Edmond Life and Leisure - October 5, 2023

FOUR SEASONS

One month until massive Cycle 66 event in Edmond

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.

FRIDAY, October 6

By Jennifer Thornton

The 3rd annual Cycle 66 Presented by Mercy will donate 100 percent of registration dollars to three charitable beneficiaries: Oklahoma Route 66 Association, Bike Club and Velo Cycling Club. All three non-profit organizations play an important role in Cycle 66.

The cycling tour will depart beginning at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 5. Bike riders from across the nation can enjoy an urban and rural bicycling tour and festival along historic Route 66, beginning and ending in downtown Edmond near Frenzy Brewing Co. Riders can register online for $45 atwww.cycle66ok. com. Youth 12 and under can participate in the 10-mile route for $10. The 1-mile kids’ route is free, but registration is required.

Rooted in history and tradition, Cycle 66 has supported the Oklahoma Route 66 Association since its inaugural event in 2021.

“Cycle 66’s $5,000 donation last year helped fund Route 66 Roadside Attractions signs to guide visitors to historic sites,” said Rhys Martin, president of Oklahoma Route 66 Association.

Bike Club volunteers lead the

1-mile kids ride and Velo Cycling Club volunteers lead the criterium, or crit race, in downtown Edmond on a closed course.

In 2022, Cycle 66 featured four different routes and a crit race and enjoyed 823 registrations from across eleven different states, up from 550 riders in 2021.

“We expect hundreds of visitors and up to 1,000 riders this year. Cycle 66 is for everyone – supporters can dine and shop at local downtown Edmond businesses while cheering on racers during the fast-paced Crit @ Cycle 66 and applauding the long-distance tour finishers,” said Jennifer Thornton, Edmond Tourism Director and Cycle 66 board chair.

In addition to the Crit and the 10-, 33- and 66-mile distance routes, Cycle 66 has a 1-mile Kids’ Ride for ages 12 and under on bikes, trikes and striders.

“The kids’ ride helps fulfill our mission to promote healthy, active lifestyles in our community,” said Jason Duncan, Cycle 66 ride director. “We know that cycling has all kinds of benefits for kids’ health, from cardiovascular fitness to emotional wellness and stress relief. What better way to build our future?”

Visit www.cycle66ok.com for more information.

PHOTO BY ERIECH TAPIA

A large group of riders were in downtown Edmond in 2022.

UCO inductees into Higher Ed Hall

The Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society (OHEHS) recently named a University of Central Oklahoma interim dean and professor as inductees to the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame.

William Radke, Ph.D., interim dean of the UCO Jackson College of Graduate Studies (JCGS), and Jeanetta Sims, Ph.D., professor of marketing at UCO, will be welcomed into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame.

This distinction recognizes higher education faculty and staff who have demonstrated continuous excellence in scholarship, teaching, research, administration, outreach or public service.

“I could not be more thrilled that two of Central’s own are among the 2023 honorees to be inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame for their distinguished contributions to

higher education in the state,” said Charlotte Simmons, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Central.

Radke was appointed as interim dean of JCGS in January 2023. Formerly serving for eight years as UCO’ provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, as well as associate vice president for Academic Affairs, among other leadership positions.

He has held the position of ombudsperson at UCO since 2015 and is known for his collegial and effective leadership style.

Throughout his 25-year tenure as a faculty member in the UCO Department of Biology, Radke directed Central’s transformative learning initiatives, undergraduate research efforts, distance education initiatives, as well as curriculum development review. He has also been honored by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) as

provost and professor emeritus.

“Dr. Radke was deeply engaged in leading UCO’s transformative learning initiative, and the fine arts theatre in the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus bears his name as a testament to his pioneering contributions,” Simmons said.

Sims joined Central in 2007 and has played a pivotal role in enhancing institutional programs at Central. She held key positions including vice chairperson of the inaugural College of Business Faculty Council, dean of JCGS and founding member of UCO’s Empowerment for Excellence program. She introduced the Broncho Blueprint, a retention program for first-year students, and the Broncho Education and Learning Lab (BELL), a hub for peer tutoring and supplemental instruction. She was also recognized as a 2022 DaVinci Fellow.

Edmond Heritage Awards ceremony Oct. 19

Bank7 presents the Edmond Heritage Awards Ceremony on October 19, 2023, at 6:30-8:30PM at the Museum, 431 S. Boulevard, Edmond, OK 73034. https://www.edmondhistory.org/event/heritage/

The Edmond Heritage Awards honors individuals and organizations for their commitment to the museum and Edmond’s history. History and music enthusiasts are encouraged to take advantage of the Heritage Awards, which offers a casual atmosphere and entertainment.

The event will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine. Food selections provided by Gabriella’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria, Woodward Pizza, Othello’s Italian Restaurant, and Railyard Pie Company, with beer provided by Frenzy Brewing Company. Music will be the jazz and classic pop style of Katie and the Elements, sponsored by Larry and Leah Westmoreland. Additional financial support comes from TTCU Federal Credit Union, David Zornes, Randy Hiyane and Brandon Newman.

The event is held at the Edmond

History Museum. Ticket price is $70, and a portion of the cost of tickets is a tax deductible contribution to the museum. RSVP at https://www.edmondhistory.org/event/edmond-heritage-awards/

Awardees are:

Roll of Honor: Mary Lou Gresham for creating historically-detailed sculptures of five important Edmond people: Ida Freeman, Ralph Dougherty, Kentucky Daisey, Francis Baker, and the beloved Charles Boldin, who is repre-

Residents offered free trees through energy-saving program

Edmond Electric and Edmond Urban Forestry are teaming up with The Arbor Day Foundation to bring our community the Energy-Saving Trees Program.

This program offers free trees along with an easy-to-use online mapping tool to take the guesswork out of tree planting. By entering simple information about your home and yard, the tool calculates where to strategically plant trees for the greatest energy and money-saving benefits. To date, Edmond Electric has given out 2,400 free trees to residents which the Arbor Day Foundation estimates results in a 3.11 million kWh reduction.

“Edmond Electric recognizes the importance of trees for health and quality of life, and they can also help lower energy costs,” said Nicole Koehn, Edmond Electric Energy Serv-

ices Analyst. “Strategically planting trees will not only lower energy costs but also will provide comfort and benefits to families for years to come.”

There will be 245 5-gallon trees available to Edmond residents. Residents will be able to reserve a free tree beginning Oct. 9 by visiting www.arborday.org/edmondelectric.

Trees will be available for pickup at Bickham-Rudkin Park located at 33rd Street and Rankin Street from 2 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 12-13.

The pickup event will be set up so residents can stay in their vehicles and staff will load their tree. Residents picking up a tree are encouraged to bring a large trash bag to protect their cars from soil. These trees will be 5-gallon trees, so a small SUV or truck is recommended for pickup.

Should Oklahoma move to permanent Standard Time?

Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, has scheduled an interim study to discuss the potential benefits of moving the state to permanent Standard Time. He said his aim is to raise awareness among legislators about the history of Standard Time versus Daylight Saving Time.

IS23-062 was scheduled to begin this week at the State Capitol, 2300 N Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City.

"There's been great confusion in the past about whether or not Oklahoma can lock the clock and move to either Daylight Saving Time permanently or Standard Time," West said. "There are strong beliefs on each side of this issue. My hope is to discuss Oklahoma's options under federal regulations and to determine the pros and cons of any move so we can decide if future legislation would be needed or successful."

Jay Pea, president and founder of

Save Standard Time, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, donor-funded, volunteersupported effort to preserve and extend the observation of longitudinally correct Standard Time.

Jeffery Gentry, PhD, a professor of communication at Eastern New Mexico University, where he conducts research in political communication and the rhetoric of science.

Robert Scott, a native Oklahoman and an aerospace engineer who holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Oklahoma State University.

Dr. Karin Johnson, a professor of neurology at the University of Massechusetts Chan Medical SchoolBaystate and medical director of the Baystate Health Regional Sleep Program. She is vice-president of Save Standard Time and creator and host of its educational video series, "The Science of Clock Change."

sented in the sculpture at the library called, “The Reader.”

Assaph “Ace” Gutowsky (posthumously) for discovering and managing the West Edmond Oil Field in the 1920s. Award being accepted by Ace’s granddaughter, Kim Gutoswkyvan der Wal.

Historic Preservation: Brandon Lodge for giving new life to the historic Ice House and Creamery property by preserving the remaining buildings from the 1920s and creating an urban restaurant complex.

Historic Arts & Culture:

Cathryn Schmid, for identifying and researching 122 graves in the historic Gower Cemetery, a two-yearlong project that generated 1,400 pages of ancestry and genealogical records.

Community Service:

Eriech Tapia for contributing countless time to Edmond through his photography and marketing skills, promotion of community-wide events, including serving as President of LibertyFest, and his service to the museum as a board member.

Sara Memmott for volunteering hundreds of hours in the museum’s Research Library & Genealogical Center as a librarian and research assistant for those requesting help with their genealogy projects since 1999.

Museum Information: Edmond History Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. To purchase event tickets, visit the museum website at www.EdmondHistory.org or call 405-340-0078.

U.S. Sr. Open back at Oak Tree National

The United States Golf Association (USGA) announced last week it will return to Oak Tree National in 2027 when it will bring the U.S. Senior Open Championship to our prestigious club in Edmond, Oklahoma.

The 2027 U.S. Senior Open will be the third USGA championship to be played at Oak Tree National. Colin Montgomerie defeated Gene Sauers in a three-hole aggregate playoff to win the 2014 Senior Open. In 1984, Scott Verplank, a member of the 1983 NCAA Championship team at Oklahoma State University, posted a 4-and-3 victory over Sam Randolph to capture the U.S. Amateur.

“We are extremely happy as a City to have the Senior Open coming back to Oak Tree again,” said Darrell A. Davis, Mayor of the City of Edmond. “With our rich golf history, it is always great to have this prestigious tournament in our City. We are looking forward to working with Oak Tree and doing all we can to help make this a successful event.”

The economic impact borne out of the opportunity to host national events is significant. An Edmond Economic Development Authority study on the 2014 Senior Open at Oak Tree said the total impact would be nearly $13 million for the local economy.

Oak Tree National was one of three future sites for the Senior Open announced. The USGA also announced that in 2026 Scioto Country Club, in Columbus, Ohio, and in 2028 Crooked Stick Golf Club, in Carmel Ind., will be the host sites for the Senior Open Championship.

“The USGA is pleased to be returning to Scioto Country Club, Oak Tree National and Crooked Stick Golf Club as host sites for the U.S. Senior Open,” John Bodenhamer, USGA chief championships officer, said in a release. “Each club has a distinguished history of hosting national championships and promoting professional and amateur competition. We know each course will challenge the world’s best players and the communities will be welcoming and supportive.”

Oak Tree National, designed by Pete Dye, opened for play in 1976. Located on 640 acres, the course

was named after a majestic oak tree that stands on the fifth hole. Tripp Davis completed bunker, fairway and minor putting green restorations in 2009. Oak Tree also is home to many well-known PGA Tour professionals, club pros and competitive amateurs, including USGA champions Verplank, Viktor Hovland, Kevin Tway and Willie Wood.

This is such a big deal for Edmond and exciting as well. It will be the third major golf event for Edmond. I attended my first professional golf tournament at The 1988 PGA Championship at Oak Tree, the same year we bought our first home. It was incredibly significant since Oklahoma was just starting to come out of the great oil bust. We had been suffering for six long years and the tournament gave a boost to our area and the entire state.

Since then, I enjoyed traveling to the AT&T Pebble Beach ProAm and the senior tournament at Oak Tree in 2014. They were both fantastic but that first tournament in 1988 will always be tops with me. I was wide eyed and incredibly impressed. The grace and charm of the event was magnificent. I was lucky enough to have a lifelong friend as one of the big sponsors so all week I had access to his tent. Fantastic!

The senior tournament that was held in 2014 was fantastic as well. Edmond folks volunteered and really stepped up to support the tournament. I have no doubt that we will do the same in 2027. Planning starts now folks so get ready. There will be an entire team in place with their own offices if they do it as before to make everything perfect. Edmond will be in all the way.

These things bring so much attention to our town. It is more publicity than any city could afford to purchase, and it really brings the community together. Met three different people in town to look at Edmond for other events during the 2014 senior tournament.

NEW ART PIECE BRINGS HISTORY AND BEAUTY TO DOWNTOWN EDMOND

Downtown Edmond is welcomed a new Bronze sculpture celebrating the history of Edwards Street. The Bronze titled BRIDGE OF BROTHERHOOD is done by artist Angela Mia De la Vega depicting three little boys sitting together on a bridge they have built as youngsters, having already established the relationships that will carry them into a world they share as equals.

This particular piece of art is brought here from the inspiration Stephanie Carel got when she read the article by author Christopher P Lehman- WEST EDWARDS DAYS:AFRICAN AMERICANS IN TERRITORIAL EDMOND. "This particular story spoke to my heart. It was history that I did not know and thought the rest of our community should know." said Stephanie is the Executive Director of Downtown Edmond and co-owner of Silver Leaf Gems.

She recruited the help of friends Randel Shadid and the late Kathy Thomas to help raise funds, find just the right art piece and where it should be placed so everyone can enjoy it. Shadid has been involved with most of Edmond's art and is passionate about his love for Edmond. Thomas has been a very influential person in Stephanie's life

as well as the growth, history and her love of our community. These were the two perfect people to help spearhead this project. Thank you to all the donors for making this dream a reality. Their names are listed on a plaque at the location.

A special event was held to learn about the history of the great people who settled on Edwards Street. Their stories should not be forgotten and was just a small way of acknowledging them. It was held last Saturday, September 20th and they even had free ice cream folks.

About the Artist

Exalting the human spirit through expressive faces and natural body movement has become the recognized trademark of Angela Mia De la Vega’s figurative bronze sculpture. Her work’s greatest inspiration is the ever-changing individuality of her children. Angela graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Clarion University of Pennsylvania and completed post-graduate studies at the University of Madrid, Spain. She is an elected member of the National Sculpture Society, a Master Signature member of American Women Artists, and was named a Living Master by the internationally prestigious ARC (Art Renewal Center). Major awards include Best in Show and Best 3D Work by AWA and The Purchase Award by the ARC Museum. Her sculptures are installed in numerous universities, hospitals, public parks, and city plazas throughout the USA and are privately collected throughout North America, Europe, Australia, Dubai, India, China, and Japan. Angela co-founded FLITE (Friends Lifting Individuals To Empowerment) whose mission is to harness the power of artistic expression and use it to raise funds and empower enslaved or socially excluded people.

About the Author

Christopher P. Lehman is a professor of Ethnic Studies at St. Cloud State University. He has been a visiting fellow at Harvard University’s Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research. His work has appeared in Minnesota History magazine and in periodicals for county-level historical societies throughout Minnesota. His book Slavery’s Reach: Southern Slaveholders in the North Star State won the Minnesota Book Award in the Minnesota Nonfiction category in 2020.

(Ray Hibbard,may be reached for comment at ray@edmondpaper.com)

“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.

dok.com/public-art.php.

Ray Hibbard

Safety tips for babies & sleep time

One of the leading causes of death in babies one to 12 months old is sleep-related infant deaths, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed.

Data from the 2021 Oklahoma Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) show the sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) infant mortality rate (IMR) was 1.4 babies per 1,000 live births.

“We don’t want any Oklahoma family to experience the death of a baby,” said James Craig, the OSDH Infant Safe Sleep Coordinator. “There are things families can do to help reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths and we encourage parents and guardians to follow recommendations.”

SIDS is the sudden, unexpected death of a baby younger than one year of age that does not have a known cause even after a complete investigation.

SUID covers all infant sleep-re-

lated deaths, including those for which there is an identified cause.

To help reduce the risk of SIDS or SUID, infants should sleep in their parents’ room, close to the parents’ bed, but on a separate surface designed for infants, ideally for at least the first six months.

“There are products that seem safe for a sleeping infant, like certain loungers or using breast feeding pillows as “loungers”, but they are not, they pose a suffocation risk for babies,” said Craig.

The safest place for a baby to sleep is a crib, portable crib (pack n play), or bassinet (bassinets are only approved for the first six months at most, with some less than that). The key for the sleep environment is that it is a firm, flat, non-inclined sleep surface to reduce the risk of suffocation or wedging/entrapment.

Babies should only sleep wearing a onesie and wearable

blanket (sleep sack) without anything else in the sleep space such as blankets, loose sheets, pillows and toys.

Other safe sleep tips include:

Offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.

Breastfeeding until 12 months, when possible.

Having regular supervised “tummy time” when baby is awake.

Setting “smoke-free” rules around you and your baby before and after birth.

Avoiding alcohol and drug use during pregnancy and after birth.

Not using weighted blankets, weighted sleepers, weighted swaddles, or other weighted objects placed on or near the sleeping infant.

For more information on safe sleep visit Safe Sleep For Your Baby (oklahoma.gov) or email James Craig at jamescc@health.ok.gov.

DAs recognize Adam Pugh with ‘Heavy Hitter’ honor

At a ceremony in Oklahoma City, Senator Adam Pugh received the prestigious “Heavy Hitter” Award from the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association (ODAA).  Pugh is the only senator to receive this award this year.

“Simply put, Adam Pugh is a champion for survivors of domestic violence,” stated ODAA President Chris Boring, who also serves as an elected District Attorney from northwest Oklahoma.  “Despite his numerous responsibilities at the legislature, Senator Pugh has prioritized protecting victims.”

During the most recent legislative session, Pugh authored and championed SB 537 that strengthened domestic violence laws, including

making Domestic Violence by Strangulation legally a violent crime.

“Senator Pugh continues to stand for victims of domestic violence,” stated Vicki Behenna, Oklahoma County District Attorney.  “Senator Pugh routinely puts people first and makes certain victims are not forgotten and not lost in the process.  This honor is well-deserved,” Behenna concluded.

This is the third time Pugh has been honored by the ODAA.  “Senator Pugh is a long-time advocate for both the law enforcement community and those who have been victimized by crime.  We want him to know his support is not taken for granted and that he is appreciated,” stated Boring.

Oklahoma District Attorney Vicki Behenna presenting the Heavy Hitter Award to State Senator Adam Pugh, R-Edmond.

(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.)

Sept. 18

Wesley Martin Smith, 33 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Austin Hunter Calvert, 25 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Lacey Jane McCaleb, 35 of Arcadia. Failure to appear and shoplifting.

Andre Lamont Crooks, 52 of Oklahoma City. Expired tag — one to three months, no proof of insurance and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

Sept. 19

Steven Jason Diaz, 40 of Edmond. Public intoxication and (misdemeanor first offense) abuse assault (in the presence of minor child.)

Shelena Lanell McCain, 41 of Edmond. Speeding 15 MPH over, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked, no proof of insurance, three counts of failure to appear and non-assault resisting officer.

Anthony Vo Nguyen, 27 of Garden Grove, Calif. Public intoxication.

John Taeo Krause, 34 of Hollywood, Calif. Public intoxication.

Timothy Michael Girard, 19 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Propser Maez, 21 of Yukon. Public intoxication.

Calvin de Andre Wright, 35 of Oklahoma City. Expired tag — over three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Syeda Masooma Abedi, 43 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Alyssa Deanne Lewis, 21 of Edmond. Expired tag over three months and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Albert Teames, 39 of Garland, Texas. Petty larceny. Walter Jerome Funches Jr., 42 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant and failure to appear.

Luisa Coral Cantu, 28 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Charles Derek Hodges, 33 homeless. Possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Kendra Leigh Bennett, 35 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) personal injury accident while under the influence.

Sept. 20 Christine Regina Ambrosio, 46 of Edmond. Shoplifting and failure to appear.

Terrance Frank Buffalomeat, 19 of Edmond. Shoplifting.

Makaila Dennise Alderson, 18 of Oklahoma City. False representation to an officer and shoplifting.

Nobilat Irene Adesanya, 19 of Oklahoma City. False representation to an officer and shoplifting.

Seth David Page, 33 of Edmond. Disorderly conduct and trespassing after being warned.

Sept. 21

Shamarian Leray Kennybrew, 26 of Oklahoma City. Two misdemeanor warrants and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

Riley Bryce Payne, 21 of Edmond. Possess firearm after conviction of felony and assault and/or battery with dangerous weapon.

Clay Brinson Jr., 48 of Oklahoma City. False representation to an officer, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and a misdemeanor warrant.

Vang Tou Xiong, 46 of Maplewood, Minn. Trafficking in illegal drugs and conspiracy.

Teng Vang, 42 of Saint Paul, Minn. Trafficking in illegal drugs and conspiracy.

Sept. 22

Ge Vang, 37 of Oakdale Minn. Trafficking in illegal drugs and conspiracy.

Nong Cha, 45 of Saint Paul, Minn. Trafficking

in illegal drugs and conspiracy.

Wenzhi Jiang, 36 of Bethany, Okla. Possess CDS.

Hong Tao Zhang, 47 of Tonkawa, Okla. Trafficking in illegal drugs and conspiracy.

Lin Feng Ke, 44 of Oklahoma City. Trafficking in illegal drugs and conspiracy.

Wei Chen, 37 of Whitestone, NY. (Felony) unlawful proceeds.

Micah Andrew Robertson, 21 of Guthrie. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Sergio Parades Olivares, 47 of Edmond. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Travis Don Horton, 29 homeless. Failure to appear.

Justin Lee Ramsey, 42 of Edmond. Public intoxication and (misdemeanor 1st offense) domestic abuse assault (in the presence of minor child.)

Zoey Madison Roadifer, 24 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

John Wesley Emmett Hudson, 27 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Sept. 23

Isaiah Lamar Coulter, 32 homeless. Trespassing after being warned and possession of marijuana.

Brian William Hernandez, 33 of Oklahoma City. Failure to appear.

Kimberly Anne Delami, 54 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC.

Sept. 24

Donnie Jordan Tipton, 37 of Edmond. Felony DUI/ACP.

Edward Ray Nevins, 37 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Billy Frank Burchell, 52 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and operating motor vehicle with improper equipment.

Amada Gail Kirk, 40 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC and driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked.

Weekend Calendar of Events, October 5-8

What’s Happening This Weekend Oct. 5-8

---- In the Gallery

---- Unveiled: Edmond’s Bridal Fashion 1875 ----

2020

---- Beginners Pickleball Club ---- Farmer’s Market

---- Guthrie Haunts

---- VIBES: Downtown Edmond’s Art Experience

---- Pink Buckle Barrel Race

---- Wings Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch

---- Foreigner: The Greatest Hits

---- Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Exhibition & Sale

---- Curatorial Conversations: The Cowgirl State

Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch

Fright Fest

---- Fall Festival At the Orr Family Farm

---- Wicked Forest of Terror

---- OKC Ghost Tour

Theatre Crude Fringe Festival

Scissortail Park Night Market

Pumpkinville ---- Outdoor October: Camptober Urban Camping ---- Grand National & World Championship Morgan

Horse Show ---- Haunt the Zoo ---- Hispanic Fiesta

History & Haunts at the Overholser ---- Guthrie Crazy Days

---- Foodie Fest of OKC ---- Art of Beer

Extra Information

In the Gallery

Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute

Extra Info: Featuring Shelly Presley; gallery opening Thu, Oct 5; 5 – 8 p.m.; free; Gallery is open Mon – Thu ; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; edmondfinearts.com

Unveiled: Edmond’s Bridal

Fashion 1875 – 2020

Location: Edmond History Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Jul 1 – Sun, Dec 31; visitedmondok.com

Beginners Pickleball Club

Location: Kickingbird Pickleball Center

Extra Info: Sat, May 6 – Sat, Dec 30; 8 – 10:30 a.m.; Free; edmondok.com

Farmer’s Market

Location: Festival Market Place

and Farmers Market

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 15 – Sat, Oct 28; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.gov

Guthrie Haunts

Location: 4524 Riverside Circle, Guthrie, OK

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 29 – Sat, Nov 4; Fri: 7 – 11 p.m.; Sat: 7 – 11 p.m.; Halloween Night: 7 – 11 p.m.; guthriescaregrounds.com

VIBES: Downtown Edmond’s Art Experience

Location: Downtown Edmond

Extra Info: Thu, Oct 5; 6 – 9 p.m.; free; edmondvibes.org

Pink Buckle Barrel Race

Location: Lazy E Arena

Extra Info: Sun, Oct 1 – Sun, Nov 26; lazye.com

Wings Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch

Location: Wings Event Center

Extra Info: Sun, Oct 1 – Sun, Oct 22; Free; Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun: 1 – 6 p.m.; wingsok.org

Foreigner: The Greatest Hits

Location: Showplace Theatre, Riverwind Casino

Extra Info: Fri, Oct 6; 8 p.m.; riverwind.com

Traditional Cowboy Arts

Association Exhibition & Sale

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage

Museum

Extra Info: Sun, Oct 6 – Tue, Jan 2, 2024; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Curatorial Conversations: The Cowgirl State

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Tue, Oct 10; 6 – 7:15 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch Location: 720 S Henney Rd, Arcadia, OK

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 15 – Sun, Nov 5; Wed – Fri: 1 p.m. – dark; Sat: 10 a.m. – dark; Sun: 12 p.m. –dark; parkhurstranch.com

Fright Fest

Location: Frontier City

Extra Info: Sat, Sep 23 – Sun, Oct 29; Thu & Fri: 6

– 11 p.m.; Sat: 12 – 11 p.m.; Sun: 12 -10 p.m.; sixflags.com

Fall Festival At the Orr Family Farm

Location: Orr Family Farm

Extra Info: Sat, Sep 23 – Sat, Nov 11; orrfamilyfarm.com

Wicked Forest of Terror

Location: 9420 W 1-40 Service Rd, OKC

Extra Info: Sat, Sep 30 – Mon, Oct 30; Box office: 7 – 11 p.m.; Wicked Forest of Terror: dark – close; wickedforestofterror.com

OKC Ghost Tour

Location: 101 E Sheridan Ave, OKC

Extra Info: Thu, Oct 5 – Sat, Nov 4; Oct 5: 7 p.m.; Oct 6 & 14: 10 p.m.; Oct 21: 6:30 & 8:30 p.m.; Oct 26: 7 p.m.; Nov 4: 7 p.m.; eventbrite.com

Theatre Crude Fringe Festival

Location: Oklahoma Shakespeare

Extra Info: Thu, Oct 5 – Sat, Oct 14; Mon – Wed: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Thu & Fri: 5:30 – 11 p.m.; Sat; 1 – 11 p.m.; Sun: 1 – 9:30 p.m.; theatrecrude.org

Scissortail Park Night Market

Location: 300 SW 7th St, OKC

Extra Info: Fri, Oct 6; 5:30 – 10 p.m.; scissortailpark.org

Pumpkinville

Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens

Extra Info: Fri, Oct 6 – Sun, Oct 22; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; myriadgardens.org

Outdoor Oct.: Camptober Urban Camping

Location: Riversport Adventure at the Boathouse District

Extra Info: Sat, Oct 7; riversportokc.org

Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show

Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park

Extra Info: Sat, Oct 7 – Sat, Oct 14; Shows begin: 9 a.m. 1 & 7 p.m.; Fri & Sat: 6:30 p.m.; gnwcmhs.com

Haunt the Zoo

Location: Oklahoma City Zoo

Extra Info: Sat, Oct 7 – Sun, Oct 29; Sat & Sun: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; okczoo.org

Armstrong to feature U.K. singers Oct. 24

The 2023 Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8 will perform on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m. at Armstrong Auditorium. Their versatile program will feature works from Renaissance choral masters to the great American songbook.

“VOCES8 is one of the greatest and most versatile vocal ensembles in the world,” said Ryan Malone, who directs programming at Armstrong. “We have been eager to bring them to Oklahoma for some time and are thrilled to present them to our audiences this season.”

Hailed as “the Rolls-Royce of British a cappella ensembles” (The Arts Desk), VOCES8 is comprised of eight singers—three women and five men—and is based in the United Kingdom. Their Decca Classics recording of Christopher Tin’s “The Lost Birds” featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2023. Their newest albums are “Home” conducted by Eric Whitacre, featuring his extraordinary work “The Sacred Veil” which reached the top of the classical charts in both the U.K. and U.S., and “Seven Psalms” by Paul Simon.

VOCES8’s Armstrong program will include classics by Byrd, Britten, Palestrina, di Lasso, as well as a Swingle arrangement of a Bach favorite, and selections from the American songbook like “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “Sway” and “Come Fly With Me.”

Tickets for VOCES8 start at $40 for adults and $35 for youth aged 6 and up (under 6 not recommended). For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit ArmstrongAuditorium.org or call the Box Office at (405) 2851010.

Vocal ensemble VOCES8

VillagesOKC partners with Greater OKC YMCA

VillagesOKC, a member-driven nonprofit serving older adults, has partnered with the Greater Oklahoma City YMCA to foster a sense of community and social connection among members of the YMCA and VillagesOKC.

“We are so excited,” said VillagesOKC Executive Director Marilyn Olson. “This collaborative partnership will extend our visibility and credibility and allow us access to YMCA locations across the city for our workshops, beginning in Edmond Mitch Park.”

Objectives outlined in the agreement include:

• Providing access to education, health and wellness programs and services.

• Promoting active aging, learning, planning and healthy lifestyles specifically among the 50+ population.

• Coordinating efforts to address the education, planning and serving needs of older adults in the community.

The YMCA will provide educational workshop and meeting space for VillagesOKC at all greater Oklahoma City locations and collaborate with VillagesOKC to organize community educational events and initiatives. In addition, the YMCA will display VillagesOKC brochures, offer membership discounts and otherwise promote VillagesOKC.

VillagesOKC will promote YMCA programs and membership benefits to its members, facilitate communication and engagement between YMCA and VillagesOKC members, support the development and implementation of joint community initia-

tives, and share resources and expertise to enhance the partnership.

In addition to providing information and resources for individuals to stay healthy, active and in their homes, VillagesOKC provides resources for these active people who are carrying the load for someone else – neighbor, friend, extended family member.

“We are partnering with VillagesOKC to promote and enhance the well-being of the 50+ community,” said Anissa Chadick, the YMCA’s Executive Director of Healthy Living. “Mitch Park Y will host the first planned activities. They will promote these events in their newsletter, social media outlets, and through a press release.”

VillagesOKC will hold two monthly educational meetings in the Mitch Park YMCA’s Community Room beginning in September. One is an “iPhone Tips and Tricks” class presented by an Apple expert. The other is a health presentation by local medical professionals. Details and schedules for these are posted on the VillagesOKC event calendar: www.VillagesOKC.org/events.

About VillagesOKC

VillagesOKC is a community of individuals, organizations and professionals dedicated to connecting people with information and resources needed to age successfully with vitality and purpose.

About YMCA

The YMCA's mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

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.

Representatives with the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City joined VillagesOKC officers at the Mitch Park YMCA in Edmond. Seated with Anissa Chadick, executive director of healthy living, are Amy Shirola, VillagesOKC director of administration and finance, at left, and VillagesOKC Executive Director Marilyn Olson. Standing, left to right, are Chris Berry, executive director, Edmond district;  Kathy Wilson-Gold, past Edmond district council chair, and Mike Roark, vice president and COO.

Edmond GOP Women’s Club will hold meeting on Oct. 16

The next meeting of the Edmond Republican Womens Club will be Monday, October 16th, 2023, in the Gaylord Center of Oklahoma Christian University. We are very pleased to announce that our guest speaker will be Dr. Rob Reynolds.

Dr. Reynolds was raised in Norman since the age of three. He is the son of Dr. Richard and Donna Reynolds. After graduating from Norman High School, he attended Oklahoma City University where he graduated with a BA degree in history. From there he attended OU college of medicine where he met his wife Suzanne. He completed a residency in internal medicine and then he and Suzanne moved to Birmingham, Alabama where he entered into a hematology/oncology fellowship at UAB. After completing his fellowship in June of 2002, they moved back to Oklahoma City where he is in private practice. Robert has always been very inquisitive and an avid reader about all things philosophical and when he noticed a cultural shift he began to take a vested interest in current political issues and events. Education became a major focus for both himself and his wife as they were raising three children as well as the way medicine was also being affected by critical theory.

Also, our sponsor for the month of October is State Representative for District 83, Eric Roberts. Eric Roberts is an American politician and businessman serving as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives

from the 83rd District. Elected in November 2020, he assumed office on January 11, 2021. Rep. Roberts earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Southern Methodist University. He has owned and operated Colonial Center LP for over 28 years. He was appointed to serve on the Oklahoma State Fairground Improvements Subcommittee by former Mayor Mick Cornett. He also serves as vice chair of the House Government Modernization and Efficiency Committee. Eric and his wife, Leigh, have two children.

ERWC, along with Republican Women of Central Oklahoma, and Heartland Republican Women will sponsor a Candidate Forum on Nov. 14th, 2023, at our meeting location, the Gaylord Event Center at OCU, featuring the seven Republicans who have filed for the position of State Representative District 39 which is a Special Election.The event will begin at 6:30 pm. Those who have filed are Kristen Ferate, William Gaige, Jr., Tim Hale, Erick Harris, Ronda Peterson, Cris Price, and Dr. Ross Vanhooser.

Our next general meeting will be October 16th, 2023, at our meeting location, the Gaylord Event Center at Oklahoma Christian University, 2501 E. Memorial Rd., Edmond, 73013.

We start gathering at 11:15 am, with buffet lunch served at 11:30 and meeting beginning at 11:45. The cost for meeting and lunch is $20 and meeting only is $5. For information or to make a reservation, contact us at ERWC1787@gmail.com.

Traffic deaths show decrease

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced today an estimated 3.3% decrease in roadway deaths in the United States in the first half of 2023. Twenty-nine states saw fewer traffic fatalities, while 21 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are projected to have more deaths this year than last.

Traffic fatalities have decreased in each of the last five quarters. This recent trend toward fewer deaths on our nation’s roads is welcome news, but these decreases pale in comparison to the troubling and unprecedented rise in dangerous driving and fatalities experienced during the height of the pandemic. The estimated 19,515 roadway deaths in the first half of 2023 announced today remain far above the

17,025 fatalities during the same period in 2019.

We cannot let this gradual progress in roadway safety lessen the urgency of the safety crisis and the need for further action. The holistic Safe System approach, outlined in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy in 2022, calls for using all proven countermeasures to reduce traffic crashes, injuries and deaths by creating a multi-layered safety net. This safety net includes equitable traffic enforcement focused on the most dangerous driving behaviors – such as speeding and impaired driving – that kill people every day; infrastructure that slows down drivers and protects pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized road users

Reynolds Roberts

Sad side of history

By Steve Gust

I know there are a lot of people out there who want to empower the government even more than it is. That amazes me. I’ve said it before, but the government is not known for their frugal or efficient spending.

Steve Gust

Some believe the government hasn’t lived up to its promises of taking care of American Indians or providing them opportunities.

A few months ago, we published an article concerning Edmond Electric helping needy people on the Navajo Nation in Arizona.

Apparently the people of Navajo Tribe aren’t the only ones needing help.

An Arizona group named Southwest Reservation Aid (SWRA) has literature known as “3-Minute American History Quiz.” It recounts how reservations were created in the 19th century to remove native peoples. Even sadder, was that was the fact that those lands were not primo real estate. They didn’t have fertile agricultural areas.

You’d think our government would have improved the situation some 150 to 200 years later. But not according to the SWRA.

If you drive in a reservation today, they claim the areas have run down homes or trailers and many of those may be missing a telephone, electricity, running water or sewage. Or as the Aid group says, “Native Americans are the poorest population in the Northern Hemisphere.”

They also say that 35 to 85 percent of the people are unemployed. And because of red tape, most businesses are reluctant to open up on a reservation. A lot of parents have to leave the reservation to find work. That leads to many grandparents raising chidlren.

Many basic services are at least an hour away from the reservation.

The SWRA said some families have to choose between food and gas.

I think it’s heartbreaking and it makes me wonder why things haven’t changed. Someone should ask Biden why the government’srecord with reservations isn’t so stellar.

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

Finance committee hears study on federal energy incentives

Federal clean energy incentives will bring billions of dollars into Oklahoma—that’s according to Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, who presented an interim study to the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday to help give members an overview of the programs available and how those dollars could be used to benefit Oklahoma, including an enhanced energy grid and workforce programs.

“The purpose of this study was to help us learn more about the various programs and funds that are available to Oklahoma,” Boren said. “This is an unprecedented allocation of resources, so we need to be prepared to leverage those funds to achieve the maximum benefit for our citizens, achieving generational impact.”

Kylah McNabb, of Vesta Strategic Solutions, told senators about the different pathways for funding, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the American Rescue Plan.

“In general, our electric grid is aging and is facing a fundamental change in how it operates, so there’s a substantial amount of infrastructure funding coming to the state and indi-

vidual utilities to make those services more resilient,” McNabb said. “Oklahoma is primed to utilize the funding provided under the IRA due to its all of the above energy approach. As an energy state, we can use the funds to benefit not only growth in the workforce development areas of the energy economy, but also return money into Oklahoma residents’ pockets.”

McNabb said not only would consumers benefit directly from energy system improvements, such as grid enhancement, but other energy efficiency incentives, such as a 30 percent tax credit for installing new, energy efficient windows. She noted there were tax credits for builders, which will help spur additional business, with an additional benefit—homes that are built to good energy codes are actually stronger than those not built to code, something McNabb said she really appreciated after going through the 2013 Moore tornado.

To listen to the full interim study, go to https://oksenate.gov/live-proceedings, click “view our live senate sessions,” and select “new recordings” for the Sept. 27 Finance Committee meeting.

Open carry at the State Fair?

Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, release a statement following the shooting at the Oklahoma State Fair and advocating to allow Oklahomans to protect themselves by open carry.

"The tragic shooting this past weekend at the Oklahoma State Fair underscored the need for law-abiding citizens to be able to exercise their Second Amendment rights at the State Fair.

The whole incident illustrates that, under the liberal gun control mindset, lawless criminals will continue to carry weapons and prove a threat while law-abiding Americans are prohibited from utilizing their God-given right to protect themselves and their families.

Two bills, House Bill 1021 and Senate Bill 920, were filed this past session that would have recognized Second Amendment rights at the State Fair. In a public place where lawless thugs can be a threat, trustworthy Oklahomans should have the right to be armed if they so choose.

Biden’s climate hysteria helping Putin

By Senator Markwayne Mullin

The most meaningful contribution the United States could make to Ukraine's war effort is to restore American energy independence and increase our exports to countries currently dependent on adversaries for oil and gas.

And yet, President Joe Biden is doing the opposite, undermining U.S. energy independence and giving Russian President Vladimir Putin a crucial assist.

Last month, Russia announced it was drilling in the Chukchi Sea, just kilometers from the maritime border between Russia and Alaska. Despite this knowledge, the Biden administration just prohibited drilling on more than 10 million acres in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve, a special area created by Congress to ensure access to energy supplies vital to national security.

Under President Biden, more than 40 percent of the reserve is off-limits for U.S. energy production.

The administration also canceled all remaining leases in the "1002 area" of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a small portion of the refuge which Congress set aside in 2017 for similar energy security purposes.

According to the administration, canceling all remaining leases in Alaska's arctic refuge serves to "meet the urgency of the climate crisis."

"From day one, I have delivered on the most ambitious climate and conservation agenda in our country's history," the White House bragged in a statement on canceling all remaining oil and gas leases from the Trump administration.

Canceling the leases joins other major interventions the President has made in the name of this climate agenda.

The Inflation Reduction Act was at the end of the day a Green New Deal, promising $350 billion in corporate give-aways for carbon reduction efforts.

The President should be less proud of such du-

bious accomplishments. During a time of global unrest, the United States should be far more concerned with maintaining global stability than entertaining climate hysteria. These lawless actions, which directly contradict laws governing management of these lands, achieve the exact opposite.

In July, Russia earned $15.3 billion from crude exports according to the International Energy Agency (IEA)—more than almost 20 percent from the previous month. We've already seen the oil market rise with Russia, along with Saudi Arabia's initial announcement this past June to cut production by 1.3 million barrels per day. We saw prices rise again when Russia and Saudi Arabia reported these cuts would remain through the end of the year. It sent Brent crude above $90 a barrel, blowing straight past the Biden administration's $60 sanction's cap.

Energy policies that harm U.S. production only make us more vulnerable to hostile aggressors who seek to benefit from an American rush to green. And these policies undercut the U.S. support for Ukraine's fight against Russia's unjust war.

The need for fossil fuels is not going any-

where. OPEC+ predicts that world oil consumption will increase by 2.2 million barrels a day by 2024. Let's not forget – a barrel of oil produced in the U.S. has a carbon intensity that is 23 percent lower than the average international barrel. If Joe Biden wants clean energy, he should start by investing at home as U.S. oil lowers the carbon footprint on a global scale.

Biden's emotional tugs of climate hysteria have emboldened our enemies and blinded Americans from seeing the mixed signals from this administration. While Biden asks Congress for an additional $24 billion in aid to Ukraine, his energy policy is funding the Russian war machine.

Even the administration's recent exchange brokered over American detainees for energy revenues shows how prominent energy is on the global stage. If energy is present, there is leverage to exercise.

Joe Biden has allowed Russia to get away with much more than the American people know or should be okay with themselves. He has lost his grip on a reliable security source and leverage over Russia, and the Biden administration must get it back before it is too late.

Chickasha Country & its delightful places

By Elaine Warner

The chair was swinging as we dangled from a cable over 700 feet in the air. It was that same scary feeling you got as a kid riding the Ferris Wheel at the fair.

With a slight jerk, the chair began to move, quickly gaining speed as we zipped back to the platform 700-plus-feet away. Way below us we could see the cascades of Turner Falls tumbling down massive rocks in Oklahoma’s oldest park. We were experiencing the 777 Zip above Turner Falls park.

777 isn’t the usual zip line where you have to climb towers and where you’re hooked into a harness. 777 is more like a really fast ski lift. The zipper takes off from – and returns to – a platform. Riders are securely belted in a solid seat for two. Reaching the speed of 30 miles an hour, the ride takes less than five minutes start to finish. Walkups are welcome, but to avoid a long line, make a reservation before you go.

Down below, Turner Falls itself was crowded –full of families ready to spend the day splashing in Honey Creek or swimming in the pool below the falls. The best spots on the banks were taken early. Cars aren’t allowed close to the falls. It wasn’t unusual to see groups dragging wagons with chairs, boom boxes, kids, and lots of food. Several families brought their own grills.

While the park is most noted for the 77-foot waterfall, largest in Oklahoma, there are 1500 more acres for recreation with cabins, camping and RV sites. Near the park entrance is another popular swimming spot, Blue Hole. The park has three hiking trails and three caves. There are a number of spots to fish above the falls – extra fee and Oklahoma license required.

Many visitors make the hike up the stairs to the remains of Collins Castle, built in the early 1930s in old English style. The park also hosts the Turner Falls Red Dirt Music Festival, this year on October 14. Check the web site – www.turnerfallspark.com for admission, reservations and rules. The park limits the number of guests each day so reservations, especially in warm weather, are a good idea.

Tishomingo, site of the Chickasaw Capitol, is about an hour’s drive southeast of Turner Falls. Visit the Capitol building, now a museum, for more Chicksaw history.

The Chickasaw Removal had begun in 1837. At the time, every Chickasaw village had a Council House. The Council House in Tishomingo was eventually replaced by a brick building and, in 1898, by the beautiful, granite building now on the site.

You can see the original Council House in the Council House Museum next door.

Here, too, are historical exhibits, a gallery of notable Chickasaws, an art gallery, and a gift shop.

On Tishomingo’s Main Street, stop at the Chickasaw Bank Museum for some history about the 1901 Bank of the Chickasaw Nation. Other rooms in the old building feature local history including a gallery of celebrities with past or present local ties. (You can’t go far in Tishomingo without seeing something about Blake Shelton!)

Although he was born in Ada, Shelton considers Tishomingo his home town. The country music star has a ranch outside Tishomingo and has done amazing things for Tish. He and Miranda Lambert were married here and together bankrolled several projects before their divorce. Six years later, he married Gwen Stefani in a chapel on his ranch.

Shelton opened Ole Red, a bar and restaurant, and live music venue – plus a well-stocked retail space on Main Street. Ole Red was the first of his string of entertainment spots. His seventh place opens this fall in Las Vegas. To accommodate larger concerts, he added The Doghouse, which features big names and up-and-comers.

Down the street, Junk Stars carries all sorts of merchandise – décor, clothing, repurposed pieces, eclectic art and a collection of sassy tee-shirts. Owned by Shelton’s mother, Dorothy, you’ll be surprised at what you find here.

Across the street the Mulberry Inn, once Ladymith owned by Miranda Lambert, has retained her unusual décor. Check out the hot pink, crocodile-patterned leather ceiling. The Mulberry Wine Bar next door is a cool, comfortable place serving wine, beer and amazing cocktails. I highly recommend the Prickly Pear Mule!

I found a number of other interesting spaces in a two-block area. One I particularly liked was one I was pretty sure I wouldn’t – Starlight Comics. It was there and I was hot, so I popped in – and stayed for a nice visit.

Owned by partners Lorene Thomas and Kris Horton, this is a great gathering spot for Tish teens. They carry comics, singles, yes, but they

also package the colorful periodicals by story arc –usually six issues. The shelves are lined with anime and manga materials. Thomas told me how many times these items lead kids to read more traditional literature. Best of all, they’re friendly, welcoming, and made even a skeptical senior feel right at home.

North of Starlight Comics on Kemp Street, Gonzales Mexican Restaurant gets two thumbs up from me. The combination of food and ambiance is hard to beat. Owned by Maria and Alex Gonzales, the restaurant uses spices typical of Maria’s State of Guererro in southwest Mexico. Tables are topped with tiles from Mexico and the bathroom sinks are Talavera pottery. Wooden chair backs from Mexico are carved and painted.

I’ve only covered a few of the attractions available in south central Oklahoma. A lot of credit goes to the Chickasaw Nation – and Blake Shelton – for calling attention to an area rich in travel treasures – Chickasaw Country.

Between several days of rain and the cold spring water, only the hardy or hot tried the deep pool under the falls.

Elaine

Guests at 777 Zip only have two steps to climb. Unfortunately for the photographers in our group, cameras aren’t allowed on the ride.

You’re guaranteed to see Blake Shelton at his mother’s store, Junk Stars.

The Mulberry Wine Bar features wine, beer and cocktails like this Prickly Pear Mule.

Some parental advice for college students

College is widely credited as being a child’s first full step into adulthood. But when they walk out of their parents’ house, they enter a world full of unprecedented challenges and threats to their wellbeing. They may be fully grown, says student wellbeing activist David Magee, but they need their parents even after they leave the nest—especially during the college years.

“College-aged children are not equipped to handle the problems plaguing their generation on their own,” says Magee, author of the book Things Have Changed: What Every Parent (and Educator) Should Know About the Student Mental Health and Substance Misuse Crisis (Matt Holt, August 2023, ISBN: 978-1-6377439-6-6, $22.00) and award-winning book Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love, and Loss. “Between mental health disorders, substance misuse, body image issues, and a plethora of other challenges, they need your guidance more than ever. Staying connected during this time gives them the support they desperately need.”

Magee is no stranger to the dangers awaiting children at college, or in life in general. After losing his son William to an accidental drug overdose, and nearly losing another son, Hudson, to an overdose at a college frat party, he’s dedicated his life to giving students the tools they need to thrive and helping them find the joy they crave more than anything else. It’s also why he founded the William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing at the University of Mississippi, which seeks to understand how best to prevent or break the cycle of unhealthy habits and addictions that plague so many college students, and the William Magee Center for AOD and Wellness Education.

Below, Magee offers some tips for staying in touch—and in tune—with your children.

Tell the truth about the dangers of using drugs and alcohol. Make sure your child hears the truth about substance misuse and the problems it can cause from you, not from their friends, says Magee. Binge drinking, which plagues college campuses, can result in missed classes, depression, health issues, sleep loss, sexual assault, and much more. Drugs are just as harmful and can even be deadly. For example, when students take counterfeit pills, they risk overdosing from fentanyl, a highly addictive drug so deadly that even a “crumb” can kill them instantly. Encourage your children to stay away from these dangerous pills.

Teach them to prioritize their (mental and physical) health. Every college student should develop a “toolbox” of habits, practices, and mindsets to help them maintain physical and mental health and create joy in their lives, says Magee. Remind them to prioritize sleep every night. They should go to bed at a reasonable hour and keep their phone shut off at night. Ensure that they get exercise every day as well. A 30-minute walk outside is easy and meditative, and can improve their mood and increase blood circulation. Finally, urge them to check their social media use. If they find themselves scrolling for hours each day, or experiencing anxiety or depression, it’s time to cut back. Keep open lines of communication. If your

child is far away, call or FaceTime them for frequent catch-ups. Weekly phone calls establish you as one of their confidants, remind them that you are there and willing to listen, and show that they can come to you with problems.

“Ensure that your child feels safe enough to come to you no matter what. Keep the lines of communication open, and always, always assure your child that you love them and are here for them,” says Magee.

Encourage them to choose their friends wisely. One of the most important lessons of college—and life—is that you will take on the traits of those you surround yourself with. For example, if your child joins a fraternity that prioritizes drinking and partying, then their chances of sponging up those characteristics goes up astronomically.

“Your teen or young adult child might not realize that they are entering into a pressure cooker of threats when they leave for college,” says Magee. “And most of this pressure is going to come from other students. The wise saying, ‘Students get students on drugs, and students get students off drugs,’ comes into play here. Encourage your child to find people who will not pressure them into harming themselves through substance abuse. It’s worth holding out for genuine friends—even if it means being lonely for a little while.”

Skip the lectures and try listening instead. With college pressures pulling your child in a hundred different directions, be a source of support, not another problem, says Magee. For starters, don’t tell them how they should feel and don’t preach “at” them. Avoid comments like, “But you aced your exam; you should be grateful!” or, “You’ve got that big game coming up; you should be having fun!” Instead, listen to your child and validate their feelings. Try to understand things from their point of view. This will open the doors of communication and may even spark some difficult conversations, but it ultimately deepens their trust in you. Finally, ask your child plenty of open-ended questions and listen deeply to their answers. Their responses will surprise and delight you every time.

Read between the lines. (Pay attention to your intuition.) Chances are, you are more in tune with your child than you think, and you may pick up on the little subtleties that tell you when they are struggling or that something’s wrong. Pay attention to these feelings; they may be the lifeline you need to save them. One tip here is to listen for what they’re not saying—it may reveal more than you think. For example, if your child starts using language like, “I don’t like my roommates,” or, “I want to move out and get a fresh start,” they may be subtly crying out for help, and your conversations with them can help guide them to that recognition. Magee also points out that “anxiety” is often used as a catch-all term, especially when the person in question may be unsure of what is plaguing them—so take notice when and if your child uses this word.

Just because your child is in college doesn’t mean they are equipped to take on the full pressure of the world. You are still their parent, and when it comes to maintaining contact, the college years are more precious—and precarious—than any other time.

“If you can engage your children by listening and gently guiding them, you’ll be setting them up to thrive this semester—and throughout their lives,” concludes Magee. “Stay close, and you will rest easier knowing they are safe, growing into strong young adults, and making good decisions that will serve them well.”

AAA: Foliage tours highlight fall travel

The desire to travel does not disappear at the end of summer. AAA Travel booking data suggests enthusiasm for new experiences in new locations continues long after Labor Day and, of course, fall foliage is always a big draw.

“While summer is often a time for longer family vacation road trips, fall is also very popular for scenic drives and getaways,” said Rylie Mansuetti, spokesperson for AAA Oklahoma. “For travelers, it’s the perfect time of year to get in the car and go, with cooler weather, less traffic on the highways, and fewer crowds at popular destinations.”

For travelers looking for an autumn exploration within the Sooner State, Travel Oklahoma provides a variety of suggested itineraries to navigate. Whether road tripping to festive fall festivals, historic and cultural treasures, fun and quirky roadside attractions, or beautiful “how can this be in Oklahoma?” scenery, each road and direction in the state leads to a fall adventure. A few highlights include:

• Best Bets for Oklahoma Fall Foliage: https://www.travelok.com/articles/best-bets-foroklahoma-fall-foliage

• Charming Fall Destinations & Getaways in Oklahoma: https://www.travelok.com/articles/cha rming-fall-destinations-getaways-in-oklahoma

• Oklahoma Fall Foliage and Festivals: https://www.travelok.com/fall_foliage_a nd_festivals

• Oklahoma's Top Attractions Along Route 66: https://www.travelok.com/articles/oklahomas-topattractions-along-route-66

For those looking for a longer trip to the eastern United States, AAA suggests five fall travel destinations for the best “leaf peeping:

NEW HAMPSHIRE - Kancamagus Highway

The Kancamagus Highway, or the "Kanc" as locals know it, is one of the best spots for fall foliage in the US. This scenic 35-mile stretch of Route 112 winds through the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire, offering stunning views of the colorful autumn landscape with plenty of places to stop and explore.

VERMONT – Green Mountain Byway

Vermont wilderness covers 75 percent of the state and, with more maple trees than anywhere else in the region, you'll find the brightest yellows, oranges, and reds. The Green Mountain Byway is a 71-mile corridor that encircles Vermont’s Green Mountains, including Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, and the famous mountain pass of Smugglers’ Notch.

NEW YORK - Hudson Valley

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Hudson Valley, New York. The region stretches along the Hudson River from the tip of Manhattan to Albany. Travelers can explore two scenic autumn drives: the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway and the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway, full of brilliant earth tones that emerge from the pines, oaks, maples, and hemlocks.

PENNSYLVANIA – Route 6

Route 6 in northeastern PA has been called one of America's most scenic drives. This magical and tranquil highway along the Keystone State's northern tier is 400-plus miles of history and heritage, small-town culture, friendly people, and wondrous sights. Head west to the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, Pine Creek Gorge, where gorgeous autumn colors are displayed late into the season.

NORTH CAROLINA - Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is America’s longest linear park at 470 miles. Its winding path leads travelers along a scenic byway along the Blue Ridge Mountains, stretching 469 miles between Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known for its stunning foliage display each fall, travelers will find countless opportunities to explore and experience the beauty of the changing season.

Basic Vehicle Maintenance a Must

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day this year, AAA responded to nearly 80,000 calls for emergency roadside service - just in Oklahoma. To avoid a similar fate, fall travelers are encouraged to make sure their vehicles are road ready – especially tires, in anticipation of those leaf-covered roadways, with traction made worse by wet weather.

“No one expects to break down, but those who overlook basic vehicle maintenance may find themselves stranded at the roadside, looking for help rather than taking in the scenery,” Mansuetti added.

While AAA’s intention is always to get members back on the road as quickly and safely as possible, it is important to note that a roadside breakdown is not always a quick fix. It can be both a major disruption and a significant expense. More than half of the summer service calls in Oklahoma required a tow.

Resources for Sightseeing and Savings

Vehicle maintenance is not the only opportunity for savings. With the national average for gas still around $3.85/gallon and hotel rooms at a premium, AAA reminds drivers that mapping out routes and booking accommodations in advance can save time and money. Associates in any of our AAA Travel/Retail locations – including stores in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Norman and Edmond– are well-versed on the best places to stay, the most scenic routes and how to take advantage of AAA discounts along the way.

Fall road-trippers and leaf peepers who prefer to ‘DIY’ can take advantage of additional AAA resources:

• Check out AAA’s Digital TourBooks®.

• Explore the best ways to see fall foliage at AAA.com/TheExtraMile.com.

• Download the AAA mobile app to find the least expensive gas along your route, call for Emergency Roadside Assistance or connect with a travel advisor.

To ensure everyone’s safety and peace of mind through the season, AAA is also providing a ‘Buy One, Get One’ Membership at AAA.com/BOGO.  Members can request roadside assistance by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP, on AAA.com or through the AAA mobile app.

Review of ‘Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie’

A story best enjoyed by little ones

By George Gust

With the unprecedented success of this year’s runaway success of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer”, two films that are completely opposed in tone and content, opening on the same weekend, its only natural that the Hollywood social media machine would try to recreate that in this past weekend’s new releases; “Saw X” and “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” or for those in the know- Saw Patrol.

A magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City and gives the Paw Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into the Mighty Pups.

The needle that every movie aimed at children and families wants to thread is being entertaining for the kids and tolerable for the parents. “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” is not fun for all ages but is the cinematic equivalent of taking your child to the kiddie pool at your local community pool.

Where “Paw Patrol: The Movie” felt like it had to lay the groundwork for why the pups needed to make the jump from yogurt covered iPads across the nation to the silver screen, “Paw Pa-

trol: The Mighty Movie” feels closer to a supersized episode of the series.

However, if we’re taking “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” through the eyes of the intended audience, there is a lot to take in. With plenty of upgrades to the visual effects and a loving portrayal of the new vehicles and super suits of the pups, the kids in attendance get some good ideas of what put on their Christmas list. And the overarching story tying together toyetic sequences does put the focus on one of the pups with a nar-

Answers on Page 19

rative message of inclusion and self-acceptance that feel earnest and bring an added element that propels this into a movie slightly above the made for TV movie specials.

Overall, “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” does what it intends to do by entertaining kids who love the TV show, but little more than that. An overstuffed voice cast brings a lot of familiar names (like Kim Kardashian, James Marsden, Kristen Bell), but little to overall experience, except for Taraji B. Henson who is having fun playing an over-the-top mad scientist villain. So while the adults are waiting for the big releases of fall like the Oklahoma based “Killers of the Flower Moon” the kids can enjoy a fun 90 minutes at the movies with “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie.”

“Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” is rated PG for mild action/peril.

2.5 out of 5 stars

To reach George for comment on this review or any for others movie reviews, please e-mail him gust.george@gmail.com

Show will discuss Medicare

AARP Oklahoma is hosting an interactive telephone town hall on October 10 at 10 a.m. CST focused on Medicare, as the open enrollment period is October 15 through December 7. During the interactive town hall, participants will learn about Medicare open enrollment, changes to the program and Part D drug coverage options. Attendees will also learn about Part D drug coverage options and extra help that may be available from the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) program, which helps lower Medicare premiums and deductible costs for eligible beneficiaries.

The panel includes AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl, Ray Walker from the Oklahoma Insurance Department and Jean Kidd from Oklahoma Human Services. Panelists will field questions from telephone town participants and respond to Facebook comments.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE - Call 866-295-1747 to ask questions or join the virtual conversation on the AARP Oklahoma Facebook page.

Crossword Puzzle

“Paw

Patrol: The Mighty Movie” finds the famous crew of rescue pups on a new adventure that’s cute and exciting for its target audience.

Group’s Hall of Honor to induct four Oct. 18

The 37th annual Oklahoma Commerce & Industry Hall of Honor will induct four new members during a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 18 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. This year’s honorees are Clay and Louise Bennett with the Lifetime Achievement Award; Kristin Chenoweth with the Outstanding Achievement Award; and Chuck Hoskin Jr. with the Chairman's Award.

Oklahoma City University established the Oklahoma Commerce & Industry Hall of Honor to recognize business and community leaders who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of Oklahoma. It is located in the Meinders School of Business at OCU.

Clay Bennett is chairman of the ownership group of the Oklahoma City Thunder and its NBA G League team the Oklahoma City Blue. He is also chairman of Dorchester Capital, a diversified private investment company, and serves as an investor, officer and director of numerous business entities.

Louise Bennett serves as manager for Bennett Group and is on the board of directors for Dorchester Capital. She is a trustee for the foundation founded by her parents, E.L. and Thelma Gaylord. She is a former officer and director of OPUBCO. Louise and Clay Bennett have been married for more than 40 years and have three grown children and four grandchildren.

Chenoweth is an Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer.

Chenoweth’s career spans film, television, voice-over and stage. In 2015, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She earned an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in “Pushing Daisies.” She won a Tony Award for “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and was nominated for her original role of Glinda the Good Witch in “Wicked.” Chenoweth has been nominated for two Emmy Awards and a People’s Choice Award for her role on “Glee.”

Hoskin serves as the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, the largest tribe in the United States with more than 440,000 citizens. Prior to being elected in 2019, he was the Cherokee Nation’s secretary of state and

served as a member of the Cherokee Nation council.

Hall of Honor inductees serve as role models for business students, providing them with inspiration and encouragement as they pursue their roles as the next generation of business and community leaders. Melissa Cory, the school’s director of executive and professional development, said the event is a celebration of major achievements in business.

“We are thrilled to honor this year’s class of leaders who have made significant contributions to our state through their dedication and support of our community,” Cory said.

Financial support for the Oklahoma Commerce & Industry Hall of Honor provides scholarships for Meinders School of Business students.

Read more about the honorees and ceremony at okcu.edu/business/hall-of-honor.

Kristin Chenoweth

Louise & Clay Bennett

Chuck Hoskin Jr.

Field goal at wire wins it for UCO

Nicky Quevedo kicked a 29-yard field goal as time expired and Central Oklahoma beat Missouri Southern 30-27 in MIAA play at Chad Richison Stadium Saturday afternoon.

The win was the second for the Bronchos, who are now 2-3 overall and 2-3 in the MIAA.

"Today was the first time we really played well for all four quarters and we needed every bit of it," UCO head football coach Adam Dorrel said. "Missouri Southern is a really good team and a wellcoached team. We needed our guys to be good today and they were. I'm really proud of the team."

Central Oklahoma battled back throughout the day. Missouri Southern took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, and a 17-10 lead in the second quarter. It was 24-17 midway through the third quarter. The Bronchos tied the game late in the third, and then three field goals were the only points in the fourth quarter, with Quevedo giving UCO a 27-24 lead, and then ultimately, a 30-27 win.

Central Oklahoma put up 440 yards of total offense on Saturday. The Bronchos managed 224 yards rushing and 216 yards passing in one of the most balanced attacks of Dorrel's time at UCO.

Stephon Brown returned to the lineup after missing Week 4 with an ankle injury. He went 13-for-15 with 196 yards a touchdown. He also had 15 carries for 75 yards.

Trevon Woolfolk added 106 yards on 16 carries to go with two touchdowns.

In the passing game, only five receivers caught a pass. Terrill Davis had five catches for 91 yards and a touchdown. His 37-yard catch from Brown in the third quarter tied the game, 24-24.

Darius Melton had three receptions for 42 yards and Jaylen Cottrell added three catches for six yards out of the backfield. Oscar Hammond had two receptions for 62 yards and Payton Scott added one for 15 yards.

Defensively, Central Oklahoma held Missouri Southern to 345 yards of total offense, allowing 180 yards passing and 165 yards rushing. Rae'Quan Wicks led UCO with 11 tackles, Connor Johnson added nine, and Jack Puckett had seven.

Johnson had one sack as the Bronchos made three tackles in the MSSU backfield. UCO didn't force any turnovers for the fourth week in a row, but the Bronchos did have six pass breakups, including three by J.K. Moore.

Missouri Southern took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. The Bronchos received the opening kickoff, then punted quickly to Southern. But UCO forced a quick punt back, however, a muffed punt return gave Southern short field. The Lions scored after five plays and just 28 yards.

Woolfolk then capped off a big response by the Bronchos. The junior running back shoved one defender out of his way into the end zone for a 10yard touchdown run to finish off a 7-play, 77-yard scoring drive that tied the game, 7-7, with 5:11 to play in the first quarter.

Quevedo then hit the first of his three field goals with 13:12 to play in the second quarter. He connected from 22 yards to give the Bronchos a 10-7 lead.

Southern scored to go in front 14-10, capping off an 11-play, 78-yard drive, then the Lions got the ball back and went 14-play, 65-yards and ended the first half with a 22-yard field goal to take a 17-10 lead at the break.

Woolfolk scored for the second time in the third quarter on a 3-yard rush. The Bronchos went 8-plays, 66 yards to tie the game 17-17 with 8:07 left in the frame. But Southern answered quickly to go back in front 24-17 with 5:24 left after a 6-play, 75-yard scoring drive that only took 2:43.

Davis caught his first career touchdown pass in the third quarter. His 37-yard score was just the fourth play of the drive that went 70 yards in 2:04.

Quevedo hit his second field goal with 10:58 left in the game to give the Bronchos a 27-24 lead. Southern tied it again with 4:31 to go, connecting on a 43-yard field goal.

But then it was the Bronchos with the final shot.

Cottrell ran for 12 yards to start the drive before an incomplete pass from Brown to Hammond. Brown ran four yards up the idlee after that, then on 3rd & 6, Brown hit Scott for a 15-yard gain and a first down.

After a 15-yard run by Andrew Carney and a 3yard scramble by Brown, the quarterback threw again and went after Madison Ridgeway in the end zone. Southern was whistled for pass interference and the Bronchos suddenly had 1st & 10 at the Missouri Southern 11-yard line.

An illegal substitution moved the Bronchos back to the 16-yard line, then Woolfolk ran seven yards to the nine.

UCO then went with a kneel down on consecutive plays as it positioned Quevedo for the final play.

Payton Hunt snapped it, David Vargas held it, and Quevedo, a Don Hansen All-American in 2022, connected on the game-winning 29-yard field goal.

Central Oklahoma hits the road in Week 6, taking on Northwest Missouri in Maryville. The Bronchos beat Northwest (2-3, 1-3 MIAA) last season.

Nyla Khan to speak at Ponca City museum

Author and professor Dr. Nyla Khan will speak at the Pioneer Woman Museum on Saturday, October 14, from 1-3 p.m. She will share stories about her life, work and human rights activism. The event is free to attend.

The Pioneer Woman Museum preserves the legacy of women of all races, creeds, and nationalities who contributed to the development of Oklahoma. The Pioneer Woman Museum is located at 701 Monument Rd. in Ponca City. For more information, please call 580-765-6108 or visit www.pioneerwomanmuseum.com.

The Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.

UCO savors win.

Looking for solutions to state’s housing shortage

The Senate Judiciary Committee held an interim study last week requested by Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, and Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, examining the many issues surrounding a shortage of housing, particularly rental housing, in Oklahoma.

Hall was the Senate author of the Oklahoma Housing Stability Program, which included an appropriation of $215 million for a new program to increase the availability of housing in the state.

“I think we need to acknowledge that this is a supply and demand issue, and one of the things we are seeking to address is increasing the supply through this legislation through zero percent construction loans for rental property and singlefamily housing,” Hall said.  “This study allowed us to hear from several experts on related issues and possible steps to consider as we seek to strengthen families, communities and our state. Housing is an integral part of that.”

Kirt said presenters underscored there is an affordable housing crisis nationwide, and in Oklahoma.

“One of the interesting things we heard as that since 1960, the typical size of a new home has grown, but the number of people in a typical household has gone down,” Kirt said.  “Especially for younger adults, it’s pricing them out of the market.  At the same time, rental properties have become more expensive as we’ve seen greater out-of-state and even out-of-country ownership. Another issue we discussed has occurred in my own district—apartments that simply do not meet basic standards for renters, like reliable heat in the winter, air conditioning in the summer, plus other structural problems impacting health and safety. These are issues we have to address for the well-being of our citizens and our communities.”

Presenters for the study included Dr. Bryce Lowery, of the University of Oklahoma College of Architecture in Regional and City Planning; Amy Coldren, CEO of Shelterwell; Ginny Bass Carl, Executive Director of Community Cares Partners; and Katie Dilks, executive director, Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation.

Short eviction timelines and low fees for seeking eviction were also discussed during the hearing, with Coldren and Carl presenting data on the eviction process in Oklahoma being fast and confusing. A landlord can evict a tenant for as little as $45, much less than the cost of other civil actions. The two said families facing eviction will likely experience a period of homelessness, causing trauma for children and adults, and told committee members that improved housing stability is good for tenants, landlords, communities and the economy, with better outcomes for children at school and for adults in the workforce.

“I think one of the things that was also pointed out was the need for anti-retaliation protection in the statutes so that a tenant would not face eviction for asking landlords to address maintenance issues and other problems,” Kirt said. “I appreciate Senator Hall for joining me in requesting this study and look forward to working with him and other members as we continue to address housing needs in Oklahoma.”

Female refuse truck drivers? Issue leads to lawsuit

Refuse disposal company Allied Services, LLC, doing business as Allied Waste Services of the Ozarks / Republic Services of the Ozarks, violated federal law when it failed to hire qualified female drivers at its Springfield, Missouri facility because of their sex, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed yesterday.

According to the EEOC's suit, Jamie Mendoza applied to work for Republic Services as a garbage truck driver in May 2020. Company managers told Mendoza during her interview that female drivers had not worked out in the past, and that she

should carefully consider whether she wanted the position because Republic Services would have to build a locker room with a shower for female drivers if she were hired.

The EEOC alleges that when Mendoza followed up and indicated she wanted the job, the company never responded to her and hired a less-qualified male instead.

The company did not have any female drivers at the time. The suit also alleges that since at least March 2020, Republic Services has routinely failed to hire qualified female applicants for driver positions because of their sex.

Bricktown’s economic impact set at $1.4 billion

The Bricktown Association in partnership with the City of Oklahoma City has released an economic impact study which emphasizes Bricktown’s role as the city’s most robust “live, work and play” district whose influence extends well beyond a $1.4 billion impact. The economic impact study was conducted through The Thorberg Collectorate by Russell Evans, Partner and Chief Economist.

“Bricktown is situated on the brink of significant investments happening within and adjacent to the district,” said Justin O’Neal, Bricktown District Manager. “Through this study, we aimed to demonstrate Bricktown’s contribution to the success of Oklahoma City as we prepare for the future.”

Bricktown is well-known as Oklahoma City’s entertainment district and hub for tourism with a dense offering of hotels, restaurants, attractions, and nightlife establishments. The economic impact of these industries within Bricktown generated over $629 million and supported 5,331 jobs.

Within Bricktown also resides a significant number of companies, professional services and residents. These offices and apartments are primarily situated on the upper floors above the restaurants and attractions that downtown visitors come to enjoy. Through professional services and production of goods, companies and retailers in Bricktown contributed 2,347 jobs.

Of the total 280 households in the district, the majority are primarily located at Phase I of The Steelyard Apartments. In addition, the devel-

opment plans to expand with 150 more apartments through Phase II continuing the growth of the residential population in Bricktown.

Bricktown has a dynamic history of reinventing itself. From an industrial warehouse district to a thriving entertainment district, Bricktown is Oklahoma City’s original “district.” For much of the public, Bricktown was the first area that offered a variety of experiences within walking distance that delivered a distinct sense of place.

For Oklahoma City and the surrounding communities, Bricktown is a place of celebration, bringing memories of first dates, birthdays and big-win celebrations after the game. For visitors, Bricktown is the premier experience in Oklahoma City offering attractions, entertainment, and lodging options alongside the other amenities within downtown.

"Bricktown is a vital part of Oklahoma City's economy and this data emphasizes its multi-faceted impact allowing us to advocate for further investment and development from the community," said Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership President and CEO Jennifer Nakayama.

Such alleged conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination because of sex. The EEOC filed suit (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Allied Services, LLC d/b/a Allied Waste Services of the Ozarks / Republic Services of the Ozark, Civil Action No. 6:23-cv-03308) in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement via its conciliation process. The EEOC seeks monetary relief for Mendoza and other women who were not hired, as well as an order prohibiting future sex discrimination, and other relief.

impact

can be found on

Bricktown Association website, WelcometoBricktown.com.

Crowded field emerges to fill State House 39 seat

A crowded field of candidates recently declared their intent to run for a vacant Edmond House seat that will be on the ballot during an upcoming special election.

The candidates for the House District 39 seat vacated by former state Rep. Ryan Martinez, who resigned after pleading guilty to a felony offense of being in physical control of a vehicle while intoxicated, includes seven Republicans, two Democrats and one Libertarian.

Registered Republicans outnumber Democrats more than 2 to 1 in the House district that includes parts of Edmond and Oklahoma City. As of January, the district had 15,456 registered Republicans, 6,530 Democrats and 5,232 independents, according to Oklahoma State Election Board data.

The primary election will be Dec. 12, and the general election will occur on Feb. 13. The winner of the general election will be seated just after the start of the 2024 legislative

session.

Republicans

Kristen Ferate, 45

William A. Gaige Jr., 47

Tim Hale, 64

Erick Harris, 36

Ronda Lee Peterson, 61

Cris Price, 53

Ross Vanhooser, 63

Democrats

Regan Raff, 43

Paul Timmons

Libertarian

Richard Prawdzienski, 75

Hi and Lois

Shoe

Zits

Family Circus

Beetle Baily

Blondie

Hägar the Horrible

Food recovery program lauded

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Broncho Bites Food Recovery Program recently received the Keep Oklahoma Beautiful 2023 Towering Spirit – Education Award for its positive impact and sustainable contributions.

The award recognizes outstanding achievements in leadership, environmental stewardship and efforts that have produced improvements, enhancements or preservation of Oklahoma’s environment.

Launched in fall 2022, Broncho Bites is an oncampus food recovery program that reduces food waste and provides meals to the Central community. The program was made possible by a $32,000 grant from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

“This is an award that recognizes Broncho Bites as a creative solution to a problem many campuses face,” said Lauren Bieri, co-founder of Broncho Bites and director of Photographic Services at Central.

“We are so glad to model this solution in hopes that programs like Broncho Bites will continue to spread throughout campuses nationwide.”

The Broncho Bites initiative has recovered more than 2,200 pounds of food across campus, and more than 300 students, faculty and staff have used this resource since the beginning of its official launch.

To continue the momentum of the program, UCO recently obtained an on-campus composter through DEQ. Food waste is currently collected from three sites including Ayers Kitchen, UCO’s

main dining facility, the Broncho Bites refrigerator and the UCO Department of Human Environmental Sciences’ food labs. The machine composts the food waste in a 24-hour cycle, which will eventually be used to fertilize campus grounds.

Broncho Bites will be recognized at the annual Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Environmental Excellence Awards Celebration, Nov. 17.

For more information about the program, contact the UCO Central Pantry at 405-974-3456 or centralpantry@uco.edu.

To learn more about Central’s Broncho Bites, visit go.uco.edu/bronchobites.

Student using the Broncho Bites refrigerator.