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Seminole's City Council meeting has been postponed one week until July 18th, 2023, and will be held as a Special Meeting at 7pm at the Reynolds Wellness Center, 1001 E Strother, Seminole, OK.

Monday morning, May 15th, Seminole was hit by a flash flood event. Flash flooding occurs in Seminole when the area receives more than 2 inches of rain per hour, as observed over the years. In this particular event, the storm brought heavy rainfall in a short period, causing the flood. Compounding the situation, the ground was already saturated from previous rains in the preceding week. “Unfortunately, we saw results of the damage mother nature can do. The good news is that no one was hurt in this event. In some cases limbs float down drainage areas and can clog key watershed zones during the storm. Without the street crews keeping the streets clear of debris, it could have been much worse. Much of the significant flooding in the Grisso area was caused by dislodged fence panels being installed in sensitive flood prone areas,” said City Manager Steve Saxon. Seminole Street Department works diligently throughout the year to keep stormwater infrastructure clean. Residents play an important role in preventing floods by disposing of debris properly. “We appreciate that city council has funded the critical equipment needed to perform the necessary work to prevent the floods. We also value when Seminole residents work with us to fix a drainage issue. This is sometimes reporting problems on Citizen Problem Reporter, and other times hiring a contractor to fix their private property,” said Public Works Director Bryant Baker. Seminole Fire Department deployed water rescues on Monday. “We are thankful that city council has allowed us to train for floodwater rescues. The training was vital and came into play during this last flash flood,” said Assistant Fire Chief Scott Childers. FEMA has located and mapped areas known as floodplains, where water can gather and pool while it waits to proceed downstream. The highway frontage of Municipal Park is one of those places, designed to hold the flood water temporarily. Seminole has several floodplain areas in town, including neighborhoods and retail areas. Over the years FEMA flood management has changed from keeping flood waters away from people to keeping people away from flood waters. City of Seminole has two Certified Floodplain Managers on staff, whose job it is to make sure current construction does not obstruct any floodwater paths. A flood map for the City of Seminole is available online on the city’s website. A direct link to the map is “seminole.tiny.us/floodmap”. Sharon Emmitt, Community Development Director and Floodplain Manager, said, “Every year, there is a 1% or more chance that properties located in a FEMA floodplain will be under water. This used to be called the ‘100 year floodplain’, but FEMA changed it to 1%, since occurrences happen more than once every one hundred years. It is possible businesses and residences located in the floodplain will all fall victim to the 1% chance at some point in time.” The best defense against flooding is a proactive offense. It is crucial to consult with city officials and thoroughly evaluate the risk of building in flood-prone areas. Residents also need to follow drainage ordinances and dispose of debris properly. Responsible construction practices and an understanding of flood management guidelines can contribute to minimizing the impact of flood events. If a person's home has been damaged during a flash flood, here are some general steps they should consider taking: 1. Ensure Safety: Prioritize personal safety and evacuate the property if necessary. Do not re-enter the home until authorities confirm it is safe to do so. 2. Document the Damage: Take photographs or videos of the flood damage for insurance purposes and make a detailed inventory of damaged belongings. 3. Contact Insurance Provider: Notify your insurance company about the flood damage and initiate the claims process. Provide them with the necessary documentation and follow their instructions. 4. Mitigate Further Damage: Take steps to prevent additional damage, such as removing standing water, drying out affected areas, and securing the property to prevent further intrusion. 5. Seek Professional Assistance: Consult with qualified professionals, such as water damage restoration experts or contractors, to assess the extent of the damage and assist with cleanup and repairs. It is important to note that specific actions may vary based on the severity of the flood and local guidelines.

The Seminole Youth Council, a group of juniors and seniors from Varnum Public Schools, Seminole Public Schools, and The Academy of Seminole, won the American Planning Association's Best Practice in Economic Development 2023 Student Project award for their innovative project for their leadership in bringing a new Family Entertainment Center to Seminole, OK. The entertainment center, which will feature bowling lanes, laser tag, an arcade, a cafe, and a bar, is set to become a hub of family-friendly activity in the community. “I would like to congratulate past and present members for their success. It's great to hear that the Seminole Youth Council has been recognized for their outstanding efforts in bringing a new Family Entertainment Center to Seminole, OK. Winning an award for this project is a testament to their leadership and dedication to making a positive impact in their community. It's inspiring to see young people taking an active role in improving their town and creating opportunities for families to come together and have fun,” said Mayor Jeff Griffin. Seminole Youth Council first presented the project in 2019 to Seminole City Council. The group recognized a need for more recreational options in the area and decided to take action to make it happen. They have continued to work with council members, city staff, and voters to secure funding and support for the project. “We are thrilled and humbled to receive this award," Atriya Nourbakhsh, a first year youth council member said. "Our project was truly a team effort from the first youth council members of 2019 to current members, and we are proud to have been able to make a positive impact on our community. We hope that our project will inspire other young people to get involved in economic development and community building."

The Seminole Youth Council presented a proposal to the Seminole City Council on April 26, advocating for the creation of a Dual Purpose Drive-In Theater/Amphitheater in the city. The youth council believes that such a facility would be a valuable addition to Seminole, providing entertainment for all generations and community space that can be used year-round. The Dual Purpose Drive-In Theater/Amphitheater would be a venue that could accommodate a variety of events, such as outdoor concerts, farmers markets, car shows, movie screenings, and theatrical performances. With its dual purpose, it would be a space that can be used in all seasons, ensuring that the community has access to entertainment options throughout the year. In their presentation, the Seminole Youth Council highlighted the potential benefits of the proposed facility, including its potential to attract visitors to Seminole and increase local business revenue. They also emphasized the importance of having a space that is accessible to people of all ages, including families with young children and senior citizens. “Families often come out of Nomad’s Animal Encounter and Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum looking for the next thing to do. This would add to our entertainment for locals and visitors,” said Rainy Mcgraw, a second year youth council member. In addition to a new proposal, Youth Council gave an update about the Family Entertainment Center that showed the floor layout and had 3D renderings of the center. In 2019, the very first Seminole Youth Council presented a Family Entertainment Center that included a bowling alley, laser tag, arcade room, and café for Seminole. “We are thrilled to see the progress that has been made on the Family Entertainment Center proposal since its initial presentation in 2019," said Mayor Jeff Griffin. "The addition of detailed floor layouts and 3D renderings has allowed us to better visualize the space and ensure that it meets the needs and preferences of the Seminole community. While there is still much work to be done, we are excited about the ongoing process and remain committed to bringing this exciting new venue to our city." “Working with the Seminole Youth Council has been an absolute pleasure," said Briana Wymore, the Youth Council Sponsor for the City of Seminole. "I have been consistently impressed by the dedication and growth of each student involved in the program. It is an honor to support and mentor these young leaders as they work to make a positive impact on our community." "We are incredibly proud of the Seminole Youth Council for their hard work and dedication to improving our community," said Mayor Griffin. "They are a shining example of the talent and leadership that exists within our young people. We encourage them to pursue their education wherever their path may lead them, and to always remember their roots in Seminole. We hope that they will consider returning to our community one day to continue making a difference through volunteering, serving on boards and committees, and even potentially running for City Council and other leadership positions. Our city will always welcome back these talented young leaders with open arms. We have no doubt that they will continue to make a positive impact in Seminole and beyond." #SeminoleOK

The City of Seminole celebrated Earth Day by leading the Community Clean Up. The clean up was April 15-22nd and was aimed at cleaning up the city, making it more beautiful and protecting the environment. Ten teams participated in the clean-up effort, and over 140 volunteers came out to lend a hand to make the event a success. The teams are as followed: Seminole First Baptist Church Celebrate Recovery cleaned on walked Highland Street. Seminole State College Presidential Leadership Class cleaned around and in the creek of Seminole Municipal Park. Budget Boosters cleaned on Oak Street. Artsy Fartsy Folks (Seminole Arts Council) made updates to Chase Park and cleaned the 2 block perimeter. Carter Real Estate, Seminole Middle School, Edward Jones – Brian Geist, and Synergy Urgent Care partnered to clean and make upgrades to John’s Park. Pam Robinson Real Estate cleaned on Milt Phillips near Braums and Sonic. Seminole HS Tennis Team cleaned around the Tennis Courts and Boomtown. Seminole High School cleaned Highway 9 and planted new flowers in the vases at the school. Cross Trail Outfitters upgraded a flower bed in Seminole Downtown District. “The City of Seminole is so thankful for every team that wanted to do their part in making Seminole a cleaner place to live. They picked up over 100 bags of trash during the clean-up, which is an incredible effort for the city,” said Mayor Jeff Griffin. “The success of the clean-up effort is a testament to the power of community engagement. When people come together and work towards a common goal, incredible things can be achieved. The city of Seminole is fortunate to have a community that is so committed to preserving the environment and making the city a better place to live.” Overall, the community clean-up effort in Seminole was a great success. The community should be proud of the work that was done and the impact that it has had on the environment. #SeminoleOK

MADE IN OKLAHOMA EGG HUNTS MORE

The city's tennis courts on Highland Street and Municipal Park have recently received a facelift and are now ready for play. The resurfacing of Seminole's 10 tennis courts was made possible by the joint funding efforts of the City of Seminole and Seminole Public Schools. Both entities recognize the importance of providing high-quality recreational facilities to their residents and students. Each court received new nets and poles along with being resurfaced. "We are proud to have partnered with Seminole Public Schools the resurfacing of the tennis courts. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the City Council for their support in funding this important project in Seminole" said Steve Saxon, City Manager for the City of Seminole. "By pooling our resources, we were able to make the necessary improvements to the tennis courts and ensure that they are safe and enjoyable for everyone who uses them." The joint funding effort also highlights the collaborative spirit of the city and its schools. By working together, they are able to achieve more than they would have on their own. "The resurfacing of the tennis courts is a great example of how the city and schools can work together to benefit the community," said Dr. Bob Gragg, Superintendent of Seminole Public Schools. "We are thrilled to have been a part of this project and look forward to continuing our partnership with the city to improve our recreational facilities." The resurfacing project was completed on time and within budget, thanks to the hard work of the city's Public Works Department. The department worked closely with local contractors to ensure that the project was done right, from the preparation of the surface to the application of the new coating to the new nets and poles on each court. "We're excited about the upgrades to the tennis courts in Seminole, and we believe they will help us attract more tennis tournaments and visitors to our city," said Bryant Baker, Public Works Director for the City of Seminole. With the new tennis court surface in place, residents and students can enjoy a safer and more enjoyable playing experience. The joint funding efforts of the City of Seminole and Seminole Public Schools demonstrate their commitment to providing top-notch recreational facilities to the community.

“The community clean up is a necessity for Seminole and the surrounding area. Every year we are so thankful for the volunteers that take time to care about the town. We also would like to thank City Council, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, and The Great American Clean Up for continued support in these types of programs,” said City Manager Steve Saxon. The City of Seminole will host its 3rd Annual Seminole Community Clean Up from April 15th – 23rd. This program is operated through The Keep America Beautiful® Great American Cleanup® which is the nation’s largest community improvement program, which takes place annually in an estimated 15,000 community events nationwide. At community clean-up events across the country, such as Seminole's Community Clean Up, they offer volunteers with garbage bags, gloves, and vests. There were over 200 volunteers in each of Seminole’s clean up over the past two years and each year a new component has been added to the program. Visit www.Seminole-Oklahoma.net/community-clean-up to register and learn more about the initiative. At the first clean up, community organizations, businesses, and individuals were invited to clean and improve different areas of Seminole. “We originally tried to make it a one day event, and it seemed there were several conflicting schedules of people that wanted to participate. We had than 20 different groups sign up after extending the dates to a week surrounding Earth Day. There were over 250 bags of trash collected that week. We were excited about the success of that event and looked forward to seeing it grow,” said Public Information Officer Briana Wymore, who has organized the clean up the last 2 years. The City of Seminole wanted to keep up the cleanup since they knew it was beneficial to the community in various ways. “We saw organizations ‘adopt a park’ where they cleaned the park, repainted equipment, and found ways to improve the parks. What was wonderful about this is that no one asked them to do any of it. They took action because they saw a need and wanted to be a part of the solution. It was a huge help to Seminole,” said Public Works Director Bryant Baker. Several of the same organizations that participated the first year also participated the second year. Seminole softball player Addison Hill commented, “Our team picked up trash on Strothers from Main to Harvey. We picked up so much more trash the first year than the second year. It was cool to see that our efforts made a difference.” An E-Waste recycling program was added to the clean up last year. The City collected over 100 electronics from the community and a volunteer drove them to Computer Nation in Midwest City. This will happen once again for 2023. This will happen once again in 2023. For additional information on recycling electronics, call 405-382-4330 ext. 113 or go to the clean up website. A new added feature to Seminole Community Clean Up is the tire recycling program led by Code Enforcement Officer Amy Harmon. She applied for a grant through Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that allows City of Seminole to host a tire recycling program. The grant paid for the materials and construction of the shed, fence to go around the site and a sign that has the rules of the program. DEQ issued a permit to the city that allows us to hold the tires and they will come to pick them up when it is time to recycle. Since March 1st, 2023, Seminole residents are allowed to take tires to the shed located at 901 A Street (behind the fire department) from 8am to 5pm. This program will be continuous throughout the year. For questions or concerns about Seminole Community Clean Up, please contact Briana Wymore through email at Briana@Seminole-Oklahoma.net or by phone at 405-382-4330 ext 113.

City of Seminole was awarded $10,000 from Department of Environmental Quality to be used for a tire recycling program. Starting on March 1st, Seminole residents will be allowed to take tires to a shed located at 901 A Street (behind the fire department) from 8am to 5pm. Code Enforcement Officer Amy Harmon learned about the DEQ Tire Program at a DEQ Conference in 2021 and came back to City Hall inspired. “I started thinking about all of the lots in Seminole with tires piled on them. I immediately knew I wanted this program to come to Seminole and prevent illegal dump sites for tires,” Officer Harmon said. With the approval of the Seminole City Council, Harmon partnered with Public Information Officer Briana Wymore, who has led the Great American Clean Up (GAC) for the past two years. The GAC is the brain child of a statewide program, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful. “I think this is a fantastic addition to Seminole’s Community Clean Up,” said Wymore, “This will be our third year to orchestrate the Great American Clean Up. The first year the community cleaned streets, the second year we added a computer recycling program, and now this.” “It keeps getting bigger and better every year thanks to participation of the community and the leadership of the City Council and city staff,” Wymore said. (This is the third year for a city-led participation – the chamber led the program for several years.) The grant paid for the materials and construction of the shed, fence to go around the site and a sign that has the rules of the program. DEQ issued a permit to the city that allows us to hold the tires and they will come to pick them up when it is time to recycle. “Right now, residents are required to pay at least $6 per tire to dispose of any used tires. Now residents will have a free option to recycle tires at no cost to the city. We hope that this is one step in the right direction to prevent illegal tire dump sites,” said Officer Harmon. The rules for the tire recycling program are as followed: Tires That Are Accepted Are • Car & Light Truck Tires • Motorcycle and Moped Tires • Bus Tires • Agricultural Equipment/Tractor Tires Tires that are NOT Accepted • Tires on Rims • ATV Tires • Off-Road Tires • Airplane Tires • Bicycle Tires • Mower & Wheelbarrow Tires • Forklift & Other Heavy Equipment Tires (does not apply to agricultural)

The City of Seminole is leading the way in an open mic night on February 28th at 737 Duck Calls. It all started when City Manager Steve Saxon asked Public Information Officer Briana Wymore to be Seminole’s Film and Music Liaison. “I was so excited for this role and to learn about the up and coming music and film industry in Oklahoma,” said Wymore. Oklahoma’s Film and Music Office has been working on recruiting Film and Music to Oklahoma over the last decade. The impact of Oklahoma’s film and television industry has been recognized by MovieMaker Magazine by ranking Oklahoma City #13 in its top 25 list of big cities and Tulsa as #5 in its top 10 list of small cities/towns for the Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker in 2022. Oklahoma is home to some of the most renowned musical acts and venues in the world. There are more exciting opportunities in Oklahoma’s music industry than ever before. As the entertainment industry continues to flourish both globally and here in Oklahoma, the need for the continued development and expansion of our local music industry workforce and companies is critical. In October of 2022, Wymore received two free tickets to go to The Music Cities Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The conference was an international conference and had over 300 participants ranging from musicians to city employees to coordinators from all over the world. Topics focused on how to bring music to a city by embracing creatives and unused spaces. “I asked Tara Geist to go with me since she was looking for ways to promote the Boomtown Rebuild. We had no clue what we going to see or do at this conference, but came back so inspired,” said Wymore. Wymore and Geist decided a good next step for Seminole’s music industry would be to gather a music focus group. The first meeting was held January 26th where the group was allowed to go around and say what they could offer or what they needed out of the industry. “We had musicians express needs of just wanting a place to play and organizations that wanted future music at events. We also had experts that gave great advice and encouragement,” Wymore said. After the open discussion, it was decided that there would be two follow up actions: build a performer’s directory on Seminole Film and Music website page and have an open mic night. Geist and Wymore brainstormed locations and thought 737 Duck Calls would be a fun place to try an open mic night. They reached out to the owners who loved the idea. Devin Green, owner of Mister McClain Entertainment and an attendee of the focus group, said he wanted to support the growth of music in Seminole and one way he could do that was to provide sound at the open mic night. “It was inspiring to see how fast and quick this came together. It shows the desire and need for something like this to happen in our town. I am really looking forward to see talent grow in Seminole as we cultivate the music community,” said Wymore. Musicians can fill out an online form to sign up to perform at the open mic night at https://seminole.tiny.us/OpenMic or contact Briana Wymore at briana@seminole-oklahoma.net. This event is open to the public and everyone is invited to attend to support and listen to local talent.