January 18, 2024 Vol. 24, No. 35
In This Issue FOUR SEASONS
Making Public Safety A top Edmond priority
Four Seasons, by Kevin Box, in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. For more information, see page 4.
Stay safe during the winter See Page 13
FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 Partly Cloudy High 36° Low 17°
SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 Mostly Sunny High 34° Low 20°
SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 Partly Cloudy High 37° Low 29°
PHOTO PROVIDED
Among the men dedicated to Edmond’s public safety, are, from left, J.D. Younger, Edmond Police Chief, Mayor Darrell Davis and Chris Goodwin, Edmond Fire Chief. Please see article, Page 3. There is a reason that Edmond is one of the safest cities in the state — the city works hard at it. This week’s “City Source Edmond” features a close look at the men and women in all agencies, but particularly in the Police and Fire departments. They take their responsibilities seriously and the result is a safer city, which helps to bring even more people to live here in Edmond. Please see article, on Page. 3
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Edmond Life & Leisure • January 18, 2024 • Page 3
City Source Edmond
Public safety an investment – & commitment – that matters a great deal in Edmond When J.D. Younger talks about the City of Edmond’s investment in public safety – and the true value of it – he speaks about things beyond brickand-mortar edifices and the latest whiz-bang technological tools. He talks about the thing that produces the real bang for the buck: people. “The Edmond community has a long history of supporting their public service professionals,” said Younger, who has served as the Chief of Police in Edmond since May 2017. “They have approved the spending of millions of dollars over the years for new buildings and new tools and equipment and training. And they do that because they recognize the value of investing in public safety. “But the real key – for Police, Fire, and really all the City departments that serve the Edmond community – is what that investment attracts and supports: Good people, who have a heart for service and are dedicated to serving a good community filled with good people.” And the results have been, in a word, good. Edmond consistently is ranked as the safest large city in the state, with the lowest combined crime rate of the 10 most populated cities in Oklahoma. A big part of that is the support of public safety, as well as a community-based approach that includes interactive programs like the Citizens Police Academy, where Younger said, “We build relationships with residents in the hopes that they will tell us what they expect and need from us.” “The City has invested and supported public safety to allow us to have assets that provide a level of security and safety that our community expects and deserves,” Younger said. “It ensures we have the tools – and can attract the quality of people to provide services – that allow us to have a relationship of confidence and trust with our community and help us make quality connections. “It’s an intentional thing. You know that your community wants high quality safety services because they consistently support the investment in infrastructure, tools, training and – most importantly – people who recognize that commitment and want to return that with their service to the community.” In terms of Fire service, just recently Edmond was
Edmond’s Fire Department boasts a ‘No. 1’ rating — making it one of the elite agencies in the nation.
awarded a rating of 1 – the highest rating – by the Insurance Services Office, which creates ratings for fire departments and their surrounding communities. The ratings calculate how well-equipped fire departments are to put out fires in that community, and 1 is the best possible rating, while a 10 means a fire department did not meet ISO's minimum requirements. “Less than 1 percent of the fire departments in the nation have an ISO rating of 1,” said Chris Goodwin, who has served as the Chief of the Edmond Fire Department since August 2017. “That rating takes a hard look at the capabilities of fire departments – important factors like proximity, response times, water distribution capabilities and
more, which are critical to delivering timely and professional services to residents. “Reaching that level not only gives us a solid measuring stick for ourselves, it also can often lead to significant savings on insurance costs to businesses and residents. And, as important, it means the Edmond community can be assured that they are being served by a very qualified fire department, one that is staffed, equipped and trained at the highest levels.” Proactive planning and investment in public safety continues in Edmond. On the facility side, City Council recently approved funding for the construction of a new station, Fire Station 6, which will
See City, Page 7
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From the Publisher
Vote ‘Yes’ for students on Feb. 13 The Edmond Public Schools Board of Education has set a Bond Election for February 13, 2024. This election is part of the district’s normal two-year bond cycle for major district projects including construction, maintenance, transportation and technology needs for our nearly 26,000 students and 3,200 staff members. One of the reasons that our school system has such a good record of being good stewards with taxpayer money is because they run their finances like a good business. Part of that is not letting buildings go without maintenance or letting equipment such as buses deteriorate Ray Hibbard and not replace them when needed. You will find school districts that do not replace items such as buses on a regular basis. They end up with an entire fleet that needs replacing in one year and buses that are not safe for kids. It keeps taxpayers from paying a higher rate and shows good management of assets on the part of the administration. Stable and steady master plans for the system are difficult but go a long way to creating the best school system in the state. Edmond’s biggest economic success comes from having a great school system. We encourage you to get out on the 13th of February and vote yes for both bond proposals. If approved by the voters, this bond is not planned to raise tax rates for any homeowner in the district. The voter registration deadline for the election is Friday, January 19th. In accordance with Oklahoma law, the Bond will be separated into two propositions. The first one totals $144 million and includes the following projects: Phase 1 Construction of a new Elementary School Phase 1 Construction of a new Middle School The Elementary & Middle Schools will be built on land the district owns at the Southeast corner of Air Depot & Covell Construction of a new Freshman Academy at Edmond Santa Fe High School. (Picture #5) Classroom addition at Boulevard Academy Classroom addition at Scissortail Elementary Renovations and improvements at several sites including Sunset Elementary, John Ross Elementary, Orvis Risner Elementary, Charles Haskell Elementary and Clegern Elementary Construction of a safe room at the Edmond Early Childhood Center Construction or acquisition of a facility for the Edmond Transition Academy for special education Purchase of new technology equipment HVAC, roofing, flooring, lighting and playground improvements district-wide School security enhancements and upgrades
School equipment including for instructions needs, fine arts, athletics, child nutrition, maintenance and library/media center books Classroom furniture Turf for baseball and softball fields at the three EPS high schools Improvements to the Mitch Park Aquatic Center as part of the district’s agreement with the YMCA The second proposition totals $3 million and includes the following projects: Purchase of new school buses Purchase of new activity buses Purchase of new sport utility vehicles “As our Edmond community continues to grow, so do the needs of our district as a whole” said Edmond Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Angela Grunewald. “When Redbud Elementary opened, it was already nearing capacity. If approved by the voters, this bond will allow the district to begin construction of a second elementary school east of I-35 as well as a new middle school. Both of these buildings are needed to support our growth and keep class sizes as small as possible.” These bond propositions include projects that will impact every one of our nearly 26,000 EPS students. “The district has worked hard to prioritize and select projects that improve and enhance every existing EPS school site,” said Grunewald. Frequently Asked Questions About Bond Issues Can bond funds be used to pay teacher and/or administrator salaries? State law prohibits districts from using bond funds to pay salaries or to hire teachers to lower class sizes. By law, the use of bond proceeds is restricted to the uses approved by voters on the bond proposition. Who Decides What Projects are Placed on a Bond Proposition? The Board of Education ultimately approves the projects. The process of what is presented to the Board comes from input from maintenance and operations, departments, principals, teachers and parents (Parent Advisory Committee who meet monthly during the school year). How will the passage of the bond issue affect my property taxes? Property taxes are expected to remain stable due to increased property valuation in the district and the retirement of other bonds. As done with past bond issues, the district has planned this bond issue to keep the millage level stable between 24 and 25 mills. The timing of bond sales will coincide with the retirement of existing bonds to support the district’s objective of sustaining a stable millage rate. Why is there bond money left over at the end of a year? Why can’t that money be used now? All bond proceeds are designated for the projects that were approved by the voters in that election. Not every project is completed in the same year the bonds are funded. After a bond issue is passed, the district finalizes project designs and puts the bond projects out for
bid. Only after the bids are received and approved by the school board does the district issue a purchase order that “obligates” the funds. Unspent proceeds are commonly related to projects that are in the bidding or construction process. Why does the available bond fund ‘grow’ if every dollar is accounted for? It is somewhat of a continuous cycle. Older projects are completed as new projects are coming on board. The outstanding balances can fluctuate up or down depending on the relative cost of the completed projects versus the new projects that were just funded. Construction projects are normally completed within 3 years of receiving the funds. There are IRS restrictions in place that dictate reasonably fast completion of projects and we have a long history of completing projects within that time frame. What is the history of bond elections in Edmond? The Edmond Community has successfully passed sixty-two consecutive bond issues since 1959. Bond elections were typically held annually. A few years ago, the district began holding bond elections every two years in order to save on costs associated with holding the election. Who can vote in the election? All registered voters who live within the district boundaries qualify to vote including those residents who live outside of the city limits of Edmond. Individuals should vote at their regular precincts. Vote for Harris for District 39 If you live in Oklahoma House District 39 there will be a choice of candidates for filling the vacated position. The primary election was held last year. Out of a pack of individuals running we have left for the 13th election Republican Erick Harris, Democrat Regan Raff and Libertarian Richard Prawdzienski. Harris is our pick for this position, and we encourage you to vote for him. He is the best candidate for the job and will serve Edmond well along with our other legislative leaders. Republican Erick Harris and Democrat Regan Raff each won their respective party’s nomination in the House District 39 special primary election Tuesday and have advanced to the Feb. 13 general election. Harris, won with about 27 percent of the electorate, totaling 896 votes. Ronda Peterson, an Edmond Public Schools bus driver, finished in second place with 869 votes. In Oklahoma, there are no runoffs for special primary elections. “Words cannot express my sincerest thanks to everyone that voted today. I am honored to be your Republican nominee and look forward to advocating for conservative principles,” Harris wrote. “To all of my fellow Republican candidates, thank you for running a race that shows the Republican Party is the party of life, liberty and freedom. On to the general election!” Owing to the timing of the special election, the winner of the February general election will be seated shortly after the legislative session begins Feb. 5. For the 2024 election cycle, candidate filing is set to begin April 3, less than two months after the special election. A lifelong Oklahoman, Erick and his wife, Melissa, are the proud parents of Olivia and members of Northeast Baptist Church. (Ray Hibbard may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)
Check out what’s inside! ---- Edmond Police booking report ..................................................Page 6. ---- Weekend calendar ......................................................................Page 6. ---- Senior news ................................................................................Page 8. ---- Columnist looks at college football bowl games ......................Page 10. ---- Elaine Warner enjoys the sights of Indiana ..............................Page 11. ---- George Gust’s latest movie review............................................Page 14. ---- Crossword puzzle ..................................................................Page 14. ---- Business ..................................................................................Page 17. ---- Comics ....................................................................................Page 18. ---- Church directory ......................................................................Page 19. This and so much more in this week’s edition
See if you can find ‘Four Seasons’ “Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. 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.
Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York Advertising Director Business Editor Alexx Reger alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Patty Miller, Rose Drebes, and George Gust. Photographer Melinda Infante
Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2024 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved. Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure
Edmond Life & Leisure • January 18, 2024 • Page 5
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(Editor’s Note: 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.) Jan. 2 Shelby Leewayne Obiarinze, 32 of Edmond. Failure to appear. Sharla Denise Ivery,29 of Oklahoma City. Expired tag – over three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Sandra Fraire-Vazquez, 32 of Oklahoma City. Expired tag – over three months, no proof of insurance and driving without proper/valid DL. Travis Don Horton, 29 homeless. Trespassing. Shealon Tyrus Claytor, 41 of Edmond. Felony warrant. Brandon Britton Gibbs, 46 of Edmond. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Jan. 3 Brylin Da’Juan Phillips, 18 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol. Hakeem Adnan Bahhur, 32 of Edmond. Felony warrant, failure to devote full-time attention to driving and no proof of insurance. Damien Joseph Bullard, 25 of Prague. No proof of insurance and driving without proper/valid ID. Casey Morgan Thomas, 37 of Edmond, Misdemeanor warrant. Jan. 4 Kristin Lauren Heinken, 34 homeless. Possess drug paraphernalia, trafficking in illegal drugs and
the scene of an accident – unattended vehicle and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
possess, with intent to distribute CDS. Molly Elizabeth Kaase, 29 of Edmond. Trespassing. Jared Allen Gowens, 45 of Norman. (Felony) larceny of merchandise from retailer and failure to appear. Robinson Epina V, 33 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Christopher David Hufstetler, 45 of Edmond. False representation to an officer and possession of marijuana. Joshua Caleb Brewer, 24 homeless. Trespassing after being warned. Nicholas Dean Boese, 42 of Edmond. Felony warrant.
Jan. 6 Alan Carl Smith III, 39 of Edmond. Public intoxication. Matthew Blane Richards, 36 of Edmond. Public intoxication. Juan Ramon Torres Ortega, 32 of Bethany. No tag – improper tag, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege has been canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Nathan Wei-lan Moy, 53 of Edmond. Possess CDS and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
Jan. 5 Gisele Debois Anderson, 22 of Edmond. Speeding (11-14 mph over) and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Bart Ray Peacock, 57 of Richardson, Texas. Misdemeanor warrant. Antonio Dereck Somerset, Jr., 28 of Lithonia, Ga. Failure to signal, possession of marijuana, nonassault resisting officer and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Kelsie Jane Glitsch, 32 of Woodward. Shoplifting, Thomas Joe Barnes, 34 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault. Jarrod Craddock, 27 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault. Stephanie May Kennett, 38 of Edmond. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS. Forrest Edward Thomas, 29 of Oklahoma City. Shoplifting – petit larceny, Keith Fitzgerald Graim, 37 of Oklahoma City. Possession of marijuana and public intoxication. Isinia Zyreale English, 24 of Edmond. Leaving
Jan. 7 Lena June Nipper, 21 of Oklahoma CIty. Possess CDS, elude police officer – endanger others (felony) and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more. Michael Mehran Maiahy, 36 of Edmond. Failure to appear. Erik Daniel Siden, 29 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant. Robert Michael Kilpatrick, 44 of Plano, Texas. Trafficking in illegal drugs, possess drug paraphernalia and felony warrant. Londell Eugene Littlejohn, 37 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and failure to appear. Travis Don Horton, 29 homeless. Public intoxication. Tony Jerome Coleman, 53 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Jermeil Delaine Brown, II, 31 of Oklahoma City, Felony DUI/APC.
Weekend Calendar of Events Jan. 18-21 Weekend Calendar of Events Jan 18 —21 ---- In the Gallery ---- Edmond’s Social Fabric ---- Devon Ice Rink ---- Downtown in December ---- Indoor Edmond Farmer’s Market ---- AMA Arenacross Championship Round 6 ---- Board Game Day at Frenzy ---- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Events ---- OKC Broadway presents: Les Mis-
erables ---- Oklahoma City Home & Garden Show ---- Oklahoma Winter Bead & Jewelry Show ---- Oklahoma Gun Show Extra Information In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring Reian Williams; free; Gallery is open Mon – Thu; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; edmondfinearts.com
Edmond’s Social Fabric Location: Edmond History Museum Extra Info: Fri, Dec 1 – Sun, Mar 31; free; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; edmondhistory.org Devon Ice Rink Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens Extra Info: Fri, Nov 10 – Sat, Jan 29; Mon – Thu: 3 – 9 p.m.; Fri: 3 – 11 p.m.; Sat: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sun: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; myriadgardens.org Downtown in December Location: Downtown OKC Extra Info: Thu, Nov 16 – Sun, Feb 4; various events; downtownindecember.com Indoor Edmond Farmer’s Market Location: MAC in Mitch Park Extra Info: through Sat, Mar 16; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; edmondparks.com AMA Arenacross Championship Round 6 Location: Lazy E Arena Extra Info: Fri, Jan 19 – Sat, Jan 20; $15 ---- $45; arenacrossusa.com
Extra Info: Thu, Jan 18 – Sun, Jan 21: Choose Your Adventure & Explore the Code: The Code of the West @ 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat, Jan 20 – Sun, Jan 21: Signature Tour @ 1 – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org OKC Broadway presents: Les Miserables Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: Tue, Jan 16 – Sun, Jan 21; Tue, Wed & Thu: 7:30 p.m.; Fri: 8 p.m.; Sat: 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Sun: 1:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.; okcbroadway.com Oklahoma City Home & Garden & Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Fri, Jan 19 – Sun, Jan 21; oklahomacityhomeshow.com Oklahoma Winter Bead & Jewelry Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Fri, Jan 19 – Sun, Jan 21; Fri: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; aksshow.com
Board Game Day at Frenzy Location: Frenzy Brewing Company Extra Info: Thu, Jan 18; 6 ---- 10 p.m.; Free; facebook.com
Oklahoma Gun Show Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds Extra Info: Sat, Jan 20 – Sun, Jan 21; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; oklahomagunshows.com
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Events Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Send calendar items to infante318@cox.net
Edmond Life & Leisure • January 18, 2024 • Page 7
Edmond Police Chief J.D. Younger says that the city is blessed with ‘good people, who have a heart for service.’
City From Page 3 be located on Kelly Avenue near Cross Timbers Elementary, and the purchase of land east of I-35 for a future fire station to ensure top-level service is available to that fast-growing portion of the community. Another key commitment is the launching of service by American Medical Response (AMR) to provide ambulance service within the city limits of Edmond. When AMR takes over from Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) this month, residents enrolled in the City’s EMSAcare program will be covered by AMR service, and while the provider changes, the service will still be available to residents for a $3 monthly charge on their City of Edmond utility bill. If residents are currently enrolled, no action is required to remain at their current status. “The City of Edmond enjoyed a long relationship with EMSA, so the decision to make a change was not an easy one,” Goodwin said. “However, the growth of our city – and the challenge of meeting acceptable response times in those situations when minutes count without dedicated ambulances stationed within the city limits – necessitated a change. “In the past EMSA could have ambulances responding to Edmond from as far away as south Oklahoma City. AMR will have operations dedicated here. They will have a base of operations at the old Fire Station 2 location (1315 S. Broadway), and – most importantly – they will have ambulances dedicated to our city and posted in our city. There will be up to five ambulances stationed here, which will ensure more timely service to our residents and visitors here.” Stacie Peterson, the Councilmember for Ward 4, is an ardent supporter of the public safety professionals in Edmond and served on the committee that studied and helped implement the change in the ambulance service program for the community. She calls the investment in public safety – and the results that investment has produced – “one of the main reasons folks come to Edmond, because they know it’s a safe place to live and work.” “We have incredible public safety professionals and the continued investment, as well as the continued community support, is extremely important,” Peterson said, “and our investment makes a big difference in the quality of people we recruit and the outstanding services they provide. “It’s vital that we continue to invest in public safety because the fact is you can have great roads, nice parks and incredible schools but none of that matters if you cannot be confident in the safety in the community where you live. In my opinion, the level of public safety investment – and the amazing public safety professionals we have in Edmond – is
the biggest asset our city has.” In the upcoming City of Edmond’s $487.5 million FY2024 budget, more than $75 million of that goes toward public safety services that produce results and are the envy of public safety professionals across the state. “It’s definitely a priority,” Goodwin said. “With their support of a sales tax dedicated to public safety, our residents have shown us how important it is and have made an investment to ensure it. And because of that, they can have an extreme level of confidence that they have Fire and Police professionals who are trained, equipped and prepared to respond quickly and efficiently handle their needs in
the case of an emergency.” “Mayor Davis likes to say that people come to Edmond for three things: Great educational opportunities, a safe community and a great feeling of community,” Younger said. “These are foundational things – what makes Edmond feel like Edmond – and the job of our public safety professionals is to make sure our residents and visitors can feel those things and be confident and comfortable when they are out in our community.” Something that really has no price tag. Learn more about what’s happening around the City at www.edmondok.gov/CitySource.
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Keep your brain sharp as you age Cognitive decline is on the minds of many adults as they get older. Memory loss and trouble processing things can sometimes be a side effect of aging, as Everyday Health says the brain changes in size and structure as a person gets older. These changes can affect how well the brain works over time. Furthermore, illnesses affecting the brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease, may start showing their symptoms in people when they’ve reached their mid-60s, says the National Institute on Aging. Cognitive decline and dementia are not a certainty of aging. But older adults interested in strengthening their brains may want to consider these strategies.
Some common sense health measures can help cognitive abilities later in life.
Address high blood pressure High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels is associated with better cognitive function, according to data published in 2021 in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Use all your senses Harvard Health says the more senses used in learning something, the more of the brain that is involved in retaining the memory. Studies have shown that images paired with pleasant aromas leads to better recall later on. Exercise regularly Staying physically active helps
maintain blood flow to the brain, which also helps reduce the risk for hypertension. Eat brain-healthy foods According to Cone Health Medical Group, studies show eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like tuna, salmon and mackerel, decreases risk for cognitive decline. People should avoid saturated fats, trans fats and hydrogenated oils. Read and write frequently According to a study in the journal Neurology, regular reading and writing in one’s older years reduced the rate of memory decline by 32 percent. Joining a book club or simply reading more on one’s own can improve cognition. Similarly, writing improves memory and communication abilities and can help strengthen the brain as well. Drink healthy beverages Tea and coffee can improve alertness and focus, as they’re rich in polyphenols and antioxidants. A Place for Mom says caffeine in these beverages can help solidify new memories. Avoid drinking sugary beverages and limit consumption of alcohol, as neither boasts brain-boosting properties. Keeping the brain sharp is a multilayered process that involves healthy foods and beverages, exercise and brain-stimulating activities.
Local news? Do you have a local news item or a local photograph? Share the good news with your neighbors and the community through Edmond Life & Leisure newspaper. Simply e-mail the items to news@edmondpaper.com There is no charge.
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Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side
Bowl games exhibitions? Lawmaker’s bill encourages By Steve Gust Did you happen to watch some of the college football bowl games recently? It’s a brave new world out there with the transfer portal and players opting out. Some of the Steve Gust games seem to be exhibitions anymore. Next year it will be even more obvious as college football adopts a 12-team playoff. The way I understand it, is that the top ranked four teams get a first round bye. The next eight teams play each other in a first round. The four survivors there advance to play the teams who had the bye week. So, you have a first round, quarterfinals, semi-finals and then the championship game. If my math is right, there will be 11 playoff games vs. the three we’ve come to know over the years. It should make for great entertainment. But what about the teams not in the playoff? That will be tough to get fired up
enough to want to go play. But it shouldn’t be. If you have a chance to win a game — that should be a good motivation. I bet Nebraska would love to go to a bowl game. They haven’t been since 2016. Yet we live in the opt-out age where players don’t want to risk injuries and a possibly monster pay day in the NFL. It just seems odd to me. I’ve read comments on social media where the prevailing opinion is that people need to pay the players to do so. What about scholarships? Those aren’t cheap. Like I said, it’s a brave new world. —— I saw a clip of Joe Biden berating Trump. His words were something like “I will say something that Donald Trump won’t. There is no place in America for political violence.” This comes from the same man who, proudly said in 2016, that he wanted to meet Donald Trump behind a gym and beat him up. I guess CBS, NBC, ABC and all the other cable news networks forgot about all of that. (Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com)
greater firearm safety Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, has filed legislation aimed at incentivizing the use of firearm safety devices. Senate Bill 1476 would provide a state sales tax exemption to encourage more Oklahomans to take advantage of such equipment. Dossett held an interim study on the topic last fall, with experts from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), the Oklahoma Rifle Association (ORA), and Everytown for Gun Safety presenting data and perspectives on the utilization of tax incentives to promote greater safety. “I believe most Oklahomans are responsible gun owners, and many of our citizens already take advantage of firearm safety devices – the idea is to provide a financial incentive so that even more will do so,” Dossett said. “It’s something more than a dozen other states are already doing, and others are considering. It really is a commonsense bill that could help prevent injuries and deaths.” During the interim study, Oklahoma Rifle Association President Mark Vaughan said such a tax incentive would be of benefit to Oklahomans.
“Any measure that promotes the voluntary security and storage of firearms, and that prevents unauthorized individuals, such as children, those with mental illness, and those with criminal intent—anything that prevents those individuals from ready access to firearms—we are 100 percent for,” Vaughan said in October. Under SB 1476, a state sales tax exemption could be used for the purchase of firearm safety devices, including gun safes, cases, lock boxes, and trigger locks. During that same October study, Associate Regional Director of Government Affairs, Tyler Smith, with Everytown for Gun Safety, said extensive research underscored the critical importance of secure storage practices in mitigating the risk of gun violence, helping prevent unintentional shootings, suicides, and gun theft. Dossett called the potential fiscal impact negligible compared to the savings in reduced injuries and deaths in Oklahoma. “The Tax Commission projected the revenue impact would be $271,555 but compare that to the data we heard from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that showed gun deaths and injuries cost Oklahoma taxpayers more than $200 million annually,” Dossett said. “This bill makes good sense in terms of public safety and sound fiscal policy, and I look forward to working with my fellow members in the 2024 session on this important issue.” —— Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, recently filed legislation that would extend taxfree vehicle title transfers from grandparents to their grandchildren. Currently an excise tax is levied upon the transfer of legal ownership of any vehicle registered in Oklahoma. Exceptions include people who possess an agricultural exemption, and for title transfers between husband and wife and parent and child. House Bill 2973 would extend the exemption to grandparents transferring a title to a grandchild, including through family trusts. "This was a constituent request that makes perfect sense," West said. "Grandparents should be allowed to transfer the title to their vehicles to their grandchildren without the state taxing the transaction. “
Mullin: High court needs to decide ballot issues Last week, Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), alongside Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), introduced the Constitutional Election Integrity Act, legislation that would prevent state politicians like the Maine Secretary of State and state entities like the Colorado Supreme Court from disqualifying presidential candidates from the ballot on constitutional matters that should be decided by only the Supreme Court. The Constitutional Election Integrity Act clarifies that the Supreme Court of the United States has the sole ability to decide legal claims arising out of section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. The legislation also withholds federal funding for election administration from states that misuse the 14th Amendment for political purposes. Mullin and Tillis are joined by Senators J.D. Vance (R-OH), Rick Scott (R-FL), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY). “Presidential elections are determined by the American people, not liberal political activists with a grudge,” said Senator Mullin. “Right now, states like Colorado and Maine are working overtime to undermine American voters and kick President
Donald Trump off the ballot. Our bill, the Constitutional Election Integrity Act will clarify and affirm that any challenges to the U.S. Constitution must be adjudicated by the Supreme Court, not partisan activists. I am glad to join with my colleagues who believe in protecting the sanctity of our Constitution and the system of checks and balances established by our Founding Fathers.”
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or comments about what they read here. The rules, even for e-mail letters: 1) You must tell us your full name; 2) You must give us your complete address and phone numbers (but we will identify you only by name); and 3) We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity and taste (our taste). Send mail to Letter to the Editor, Edmond Life & Leisure, 107 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034. or fax to 340-3384 or e-mail to news@edmondpaper.com.
“Regardless of whether you support or oppose former President Donald Trump, it is outrageous to see left-wing activists make a mockery of our political system by scheming with partisan state officials and pressuring judges to remove him from the ballot,” said Senator Tillis. “American voters, not partisan activists, should decide who we elect as our President. The Constitutional Election Integrity Act would put any constitutional challenges in the sole place they belong: the U.S. Supreme Court.” “Kicking your political enemies off the ballot is the kind of stuff you see in communist countries like Venezuela, Cuba and China—it should never be happening in the United States of America. Period. These partisan activists are anti-democracy, and their actions are an effort to silence Americans and their votes. This is about taking your voice away from you. This is sending a message to folks—American citizens—that you don’t get to vote for the president of your country. That is our God-given, inalienable right, and I will not stand for this gross overreach,” said Senator Scott. “That is why I am fighting hard to pass the Constitutional Election Integrity Act to restore freedom and democracy to our elections that some Democrat states are working so hard to dismantle.”
Edmond Life & Leisure • January 18, 2024 • Page 11
Private homes with their own docks line one side of the canal to Winona Lake.
Finding a lot to love in Indiana By Elaine Warner Two things stand out about the artist born Robert Clark: one – his 1966 painting “LOVE” became a pop icon, appearing later as a sculpture, even a postage stamp; and two – he changed Elaine his last name to honor his birth heritage in Indiana. Robert Indiana loved his home state – and I did too. Home base on my fall press trip was Fort Wayne but we also made trips around the area where I found more fascinating places to visit – and drank some excellent wine. Indiana has quite a history with automobile production – 150 different makes of cars have been produced in the state. To pay homage to the Grande Dame of the industry, we headed to Auburn to see the pride of the Golden Age of Autos – the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. The 1929 Art Deco building that was the headquarters of the Auburn Automobile Company is not only on the National Register of Historic Places but also designated a National Historic Landmark. A highlight of the Art Deco structure is the elegant showroom where the latest models were once displayed for international dealers. Painted plaster Art Deco designs circle the ceiling and top large columns. The floor is Italian terrazzo. Large windows and six-foot-tall, tiered, lighting fixtures illuminate the massive space. Displayed in the area today are some of the most elegant cars to roar through the 1920s and ‘30s. Over 120 automobiles are on display on three levels. Areas include company history, early autos, racing cars and record-breakers, Indiana-pro-
This 1931 Model J Duesenberg Coupe featured a ‘disappearing top’ and cost $14,000 new.
duced autos and classic cars which competed with the Auburn Company autos. The National Auto and Truck Museum is in an adjacent building, the only other remaining Auburn Automobile Company structure. This museum features a wide variety of vehicles – trucks, muscle cars, classics, racing vehicles and motorcycles – two-and-a-half acres of displays. My favorite was a 1953 Futurliner, a massive machine, one of twelve built by General Motors. These specialized vehicles toured the U.S. during the 1940s and ‘50s with displays of inventions like microwaves, jet engines and other futuristic items as part of G.M.’s Parade of Progress. The museum has also recreated a 1935 Auburn dealership and displays a 1948 Valentine diner, originally situated in Angola, Indiana. Outside are several authentic roadside cabins – precursors of contemporary motels. Our next stop was the Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum dedicated to Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles made between 1932 and 1953.
President Franklin Roosevelt enjoyed driving his Washington blue, 1936 Deluxe Ford Phaeton, which was modified to accommodate his disability
The main display area features every body style marketed by Ford in 1936. The star of this show is a stainless steel 1936 Deluxe Custom Tudor Touring Sedan. Ford made only six of these cars at the behest of the Allegheny Steel Company, one for each of its district offices. Only four of these autos are in existence. The car in this museum was originally used by salesmen in Allegheny’s Chicago office. After the cars were retired, Allegheny executive William McFadden continued to drive the Chicago car for a number of years. The shiny beauty, created to show the strength and resilience of steel, still sparkled like new – but non-steel parts didn’t hold up as well. McFadden was forced to quit driving it when his foot smashed through the wooden floor. Now it has pride of place in the Ford museum. The exhibits also range from early “Woody” station wagons and cute convertibles with rumble seats to elegant phaetons. Created for wealthy customers like President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, these sleek vehicles seated six passengers on genuine leather seats. Between these three museums, you have a day’s worth of education and entertainment. Wear comfortable shoes! Another day we went to Warsaw, where we visited the last original cut glass factory in the United States. In business since 1911, The Kirkendalls, only the third owners of the company, still use many pieces of original equipment. We watched cutter Randy Light cut a pattern into an old-fashioned cocktail glass. Fairly new to the art, he has memorized eight of the 60 standard designs that the company cuts. They also do custom cutting. The showroom is full of beautiful pieces from cruets, decanters, pitchers, glasses and vases to small ornaments. I bought a glass ornament with entwined hearts for my grandson and his fiancée’s first Christmas tree. Adjacent to the town of Warsaw is Winona Lake. On the shore The Vil-
lage at Winona, on the National Register of Historic Places, was once a summer retreat. A canal, lined with attractive homes, unique boutiques and restaurants, connects the area to the lake. Lunch was at the Light Rail Café – their two mottos are “Good food made by good people” and “Soup made by hands, not from cans.” Weight Watchers or not, I couldn’t resist trying their Parmesan garlic fries! We made a couple of stops on our way back to Fort Wayne that day. One was to explore the little town of Roanoke, home to more interesting places to shop including the Joseph Decuis Emporium, where you can buy Waygu beef raised on the Joseph Decuis Farm. The Eshelmans, who named their farm after an ancestor, also have a fine-dining restaurant in town. My last surprise of the day was the Two-EEs Winery in nearby Huntington. I’m not an oenophile. My palate tends more to Dr. Pepper. But at Two-Ees, we were treated to a winepairing that was a revelation. The food and wine combinations brought out new notes in both items. We tasted two white wines, Chardonay and Valvin Muscat, a red – Tannat – and a fruit wine. When we got to our last taste, Blackberry paired with maple bourbon goat cheese, I was smitten. (Santa found out and two bottles arrived for Christmas!) Like Robert Indiana, I found a lot to love in the state. And I’ll be toasting it with my Blackberry wine.
The wine pairing at Two-EEs Winery included cheese and meat which went well with each wine
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Event to bring awareness to domestic violence Did you know that Oklahoma is 2nd in the nation for women killed by men in single-victim, single-offender homicides? At YWCA Oklahoma City, we are determined to take a stand against domestic violence in our community. We are excited to announce our 6th annual Galentine’s Day event is right around the corner! Inspired by Leslie Knope, a character played by actress Amy Poehler on the television series “Parks and Rec,” Galentine’s Day is a day we set aside each year to celebrate the smart, kind and beautiful women in our lives. As Leslie explained it: “Every February 13, my ladyfriends and I leave our husbands and boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies.” Different from other YWCA fundraising events, there will be no
program or auction at this event. The primary goal of this event is to raise awareness of YWCA’s mission while giving women the opportunity to socialize in a fun and welcoming environment. Breakfast will be served, mimosas poured, and a photo booth will be on hand to capture the fun. We plan to have several girlfriend-focused items to raffle as well as provide a swag bag for each Galentine to take! Date: February 10, 2024 Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm Location: The Skirvin Hilton Hotel Ticket Cost: $40 To learn more visit: www.ywcaokc.org/events/galentines-day/ YWCA Oklahoma City is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families.
B. Taylor Clark
City’s new assistant attorney B. Taylor Clark, an attorney with more than 14 years’ experience in private practice, has been named the new Assistant City Attorney for the City of Edmond. Clark will fill the role previously held by Madeline Sawyer, who was recently named the new City Attorney with the retirement of longtime City Attorney Stephen T. Murdock. A partner at Hornbeek, Vitali & Braun, P.L.L.C. in Oklahoma City since 2017, Clark’s focus will be matters related to labor relations and employment, utility and regulatory, federal grant compliance and other general compliance issues. “I am excited by the opportunity to serve the residents of Edmond,” said Clark, who earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 2009. “I look forward to working closely with Madeline and City leadership as we work together to help Edmond continue to move forward.” Clark, who holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Psychology and Spanish from the University of Arizona, joined Hornbeek Vitali & Braun as an intern in August 2009, rose to associate attorney in September 2009 and became a partner in 2017. While there he served as lead or secondchair counsel for local governments around Oklahoma and worked with the City of Edmond as a legal advisor on a variety of issues. “Having worked with Taylor in the past, I have first-hand knowledge of his experience and abilities,” said Sawyer, who served the City of Edmond as Assistant City Attorney from July 2021 to her appointment as City Attorney this month. “I have full confidence in him and know he will be a valuable asset to the City Attorney’s office and the Edmond community.” Clark assumed his role on Jan. 8, 2024.
Edmond Life & Leisure • January 18, 2024 • Page 13
Some safety advice during winter months The staff at the INTEGRIS Health Paul Silverstein Burn Center would like to pass along some safety tips in relation to heating your home during these extremely cold temperatures. Generators Never use a generator inside your home, basement or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent; fatal levels of carbon monoxide can be produced in just minutes, even if doors and windows are open. Smoke Detectors First, the most important aspect of home fire safety is making sure every home has a working smoke detector, and that these detectors are checked monthly with batteries being changed every six months or at daylight savings time in spring and fall. Carbon Monoxide Alarms are easy to install and can save lives. They do not take the place of smoke alarms; however, having one is the next step to a safe environment in the home. Any open flame heater creates carbon monoxide gas and if your home’s heating devices are not functioning properly, this gas can be deadly. The alarms are becoming more affordable, more effective and if you have a flame-operated heating device in your home, indispensable. Space Heaters Dust and lint may have accumulated in the space heater. Be sure to clean them thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner. Gas space heaters need to have the flame adjusted to blue in order to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide build up. Caution children not to stand too close to a space heater to warm up, as their clothing could catch fire. Give space heaters their space! Be sure that all combustible material is away from the heater, at least three inches in all directions. Floor Furnaces Floor furnaces are safest when they are equipped with a thermostat and automatic shut off device. Clean the floor furnace by removing the grate and using a vacuum to remove dust and lint from inside the unit. During the summer months, people often place throw rugs on the floor furnace. As the weather cools, they may remove these rugs and turn the furnace on. During the warm days following a cold snap, people often throw the rug back onto the furnace without turning the unit off. Then, when it becomes cold again, the floor furnace automatically comes back on igniting the throw rug. Be sure to remove rugs whenever the unit is switched on. Central Heaters
Clean or replace the furnace filter. Clean the entire furnace area using a vacuum to remove dust and lint. Be sure to remove any brooms, boxes, magazines, newspapers or any other combustible material stored in the heater closet. Fireplaces Inspect the fireplace and chimney at least once a year. Look for cracks in the firebox, flue and chimney. Also check for build-up of soot and creosote inside the flue. Open the damper enough to allow the smoke and gases to escape up the chimney. Never start a fire with gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid. Always keep a good-quality metal fireplace screen in front of the fireplace whenever it is being used to prevent burning logs from rolling out or embers from flying out. Keep a three-foot area in front of and to the sides of the fireplace clear of any combustibles including, logs, kindling wood, paper, rugs, clothing or furniture. Never leave a fire unattended. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving your home or going to bed. Never burn charcoal in a fireplace. Charcoal gives off deadly carbon monoxide gas that can fill a room and overcome the occupants. Never cook in a fireplace. Grease from the food can build up inside the flue and catch fire. Never burn more than two or three natural logs at one time. Artificial logs made of compressed sawdust and wax should be handled differently from natural logs because they generate more heat. Burn only one artificial log at a time and do not burn an artificial log with natural logs. Always make sure fireplace ashes are placed in a metal container. Never place hot embers in a combustible container such as a trashcan. Allow ashes to cool thoroughly before disposing of them. Kitchen Kitchen pan handle safety - keep handles turned away so a kiddo can’t reach up and grab it or cook on back burners instead. Microwave safety - use caution when removing hot liquids, especially for pediatrics when microwaves are mounted high or above stovetops. Hot water safety – do not set your hot water heater higher than 120 degrees or just below the medium setting. Never use a gas oven for heating your home. There are many potential problems when heating our homes in winter weather, but with a little caution we can all weather the storm.
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Review of movie ‘The Holdovers’
Film is among the best of 2023 By George Gust This awards season "The Holdovers" has been showered with accolades as one of the best movies of 2023, and for those of us that missed this film in the theater, rejoice because it is now available to stream on Peacock. But for all of the recommendations and awards, does "The Holdovers" hold up to the high expectations or feel like another prestige film that you 'should' like? "The Holdovers" is the latest film from heralded director Alexander Payne ("Sideways" "Election") and follows a cranky history teacher (Paul Giamatti) at a remote prep school is forced to remain on campus over the holidays with a troubled student (Dominic Sessa) who has no place to go and head cook Mary (Da'Vine Joy Randolph) an African American woman who caters to sons of privilege and whose own son was recently lost in Vietnam. To answer the question of if "The Holdovers" matches the expectations of awards season darling the answer is a resounding yes. With brilliant filmmaking and even better acting performances "The Holdovers" is the movie that is made for grownups and harkens back to a different time in filmmaking. A time when the stakes could be small and there was
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plenty of room for a subtle drama comedy to capture the attention of general audiences. And while "The Holdovers" takes its time with a slow pace, you don't mind as you take in the cozy and snowy New England Christmas setting, and as the story unfolds the slow pace enhances the performances as there's time to get to know these characters in a deeper way. Where the "The Holdovers" stands out is the trio of performances from Giamatti, Randolph and Sessa. For Sessa this film marks his first filmed performance, but you wouldn't be able to tell as he has fantastic chemistry with Giamatti and is able to hold his own on the screen. Giamatti turns in another phenomenal
performance that has notes of humor, but produces an empathy for such a curmudgeon character who would be incredibly off putting if you met him in reality, but is full of such humanity and life in this film. And Randolph's performance is the supporting performance that sticks with you even for the lesser amount of plot she's given, she's able to play the humor and the heartbreak in a warm and effecting way. Overall, "The Holdovers" is a brilliantly shot and directed film that fantastically captures the 1970s sentimentality and warmth of Christmastime. Don't be surprised if "The Holdovers" becomes one of those films that you find yourself returning to each holiday season. Already a multiple winner in the Oklahoma Film Critic Circle awards, "The Holdovers" will also likely be prominently featured during the Oscars this year. "The Holdovers" is rated R for language, some drug use and brief sexual material.
4.6 out of 5 stars (You may reach George Gust for comment at gust.george@gmail.com)
Paul Giammati reunites with his “Sideways” director Alexander Payne in “The Holdovers” a warm and moving dramaedy set in an idealized Christmastime New England. Now available on VOD and with a Peacock subscription.
Melton Gallery exhibit The University of Central Oklahoma's Melton Gallery will host a free, public opening reception feature alumni Laura and Nathan Kent titled “Process/Synthesis” from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at the Melton Gallery, located in the UCO Art and Design building on Central’s campus. The exhibit will be on display from now until Feb. 22. “We are so excited for the opportunity to exhibit our work in the Melton Gallery,” said Laura and Nathan Kent. “We are both alumni of UCO, having graduated with studio art degrees, and actually met on an art club field trip. It is incredibly special to have our work be seen together in the space that cultivated both our relationship and our artist identities” This exhibition highlights the Kents’ use of drawing, painting and sculpture to communicate ideas such as the difficulty of finding the truth in complicated emotions or our individual perceptions of reality. Laura uses the process of layering paint and lines to create tangled fields of interwoven colors and patterns. Nathan synthesizes everyday objects into sculptures.
Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: The Grammys ACROSS 1. Moonshine maker 6. *Artist with most 2024 Grammy nominations 9. Not his 13. "Roots" author 14. That guy 15. Full of emotion (2 words) 16. Relating to #3 Down 17. Tarzan's mom, e.g. 18. Caribbean island destination 19. *The Recording ____, voting organization 21. *"What Was I Made For?" movie 23. *"A Boy Named ____," 1970 Grammy winner 24. Prickle on a wire 25. Drench 28. Waiter's handout 30. *Grammy-nominated Lauper song, "True ____" 35. Amusement destination 37. Rachel Renee Russell's "____ Diaries" 39. Extend subscription 40. South Korean boy band 41. Type of wrap 43. Italian wine region 44. Forearm length unit 46. Honey-producing facility 47. Saw incision 48. Nauseant 50. Fancy marbles used as shooters 52. U.S. Marine Corps gift recipient 53. EU currency 55. Aglet on a shoelace, e.g. 57. *____.com Arena 60. *Miley Cyrus' Song of the Year nominee and popular romantic gift 64. Texas cook-off dish 65. *"In the ____ Tonight," by Grammy-winner Phil Collins 67. Send, as payment 68. Safe place 69. Bird word 70. Leave out 71. Bookkeeping entry
72. Refrigerator sound 73. Scatter DOWN 1. Not Sunni 2. Baby powder ingredient 3. Pelvic parts 4. Shows the way 5. Aristotle's school 6. One-horse carriage 7. Mailing "code" 8. Single-cell protozoan 9. *Grammy-winner, ____ Alpert 10. *Purse for the red carpet 11. Bumpkin 12. Pampering place 15. Bar ____, ME 20. Rewards, in the olden days 22. Pendulum's path 24. Cantina staple 25. *Ice ____, Best New Artist nominee 26. Wooden ship caulking 27. Space exploration mission 29. *Grammy host for the fourth time
31. Plumbing problem 32. Early stages of illness 33. Reminiscent of the past 34. *"Anti-Hero" performer 36. Not purl 38. Pacific Islanders' herbal drink 42. Handrail post 45. Neckwear decoration 49. Use scissors 51. Soft palate vibrations 54. House pest 56. Resided 57. Social media conversation 58. Bank of Paris 59. Big Bang's original matter 60. Word on a gift tag 61. Arabian bigwig 62. Fair attraction 63. Hot pot 64. Denoted by symbol X 66. Debtor's letters
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Edmond Life & Leisure • January 18, 2024 • Page 15
Norman lawmaker wants Joe Biden off the ballot Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, has introduced Senate Resolution 23, a measure condemning states that seek to exclude Donald Trump from the presidential ballot and calling on the Oklahoma Secretary of State to remove President Joe Biden for reasons related to the safety, security and prosperity of Oklahomans. SR 23 addresses the concerning trend observed in some states where efforts are being made to prevent Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, from appearing on future presidential ballots, those states convicting Donald Trump of insurrection without due process, regardless of the fact he has never been formally charged nor convicted of this crime. These states are drawing from an antiquated provision in the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution intended to prevent armed
insurrectionists from the southern slave states during the US Civil War from running for and holding office. Our justice system has ruled in the past that not only must a citizen be tried and convicted of insurrection under the 14th Amendment for it to take effect, but the citizen is also entitled to exhaust their appeal process before the provision is enforced. If states will ignore due process and remove the leading contender for the Republican nomination for President from their ballots then it is only appropriate that considering the financial damage the inept running of the US economy has caused Oklahomans, and the real security risk to Oklahomans caused by the inability or unwillingness to secure our southern border, that our Secretary of State remove President Joe Biden from our ballot for President.
The Edmond Fine Arts Institute is celebrating alongside all in our community as the “Valley of the Horse” sculpture by Paul Moore is being installed at the NW corner of 2nd & Coltrane today! This sculpture is a part of the public art collection made possible through EVAC (Edmond Visual Arts Commission) public private partnerships.
Obituary notice Patricia (Pat) Louise (Bales) Deason
Patricia (Pat) Louise (Bales) Deason passed away at home in Edmond, Oklahoma, on January 1, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. Pat was born on February 1, 1930, in Dewey, Oklahoma. Left behind to cherish her memory are her beloved husband of 74 years, Milton Deason; her children, Mark Deason & wife Niki; & Sharyl (Deason) Nelson; her grandchildren, Kristin & husband, JR Hildebrand; Matthew Deason & wife, Leanne; Jared Deason & wife, Caitlyn; & Dalton DeGiacomo; six great grandchildren, Rylan, Michael “Whit”, Bryce, Graham, Adam, & Julietta; & many cherished extended family & countless forever friends. Pat was preceded in death by her father, Racine Bales; mother & stepfather, Ruby (Haymes-Bales) & Bill Bublitz; brother, James “Jim” Bales; son, Michael (Mike) Deason; and grandson, Jacob Paine. Pat married the most important man in her life, Milton Deason, on January 28th, 1950, in Borger, TX. They shared a full and wonderful life together. Together, they set an extraordinary example for their family. Pat has resided and loved raising her family in Edmond, OK for the past 57 years. Family was always her first priority and she enjoyed taking a very active role in all of her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great grandchildren’s various activities. Pat and husband, Milton, took several of their grandchildren every year to Pagosa Springs, CO, to spend time together fishing, hiking, enjoying the snow, and making lifelong memories. There are no words that can express
the tremendous love, gratitude, and admiration her family feels for her. Those who were blessed to know Pat, remember her as a vibrant, active, giving, and generous woman. She spent her entire life being concerned about the well-being of others, always putting their needs first; including her family, friends, community members, and even strangers. Pat built relationships with the employees at the grocery store, post office, Walgreens, hardware store, restaurants, and anywhere she frequented. She was always compassionate, caring, and gracious to everyone, and believed all deserved respect and kindness. She always considered how her actions affected others, and strived to bring joy and comfort. Pat gave freely of her time volunteering and supporting various organizations and events, including her church and choir, Edmond YMCA, Pink Lady at Edmond Hospital, FFA, Oklahoma Cancer Hotline, Salvation Army, Hope Center, and many other community associations. Pat leaves a remarkable legacy behind in the positive difference she made in the lives of so many. Pat was an active member of the Edmond First United Methodist Church and choir since 1966. She was known for her beautiful voice and her passion for music. She was also a member of the Pagosa Springs Methodist Church and spent the summers singing in their choir since 1980. Her love of music was passed on to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, of which several are extremely gifted like Pat. She was a member of the Edmond YMCA board for many years and effectively led their fundraising drive for each year. Pat founded the Kickingbird Women’s Golf Association and was on the board of the Pagosa Springs Women’s Golf Association for many years. She was also an active member of the Landwives Association.
Engagement, Wedding notices Do you have a wedding or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com. We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form.The cost is $35, which includes a photograph. Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.
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Edmond Life & Leisure • January 18, 2024 • Page 17
Audit shows misspent funds in Coyle Oklahoma State Auditor & Inspector Cindy Byrd last week released her investigative audit report for the Town of Coyle in Logan County. The Logan County District Attorney’s office requested the State Auditor & Inspector’s Office (SA&I) to perform a forensic audit of the Town and the Coyle Public Works Authority (CPWA) transactions. The audit uncovered that, between January 1, 2018 and December 16, 2019, Jennifer Jones, then Town Clerk/Treasurer, misappropriated $63,663.93 in Town and CWPA funds. Jones primarily misappropriated cash and checks received for utility payments and deposits, fire department dues and payments, and citation payments. An additional $6,219.00 of questioned costs were related to unauthorized payroll payments received by both Jones and her spouse, William Jones. The Town of Coyle has an average of $301,000 in annual revenue. The audit found 20% of annual revenues during the
audit period were misappropriated. “There is a lesson here for every town and municipality in Oklahoma,” Auditor Cindy Byrd said. “Any person entrusted with handling public money must be subjected to rigorous oversight and accountability. Every case of fraud, waste, or abuse we uncover is preventable. The State Auditor & Inspector’s office is here to help any government entity in Oklahoma build the proper safeguards to stop misappropriation before it starts.” The final audit report recommends the Town of Coyle stop accepting cash as a form of payment. At a minimum, if cash continues to be accepted, the Board should conduct a monthly review of bank statements. “Our forensic audit team worked tirelessly and deserves the credit for uncovering the problems in Coyle,” Auditor Byrd said. “However, our work would not have been possible if not for a former CPA serving on the Town of Coyle Board of Trustees who discovered these irregularities.’
Exhibit on GM plant opens Jan. 25 A new exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center Museum will open on Thursday, January 25. Located in the Curators’ Corner area of the Noble Gallery on the third floor, “Oklahoma-Built Excellence: GM OKC” aims to tell the story of the Oklahoma City General Motors plant and its employees. Using a timeline, archival newspaper prints, physical artifacts, photos, and informational signage, visitors will learn the history of the plant and its contribution to the economic growth of Oklahoma City and Oklahoma as a whole. The Oklahoma City plant was estimated to provide 7,500 local jobs outside the plant, with an additional 2,600 jobs inside
the plant. The exhibit looks at the growth provided by General Motors and what happened to the employees following its closure. The Oklahoma History Center Museum is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Please call 405-522-0765 or visit www.okhistory.org/historycenter for admission costs and group rates. The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums.
Reaction on Chesapeake merger Sen. Kristen Thompson, R–Edmond, last week released the following statement regarding Chesapeake’s merger with Houston, Texas-based Southwestern Energy Company. “This merger is an exciting opportunity for the state and the company,” said Thompson. “I want to extend my appreciation to Chesapeake for announcing they plan to stay in Oklahoma City and pledge my support in working with them to build on the long-term success
they have already had here in Oklahoma. The company has been an incredible partner in employing Oklahomans and investing in the communities they are in. I have committed myself as a Senator to working on economic development and helping existing businesses thrive. After the merger is complete, my desire is to meet with executives to discuss what the state can do to ensure the company stays here and flourishes now and in the future.”
Stan Wagnon named UCO VP of Athletics University of Central Oklahoma president Todd G. Lamb announced Jan. 11 the promotion of Stan Wagnon to Vice President for Athletics, effective Jan. 1, 2024. Wagnon "He will join the University Cabinet, serving as a strong voice for our student-athletes and Athletics programs in conversations regarding UCO's strategic direction," Lamb said in an email to faculty and staff. Wagnon, now the first Vice President for Athletics in university history, became UCO's athletic director in August 2020. He returned to Central after 15 years in intercollegiate athletics conference administration, serving as commissioner of both the Lone Star Conference (NCAA Division II) and the Sooner Athletic Conference (NAIA). His previous work includes roles in sports information at UCO, Midwestern State and Tarleton State. An Edmond native, Wagnon earned his bachelor's degree in journalism/public relations from UCO in 1995, when he was named Outstanding PR Student of the Year. He also holds a master's degree from Midwestern State University. His father (Skip) worked at Central for more than 30 years and served as
athletic director from 1986-2003. Under Stan's leadership, the Bronchos have claimed two NCAA national championships, three national runner-up finishes and 11 conference titles. The university's teams also have made 20 NCAA postseason appearances in eight different sports and claimed six NCAA regional championships. Stan also has overseen major enhancements to Chad Richison Stadium, including seating expansion to more than 12,000, a new playing surface and improved digital signage. He has helped create opportunities for UCO to host outside events such as OKC Spark professional softball, NAIA Stunt National Championship and the OSSAA high school state football championship games, which recently garnered UCO attention from Sports Destination magazine as a Champion of Economic Impact. Throughout his career, Stan has emerged as a national leader in intercollegiate athletics. He has served as chair of the NCAA Division II Nominating Committee and a member of the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Committee. Most recently, he served a two-year term as chair of the MIAA Athletics Administrators Council and was selected by Edmond Mayor Darrell Davis to represent UCO on the Visit Edmond tourism advisory board.
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Chamber names board members & officers The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced its 2024 board of directors and officers. Michelle Keylon, Francis Tuttle Superintendent, will serve as chair of the board of directors. Kenneth Wohl, Regent Bank, will serve as the chair elect for 2025 and Leslie Buford, OU Health Edmond, will serve as the immediate past chair. Also serving on the executive committee will be Shandy Belford, Arvest Bank; Kevin Freeman, UCO; Julie LeBlanc, Homes by Taber; and Jamey Mullin, ServiceMaster by Eagle-Eye. Elected to new three-year terms on the board are Brandon Rader, Rader Building Co.; Jason Perez, Deer Creek Public Schools; and Will Blanchard, Oklahoma Christian University. The following individuals were appointed
to serve one-year terms on the board: Valerie Morrison, Morrison Cup Solutions; Brad Weber, Crest Foods; and Martha Ball, McDonald’s. They will join returning members of the board: Chris Anderson, The Grant Group; Evan Comer, Payment Processing Solutions; Randy Decker, Edmond Public Schools; Jan Moran, AT&T; Scot Rigby, City of Edmond; Jon Rule, Integris Health Edmond; Rex Shriner, Jetta Corporation; Chad Smith, Mercy; and Jim Trent, BancFirst. Serving on the 2024 board as exofficio members are Todd Lamb, UCO; Janet Yowell, Edmond Economic Development Authority; Jennifer Thornton, Visit Edmond; and Shane Luebbers-Jones, 2024 Edmond Young Professionals Chair.
Michelle Keylon, Francis Tuttle Superintendent, will serve as chair of the board of directors.
Family Circus
Beetle Baily
Hi and Lois
Blondie
Shoe
Hägar the Horrible
Zits
Edmond Life & Leisure • January 18, 2024 • Page 19
State looks to honor child safety advocates The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Oklahoma Child Abuse Prevention Awards, honoring exceptional Oklahoma individuals and organizations for demonstrating outstanding commitment, dedication and leadership in child abuse prevention. “It is important we take the time to recognize the efforts of individuals and programs across the state that are going above and beyond the call of duty to reverse the trend of increased rates of child abuse and neglect in Oklahoma,” Commissioner of Health Keith Reed said. “Child maltreatment is a significant public health issue that has lifelong repercussions for those impacted. Those promoting safe, stable and nurturing environments and relationships for Oklahoma’s children are helping to reverse those trends and elevate the long-term quality of life for all Oklahomans.” Nominations are due by close of business Thursday, February 29. There are eight categories for nominations: Julie L. Bonner Nurse Home Visitor Award – Honors a nurse home visitor who empowers parents to care for themselves while creating safe, healthy, nurturing relationships and environments for children. Marian Jacewitz Award – Recognizes an individual in Oklahoma who has made significant contributions to the prevention of child abuse and strengthening families on a statewide level. Mary Ellen Wilson Award – Honors an individual who has made significant contributions to the prevention of child abuse and strengthening families at a community level. Mildred Ramsey Community Innovation Award – Honors an individual or organization who has utilized innovation, relationship building, and cul-
tural inclusion to improve the lives of children and families in the community and reduce child maltreatment. Outstanding Community Builder Award – Honors an impactful individual, group or organization that has created and/or implemented a project, activity or event that strengthens families at a community or neighborhood level. Outstanding Home Visitor Award – Recognizes a professional working as a home visitor who has demonstrated a high commitment to quality service and tremendous dedication to those served. Outstanding Elected Official Award – Recognizes an elected official for distinguished service focused on the prevention of child maltreatment and/or
support of vulnerable families. Outstanding Family Support Program Award – Honors an exceptional program that focuses on the prevention of child maltreatment and supports vulnerable families. All nominees and nominators will be notified of the outcome no later than April 1, 2024. Awards will be presented during a special ceremony at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 23 at the Oklahoma State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 100. For more information, or to request printed forms, call the OSDH Family Support and Prevention Service at (405) 426-8060. If you suspect abuse or neglect, you can call the Oklahoma Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 522-3511.
In light of CO COVID OVID 19 for the e time being, some s worship services may be su uspended or on nline. services suspended online. Please Ple ease check with h your house of o worship for more m informati information. ion.
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