-2s, 1099 forms and other income forms, last year's tax return, social security cards or Individual Tax ID forms and a valid photo ID.

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Galloway meets with city employees to discuss budget shortfalls and possible solutions

The impact of the recent economic slow down that has hit other states is beginning to be felt in Oklahoma, and in Stillwater that means the City is preparing for a possible $4.5 million shortfall for FY 2009/2010.

This week City Manager Dan Galloway hosted a series of meetings for City of Stillwater employees to discuss the current economic status, budget shortfall and rumors of possible layoffs and furloughs.

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Stillwater Fire Department's PSA: A massive recall of Dorel cribs and Graco strollers has been announced this week

US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging all parents and caregivers to immediately stop using cribs manufactured by Dorel Asia, of Barbados. We are aware of the death of a 6-month old child from Cedar Rapids, Iowa who became entrapped and strangled in a crib after the drop-side hardware broke and 31 incidents of drop-side detachment, including 6 entrapments. In addition, CPSC is aware of 36 incidents of slat breakage, including seven reports of bruises and scratches to children and two reports of entrapment that resulted in no injury.

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Stillwater Fire Department receives grant from Wal-Mart for its early fire safety education program

The Stillwater Fire Department applied and received a grant for $1,000 from the Wal-Mart on Perkins Road that will be used to support its early fire safety education program.

"On behalf on the Stillwater Fire Department I would like to express our sincere thanks to Wal-Mart for their support of the Fire Safe Education program. Wal-Mart's contribution will allow us to better serve the Stillwater community," said Deputy Fire Marshal Neal Moore.

Read more...

Download the 'City of Stillwater Spring Newsletter'

Happy New Year, Stillwater! And, welcome to the new The City of Stillwater Newsletter. Beginning this January you will begin to receive a quarterly newsletter enclosed with your utility bill. Our newsletter will include information about your city government, upcoming entertainment and recreational opportunities as well as information about the wide variety of services the City of Stillwater offers.

I wish to assure you that Stillwater’s City Council, management and employees are all committed to making it possible for every citizen of our community to find out what they need to know about city government and our services. I hope you find this newsletter helpful, and please let us know if there is any type of information you would like to see in future issues. Be sure to visit stillwater.org for the latest news and information.

Wishing all the best year ever in 2010. — City Manager Dan Galloway

City of Stillwater announces six blood drives for the American Red Cross Blood Drive for 2010

(STILLWATER, OKLA. / Jan. 14, 2010) — The City of Stillwater will host six blood drives for the American Red Cross during 2010. The blood drives are generally held between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at either the City of Stillwater Community Center at 315 W. 8th Ave or the Stillwater Public Library at 1107 S. Duck St.

• February 24- Stillwater Community Center
• April 28- Stillwater Public Library
• June 30- Stillwater Community Center
• August 25- Stillwater Public Library
• October 27- Stillwater Community Center
• December 29- Stillwater Public Library

Those interested in donating may schedule an appointment through the Red Cross web site www.givelife.org, or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or contact Gloria Short at the Community Center at (405) 533-8433. City of Stillwater blood drive co-chairs are Gloria Short and Carli Ferguson.

Second recall petition to proceed

(STILLWATER, OKLA. / Jan. 11, 2010 ) — Stillwater City Clerk Marcy Alexander released a statement Monday that said, "A document titled 'Demand for the Drawing and Circulation of a Recall Petition' was filed with this office on Friday, January 8, 2010. The Payne County Election Board Secretary has verified the document is supported by 109 valid signatures.

"The document lists four (4) grounds for the recall of the Mayor. After consultation with the City Attorney, I have determined the document alleges sufficient grounds for drafting and circulation of a petition to recall the Mayor.

"Accordingly, drafting of a recall petition will commence upon receipt of the Mayor's written reply or expiration of the ten-day period as set forth in the Stillwater City Charter."

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The next Homebuyer Education Course is set for Saturday, Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Stillwater Public Library, 1107 S. Duck St. Lunch and course materials are provided for pre-registered class participants.

The event, which is free of charge, is co-sponsored by a local lender and is presented by certified extension educators from the OSU Cooperative Extension Service. Additional guest presentations are made by the Consumer Credit Counseling Service, local lenders, realtors, insurance agents, and home inspectors.

Read more...

New hours at the City of Stillwater Convenience Collection Center, effective Jan. 19

The City of Stillwater Convenience Collection Center, a residential recyclable/waste collection service at 809 S. Perkins Rd., announces new hours

The center's new hours are as follows:
Tuesday thru Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Read more...Watch video...

Election dates set for Stillwater City Council

(STILLWATER, OKLA. / Dec. 21, 2009) — Two Stillwater City Council seats will be elected on April 6. Vice Mayor Tom Dugger and Councilor Tom Williams are unable to run for re-election due to term limits. The filing period for those seats will run from Feb. 1 to Feb. 3. A primary election is scheduled for March 2.

Elections are conducted by the Payne County Election Board. Read more...

Call for artists: City of Stillwater Multi Arts Center's announces 2010 exhibits

What is the first thing you think when you hear "Wonderfully Whimsical" and "Flowing Waters" and "Wear it Out?" If you say "art exhibits" you are right. The City of Stillwater Multi Art Center, 1001 S. Duck, is pleased to announce its 2010 monthly art exhibits and invite local artists to participate.

Artwork for the February exhibit "Art is Music, Music is Art" will be accepted starting Jan. 19 until Feb. 1, while art for March's "Youth Art Exhibit will be accepted Feb. 22 until March 1.

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5th annual Dancing with Daddy Dance scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 13; Advance tickets on sale now

The dance is held in two sessions with preschoolers to 2nd graders dancing from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and 3rd graders and above dancing from 8:30 to 10 p.m.

City of Stillwater Recreation Supervisor Amy Jo Frazier said, "This event grows in popularity every year. With giggling girls and smiling fathers, what's not to like! It's an opportunity for dads to spend special time with their daughters."

Advance tickets will be available online until Feb. 12 at tickets.stillwater.org or at the City of Stillwater Community Center for $20 per couple with $7.50 for each additional daughter. This includes a small gift for each daughter.

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Upcoming 2010 Parks & Recreation Sports

Youth baseball, softball, k-ball. Registration deadline Feb. 6

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Upcoming 2010 Parks & Recreation Sports

Adult sports: Volleyball, Baseball, Softball

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Stillwater Global Affairs Forum: A 'heated' discussion 'Global Climate Change' at the Stillwater Public Library Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.

The Stillwater Global Affairs Forum will open its 2010 scholar and discussion presentations on Thursday, Feb. 11 with “Global Climate Change” at the Stillwater Public Library.

The Feb. 11 forum will focus on changes in climate across the globe and its ramifications on social and environmental realms as well as economic and political aspects of international relations. The speaker will be Dr. John Wood, professor of political science at Rose State College.r.

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Just breathe: Stillwater Public Library hold meditation class on Feb. 8

The Stillwater Public Library will present a one night class on beginning meditation Monday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. taught by student and teacher Larry Souders.

Souders has been practicing meditation since 1983. Souders studied under E.J. Gold for three years. Gold is the author of the “American Book of the Dead,” which is the Americanized interpretation of the classic “Tibetan Book of the Dead.” Souders has taught meditation in Oklahoma City and Stillwater.

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Stillwater Public Library reminds residents to plan ahead for state tax forms

Beginning Jan. 2, 2010, the Stillwater Public Library will be providing tax forms and instruction booklets for individuals to plan, prepare and file their 2009 taxes. However, state items will not be available.

According to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, it is not providing state forms or instructions to libraries this year, but it will mail these items automatically to residents as long as they filed last year and as long as they did not file online.

If a form does not arrive in the mail, the tax commission requests that taxpayers print their own tax forms from the OTC Web site at http://www.tax.ok.gov/itformcrt1.html. The tax commission also will send forms via mail by request. Contact taxpayer assistance at 1-800-522-8165 or otcmaster@tax.ok.gov to request forms by mail. When calling the toll free request number, choose option 4 to order forms.

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'Crime and Comedy: The Lighter Side of Murder and Misdemeanor' is topic for 2010 'Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma' reading and discussion series at Stillwater Public Library

Crime and comedy might seem to be polar opposites, but comic elements have been cropping up in crime fiction ever since Edgar Allan Poe wrote the first detective story. Today a growing number of authors deliberately create comic crime novels for an enthusiastic audience, and the Stillwater Public Library will explore this genre in the 2010 "Let's Talk About it, Oklahoma" (LTAI) reading and discussion series..

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Census needs thousands of people in Oklahoma to fill jobs

The U S Census Bureau will hire thousands of people throughout the state of Oklahoma between now and next spring. This strong economic shot in the arm is like having several factories open up in the state! Up to a total of approximately 5,000 people will be on staff during peak times.

“This is the largest civilian mobilization of workers in the history of the United States” said Dennis Johnson, Regional Director.

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Call for Artists for 33rd Annual Stillwater Arts Festival

The 33rd Annual Stillwater Arts Festival to be held April 17-18, 2010, is now accepting artists' applications online at stillwater.org.

Applications are being accepted in following categories: oils and acrylic; watercolor; caricature; pencils, charcoal and pastels; photography; metals; glass; jewelry; pottery (thrown, hand built and sculpted); wood; and fibers. Entries will be reviewed by an expert panel of three jurors for spaces at the annual fine arts show. The 2010 festival will be presenting $1,400 in jury awards.

The early bird deadline is Feb. 19, 2010, when the fee for a 12' by 12' booth is $80. Entries postmarked between Feb. 20 and April 2, 2010, will be charged $110. The notification process begins March 5, 2010.

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Living Out Loud: The 2009/2010 Performing Arts Series

Performances are held at the City of Stillwater Community Center in the Houston Theater, 315 E. 8th Avenue in Stillwater. The Living Out Loud: 2009/2010 Performing Arts Series, is sponsored by the City of Stillwater, Oklahoma Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Stillwater Radio and Suddenlink.

Box Office: Tickets individuals shows, the series or customized packages available.
* Phone: (405) 533-8433
* Web: tickets.stillwater.org
* E-mail: gshort@stillwater.org
* Stop by 315 W. 8th Ave., Stillwater, OK
* Download brochure or Read more...

You're invited to host a student on International Hospitality Day, Feb. 27

Everyone is invited to participate in International Hospitality Day on Saturday, Feb. 27. Sponsored by the International Friendship Committee of the City of Stillwater, the event is a great opportunity to share cultures, meet interesting people and showcase activities that Stillwater has to offer.

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Watch '2009 Economic Development in Stillwater' on Vimeo.com

Or, click here to watch on YouTube.com

Routine fire hydrant flushing

The City of Stillwater Water Utilities will begin conducting routine fire hydrant maintenance program flushing between midnight and 8 a.m. in the following areas:

1) 6th to 19th

2) Main to Duck

Read more...