FOUR SEASONS
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.
Chamber hosts elected officials
See page 8
FRIDAY, September 1 Sunny High 95° Low 68°
SATURDAY, September 2 Sunny High 98° Low 70°
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® today announced that Oklahoma City resident, Mary Yerby is the winner of the 2023 Oklahoma City St. Jude Dream Home® Giveaway. Raising more than $1,100,000 for the patients and families of St. Jude, the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway program is celebrating its 16th anniversary in Oklahoma City. Lucky winner Mary Yerby is among many others in the OKC metro who purchased a ticket to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children.®
SUNDAY, September 3 Sunny High 99° Low 73°
Located in The Preserve in Covell Valley, Shaw Homes constructed the house that features an estimated 2,800 square feet and an estimated value of $550,000.
The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway has become one of the largest single-event fundraisers for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital nation-
wide. This is the 16th house to be built in this market. To date, 550 houses have been given away and the program has raised more than $550 million for St. Jude. Because a majority of St. Jude funding comes from individual contributors through programs like this, St. Jude has the freedom to focus on what matters most – saving kids regardless of their financial situation.
All proceeds will help ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
The 2023 Oklahoma City St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway was made possible thanks to sponsors, including FOX25, Shaw Homes, 101.9 The Twister, El Patron 98.5, The Oklahoman, 405 magazine, El Latino American, Edmond Life & Leisure, Homeland, Mathis Home, Bob Moore
Auto Group, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Dream Day Foundation and national sponsors Brizo, Shaw Floors, Trane and Bosch.
Individuals who reserved a $100 ticket to win the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway or attended the open house are eligible to win additional prizes. Other winners include
Tickets on Sale Prize: $2,500 shopping spree courtesy of Homeland
Glenda Elder of Muskogee
Early Bird Prize: $10,000 VISA gift card courtesy of Dream Day Foundation
Ricky Bates of Oklahoma City
Bonus Prize: Volkswagen Taos courtesy of Bob Moore Auto Group
Glen Molter of Norman
Open House Prize: $5,000 shopping spree courtesy of Mathis Home Michael Harrison of Oklahoma City.
The favorite VIBES event of the season, the “Good VIBES” Paint Off, returns to Downtown Edmond on Thursday, Sept. 7, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at the Entrance of Festival Marketplace. Enjoy the Paint Off, along with all of the monthly fun at the September VIBES event.
The “Good VIBES” Paint Off is a live painting competition where ten local artists will paint a 16" by 20" canvas for 1.5 hours for your vote. The artist with the most votes will be crowned the 2023 “Good VIBES” Paint Off winner. This years participating artists are Ashley Showalter, Brooke Livingston, Chris Cargill, Jay Holobach, Jeff Shoemake, Kierston Anderson, Matthew Nelson, Natalie Evans, Reian Williams, and Sara Kay Michael. The “Good VIBES” Paint Off is presented by Kirkpatrick Bank. Engage with 50 local artists throughout the 15 blocks of VIBES, including favorites like Mark & Jennifer Hustis, Janet Funk, Ryan Day, and Aimee Eischen. Check out the talents of new artists for 2023, like Colby Howard, Adrienne Parcher, Kristi Self, and Gregg Standridge. All types of art will be on display and available for purchase, from painting to woodworking, ceramics, stained glass, fiber art, and everything in between.
This months performing artist lineup includes the talents of A Per-
fect Body Band at The Icehouse Project, Five Year Gap on the corner of 1st and Broadway, Vearl T playing at The Paint Off at Festival Market, and many more! Grab your dancing shoes and jump out on the dance floor with the Groovemeant Dance Community moving and grooving at Vault 405.
There is truly something for everyone at this free, family-friendly event. We can't wait to experience the magic in Downtown Edmond with you! Stay up to date on all the monthly features by following @Edmond_Vibes on Instagram or the www.edmondvibes.org website.
VIBES, Edmond's First Thursdays is a program of the Fine Arts Institute, Edmond's nonprofit community arts organization providing visual and performing art classes for children and adults year-round. For more information, visit EdmondFineArts.com or call 405-340-4481. The 2023 VIBES Season is made possible by Citizens Bank of Edmond, Mercy, Edmond Electric, Broadway Development Group, Empire Slice House, and other businesses that believe in the importance of access to creativity.
There is an incredibly important Edmond story we ran across almost 20 years ago, but we have recently been reminded of it. In fact, it is a story that most in Edmond do not know about or the significance of the story. It is really quite amazing.
Here is what the Edmond Historical Society has to say about it:
WEST EDMOND FIELD.
The West Edmond Field was Oklahoma's most important oil discovery of the 1940s. It developed through the persistence of Ace Gutowsky, who claimed to know the location of potential oil fields by using so-called "doodlebug" techniques, a modification of the divining rod. He was convinced that oil was located to the west of the Edmond, Britton, and Oklahoma City fields, but reputable petroleum geologists dismissed his claims due to a lack of adequate geological and geophysical evidence.
Gutowsky found a backer for his project in D. D. Bourland of San Antonio, Texas. They spudded in on the Number One Wagner on January 2, 1943, in the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 32, T14N-R4W, Oklahoma County, a few miles west of Edmond. The well came in on April 28 in the Hunton limestone at a depth of 6,950 feet for a twenty-four-hour flow of 522 barrels of oil.
By the end of 1943 the field was crowded with drilling rigs, and eleven large wells were being produced. Almost immediately a pipeline service was established, with the bulk of the production going to the Champlin Oil Refinery at Enid. The West Edmond Field produced 7,752,000 barrels of oil in 1944 to temporarily bring the state's sagging oil production to 1.5 million barrels more than the previous year. The field contributed to yet another statewide increase of 15 million barrels in 1945.
Bobby D. Weaver
Kim Gutowsky-van der Walm, Gutowsky’s granddaughter and Edmond resident, is still working hard to get a movie on his interesting life. We will be doing an interview with her soon and bring you that story as well.
The West Edmond Oil Field is a large part of the history of Edmond, Oklahoma. It brought wealth to the area and helped the Allied Forces obtain victory over Germany in WWII. Ace Gutowsky spud in the Wagner #1 well on January 2nd, 1943. The goal was to drill deeper than anyone else had before in the area. He knew an ocean of oil was beneath his feet, he just had to get to it. Spud is a verb that means to start the well drilling process by removing rock, dirt and other sedimentary material with the drill bit.
When the well hit total depth, they experienced blowout which as you know from movies knocks the top of the rig off. After getting the well under control, they were able to bring the well to completion, making it the first of many extremely lucrative wells in the area.
Once the Wagner #1 showed the world that there was in fact oil here, the rush was on. Ace
made the majority of his wealth not just from drilling, but from leasing the oil-filled land. Many oil companies that had previously dismissed him were now beating down his door to lease the land he had now proved to be full of black gold.
Ten years ago, a piece of art was erected in Mitch Park to honor Ace and the significance of the West Edmond oil fields and their importance to the entire state. Commemorating the West Edmond Field, at one time one of the most productive oil fields on planet earth, the life-sized bronze and steel statue depicts a 1940 era oil derrick and two roughnecks, hard at work bringing “black gold” to the surface.
In 1944, at the height of WWII, the West Edmond Field produced 7.75 million barrels of oil, roughly half of the total pumped in Oklahoma. The field also produced a payroll of $500,000 a month meaning that when our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines returned from the war, there were jobs for them right here in Edmond. Whether the former military members chose to stay in the energy business or not, for many the “oil patch” was their first employer, allowing them to marry and start their families here, keeping many of them in Edmond and our state for a lifetime.
In keeping with the idea that the two roughnecks depicted on the rig were veterans, and with the help of the Edmond Life and Leisure newspaper and myself, the Edmond Parks Foundation conducted a search looking for two young veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan fighting to model for the faces of the roughnecks. Oklahoma Artist Jim Franklin and Foundation Chairman Curt Munson chose two of our young men and Jim modeled the faces on the statue from the photos the soldiers submitted.
“The West Edmond Field” life sized bronze and steel by Jim Franklin is located in Mitch Park north of Covell Road. It was dedicated in 2014. “The West Edmond Field” was sponsored by the Edmond Parks Foundation.
Assaph Gutoff descended from nobility in the Baron von Gutoff lineage. According to legend, the Gutoffs were Volga Germans who came to what is now known as the Ukraine to fight the
Mongols in the 11th century. They had a fighting spirit throughout the centuries, becoming Barons of the countryside, ending up in Zhitomer, Ukraine, where Assaph was born on. November 10, 1886.
Assaph, being the youngest at 16, fled with his two brothers to America. They landed in Baltimore, Maryland in 1902. He had three cents in his pocket and was so sick the authorities quarantined him for three months. Upon release, Assaph’s brothers had already left to seek their fame and fortune and he was now alone in a strange new land with a strange new name… Gutowsky
‘Ace’ was a farmer turned oil man who arrived at the Port of Baltimore from Ukraine in 1902. With 2 brothers and 3 cents in his pocket. He was 16 years old. He eventually moved to Oklahoma and got married. Assaph and Augusta had four children, but he was a digger of mostly dry holes until 1943 when his ship came in.
The West Edmond Field produced hundreds of millions of barrels of crude oil in wartime. He donated much of that oil to the allies (11% according to articles). After hitting it big, Gutowsky started a drilling company with his sons and moved into swank offices at the First National Center in Oklahoma City.
But the good times were relatively short lived. A farming venture in south Texas didn’t go well and the money went dry. Ace passed away without a will in 1951. His children didn’t get to inherit the kind of wealth they thought they might so the family stories dried up too.
Over the past few years, the family has made up for lost time in terms of family lore. They researched both Ace Senior and Ace Junior. Kim’s father, Leroy, won an NFL championship as an All-Star fullback and linebacker for the Detroit Lions.
For more details on the amazing story of Ace Gutowsky and the West Edmond Field discovery go to thegreatgutowsky.com or visit their Facebook page.
(Ray Hibbard may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)
Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke
“Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper.
Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.
Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011.
Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable.
For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.
Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, this week issued a statement condemning the bomb threats recently called in to multiple Oklahoma schools and asking education stakeholders to tone down political rhetoric and renew their focus on increased student academic outcomes.
Greg Slavonic
The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs and the Oklahoma Veterans Commission announced last week that Rear Admiral, USN (Ret) Greg Slavonic has been named as the agency Executive Director.
Slavonic, previously appointed as the agency Interim Executive Director earlier this year, was approved unanimously by the Oklahoma Veterans Commission at a special meeting held last week. Members of the Commission praised Slavonic’s response over the past five months as he has worked to address and resolve several critical issues within the agency.
Director Slavonic earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma State University and M.Ed. from the University of Central Oklahoma, where he was recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Slavonic has also served as the 18th Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, the Under Secretary of the Navy, serving as the deputy and principal assistant to the Secretary of the Navy, and as Chief Operating Offi-
cer and Chief Management Officer for the Department of the Navy. Additionally, he oversaw intelligence activities, intelligence-related activities, special access programs, critical infrastructure, and sensitive activities within the Department.
Slavonic retired from the U.S Navy/Navy Reserve after a 34-year career. He began by enlisting as a Seaman Recruit and concluded a distinguished career attaining the rank of Rear Admiral. During his Navy career he held four command assignments, served in combat deployments to Vietnam, Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His final assignment was as the Navy’s Sixth Special Assistant to Chief of Information (CHINFO) and Director of Public Affairs Program (Reserve). He also served as the cochair for the design and building of the USS Oklahoma Memorial at Pearl Harbor to remember the 429 Sailors and Marines who served aboard the battleship and lost their lives on December 7, 1941.
“First and foremost, I want to condemn the bomb threats leveled against multiple public schools here in Oklahoma this week. Violence, and threats of violence, whether a hoax or legitimate, against our students are completely unacceptable and must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Secondly, I would like to see the political activism surrounding education eliminated, and more targeted action plans focused on raising test scores and increasing education outcomes for our students. Recently, it seems as if 5% of the people are stirring up controversy, while the other
95% just want to see our kids get better test scores and succeed in the classroom.
Oklahoma classrooms should not be laboratories for political activism, they should be places where our kids go to learn the basic education skills needed to succeed. In the same way, Oklahoma’s elected leaders should not be adding fuel to the fires of controversy, we should be focused on making sure our kids are getting a good education, and our educational outcomes are improving.
Oklahoma’s education ranking is among the lowest in the country for a number of reasons, and that ranking isn’t going to change if we are constantly engaged in a political battle of wills. We must get the focus back on student outcomes, and away from political rhetoric.
I’m calling on all involved parties to end the rhetoric and do better for the children of Oklahoma.”
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.
(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.)
Aug. 14
Christopher Henry Stewart, 39 of Luther. Nonassault resisting officer and public intoxication. Marcela Lowell, 31 of Edmond. Speed too fast/slow for conditions and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.
Tyler James Hutchens, 38 of Oklahoma City. Obtaining property by false pretenses (URC price tag or sale receipt switching/reproducing) and trespassing after being forbidden.
Deante Lee Owens, 31 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
Aug. 15
Tyler Jon Wennersten, 20 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Aug. 16
Amy Elizabeth Rylant, 37 of Sayre. (Felony) possession of forged evidences of debt, (misdmeneaor) purchase/display/possess identification card — illegal acts and (felony) obtain information of another living/dead with intent to use, sell or allow others to use to obtain money/goods without permission.
Ryan Thomas Junge, 44 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS, (misdemeanor) purchase/display/possess identification card — illegal acts and (felony) obtain information of another living/dead with intent to use, sell or allow others to use to obtain money/goods without permission.
Reginald David Smith, Jr., 25 of Edmond. Failure to appear.
Tony Allen Burley, 54 homeless. Public intoxica-
tion. James Daniel Watson, 46 of Edmond. Felony warrant.
Aug. 17
Ronald Keaton Pounds, 66 homeless. Public intoxication.
Gaylen Leeann Amir, 31 of Oklahoma City. Shoplifting.
Danae Lashawn Holmes, 20 of Oklahoma City. Three counts of failure to appear and operating a motor vehicle with no valid driver’s license.
Aug. 18
Ethan Michael Burns, 25 of Oklahoma City. Possess CDS and felony DUI/APC.
Richard A. Wilson, 54 of Guthrie. Two felony warrants.
Bao Huan Chen, 42 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.
Mellanie B. Brandenburg, 35 homeless. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.
Jose Fernando Rubio-Hernandez, 38 of Fort Worth, Texas. Public intoxication.
Aug. 19
Felipe Jesus Garcia-Tenoco, 33 of Arlington, Texas. Public intoxication.
Alisha Rayshel Holland, 27 of Edmond. Three counts of possess CDS, possess drug paraphernalia and a misdemeanor warrant.
Rosalio Argumedo-Salazar, 40 of Alvarado, Texas. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
William Luke Plum, 20 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Cade Phillip Free, 21 of Edmond. Expired tag and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a
blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.
Agustin Macias-Franco Jr. 52 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.
Brandon D. Hendren, 24 of Guthrie. Public intoxication.
Devin Lynn Stevenson, 25 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.
Dennis Jimenez, 23 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Luis Ablos, 20 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Dakota Gene Kappus, 27 of Edmond. Three counts of failure to appear and two counts of shoplifting.
Aflick Wayne Esa, 19 of Edmond. Failure to appear and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.
Richard Rane Thomason, 29 of Edmond. Expired tag and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Aug. 20
Abdelaziz Amara, 40 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Kade Austin Bachhofer, 21 of Shawnee. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Brandon Russell Lambeth-Brooks, 21 of Midwest City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.
Johanna Lee Crenshaw. 42 of Bethany. Public intoxication, Arnold Cash Burleson, 45 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Kysia Dienye Jaja, 19 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Charles Derek Hodges, 33 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.
What’s
This Weekend Aug 31- Sept. 3
---- In the Gallery
---- Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit
---- Unveiled: Edmond’s Bridal Fashion 1875 ---2020
---- Beginners Pickleball Club
---- Farmer’s Market
---- Live Music at Frenzy
---- Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Todos Somos Americanos, We Are All Americans ---- Red Brick Nights
Extra Information
In the Gallery
Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute
Extra Info: Featuring Artist Katherine Sanders; free; Gallery is open Mon – Thu ; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; edmondfinearts.com
Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit
Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum
Extra Info: Wed, Oct 5 – Thu, Aug 31, 2023; edmondhistory.org
Unveiled: Edmond’s Bridal
Fashion 1875 – 2020
Location: Edmond History Museum
Extra Info: Sat, July 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
Live Music at Frenzy
Location: Frenzy Brewing Company
Extra Info: Thu, Aug 21; Grayson Graham @7 p.m.; Fri, Aug 25; John the Franklin @ 8 p.m.; Sat, Aug 26; Christian Schafer @ 7:30 p.m.; frenzybrewing.com
Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Todos Somos
Americanos, We Are All Americans
Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Extra Info: Sat, Sep 2; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org
Red Brick Nights
Location: Oklahoma Ave & Wentz Ave, Guthrie
Extra Info: Sat, Sep 2; 5 – 11 p.m.; Facebook.com
The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) Board of Directors unanimously adopted four policy resolutions last week during their August meeting.
The resolutions express support of local and statewide policies that would decrease obesity, reduce youth access to tobacco and vaping products, expand access to lifesaving cancer screening programs and ensure prudent investment of funds in the TSET endowment.
The resolutions outline specific steps that state and local leaders can take to pass polices that complement TSET’s work and improve health outcomes for Oklahomans.
“Reducing the causes and impact of cancer in Oklahoma is core to TSET’s mission,” said TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee. “Policy change at the state and local level are one of the most cost effective ways to improve outcomes for all Oklahomans.”
The TSET board called on state and local leaders to embrace policies that reduce obesity by encouraging active lifestyles, promoting healthy food choices and supporting programs that teach wellness and
healthy behaviors. Obesity is linked to poor health outcomes and chronic diseases, including gallbladder and liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, stroke and cancer.
The board recommended repealing the state sales tax on healthy foods, supporting farmers markets and funding active transportation methods like sidewalks and bike lanes, among other policies.
In another resolution, the TSET board called for the adoption of local and statewide policies and strategies to strengthen retailer compliance on tobacco policies, including increased compliance checks and higher fines for businesses that sell to underage individuals.
The board also expressed support for proactive efforts that increase training for retailers, education for youth and the public, and signage on the prohibition of tobacco sales to
minors.
“Compliance checks show that more than 1 in 5 retailers is illegally selling tobacco products to minors,” said Board Chair Marshall Snipes. “We need to update our laws to close this gap and protect our youth.”
The cancer screening resolution encouraged the state to adopt policies to increase access to cancer screenings. The action followed the board’s approval earlier this year of $1.7 million in funding for the OU Stephenson Cancer Center to develop a mobile lung cancer screening bus. TSET is focused on lowering Oklahoma’s cancer mortality rate, which currently is seventh highest in the nation. Early cancer detection through increased screening would reduce cancer deaths in the state.
A fourth resolution expresses support for the autonomy of the TSET Board of Investors to make the investment decisions they feel are in the best interest of the fund. Under the constitutional amendment approved by Oklahoma voters, only the TSET Board of Investors, is allowed to oversee and direct investment decisions.
U.S. Naval Academy students
Sean O’Boyle and Timmy Wright, who interned this summer at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, took disparate paths toward becoming midshipmen.
O’Boyle, the son of retired Navy physicians, knew early on that he wanted to follow in their footsteps. Wright was on a pre-med path at a private university when the Covid-19 pandemic closed his campus. Back home in Millville, New Jersey, he rethought his future and turned his sights toward a Navy career.
Both surrendered a month of leave to participate in OMRF’s John H. Saxon Service Academy Summer Research Program, which compresses an intensive summer internship into a month. John Saxon III, M.D., a Muskogee physician and OMRF board member since 2000, established the program in 2009 to honor his father, a West Point graduate who taught at the U.S. Air Force Academy and was a career Air Force pilot.
“You’re not going to find any more dynamic people than the cadets in our service academies,” Saxon said. “My father told me that being a West Point graduate opened doors for him from then on, and I tell these students the same holds true about OMRF. Even if you’re here for a short time, having that after your name means something.”
Wright and O’Boyle worked in the lab of OMRF scientist Roberto Pezza, Ph.D., who’s trying to determine the cause of cell-division errors that lead to infertility, miscarriages and certain birth defects. The pair tracked chromosomes in real time to better understand what happens when the process of cell division goes wrong.
With little hands-on lab experience, the midshipmen were struck by the culture of mentorship among their lab colleagues, likening it to life at the academy. “We’re just undergraduates, and they passed on all this knowledge to help train and teach the people below. That’s just like at the Naval Academy,” O’Boyle said.
Wright called his time at OMRF eye-opening. “It might seem like studying chromosomes has nothing to do with the Navy, but it’s the same hard work
Over two million people worldwide depend on dialysis or a kidney transplant, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Globally, the number of individuals facing kidney failure has climbed 35 per cent since 2009 and nearly half (46 per cent) of the new patients are under age 65.
Using the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), researchers have developed a better membrane for dialysis machines that could lead to safer treatment and improved quality of life for patients with kidney failure.
A dialysis machine is used to filter toxins, waste products, salts, and excess fluid from a patient’s blood when their kidneys can no longer perform this function well. However, negative reactions between dialysis membranes and the patient’s blood can lead to serious complications like blood clots, heart conditions, anemia, blood poisoning, infections, and more.
Dr. Amira Abdelrasoul, an associate professor with USask’s College of Engineering, is an expert on membranes and is determined to help patients on dialysis. “I lost a close family member due to dialysis,” she said. “I saw all the complications he experienced and how he suffered. So, I put all my efforts, knowledge, and background into this research area because I would like to support patients and avoid anyone having to lose a loved one from this treatment.”
The new dialysis membrane developed by her team is a significant improvement over those used in hospitals today, according to Abdelrasoul. Some of the commercial membranes currently in use contain heparin, a medicine that reduces blood clots; however, they also have an intense negative charge on their surface that causes serious side effects.
In a paper recently published in the journal Membranes, Abdelrasoul and
her team describe how their new membrane not only maintains a reduction in blood clotting but also has a neutral surface that is biocompatible and should lead to improved outcomes for patients.
“This will lead to less cell destruction and means that we could regulate inflammation to prevent any tissue damage,” she said. “It has a more stable hydration layer that is ten times better than commercial ones. This is the best we have ever achieved.”
The team used the CLS’s BMIT beamline to analyze and develop their membrane.
“Working at CLS was always an amazing experience for me because with advanced-control imaging we could see human serum proteins inside membrane channels during the flow like never before. Other techniques would only show us the top of the membrane and at the end of the filtration process,” she added.
The BMIT beamline enabled the team to monitor – in real time -- the flow in each layer of their membrane.
“It helped us to understand why and how proteins accumulate and block membranes under different conditions,” she shared. “I believe that the quantitative and qualitative data that we achieved at CLS will lead to a real change for dialysis patients, and of course it'll make the University of Saskatchewan and Canada leaders in dialysis membrane technology.”
Her research group recently filed a provisional patent for one of the topperforming membrane materials they developed, and they are continuing to test and develop their membrane to ensure it is safe for a variety of patients. They are hopeful that their membrane could have long-term benefits for patients on dialysis.
“This achievement could lead to a reduction in physical and psychological symptoms that patients experience and improve their quality of life,” said Abdelrasoul.
that goes into it,” he said, “I have a greater appreciation for researchers. They’re persistent. If something doesn’t work, they learn from it, and they’re onto something new,” he said.
Currently a chemistry major, Wright is exploring three options for his fiveyear Navy commitment after graduation: pursuing medical school, operating a ship or becoming a pilot. O’Boyle, an applied physics major from Steilacoom, Washington, plans to become a physician or a researcher.
Although his time at OMRF was brief, O’Boyle knows it will stay with him.
“There are incredible people here doing incredible things,” O’Boyle said. “They’re doing cutting-edge research that’s going to help people live happier, healthier lives.”
has an interesting article on education in its most recent edition.
I discussed this a few weeks ago in this space as well.
honorable profession and quite needed for our future and the future of our children and grandchildren. There are many challenges, and demands, made on teachers. Someone, somewhere is going to have to come up with answers and maybe completely overhaul the system. I don’t have the answers.
—-
Yet janitors have a vital role
ByK. John Lee Steve GustThe magazine said there were a little over three million instructors nationally right before the pandemic began. What surprised me is that 300,000 of those quit during the pandemic years.
I’ve heard about the staffing problems for years. What I didn’t realize is that most states are having the same problems Oklahoma has. There are fewer students going to college to learn how to teach – and that’s a coast-tocoast problem.
There are many reasons for that.
Topping the list is salary. Although the article does imply that money alone isn’t going to solve the issue. It is mentioned that students and parents are a bit more difficult to deal with than they have been in the past. Although I’ll add, that certainly isn’t every parent or student.
My opinion is that teaching is an
Republican Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy reminds me a bit of Will Rogers. He has a humorous way of putting things.
I saw a video clip of him addressing a conservative conference. Here are a few of his statements.
“You can’t fix stupid, but you can sure vote it out.”
“When’s the last time you saw someone stopped for trying to cross into China?”
“I believe when you vote, you need to prove you are who you say you are.”
“America is such a great country that even the people who hate it, want to stay.”
“If you haven’t visited Arlington Cemetery, visit it. If you have, visit it again. There are 400,000 reasons there (buried veterans) for you to stand up for the national anthem.”
(Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com)
Here’s the easiest "Family Feud" question ever asked: Name the worker in the school who is the least appreciated. Survey says … ”the janitor.”
I teach at my alma mater in Tulsa. The first thing I noticed upon my return was the cleanliness of the building. The school’s interior is cleaner than my home’s interior. If I dropped a morsel of food on the school’s floor, the 15-second rule would increase dramatically. Imagine this … a job you don’t take home at the end of the day, because it has a finite beginning and end. You transform dirty to clean. Your beneficiaries are our most valued and vulnerable members of our families.
We should all be so fortunate.
One of my favorite shows that ever existed is "Dirty Jobs." The host, a guy named Mike Rowe, has taken on the mission of recognizing the importance of manual labor. (By the way, both of his parents were teachers.) His grandfather was a carpenter. But Granddad’s skills were not limited to working with
wood. Rowe says, “Granddad could build an entire house.”
Rowe tells the story of how one day the main sewer line in the front yard burst. Dad had to go to work, but Granddad showed up and told young Mike, “Sonny … even though you're not going to school today, class is in session.” By the end of the day, Rowe’s recollection of a job well done lives fondly in his memory to this day.
Rowe goes on to question why we in America have waged war against manual labor. He believes Hollywood (that evil empire) is to blame. Manual laborers have become a punchline on TV shows.
Rowe believes one of the biggest scams in society is college debt. We’ve conditioned our kids to believe that if you don’t go to college, then you’re a failure. Ironically, THAT is a dirty shame.
Let’s face it.
College is not for everyone. I’m happy to report that the tech schools in Tulsa are affordable, impressive and serve our real world’s needs.
If I could go back in time, I would tell my school janitor, Mr. Graves, how great of a job he did … how I couldn’t believe the dedication it took to clean my classmate’s barf with no complaints. He was the person who mopped the bathroom floors, too. I wish I had a dollar for every paper towel that didn’t make it into the trash can.
I've said before that if we in Oklahoma are going to improve our education system, it will take the efforts of every adult in the room — from teachers, principals, counselors, deans, nurses, those sweet office ladies, unappreciated cafeteria workers, and last but not least, those awesome, awesome janitors.
Oh … one final point. Rowe tells the story of how his high school counselor had a poster on his office wall. On the left side was a plumber, and on the right side was a dapperly dressed man in a suit. The caption below read, “Work smarter, not harder.”
I decided to adopt Mike Rowe’s mantra, which is, “Work smarter AND work harder.”
K. John Lee is in his first year of his third career as a math teacher.
With the recent release of the movie The Sound of Freedom, the conversation on the horror of human trafficking is growing. The movie, a dramatization, details one individual story, but does not even come close to the tragic magnitude of this issue.
With this, and two subsequent weeks of columns, I am going to share some facts with you about human trafficking, the second largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world behind only drug trafficking. I also want to thank Sen. Darrell Weaver, RMoore, for requesting an interim study on this topic to review and share with lawmakers the tragedies that are occurring in Oklahoma as we work to reduce the numbers with this terrible epidemic.
Here are some important facts:
· The exact number of victims is not known as statistics are hard to track. In Oklahoma, the Human Trafficking Hotline has received 3,153 contacts since its inception in 2007, mostly from calls, text messages, or online reports. The Human Trafficking Hotline has identified 887 cases of human trafficking, with 2,059 victims identified in these cases.
· The National Human Trafficking Hotline received reports of 11,500 human trafficking cases nationwide in 2019 alone. The data show that the top three states with the most human trafficking cases reported are
California, Texas, and Florida.
· The three shelters certified by the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General are The Dragonfly Home in Oklahoma City, Domestic Violence Intervention Services, Inc. (DVIS) in Tulsa, and The Spring in Sand Springs.
Clearly, there is a great need across rural Oklahoma for this support system for victims of this heinous crime. Thankfully, there are many other programs dedicated to assisting victims of sex trafficking across the state. I strongly encourage you to research to see if there is a program central to you if you are looking to support victim services.
If the victim is a minor, no force, fraud, or coercion is necessary to prove trafficking. Victims often fall into two main categories of trafficking, sex, and labor. Any youth under the age of 18 who is involved in a commercial sex act is considered a victim of trafficking.
Sex traffickers will prey on vulnerable people, especially young people, and often lure them with promises of protection, love, or adventure – something they might feel they are missing at home.
Labor trafficking includes situations of debt bondage, forced labor, and involuntary child labor. Common types of labor trafficking include people forced to work in homes as domestic servants and factory workers held in inhumane conditions with little to
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Children account for half of the victims of human trafficking worldwide. In fact, the average age that a young person becomes involved in sex trafficking is 12 years old. The U.S. populations most vulnerable to human trafficking include:
· Children in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, including foster care.
· Runaway and homeless youth.
· Unaccompanied foreign national children without lawful immigration status.
· Native Americans and Alaska Natives, particularly women and girls.
· Individuals with drug addictions.
· Migrant laborers, including undocumented workers and participants in visa programs for temporary workers.
· Foreign national domestic workers in diplomatic households.
· Persons with limited English proficiency; persons with disabilities.
· LGBT+ individuals.
· Participants in court-ordered substance use diversion programs.
If you think you know of someone whose life or safety is in immediate danger, call 911. If you suspect someone is the victim of human trafficking, then please contact the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Human Trafficking Hotline at (855) 617-2288.
The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2023. The organization was established in 1983 by a group of citizens seeking to create a strong advocacy network that would provide a voice for the needs of children and youth in Oklahoma, particularly those in the state’s care and those growing up amid poverty, violence, abuse and neglect, disparities, or other situations that put their lives and future at risk. Our mission statement: “Creating awareness, taking action and changing policy to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Oklahoma’s children.”
The least appreciated job in the schools
The Oklahoma Oral Health Coalition (OOHC) last week announced that, when compared to the nation’s performance on 13 key oral health indicators, Oklahoma scores a “D” on its oral health report card. When compared to the state’s 2020 report card, this year’s findings indicate an improvement in the oral health of Oklahoma adults but a decline in the oral health of the state’s children.
Created by the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation, the Oklahoma Oral Health Coalition and the Oklahoma Primary Care Association, the report card illustrates the widespread oral health issues in the state and provides a framework for discussion on the challenges Oklahomans face in accessing dental care.
Key findings about adults in the 2023 oral health report card include:
60 percent of adults ages 18-64 visited the dentist in the last year.
40 percent of adults ages 65+ lost six or more teeth due to tooth decay or gum disease.
40 percent of pregnant women had their teeth cleaned during pregnancy.
Key findings about children enrolled in SoonerCare (or Medicaid) in the 2023 oral health report card include:
15 percent of children ages 1-2 received a preventive dental care visit.
45 percent of children ages 3-5 received a pre-
ventive dental care visit.
45 percent of children ages 1-20 received a preventive dental care visit.
9 percent of children ages 6-14 received dental sealants on permanent molars.
“The second Oklahoma Oral Health Report Card offers keen insights into how oral health within our state is progressing,” said Leon Bragg, DDS, chair of the Oklahoma Oral Health Coalition and past dental director of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. “Comparing our state’s performance on key indicators with national averages is an effective way to illustrate the areas where Oklahoma falls short and helps us identify potential solutions.”
Additional findings of Oklahoma’s oral health performance in 2023 compared to 2020 include:
Oklahoma improved in four adult oral health indicators, including dentist visits, number of lost teeth and pregnant women on SoonerCare who received a teeth cleaning.
The percentage of SoonerCare children who received at least one dental checkup declined in every age category.
The number of SoonerCare children who received dental sealants, a critical component of youth oral care, declined significantly from the 2020 report card and is among the very lowest in the nation.
“The negative impact of the pandemic era is evi-
dent when looking at the percentage of our state’s youth who received dental visits and sealants, both of which are crucial components of children’s dental health,” said Terrisa Singleton, director for the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation. “Delta Dental of Oklahoma and its foundation recently launched a school-based sealant network to provide dental sealants to students at low-income schools across the state. We look forward to seeing how intervention initiatives like this impact the next Report Card.”
The Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation will host a Resource for Dental Care summit on Friday, Aug. 25, to provide dental, medical and public health professionals, oral health safety net organizations, policymakers, funders and others the opportunity to further explore the impact of oral health challenges in Oklahoma.
About the report card
Data used for the report cards come from various sources including, but not limited to, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Data for the 2020 Report Card came from reporting periods between 2015 and 2018, the most recent data available at the time of publication. Data for the 2023 Report Card came from reporting period 2018 and 2023. A complete list of data sources is available on the Oklahoma Oral Health Coalition website at oohc.org.
he University of Central Oklahoma Foundation recently announced the election of 12 new members to its board of trustees. Each member will support the UCO Foundation’s work to provide scholarship assistance to deserving students and support for faculty, campus activities and vital programs at Central.
Joining the board of trustees are Matt Blubaugh, president and chief executive officer of ScissorTail Solutions, LLC — an Oklahoma grassroots consulting firm; Marilyn Davidson, founder and president of Davidson Consulting Group; Will Gattenby, chief operating officer for the Oklahoma Association of Realtors; Shelly Douglas, senior director of corporate development for Creating Healthy Communities (CHC) — a nationwide nonprofit that bring communities, nonprofits and businesses together around a shared commitment to improving health outcomes.
New trustees also include, Monica Jackson, accounts payable manager for Kirby Corporation — the
premier tank barge operator in the U.S.; Andy Macaulay, managing partner of A.M. & Associates, LLC — a legal consulting firm; Dennis Moutray, retired after 35 years from Helmerich & Payne Inc., a drilling corporation; Cynthia Quick Black, Ph.D., owner and vice president of people and culture at R.K. Black — a leading provider of copier, fax, printer, scanner, document management and information technology solutions.
Finally, Eric Russell, owner of ELR Investments — a local investment firm; Heidi Russell, executive director of the Coalition of Oklahoma Breastfeeding Advocates; Jennifer Sanchez, human resources manager for Dexter — a supplier of axles, doors, venting products and additional utility trailer materials; and, Megan Westbrook, business manager for the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
To learn more about the UCO Foundation, visit centralconnection.org/foundation.
The full slate of board members
for 2023-24 include.
Jeff Atkins
Ancel Airington
Tammy Alger
Lee Beasley
Sherry Beasley
Derrek Belase
Ann Benjamin
John Bobb-Semple
Matt Blubaugh
Stacy Bozarth
Victoria Caldwell
Michael Chandler
Jeff Coil
Ana Carmina Dange
Marilyn Davidson
Shelly Douglas
Brian Downs
Carlos Evans
Will Gattenby
Peggy Geib
Mark Holland
Kevin Hill
Monica Jackson
Peggy Kates
Mike Kloiber
Emily Lang
Alexis LoPresto
Andy Macaulay
Joni McClain
Patrick Mok
Casey Moore
Dennis Moutray
Jeanette Nance
Cynthia Quick Black, Ph.D.
Kate O’Neill Rauber
Shane Pate
Mike Patterson
Davis Puryear
Kirby Ross
Randy Ross
Eric Russell
Heidi Russell
Jennifer Sanchez
Paige Shepherd
Carolyn Stager
J. Michael Steffen
Sheila Stinson
Tom Thompson
Scott Waugh
Brandon Webster
Megan Westbrook
Ruth Boss, Emeritus Trustee
Gerry Pinkston, Emeritus Trustee
Darren Helm, Emeritus Trustee
Josh Moore, Emeritus Trustee
Keith Kersten, Emeritus Trustee
Larry Westmoreland, Emeritus Trustee
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Ray Rezaie, Ph.D., $1.7 million to continue his study of the intricate mechanisms that govern blood clotting and inflammation.
With the four-year grant, Rezaie will explore how three molecules interact to regulate proper blood flow and inflammation when a blood vessel is damaged.
An enzyme in plasma called thrombin has such strong clotting properties that stops bleeding when the vessel is damaged. However, if not appropriately regulated, thrombin can cause excessive clotting, or thrombosis. It can lead to a heart attack, stroke, organ damage and even death.
“That’s where a molecule called thrombomodulin steps in to regulate thrombin,” Rezaie said. “It binds to thrombin like a magnet and prevents abnormal clotting and inflammation.”
This interaction triggers a chain reaction that converts another key plasma enzyme called Protein C to its activated form (APC), which prevents blood clot formation and inflammation.
In earlier experiments, Rezaie and OMRF scientists Indranil Biswas, Ph.D., and Hemant Giri, Ph.D., discovered that APC protects the peritoneum, a membrane that insulates the abdominal or-
gans, against inflammatory scarring commonly associated with one type of kidney dialysis.
Progressive scar tissue buildup on the peritoneum, or peritoneal fibrosis, frequently occurs within two years after dialysis begins.
“There is no treatment for this condition,” Rezaie said. “With further study, small doses of APC could prove to be life-saving for people with peritoneal fibrosis.”
With the new grant, Rezaie will use insights gained from his lab’s discovery to address a broader mystery: how thrombin, thrombomodulin and APC work together in blood vessels throughout the body to prevent inflammation and thrombosis. Unlocking that mystery could lead to new medications for heart attack, stroke and sepsis.
“In many ways, our understanding of human biology remains in its infancy,” said scientist Lijun Xia, M.D., Ph.D., who leads OMRF’s Cardiovascular Biology Research Program. “Dr. Rezaie’s experiments aim to incrementally increase our knowledge by solving a puzzle involving one of the body’s complex chain reactions.”
Rezaie’s grant, 2R01HL101917-13, is funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the NIH.
The Anna’s House Foundation recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 19492 E. Covell Rd.
Anna’s House Foundation is a private foster care agency in Edmond, OK.
They provide emotional, physical, and spatial support to foster families of Oklahoma. Anna’s House Foundation has also brought fulfillment to
their mission through their foster care neighborhood located in Luther.
The neighborhood has 8 homes available for foster families to live in rent free. Each home serves five to eight children in foster care, primarily sibling groups.
These are sibling groups that may otherwise be separated as they enter the foster system due to lack of available placement options.
Restore Behavior Health recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their new location at 225 Lilac Dr #250, Edmond.
Restore Behavior Health was founded in Norman, Oklahoma by best friends, Gina Dixon and Kelly Lashar. They opened their doors in 2016 and have since added two locations.
Restore is a private group counseling practice that provides the community with excellent mental health and relationship care. Their large team of providers has a variety of education, training, experiences, personalities
and specialties. They provide services to ages three and up, couples and families, with many of their providers taking insurance. Restore Edmond provides DBT services from Oklahoma's only full-service DBT clinic. These services include a variety of different therapy methods and DBT groups.
If you are in need of counseling services, their friendly office staff will answer your questions and connect you with a caring professional who best meets your needs.
To learn more about Restore Behavior Health visit https://www.restore-bh.com.
Donatos Pizza recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 1148 South Bryant Avenue.
Edmond natives and brothers, Will and Matt McLain, are excited to bring the first Donatos in Oklahoma to their hometown.
Donatos was founded in 1963 by Jim Grote, in Columbus, Ohio. When Jim was 13, he took a job at a local pizza shop. By his sophomore year at Ohio State University, the pizza business had him hooked for life. Jim bought the shop in 1963 for $1,300. He kept the name, Donatos, derived from Latin meaning “to give a good thing”—the perfect way to
describe the Donatos’ promise: “To serve the best pizza and make your day a little better.”
As the business grew, Jim raised his family in a home behind that first pizza shop. This mix of work, friends and family helped define Donatos’ distinctive culture, a family oriented premium pizza brand that believes every piece is important.
Donatos features the Edge to Edge pizza, created by Jim Grote himself. Donatos has been serving fresh hand cut veggies, premium provolone cheese, & 100 pieces of pepperoni on every large pizza for over 60 years now.
To learn more about Donatos Pizza visit https://donatos.com/.
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In March of 2022, a fire tragically destroyed one of the homes in their foster care neighborhood.
Anna’s House Foundation was recently able to rebuild the home thanks to their amazing donors. The home has two large bunk rooms, a playroom, a fenced in backyard and many other features that cultivate a stable and loving environment.
To learn more about The Anna’s House Foundation visit https://annashousefoundation.org/.
"Gran Turismo" is based on the unbelievable, inspiring true story of a team of underdogs- a struggling working-class gamer (Archie Madekwe), a failed former race car driver (David Harbour) and an idealistic motorsports executive (Orlando Bloom) - who risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world.
Sometimes it’s incredible what movies can do as escapist entertainment. They can take you to fantastical places and introduce you to new worlds or in the case of "Gran Turismo" make you invested in a sport and video game you previously had little interest in. That is because at its heart "Gran Turismo" is a sports underdog story with the bonus of being rooted to real life events. While this "sports underdog overcomes the odds" story has been told over and over -and even recently done to great effect in the racing genre in the fantastic "Ford v Ferrari"- the drama created by this kind of story and in “Gran Turismo” engenders a genuine rooting interest from audiences come the third act challenge.
And when you're dealing with a formulaic sports story, it’s the performances that can lift a movie from forgettable to memorable. In the case of "Gran Turismo" most of the actors do serviceable work, but the work that Harbour puts in, elevates "Gran Turismo" from being a movie only for hardcore motorsports fans to a movie that is more enjoyable to general audiences. Harbour’s dry over-the-hill humor is pitch perfect for this role and is entertaining throughout. And while Harbour was
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a standout Bloom and Madekwe are also effective for getting you invested in the story, but don't have the screen presence that Harbour brings to the proceedings.
Overall, "Gran Turismo" is an effective, if formulaic, sports film that is elevated by some interesting filmmaking choices by director Neill Blomkamp ("District 9" "Chappie") and an entertaining turn by Harbour. The race scenes don't reinvent the wheel but have some visually striking cinematography that garner your attention and draw you into the story. "Gran Turismo" is a better time at the movies than you would expect it would be given that it’s a semi-video game adaptation for a niche sport to American audiences, but it’s not at the Oscar level of a similar movie like "Ford v Ferrari."
"Gran Turismo" is rated PG-13 for intense action and some strong language.
3.2 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
Opening last week, American Farmer tells the story of photographer Paul Mobley who set out to capture America’s farm communities, where he encountered an enduring rural culture that remains rooted in the principles of tradition, family, integrity and hard work.
Out of a collection of more than 200 of these portraits, ExhibitsUSA has distilled a selection of forty-five iconic portraits showcasing the geographic and cultural diversity of the American Farmer. This vivid portfolio is accompanied by anecdotes and memories in the farmers’ own words that are both a testament to their enduring hospitality and a moving glimpse into the hardships and joys of a way of life that once defined our national identity.
American Farmer will be on exhibit through October 18, 2023 and is a Program of ExhibitsUSA, a national division of Mid-America Arts Alliance and The National Endowment for the Arts.
INTEGRIS Health wishes all of our therapy dogs and their humans a happy National Dog Month!
The healing power of dogs is increasingly being recognized as research shows they help decrease pain, stress and anxiety in people. Every day, these four-legged caregivers lift spirits and provide comfort wherever they go.
These animals must go through extensive training and earn specific certifications in order to provide care. Altogether, INTEGRIS Health is fortunate to have forty dogs regularly visiting patients and families statewide.
Though these precious dogs come in all different shapes and sizes, they share one mission –partnering with people to live healthier lives.
This is a weekly report that provides updates on public and private construction projects, road/lane closures, alternative routes, and other information that is of importance to our downtown community. Anyone interested in getting the email notifications can sign up at https://www.edmondok.gov/list.asp x?ListID=273.
To see an interactive map of ongoing projects, check Downtown Project Updates (arcgis.com).
New project
Alleyway work at 3rd Street: The approach to the alley on 3rd Street, west of Broadway, will be removed and replaced beginning Aug. 29. The alleyway north of 3rd Street will be closed until Sept. 2.
On-going projects
Main and Littler closures: Physical demolition of the Downtown Community Center (DCC) and the Planning and Public Works (PPW) building has begun. Demolition of the DCC could mean periodic shortterm closures of Main Street. Littler Avenue, between First and Main streets, is closed and will remain closed through the demolition and construction processes. Except for periodic short-term closures, Main Street will remain open through the end of this year. Beginning January 2024, Main Street will close from the Littler intersection to half a block west of the four-way stop and will remain closed for the duration of the City Center Complex project work. Several parking areas near the construction site are closed, including the Littler Lawn parking areas, the east parking lot behind the PPW building, and a portion of the Cityowned parking lot on the northwest corner of Littler and Main. Work to complete the project and open all street and parking closures is expected to take 20 months.
Campbell Street lane closures: The eastbound lane of Campbell Street, east of Broadway by the downtown post office location, is closed for work on a permanent paving repair. When work on the eastbound lane is complete, that lane will open and work will move to the westbound lane, where permanent paving repairs will take
place. Work on both lanes is expected to be completed by Sept. 1, with cooperative weather. This is part of the Downtown Infrastructure Improvements project.
Boulevard lane closures: Boulevard southbound between 9th Street and 15th Street will continue to have intermittent lane closures as part of water line construction for the FY20 water line improvements project.
Steps reconstructed in alleyway: Work to replace steps and paving to the east of the entrance of Prime Travel in the alleyway just south of Hurd Street is completed. Work on the drainage channel and paving has begun, so no through traffic is possible. All portions of the project are expected to be completed by Aug. 24, with cooperative weather.
Main Street: Main Street is closed west of Broadway at the railroad tracks to N. Santa Fe Street while work is being completed on the Oxlley multi-family project, as well as streetscape and additional on-street parking on Main Street. With cooperative weather, the street will reopen in early December.
Fourth Street closure: As part of the Stephenson Park improvements project, Fourth Street between Boulevard and Littler Avenue is now open. While the road is open, the parking stalls along Fourth Street will remain closed while work on the park continues.
Completed projects
Water line and alleyway work: Contractors completed saw-cutting and demolition work in the alleyway between Hurd and Campbell streets and the final concrete pour was finished Aug. 23. The alleyway is reopened.
Line bored along Edmond Road: Work boring electrical conduit for street lighting from behind 123 Broadway along westbound Edmond Road to the water lift station just west of the train overpass closed the south entrance from the alleyway to Edmond Road.
On Saturday, September 9, from 1-4 p.m., the Oklahoma History Center with host an introduction to crossstitch workshop. Participants will learn the process of cross-stitching and create a cross-stitch bookmark to take home. The cost of the class is $20 for Oklahoma Historical Society members and $25 for nonmembers. The deadline to
register is Saturday, September 2. All materials and instruction will be provided, along with light refreshments.
The Oklahoma History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Please call 405-522-0765 or visit www.okhistory.org/historycenter for admission costs and group
Many students have summer jobs and some work all throughout the year. While these jobs can offer beneficial work experience, they can also create a lot of questions about how taxes work. Below are some common questions regarding filing a tax return for dependents that can help you and your student prepare for tax season.
Q: My high school student received a W-2. Do I report their income on my return?
A: No. The income is under your student’s social security number, not yours; therefore, they are responsible for reporting that income.
Q: Does this mean my student needs to file their own return?
A: It depends. If their earned income is more than $12,950 in that year, then yes, they are required to file a return. Earned income includes wages, tips, salary, and self-employed income (i.e. babysitting, dog walking, mowing/yardwork). If they have selfemployment income, things become more complicated as they are now also subject to self-employment taxes.
If they made less than that amount in earned income, then they may not need to file. However, your dependent is required to file if they make over $1,150 of investment income.
Q: Taxes were withheld from my student’s paycheck and they are under the threshold. Will the government automatically issue a refund?
A: No. A tax return must be filed to claim and receive a refund.
Q: My student is under the filing threshold. Can they be exempt from federal tax withholding?
A: There is an exemption available if they did not owe taxes in 2022 and are not expected to owe taxes for 2023. If both statements are true, then when filling out a W-4 your student would need to write “Exempt” in the space below Step 4(c) of the W-4.
Q: If my student files their own return, can I still claim them as a dependent on my return?
A: When your dependent files their own tax return, it’s important that they indicate on their return that they are single and being claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return. However, to determine this you should consult your tax advisor regarding
your specific situation.
Q: Do students/dependents get to use the standard deduction to offset their income?
A: Yes. The standard deduction for a dependent is either the greater of $1,150 or their earned income plus $400 (so long as that total doesn’t exceed the basic standard deduction, which is $12,950 for single filers in 2023). Essentially, if their earnings are under this threshold and any taxes were withheld, it’s safe to assume that amount can be refunded.
Samanth Cowan, CPA, is a Senior Tax Associate at Arledge, the largest locally owned accounting firm in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Arledge is a recognized leader in the accounting industry offering practical solutions in the areas of tax planning, auditing, consulting, accounting advisory services and client accounting.
This article contains general information only and does not constitute tax advice or any other professional services. Before making any decisions or taking any action that might affect your income taxes, you should consult a professional tax advisor. This article is not intended for and cannot be used to avoid future penalties that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Center for Counseling and Well-Being has launched a new substance misuse program called UCO Roll Sober. The program aims to address substance misuse among college-aged students, with an emphasis on education and addressing the challenges posed by opioids and stimulants.
“Having this program on campus will empower students to make healthy choices regarding substance use,” said Kyle Deatherage, program coordinator for the UCO Center for Counseling and Well-Being.
“It will also educate the campus on the harmful impacts opioids and stimulants have if used incorrectly and provide outreach events.”
UCO Roll Sober is funded through the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The program will provide educational opportunities through events and activities such as medication take backs, proper and safe medication storage and Narcan trainings — a medicine that can treat a narcotic overdose in emergency situations.
Additionally, the UCO Center for Counseling and Well-Being is working toward making policies that directly impact the Broncho community, such as making Narcan readily available on campus and providing secure options for students to store their medications safely.
The UCO Center for Counseling and Well-Being works with students throughout their college experience, providing confidential services to help resolve emotional difficulties, improve personal skills, overcome the effects of trauma or grief and decrease substance use.
For more information about the UCO Center for Counseling and Well-Being, visit www.uco.edu/student-resources/center-for-counseling-and-wellbeing.
For more information about UCO Roll Sober, email ucorollsober@uco.edu.
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and Hunger Free Oklahoma are pleased to present the Townhall on Hunger on Wednesday, September 6. The Townhall will shed light on the pressing issues of food security and food sovereignty within indigenous communities. The event is open to the public.
Congressman Tom Cole, serving the 4th District of Oklahoma, is the co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus. At the townhall he will be speaking on indigenous food security and food sovereignty.
"The Regional Food Bank is incredibly proud to participate in this event," said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. "We are thankful Congressman Tom Cole is available to address these important topics. We are also grateful for our partners at the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and Hunger Free Oklahoma for helping us make this event possible.”
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 6
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Chickasaw Nation Community Center (4001 NW 39th, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73112) Please RSVP at rfbo.org/townhall.
Yolkizz Cafe recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 737 W. Danforth Rd.
Yolkizz Cafe is a local, family-owned business that is dedicated to serving the local community and providing a warm and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy delicious meals and great company. Yolkizz is located where the beloved Eggington’s and AM Republic once stood.
Doors open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. They offer breakfast, lunch and catering options. You will find many things to choose from on their menu with items like breakfast burgers, gluten free pancakes and salads.
To learn more about Yolkizz Cafe visit www.yolkizzcafe.com and connect with them on Facebook: @Yolkizzcafe, Instagram: @yolkizzcafe.
Jill Castilla, President and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond and a former Army enlistee, has been reappointed as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA), beginning her fifth year of service. Appointed directly by the Secretary of the Army, this distinguished role holds a 3-star protocol status and involves providing crucial support to soldiers and their families.
In this position, Jill will continue to serve as a dedicated liaison between the civilian community and the U.S. Army. The role encompasses a range of
responsibilities, including aiding in recruitment efforts, facilitating communication between the Army and the community, and serving as a vital connection to the Army Guard and Reserves. The CASA program recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.
“I am deeply honored to have been reappointed as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army,” said Jill Castilla. “Supporting our soldiers and their families is a privilege, and I am committed to strengthening the bond between the Army and our community. I look for-
Kayla Crossen-Zawila, a Francis Tuttle Technology Center student and recent Edmond Memorial High School graduate, brought home the top prize at the 2023 Adobe Certified Professional World Championships.
Crossen-Zawila rose above competitors from 36 countries to win the worldwide gold medal demonstrating her proficiency using Adobe Creative Cloud. The honor included an $8,000 cash prize. Her winning design was a poster to promote the International Rescue Committee, which helps refugee families find a path forward following a disaster or crisis.
“They lined up all of the completed posters outside of the room, so I could see them all,” Crossen-Zawila said. “I thought hopefully I would at least get in the top 10. I don’t think I fully believed it until I got on the plane home.”
The contest, sponsored by Certiport, is a global competition that tests students’ design skills using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and In-
Design. Crossen-Zawila qualified for the world championship with her runner-up finish at the U.S. national tournament in June.
Crossen-Zawila graduated from Edmond Memorial High School last spring and will continue taking the 2D Animation program this fall.
Francis Tuttle Technology Center serves high school students and adults in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area with career-specific training in support of developing and maintaining a quality workforce for the region. Francis Tuttle also offers complete workforce and economic development training and consulting services, and short-term training for career development or personal enrichment. With four locations in Oklahoma City and Edmond, Francis Tuttle offers central Oklahoma diverse training programs in fulfillment of the school’s mission to prepare customers for success in the workplace. More information is available at francistuttle.edu or by calling (405) 717-7799.
Oklahomans invited to share input on addressing the state’s affordable housing crisis
To help raise awareness of the state’s affordable housing crisis, the Oklahoma Policy Institute and its grassroots advocacy program Together Oklahoma will be hosting town halls for residents to share how the lack of affordable housing impacts them and their communities.
Among the town halls will be held: Wednesday, Sept. 6, 6 p.m. in Edmond at Liberal Arts South Lecture Hall (Room 101), University of Central Oklahoma. (Building #34 on this campus map)
The events, which are scheduled to last about 90 minutes, are free and open to the public. Advance registration is not required. Affordable housing is a problem na-
tionwide due to rising house prices and stagnant wages. The problem is felt acutely in Oklahoma where 2 in 5 residents are unable to afford a stable home working a full-time job.
“As a result of rising prices and a lack of wage growth, we’re seeing too many of our fellow Oklahomans who are unable to put a roof over their heads,” said Sabine Brown, Infrastructure and Access Senior Policy Analyst for OK Policy. “Lack of affordable housing also is a significant contributor to homelessness. Ensuring that Oklahomans have access to safe, affordable housing is crucial to ensuring that our friends and neighbors can thrive.”
Information gathered during these town halls will be shared with the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA).
ward to continuing the important work of fostering understanding, collaboration, and assistance.”
With a strong background in both military service and community leadership, Jill has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the well-being of service members and their families.
About Citizens Bank of Edmond
Citizens Bank of Edmond is a nationally renowned, employee-owned community bank operating on the same downtown Edmond intersection where it was founded in 1901.
AAA expects Labor Day weekend travel to be busier this year than in 2022, on the road, in the air and for those who are cruising as well.
As usual, most Labor Day travelers will drive to their holiday destinations, closing out the summer with one more Great American Road Trip. Gas prices, which have been on the rise since mid-July, are not expected to deter those who want to get away. Despite the recent increase, the price at the pump is actually about the same as it was over the holiday weekend last year.
It’s not just roads that will be busy. According to AAA booking data, flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises are all up over 2022.
“Whether you are hitting the road, headed to the airport or getting ready to set to sail over the holiday weekend, travelers should expect a lot of company and plan accordingly,” says Rylie Mansuetti, AAA spokesperson in Oklahoma. “Drivers, in particular, should ensure their vehicles are road ready, especially given the toll summer heat can take on batteries and tires.”
Last year, AAA responded to over 2,700 Emergency Roadside Service calls in Oklahoma over the Labor Day weekend, and almost half those calls required a tow.
Rescue crews are gearing up for what is anticipated to be an even busier weekend this year.
Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car INRIX, a global provider of transportation data and insights, expects Thursday, Aug. 31, between 2 and 6 p.m. to be the busiest time on the roads during the long Labor Day weekend. Friday, Sept. 1, is also expected to have higher than normal traffic volumes between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.
“Drivers who have flexibility in planning are encouraged to travel at off-peak hours - before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m.,” Mansuetti adds.
According to AAA Travel, bookings to domestic destinations over the holiday weekend are up 4%, and international bookings are up 44%.
Seattle, Orlando, Anchorage, New York, and Las Vegas rank as the Top 5 domestic destinations.
Having an Oklahoma 529 plan is a great way for families in Oklahoma to save for college. From the time you open and fund a 529 account for your son, daughter or other family member or friend, you can watch the investment balance grow over the years until they are old enough to attend their chosen institution of higher learning. The use of tax-free earnings to pay for college tuition is certainly a significant benefit of a 529 plan.
However, what may be less commonly known is that you do not have to wait for your children, or other designated beneficiaries, to pursue higher education before they start enjoying the perks of Oklahoma 529. It can begin in grade school. If you decide that a religious or other private school is best suited for your children, you can use 529 funds to cover as much as $10,000 of tuition per year for each student. This benefit applies to those at any grade level, whether the student is a kindergartener or a senior in high school, and to any 529 beneficiary still in school.
Another benefit of a 529 plan is the ability to pay for apprenticeship expenses from your account. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, apprenticeship programs registered with the department can begin at age 16 and allow young people to receive onthe-job training for a trade while completing related coursework in the classroom or online. Apprentices are employed full-time with participating companies, and
their classes can be paid with 529 funds. These opportunities can lead to long-term employment and quite possibly an exciting and lifelong career for your Oklahoma 529 beneficiary.
The unique benefits provided by 529 account funding for K-12 private school and apprenticeships can be quite invaluable for those preparing for the rigors of college academics or a full-time job. With the new school year beginning for most schools in Oklahoma this month, there’s no better reminder for you to sign up for a 529 plan to help the young students in your life. Visit Oklahoma529.com and open your account online today.
Legislation allowing Oklahoma courts to adjust the punishment of an offender who was trafficked, sexually abused or assaulted by the victim was ceremonially signed on Friday.
House Bill 2210, authored by Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, states that the offender must have been a minor convicted as an adult for the offense and that the abuse by the victim must have occurred within 90 days. The court may depart from the mandatory minimum sentence, suspend any portion of the sentence or transfer the minor to the juvenile division for further proceedings.
"When a child who has been the victim of a violent, traumatic situation is implicated for a crime against their trafficker, that is not justice. It is cruelty," Stark said.
