Edmond Life and Leisure - December 15, 2022

A sad farewell

Edmond leaders, other mourn Loss of civic leader June Cartwright

Those active in Edmond’s community projects most likely were personally acquainted with June Cartwright.

Those folks, and many, many others, were stunned to hear that she passed away suddenly late last week at age 73.

June was particularly active with the LibertyFest July Fourth celebration, which has brought Edmond accolades and raves over the years.

She handled, in a friendly way, dozens of details

print program, which Edmond Life & Leisure , has published the past 18 years.

She was very kind and friendly and one of those rare people who simply got things done.

In today’s “From the Publisher,” column by Ray Hibbard on Page 4, please read his comments and memories of June. And see some of the comments from Edmond’s Mayor Darrell Davis and others.

June was the rare person who gladly took on major tasks and gave of herself.

Sen. Lankford’s prayer for state

PHOTO BY ERIECH TAPIA

June Cartwright, left, has fun during the annual LibertyFest Car Show. June was involved in many aspects of the LibertyFest celebration. The Edmond community was sadden last week, when June died at age 73. Please see Publisher Ray Hibbard’s column on Page 4.

Three council seats will be settled in election Art Hyde & Co. honored

The Edmond Mayor’s seat as well as seats in Ward 1 and 2 will be decided in April.

Four candidates initially filed at the Oklahoma County Election Board for the Mayor seat on Edmond City Council. That would have required a Feb. 14 primary vote. By Friday, two of those candidates, Ed Moore and Rich Hess, dropped out of the race. That means there will not be a primary vote in February.

The mayor’s election, as well as the two ward seats, in Ward 1 and Ward 2 will also be decided in the April 4 general election.

Four individuals filed for the Mayor seat on City Council. Those four candidates are:

Darrell A. Davis, the current Edmond Mayor

Ed Moore (Withdrew)

Rich Hess (Withdrew)

Brian Shellem

Candidates in Ward 1 are:

Tom Robins

Ashley N. Bradley

Candidates in Ward 2 are:

Barry K. Moore

Judy Rau

Elections for Edmond City Council are non-partisan. Under Edmond’s electoral rules, in the Feb. 14 primary election, the two Mayor candidates receiving the most votes will be on the ballot for the April 4 general election. Edmond residents from all Wards are eligible to vote in the municipality’s general elections.

City Council is a five-member body, including the Mayor, representing the four Wards that make up the City of Edmond. Ward representative council terms are four years and the mayor serves a two-year term.

An updated map of the City of Edmond council Wards can be found here: https://www.edmondok.gov/DocumentCenter/View/77 31/2022-NEW-WARD-MAP

To make sure you are registered to vote, please visit: https://oklahoma.gov/elections/voter-registration/register-to-vote.html

Two Edmond scores ace test

The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (OSSM) announced today that two Edmond students who are juniors at OSSM earned perfect scores (10 of 10) on the calculus con\test of the Continental Math League (CML), a national program. The first round of four was held on Thursday, Dec. 1. The remaining contests will be held in spring 2023.

The OSSM students from Edmond with perfect scores are Krish Mody and Jacob Meng. Aaron Pan, also from Edmond, scored nine out of 10.

“The OSSM students typically perform very well on this national test as

the content closely reflects our Calculus curriculum,” said Edna McDuffie Manning, Ed.D., interim president of OSSM. “The CML maximizes student opportunities to improve problem-solving capabilities, and we are proud of all our students’ performance.”

Overall, 12 OSSM students participated in the contest, with eight of them earning perfect scores. The team score, which is derived from the top six scores, was 60/60.

About CML

The CML began in 1980 with the hope that its materials and contests would be a valuable supplement to school programs.

Art Hyde & Co has been selected for the 2022 Best of Edmond Award in the Advertising Agencies category by the Edmond Award Program.

Each year, the Edmond Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Edmond area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2022 Edmond Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Edmond Award Program and

data provided by third parties.

About Edmond Award Program

The Edmond Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Edmond area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and longterm value.

The Edmond Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.

Art Hyde

One of the hard parts of this local newspaper business is having to report sad news to our readers. Community Journalism demands it to keep readers informed. We much prefer reporting good news but as a newspaper we cannot shirk our journalistic responsibilities.

Such is the case with our dear friend, June Cartwright. June fell asleep in the Lord last week and her death certainly was not expected. Her husband Leroy, her family and all her friends have lost someone very dear to their hearts. But Edmond has lost a true champion for all things Edmond.

If you were to look up “civic leader” in the dictionary, June’s picture would be next to the definition. She was not the kind of civic leader that wanted to be out front and get any of the publicity. June had a passion for being the person that just got things done, quietly and with no fanfare on her part. I have seen her literally push others in front of the television camera after making sure they had memorized what she wrote for them to say.

June liked to work behind the scenes to make things happen in Edmond. I cannot think of any big event in Edmond that she did not work with or volunteer for over the years. She and Leroy truly gave their time and talents to any activity that made Edmond a better place to live.

Her work with LibertyFest was famous, folks. It was my pleasure to serve with her on the LibertyFest committee since 1996. The current president of LibertyFest put it well when he wrote:

“The LibertyFest family lost one of our own today. We are heartbroken to learn that June Cartwright passed away. For years June headed up our public relations team. In 2002 and 2009, June served as our president. She worked tirelessly to make sure our events happened, always serving with a smile.

June loved our volunteers. She never failed to recognize their contributions to LibertyFest. Whether it was a hug or a special gift, she valued them.

She was a mother to me. She is the reason I joined LibertyFest several years ago and inspired me to run for office. I am heartbroken and will miss our long conversations about LibertyFest.”

June would bring her committee members a treat either during the planning of LibertyFest or right after it was over to thank them for their contribution. It was usually a homemade sweet like cookies or fudge. And there was always a handwritten note thanking each person specifically for what they had helped her with that year.

As the newspaper that publishes the official LibertyFest program and guide, she collaborated with our staff for the last 18 years to produce the publication. She would hit the door and march right past me. Instead of wasting her time with the guy in charge, she would go to the back of our office where all the folks who do the real work at this paper sit. She knew them all by name and all about their families. She always brought treats for the entire office as well.

Our staff loved working with June. She was fun and made things easy on us. She could push a deadline from time to time but always with love and kindness in gathering the information from the other LibertyFest committee members and getting it to us.

You did not see it often, but a per-

son really did not want to get on her bad side. It was hard to do, and I never saw June go to bat for herself. She let attacks on her roll of her back and paid no attention to them. If she jumped in the middle of a fight, it was because an injustice had been committed to someone else. She had a clear sense of how people should treat others and was the first to defend her friends. I saw her go to battle a few times and it was always on someone else’s behalf and never for herself.

Here is what some others from Edmond had to say about our friend June:

“We are blessed if once in our lifetime we meet someone that genuinely cares for their community. June Cartwright is that person for Edmond. She loved Edmond, especially LibertyFest and its citizens. We each have a special moment we can get only at a special time of our life. That moment now is our memory of the time we had with the one and only June Cartwright. You will be missed. Prayers for Leroy and the family!”

Edmond Mayor Darrell Davis

“June is the epitome of a selfless volunteer. Her work with Liberty Fest, AMBUCS and many other civic groups in Edmond set the standard for giving back to this community.”

Randel Shadid

“June had a unique way of always making sure the anchor was in good shape. She was a constant encourager, a constant helper and did everything with a smile. She will be dearly missed.”

Edmond City Council member Josh Moore

“June was a delightful lady and such a good friend at the newspaper and community booster. Edmond benefitted from June’s leadership.”

Former Edmond Sun owner and publisher Ed Livermore

“June and I first met in 1994 and immediately became fast friends. In the years that followed I came to know what a uniquely special individual June was. I came to know what a blessing her friendship was.

If you were blue, June would lift you up.

If you were going through a loss, June was right beside you loaning you, her strength.

If you were shy, June would praise and promote you.

If you were facing challenges, June was your warrior advocate.

If you got off course, June was right there helping you right your ship.

June had a heart of gold, always choosing to believe in the best. She honestly wanted the best for everyone. June loved Edmond and worked tirelessly to support our community. She served on a variety of boards, commissions, and civic organizations.

June was a talented artist. She lived a colorful life full of love, intelligence, humor, kindness and beauty. She was the best friend a girl could have. Edmond has lost a treasure.”

Friend Cathy Williams-White.

We will miss our friend and Edmond will miss her contributions. The good news is that so many of us had the privilege of working with June Cartwright that we learned how to just get things done.

Her lessons included not to worry about who got credit just make the project or event you are working on the best it can be and always take care of our community.

Our condolences and prayers for Leroy and all of June’s family.

(Ray Hibbard may be reached by email at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011.

Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable.

For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.

LibertyFest President Eriech Tapia

Ray Hibbard

June Cartwright 1949 to 2022

(The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.)

Nov. 28

Manuel Alejandro Matos, 23 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Justin Scott Rutledge, 37 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Austin Britt Walton, 37, of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Patrick Harold Karry, 58 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Nov. 29

Georgie Stewart Mason IV, 50, of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant, felony warrant and failure to appear.

Marcus Terrell Jackson, 24 of Oklahoma City. Domestic abuse assault (strangulation.)

Ernesto Hernandez, 29 of Edmond. Littering public places and public intoxication.

Asia Lynnell Johns, 22 of Edmond. Improper tag display — not clearly visible — not secured to back of vehicle or covered by any type of material, eluding police office (M) and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything

other than alcohol.

Nov. 30

Whitney Nicole Akins, 31 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Dennis Traevon Murphy, 31 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Christina Kay Jones, 38 of Oklahoma City. Possess CDS, three misdemeanor warrant, a felony warrant and larceny from a building — grand larceny over $1,000.

Bryan Eddie Cragar, 54 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Kenneth Leonardo Smith, 61 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant.

Dec. 1

Mary Elizabeth Wilson, 61 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.

Ishmael Andreas Garibay, 28 of Edmond. Disregard red signal light, no tag — improper tag, no proof of insurance by owner and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Michael Anthony Nix, 49 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant, loud system prohibited and public intoxication.

Dec. 2

Tamera Danielle Factor, 32 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Nathan Matthew Barnhill, 39 homeless. Public intoxication.

Jonathan Wesley James, 32 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana and public intoxication.

Dec. 3

Christopher Ryan Higgins, 34 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Toni Dale Mines, 45 homeless. Two counts of failure to appear.

William Austin Holman, 31 of Edmond. Leaving the scene of accident unattended vehicle, leaving scene of accident damaged fixtures, transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer, assault and or battery with deadly weapon, elude police officer endanger others (F) and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.

Dec. 4

Omorrie Dontay Franklin Jr., 25 of Oklahoma City. Three felony warrants, no proof of insurance, operating a motor vehicle with no valid driver’s license, expired tag over three months and two counts of failure to use child passenger restraint.

Ian Alexander Rhodes, 24 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) injury accident while under the influence.

Iesha Latay Wilkerson, 30 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence or alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.

Joseph Christopher Giammona, 39 of Edmond. Domestic abuse assault (strangulation.)

Sharon Machelle Weninger, 61 of Edmond. Public intoxication and possess CDS.

Weekend calendar of events, Dec. 15-18

---- Miranda Family Lights ---- ‘Tis the Season ---- Christmas Party at The Lark ---- Line the Street Carol Sing ---- Luminance Merry Marketplace ---- Merry Mitchmas 5K & 10K ---- Santa Claus Fly-in ---- Cops & Claus ---- Educators After Hours ---- Date with the Duke: Stagecoach (1939) ---- Holiday Wine-Down ---- Cowboy Christmas Ball ---- Signature Tour ---- Read the West Book Club: Chief Seattle and the Town That Took His Name ---- Oklahoma Shakespeare on the Paseo presents: Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker

---- Scissortail Chanukah Festival

Extra Information

Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors

Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum

Extra Info: Sun, May 1 – Sat, Dec 31; edmondhistory.org

Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit

Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum

Extra Info: Wed, Oct 5 – Thu, Aug 31, 2023; edmondhistory.org

Nerf Battles

Location: The Hive Basketball Complex

Union Station Illumination

Winter Glow

Live Music at Round Midnight

December Live Music at Frenzy

Christmas

---- Oklahoma City Ballet presents: The Nutcracker ---- A Verry Merry Guthrie Christmas ---- Holiday Light Ride ---- March of the Trees

---- Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show ---- Breakfast with Santa

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 2---- Sat, Dec 17; 6 – 8 p.m.; $13/hr or $20/2 hr; arena51fun.com

Edmond Ice Rink

Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: Now through – Sun, Jan 15, 2023; hours See Calendar, Page 7

vary; edmondicerink.com

Indoor Winter Market

Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: through Sat, Mar 18, 2023; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Free; edmondok.gov

Luminance: An Enchanted Stroll

Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 18 – Sun, Jan 1, 2023; 5 – 10 p.m.; Free; edmondlights.com

Downtown in December

Location: Downtown OKC

Extra Info: Thu, Nov 3 – Jan 27, 2023; downtownindecember.com

Devon Ice Rink

Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 11 – Sun, Jan 29, 2023; downtownindecember.com

The Polar Express

Location: Oklahoma Railway Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Nov 12 – Tue, Dec 27; okcthepolarexpressride.com

OKC Zoo Safari Lights

Location: Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden

Extra Info: Sat, Nov 12 – Sun, Jan 1, 2023; okczoo.org

PAMBE GHANA’S Global Market

Location: Northpark Mall

Extra Info: through Sat, Dec 24; 10 a.m. -6 p.m. daily; pambeghana.org

Lyric Theatre presents: “A Christmas Carol”

Location: Harn Homestead

Extra Info: Wed, Nov 16 – Fri, Dec 23; lyrictheatreokc.com

Red Earth Treefest

Location: BancFirst Tower

Extra Info: Mon, Nov 21 – Fri, Dec 30; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; redearth.org

Holiday Pop-Up Shops

Location: 399 NW 10th St, OKC, OK

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 25 – Sun, Dec 18; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; okcpopups.com

Pollard Theatre presents: A Territorial Christmas Carol

Location: 120 W Harrison Ave, Guthrie, OK

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 25 – Fri, Dec 23; thepollard.org

Union Station Illumination

Location: Scissortail Park

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 25 – Sun, Jan 1,

From

2023; 6 – 10 p.m.; scissortailpark.org

Winter Glow

Location: Riversport OKC

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 25 – Fri, Dec 30; riversportokc.org

Live Music at Round Midnight

Location: Round Midnight

Extra Info: Thu, Dec 15: Vintage Vinyl; Fri, Dec 16: Noah Engh Duo; Sat, Dec 17: Vintage Vinyl; $60; simpletix.com

December Live Music at Frenzy

Location: Frenzy Brewing Company

Extra Info: Sat, Dec 16: Otis VCR @ 8 p.m.; Free; facebook.com

Miranda Family Lights

Location: Miranda Family Lights

Extra Info: Thu, Dec 1 – Sat, Dec 31; 6 ---- 8 p.m.; facebook.com

‘Tis the Season

Location: University of Central Oklahoma ---- UCO Jazz Lab

Extra Info: Thu, Dec 8 – Sat, Dec 17; purchase tickets online; $25; 7:30 p.m.; cfad.vbotickets.com

Christmas Party at The Lark

Location: Downtown Edmond

Extra Info: Fri, Dec 16; Free; 5 – 6:30 p.m.; downtownedmondok.com

Line the Street Carol Sing

Location: Commonplace Books

Extra Info: Fri, Dec 16; free; 6:30 –8:30 p.m.; linethestreetcarolsing.com

Luminance Merry Marketplace

Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: Sat, Dec 17; edmondok.com

Merry Mitchmas 5K & 10 K

Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: Sat, Dec 17; $25; 9 a.m.; runsignup.com

Santa Claus Fly-in

Location: Guthrie-Edmond

Regional Airport

Extra Info: Sat, Dec 17; Free; 1 – 3 p.m.; guthrieedmondregionalairport.com

Cops & Claus

Location: Edmond Police Department

Extra Info: Sun, Dec 18; Free; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Free

Educators After Hours

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Thu, Dec, 15; 5 – 7 p.m.;

VillagesOKC reflects on a year of service to older adults

As this year nears its end, VillagesOKC reflects on a very rewarding 2022 and looks forward to an even bigger and better 2023. Though it’s office is in Bethany, the nonprofit’s service area is from El Reno to Choctaw and Guthrie to Norman.

VillagesOKC was established in 2018 as a plan founded on relationships rather than transactions. Like many small towns in Oklahoma, here like-minded members can trust the connections to valuable resources, education and programming. Membership allows for personal responsibility while Empowering Independence for mature adults to age well – in the way they choose.

The combination of internal leadership and external visibility has raised awareness and opportunities for VillagesOKC. Yet it’s three core values remain unchanged:

• LEARN (growing the brain at any age)

• PLAN (for the bumps in life)

• SERVE (helping others is life-giving)

Highlights of our 2022 accomplishments:

LEARN:

- Offered monthly iPhone and iPad technology support

- Participated in monthly Town Hall Lectures

- Held six-week Brain Health Academy

- Continued 12-month Senior Living Truth Series as educational partners

PLAN:

- Updated the Gathering Information for Transitions (GIFT) workbook and expanded the number of facilitators

- Made GIFT registration, scheduling and payment available online

- Videoed GIFT testimonials for informational sharing

- Piloted one-hour workshops for Medical Power of Attorney and Advance Directive

SERVE:

- Launched the Veteran Initiative with pinning of 350 veterans at the Oklahoma History Center

- Expanded Caregiver Ambassadors to 18 faith communities

- Grew an exciting monthly women’s coffee

- Expanded partnership with NewView Oklahoma

- Established partnership with Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight and Force50 Foundation

To learn more about VillagesOKC, go to their website www.villagesokc.org or call (405) 990-6637.

VillagesOKC Executive Director addresses attendees at the nonprofit's Fourth Anniversary Celebration.

PHOTO PROVIDED

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Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Christmas joys

By Steve Gust

I urge everyone to take advantage of Christmas 2022.

Buy gifts and reach out to as many people as you can.

I sent out some Christmas cards last week. I guess I wasn’t the only one to have the idea. I got to the mailbox and the thing was full. I had to jab my cards in the slot and hope someone didn’t decide to steal them.

There are many holiday traditions. I, for one, marvel at a lot of the lights I see on some houses. I also wonder how much it cost the people to buy them and install them.

Then there is the tradition the holiday movies. I think “It’s a Wonderful” life airs on Christmas Eve. It always amazes me how inflation has soared.

Back in 1946 Jimmy Stewart/George Bailey thought a $20,000 a year salary was incredible money. Today, it’s one play for an NFL quarterback.

——

Believe it or not, not all the news is bad. The dedication Sunday of Tepeyac Hill at the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in OKC is good news.

The Tepeyac Hill recreates the

1531 event of Our Lady of Guadaleupe appearing before Juan Diego near Mexico City. She requested a church be built in her honor.

Juan Diego needed to prove his case to the bishop first. Eventually Juan Diego took roses in his tilma or cloak. He gave the bishop the roses and in the cloak was an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

I’m sure most nonbelievers can write the story off as a myth. But I urge them to read more about it.

Juan Diego’s tilma, which should have decayed by now, is still on display at the basilica in Mexico City. Scientists can’t explain how the image hasn’t decayed or a lot of the physical properties of the cloak.

Because of this miracle, some eight to 10 million indigenous people converted to Catholicism in the next 10 years. I can imagine the descendants of those eight to 10 million, probably number in the hundreds of millions by now over the last 500 years.

It’s truly a remarkable event. Many, myself included, would call it divine.

(Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com)

For schools teaching gender matters

State senator wants to empower parents

Sen. Cody Rogers, R-Tulsa, is planning to file legislation that ensures parents remain in control of conversations and actions regarding their children’s gender identity and sexual orientation. The measure requires that district school boards put procedures in place notifying parents of any changes or issues their student is having related to their mental, emotional, or physical health or wellbeing.

The legislation encourages discussions between parents and their children regarding their current conditions and concerns. School personnel would be responsible for recommending students have these conversations at home with a parent or legal guardian.

“Children are in school to learn, not to be indoctrinated through inappropriate conversations that do not follow state standards,” Rogers said.

“The health and safety of students is a top priority, and this bill ensures that parents, school staff and the student are all on the same page about what is best for the child’s wellbeing.”

The bill would also prohibit classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity for kindergarten through third grade. School personnel or third parties would not be able to have discussions that were not age or developmentally appropriate in any K-12 classroom. Under this legislation, parents of K-3rd grade students would be provided any questionnaire or health screening forms and must consent to the form before it is passed out to their child.

“This measure ultimately ensures that parents have rights and know what their children are being exposed to at school,” Rogers said.

Letter to the Editor

Giving thanks

EDITOR

As the holiday season arrives in Edmond, Oklahoma, I’m reminded of the sense of safety my family and I have living in this community. We are fortunate to live in a community that’s as invested in its first responders as they are in us. Our departments have experienced great tragedy this past year. And our community rallied to their side as they rally to ours in a time of need.

This holiday season, may we all take a moment to say thank you to an officer, firefighter, EMT, and the myriad of others who have dedicated their life to our safety. Remember them when you stroll downtown or enjoy one of our many parks. It’s because of the partnership our community enjoys with their first responders that we can enjoy time with family and friends with joy and not fear.

SCOTT TOHLEN Chairperson of Edmond’s Community Oriented Policing

Lankford fights for military funding

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) last week highlighted numerous provisions he worked to secure in the $847 billion Fiscal Year 2023 James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (FY23 NDAA) for Oklahoma’s military installations and defense initiatives and highlighted funding and legislative language to move Oklahomans’ priorities and stop non-defenserelated progressive policies that Democrats attempted to sneak into the final bill.

“Oklahoma’s Senior Senator Jim Inhofe has once again provided tireless work to pull together this defense bill, which is vital for our military to continue faithfully serving our nation in dangerous places around the world,” said Lankford. “I am grateful for Senator Inhofe’s partnership with me to ensure Okla-

homa’s military installations have what they need for their missions and to stand together against ‘woke’ progressive policies the Biden Administration is trying to force on our service members. Our Oklahoma service members want to know they have our full support for them and their missions. This bill ensures our military can be confident in their work now and in the future. We need to do more than just say ‘thank you’ to our service members, we also need to have their backs when they need us.”

Lankford’s wins for Oklahoma’s military installations include:

· Maintains the missions of all of Oklahoma’s military installations and ensures they have the resources they need

· Provides a pay raise of 4.6 percent for military service members and the Department of Defense civilian workforce

· Encourages the Department of Defense to form partnerships with several of Oklahoma’s top universities, including the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tulsa

Letters to the Editor policy

and private industry to invest in Oklahoma’s future innovation

· Includes millions in science & technology projects that are important to Oklahoma and our military

· Ensures the Air Force keeps two E-3 AWACS at Tinker Air Force Base for training, rather than retiring the aircraft.

· Includes $300 million in additional funds to accelerate the E-7 Wedgetail, which will replace the E-3 AWACS at Tinker Air Force Base

· Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to issue a report on the Defense Health Agency’s (DHA) oversight over the TRICARE managed care contracts, which will include helpful information on the DHA’s recent decision to cut 15,000 rural, independent pharmacies from its network, which Lankford has fought against for several months.

· Includes Lankford’s amendment to fully fund the Tulsa VA medical center despite rising construction costs due to Biden’s high inflation

· Includes Lankford’s amendment to end the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all service members

Lankford worked to stop negative policy provisions from getting into the final bill including the expansion of the Selective Service to include women, which he opposes, a House Democrat amendment that would have allowed “woke” data collection on our military, and two House Democrat amendments that would have required our Armed Forces to make “diversity” disclosures and provide grants to “woke “small businesses.

Lankford

‘We need to do more than just say ‘thank you’ to our service members, we also need to have their backs when they need us.’

U.S. Sen. James Lankford

Unique Christmas shopping destinations

By Elaine Warner

Santa seems to get around great for his age, but this year is a bit of a challenge for me. I have a new hip and, while it is certainly working better than my old one, I’m not really up to long distance hiking yet. So I’m doing a lot of shopping online. In my travels, I’ve come across some items that are unusual and, if you’re looking for something different, these might be of interest.

Sixty-seven per cent of the world’s pistachios are grown in the United States. Ninety-nine per cent of the U.S. production comes from California. But the world’s biggest pistachio is in New Mexico.

Driving north from Alamagordo, the landscape is stark and arid – not much to see. You may have to rub your eyes as you spot a giant nut appearing beside the highway. This is PistachioLand: McGinn’s Pistachio Tree Ranch. My first thought when I saw the thirty-foot-tall pistachio was “tourist trap“– but it’s so much more – a stop here is a real trip.

The PistachioLand team harvests, roasts, seasons and packages pistachios. In addition to roasted, salted pistachios, shelves in the ranch store are lined with lots of other choices -- pistachios flavored with garlic, chile, lime, barbecue and more. Choosing a favorite flavor is easy -- samples are ample.  Additionally, you’ll find pistachio brittle and other candies, myriad gourmet products made in New Mexico, cold drinks and ice cream.

Online ordering is easy and shipping is reasonable and swift. I’ve ordered a pound of red and green chile pistachios in a cute burlap bag for a spice-loving friend. . www.pistachioland.com

Fredericksburg, Texas, snuggled in Texas’s Hill Country, is noted for wildflowers, wine and peaches. And it’s home to local businesses highlighting the flavors of the region

Fischer and Wieser began as an orchard and roadside peach stand but has grown into a large, family-owned organization with products which can often be found in local stores. For sweets, you can’t beat their jams, jellies and preserves, many of which feature local Fredericksburg peaches.

One of their best sellers is Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce. This is one of the most versatile sauces you can buy – it’s great with pork and turkey, ideal for topping ice cream, and even mixed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar as a salad dressing. Look here for a wide variety of mustards, pasta sauces, soups and meal starters, even cocktail mixes from their own Dietz Distillery. Their web site also has a number of recipes and ideas for using their products. Online ordering is

easy. The hard part is figuring out which of their great products to order. Edmond residents should check out the inventory at Gourmet Gallery; they carry a number of Fischer and Wieser products. www.jelly.com

Quintessential Chocolates, also in Fredericksburg, is noted for fine chocolates. Chocolatier/owner Lecia Duke uses a method she learned in Europe to encase liquids in a thin sugar shell before enrobing them in chocolate. Duke is the only American chocolatier using this technique. For a real local touch, many of her chocolates contain regional wine. You’ll also have a number of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options plus nonfilled candies.

The liquid-filled chocolates are not inexpensive –and not large – and you have to eat them in one bite. Still, they’re absolutely wonderful and certainly unique. I’ve ordered coffee-filled chocolates for a special family member. www.liquidchocolates.com

Although I was born and lived on the Kansas side of Kansas City, the Missouri side has always been dominant as a destination. Often overlooked, Kansas City, Kansas is coming into its own. Its history is grittier – an area associated with rail and

stockyards and a haven for immigrants, particularly from Eastern Europe, who arrived around the turn of the 20th century.

Croatians were among these ethnicities and they brought with them traditional recipes including povatica (po-vah-TEET- suh) – pastry rolled and stretched and filled with three times more goodies than dough. Strawberry Hill Baking Company carries on a family tradition brought to the area in 1903. A stop at the business, now located in Merriam, Kansas, provided me with a chance to see how the complicated pastry is made and to sample the finished products. While a visit in person is more fun, the povatica is available online with 18 different fillings. www.strawberryhill.com.

The previous products are easily obtained, but I wanted to add a rare item because I loved it so. A few years ago, I was fortunate to travel to Caceres, Spain, situated in Extremadura, an autonomous region in western Spain bordering Portugal. The area is the source of one of the most amazing cheeses I’ve ever tasted – Torta del Casar. Like Champagne, this cheese is classified as D.O.P – protected denomination of origin – and can only be produced and labeled as such when made in this small area of Spain.

The cheese is made from the milk of Merino sheep and utilizes wild thistle instead of the nonvegetarian rennet used in most cheeses. It comes in a cake (torta) with a rind, the top of which is cut off to reveal a creamy cheese which is scooped or dipped out. It’s a pungent cheese – almost as if brie and gorgonzola married and had a baby.

Because the production is small, it is very hard to find and expensive to buy outside of Spain. A pound can cost between $30 and $50 – a cheese for very special occasions. Shipping from Spain is prohibitive but if you’d like to try it, check with Forward Foods in Norman; they occasionally have some. Another source, although they, like Forward, do not have any in stock now, is La Tienda Spanish Foods online. www.tienda.com.

All the items I’ve described are connected with happy memories of my travels. But it’s also important to support businesses here in Oklahoma. Made in Oklahoma offers a plethora of products from food items and gift baskets to furniture. www.madeinoklahoma.net.

Happy holidays – and successful shopping!

A thirty-foot pistachio grabs the attention of travelers on U.S. Highway 54 near Alamagordo, New Mexico.

Quintessential liquid-filled chocolates, eaten in one bite, offer a burst of flavor.

Elaine

Torta del Casar, produced in Spain, is a creamy cheese with a pungent smell and taste, perfect for dipping.

A look at student loan forgiveness plan

By Sarah Heath

On Aug. 24, 2022, President

Biden announced a student debt relief plan that includes loan forgiveness of up to $20,000 on undergraduate and graduate loans taken out before June 30, 2022. Understanding if you qualify and how to apply will help you take advantage of this program.

Do I qualify for student loan forgiveness?

To be eligible, your annual income for tax year 2020 or 2021 must be below $125,000 for an individual filing as single or married filing separately, and $250,000 for married couples filing a joint return or an individual filing as head of household. Your income requirements are based on your adjusted gross income (AGI), which tends to be lower than your total income. Your AGI can be found on line 11 of the IRS Form 1040.

What type of loans qualify and how much?

Most all federal student loans qualify for forgiveness. This includes subsidized and unsubsidized loans, as well as graduate and parent PLUS loans. It is important to note that private student loans, such as Sallie Mae, are not eligible for relief. Additionally, qualifying loans are still eligible for forgiveness even if you did not finish college. If you received the Pell Grant in college (even if only for one year) and meet the income threshold previously mentioned, you may be eligible for debt relief up to $20,000. If you did not receive the Pell Grant in college but still meet the income threshold, you are eligible for debt relief of up to $10,000. It should be noted that the “up to” qualification means that the amount of your debt relief is limited to the amount of your outstanding debt.

When will this debt relief be issued?

The U.S. Department of Education released a simple application to register for student loan debt relief (www.studentaid.gov). However, in November 2022, a federal appeals court ruled to bar the plan from moving forward after Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Carolina brought the case to the court. As a result, the application for loan debt relief is closed at this time. However, the U.S. Department of Education is seeking to overturn these orders and move forward with the debt relief plan.

Will I be taxed on this debt relief?

Generally, cancelation or relief of debt would be considered taxable income. However, as a response to the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 allowed forgiveness of student loan debt between 2021 and 2025 to be excluded from federal taxable income. As of Dec. 6, 2022, the state of Oklahoma has not addressed the issue, but typically follows federal guidelines for similar matters.

What other information should I know?

This student loan debt relief is a one-time cancellation plan, meaning if you have already paid off your loans, you can not receive a refund on those payments. Current college students with qualifying loans are also eligible for debt relief.

Sarah Heath is a tax associate at Arledge, an Edmond-based public accounting firm. Arledge is a recognized leader in the accounting industry offering practical solutions in the areas of tax planning, auditing, consulting, accounting advisory services and client accounting.

This article contains general information only and does not constitute tax advice or any other professional services. Before making any decisions or taking any action that might affect your income taxes, you should consult a professional tax advisor. This article is not intended for and cannot be used to avoid future penalties that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.

Heath

By George Gust

“The Fablemans” follows young Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle) who aspires to become a filmmaker, as he reaches adolescence in post-World War II era Arizona, but soon discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth.

“The Fablemans” is directed and written by Steven Spielberg. Being one of the most examined and celebrated film director and leading a career spanning five decades has given him the time to look back and reflect on the childhood that shaped him as a person and in the movies he has directed and produced. And as with his patented Spielberg style he’s brought an ineffable glossy charm to “The Fablemans” but in this film he’s also added in a more abstract expressive style that breaks from his usual tone in a way that is both heart warming and heartbreaking.

“The Fablemans” is an intimate look at the semi-autobiographical family life of Speilberg over the years, and where this film really shines outside of the phenomenal direction is the pitch perfect casting of the pivotal figures in his life. Starting with the main trio of Michelle Williams and Paul Dano as the parents of

the fictionalized Sam Fablemen (LaBelle) there are clear and relatable characters and performances.

Where Dano plays the highly technical dad in an understated way, Williams is given more of a flamboyant role to play as the Sam’s performative mother, which she is more than happy to deliver in a broad way that still retains believability. The parents relationship is at the core of the narrative, but there are two supporting performances that take you by surprise in how charming they are. Judd Hirsch enters the film about halfway through and only has a couple of scenes, but his pres-

ence and performance keep your attention in a film that could feel too long in another filmmaker’s hands. And throughout the film Seth Rogen delivers a charming performance that is humorous in a down to Earth way that is a far departure from his previous comedic performances in the best way.

Overall, you may think on the surface that “The Fablemans” is a self-involved look back at a director’s life and a sappy testament to the magic of the movies. However in practice this movie shy’s away from the more sentimental elements and rote ‘aren’t movies great?!’ scenes and instead portrays an emotional and raw look a the slow dissolution of a family throughout the years. “The Fablemans” is a nostalgic movie, but never feels as saccharine as it could have. The result is a moving and emotional film that is as winning as it is nostalgic.

“The Fablemans” is rated PG-13 for some strong language, thematic elements, brief violence and drug use.

4.7 out of 5 stars

To reach George Gust for a comment on this review, please send an e-mail to him at this address gust.george@gmail.com

Food bank makes appeal

The holidays are the perfect time to double the impact of your donation to help fight hunger in Oklahoma. Through Jan. 15, all donations to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma's Holiday Match are doubled, up to $350,000, thanks to presenting sponsor APMEX and the Cresap Family Foundation.

KOCO 5 News, official television sponsor of the Holiday Match, will feature the impact of Holiday Match donations throughout the match.

The holiday season is typically a time of celebration and joy, but the holidays can also lead to stress, especially for Oklahomans living with hunger. On top of the supply chain issues and inflation, as the weather gets colder, some Oklahomans are forced to choose between purchasing food or paying their utility bills.

Make an impact this holiday season by making a tax-deductible donation at rfbo.org/give or by call 405-6003161.

Donations may also be mailed to:

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma Holiday Match P.O. Box 270968 Oklahoma City, OK, 73137-0968

PHOTO

Study highlights health of youth

The most recent Oklahoma Youth Behavior Risk Survey (YRBS) shows a 50% decrease in teens that have ever tried cigarette smoking and a 20% decrease in teens who texted or emailed while driving, while just under half of the students surveyed reported signs of depression last year.

“We know that the pandemic added to mental health struggles facing Oklahoma students,” said Joyce Marshall, the Director of the Maternal and Child Health Service for OSDH. “This data helps shed light on areas where we need to provide more resources and programs for youth and their parents, and areas where we are having a real impact.”

The YRBS is a health behavior survey of public high school students and plays a critical role in understanding the health status and needs of Oklahoma youth.

The YRBS was administered to randomly selected schools in fall 2021. The survey results will allow OSDH and partners to more effectively plan and implement youth-focused health programs.

“The survey monitors a wide range of important indicators, such as, injury and violence, tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, sexual behaviors, diet and

physical activity, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs),” said Alicia Lincoln, Child & Adolescent Health Administrative Programs Manager for OSDH.

In 2021, the Oklahoma YRBS added 13 questions on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and three questions on Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs).

Eight core ACEs questions were used to create a composite score from zero to eight. Core ACE questions included: experiencing verbal abuse in the home; experiencing or witnessing physical violence in the home; living with someone who had a problem with alcohol or drug use, living with someone who was depressed or mentally ill, or having been separated from a parent or guardian because they ever went to jail or prison; and not having their basic needs met.

Four out of ten of the surveyed students reported experiencing three or more ACEs.

The three PCEs questions were used to create a composite score of zero to three. PCEs questions included: having an adult in their life they could talk to about their feelings; having a friend they could talk to about their feelings; and feeling close to people in their school.

Data collected show nearly half of students reported all three PCEs.

For parents and staff working with youth, the most important way to keep youth informed and safe is through honest and open communication. For caregivers who need tips for talking about issues like consent, healthy relationships, abstinence, bullying, and depression visit:  Lets Talk MonthTool Kit | Powered by Box . For families with youth who are experiencing signs of sadness or struggling with substance use, call or text 988 to connect with trained mental health professionals.

For more information on the YRBS and to view the full data re-

port, please visit oklahoma.gov/health/yrbs or call (405) 426-8092.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease.

OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health.

Music

By Brian Attebery

Music is a huge part of our culture. Driving in our cars, watching a TV commercial, or walking into the gym, you will hear music. My fitness center always has music playing. Whether it is in the main gym or taking one of our classes, music is part of the experience. We try to vary it for genre, tempo and style, knowing that you can’t please everyone’s taste. Hence, you also always see people wearing their ear buds or headphones jamming out to their music of choice. I don’t know anyone that doesn’t like some form of music. It is important in society and our workouts. Does it really make that much difference with exercise?

Different music has been found to have different effects on us. Various studies have shown that specific tempos can lead to maximum performance in certain exercises. These studies have even broken-down music into various tempo ranges that are ideal for performance. Most studies

enhance your workout routine

say that a tempo between 125-140 beats per minute is ideal for exercise.

One example with treadmills discovered that music between 123-131 bpm was ideal for the best performance when using the treadmill.

A Study out of Toronto examined 34 cardiac rehab patients following a set routine to see the effects of music on their bodies. They explained that music stimulates the part of the brain that controls movement which in turn helps your body perform repetitive movements better. This combination increases your heart rate, metabolism, and energy efficiency, while also reducing blood pressure and physical and mental stress along with reducing the feeling of fatigue. The study compared how the group responded, physiologically to workouts with music versus without. While listening to music, they didn’t feel as if they were exerting much energy.

They also noted that their endurance, intensity, and duration all in-

creased compared to the groups not listening to music (University of Toronto. Journal Sports Medicine. 619-15).

Most of the studies with exercise and music focus on aerobic and endurance related performance. There is emphasis on many of the studies in terms of the “beat” of the music and coordination of the aerobic activities. There is definitely apositive correlation between the two. In comparison, I looked for some research on music and power/weight lifting exercises. One study focused on the bench press and squat jump. Both would be considered explosive, power movements. The bench press group didn’t show any difference between RPE (Rate of perceived exertion) or overall strength.

The squat jump didn’t show any improvement of jump performance with the music group either. What the study did show was that there was an overall increased performance during explosive exercise and an altered mood state while listening to self-selective music (SSM). The increased performances from

weightlifting had been from the endurance aspect of the workout but not for the maximal lifts.

In other words, it will help with rep workouts and endurance of the workout but not doing a one rep max (National Library of Medicine.

www.pubmed.ncbi.nim.nih.gov).

Music can help your workout intensity, endurance, and overall performance. In addition, we workout to improve our moods and reduce stress. Music can enhance those elements too. Your personal play list can help your personal fitness goalsbe more beneficial and fun.

Download your jams and go have a great workout!

(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer. He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.com)

Attebery

Energy prices concern state treasurer

Gross Receipts to the Treasury for the past year set a new record high for the sixth consecutive month, but falling energy prices raise concerns about future collections, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced last week.

Twelve-month gross receipts through November are $17.36 billion, up by $2.44 billion, or 16.3 percent, from the prior 12 months. However, the monthly tax collections on oil and gas production fell below $160 million for the first time since April.

“The overall results continue to be strong,” said Treasurer McDaniel. “While lower fuel prices at the pump are providing needed relief for consumers, the slowdown in demand and drop in commodity prices will impact collections in the future.”

Compared to last November, the economic re-

sults for the month are positive. November collections of $1.31 billion are up by $120.9 million, or 10.1 percent, from November 2021. All major revenue streams reflect growth. Sales and use tax collections continue to exceed the rate of inflation, growing 10.5 percent compared to the same month of last year.

The monthly Oklahoma Business Conditions Index fell significantly in November. This index, produced by Creighton University, decreased from 51.3 in October to 39.8. It has not been below 50 since November 2020, indicating a forecast for economic contraction during the next three to six months.

Other indicators

As measured by the Consumer Price Index, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the annual inflation rate at 7.7 percent in October. The energy component of the index is up 17.6 percent over the year. The food index rose by 10.9 per-

cent.

The Oklahoma unemployment rate in October was reported as 3.4 percent by the BLS. That is up from 3.2 percent in September. The U.S. jobless rate was listed as 3.7 percent in October, up by two-tenths of a percentage point from September.

November collections

November 2022 collections compared to gross receipts from November 2021 show:

Total monthly gross collections are $1.31 billion, up by $120.9 million, or 10.1 percent.

Gross income tax collections, a combination of individual and corporate income taxes, generated $369.1 million, up by $32.0 million, or 9.5 percent.

Individual income tax collections are $351.4 million, an increase of $34.7 million, or 11 percent.

Corporate collections are $17.7 million, down by

Steven Giles Clothing a top name in men’s fashion

By Alexx Reger EL&L Business Editor

You may be looking for that perfect suit, tailored to perfection, for the holidays and the coming new year. The place to find this and other items in men’s fashion is Steven Giles Clothing located at 1225 N. Broadway Avenue in Oklahoma City.

Steven Giles, Owner of Steven Giles Clothing, says he has always been intrigued, impressed and perhaps a bit envious of those who were so well dressed. “Theirs was a presence demanding attention to detail, tailored precision, and clothing of character,” says Giles. “Over the years gentlemen of all ages have been captivated by the art of dressing well and to that end, we too are committed to this time honored tradition.”

Steven Giles Clothing is influenced by British de-

tail and correctness, Italian luxury and charm and a James Dean attitude. Giles says they are absolutely a gentlemen’s clothier, both a complete attire companion and essential guide to style for those who seek the finest clothing for today’s lifestyles.

For those that seek the finest clothing for today’s lifestyle, Steven Giles Clothing is pleased to present bespoke and custom offerings from their partners and tailoring houses that continue the Savile Row benchmark “standard of excellence.” By definition, bespoke is an individual choice of styling an indefinable element of style and an exclusive look to you. Once thought of as the domain of only the exclusive custom tailor, today Steven Giles is committed to upholding the standard by which all tailored clothing is judged. Established is 2005, Giles says today they are

The high costs & burden of being cured of cancer

The costs of being diagnosed with cancer last long after the diagnosis and initial treatment putting cancer survivors at increased risk for lifelong financial hardship, according to a new report from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).

The report, The Costs of Cancer Survivorship, examines several of the long-term expenses cancer survivors face in the years after they complete their initial treatment, including costs for maintenance treatment, monitoring for disease progression, recurrence or secondary cancers, ongoing side effects from their initial cancer treatment, late and long-term side effects, and mental health care needs. Research shows cancer survivors have higher annual out-of-pocket health care costs and carry more cancer-related medical debt than people who have not had cancer.

“The end of cancer treatment, unfortunately, is rarely the end of high costs for cancer survivors,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “Survivors face a lifetime of follow-up tests, treatments for side effects and other expensive medical needs that can leave them struggling with significant debt.”

The report makes clear the numerous and compounding costs survivors face using profiles of three theoretical survivors with actual clinically recommended follow-up care and costs: one with a history of breast cancer, another recovered from prostate cancer, and a childhood leukemia survivor. In all the profiles the single biggest factor affecting their costs is their insurance coverage. The extent and structure of a plan as well as a patient’s other health issues can vary widely.

For instance, the breast cancer survivor’s costs varied from under $3,000 if she has a large employer plan wherein her employer covers the premiums, to over $10,000 in premiums and deductibles for a small em-

ployer, high-deductible plan. The medical costs the prostate survivor incurred nearly doubled to over $20,000 when accounting for his Type II diabetes treatments. And for the childhood leukemia survivor struggling with treatment-associated fertility issues, the out-of-pocket costs soared above $75,000 as few insurance plans cover fertility services.

“Insurance coverage continues to determine someone’s ability to detect, treat and survive this disease—physically and financially,” said Lacasse.

“Considering there are 18 million cancer survivors in this country and more than 1.9 million people diagnosed with the disease each year, we need to consider how to help cancer survivors get out from under the costs of their care, and live productive lives.”

The report details several policies that should be enacted to help survivors afford their care, including:

Eliminating pre-existing conditions exclusions in all health insurance coverage, including in short-term limited duration and other health care sharing plans.

Expanding financial assistance programs to more low- and middle-income patients and ensuring payment or financial products offered to patients to pay their medical bills are not predatory.

Capping all out-of-pocket costs in Medicare.

Addressing unexpected cost-sharing for cancer screenings.

Requiring coverage for cancer-related fertility preservation services.

“While we’ve made significant progress reducing the number of uninsured people in this country over the last decade, we continue to struggle to make the available coverage and associated cancer care affordable,” said Lacasse. “Passing these proven policies to reduce cancer’s financial burden is critical to reducing the overall burden of this disease on ourselves and our loved ones.”

excited that their business is growing, but most gratified to know that their commitment to a timeless style of quality and character is shared by their most important constituency, their customers.

“Just in time for the holiday season, we have opened our doors of our new permanent location at The Benz in Automobile Alley,” says Giles. “This new home will enhance what we already do best: embracing the rich history and heritage of dressing correctly, dressing with purpose, all the while reserving a bit of irreverence for individual expression. That is who we will always be,” says Giles.

Giles adds that their new location will be the beacon of their timeless persona. Check them out today for the finest in gentlemen’s clothing. For more information visit their website at www.stevengilesclothing.com or call 405-607-4633.

McDaniel

Report

$2.8 million, or 13.6 percent.

Combined sales and use tax collections, including remittances on behalf of cities and counties, total $593.3 million – up by $56.2 million – or 10.5 percent.

Sales tax collections total $500.4 million, an increase of $43 million, or 9.4 percent.

Use tax receipts, collected on out-ofstate purchases including internet sales, generated $92.9 million, an increase of $13.2 million, or 16.6 percent.

Gross production taxes on oil and natural gas total $150.7 million, an increase of $35.7 million, or 31.1 percent.

Motor vehicle taxes produced $67 million, up by $0.4 million, or 0.6 percent.

Other collections composed of some 60 different sources including taxes on fuel, tobacco, medical marijuana, and alcoholic beverages, produced $134.1 million – down by $3.4 million, or 2.5 percent.

The medical marijuana tax produced $4.3 million, down by

$512,192, or 10.6 percent from November 2021.

Twelve-month collections

Combined gross receipts for the past 12 months compared to the prior period show:

Gross revenue totals $17.36 billion. That is $2.44 billion, or 16.3 percent, above collections from the previous 12 months.

Gross income taxes generated $6.03 billion, an increase of $864.2 million, or 16.7 percent.

Individual income tax collections total $5 billion, up by $646.3 million, or 14.8 percent.

Corporate collections are $1.03 billion, an increase of $218 million, or 26.7 percent.

Combined sales and use taxes generated $6.84 billion, an increase of $670.3 million, or 10.9 percent.

Gross sales tax receipts total $5.8 billion, up by $537.7 million, or 10.2 percent.

Use tax collections generated $1.05 billion, an increase of $132.6 million, or 14.5 percent.

Hi and Lois

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Lankford’s prayer for state & nation

By Senator James Lankford (R-OK)

Rather than a typical editorial, let us shift from the anger and struggle in our world to a focus on the only One who can calm the storm and give real Christmas cheer. Would you join me in prayer?

Lord, we come to You with grateful hearts because we know You provide every good gift. You give wisdom when we ask for guidance, You give mercy when we ask for a new start You give protection when we are afraid, and You give hope when we humble ourselves and pray. You are the One who meets our needs. Most of all, thank You for sending Your only Son, whose birth we celebrate in this season, to deliver us from our sin and give us the opportunity to receive Your indescribable gift of forgiveness and salvation. Thank You.

Please help our family to not get lost this December in the packages and prices, yet forget the reason we have so much to celebrate this Christmas.

Father, please comfort all the people who are away from their families this Christmas, especially those who are serving our nation in distant lands. Help us to hold our families tightly, knowing that they are Your gift.

Our nation is drifting and troubled in so many ways. People are struggling, frustrated, and hurting. I pray they could see You as the source of truth, light, and life. The Christmas story reminds me again, that Your ways are so radically different than mine, but Your way is always right.

This world needs good examples of joy, peace, and contentment in this season. Please guide me, and remind me that I should not just wish that there were more good role models but that I would be a good role model.

Bring us together as a nation and heal the unreconciled wounds in our communities.

Please bless our local, state, and national leaders and their families. Though we do not always agree, we pray that You would guide our leaders in Your truth and bless them so that our state and nation would be a blessing to others. I pray for their strength, faithfulness, integrity, and purpose.

Teach me how to love and serve people of all backgrounds, knowing that every person is created in Your image. You came to the first Christmas in humility. Help me to live in humility as well knowing that You

require that I do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). You have met my needs so that I can meet the needs of others.

While some celebrate this season, others deeply grieve. Be near to the broken-hearted and save those who feel crushed (Psalm 34:18). Remind people who are alone that You are always with them.

I pray that anyone who does not know You feels the warmth of Your presence in their heart this season and is filled with the joy that only You can provide.

I pray all this in Your Holy name. Amen