February 1, 2024 Vol. 24, No. 37
In This Issue FOUR SEASONS
Job about giving back New UCO president ‘relationship guy’
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.
Exhibit on the circus coming to History Museum See Page 9 PHOTO BY PATTY MILLER
Old North offices the University of Central Oklahoma’s President Todd Lamb, inset who recently completed his first semester as head of the university.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Partly Cloudy High 62° Low 50°
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Rain High 57° Low 40°
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Showers High 48° Low 35°
By Patty Miller Old North offices the University of Central Oklahoma’s President Todd Lamb who recently completed his first semester as head of the university. Lamb had been encouraged by former presidents of other universities as well as friends and mentors who have a commitment to education to look at the job of president when it opened.. Among those mentors were Carl Reherman, a former Edmond mayor and George Nigh, former president of UCO as well as a former Oklahoma governor. “UCO is a fantastic university with positives about the institution and the people,” Lamb said. He added UCO is the only state metropolitan university. Morale low President Lamb believes in meeting problems head on and his first problem was wrapped around the morale found on campus among faculty and students. Lamb said one of his first jobs he had at UCO was to improve campus
morale among the staff and students. And with that Lamb set about getting to know the people who make up the campus. “I am a relationship guy,” Lamb added, “and I try to be visible.” Lamb tries to meet students where they are as well as inviting students to sign up to meet him every two weeks in an informal setting. He added that he may buy students a cup of coffee at the campus coffee shop, Starbucks. Lamb said he has encouraged faculty members to invite him to their classrooms so they as well as their students can get to know him. Lamb said he tries to find a common denominator with the students and faculty “very quietly.” One might see Lamb working out at the campus Wellness Center, just another way he can reach students. He said that one day he was working out and a young man caught his eye. He added he couldn’t figure out a connection. Finally the man walked up to him and asked if Lamb ever had coached flag football in
Enid. Lamb acknowledged he had. The young man, along with Lamb’s son, had played together on the same flag football team he had coached. “I was on your flag football team,” the young man said, “and I can tell you right now that was one of the highlights of my life.” Lamb added, “Serving, helping prepare students for the work force, helping them with life’s hurdles, helping someone make a difference in their world is satisfying for me.” UCO influences Lamb “UCO has directly influenced my life,” Lamb said. “I earned 10 credit hours here.” He said UCO is accessible as well as affordable, two of the reasons he wanted to be president of the university. The third was the record enrollment of freshmen students this semester. “Never have we had such an influx of enrollment as we have had with this freshman class,” Lamb added. continued on Page 3
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Cover From Page 1
Giving back “I am 52 and I am very fortunate to be blessed to have done some of the things I have in life,” Lamb said, adding that what he has learned up to now he will be able to use it in his leadership role. Lamb added he believes by serving as president of the university, he is answering a call to give back. As Lamb reminisced on former teachers who influenced his life he spoke of one who stayed after school and would throw him footballs not knowing how that would influence Lamb later in college. “Here is an adult mentoring me,” Lamb said, “with little thought of me playing football in college. Without his help there is a very good chance I would not have played college football.” President Lamb brings with him a plethora of trainings including a politician, 16th lieutenant governor of Oklahoma and member of the Oklahoma state senate. He received his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University and his Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law. He worked for the United States Secret Service, and was a site supervisor for George W. Busch’s campaign. He also worked with the law firm of McAfee and Taft in Oklahoma City. Upon entering Lamb’s office one is greeted by an arc of small flags representing the 28 heads of state he has met and 28 countries he has worked in some capacity. Lamb Is settling into his job. He said one of his key objectives is getting to know the campus, the students, faculty members, and the people who make it run.
Lamb added he believes by serving as president of the university, he is answering a call to give back.
UCO PHOTO SERVICES
President Lamb interacting with students on campus (below) and at graduation.
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From the Publisher
Sculpture park back on? With work on the restaurant site by what was supposed to be our impressive sculpture park here in Edmond and the installation of the large “Valley of the Horse,” at the location, our phone has been ringing from readers wanting to know if the project is back on. We want to be careful and not give out false hope. It is fair to say there is work being done on the form of the original concept, but it has a very long way to go. We do not want to get folks excited only to be disappointed if all the pieces do not fall back into place. Ray Hibbard The original proposal has involved donating land at Second Street and Coltrane to the Park Conservancy Trust. However, after receiving rezoning and site plan approval on the park in May, French wrote to city leaders in June that he and his foundation were stopping their park effort owing to frustrations with city staff. Now City of Edmond staff members, The French Foundation Trust and the Fine Arts Institute and trying to put a plan back together. “Not having any involvement with the project before, I was disappointed like everybody back in the spring when it appeared to not be going forward,” said Todd McKinnis, an Edmond attorney representing the Edmond Fine Arts Institute. “At that time, I wished I could somehow be a help to get it moving again. I did not know that was possible, but I am encouraged by where we are today.” “The Edmond Fine Arts Institute, the City of Edmond, and other private donors are actively discussing the potential development of the north section of the property as a future public art park,” said Shannon Price, executive director of EFAI. “This initiative reflects all parties’ commitment to enriching Edmond’s cultural landscape and creating spaces where art thrives and is accessible to all.” My best guess is that there is reason for optimism for the project or something like it. Some of the areas may look different and not have as much social engagement but will have the art and the tranquility that goes with it. It might be a better fit for the project. Keep your fingers crossed and we will keep you up to date. OKC FRIDAY newspaper celebrates 50 years Hard to believe that OKC FRIDAY could be celebrating their 50-year anniversary. When it started, I was a junior at Heritage Hall and had no idea at the time that I would go on to work for them for 14 years after graduating from OSU with a fresh degree in journalism. It turns out that the day I started work at FRIDAY was the day my education really began in journalism. I too am a proud graduate of the Gourley School of Journalism along with some of the best journalist ever in this state. Publisher J. Leland Gourley let me learn by making many mistakes, but he never lost faith in me and became my second father. Vicki will not let me call her a second mom because she is too young,
but we will stick with “big sis.” This great paper and its owners have been ground breakers for community journalism folks on a national level. Community journalism, as it turns out, may be the only print product to survive. Hundreds of local names and photographs are what our readers still crave, and FRIDAY wrote the book on how to do it. When I started my Edmond newspaper 23 years ago, I called Leland and Vicki to ask if I could use what I learned from them to start a similar newspaper. They not only gave me permission but have continued to help me make it in this business. Community journalism is a skill set that FRIDAY masters and there is not a day that goes by where I do not use something I learned while working at FRIDAY. I would very much enjoy a conversation with Leland about the challenges of our industry just one more time. That would include the difficult times we all went through with COVID. I just know Leland would have had helpful ideas on how to keep business going. He had the best promotional mind in the business. Here are some examples: To help increase subscriptions one summer he gave away an American beach towel with every subscription. We got a complaint from a guy who called to say it was un-American to do so. I gave the call to Leland. He almost never raised his voice but when the man calls Leland unpatriotic, I heard Leland explain to him about his service in WWII as an artillery officer and what he observed on the battlefield. By the time Leland “explained” to him his service the man apologized. He switched to giving away a plastic mug with a picture of a cat hanging on a tree limb that said, “Hang on baby, FRIDAY is coming.” I never really got that one since Leland hated cats. He was not much of a dog fan either but Vicki is so you can guess how that worked out.
When Ollie North was so popular with conservatives in his testimony to congress, Leland let readers send in a dollar with their signature to fill a page of support for the popular Marine. It was an enormous success. He created a section called Celebrate Oklahoma that the paper still publishes today. It garners support from the entire state and readership. Nothing like it in Oklahoma. My greatest memories of FRIDAY can be summed up with one word. Fun. Leland and Vicki made it a fun place to work with lots of energy and with laughter that could make your sides hurt. There are far too many stories to tell and many that you cannot print these days but all my instruction at FRIDAY came in a fun, family and friendly environment. Wins were always handled with celebration and credit to the whole team. Defeats were handled with a kind smile, encouragement and Leland taking on any blame. During my first week at FRIDAY I was all of 21 years old. Leland stuck his head in the ad department and told me to get in the car. We were going to make a sales call on Zales. Off we went. Meeting the guy in his office, Leland gave the most eloquent pitch ever. It was pure art. The man asked to see a copy of the paper and Leland looked at me. I had not brought one and neither did Leland. Unphased, Leland went right on with the pitch and sold the guy a full page absolutely sight unseen of the newspaper. Driving back to the office I was afraid it was going to be my last day on the job. About halfway back he leaned over and quietly said, “next time you might want to bring a copy of the paper with you,” I always have since. Congratulations to OKC FRIDAY on 50 successful years. You are a credit to our craft and launched the careers of hundreds of journalists.
(Ray Hibbard may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)
This great paper (OKC Friday) and its owners have been ground breakers for community journalism folks on a national level. Community journalism, as it turns out, may be the only print product to survive.
Check out what’s inside! ---- Weekend calendar ......................................................................Page 6. ---- Circus exhibit com,ing to History Museum ................................Page 9. ---- Columnist has ideas on education............................................Page 10. ---- Elaine Warner’s trip to Kansas ..................................................Page 11. ---- Geprge Gust reviews new sports movie....................................Page 14. ---- Crossword puzzle ....................................................................Page 14. ---- Feature on Edmond Rotary member ........................................Page 15. ---- Business ..................................................................................Page 17. ---- Comics ....................................................................................Page 18. ---- Church directory ......................................................................Page 19. The police report will return next week
See if you can find ‘Four Seasons’ “Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011. Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable. For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.
Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York Advertising Director Business Editor Alexx Reger alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Patty Miller, Rose Drebes, and George Gust. Photographer Melinda Infante
Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2024 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved. Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure
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Weekend Calendar of Events Feb. 1-4 Weekend Calendar of Events Feb. 1-4 ---- In the Gallery ---- Edmond’s Social Fabric ---- Downtown in December ---- Indoor Edmond Farmer’s Market ---- Board Game Night ---- Kindling ---- Riverwind Casino presents: Air Supply ---- Live Music at Frenzy ---- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Events ---- First Friday Gallery Walk ---- Buchanan’s Flea Market OKC ---- Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show ---- OKC Philharmonic presents: Funky Fresh & Sugar Free! Extra Information In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Featuring Reian Williams; free; Gallery is open Mon – Thu; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; edmondfinearts.com Edmond’s Social Fabric Location: Edmond History Museum Extra Info: Fri, Dec 1 – Sun, Mar 31; free; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; edmondhistory.org
Downtown in December Location: Downtown OKC Extra Info: Thu, Nov 16 – Sun, Feb 4; various events; downtownindecember.com Indoor Edmond Farmer’s Market Location: MAC in Mitch Park Extra Info: through Sat, Mar 16; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; edmondparks.com Board Game Night Location: MAC in Mitch Park Extra Info: Sat, Feb 3; Free; 6 – 10 p.m.; edmondokcivicrec.com Kindling Location: Downtown Edmond Extra Info: Sat, Feb 3; Free; 5:30 – 7 p.m.; downtownedmondok.com Riverwind Casino presents: Air Supply Location: Riverwind Casino Extra Info: Sat, Feb 3; 8 p.m.; riverwind.com Live Music at Frenzy Location: Frenzy Brewing Company Extra Info: Thu, Feb 1: Singo @ 7 p.m.; Fri, Feb 2: Scott Ryan & the Devilish Folk @ 7:30 p.m.; Sat, Feb 3: Kennedy Fine @ 7:30 p.m.; Free; frenzybrewing.com
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Events Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Thu, Feb 1 – Sun, Feb 4: Choose Your Adventure & Explore the Code: Bill Pickett @ 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat, Feb 3 – Sun, Feb 4: Signature Tour @ 1 – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org First Friday Gallery Walk Location: Paseo Arts District Extra Info: Fri, Feb 2; 6 – 9 p.m.; thepaseo.org Buchanan’s Flea Market OKC Location: 608 Kiamichi Pl Extra Info: Sat, Feb 3 – Sun, Feb 4; Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; buchananeventco.com Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Sat, Feb 3 – Sun, Feb 4; Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; okcgunshow.com OKC Philharmonic presents: Funky Fresh & Sugar Free! Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: Sun, Feb 4; 1 p.m.; okcphil.com
Send calendar items to infante318@cox.net
Insurance commissioner reviews year By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready Last year began as I was sworn into my second and last term as your Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner. I am always grateful for your continued trust and the unique opportunity it is to serve my fellow Oklahomans. Last year was also an eventful year from an insurance standpoint. From severe weather to changes in the insurance market, the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) was here with you through all of it. I want to highlight some of our work from 2023 and discuss what’s in store for this year. We were here to help. As we state in our vision, OID’s top priority is to protect Oklahoma consumers. Last year, our Consumer Assistance division assisted with 13,157 phone calls and 2,784 complaints, resulting in 327 external reviews and $8,295,011 recovered for consumers. Our Anti-Fraud division also assisted with 1,414 complaints. With the Life Insurance Policy Locator, we matched Oklahoma beneficiaries with $49 million in life insurance benefits…that they didn’t know they had! Additionally, through all the winter weather, wildfires, hail and tornadoes, we were ready to provide assistance and answer your insurance questions. We help Oklahomans in their time of need, and I want to
reiterate that if you need assistance or would like to file a complaint, please contact us at 800-5220071 or visit oid.ok.gov. We met with those we serve. My team and I love getting out in the communities we serve and meeting consumers and insurance industry professionals. We arranged Coffee with the Commissioner and attended Mix and Mingle events across the state, where we met with chambers of commerce, licensed agents, Rotary Club chapters and other organizations to learn ways we can better serve the community. In September, we set up a booth at the Oklahoma State Fair to inform thousands of consumers about our services while having fun in the process. In addition to these events, our Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) was active, giving 303 community presentations and engaging in 19,254 one-on-one client contacts, leading to 27,164 people reached. If you’d like to host an event with us, visit http://www.oid.ok.gov/speaker or call our office at 800-522-0071. We informed and advocated for Oklahomans. In 2023, we looked for new ways to reach consumers and licensed producers. We launched campaigns like Here to Help, Ask OID and Winter
Weather to give guidance on what Oklahomans should know about insurance. We brought you 13 new episodes of the Mulready Minutes podcast, where we featured informative guests to share perspectives and information on topics such as Medicare Open Enrollment, captive insurance and the different divisions at OID. Our team also produced six episodes of the Medicare Monday webinar, and we hosted our first Insurance Day, where we connected with 125 industry professionals on issues affecting the insurance industry in Oklahoma and across the country. As a reminder, you can keep up with the latest news and events with us by following us on social media and subscribing to email news updates at oid.ok.gov/subscribe. We’re looking forward to 2024. Before looking ahead, I’d like to thank the OID team, who are dedicated state employees who make all of this possible. We expect 2024 to come with unique challenges and opportunities, but our commitment to serving Oklahomans will not change. We will keep you informed by bringing you new podcast episodes, webinars, campaigns and events in your own community. Check out our 2023 Annual Report for more information on all the work we do at OID. Here’s to a successful 2024!
Edmond Life & Leisure • February 1, 2024 • Page 7
Later this year, Arledge will have a new building at 832 N.W. 70th Street in the metro.
Arledge accounting firm breaks ground on new site Local accounting firm Arledge broke ground Friday, Jan. 19 on a new location, 832 N.W. 70th Street in Oklahoma City, its partners announced. “Our team has continued to grow in response to client demand. We look forward to combining our Edmond and Oklahoma City locations into a single building with our full staff,” said LaDonna Sinning, partner. “We antici-
pate a grand opening in late 2024, provided the weather cooperates.” The new building is expected to serve as office space for more than 50 employees. Arledge is a recognized leader in the accounting industry offering practical solutions in the areas of tax preparation and planning, auditing, consulting, accounting advisory services and client accounting.
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Teaching tomorrow’s innovations today By Dr. April Grace During my 35 years in education, which saw me from the classroom to the superintendent’s chair, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of our state’s educational landscape. Now, as the executive director of Oklahoma Public School Resource Center (OPSRC), a nonprofit committed to supporting Oklahoma's public education system, I’m seeing things from a new lens while helping educators grasp everything it takes to adapt to ever-changing learning environments. We can’t miss the bus on
the emerging technologies and innovative learning concepts that can make or break our ability to connect with this generation of students. Take online learning, for example: while certainly nothing new, it’s undoubtedly become a staple in education in the past decade and showing no signs of slowing. Because of the growth of online charter schools and the permanent introduction of the distance learning concept necessitated by the pandemic, students as young as elementary school are adept at logging onto video conferences and completing assignments on schoolissued laptops/devices. Digital assets aren’t limited to students. From self-paced courses to hybrid professional learning led by worldclass online instructors, educators and administrators can benefit from eLearning opportunities otherwise unavailable to them. Plus, collaborative tools like Google Classroom make educators’ lives easier by simplifying administrative tasks like grading, distributing assignments and sharing files. There has been a lot of conjecture recently about the explosion of artificial intelligence, or AI. Generative AI allows users to instantly produce content — everything from text to images and even audio — based on prompts. It’s simultaneously fascinating and alarming. With the limitless possibilities associated with AI, many educators’ chief concern is upholding academic integrity by curbing AIgenerated content in student work. But how? Similar to plagiarism-detection tools, there are numerous free analysis programs that employ algorithms designed to pick up on patterns indicative of AI. While AIgenerated content is harder to prove than plagiarism, support tools such as these continue to progress and improve at a rapid pace.
Conversely, we’re seeing many benefits of AI within education, namely through its application in streamlining administrative tasks. From the production of classroom materials to the automation of grading assignments and tests, we can leverage AI to find practical solutions for many educators’ most common pain points. As educators, our job isn’t just to embrace the technology of today, but to cultivate the next generation of innovators. From coding to robotics, our educators are sparking students’ curiosities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The implementation of STEM-intensive programs at schools across the state are helping open students’ eyes to in-demand industries they may one day pursue as a career. Educational technology is constantly evolving, providing us with unique challenges and opportunities at a pace that can seem impossible to keep up with, especially while we prioritize efforts to improve student outcomes. It’s why organizations like OPSRC are critical, standing by to provide consulting, training, professional development services, and technology assistance designed to improve educators' confidence. It’s also why we host the annual Oklahoma School Innovation Summit to promote key insights and encourage idea-sharing. If we want to reach today’s Gen Z and Gen Alpha students, we must overcome resistance to change and navigate new instructional tools designed to better suit students’ preferred learning styles. Dr. April Grace is executive director of the Oklahoma Public School Resource Center. For more about how OPSRC is helping members at both the classroom and district levels, visit opsrc.net.
Dr. Grace
Edmond Life & Leisure • February 1, 2024 • Page 9
History Museum to look at circus exhibit Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls! The Edmond History Museum presents the exhibit Under the Big Top: Edmond’s Overwintering Circus. The exhibit, featuring Edmond’s circus history from 1900 to 1976, will open Jan 26, 2024 and remain open through the summer.
cuses, most notably Clyde Bros Circus and Hagen Bros Circus. Each winter, animal training and new acts were in progress during the off season. Some Edmondites still remember hearing lions roar in the distance. The exhibit features the circus’ history, including artifacts and photographs.
Edmond was ideally located for a circus overwintering ground because of its location along the railroad and interstate highways. A portion of land along Santa Fe & Kelly was home to several cir-
Highlights: · Iron cage gate from one of the train cars that transported animals. · Letterhead and marketing material from
Clyde Bros Circus. · Press photographs of various acts hired to tour with Hagen Bros Circus, including high rope stunts and dancing horses. In addition to the Under the Big Top exhibit, the Museum will host a variety of programming to compliment the exhibit, including a 1940s Radio Theater production on Feb 24 at 3:30. Programs details will be added to the EdmondHistory.org website as they develop.
Downs Family and their significant donation to food bank During the 2023 season, Downs Family Christmas, along with its visitors, contributed $19,011 and 5,395 pounds of food to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. These donations will help the Regional Food Bank provide 80,543 meals for individuals facing hunger in central and western Oklahoma. The yearly light show located in the Norman
area showcases over 18 miles of light displays synchronized with holiday music. While admission is free, visitors are encouraged to contribute through monetary donations or food items to support the Regional Food Bank. “We are honored the Downs Family continues to collaborate with the Regional Food Bank to address hunger in Oklahoma,” said Stacy Dykstra,
Laura Howells is pictured with her 8 grandchildren holding the pull tabs they have saved for the Ronald McDonald House.
Helping Ronald McDonald House is a family affair for Edmond group For 4 years Laura Howell’s siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews in her 100 plus family along with many, many friends helped collect the tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. So far they have collected over 29 containers of pull tabs. What an awesome project and learning experience for the whole family! The Ronald McDonald House supports families and helps them access
the medical care and resources they need. This program is a home away from home that provides comfort, support, and resources to families who travel far from home for the medical care their child needs. Howell is a long time member of the Gamma Zeta chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, an international service organization, which supports the Ronald McDonald House
chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. “The Downs Family continues to inspire us each year with how many meals they provide to help Oklahomans living with food insecurity.” In the 15 years of supporting the Regional Food Bank, Downs Family Christmas has generated over $496,388. Learn more about the display by visiting downsfamilychristmas.com.
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Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side
Common sense shortage By Steve Gust If it was up to me. every high school would set aside 30 minutes a day to teach teens a course call Life. I realize some schools try to do that with courses on finance. But how many actually do? And how much is taught? If you come out of school, even high school, there is an exSteve Gust pectation that you’ll earn money some day. Here’s what I would teach. How to do your taxes and why. This subject would take a good month or so to cover. There are probably a lot of kids who work at a fast food place and then find themselves wondering why there are deductions on their paychecks. And perhaps the best lesson the kids could learn is to hire someone else to do their taxes. Mortgages. Anybody who says they know everything about mortgages is simply not telling the truth. There is a lot that goes into buying a home and selling a home. Then there are kinds of terms, which are foreign. Escrow anyone?
Car care. You should sit young folks down and tell them about the importance of changing their oil regularly and rotating their tires. And the most important lesson would be to get a AAA membership card. Voting. In addition to registration and polling advice, they should be strongly encouraged to get educated on the issues. I disagree with those that say “everyone needs to do their civic duty and vote.” I would amend that to “everyone familiar with issues should vote.” These few life topics have only scratched the surface. There are other topics like “Understanding health insurance,” and “how to proper use a credit card – if you must” and “how to get a job.” I read a book once from an HR guy who recounted some of the odd applicants who had come their way. One young woman had her mother accompany her on the job interview. Another young man ate a hamburger while being questioned. And yet another guy put his feet up on the interviewer’s desk during the process. Ahhh, whatever happened to common sense? (Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com)
Lawmaker backs Texas in immigration invasion Last week, Sen. Nathan Dahm, RBroken Arrow, filed a concurrent resolution to support Gov. Greg Abbott and the state of Texas against the foreign invasion on the Southern border. “The rogue Biden regime is doing whatever it can to destabilize our country,” Dahm said. “This is not incompetence; it is a calculated effort to flood our nation with lawbreaking foreigners. Unlike the Biden regime – who is actively attempting to prevent Texas from defending its border – we stand with Texas.” Senate Concurrent Resolution 17 offers “the support of the State of Oklahoma to the Republic of Texas in defending their southern border from the lawless invasion of foreigners as well as from the lawless actions of the federal government refusing to secure the border.” “As I have stated many times before: we cannot count on those in the swamp to protect our rights, we must protect them ourselves,” Dahm said. “Governor Abbott appears to share that sentiment, and has bravely decided to do what is best for his state and stand against this foreign invasion
fomented by the Biden regime.” SCR17 encourages Gov. Stitt to “provide any support he deems necessary to the Governor of Texas including but not limited to the Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma law enforcement agents, equipment, and supplies.” “The deliberate actions by the Biden regime to encourage the invasion of Texas – and every other state – highlight their efforts to put America last and destroy our country,” Dahm said. “We are proud to stand with Texas as they fight to stop the invasion created by the Biden regime’s dereliction of duty.” —— Twenty five Republican governors released the following joint statement in support of Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Texas’ constitutional right to self-defense. The statement comes as the Biden Administration continues to attack Texas and refuses to take action or responsibility for the crisis at the Southern border. “President Biden and his Administration have left Americans and our country completely vulnerable to unprecedented illegal immigration pouring across the Southern border. Instead of upholding the rule of law and securing the border, the Biden Administration has attacked and sued Texas for stepping up to protect American citizens from historic levels of illegal immigrants, deadly drugs like fentanyl, and terrorists entering our country. “We stand in solidarity with our fellow Governor, Greg Abbott, and the State of Texas in utilizing every tool and strategy, including razor wire fences, to secure the border. We do it in part because the Biden Administration is refusing to enforce immigration laws already on the books and is illegally allowing mass parole across America of migrants who entered our country illegally. “The authors of the U.S. Constitution made clear that in times like this, states have a right of self-defense, under Article 4, Section 4 and Article 1, Section 10, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution. Because the Biden Administration has abdicated its constitutional compact duties to the states, Texas has every legal justification to protect the sovereignty of our states and our nation.”
EPA needs to work with industry not activists Last week, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (ROK) questioned Dr. Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator of the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during a Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee hearing to conduct oversight into the implementation of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TCSA). In his questioning, Mullin, the Ranking Member of the Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Environmental Justice, and Regulatory Oversight Subcommittee, highlighted his concern with the EPA’s regulatory decision-making after the agency blatantly referenced anti-plastic partisan activists in their announcement of chemicals for future prioritization under TSCA. Mullin: “Dr. Freedhoff, when you go on a victory lap with activists and include their quote directly under yours in the press release – how can manufacturers and contractors who work in this industry have any confidence that this was not an activist move driven and “pre-judged” before it even comes out?” Background:
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is enforced by the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention at the EPA which is headed by the Assistant Administrator. TSCA was first enacted in 1976 and requires the EPA to regulate the manufacture, processing, distribution, use and disposal of chemical substances. To do this, TSCA authorizes EPA to identify potentially dangerous chemicals in US commerce that pose an “unreasonable risk” to
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public health from their continued use. Most recently, Congress amended the TSCA in 2016 with the passage of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act (LCSA) to address lingering implementation issues. The amended TSCA revised the processes and requirements for evaluating and determining whether regulatory control is warranted for a chemical’s manufacture, use, and disposal.
Governor wonders why Treat and others won’t vote on tax cut OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Kevin Stitt released the following statement regarding the Senate's unwillingness to vote on tax cuts: “All I asked was for Senator Treat to put a quarter-point tax cut up for a vote. The Senate is refusing to do what 65% of Oklahomans support: cutting taxes. If anything is a waste of taxpayer money, it is the refusal of Senate leadership to give Oklahomans a well-deserved pay raise.”
Gov. Kevin Stitt
Edmond Life & Leisure • February 1, 2024 • Page 11
Intriguing history surrounding Coffeyville, Kan. By Elaine Warner In the 1890s, Coffeyville, in southeastern Kansas, had outgrown its early reputation as a cowtown. A number of businesses made the town a center of commerce and an active citizenry unElaine dertook a program to add curbs and gutters to the dirt streets in front of the city’s two banks. Things were quiet in Coffeyville until Oct. 5, 1892 when the town erupted with the arrival of one of the most feared gangs of outlaws in the country – the Dalton Gang. Coffeyville was close to Indian Territory, still a hangout for bandits and miscreants. Criminals would terrorize the nearby settled states then hightail it for hideouts in the under-policed area. The Dalton family was originally from Missouri, but moved south – even living near Coffeyville at one point. With the Oklahoma Run, Adeline Dalton – Mr. Dalton having taken a powder – moved into Oklahoma, near Kingfisher, with the youngest of her 15 children. Adeline, reportedly a good mother, was a member of the Younger family – noted in the period after the Civil War for outlaw Cole Younger who ran with Jesse James’ outfit. Her oldest boys grew up with tales of their wild cousin and his exploits. Three of them, Bob, Grat and Emmett, actually were lawmen at the beginning of their careers – but found their salaries were nicely augmented by selling alcohol to the Indians. They found more lucrative employment robbing trains and banks. Bob proposed pulling a job that the more infamous gangs never managed – robbing two banks simultane-
Custom-decorated cowboy hats are a hit at the Pink Flamingo Boutique.
ously. And Coffeyville provided that opportunity. At this time, the gang consisted of the three Dalton brothers plus two other outlaws, Bill Powers and Dick Broadwell. Having lived near Coffeyville, the Daltons donned fake beards and moustaches to avoid being recognized. They laid their plans well – but not well enough. The first kink came when they discovered that the street improvement work had removed the hitching posts they had planned on using and they had to tie their horses down an alley farther from their targets. Unfortunately for them, they were spotted by a local resident who followed them and caught on to what they were up to. He alerted others who hurried to arm themselves. A gun battle ensued leaving four of the five outlaws dead, four townsfolk dead, four horses killed and other citizens and horses wounded. Emmett escaped – with over twenty bullet wounds – but was captured and sent to the Kansas State Penitentiary. The battle lasted less than 15 minutes, but it vaulted Coffeyville into the history books. That’s the nutshell version. To get the whole story, you need to visit Coffeyville. We (Jack and I) started our visit at Isham’s Hardware, founded in 1870. This was where many of the citizens came to procure weapons to defend their town. You can see remnants of early history here – original drawers, old scales and holes in the baseboards where rope is still pulled up from the basement. One of the most interesting pieces is the knife sharpening stone. Only 500 were made and only three are still in existence. Two of them are in the possession of what remains of the Carborundum company and the third is here in Coffeyville.
See Kansas, Page 12
The Brown Mansion is a beautiful plantation-style home on a hill south of downtown Coffeyville
Locals and visitors alike love the burgers at The Yoke – especially when they’re washed down with Death Alley Root Beer.
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Kansas From Page 11
Remember to support local shops
Next stop was the Perkins-Condon building – stick your head in the Chamber of Commerce door to pick up information on local attractions. The Perkins building – original home of Condon Bank was a wooden structure built in 1871. It was replaced with a brick building in 1890. Inside is a replica of the bank’s 1892 interior and informative graphics including newspaper articles about the attempted robbery. From Isham’s it was a straight shot across Union and Walnut Street down the alley where the outlaws left their horses. Today called Death Alley, its walls are lined with depictions of the story. Near the center of the alley is a replica of the old jail with dummies representing the four dead outlaws. By now we had a pretty thorough picture of the events of that day, but we made one more stop – the Dalton Defender Museum. While this small museum gives more of the history of Coffeyville and some of its prominent residents – i.e. baseball Hall of Famer Walter Johnson and Omar Knedlick, who invented the ICEE, it also has a small display of Dalton memorabilia and information about the four citizens who died defending their town. While the Dalton story is the big attraction in Coffeyville, there are other things to do and see here. If you visit March through October (or for special Christmas events), a tour of the Brown Mansion is worth your while. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 1906 mansion’s architects, Wilder and Wight of Kansas City had been students of famed architect Stanford White.
The owner, W.P. Brown, was a highly successful local business man who became even more successful when he discovered a massive natural gas reserve. The impressive Greek-Revival-style mansion sits atop a hill. The interior is furnished with many pieces original to the home including a Tiffany chandelier, said to have been hung by Louis Comfort Tiffany himself. Be sure to call and make sure of the hours and days – web information is not always up-to-date. Elmwood Cemetery is close by. Three of the gang members (Bob and Grat Dalton and Bill Powers) are buried here as well as Frank Dalton (a good brother), two of the town’s defenders, and the Brown family. Other spots in town include a Sculpture Garden with funky pieces sculpted by chainsaw carving students and, open seasonally, the small Aviation Museum. Cool shops include Pink Flamingo Boutique for clothing and jewelry – and great cowboy hats with customburned brims – and Shabby to Chic – a consignment mall with new and old items. It’s huge, so expect to find a wide variety of merchandise. Hungry? Try The Yoke for great burgers or Sunflower Soda Fountain – their scratch kitchen makes meals better than mama’s. Our local stay: Best Western Coffeyville Central Business District offered a comfortable room with a good hot breakfast. We were hosted by the Coffeyville Convention and Visitors Bureau. About 175 miles from Edmond, Coffeyville makes a fun getaway with an overnight stay.
The Sculpture Garden features works by student chainsaw artists.
Edmond Life & Leisure • February 1, 2024 • Page 13
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Movie review of ‘American Fiction’
Film is up for five Oscars this year By George Gust “American Fiction” is the directorial debut for writer/director Cord Jefferson (“The Good Place” “Watchmen”) and has been nominated for five academy awards this year, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Jeffrey Wright) and Best Supporting Actor (Sterling K. Brown). A novelist (Wright) who’s fed up with the establishment profiting from “Black” entertainment uses a pen name to write a book that propels him into the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain. “American Fiction” is a movie that is an inexplicable balancing act between telling an important story about the contradictions and intricacies of Hollywood’s relationship with black stories and being a biting satire that can engage and entertain at the same time. Being equal parts comedy and drama is difficult and adding in the high concept of a writer’s over-the-top attempt to stick a thumb in the eye of his industry makes the success of “American Fiction” all the more admirable. For years when thinking of Wright’s career as
Answers on Page 19
an actor, the common sentiment amongst movie junkies has been ‘why isn’t he a bigger star in movies?’ and “American Fiction” is a phenomenal showcase for his significant charm and acting talent. He’s able to deliver the dry kind of humor that is required and at the same time deliver the pathos of the complex familial relationship that is probing and emotionally affecting. And in support of Wright is a murders row of talented ac-
tors who bring together and ensemble that delivers laughs and charm. However, Brown stands out amongst this talented group, he has an energy that leaps off the screen in whatever scene he’s featured in, and his performance is one that you’ll remember as you leave the film. Overall, “American Fiction” is a unique film that doesn’t fit the mold of an Oscar-bait movie but is nonetheless worthy of all the plaudits its received this awards season. With an entertaining juxtaposition of family drama and high concept media satire, “American Fiction” is breath of fresh air and a fantastic introduction to a new voice in Hollywood filmmaking. “American Fiction” is rated R for language throughout, some drug use, sexual references, and brief violence.
4.5 out of 5 stars (You may reach George Gust for comment at gust.george@gmail.com)
Sterling K. Brown and Jeffery Wright star in the Academy Award nominated comedic drama ‘American Fiction.’
Philharmonic concerts scheduled The Oklahoma City Philharmonic unveils its upcoming 2024-25 season, “Philharmonic Rising,” with a spectacular new lineup of concerts. “We are thrilled to announce an exciting lineup for the 24/25 season, building on the remarkable programs of the last 35 seasons,” said Brent Hart, OKCPHIL Executive Director. “Opening Night with Midori,” kicks off the ‘24/’25 season on Saturday, Sept. 21, 8 p.m. at Civic Center Music Hall. Other concerts in the Classics series include organist Cameron Carpenter playing Poulenc’s Organ Concerto and Saint-Saens’ beautiful Organ Symphony, our Principal Cellist Jonathan Ruck performing Elgar, and bagpiper Bruce Robertson in a brand-new orchestral setting of the haunting Highland Cathedral. Pianist Misha Dichter and guest conductor Gerard Schwarz come to Oklahoma in January to present the Grieg Piano Concerto and Dvorak’s 7th Symphony. In February, you will hear two pieces that we’ve never played before; Ravi Shankar’s Symphony for Sitar and Orchestra and Aaron Copland’s mammoth 3rd Symphony.
Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Super Bowl ACROSS 1. Desert bloomers 6. Request for tailor 9. Paul Bunyan's companion 13. Delivered by plane 14. Boiling emotion 15. Match play result? 16. Like the North vs. the South war 17. Bag, ‡ Paris 18. Nymph of lakes and springs 19. *Team that never made it to Super Bowl 21. *Last year's Super Bowl winner 23. *Safety value 24. Disfigure 25. *Birthplace of NFL 28. Roofed colonnade 30. Dr. Seuss' Yertle 35. Auctioneer's final word 37. Sea eagles 39. Popular winter boot brand 40. Largest ethnic group in Rwanda 41. User's destination 43. Like Twiggy's skirt 44. Former anesthetic 46. Not all 47. Death notice 48. Like r in American English 50. Luau souvenirs 52. Opposite of WSW 53. Vatican's head 55. Cattle prod 57. *AFC's top seed 60. *Host state of this year's Super Bowl 63. Like allergy spray 64. Second person of be 66. Pleasant odor 68. Fervent 69. Grazing ground 70. "When pigs fly!" 71. Modeling material 72. *NFL Honors' announcement 73. Trento's Council of ____ DOWN 1. Chlorofluorocarbon, abbr.
2. Alight, past tense 3. Boat mooring spot, e.g. 4. Short for betwixt 5. Wife's parents 6. Serpentarium noise 7. Time period 8. Hajj destination 9. Hillside, in Scotland 10. "Dream on!" (2 words) 11. Constricting snakes 12. *____ zone 15. Bad blood 20. Post-it user 22. Not miss 24. Street opening 25. *Half-time show entertainer 26. Compass point 27. In spite of the fact, arch. 29. Loads from lodes 31. *CBS announcer and former QB 32. Native American group 33. Famous Bolshevik
34. *Like the Super Bowl players 36. Sonny & Cher, e.g. 38. Ditto 42. Neutral shade 45. With mature appearance 49. Bamboozle 51. Learned one 54. Religious song 56. Defier 57. Not top-shelf 58. On the ocean 59. Deviate 60. Type of tide 61. Peace symbol 62. End of grace 63. *49ers' conference 65. Short for one time around 67. Short for Arthur
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Edmond Life & Leisure • February 1, 2024 • Page 15
Rotary Club of Edmond member finds way to outfit student athletes for success It was springtime on Langston University’s campus, and it was busy. After a historical basketball season that ended with a 31-3 record and 20-2 in the conference last year, the Lions won the Conference Championship for the first time and went to the NAIA Sweet 16. The campus was electric as students prepared for finals and seniors focused on the postcollege job search. Despite the athletic success, the basketball team’s coach, Chris Wright, expressed concern about his players to his longtime friend, Hunter Cottle, a member of Rotary Club of Edmond. Wright’s senior players were at a disadvantage. “One of the things he was concerned about was that these kids were showing up to the job fair without professional attire,” Cottle said. There were scholarships for food and other needs, but some players could not afford clothing for job interviews. “We were just talking. I asked, what are these guys wearing? He said they wear what they can. It’s usually not up to par with what I would wear into the office every day,” Cottle said. Wright said a lot of his players are first-generation college students, like he was. He understands their predicament. “There’s a lot of things I wasn’t exposed to that I didn’t have. I think a lot of our guys are in the same boat,” Wright said. Cottle said he left that day and
Rotary Club of Edmond’s Hunter Cottle and his daughter, Finley, take in a men’s basketball game at Langston University. Cottle began a drive to collect men’s suits so players could attend employment recruiting events in professional attire.
thought, well, I’m six-foot-two. I’m not six-foot-seven by any means, but I’ve got some friends, let me ask around.” That was Cottle’s first step in his new journey to create an act of kindness encouraged by Rotary Club of Edmond’s emphasis on members performing random acts of kindness in the community. Cottle, a financial advisor for Edward Jones, approached his friends at every opportunity. Eight months later, a vacant office space at his business held 15 suits.
OETA will carry State of the State address live on Feb. 5 The Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA) will provide all broadcast television media with a live video pool feed of Governor Kevin Stitt’s 2024 State of the State Address on Monday, Feb. 5. A clean feed of the program will be available from OETA’s Oklahoma City and Tulsa studios or may be taken off-air statewide from OETA. NOTE: The off-air feed will be a program feed, not a clean feed. The live broadcast from the Oklahoma House of Representatives chamber will begin at approximately 12:30 p.m. and conclude at approximately 1:30 p.m. The governor is expected to begin his address at about 12:45 p.m. OETA is pleased to be able to provide this service again this year and will work with broadcasters to ensure they are able to receive the broadcast signal of this event. For technical questions about the pool feed in Oklahoma City, please contact Shawn Bailey at (405) 6596574 or at sbailey@oeta.tv. For technical questions about the pool feed in Tulsa, please contact Roger Newton at (918) 361-0014 or at rnewton@oeta.tv. For production questions about the pool feed, contact Jeff Morava at jmorava@oeta.tv or at (405) 841-9233.
Coach Wright asked Hunter to deliver the suits to the locker room while the players were there. “I was beyond honored. Really my goal is that eventually, we are buying these kids new suits so they leave college with something they can take out into the work force.” The suits will be available for athletes at the end of the spring semester this year. Any suits not used will be moved to the university’s career closet for all students. “I saw a need, and I wouldn’t want to be in that position. And that’s
where, as a Rotarian, I think that’s part of our job to go out and help people be better and help better them by giving them a fishing pole to go catch the food. If we’re not giving them fishing poles to go catch the food, we are really putting them at a disadvantage.” Cottle’s end goal for this year is to find suits that fit the seniors. Eventually, he would like to find the means to purchase new suits. “If we can get them for the whole team, that would be great. I think if we could pay for four to eight suits each year, that’s four to eight people who are going in confident and prepared. We’ve got to get them in front of the right people to get the job,” he said. For now, Cottle is seeing how things work out with the first round of his effort but is dreaming for the future. “If I could get people to get on board and provide more capital, I’d be willing to push this thing to where we can better these kids’ lives.” That attitude is just one reason Wright thinks Cottle’s impact on the basketball program is “off the charts.” “We talk a lot in our program about being unselfish. Hunter really embodies that quality. I know our guys really appreciate him. I think it’s a great example to them and really to everyone in how to help other people. I’m extremely grateful for his friendship,” he said. If you would like to donate suits or buy new ones, contact Cottle by email at Hunter.Cottle@EdwardJones.com.
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TSET Riversport grant noted The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) Board of Directors on Thursday awarded a grant to the Riversport Foundation to help fund expansion of the Oklahoma Trailhead and Bike Park in Oklahoma City. The TSET board approved grant funds up to $785,704 to support Phase II of the expansion and improvements that are scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2025. “TSET is committed to supporting healthy living in Oklahoma, and Riversport OKC provides a variety of sporting and other physical activities,” said TSET Board Chair Marshall Snipes. “This grant will help the Riversport Foundation provide additional trails and amenities at the Oklahoma Trailhead and Bike Park that will enhance wellness for many years to come.” The Riversport Foundation is budgeting a total of $1,543,763 for Phase II construction. TSET’s portion of funding will pay for: An elevated dirt trail loop and
sidewalk A gravel parking lot with lighting, paved disabled parking and striping Additional dirt trails and bike ramps A welcome plaza and activity zone Hedge wall and landscaping Other outdoor amenities for safety and comfort The project seeks to leverage outdoor recreation to improve physical and mental health, according to Riversport’s proposal. TSET is committed to supporting environments that encourage physical activity and make activity more accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Healthy eating and regular physical activity reduce the risk of obesity, which is linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer. “Engaging in physical activity helps prevent cardiovascular disease and such activity should also be fun,” said TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee/
Perfect ACT Scores EPS is absolutely thrilled to commemorate the remarkable achievements of our students! Thansi Garikipati from Edmond North and Dylan Adler (middle) from Edmond Memorial were honored at a recentr board meeting for achieving perfect ACT scores. The Edmond North cheer team received welldeserved recognition for their victory at the 6A state cheer competition, while the Edmond North boys and girls cross country teams were celebrated as the 6A state academic champions. Their hard work is a true inspiration to us. Helping to congratulate them were members of the Edmond School Board and Superintendent Angela Grunewald, left.
The University of Central Oklahoma will host Central Preview for prospective students and their families Wednesday, Feb. 28, on Central’s campus. Central Preview will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn more about UCO and tour the campus. Central Preview connects prospective students with scholarships, financial aid, admissions and housing representatives to learn about what the university has to offer.
UCO to give prospective students & family a preview The University of Central Oklahoma will host Central Preview for prospective students and their families and Wednesday, Feb. 28, on Central’s campus. Central Preview will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn more about UCO and tour the campus. Central Preview connects prospective students with scholarships, financial aid, admissions and housing representatives to learn about what the university has to offer. Tours of UCO’s campus and residence hall options will be available, giving attendees a firsthand look at classrooms, resources and amenities. In addition, attendees will participate in informational sessions held by representatives from Central’s academic colleges. “We are in the season where many high school seniors are deciding on
their next steps, including where they may want to attend college,” said Jancy Scott, senior director of admissions and recruitment at UCO. “With that in mind, Central Preview offers potential students an opportunity to learn more about Central and what it means to be a Broncho.” UCO is now accepting applications for admission for the 2024-25 academic year. Incoming freshmen and transfer students will automatically be considered for academic scholarships by submitting a completed online application and all admissions-related documents by Feb. 1, 2024, for incoming freshmen and June 1, 2024, for transfer students. Apply online at apply.uco.edu. For more information and to register for Central Preview or a campus tour, visit uco.edu/tours.
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Toy Foundation makes gift to Children’s group Children’s Health Foundation is pleased to announce a gift of $14,604 from the Toy Foundation. The gift will be used to purchase toys for the Early Foundations early intervention program for children with autism. The Toy Foundation works to provide healing opportunities of play through their Children’s Hospital Play Grants program. By providing toys and play equipment, the Foundation provides opportunities for children with autism to learn vital communication and interaction skills. Young children learn essential social, communication, and problemsolving skills through play activities that engage all the senses. One of the early indicators of autism in young children is a lack of play abilities. To address this, it is essential to have a variety of toys at different developmental levels to meet the child’s current needs and interests. Play is an essential part of early intervention programs like Early Foun-
Family Circus
Beetle Baily
Hi and Lois
Blondie
Shoe
Hägar the Horrible
Zits
dations and helps children with ASD express themselves and interact with peers. Play develops motor skills, communication, and social skills, aids in problem-solving, and develops creative thinking skills. Toys provided by the Toy Foundation will give children in the Early Foundations programs in Canadian, Oklahoma, and Tulsa counties opportunities to learn these vital skills through the power of play. CHF Executive Director Kathy McCracken says, “We are very grateful that The Toy Foundation has provided this generous gift. The goal of the Early Foundations program is to help children with autism prepare for the general classroom at school. These toys will create opportunities for children to experience the extraordinary benefits of play.” Children’s Health Foundation funds pediatric research, education, and care programs, ultimately supporting children from every county in Oklahoma.
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Career Tech field seeking $41.75 million in funding The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education asked state lawmakers this week for a $41.75 million increase in state funding to expand the number of career training programs and help meet the employment demands of Oklahoma businesses and industries. Oklahoma CareerTech State Director Brent Haken submitted to House and Senate lawmakers a budget request of $201,956,568 for fiscal year 2025, a 26% increase compared with CareerTech’s fiscal 2024 state appropriation. The increased funding, Haken said, would eliminate a waiting list of about 7,500 students at Oklahoma CareerTech’s 29 technology centers within three years. “If we’re wanting to improve workforce development, lure new businesses to the state and retain existing businesses, we’re going to have to make a serious investment in workforce education,” Haken said. “Local ad valorem dollars can only go so far. We need to make a major investment in our students in the name of career and college readiness.” CareerTech’s budget request calls for an additional $37 million investment in workforce training, including $10.5 million for health careers, $8.1 million for construction trades and $7.6 million for manufacturing. The rest would be used to add 37 new career programs in the areas of agriculture, arts, information technology, management and
administration, public safety, hospitality and tourism, audio/video technology and communication, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through a network of 29 technology centers, 397 PK-12 school districts, 16 skills centers sites and 32 adult education and family literacy providers, Oklahoma CareerTech enrollments totaled 489,635 in fiscal year 2023, up 9.5% compared with fiscal 2022. CareerTech’s positive placement rate was 94% in 2022, which means nearly all CareerTech graduates found employment, en-
tered the military or continued their education. In fiscal 2023, more than 42% of all ninth through 12th graders in the state participated in a CareerTech program. With additional funding, Haken said, CareerTech programs can be expanded across the state and more people could be added to Oklahoma’s pipeline of skilled workers. “All of these occupations are in high demand,” he said. “They offer Oklahomans an opportunity to explore their passion, make a good living and enjoy life in Oklahoma.”
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