YR-A Section - WEDS 1/21/2014 6:29 PM Page 2

page 2 - Yukon Review s Wednesday Jan. 22, 2014 Senator

Continued from page 1 ing, as well as $10,000 for a also had the skills that made advocacy for responsible means,” Pruitt said. National Endowment for him arguably the most spending and deficit reduc- The state’s AG called where,” said Coburn, who the Arts grant to produce a sought-after advisor in the tion has earned him respect Coburn a “genuine leader” committed to serving no live “pole dancing” perform- Republican conference. from men and women on unafraid to “tell you exactly more than two terms. ance that featured power “In every policy decision, both sides of the aisle,” Gov. where he stands.” “In the meantime, I look linemen, their bucket trucks Tom has sought to be a Fallin said. “Agree with him “And unlike most in our forward to finishing this and 20 utility poles. faithful steward of the tax- or not, there is never any nation’s capital, Dr. Coburn year strong.” Coburn supports term payers’ money and a dedi- doubt where is driven not by partisan pol- Coburn served in the U.S. limits, gun rights and the itics or a desire to get re- House of Representatives death penalty and opposes “Agree with him or not, there is never any doubt elected, but rather by his from 1995 to 2001, deciding gay marriage. He’s also commitment to secure a where Tom Coburn stands on the issues. He is as not to seek re-election to an- known for his leadership in brighter future for the next other term to uphold a cam- the pro-life movement. impressive a public servant as they come, and I generation of Americans. Dr. Coburn, 65, is a med- “That kind of principled paign pledge. am sure we have not heard the last from him.” He returned to political ical doctor specializing in leadership is in short supply U.S. Sen. Dr. Tom Coburn office in 2004 after being obstetrics and a Southern - Gov. Mary Fallin in Washington these days elected to the U.S. Senate, Baptist deacon. and will be sorely missed.” has been an influential leader and was re-elected to a sec- ‘DEDICATED PUBLIC cated public servant to stands on the issues. U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, during his time in office, ond six-year term in 2010. SERVANT’ TO ALL . He is a true “He is as impressive a R-Oklahoma, believes Dr. and I know he will accom- A fiscal and social con- Fellow Oklahoma elected brother in the Lord and my public servant as they come, Coburn has been a “dedicated plish more as he finishes servative, Coburn is leaders say Coburn will be prayers are with him and his and I am sure we have not servant” to all Oklahomans. out the 113th session.” known for his opposition greatly missed. family in this time.” heard the last from him.” “Throughout his tenure, SPECIAL ELECTION to deficit spending and Oklahoma’s senior U.S. Oklahoma’s Republican Oklahoma Attorney Gen- he has worked tirelessly to TO FILL SEAT pork barrel projects. senator said he was honored governor, Mary Fallin, says eral , another fel- provide ways to cut govern- Coburn’s retirement from His zeal is reflected his an- to help recruit Coburn in Dr. Coburn has represented low Republican, believes Dr. ment waste, eliminate fraud the U.S. Senate triggers a nual, much-pored over 1993 to run for the House the “gold standard for smart Coburn is an example of and abuse of taxpayers’ dol- special election for his seat - “Wastebook.” It details ex- of Representatives. and tough fiscal conser- “what is right in Washington.” lars, and create economic on the same dates as Okla- amples of what he views as “I knew then that he was vatism” since he came to “His unrelenting dedica- certainty for all Americans,” homa’s regularly scheduled flagrant government spend- an intellectual and superb Washington, D.C. in the tion to uncovering wasteful Congressman Lucas said. elections. The primary will ing excesses. Last year’s medical doctor,” said U.S. mid-90s. Gov. Fallin says the spending has helped bring a “His commitment to solv- be June 24, runoff primary compilation of 100 included Sen. , R-Okla- Senate is losing one of the renewed focus on the im- ing our country’s fiscal crises (if needed) would be Aug. $65 million for post-Hurri- homa. “As we worked to- country’s “great statesmen.” portance of the federal gov- serves as a true testament to 26 and the general election cane Sandy tourism advertis- gether, I came to learn he “His consistent, relentless ernment living within its his hard-working spirit. He will occur Nov. 4. YPR

Continued from page 1 will help pay for this unique superintendent position. been on the Park Board, YPR programs “bring so great way to give back to water spray ground. “So now maintenance is I’ve really come to appreci- much pleasure” to both City those people who come here cial events are award win- Another major addition is done proactively instead of ate the time and effort our of Yukon citizens and peo- and shop (in City of Yukon ners, with Festival of the a new air conditioning system waiting for a complaint - or Parks and Rec staff puts in,” ple who live on the outskirts stores),” Alberts said. Child, Freedom Fest, at the Jackie Cooper Gym, waiting for another depart- Edwards said. inside the 73099 zip code, Vice Mayor Nick Grba Christmas in the Park, and which has been without one ment to make time to come GREAT FOR YUKON Alberts emphasized. thanked Chairman Edwards the Taste of Yukon promi- since opening in 1999. The out and do that,” Edwards said. Ward 2 City Council This includes Oklahoma for his 13 years of volunteer nent on the list. gym also will receive a new He also credited YPR staff Member John Alberts, a for- City residents who live close service to the City of Yukon. “This is just a great place floor and roof updates. members, calling them mer Park Board member, enough to consider Yukon Grba called “amazing” the to live, and part of that is the “It’s going to be a real fine “some of the hardest-work- called Yukon’s parks and their “home.” impressive growth of fact that we have a City that’s facility when that’s done,” ing people I know.” recreation system a “great Offering them access to the Yukon’s Parks & Recreation willing to support its parks Edwards said. “Over the 13 years I’ve part of our city.” many YPR programs “is a Department over those years. for the citizens,” Chairman Both the splash pad and Edwards said in a report at Jackie Cooper Gym up- the Jan. 8th Yukon City grades are projects the Park Spartan Council meeting. Board “has been working The City of Yukon has on behind the scenes for Continued from page 1 Saturday he’ll run a 3.1- how many obstacles there’s woods. Competitors may been active in obtaining years,” Edwards noted. mile “sprint” and on Sun- going to be during the race.” be asked to chop wood for grant funds to help pay for In his report to the City has lost 60 lbs since July and day he’s entered in an The kingpin of all the two hours; complete a 30- park and recreation projects. Council, Edwards recog- is working his way from one 8-plus mile “Super” race. Spartan races is the omi- mile hike with rocks and City grant writer Audrey nized other Yukon Park level of racing to the next. There will be 15 obstacles nous “Spartan Death Race” weighted packs; build a fire Fitzsimmons is credited for Board members: D.E. Spartan races have three in the sprint race and 20 in held each year and billed as from scratch; cut a bushel her efforts in this area, most Brower, Joe Baumann, Ed distances: 3.1 miles, 8 miles the longer one. “the world’s most challeng- of onions; or, after 24- recently in trying to secure Hatley, and Ward Larson. and 15 miles and Butts has But, maybe not. ing endurance race.” hours of racing, memorize federal grants to improve the Edwards explained the completed them all, the “They play with your According to a detailed the names of the first 10 Chisholm Trail Park trail sys- Park Board does “some leg- first in Nebraska, the sec- mind a little bit,” Butts description of the race, it U.S. presidents or a Bible tem and update the Ranch- work” before items come be- ond in New Jersey and the said, which is part of the “requires competitors to verse, hike to the top of a wood Park restroom facility. fore the Council for grueling 15-miler in Texas. challenge. “They might say complete numerous gruel- mountain and recite them NEW ADDITIONS approval; its members also On Friday, Butts will be there’s 15 obstacles but ing mental and physical back in order - miss a word Edwards, who has served conduct regular park inspec- headed to California to there might be 25 obstacles. challenges throughout a 40- and you get to do it the past 13 years on the tions and volunteer for local compete in an obstacle You never really know how mile course that runs again.again.again.” Yukon Park Board, de- special events. The Board re- course/racing event. On far the race is going to be or through the Vermont Butts classified the “Death scribed some new additions views facility use agreements Race” as “the toughest to Yukon park system. with local organizations and competition on the planet.” “We have the new splash clubs, citizen complaints and Ban “It’s an endurance race,” pad going it at Sunrise suggestions from the city he describes it. “Physically Continued from page 1 nite material such as fire- erations; each case must be Park,” Edwards said. manager and staff. and mentally, it’s just above works, campsites, bonfires approved by permit through “That’s going to be some- The Park Board chairman and beyond. The minimum approved the burn ban or fires to burn trash and de- local fire authorities. thing I think will be heavily expressed appreciation to City is 48 hours with no sleep. proclamation at a special bris, vegetation, forest or * Burning vegetative de- utilized. Hopefully, we’ll see Manager Grayson Bottom The sleep deprivation is meeting Jan. 17. grass range unless otherwise bris if: Weather forecast/ completion of the splash for helping reorganize the what really hits people.” All three Commissioners granted special permission conditions become favorable, pad before spring.” YPR department, specifically One race he competed in signed the resolution, which by the Canadian County request made at least 48 hours A $100,000 federal grant with the addition of a parks last year started with 159 states: “Any fire started Board of Commissioners or in advance, detailed burn plan entries and ended with only under these extreme condi- their designated person.” accompanies request, and ad- 15 finishers. tions may become out of There are three primary equate fire suppression “It lasted 70 hours with control causing major prop- exceptions/exemptions to arranged and approved by no sleep,” Butts said of the erty damage and the possi- Canadian County’s outdoor local fire authorities. torturous event. “You don’t bilities of injuries and burning prohibition: Anyone convicted of vio- know when it starts and you danger of loss of life.” * Outdoor grilling using lating Canadian County’s don’t know when it ends. The resolution makes it gas and charcoal grills with burn ban resolution is sub- That’s the way it’s designed. “unlawful for any person to hood covering. ject to a maximum $500 fine They try to break you physi- purposefully set fire or to ig- * Cutting and welding op- and/or up to one year in jail. cally and mentally and they will. It’s just a matter of time Hopkins to where they’re going to get you one way or another.” Continued from page 1 Oklahoma. He is a member of the Pied- Butts has finished all the mont Chamber of Commerce, Leadership races he’s competed in and move forward in a positive way.” Canadian County and the American Public has several medals to show Hopkins is a former Director of Land De- Works Association where he is active in the for it. An average day of velopment for Home Creations. While liv- Central Oklahoma Chapter. training includes running ing in Norman, following his graduation Hopkins is married to Paisley Basham maybe six miles, chopping from the University of Oklahoma, he was Hopkins, who is the current CEO of the wood, carrying a 60-lb sand elected to the Norman City Council. He Yukon Chamber of Commerce. They at- bag over his shoulder while went on to serve three terms. tend Piedmont First United Methodist he walks through his neigh- “Canadian County is at a crossroads,” Church. They have six children – Hayley, borhood, through creeks Hopkins said. “It will take strong leadership Wiley, Kennedy, Dillon, Aidan and Lydia. and over hills near his and the desire to create an atmosphere that Kevin Hopkins can be contacted at 373- home. Not an average day nurtures prosperity and enhances the great 1609 or [email protected]. for any athlete, especially quality of life we have in our communities.” Current District 1 Commissioner Phil Car- one who has withstood a Hopkins is a graduate of the University of son has announced he will not seek reelection. massive head injury.