The City of Durant and Durant Main Street were notified this week of their successful bid to receive $480,453 in federal funding. The funding comes from the Transportation Equity Act for the 21^st Century or TEA-21. The notification came from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) whose Special Project Branch administers the federal funding program.

     The funding will be used for a Downtown streetscape project and bike route to connect the Downtown and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. The total project will be $686,361 with 70% of the funding coming from TEA-21. The remaining 30% will be matched locally with in-kind services and financial support. The purpose of the plan is to improve the aesthetics of the Downtown and stimulate the local economy.

Project highlights will include:

     The proposal for TEA-21 funding was a joint effort of the City and Durant Main Street. Both Senator Billy Mickle and Representative James Dunegan strongly supported the project. The local effort began in earnest last July with City Manager Paul Buntz suggesting Main Street Program Manager Donna Dow attend a transportation conference at which the funding program would be addressed.
     The City and Main Street jointly hired an architect, Landplan Consultants, to provide a conceptual design and prepare the funding application. Soon thereafter, a public meeting was held at City Hall to allow citizens, Downtown building owners, and Downtown business people to voice their thoughts, opinions, needs, and concerns. The information from this meeting was provided to the architect and used in the design. The conceptual design was later presented at a subsequent public meeting.
     Richard Andrews, ODOT’s Special Projects Branch Manager, was invited to Durant to provide guidance on the proposal and discuss project feasibility. He attended the first public meeting and presented an overview of the project. He encouraged local officials to capitalize on Durant’s thriving Downtown.
     A fundraising committee has been established by Durant Main Street. They plan to sell "corners" to sponsors for $2500 to raise a significant portion of the matching funds. The "corners" will consist of a light pole banner with the sponsor’s name, bench, trash receptacle, paver, and bike rack.
     Durant Main Street has also been researching ways to market the Downtown during construction. Several other communities throughout the United States have gone through this process, and they have been willing to share information on how businesses can accommodate their customers during the construction phase. The construction will not begin until sometime early in 2003.
     ODOT received 113 applications encompassing funding requests in excess of 52 million dollars. To evaluate these proposals, ODOT seated a Transportation Enhancement Advisory Committee. The committee was composed of individuals with a broad-based interest and expertise in transportation. Their responsibility was to evaluate the merit of each application and to forward a programming recommendation to the Transportation Commission.
     Durant’s proposal was one of 41 approved by the Oklahoma Transportation Commission. The year 2002 represents the 10^th anniversary of the implementation of the program in Oklahoma. The 2001- 2002 Enhance Proposal Process began in the summer of 1998 with the passage of TEA-21 legislation authorizing funding for Federal Aid Highways.
     Only three projects were approved to receive amounts greater than Durant. Oklahoma City’s Streetscape was approved for $500,000 of a $1,000, 000 total project. Tulsa’s Osage Rail Trail was funded for $775,870 of $1,034,494. Tulsa’s West Bank Trail was approved for $605,079 of $806.772.

Downtown Streetscape Fundraising
Campaign Kicks Off
(Articles are presented in chronological order)

     Durant Main Street has announced that fundraising efforts for City’s upcoming Downtown Streetscape and Bike Route project have begun. An initial contribution has been received, and one family adopted a corner to kick things off.
     The family of John and Irene Grider has paid for the enhancements to the corner of 4th and Main in front of the Three Valley Museum. Their daughters (Markita Rawlings, Barbara Kramer, Donna McCurty, and Vickie Thorpe) have given this gift to their parents in recognition of their contributions to the community.
     Durant Main Street Program Manager, Donna Dow, was able to visit with the Griders just after they were told of the gift. “This is a wonderful place to raise a family,” stated Mrs. Grider. Dow commented, “This is a wonderful idea that the Grider girls and their spouses came up with. Their grandchildren and their children will be able to look at their corner and be proud of all John and Irene Grider have done for Durant.”
Wal Mart has also made a sizeable contribution toward the project. Dow commented, “Manager Mike Snell is always willing to help with Downtown projects.” This initial contribution will help meet the goal set by Durant Main Street.
     The City of Durant and Durant Main Street were notified June 3, 2002, of the City’s successful bid for a Downtown Streetscape and Bike Route Project. The bike route will connect the Downtown and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. The funding comes from the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century or TEA-21, and the program is administered by Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s (ODOT’s) Special Projects Branch.
     The purpose of the plan is to improve the aesthetics of the Downtown and stimulate the local economy. As this project significantly benefits Downtown Durant, Durant Main Street has agreed to raise $50,000 (slightly over 7%) for the Streetscape and Bike Route. The total project cost is $686,361. Federal funds will cover $480,453 or 70% of the project.

     To raise the $50,000, Durant Main Street is asking people to “adopt a corner” or purchase a banner to be placed on a streetlamp pole. Individual contributions will also be accepted.
     For a contribution of $2500, a corner can be “adopted.” The corner will have a brick paver with the name of the donor inlaid in the sidewalk. A bench, trash receptacle, and bicycle rack will also be placed on the corner in the donor’s name. For more visibility, a banner with the donor’s name will be placed on a nearby street lamp pole to remain in place for the life of the banner.
     The banners will be sold and placed on street lamp poles throughout the City along Main Street and First Avenue. A contribution of $200 will purchase a two-sided banner with the donor’s name shown on both sides. The City of Magnolias theme will be used. The banners are to be sold for a two-year period. An additional maintenance fee will be charged for the second year at a reduced rate.
     Families, groups, organizations, businesses, etc. are welcome to leave a legacy in our Downtown and adopt their corner. For more information, contact the Durant Main Street office at 580-924-1550.

First National Bank Boosts Downtown
Streetscape Fundraising Campaign

     Durant Main Street has announced another corner has been sold for the upcoming Downtown Streetscape and Bike Route project. The First National Bank of Durant has paid for the enhancements to the corner of 3rd and Main in front of the bank’s main facility.
     Durant Main Street Program Manager, Donna Dow, was pleased with the news. “First National Bank is always a great supporter of our efforts. They have made a commitment to the Downtown with their plans to grow in their current location,” stated Dow.
     “When we hosted the Statewide Preservation Conference, they welcomed everyone with a cookout. The employees of FNB have adopted their block and get together monthly to clean up, perform maintenance, plant flowers, and remove weeds. Their employees built our fireworks stand and they also volunteer to work each year. Sponsoring the corner in front of the bank is just further evidence of their support for improving our community.”
     After being notified in June of the successful bid for obtaining TEA-21 funds for the Downtown Streetscape and Bike Route Project, Durant Main Street agreed to raise $50,000 (slightly over 7%) for the remainder of local match and in-kind services. The total project cost is $686,361. Federal funds will cover $480,453 or 70% of the project.
    

Jackie Harms, Executive Director of Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma, and Teresa Townsend, Marketing Director, are shown at the corner of 4th & Main in front of the Durant Main Street offices. They are showing the hospital's support of the Downtown by sponsoring this corner for the upcoming Downtown Streetscape and Bike Route Project.
 

Albert Curtis Continues Support of Downtown


     Durant Main Street announced that Albert Curtis has agreed to sponsor the southwest corner of Second and Main for the upcoming Downtown Streetscape and Bike Route project. His contribution will pay for the improvements at the corner near his business.
     Durant Main Street Program Manager, Donna Dow, is pleased Mr. Curtis chose to show his support for the community and honor his family this way. “Albert Curtis has always been a strong supporter of Durant Main Street. When he started his business, he made a commitment to the Downtown. He continues this commitment through quality service to his customers,” stated Dow.
     Curtis Jewelry began operation in Downtown Durant in 1985 on Third Avenue. He is now on his third location on Main Street. Each move has been to a larger, more efficient building. The addition of The Personal Touch has increased his product lines significantly.
     Albert Curtis serves on the Durant Main Street Board of Directors. He is currently co-chair of the organization’s Promotion Committee. His support of the community extends beyond Durant Main Street and is evidenced in his support of the Durant High School and SOSU band programs. His son Jesse was a Member of the Pride of Durant.

The Haskell Company Comes Through for Downtown Streetscape

     Durant Main Street is pleased to announce confirmation of a corner being sold for the upcoming Downtown Streetscape and Bike Route project. The Haskell Company will pay for the enhancements to the southeast corner of 3rd and Main.
     Durant Main Street Program Manager, Donna Dow, was pleased with the news. “The Haskell Company is new to Durant, and we appreciate their becoming involved in the community. They will be building the new Big Lots! distribution center, and the company actually made the commitment before beginning work,” stated Dow.
     The Haskell Company is recognized as one of the nation’s leading design-build and construction management firms, with annual sales in excess of $700 million. Haskell is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and maintains operations throughout the U.S. and Latin America. More information on the company can be obtained from their website, www.thehaskellco.com.

First United Bank Supports Downtown Streetscape

     Durant Main Street is pleased to announce First United Bank’s commitment to purchase a corner being sold for the upcoming Downtown Streetscape and Bike Route project. Greg Massey, President, agreed to sponsor the enhancements to the northwest corner of 2nd and Main in front of the Massey Building.
     The Massey Building is a logical choice as it is the former home of the bank. The building has Durant National Bank inscribed on the exterior. It later became the main facility for Durant Bank and Trust prior to their move to 12th and Main and the name change to First United Bank. John Massey, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, donated the building to the Southeastern Foundation. The Building is known as the Massey Building, SOSU’s Downtown Campus.
     First United has strong ties to the educational community. The bank is a major sponsor of the Gear-Up Program at Southeastern. The program is a national initiative to encourage more young people to have high expectations, stay in school, study hard and take the right courses to go to college. First United employees serve as mentors for students at Durant Middle School.
     The bank also is committed to economic development. Along with serving as Chief Operating Officer for First United, Greg Massey serves on the Board of Directors of Rural Enterprises Inc. of Oklahoma as well as the Durant Industrial Authority.
     First United has 16 locations throughout southeastern Oklahoma with their corporate headquarters located in Durant. Many First United employees were hired while a Southeastern Oklahoma State University student. They are allowed to learn the banking business and advance their careers.
     Durant Main Street Program Manager, Donna Dow, was grateful for the decision. “First United Bank has been a strong supporter of our program from the beginning. For the past two years, they have sponsored our Streetball Shootout which has turned into a very profitable fundraiser for us. We also appreciate several of their employees for serving on our committees,” stated Dow.

Durant Kiwanis Club Supports Downtown

     Durant Main Street announced that the Durant Kiwanis Club has agreed to sponsor the northeast corner of Fourth and Main for the upcoming Downtown Streetscape and Bike Route project. The club’s contribution will pay for the improvements at this location.
     Durant Main Street Program Manager, Donna Dow, praised the Kiwanians for their support. “Downtown Durant is fortunate to have a strong service club like Kiwanis that will invest in this effort. They have always been supportive of our program and are very involved in directing traffic during the annual Trick or Treat. I am glad they will be represented at 4th & Main,” stated Dow.
     The Kiwanis Club likes to support projects involving youth. They sponsor a Builders Club at the Middle School and the Key Club at the High School. They are known for their annual Pancake Day held each November on Election Day.

Wheelers Invest in Streetscape Program

     Durant Main Street is pleased to announce the Allen Wheeler family has agreed to sponsor a corner to support the upcoming Downtown Streetscape and Bike Route project. They will pay for the enhancements to the northwest corner of 4th and Main.
     Durant Main Street Program Manager, Donna Dow, was excited with the news. “The Wheelers have been very generous to our community, and we will be pleased to have their family recognized across from our office,” stated Dow.
     Allen Wheeler has been a long-time business owner in Durant. He could be described as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Texoma Medical Center and has served as President of the Durant Industrial Authority. Betty Wheeler serves on the Board of Directors of First National Bank of Durant as well as FNB Financial Services.
     Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have donated several buildings for use by the community: The former Medical Center Clinic was donated to the Durant Public School system; the Federal Building was donated to the City of Durant; and the former Plaza Theater was donated to Bryan County. They have also been instrumental in the City’s economic recruitment efforts.
     Allen and Betty Wheeler were both educated in the Durant Public School system and at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. They have five children: Lloyd, Cindy, Rory, Barry Don, and Brandi.
 

     Durant Main Street announced that Gary and Phyllis Hall have agreed to sponsor the northeast corner of Second and Main for the upcoming Downtown Streetscape and Bike Route project. Their contribution will pay for the improvements at this location.
     Durant Main Street Program Manager, Donna Dow, is pleased to have the Hall’s support. "Downtown Durant is fortunate to have people who want to repay the community for supporting them. The Halls are appreciative to Bryan County, and they are glad to support this effort," stated Dow.
     Gary has been an electrician and electronic tech since 1974 after being trained in the United States Air Force and at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He current owns and operates Halls Electric and works in both Oklahoma and Texas mainly doing new residential construction. He previously taught at Kiamichi Vo-Tech.
     Phyllis manages Hall Supply, the couple’s Bonham business that offers electrical, plumbing, heat/air, welding, and hardware supplies. She is also a Registered Nurse with a RN bachelor degree. Phyllis keeps her license up even though she isn’t able to fit this career into her current schedule.
     The Halls were raised in Bryan County with Gary graduating from Calera and Phyllis from Achille. They have one daughter Michelle Cromer. Her husband Scott works in the Bonham store.
     They attend church at Calera First Baptist where Gary teaches Sunday School, and Phyllis works in the nursery and sings in the choir. A favorite verse of the Halls comes from Proverbs 14:23 in the Bible. "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."

     Durant Main Street is pleased to announce Steve & Nancy Ortlip’s commitment to purchase a corner being sold for the upcoming Downtown Streetscape and Bike Route project. The couple agreed to sponsor the enhancements to the southeast corner of 2^nd and Main in front of the Salon Worx.
     Steve Ortlip, MD, owns and operates Lone Star Urology with his wife Nancy, RN. She serves as the office manager. They offer adult and pediatric urology services. He is board certified in urologic surgery and is licensed in Texas and Oklahoma. Dr. Ortlip is on staff at the Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma and Texoma Medical Center.
     Lone Star Urology is proud to offer in-clinic minor surgery procedures including vasectomy and vasectomy reversals as well as the latest innovations in surgical care for female incontinence, prostate cancer, and kidney stones. They have a staff of six including John Miller, a Physicians Assistant from Hinton, OK, who trained at OU Medical Center. The clinic is located behind Nichols Dollar Saver (the old Winn Dixie).
     The Ortlips have four children. Eric is 22 and will graduate this year from the University of Minnesota. He is majoring in physics and mechanical engineering. He plans to marry and join the Peace Corp. Janelle Holland, 22, is a member of the United States Air Force stationed in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Her husband Elwood, also USAF, will be going to the Middle East at Thanksgiving.
     Erin, 20, is a junior at the University of Colorado in Boulder. She wants to be a Physicians Assistant and is looking at the OU medical program. Phoenix, 8, is a student at Northwest Heights. He plays flag football for the Cowboys and participates in the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival.
     Steve helps coach the Cowboys flag football team. Nancy enjoys barrel racing and participates in the WPRA where she won in Mesquite last year. She is hoping to hit the rodeo trail this year.
     Durant Main Street Program Manager, Donna Dow, was grateful for the decision. "It is a pleasure working with the Ortlips. They have a lot of energy and are enthusiastic about investing in the community. It is obvious the Ortlips are excited about being in a community with such potential. They have chosen to be in Durant, and they are becoming a part of its growth," stated Dow.
 

Rustin Concrete Supports Downtown Streetscape

     Durant Main Street is pleased to announce Rustin Concrete’s commitment to purchase a corner being sold for the upcoming Downtown Streetscape and Bike Route project. The Rustin families are proud of the heritage that Durant and Bryan County have afforded them and have agreed to sponsor the enhancements to the northeast corner of 1st and Main.
     H.C. Rustin (1913-1988) came to Durant in 1943 for a thirty day Department of Defense contract at Eaker Field. Fortunately for our area, the Rustins decided to stay in Durant and grow the business.
     H.C. Rustin, married Arlene Kissel in Newkirk in April 1938. They settled in Durant in 1943. They raised sons Philip and Bart in Durant and trained them to work in the family business.
     Philip and his wife Charla are active in the First Church of the Nazarene. They have one married son, Stuart, and one married daughter, Lisa Alex. Charla is the office manager and Stuart is a vice-president in the company.
     Bart and his wife Phyllis are active in the First Baptist Church. They have one married son, Brent, and one son, Brock. Brent is plant manager for one of the ready mix concrete plant locations. Brent’s wife Adrienne works in the office in accounts payable.
     The Rustins feel fortunate to have seventy employees engaged in supply construction materials in eight Southeastern Oklahoma counties. The company operates eight ready-mix concrete plants. Thirty employees live and work in the Durant area. Several employees have over 20 years experience working with the Rustin team.
     Durant Main Street Program Manager, Donna Dow, was grateful for their decision to sponsor a corner. “We are still working on a design for the corner. We want it to be something the Rustins and our City can be proud of,” stated Dow. “The Rustins are a great asset to our community, and I am pleased they have chosen to be a part of this project.”
     To raise $50,000 to go toward the federally funded Downtown Streetscape and Bike Route project totaling $686,361, Durant Main Street is asking people to “adopt a corner” or purchase a banner to be placed on a streetlamp pole. Individual contributions will also be accepted. TEA-21 funds will cover 70% of the project with the rest to be matched locally.
     For a contribution of $2500, corners were “adopted” which includes a brick paver with the name of the donor inlaid in the sidewalk, bench, trash receptacle, bicycle rack, and a banner with the donor’s name to be placed on a nearby street lamp pole. The corner of 1st & Main by the Bryan Hotel is available for $1500.
     The banners will be sold and placed on street lamp poles throughout the City along Main Street and First Avenue. A contribution of $200 will purchase a two-sided banner with the donor’s name shown on both sides. The City of Magnolias theme will be used. The banners are to be sold for a two-year period. An additional maintenance fee will be charged for the second year at a reduced rate of $150.
     Families, groups, organizations, businesses, etc. are welcome to leave a legacy in our Downtown and adopt their corner. For more information, contact the Durant Main Street office at 580-924-1550 or visit the website at www.durantmainstreet.org.

Revised Saturday February 02, 2008