(Photo by Jim Powell) Conserve water with discounted...
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Wednesday, March 23, 2016 www.yukonreview.net Page 3 Forestry conducting inventory in county 405-354-3776 / 405-681-0333 PENWRIGHT INSURANCE AGENCY From page one Budget required by law. Finally, the city is report- ing there may be inaccuracies in the city’s past audits and the most recent 2015 audit. They report the 2015 audit will need to be reissued mak- ing the city’s current 2015- 2016 budget also inaccurate. After the city first discov- ered the financial issues, they hired a forensic accountant to assess the city’s current financial condition. “The accountant advised that the city’s 2015 financial statement incorrectly states the city’s financial condi- tion,” the press release states. “In reality, the City of Yukon has been using its reserves to pay expenses for a number of years and does not have enough money to pay its expenditures for the rest of this fiscal year.” City leaders say they will be forced to take drastic measures, including layoffs, liquidating assets and bor- rowing money to meet its obligations. Monday’s press release is the first official information to be released to the public by the city. Spokesperson Jenna Roberson said it is the city’s wish to be as transparent and open as possible through- out this process. She added additional updates will be provided as they become available. Roberson said a press conference also may be held, if warranted and appropriate, to give additional informa- tion and an opportunity for questions to be asked. The Yukon Review first reported on the city’s financial situation when Jim Crosby was announced as returning to his former role as city manager with his first day set for April 1. Mayor John Alberts said in a council meeting last month, Crosby and the experience he brings is what Yukon needs now. “Yukon has a bright future, however the next few months will be a challenge for the new manager, the council and the city employ- ees as we work together to deal with some very serious financial issues,” Alberts said. Crosby also confirmed the city’s financial status in an interview earlier this month with The Review. “The city is in very bad financial condition,” Crosby said. “They’re laying people off, they’re cutting back on business. When I left we had a very strong reserve and we were in excellent shape. I think my past experience will help me see what some of the problems are and we’ll try and get the city back on the right track.” Former manager resigned In December, council members accepted Grayson Bottom’s resignation but no further explanation was given and council members have kept quiet. Bottom came to work for the city following Crosby’s 16 year career as city manager. He retired in January 2011. The vote to accept Bot- tom’s resignation wasn’t unanimous. Council member Donna Yanda voted against accepting his resignation stating, “I feel like Yukon has come a long way since he has been here.” Yanda added, she saw “nothing that merits his resig- nation.” Bottom came to the city from Clinton where he also worked as city manager. Watch for more informa- tion in the Yukon Review on this ongoing situation. BOTTOM Members of the “Circle the State” choir from Lakeview Elementary School entertained the crowd attending the recent Yukon Public Schools “Teacher of the Year” ceremony in the Yukon High School cafeteria. LES fifth grade teacher Libby Wrather was presented the 2016 award over very stiff competition. (Photo by Jim Powell) Top teacher banquet features Lakeview singing talent Winners of the “Spring Stroll” competition at Satur- day’s Yukon 125th “Birthday Bash” celebration were: Under 12: 1st - Savannah Hutson Over 12: 1st - Betty Johnston and 2nd - Cailin McClung Pets: 1st: Stormy the Lap hen! and Katie (Gayla and Jason Breed), 2nd - Elea- nor Fuller and 3rd - Laura Billerbeck. Red Hat Ladies Fancy: 1st- Judy Gam- mon, 2nd - Margaret Bar- bour, 3rd - Diane Pross and 4th - Barbara Sebourn Whimsical: 1st - Barbara Taylor, 2nd - Barbara Ryan, 3rd - Darlene Clonts and 4th - Aurora Agger Spring Stroll event winners announced What type of forest or woodlands is present in western and central Okla- homa? What tree species are in Blaine, Canadian, Grant, Kingfisher, Major, Oklahoma and Woodward counties? Is our forest healthy? These and many other questions will be answered as a Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) crew from Oklahoma Forestry Ser- vices begins collecting data on plots in these counties. Foresters began this important data collection in 2009. Each subsequent year, foresters continue gathering information about the amount of land under forest cover, the type of forests and tree species that are present, tree size, invasive species and forest health issues. “Healthy forests and woodlands provide Okla- homa with many valuable goods and services,” said State Forester George Geissler. “We are collect- ing information about our forests in all 77 counties which will improve our planning and management strategies and ensure our citizens receive the greatest benefit possible.” The analysis is conduct- ed on randomly located plots across private, indus- trial, and public lands and includes both forested and non-forested areas. Private landowners are contacted directly by mail if a plot falls on their land. The information gathered from this analysis determines the status of the local for- est resource and shows trends seen in the forests of Oklahoma. This data also contributes to similar nationwide efforts of the USDA Forest Service. “The information we collect is added to the national database to give policymakers the data they need to make informed decisions for the future of our forest resources,” said FIA Coordinator Carri Abner. “We appreciate landowners allowing us ac- cess to their land so we will have an accurate assess- ment of Oklahoma’s trees and forests.” Crews will be traveling in marked Oklahoma De- partment of Agriculture, Food and Forestry vehicles and will be carrying proper identification with them. Landowners and lessees can assist in this endeavor by granting crews access to property if an FIA plot falls on their land, as well as telling others about the program. They are also welcome to be present when the crew is conducting the measurements on their property. If you would like more information, contact Carri Abner at (918) 290-9208 or [email protected]. The City of Yukon Stormwater Quality Depart- ment is partnering with the Central Oklahoma Storm Water Alliance to support the use of rain barrels to conserve water. Rain barrel usage saves money, reduces stormwa- ter pollution, conserves water supply resources, and is better for plants and gardens. Yukon residents have the opportunity to purchase discounted rain barrels online at www.upcycle- products.com/static. asp?path=6155. Prices start at $61 plus a $2.50 online handling fee. Rain barrels ordered online can be picked up between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on May 19 or May 20 at Yukon Public Works, 1305 Industrial Drive. For more information, contact Anna Waggoner, Stormwater/GIS Manager, at 354-6676 or awaggoner@ cityofyukonok.gov. Conserve water with discounted rain barrels
Transcript of (Photo by Jim Powell) Conserve water with discounted...
Wednesday, March 23, 2016www.yukonreview.net Page 3
Forestry conducting inventory in county
405-354-3776 / 405-681-0333
PENWRIGHT INSURANCE AGENCY
From page oneBudget required by law.
Finally, the city is report-ing there may be inaccuracies in the city’s past audits and the most recent 2015 audit. They report the 2015 audit will need to be reissued mak-ing the city’s current 2015-2016 budget also inaccurate.
After the city first discov-ered the financial issues, they hired a forensic accountant to assess the city’s current financial condition.
“The accountant advised that the city’s 2015 financial statement incorrectly states the city’s financial condi-tion,” the press release states.
“In reality, the City of Yukon has been using its reserves to pay expenses for a number of years and does not have enough money to pay its expenditures for the rest of this fiscal year.”
City leaders say they will be forced to take drastic measures, including layoffs, liquidating assets and bor-rowing money to meet its obligations.
Monday’s press release is the first official information to be released to the public by the city.
Spokesperson Jenna Roberson said it is the city’s wish to be as transparent and open as possible through-out this process. She added additional updates will be provided as they become available.
Roberson said a press conference also may be held, if warranted and appropriate, to give additional informa-tion and an opportunity for questions to be asked.
The Yukon Review first reported on the city’s financial situation when Jim Crosby was announced as returning to his former role as city manager with his first day set for April 1.
Mayor John Alberts said in a council meeting last month, Crosby and the experience he brings is what
Yukon needs now.“Yukon has a bright
future, however the next few months will be a challenge for the new manager, the council and the city employ-ees as we work together to deal with some very serious financial issues,” Alberts said.
Crosby also confirmed the city’s financial status in an interview earlier this month with The Review.
“The city is in very bad financial condition,” Crosby said. “They’re laying people off, they’re cutting back on business. When I left we had a very strong reserve and we were in excellent shape. I think my past experience will help me see what some of the problems are and we’ll try and get the city back on the right track.”
Former manager resigned
In December, council members accepted Grayson Bottom’s resignation but
no further explanation was given and council members have kept quiet.
Bottom came to work for the city
following Crosby’s 16 year career as city manager. He retired in January 2011.
The vote to accept Bot-tom’s resignation wasn’t unanimous. Council member Donna Yanda voted against accepting his resignation stating, “I feel like Yukon has come a long way since he has been here.”
Yanda added, she saw “nothing that merits his resig-nation.”
Bottom came to the city from Clinton where he also worked as city manager.
Watch for more informa-tion in the Yukon Review on this ongoing situation.
BOTTOM
Members of the “Circle the State” choir from Lakeview Elementary School entertained the crowd attending the recent Yukon Public Schools “Teacher of the Year” ceremony in the Yukon High School cafeteria. LES fifth grade teacher Libby Wrather was presented the 2016 award over very stiff competition. (Photo by Jim Powell)
Top teacher banquet features Lakeview singing talent
Winners of the “Spring Stroll” competition at Satur-day’s Yukon 125th “Birthday Bash” celebration were:
Under 12: 1st - Savannah Hutson
Over 12: 1st - Betty Johnston and 2nd - Cailin McClung
Pets: 1st: Stormy the Lap hen! and Katie (Gayla and Jason Breed), 2nd - Elea-
nor Fuller and 3rd - Laura Billerbeck.
Red Hat LadiesFancy: 1st- Judy Gam-
mon, 2nd - Margaret Bar-bour, 3rd - Diane Pross and 4th - Barbara Sebourn
Whimsical: 1st - Barbara Taylor, 2nd - Barbara Ryan, 3rd - Darlene Clonts and 4th - Aurora Agger
Spring Stroll event winners announced
What type of forest or woodlands is present in western and central Okla-homa? What tree species are in Blaine, Canadian, Grant, Kingfisher, Major, Oklahoma and Woodward counties? Is our forest healthy?
These and many other questions will be answered as a Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) crew from Oklahoma Forestry Ser-vices begins collecting data on plots in these counties.
Foresters began this important data collection in 2009. Each subsequent year, foresters continue gathering information about the amount of land under forest cover, the type of forests and tree species that are present, tree size, invasive species and forest health issues.
“Healthy forests and woodlands provide Okla-homa with many valuable goods and services,” said State Forester George Geissler. “We are collect-ing information about our forests in all 77 counties which will improve our planning and management strategies and ensure our citizens receive the greatest benefit possible.”
The analysis is conduct-ed on randomly located plots across private, indus-trial, and public lands and includes both forested and non-forested areas. Private landowners are contacted
directly by mail if a plot falls on their land. The information gathered from this analysis determines the status of the local for-est resource and shows trends seen in the forests of Oklahoma. This data also contributes to similar nationwide efforts of the USDA Forest Service.
“The information we collect is added to the national database to give policymakers the data they need to make informed decisions for the future of our forest resources,” said FIA Coordinator Carri Abner. “We appreciate landowners allowing us ac-cess to their land so we will have an accurate assess-ment of Oklahoma’s trees and forests.”
Crews will be traveling in marked Oklahoma De-partment of Agriculture, Food and Forestry vehicles and will be carrying proper identification with them. Landowners and lessees can assist in this endeavor by granting crews access to property if an FIA plot falls on their land, as well as telling others about the program.
They are also welcome to be present when the crew is conducting the measurements on their property.
If you would like more information, contact Carri Abner at (918) 290-9208 or [email protected].
The City of Yukon Stormwater Quality Depart-ment is partnering with the Central Oklahoma Storm Water Alliance to support the use of rain barrels to conserve water.
Rain barrel usage saves money, reduces stormwa-ter pollution, conserves water supply resources, and is better for plants and gardens.
Yukon residents have the opportunity to purchase discounted rain barrels
online at www.upcycle-products.com/static.asp?path=6155. Prices start at $61 plus a $2.50 online handling fee.
Rain barrels ordered online can be picked up between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on May 19 or May 20 at Yukon Public Works, 1305 Industrial Drive.
For more information, contact Anna Waggoner, Stormwater/GIS Manager, at 354-6676 or [email protected].
Conserve water withdiscounted rain barrels
