In This Issue
A grand opening For OKANA See page 15
UCO musical production To be held this weekend
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28
Partly Cloudy
SATURDAY, MARCH 1
Partly Cloudy
61° Low 40°
SUNDAY, MARCH 2
Partly Cloudy
UCO Opera presents “The Gondoliers; or, The King of Barataria,” Feb. 28-March 2, at Mitchell Hall Theatre. The production reimagines the classic Gilbert and Sullivan operetta in 1940s New Orleans during Mardi Gras, adding a unique and colorful twist to the comedic tale.
The University of Central Oklahoma School of Music’s Opera will present “The Gondoliers; or, The King of Barataria” at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 28-March 1, and at 2 p.m., March 2, in Mitchell Hall Theatre on Central’s campus.
Directed by Molly Cason Johnson, D.M.A., assistant professor of voice and opera, this fresh take on Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic operetta transports audiences from its traditional Venetian setting to 1940s New Orleans during carnival season. In this reimagined production, the two gondoliers from Venice, Louisiana, navigate the city not by boat but atop a parade float. At the same time, the mystery of who will be the next Mardi Gras Krewe King of Barataria is solved.
“The original score is set in Venice, Italy and the fictional city of Barataria, Spain. The moment I discovered the state of Louisiana has both a Venice and Barataria, I knew it had to be a Mardi Gras version,” Johnson said.
Originally composed in 1889, “The Gondoliers” is one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most beloved works. This English-language operetta is known for its witty satire, engaging melodies and dynamic ensemble scenes. The story follows two carefree gondoliers who unexpectedly find themselves ruling a kingdom, leading to a series of humorous complications involving mistaken identities and romantic entanglements. The updated 1940s New Orleans setting enhances the operetta’s themes of festivity, tradition and social class satire.UCO’s production is family friendly and rated “G.”
Tickets range from $10-$20 and are free for students with a valid UCO ID. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit go.uco.edu/CFAD-tickets or call 405-974-3375.
For a complete list of UCO College of Fine Arts and Design events and performances, visit www.uco.edu/ cfad/.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Trip tips for Europe
One of my many blessing in life has been to travel the world. I have probably done too much of that and not seen enough of this country. My wife is taking charge and has plans to get me out and about in this country. She traveled the many great locations in this country with two kids in tow. Money was tight but she wanted them to travel. They had to camp along the way to afford the trips.
She wants to load me in the car and do the same thing sans the camping. We both have done a great deal of camping in our lifetimes and think it is wonderful but are happy to enjoy the type of camping you can have at the Hilton. We are not giving up on Europe, however. I have enjoyed taking groups to Europe over the years and developed a list of tips for travel there. They are published below.
Whether it is your first time overseas or not I would suggest using a travel professional. Prime Time Travel is our choice here in Edmond and they are the official travel agency for Edmond Life & Leisure. Their staff, especially Mendy, do an excellent job of getting you where you need to go, and their knowledge of Europe is extensive. Any agency can plan a cruise to Mexico for you, but you need an experienced professional that know Europe to get you the best bang for your time and money. Rail travel should be booked before you go because the rates are cheaper booking from the United States.
Here are a few tips to pass along to you before your big adventure. Call the credit card companies of the cards you are going to be taking. Let them know when you are gone and in what countries. The security systems are so strict that if you use your card in a foreign country or outside of your normal spending pattern, they will put a hold on your card. It could be a problem to straighten out on the road but putting a travel alert a week ahead of time will solve any potential problems.
Check with your bank card to make sure your debit card will work in Europe. Cash machines are commonplace and have made travel a snap without having to carry a lot of cash. The money machine gives you
Euros (pounds in Britain) thus avoiding an exchange fee. Also, if your pin is not a four-digit number, make it before you leave. Some machines in Europe only accept a 4-digit code and not letters.
While you are in Europe, use your credit card as much as you can. The first year we went I took a lot of cash and tried not to use my credit card.
Write down all your important phone numbers on a separate piece of paper. Keep one copy with you and the other in your suitcase. This information would include important telephone numbers, credit card phone numbers in case you lose your card, passport number, emergency phone numbers, local bank number, cruise line number, Travel agent’s number, airline number and such. The toll-free number on the back of your credit card is not the number you will need to call if you have a problem in Europe. You will need to call them or go online and get the international number to call if there is a problem. Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. It will make things easier if you do lose your passport. You can put these documents in the cloud as well so you can retrieve them from any computer.
Your cell phone should work in
Europe if it is on the GSM network. However, you will need to check with your cell company to make sure your international service plan is in place. They charge a small monthly fee for this, but it saves you a lot of money on international minutes.
Secure all your travel documents in a money belt or neck wallet. This should include cruise documents, passport, airline tickets and information, credit cards, debit card and driver’s license etc. This information should NOT be packed with your luggage that is checked. It needs to stay with you on the plane and not out of your sight.
MEN…TAKE A MONEY BELT. Do not think you can keep your valuables including money, credit cards, and passport safe in your wallet. I have heard some men say, “Oh, I just put my wallet in my front pocket.” Mistake. There are a variety of money belts available from travel stores
A small backpack can be an immense help. Carry water, suntan lotion, tissues, wine, bread, etc. in them. But do not carry valuables or documents in them. They are for stuff you can afford to lose and not valuable.
Money is in the euro except in Britain. If your bank does not offer the service, there are web sites you can go to order some money
through before you go. You can wait until you land at the airport and exchange a few euros there. The rate is not good so just get about $100 dollars or so. This will give you cab fare and money to eat on if you need to wait until your room is ready. You can be sure of one thing, every time you exchange money, you lose. It will cost you. So, do not exchange too much at one time and use your credit or debit card as much as possible.
Check with your health insurance company on what it covers while out of the country. Usually, you pay for any medical services while out of the country and they reimburse you at some sort of rate when you return. There is also a variety of travel insurance that you can purchase separately to cover any situation you may have. Talk to your travel or insurance agent about what is available.
In most cases, you will leave the United States in the late afternoon or evening and arrive in Europe the next morning. On the flight over, eat light, drink lots of water and try and get some sleep. You may want to ask your doctor about a sleeping pill that will help you sleep. Do not drink alcohol on the flight over. Eat fruit and salads. Skip the movie and get some sleep.
DO NOT Check prescription drugs. Keep them in the original containers from the pharmacy so they can be easily identified. Keep them with you in your carry-on luggage. You may want to make copies of your prescriptions so that you can get them replaced easier.
Put in your suitcase a piece of paper with the address of your destination in Europe so that if it gets opened by security or lost, it will find you easier. Just fill out the information on a large piece of paper and put it on top of the luggage before you close the case. Electronic tags are good too.
ONLY DRINK BOTTLED WATER. Do not drink the tap water in a restaurant or at the hotel. In fact, we brush our teeth with bottled water. I do know that when you see the locals drinking water in a local restaurant, they order bottled water. You will be asked if you want gas or no gas. This is not a reference to the meal you are about to eat. What they want to know is if you want carbonated water or only plain filtered water
(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure, may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)
Ray Hibbard
Finding acceptance & friends
Oasis Clubhouse makes big difference for those with mental illness
By Rose Drebes
People struggling with mental illnesses can find peace and purpose at the Oasis Clubhouse in Edmond.
The Oasis Clubhouse was founded in October 2024. Executive Director Paige Chamberlain said the force behind starting the organization rose out of a group of people who have loved ones with serious mental illness.
“People with mental illness tend to isolate due to not being ‘socially accepted’ at places such as church, work and in their own families,” she said. “I really can only speak for my situation. My daughter has bi-polar I with psychosis. Despite her beauty, her desire to be socially-involved with friendships, her writing and speaking talents, she tends to isolate due to her mental illness.
“She has experienced rejection, due to her mental illness, with some family members, church people, at work and with some friends. It has been hard for her to finish a college semester and to hold down a job since her diagnosis. Oasis Clubhouse is a place that people diagnosed with a brain disorder can come and be accepted, get involved and have the human interaction we all need.”
Clubhouse International is an organization of more than 360 similar programs worldwide.
“The clubhouse model is designed to empower a sense of purpose and self-worth and assist individuals to regain what they’ve lost due to their illness. The clubhouse model has been proven to increase employment opportunities, reduce incarcerations, improve the physical and mental health of members and reduce hospitalization.
Members re-establish as productive members of society and the community witnesses reduced costs of treating individuals with mental illness. Oasis improves the well-being of individuals diagnosed with mental illness by removing them from isolation, providing community and purpose, Chamberlain said.
Clubhouse membership is open to any adult with a history of mental illness, she said. Fundamentally, having membership in an organization means an individual has both shared ownership and responsibility for success. Being a part of Oasis means to belong and have a welcoming, safe place.
“For a person living with the effects of mental illness, these simple things cannot be taken for granted,” Chamberlain said.
Becoming a member is simple. She said there is a short two-page application online. The only requirement is that you are an adult whose primary diagnosis is a mental illness. Oasis is not a place for the developmentally or intellectually disabled, Chamberlain said.
“Once the application is mailed in, emailed or dropped off, we call the new member and schedule them to come in for an orientation,” she said. “This will allow them to understand what the clubhouse offers as well as how they can utilize it,” she said. There are currently 17 members.
The daily activity of a clubhouse is organized around a structured system known as the work-ordered day, she said. There are no clinical therapies or treatment-oriented programs in the clubhouse. Staff engage members in side-by-side work on a voluntary basis. A person’s level of functioning does
not disqualify them from trying something new and all work is accessible to all members.
Board members are the guiding force, Chamberlain said. They all have loved ones who struggle with the effects of living with mental illness.
“The board members recognized that a diagnosis of serious mental illness has a devastating effect on the well-being and self when this occurs,” Chamberlain said. “The board saw that there needed to be a place where individuals with mental illness could regain their self-worth -- a place they are welcomed, a place they are needed, a place where they can grow. After learning more about clubhouses, the board formed in late 2022 to open a clubhouse in Oklahoma County."
Sam Hewes, board president, explained, “Due to the efforts of our
amazing board with private donations and the financial help of ODMHSAS and with collaboration with the Edmond Mental Health Advisory Board we were able to hire staff with years of clubhouse experience, rent a super location and fully open.”
Chamberlain said she is seeing much progress in the members.
“Since the beginning, I’ve seen members come in nervous about being at new place and now they take ownership in Oasis,” she said. “I see them teach each other and myself new things and interact in positive ways. Watching members share their talents is exciting as it shows they are comfortable at Oasis.”
Member Bill Bullock said he is doing “beyond good. It has helped me with anxiety and loneliness, and boredom.” For more information, visit clubhouseok.org.
Integris delivers baby with rare condition
Lauren Cook was 28 weeks into her pregnancy with her second child, Bentley, when she went in for a routine checkup at Stillwater Medical Center, where she also works as a nurse. During the visit, an ultrasound uncovered an unusual birth defect: Her baby’s bowels could be seen floating outside of his body, suspended in amniotic fluid. Bentley would need surgery, and an extended NICU stay right after birth—scary news for any mother to hear about their unborn child.
A Rare Condition
“Gastroschisis is seen in only one in 4,000 births,” says Mitchell West, M.D., a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist (OBGYN) specializing in women’s health at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center. “It’s rare enough that an obstetrician might go their whole career without encountering it. Because the baby’s abdominal wall doesn’t close in development, the baby’s bowels protrude through the wall and outside of the body. If left untreated, it would be fatal.”
Lauren decided to transfer her care to INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center when the
gastroschisis was discovered. She knew of INTEGRIS Health through her husband, whose grandmother received a double lung transplant at Baptist, the first-ever lung transplant performed in the state of Oklahoma. Lauren and her family then reached out to Dr. West who is known to be an obstetrician comfortable delivering babies with gastroschisis.
While the condition itself is daunting for an expecting mother, Dr. West says the birth and procedure were routine in large part because of the resources and staffing available at Baptist to handle such unique cases.
Members of the Oasis Clubhouse in Edmond are a part of a community and are able to overcome the isolation often is associated with mental illness.
(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.)
Feb. 10
Basheer bin Dawud, 39 of Edmond. Speeding, carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol and drugs and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Rohnie Eugene Synder, 66 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, no proof of insurance, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and two misdemeanor warrants.
Tyler Robert Padgett, 30 of Oklahoma City. Possession of drug paraphernalia, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Erin Nicole Barman, 44 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia and trafficking in illegal drugs.
Feb. 11
Ellexia Monique Sembly, 29 of Oklahoma City. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.
Patrick Gabriel Bender, 52 of Edmond. Possess CDS and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Chad Stuart Ellis, 36 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Lee Jase Oberste, 45 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Colton Stone Jones, 22 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant and two counts of failure to appear.
Arthaniel Jamaal Conally, 55 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.
Blake Aaron Watts, 28 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor value) receiving stolen property.
Feb. 12
Cristal Adelle Lubbers, 45 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Robert Thomas Russell, 28 of Oklahoma City.
Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Tony Derric Garcia, 58 of Edmond. Shoplifting – petit larceny.
Jose Gabriel Montez, 32 of Oklahoma City. Disregarding signal light and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Austin Wayne Hayes, 34 of Mason, Texas. Operate (DUI or APC ) a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
Michael Joel Rivers, 43 of Amarillo, Texas. Public intoxication.
Feb. 13
Shamiyune Ronnell Tredwell, 43 of Choctaw. Operae (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
Layla Ann Shenwary, 55 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.
Jheovany Leonel Rodas-Ochoa, 48 of Oklahoma City. No proof of insurance, expired tag –over three months and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Feb. 14
Layla Ann Shenwary, 55, of Oklahoma City. Littering public places and non-assault resisting arrest.
David Len Atkinson, 31 of Yukon. Two felony warrants.
Shane Alexander Stoner, 29 of Oklahoma City. (Misdemeanor 1st and 2nd offense) larceny of merchandise from retailer, possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.
Feb. 15
Marcus Elliott Choate, 25 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Benjamin Donald Jobe, 33 of Edmond. Failure to appear and driving while privilege is canceled, spended, denied or revoked.
Brandon Scott Shepard, 38 of Edmond. Operat e (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Mark Wayne Boucher, 41 of Edmond. Felony warrant.
John Tramayne Adams, Jr. , 22 of Oklahoma City. Failure to appear.
Maurice Dewayne Knight, 39 of Edmond. Nonassault resisting arrest, false representation to an officer and public intoxication.
Michael Wayne Anthony Canales, 38 of Edmond. Stop sign violation, non-assault resisting arrest and operating a motor vehicle with no valid driver’s license.
Brittany Noel Helzer, 37 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Maddox Ryder Hogan, 19 of Oklahoma City. Disregard signal light, possession of marijuana and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Feb. 16
Lashonda Louise Lampkin-Rhodes, 54 of Oklahoma City. Driving without proper.valid driver’s license, no proof of insurance and expired tag –over three months.
Emily Michelle King, 21 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Asa Fletcher, 19 of Edmond. Possess CDS, carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.
Tesa Renee Potter, 27 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.
James Marvin Lamb II, 43 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.
Alan Lewis Craig, 62 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.
Tony Lee Finch, 41 of Edmond. Felony warrant.
Alexander Deandre Runner, 35 of Oklahoma City. Shoplifting – petit larceny.
Dashalla Tyiona Lockhart, 32 of Oklahoma City. Shoplifting – petit larceny
Billy Kalin Johnson, 40 homeless. Two counts of failure to appear.
Tina Joy Williams, 68 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and false representation to an officer.
Lydia Opal Justis, 41 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.
Travis Don Horton, 30 homeless. Non-assault resisting officer and trespassing.
Nathan Lee Griffin, 30 of Edmond. Possess CDS and trespassing after being forbidden.
Asa Lamar Chandler, 37 of Guthrie. (Felony) malicious injury or destruction of property, obstruction of police officer, possess CDS and failure to appear.
48 arrested
Weekend Calendar of Events Feb 27- March 2
Weekend Calendar of Events Feb 27-March 3
In the Gallery
---- Indoor Edmond Farmer’s Market
---- Board Game Night
---- Karaoke Thursdays
---- Acoustic Nights
---- Beer + Yoga
---- Books + Board Games
---- Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered
---- Cinch Timed Event Championship
---- UCO Jazz Lab
---- A Night of Bill Withers – Adam Aguilar w Kendrik McKinney Quartet
---- Gladys Kight in Concert
---- Explore the Code: Lisa Sorrell: Women’s History Month
---- Lyric Theatre presents: “Waitress”
---- Oklahoma Shakespeare presents: Penelope
---- Backwoods Hunting & Fishing Expo
---- Civic Center Music Hall presents: “Bonded – License to Dance”
---- Oklahoma Women’s History Conference
---- Oklahoma Gun Show
---- Canterbury Voices presents: The Sacred Veil
---- Gypsy Soul Holistic Fair
---- Bronchothon Car Show
Extra Information
In the Gallery
Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute
Extra Info: Gallery is open Mon –Thu; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Free; Featuring artwork of local artist Brad McNeill; edmondfinearts.com
Indoor Edmond Farmer’s Market
Location: Festival Market Place and Farmers Market
Extra Info: Sat, Nov 9 – Sat, Mar 22; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Free; edmondok.com
Board Game Night
Location: MAC in Mitch Park
Extra Info: recurring monthly on the 1st Saturday through Sat, Dec 6, 2025; edmondokcivicrec.com
Karaoke Thursdays
Location: The Frosted Mug, 1333 N Santa Fe Ave, Suite 107, Edmond, Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Thursday; Free; 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.; frostedmugedmond.com
Acoustic Nights
Location: The Frosted Mug, 1333 N Santa Fe Ave, Suite 107, Edmond, OK
Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Friday; 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Free; frostedmugedmond.com
Beer + Yoga
Location: American Solera – Icehouse
Project
Extra Info: Recurring monthly on the 2nd Sunday; Free 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.; americansolera.com
Books + Board Games
Location: American Solera – Icehouse
Project
Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Thursday; Free; 7 p.m.; americansolera.com
Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered Location: Armstrong Auditorium
Extra Info: Recurring daily until Thu, Apr 10; Free; armstrongauditorium.org
Cinch Timed Event
Championship Location: Lazy E Arena
Extra Info: Wed, Feb 26 – Sat, Mar 1; lazye.com
UCO Jazz Lab
Location: University of Central Oklahoma – Jazz Lab
Extra Info: Fri, Feb 28: $20; Souled Out @ 8 p.m.; Sat, Mar 1; $15; Smilin’ Vic @ 7 p.m.; calendar.uco.edu
A Night of Bill Withers – Adam Aguilar w Kendrik McKinney Quartet
Location: Round Midnight
Extra Info: Sun, Mar 2; $25 ---- $40; 7 – 9 p.m.; eventbrite.com
Gladys Knight in Concert
Location: Riverwind Casino
Extra Info: Fri, Feb 28; 8 p.m.; riverwind.com
Explore the Code: Lisa Sorrell: Women’s History Month
Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Extra Info: Sat, Mar 1; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; nationalcoeboymuseum.org
Lyric Theatre presents: “Waitress”
Location: Plaza Theatre
Extra Info: Wed, Feb 12 – Sun, Mar 2; Wed & Thu: 7:30 p.m.; Fri: 8 p.m.; Sat 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Sun: 2 p.m.; lyrictheatreokc.com
Oklahoma Shakespeare presents: Penelope
Location: Paseo Indoor Theatre
Extra Info: Thu, Feb 20 – Sun, Mar 2; Thu: 7:30 p.m.; Fri & Sat: 8 p.m.; Sun: 2 p.m.; okshakes.org
Backwoods Hunting & Fishing Expo
Location: OKC Fairgrounds, Extra Info: Fri, Feb 28 – Sun, Mar 2; Fri: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; backwoodsshow.com
Civic Center Music Hall Presents: “Bonded – License to Dance”
Location: Civic Center Music Hall
Extra Info: Fri, Feb 28 – Sat, Mar 1; 7 – 9:30 p.m.; okcciviccenter.com
Oklahoma Women’s History Conference
Location: Oklahoma History Center
Extra Info: Sat, Mar 1; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; okhistory.org
Oklahoma Gun Show
Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds
Extra Info: Sat, Mar 1 – Sun, Mar 2; Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. –4 p.m.; oklahomagunshows.com
Canterbury Voices presents: The Sacred Veil
Location: Civic Center Music Hall
Extra Info: Sat, Mar 1; 7:30 p.m.; okcciviccenter.com
Gypsy Soul Holistic Fair
Location: OKC Fairgrounds
Extra Info: Sat, Mar 1 – Sun, Mar 2; Sat: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: 11 a.m. –5 p.m.; okcfairgrounds.com
Senior Living Truth Series set March 4
Seminar to offer homeowners selling insights
Selling a home in today’s ever-changing market can be a complex process, particularly for longtime homeowners considering an “as-is” sale. With shifting real estate trends and an increase in cash buyers, understanding the implications of selling a home in its current condition is crucial.
Even if you never plan to sell, life can be unpredictable, and circumstances change. Whether for yourself or to help a friend or family member, understanding the ins and outs of selling “as-is” ensures you’re prepared for whatever the future holds This is especially true for longtime homeowners faced with repairs and updates. There is an attraction to the idea of selling “as-is” and simply walking away, avoiding the expense and frustration of the make-ready process. Some view this option as a more attractive alternative than a traditional real estate listing.
An upcoming educational seminar aims to equip homeowners with essential knowledge about the home-selling process, focusing on “as-is” sales. Attendees will gain expert insights into real estate fundamentals and learn strategies to navigate today’s market with confidence.
“The Truth about Selling As-Is: What Longtime Homeowners Need to Know” will be Tuesday, March 4th, at 10:00am in The Purple Room at
Francis Tuttle Technology Center, 12777 N. Rockwell Ave, OKC OK 73120
A panel of industry professionals will break down complex real estate concepts and provide candid advice on the selling process. Whether preparing to sell or simply weighing options, homeowners will leave with valuable tools to make informed decisions.
Key topics covered will include:
l The true meaning of terms like “as-is” and “fair market value.”
l Closing costs, commissions, and seller concessions.
l When to update a home before selling - and when to skip renovations.
l How to assess cash offers from investors.
l The roles of real estate agents, appraisers, and inspectors.
Panelists include Chris Buckelew Broker of Buckelew Realty Group and Becky Seda and Shannon Stiger of Seda Real Estate Group with Keller Williams Realty Green Meadow. The seminar will be moderated by Dr. Nikki Buckelew, co-host and founder of the Senior Living Truth Series.
“People are trying to save money and make the process easier,” Buckelew said. “It’s unfortunate
that sometimes what they think will be a simple sale actually ends up costing them not only more money, but frustration and time as well. Without an advocate and guide to direct the process, people are often taken advantage of.”
Seda said, “Home sellers may not always understand what an as-is sale means to different people. A home may need some TLC, but that doesn’t mean it should be marketed as-is.”
Experienced agents, particularly those who are accustomed to helping seasoned homeowners, can provide guidance regarding the items that need to be handled to maximize equity, as well as things that may not need to be addressed before selling. Homeowners who ultimately decide to sell their home to an investor are still encouraged to seek the guidance of a licensed real estate professional.
“A home may eventually sell to an investor; however, by having a qualified licensed real estate agent representing their interests, sellers can better deter bad actors and ensure that investor purchasers follow through on their contractual obligations,” Seda said.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get the facts about selling “as-is” and ensure you’re prepared to make the best choice for your future. Registration is open at https://seniorlivingtruthseries.com.
Becky Seda of Seda Real Estate Group with Keller Williams Realty Green Meadow, left, and Dr. Nikki Buckelew, co-host and founder of the Senior Living Truth Series, collaborate the upcoming serminar.
The ugly truth on bullying
Bullying is a matter of life and death for many. It's an issue that gets headlines, but few take action about the issue to create change for the better. One man, Kirk Smalley, has made it his mission to take on bullying and make people realize the critical issue that it is. He was called to this after his 11-year-old son committed suicide after he was suspended from school for retaliating against a bully. The mental health impact from bullying is so dire on the nation's youth that it is important everyone be aware and try and address it.
"I don’t want other parents to go through what I have gone through with losing my son to bullying,” says Kirk Smalley, co-founder of Stand for the Silent. "Bullying is a serious issue that causes major mental health issues in our youth, who then grow up to become adults who may suffer from mental health issues. We need to get this under control now.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a national survey found that 28% of middle schools, 15% of high schools, and 10% of elementary schools report the occurrence of bullying at least once per week. Millions of youth are being bullied each week across schools around the country. Add to that all the cyberbullying that takes place online outside of school hours, and it’s easy to see what a sizeable issue this has become.
Bullying takes a toll on the mental health of those involved, including the person being bullied and the ones doing the bullying. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, mental health challenges are the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young people. They report that there has been a significant increase in certain mental health issues in young people, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
Here are crucial things people need to know about how bullying impacts mental health in our youth:
Those who are bullied. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), those who are bullied are at an increased risk for depression, anxiety, fear, and withdrawal from social contact. They are also at an increased risk for anger, aggression, and conduct problems and may engage in more risky behavior.
Those who do the bullying. The NIH also reports that there are mental health consequences for the person who does the bullying. Those who bully are also at greater risk for depression. Specific issues can make it more likely that someone will become a bully.
According to research published in the International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, a number of family characteristics are associated with bullying, including authoritarian parenting styles. This type of parenting style, according to the research, is closely related to bullying. Parents seek to control the child without allowing for discussion. It's a parenting style associated with high levels of behavioral control with strict punishment if the rules are not followed.
“We are all impacted by bullying in one way or another, especially when it impacts our youth’s mental health the way it does,” added Smalley. “We all need to come together to address this issue and make it a better community and culture for our children to grow up in. We are happy to help make that happen!”
Research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry shows that children who have greater support for autonomy at ages 4 and 5 are related to reducing bullying. To give younger children more autonomy, parents can give them more control over their lives, including doing ageappropriate tasks. At ages 4-5, children can help make breakfast, choose their clothes, be offered choices, have their feelings validated, help make decisions, etc.
How Sen. Markwayne Mullin became a confidant to President Donald Trump
By Ian Kullgren
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) is an unconventional leading ally for President Donald Trump. As Trump prepared to return to Washington, plenty of Republicans with higher profiles and deeper pockets were jockeying to be his congressional facilitator-in-chief.
To understand Mullin’s rise from congressman to senator to Trump confidant, it must be recognized this isn’t a relationship built on politics — rather one forged in the deeply personal throes of a tragedy deferred.
In early 2020, Mullin’s 15-year-old son, Jim, suffered a life-threatening blow to the head while wrestling, his pulse faint as paramedics airlifted him to a Tulsa hospital. When Trump learned what Mullin’s family was facing, he began calling.
He never stopped.
“He was at rehab for 18 months,” Mullin said in an interview with Bloomberg Government on Capitol Hill. “The president called every week. He flew to Bakersfield, California, to see him. He offered to help us financially, which we didn’t need, but he offered to help us financially with it. He still asks about him. Every time we talk, he still asks how my boy is doing.”
“You just see a different side of the guy. Not everybody sees it.”
‘Significant Relationship’
Mullin’s bond with the president has positioned him to be one of the most influential lawmakers in Trump’s second term, with both a direct line to the president and congressional ties to help shape his legislative agenda. He stuck by Trump during the times when the president’s political career seemed over — through Jan. 6, a second impeachment, and the barrage of criminal charges. In doing so, as Trump returned to the White House, Mullin had demonstrated the attribute he values above all: loyalty.
“There’s no question he has a significant relationship with the president,” Rep. Jason Smith (R-
Mo.), Mullin’s close friend and roommate in Washington, told Bloomberg Government. “I know that to be certain.”
On the surface, Trump and Mullin look like opposites. Trump, as a boy in New York, had a chauffeur, while Mullin grew up with six siblings in rural Oklahoma.
The Oklahoman wears squaretoed cowboy boots, a look his male staffers copy but one Trump wouldn’t be caught dead in. “And no, I don’t play golf,” Mullin said.
Despite lacking the name recognition of some of Trump’s other allies, his close ties to the House — where he served for a decade before becoming one of the youngest senators at 45 years old in 2023 — give him a level of influence across the Capitol few senators have.
Mullin still leads a bipartisan workout group at 6:30 a.m. in the House gym, a group that included former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), who was confirmed on Wednesday as Trump’s director of National Intelligence, and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. It has become his forum for maintaining relationships and building new ones, Smith said.
“There’s not one senator over there that has better relationships with as many House members as Markwayne, and there is not a senator over there that campaigned more for Donald Trump,” Smith said.
Frequent Fighter
At the same time, he’s one of Trump’s most effective attack dogs. He posts on X frequently — often more than a dozen times a day — defending the administration’s policies, talking up his nominees, and slapping down the “woke” mob out to get Trump.
He spent weeks on the road campaigning for Trump last fall, and as a citizen of the Cherokee
Chow down on carrot’s cousin
By Carol Smaglinski
Perhaps parsnips might not make it into your grocery cart as they are not everyone’s cup of tea and some picky eaters would not touch them with a 10-ft. pole!
But once tried, a person might be convinced of their unique sweet, nutty flavor and do it again.
Parsnips look somewhat like tapering albino carrots with beige-white skin and green tops that resemble feathers.
Parsnips are just part of the potpourri family of roots and tubers grown underground. Other buddies are carrots, turnips, beets, sweet and regular potatoes, which can be eaten without a speck of guilt.
Anyone of the aforementioned vegetables are anything but fancy, but so imperative to our success in the kitchen.
But parsnips have a fancy Latin name, pastinaca sativa, and translates to “cultivated food.” Early colonists in New England had a rule: No one could unearth the parsnips until after the first frost. They believed that parsnips were poisonous until they were frozen. But that rumor was discarded as they discovered deep cold improved their flavor and would turn their starch into sugar, and they mashed them like potatoes.
Tubers are among the farmer’s favorite to grow because while underground, their skins toughen. They store easily and ship to grocery stores in tiptop condition.
I doubt if you would ever find any mention of the broad-shouldered parsnips in the Guide Michelin, the food bible for restaurant lovers.
No French cook bothers with parsnips, but that is not true in England, where they are adored. In Medieval times, it even had a reputation as an aphrodisiac.
Young chefs today use parsnips, cousins to the carrot, that are firm and not flabby. (the veggie, not the chef!) If parsnips have green tops, cut those off as soon as possible as green growth drains moisture and nutrients from the roots, a good source of potassium. Check for bruises and cut those off and use the parsnips quickly.
Parsnips are easier to peel after they have been cooked and they almost always should be peeled. So, boil them
whole and unpeeled, for anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on their size and how they feel after being pricked with a fork. Cut-up thinner ones might require less time, 5 to 10 minutes. Or, steam for 25 to 30 minutes if left whole, but 20 to 30 minutes if cut- up. Keep fresh ones under refrigeration in a plastic bag and they will stay fresh for about two weeks at best.
The following recipe is a tasty partnership, but if you are in a hurry, and have cooked parsnips in your refrigerator, warm them up, and reach for the jar of ready-made honey mustard and squirt it over the tops. The parsnips are good with fish, not only in stews.
Dijon Mustard Parsnips
1 lb. whole parsnips, scrubbed with both ends trimmed
3 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 whole garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. honey
3 Tbsp. rum
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Meanwhile, cook the parsnips in salted boiling water for 7 to 8 minutes until a little tender. Drain, peel and cut each parsnip lengthwise into quarter-inch thick slices.
Butter a shallow baking dish, and lay the parsnip strips in a single layer. Bake for about 10 minutes until tender.
Meanwhile, make the sauce by melting butter over low heat in a small saucepan. Add the mustard, garlic, honey and rum slowly and allow to cook for about 5 minutes. Brush the sauce over the parsnips and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Heat up the broiler and put the dish in for just a minute or so for a little browning.
Top with chopped parsley if desired.
Nation, he’s one of the few Native Americans in Congress — an attribute that has made him a credible attack dog in Trump’s anti-DEI crusade.
“I grew up in Indian Country, living on the same land my ancestors were forced to move to,” Mullin posted on X last month. “I was born with bowed [legs] and a bad speech impediment. I lived in a barn. I NEVER let that be an excuse.”
Mullin also played a pivotal role in getting some of Trump’s nominees across the line, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services, according to a senior White House official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy. The official described him as working tirelessly and being “energetic” in advancing Trump’s goals.
“President Trump loves people who are fighters,” said Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.). “Clearly, Markwayne Mullin is a fighter.”
Mullin’s pugilistic nature was on show in 2023 when he threatened to fight Teamsters President Sean O’Brien during a committee hearing. The two nearly came to blows until Sen. Bernie Sanders (IVt.) intervened. The clip went viral on social media, raising the profile of both men.
As far as the president is concerned, Mullin has distinguished himself as a resource, Justin Clark, a former Trump White House official who later worked for Mullin’s campaign, said. He is one of a few senators who had direct access to Trump, meaning he can call him directly rather than go through handlers, and has established a regular back-and-forth where the two exchange ideas.
Yet despite that access, Mullin doesn’t over-communicate — even as countless others constantly fight to get in the president’s ear.
Mullin said he talks to Trump a few times a week. The two had spoken that morning, he said. However, Mullin wouldn’t say what was discussed — offering a hint at why the relationship has blossomed.
“There’s a trust factor there, too,” he said.
Mullin
When dreams come true
By Steve Gust
The new $400 million Okana Resort and Indoor Waterpark, near the First Americans Museum, is a great addition for the metro.
Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side Illegal Immigration Agreements with feds on issue
It’s really been amazing to witness the growth in tourism and attractions over many years. Does anyone remember downtown Oklahoma City about 30 or 40 years ago? When the business day ended, the downtown area cleared out pretty quickly. And then Bricktown and all the MAPS developments came along.
They finally built a baseball park although naming it took a while. At first it was going to be named after a casino. There was some pushback to that. It’s the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The teams have had name changes as well. We went from the Fairgrounds and 89ers to the Redhawks, Dodgers and now the Comets. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it change again.
One of the biggest moves was when we managed to host the New Orleans Pelicans basketball team. The Katrina Hurricane in 2005 left the team without a home. Someone in the NBA was probably impressed with the way we supported the
team. After New Orleans moved home, the Seattle franchise became the OKC Thunder. As I write this, the Thunder are leading their division by eight games. I really admire people of vision who invest their creativity, time and money to bring such projects to reality. And there are many more I didn’t mention. That’s a job well done.
—-
Everyone knows the government has to somehow cut spending. A $40 trillion deficit is completely out of hand and unsustainable.
Cutting government jobs has proven to be more difficult than originally thought to be.
I would caution people not to think that all government employees are expendable. They aren’t.
During the cost-cutting, remember that honest-to-goodness people work these jobs and most of them are needed.
Remote jobs get a bad rep by some. Seems to me a remote worker can save the government money. They don’t have to pay for relocation and a remote worker probably stays on a lot longer.
(Steve Gust, editor of Edmond Life & Leisure, may be reached at
Last week, Governor Kevin Stitt announced that the State of Oklahoma has officially finalized three agreements with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, granting state law enforcement agencies enhanced authority to enforce federal immigration laws under Operation Guardian. Through these agreements, the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN), and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) will work alongside Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to identify, arrest, and remove criminal illegal aliens from Oklahoma.
"Law enforcement can't do their jobs with one hand tied behind their back. By working directly with ICE, our law enforcement officers now have additional tools to keep dangerous criminals off our streets and protect Oklahomans," said Governor Stitt. "Oklahoma is proud to lead the way in strengthening border security from the state's side and enforcing the rule of law."
Under the authority granted by the
Immigration and Nationality Act, specially trained officers from each agency will be able to:
Interrogate individuals about their immigration status and process those arrested for state or federal crimes for immigration violations.
Arrest individuals without a warrant if they are suspected of violating immigration laws and are likely to evade capture.
Serve and execute arrest warrants for immigration violations.
Issue immigration detainers and assist in the transport of illegal aliens to ICE detention facilities.
The agreements also outline rigorous training and oversight, requiring participating officers to complete federal training and operate under ICE supervision when enforcing immigration laws.
“This is a significant step in ensuring Oklahoma is not a safe haven for criminal illegal migrants,” said DPS Commissioner Tim Tipton. “By working hand-in-hand with ICE, our troopers will have the authority to take decisive action against those who threaten public safety.”
With these agreements in place, Oklahoma becomes one of the first states to fully integrate multiple state law enforcement agencies into ICE-led task forces, reinforcing the state’s role in fighting illegal immigration and protecting communities.
.—— House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, attended the grand opening of the Chickasaw Nation’s OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark.
“Congratulations to the Chickasaw Nation on the grand opening of OKANA,” Leader Munson said. “This project is a shining example of the tribe’s continued commitment to creating new economic opportunities, promoting tourism, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens of the Chickasaw Nation and all Oklahomans.
“OKANA is not just a world-class destination for fun and relaxation, but also a testament to the vision and leadership of Governor Anoatubby. I’m excited to see how this new venture will positively impact the Chickasaw Nation, the City of Oklahoma City, and the State of Oklahoma for years to come.”
Marissa Murrow Act passes first house panel
Legislation honoring Marissa Murrow, a college student tragically killed by a drunk driver, would fix what the author calls "a serious oversight" in current law that "risks the lives of our loved ones."
On Oct. 3, 2020, Murrow, a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), was in a head-on collision with a drunk driver who had been overserved alcohol at a wedding venue.
Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, who represents Murrow's hometown, filed House Bill 2369 to require bartenders serving alcohol at event venues to hold a separate license. The bill would also require bartenders to undergo training to help identify inebriation in customers. The Act would also require that all beer and wine served at an event venue must be served by an ABLE-licensed caterer or event bartender licensee.
"The Marissa Murrow Act is an additional step toward saving young people's lives," Hill said. "According to Victims of Impaired Drivers, an average of nine Oklahomans lose their lives to drivers
under the influence of drugs or alcohol every week. By closing the loophole that exists in our current laws, we can keep our families and children safer."
Marissa’s parents, Jeff and Kristy Murrow, are constituents of Hill and have been tireless advocates for this policy since their daughter's death.
"In 2023, Oklahoma hosted 24,457 special events & receptions serving over 12 million alcoholic beverages. Most of these were served at unlicensed businesses" the Murrows said. "House Bill 2369 was introduced to protect the public traveling on Oklahoma roads by requiring proper ABLE licensing and enhanced training for bartenders to recognize signs of impairment while serving alcohol at these events. As a family that has experienced first-hand the consequences when accountability and training are less than optimal, it is our hope that other families can be spared the tragedy of losing a loved one to impaired driving."
"This is a public safety issue for our children, families and communities and we cannot continue
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to sit by as more lives are put at risk," Hill said. "Our kids are worth it."
"Drunk driving kills far too many people in our state and rips apart the lives of family members and other loved ones," said Speaker Pro Tempore Anthony Moore, R-Clinton. "If we can stop one death, the training required in this bill will have been well worth our efforts. I'm thankful to Representative Hill for taking on this legislation, and I express my deepest condolences to the family of Marissa Murrow."
The new Event Bartender License would be a $50 annual fee and would take effect Nov. 1, 2025.
Previous versions of the Marissa Murrow Act were filed in 2023 and 2024 but did not progress through the entire legislative process.
HB2369 passed the House Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances Committee 5-1 on Wednesday and must be passed by the House Health & Human Services Oversight Committee before it can be heard on the House floor.
Trying to protect renters
Last week, Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, passed HB 1945 unanimously out of the Civil Judiciary Committee.
The bill requires landlords, owners, and operators of public lodging such as apartments and hotels with at least five rental units or properties to subject all employees to a background screening as a condition of employment. It also requires landlords, owners, and operators to maintain a log that tracks the issuance and return of keys for all uni ts.
“Renters and tenants deserve to feel safe in their own home, which is why I am thankful the committee unanimously agreed to get this bill passed,” McCane said. “
a.m.-5 p.m.,
UCO will host orientation for new students
The University of Central Oklahoma will host New Broncho Orientation for new students from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., May 13, 15, 19, 21 and 22; June 23, 24, 25 and 30; and July 2, 8, 10, 22, 24 and 30, on Central’s Campus.
New Broncho Orientation is an integral part of the transition for students coming to UCO. During the one-day event, attendees will have the opportunity to meet fellow students, learn about campus resources and how to get involved at Central, meet with an academic advisor and enroll in courses.
“New Broncho Orientation is a great way for all
incoming Bronchos to get a head start on their time here at UCO,” said Kay Robinson, Ed.D., assistant vice president of Student Affairs at UCO.
“It offers them the opportunity to not only register and prepare for courses but also helps them to make connections with others in the Central community.”
New Broncho Orientation is required for all incoming UCO students. If incoming students scored below a 19 on any section of the ACT, or did not take the ACT, they will need to take a placement test before attending UCO. If an incoming student
Vet of the week honored
Col. Lynn Wilson last week was recognized as the Veteran of the Week in the Oklahoma House of Representatives by Reps. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, and Nicole Miller, R-Edmond.
Wilson was born in Walters, OK, graduated from Southern Nazarene University, and enlisted in the Marines in 1965. He served his country for 28 years, beginning in Vietnam. Later he was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corp in Washington, D.C., as the head of air and ground personnel. He also served as the assistant chief of staff in Okinawa, Japan, and finished at Camp Smith, Hawaii.
"We are so proud and grateful for Colonel Wilson's dedicated service to our nation," Crosswhite Hader and Miller said in a joint statement. "His willingness to sacrifice so much and
put his life in peril for the sake of our freedoms is deeply appreciated."
Wilson until recently was a neighbor of Crosswhite Hader's but now lives in Miller's House District.
Crosswhite Hader described Wilson as not only a veteran but a dedicated public servant who convinced her to serve with him in their local Lion's Club. She said he often mowed a neighborhood park himself so money saved could be spent on other projects.
Crosswhite Hader and Miller presented Wilson with a flag flown over the State Capitol in his honor and a citation that was read on the House floor.
Attending the ceremony were Wilson's wife Jo An and daughters Cheri Hansen and Kimberly Hough along with other family members and friends.
He served his country for 28 years, beginning in Vietnam.
needs to take a placement test, contact UCO Testing Services at testingservices@uco.edu or call 405974-2388.
UCO continues to accept applications for the 2025-26 academic year. Prospective students should visit apply.uco.edu to submit their application. Once accepted to the university, admitted students will receive a notification regarding registration for a New Broncho Orientation session. For more information and to register for New Broncho Orientation, visit go.uco.edu/NBO.
The University of Central Oklahoma will host New Broncho Orientation for new students from 8
May 13, 15, 19, 21 and 22; June 23, 24, 25 and 30; and July 2, 8, 10, 22, 24 and 30, on Central’s Campus. Pictured, students attend a prior year orientation session.
Lawmakers honored Vet of the Week, Col. Lynn Wilson.
UCO College of Business students claim first place in government finance case challenge
University of Central Oklahoma College of Business students placed first overall in the undergraduate division of the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) 2024 Government Finance Case Challenge.
The virtual challenge, open to graduate and undergraduate students, aims to enhance participant's awareness of careers in government and the importance of government accountability and transparency. By analyzing financial data for an AGA-selected U.S. state, city or county government and developing a CitizenCentric Report (CCR), student teams learn how to convert large amounts of data into in-
formation for citizens to comprehend.
Central's team includes Hannah Dillon, a senior accounting major from Yukon,; Julissa Escobar, a senior accounting major from Warr Acres,; and Nate Moore, a senior accounting major from Yukon. The team was advised by Riley Shaull, instructor of accounting at UCO.
"After participating in the challenge, my team learned a lot about Maine and how important government accounting is, not just for the state, but also the citizens," Dillon said.
"The thing we most enjoyed was applying what we learned in the class to a real-world scenario.”
Additionally, members of the winning team and their advisor receive a $1,500 scholarship from AGA. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, AGA sets the standards for governmental accounting competence while connecting and empowering financial professionals who support the U.S. government or any governmental agency.
To learn more about AGA’s 2024 Government Finance Case Challenge and to view the team’s submission materials, visit go.uco.edu/AGAChallenge. For more information about the UCO College of Business, visit www.uco.edu/business.
Honor society inducts 31
The University of Central Oklahoma College of Business recently inducted 31 students into Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS), an international business honor society.
from Oklahoma City
Cullen Hogan, a junior accounting and finance major from Prosper, Texas
Nathan Howell, a junior accounting major from Guthrie, Oklahoma
To become a member of BGS at UCO, a student must be a sophomore or above, have completed 30 or more hours at UCO and be ranked among the top 10% of their class by GPA or a graduate student among the top 20% of their class having completed at least half of their program. Additionally, the student must be enrolled at a business school accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which includes only 6% of business schools worldwide.
"I am proud to recognize our exceptional scholars for their induction into Beta Gamma Sigma," said Jeremy Oller, J.D., Ph.D., dean of the UCO College of Business.
"This achievement is a testament to their outstanding academic excellence and positions them among an elite group of future business leaders."
UCO's 2024-25 Beta Gamma Sigma class, with majors and classifications at time of induction, includes:
Ashton Billings, a sophomore accounting major from Edmond,
Lisa Brown, a junior accounting major from Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Aaron Cox, a graduate student from Edmond, Oklahoma
Katy Croft, a sophomore accounting major from Stillwater, Oklahoma
Denis De Leon, a senior accounting major from Oklahoma City
Sara Feczer, a senior accounting major from Moore, Oklahoma
Tracey Frederick, a graduate student from Oklahoma City
Guadalupe Garza Jr., a graduate student from Ben Bolt, Texas
Sabrina Marie Goss, a graduate student from Edmond, Oklahoma
Geoffrey Hatcher, a graduate student
Anderson Huynh, a junior accounting major from Edmond, Oklahoma
Paige Jencik, a sophomore international business major from Edmond, Oklahoma
Patricia Justiniano de Graybill, a graduate student from Bryan, Texas
Stacey Kalaka, a senior management information systems major from Allen, Texas
Dohile Balla Kone, a graduate student from Abidjan, Cote D'Ivorie
Ruolan LaRue, a graduate student from Lanzhou, China
Ramsey Leonard, a sophomore accounting major from Edmond, Oklahoma
Madalyn McHale, a graduate student from Edmond, Oklahoma
Kimberly Mogg, a senior accounting student from Oklahoma City
Felicity Nelson, a senior marketing major from Oklahoma City
Erica Nofire, a graduate student from Norman, Oklahoma
Alejandro Zuniga, a junior economics major from Shawnee, Oklahoma
Terra Schofield, a sophomore accounting major from Edmond, Oklahoma
Sydney Shipman, a senior general business major from Cleveland, Oklahoma
Jerrod Stevenson, a sophomore human resources management major from Tulsa, Oklahoma
Peyton Weaver, a sophomore economics major from Yukon, Oklahoma
Dalton Wells, a senior marketing major from Oklahoma City
Blake Williams, a graduate student from Mustang, Oklahoma
John Wood, a senior insurance and risk management major from Oklahoma City
Since 1913, BGS has honored the highest-achieving students in business programs accredited by the AACSB worldwide. BGS is also a member of the Association of College Honor Societies.
University of Central Oklahoma College of Business students placed first overall in the undergraduate division of the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) 2024 Government Finance Case Challenge. Pictured, left to right, Julissa Escobar, a senior accounting major from Warr Acres, Nate Moore, a senior accounting major from Yukon and Hannah Dillon, a senior accounting major from Yukon.
Gardening safety for seniors
Longer hours of daylight and warming temperatures are hallmarks of spring and each of these variables do much to contribute to the reputation of a season that’s become synonymous with rejuvenation. After months spent confronting cold temperatures and huddling up indoors, people might find the welcoming conditions of spring irresistible, which compels many to spend more time outdoors.
There’s no shortage of things to do outside in spring, and the season marks a perfect time to reestablish one’s green thumb and get down and dirty in the garden. Gardening is a rewarding and healthy activity, though some, particularly seniors, may need to approach springtime sessions in the garden with a heightened degree of caution. Seniors can keep these health and safety tips in mind as they celebrate the return of spring and what that means for their gardens.
• Recognize that gardening is exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies gardening as a good form of exercise, and evidence supports the notion that gardening is a particularly beneficial form of physical activity. A 2024 metaanalysis published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry indicated that individuals who engaged in low levels of leisure time physical activities such as gardening are likely to have a lower risk of stroke than peers who are sedentary. It’s important to keep these findings in mind when gardening, which is perhaps more physically demanding than some may recognize. Seniors can approach gardening just like they would other forms of exercise, taking the same precautions, such as
stretching before and after each session and making a concerted effort to remain hydrated, while out in the garden.
• Incorporate rest into your garden routine. Rest is vital for anyone engaged in physical activity, including gardeners. Frequent breaks during gardening sessions can help avoid strains and sprains and provide opportunities to hydrate and get out of the sun. If possible, seniors can identify a shaded spot on their properties and place a bench there so they have somewhere to rest during gardening sessions.
• Utilize ergonomic gardening tools and other specialized products. The Center for Excellence in Disabilities at West Virginia University notes that ergonomics studies movements of a person’s body during physical activities in an effort to produce tools that ensure a task has as little physical impact on the body as possible. Ergonomic tools are designed to lower injury risk, improve efficiency and increase satisfaction that stems from performing a particular activity. Before each gardening season, seniors can inspect their existing tools and replace them with ergonomic alternatives, if necessary. In addition, seniors can utilize specialized products, including long-handled gardening tools that reduce the need to bend over or kneel down, to further reduce their risk of injury while working in the garden.
These simple strategies can ensure seniors’ springtime gardening sessions are as safe as they are rewarding.
METRO NEWS SERVICE
TSET produces videos to help teens make smart food choices
The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is introducing two new videos focused on youth nutrition through the TSET Healthy Youth Initiative. “Food Truth” will be live on social media channels through midMay, teaching teens how misleading snack labels can be. The new videos were released this week..
“Helping teens make healthier choices starts with meeting them where they are,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET’s executive director. “Through engaging content and relatable messaging, this message reveals the truths behind unhealthy foods and empowers young Oklahomans to take charge of their health.”
These videos are from Swap Up, a campaign focused on educating Oklahoma teens on healthy nutrition as part of the TSET Healthy Youth Initiative.
“Food Truth” features two videos that take a playful approach to its topic by spoofing classic detective noir shows. In both, teens interrogate breakfast foods, highlighting added
sugars and artificial ingredients. The spots encourage teens to choose real fruit instead, with no labels and only natural sugars.
When shown to Oklahoma teens, participants said they found the messaging believable, with many participants reporting motivation to look closer at food labels to better understand what they are eating.
“[The video] shows us the better option. People will say it's good in vitamins or minerals and everything, whenever it barely has any of that. You always have to go deeper and find out if what you’re eating is actually good for you or not,” said one teen participant.
To view “Food Truth” and other youth tobacco and obesity prevention messages, visit the TSET Healthy Youth Initiative website at TSETHealthyYouth.com. Additionally, TSET has free healthy youth resources for educators and health care providers available for order at TSETHealthyYouth.com/order.
RIVERSPORT’s spring break camp
RIVERSPORT’s Cox eSports Camp is back for spring break, offering kids ages 9-14 a mix of gaming and active experiences. The camp runs March 17-21 at the RIVERSPORT Whitewater Center. Participants will sharpen their gaming skills, engage in friendly competitions and experience the latest in VR sports.
Camp details
Games: Valorant, Overwatch 2 (rated T) and Marvel Rivals
VR spor ts: VR rowing & VR
kayaking
Activity breaks: Keep kids moving with structured off-screen activities
Expert coaching: Sessions led by experienced gamers and coaches
Cost: $375, fully refundable up to one week before camp
Sessions include expert-led training, gameplay and competition with breaks to encourage physical activity. Registration is open now. Visit https://www.riversportokc.org/camp s/esports-camps/ to sign up.
Movie review ‘The Gorge’
Not perfect but film has OK sci-fi action
By George Gust
“The Gorge” is Apple TV+’s newest original streaming film. Two highly trained operatives (Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy) become close after being sent to protect opposite sides of a mysterious gorge. When an evil emerges, they must work together to survive what lies within. One of the most serendipitous malfunctions in cinema history was the expensive robotic shark on the set of Steven Spielberg’s first blockbuster hit “Jaws.” This caused the director to build tension through clever editing and the promise of an unstoppable monster. “The Gorge” begins with an intriguing premise and a mysterious setting and air of shadow governmental conspiracy. The sweeping visual pallet of the titular gorge and the forest lined mountains are a beautiful backdrop for our capable protagonists to uncover what mysterious lie below. However, the modern filmmaking technology and storytelling to “The Gorge” give the second half of the movie a more ‘paint by numbers’ sci-fi action than the wild theories your imagination could concoct in the first half.
Where “The Gorge” succeeds is the chemistry between its two up-and-coming stars. We’ve been exposed to both Teller and Taylor-Joy since they were starring in teen focused films. And now “The Gorge” finds them graduating to a more mature fare. Throughout their early interactions across the mysterious valley they both harness their movie star charm to get you invested in their characters even while the dialogue is mostly limited to action movie character building cliches. But for however stock the writing is, they were able to bring you into the story and have you rooting for their love story even as
the story falls apart around them by the third act.
Overall, “The Gorge” is a decent sci-fi action movie that features engaging performances from its leads but ultimately lacks the depth that it thinks it has. The action sequences range from gripping to CGI cheese-fest, with the best parts involving the ingenuity of the protagonists. There are some interesting monster movie designs, that match the creepy tone the film was aiming for, but the creature design won’t stick with you long after viewing. There’s enough to like about “The Gorge” to recommend it as an entertaining weekend afternoon sci-fi thriller, but it will quickly fade from your memory.
“The Gorge” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, brief strong language, some suggestive material and thematic elements. Now streaming on Apple TV+
2.8 out of 5 stars.
(Contact George Gust for comment about these awards,, or any other motion pictures at gust.george@gmail.com)
Teller and Anya
on an
Carpenter Square sets performance
Carpenter Square Theatre proudly presents Silent Sky, a moving and thought-provoking play by Lauren Gunderson, running February 28 –March 16 at 1009 W Reno, Oklahoma City.
Hailed as “sheer magic” by the San Francisco Chronicle and “heavenly” by the Atlanta JournalConstitution, Silent Sky tells the true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, whose groundbreaking work changed the way we understand the universe—despite the societal barriers placed upon women in science.
As Henrietta begins her work at the Harvard Observatory, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a male astronomer who dismisses their theories. Balancing her passion for discovery with family obligations and the possibility of love, Henrietta’s journey shines a light on the struggles and triumphs of women whose contributions were overlooked—until now.
“Silent Sky is a startling, entertaining true story of a brilliant, historymaking woman—hitherto unknown to many of us.”
— Atlanta In Town
Pllease call 405.232.6500 to know more or buy tickets.
Miles
Taylor Joy shine in the mediocre sci-fi action thriller "The Gorge" that fails to deliver
interesting premise.
OKANA officially opens to public
Governor Anoatubby said the massive $400 million project continues the Chickasaw Nation’s commitment to create opportunities for tourism growth and economic momentum in Oklahoma and Oklahoma City.
“This ceremonious occasion offers a moment for us to reflect on the achievements made since breaking ground at the site in 2022,” Governor Anoatubby stated. “Cultural tourism has long been integral to our investment and enterprise strategy. We recognize the significance of the tourism industry for Oklahoma, given its inherent appeal as a destination for cultural tourism, showcasing both First American heritage and world-class attractions. We are confident that OKANA, First Americans Museum, and Horizons District will attract increased visitation to Oklahoma, functioning as both a destination and a hub for those interested in exploring other regional attractions.
The City of Oklahoma City has been an exceptional partner throughout every stage of OKANA's development, from initial conception to its ultimate construction, as we realize this shared vision. The Chickasaw Nation and Oklahoma City have consistently maintained a mutual respect and understanding that mutual bene-
fit is achieved through collaboration. We value our partnerships with other forward-thinking leaders and governments who are willing to engage in cooperative endeavors.”
Situated along the Oklahoma River near downtown Oklahoma City and adjacent to the First Americans Museum, OKANA is a world-class, luxury destination featuring:
An 11-story, 404-suite hotel with modern accommodations featuring seven distinct suite types
A 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, which is the largest in the region with a wave pool, lazy river, high-end cabanas, an adults-only pool, and 15 water slides for kids and adults
A 20,000-square-foot family entertainment center with interactive arcade games, two-story laser tag, an escape room and more
Approximately 27,000 squarefeet of conference center space
A full-service day spa
13 unique restaurant and beverage outlets
A 4.5-acre outdoor adventure area designed for relaxation and play that sits as the centerpiece of the resort with a lagoon that is the 4th largest pool in the country
Three outdoor event spaces with two amphitheaters
Buster Eugene “Bud” Fisher
Buster Eugene “Bud” Fisher was born September 23, 1937, in Shawnee, OK, to Chester Ray and Dovey Gay Fisher.
The family moved across several Oklahoma towns in Buster’s early years as they followed the state’s rapidly growing oil fields. This instilled a desire to be communityminded that defined Buster’s life as he served those around him wherever he went.
By 1944, the family had settled down in Edmond, Oklahoma. Ten years later, on his 17th birthday, Buster joined the Navy. He went on to earn his GED and complete Class “A” Machinist Mate School at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois. He joined the fleet aboard the USS Renville APA 227 in San Diego, California, serving on two tours across the globe to locations including Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Hong Kong and Eniwetok Island for Operation “Hardtack.” He was honorably discharged after four years of active and five years of inactive duty, finishing as a Machinist Mate Third Class.
During his time in the Navy, he married Marlene Monfre in 1955, with whom he shared a more than 50-year marriage and four children. After the birth of their first daughter, the couple moved to Milwaukee, WI, to be closer to family.
Buster spent his years in Milwaukee working as a repairman, Pennzoil salesman and opening his first business, Bud’s Spur Gasoline Service Station. He worked at his first glass sales job, where he was later promoted to general manager of all Milwaukee stores for the Globe Glass and Mirror, becoming “rookie manager of the year.” He moved with his family, now filled with four young children, to the Brown Deer suburb of Milwaukee, where he served as a volunteer firefighter, joined the Lions International, and chaired several community boards and committees.
The cold pushed Buster to move his family back to Oklahoma. Within a year of being back in Oklahoma, in 1976, he opened “AAA” Glass and Mirror. The successful business, located for years at 12th and Broadway and home of the big, blue, happy hippo landmark in Edmond, continues in the family for a third generation.
Buster’s zest for community found many outlets in Edmond. He ran for city council, and was
appointed to and eventually chaired the city’s Board of Appeals and Adjustments. SK Buster Fisher joined the Knights of Columbus in 1984 and was granted the status of Honorary Life Member for his 41 years of service. He served as a Grand Knight for Council 6477 from 1993-1994 and again in 20002001. He was Faithful Navigator of Tierney 4th Degree Assembly from 1997-1998 and District Master of 4th Degree from 2012 to 2013. He was the past state deputy for the Oklahoma Knights of Columbus from 2003 to 2005.
After the death of his beloved wife Marlene, Buster married Connie, with whom he shared several happy years of marriage and service to the church and community. When Connie passed, Buster reconnected with Geri, a lifetime friend of the family, and they spent his last six years enjoying life together with family.
Both parents preceded Buster in death, as well as his brother Clarence Ray “Ram” Fisher, of Tulsa, and sister D. Loucile Johnson, of Oklahoma City. Marlene Fisher preceded her husband in death. And Buster’s second wife, Connie, also preceded him in death.
Buster is survived by his four children, Linda and husband James, Gregory and wife Miho, Pamela and husband Mike, and Patrick and wife Theresa. He is survived by grandchildren Michael and Josh Leonard; Alicia and husband Matt Fletcher, Michael, Jonathan and wife Whitney Branch, Rebekah and Kayla Branch; and Zachariah Fisher. Great-grandchildren Joshua Leonard; Kurstin Fletcher; Ava, Ellis, Eva and Emma Branch; and Gabriella and Gianna Fisher. Great-great-grandchild Layla.
Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, cuts the ribbon for the new OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark in the Metro’s Horions district.
Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation
Engagement, Wedding notices
Do you have a wedding or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com. We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form.The cost is $35, which includes a photograph. Payment is due upon submitted by noon Thursday.
BronchoThon Car.Show to be held on March 2
The University of Central Oklahoma will host the BronchoThon Car Show from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday, March 2, in Parking Lot 53, located west of Chad Richison Stadium on UCO’s campus, with proceeds supporting Oklahoma’s Children's Health Foundation.
The family-friendly, carnivalthemed event will feature a car show, carnival games, concessions, food trucks and an enter-to-win table.
"We are so excited as an organization to celebrate our community and Miracle Children with this event,” said Chloe Clinton, a senior psychology major from Edmond, Oklahoma, and executive director of BronchoThon.
“We are so passionate about supporting the Children's Health Foundation and are thrilled to share this passion with the community."
Admission to this event is free and
open to the public. For those interested in participating in the car show, the registration fee is $20 for UCO students and $30 for all others. Those interested in participating must register by 11:30 a.m., Sunday, March 2.
BronchoThon is a yearlong philanthropic organization that hosts various events to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation. The campaign culminates in a dance marathon each year to pay tribute to the countless hours nurses spend on their feet and the continuous struggles sick children face in the hospital. This year’s BronchoThon event will be April 12.
For more information, contact Kate Rauch, coordinator of student engagement at UCO, at krauch1@uco.edu.
For more information or to register for the show, visit go.uco.edu/BronchoThon-Car-Show.
Integris takes part in effort for cancer prevention
As part of National Cancer Prevention Month in February, INTEGRIS Health is highlighting the critical importance of cancer prevention and early detection in the fight against cancer. Each year, thousands of lives are impacted by cancer, but many of these cases can be prevented or treated more effectively with early intervention.
The health care system is committed to providing the community with vital information, screenings and resources to reduce cancer risk.
Through a series of educational initiatives and partnerships, INTEGRIS Health aims to empower individuals to take proactive steps towards their health, emphasizing lifestyle changes, regular screenings and awareness of cancer warning signs.
Key Preventative Measures:
Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Diet, exercise and avoiding tobacco and
Seven women who distinguished themselves in their careers and community service work will be honored during the “Women Who Made a Difference” concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 16, at St. John Missionary Baptist Church.
Members of the Ambassadors’ Concert Choir will present musical selections throughout the evening.
Women to be honored include Valerie Thompson, CEO of the Oklahoma City Urban League who serves on a number of civic and nonprofit boards; Patti Drennan, a Grammywinning composer and arranger, retired Norman Public Schools music teacher and now a member of the Ambassadors’ music team; Sally Cole, a former Oklahoma City Public Schools administrator; and Cecelia Robinson-Woods, current superintendent of Millwood Public schools. Three women will be honored
excessive alcohol consumption are foundational to reducing cancer risks.
Early Screening and Regular Check-ups: Screening tests can detect cancer early when it is most treatable. INTEGRIS Health offers screening services for various cancers, including breast, colorectal, prostate and cervical cancers.
“Prevention is the first line of defense against cancer,” said Irim Yasin, M.D., a board-certified physician in medical oncology and internal medicine at INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute. “With regular screening and small, consistent changes to our lifestyle, we can reduce the incidence of many types of cancer and ultimately save lives.”
For more information about cancer prevention resources, screenings or to schedule an appointment, please click here or call 877-8114246.
posthumously. Freddie Mae Wray Cooper was a vocal music teacher for Oklahoma City Public Schools. Nancy Randolph Davis was in 1949 the first African-American to apply for graduate school at what is now Oklahoma State University and went on to graduate with a master’s degree in home economics. June McKinney was a well-known jazz pianist in Oklahoma City and served as pianist for the Ambassadors’ Concert Choir.
“The choir first held this event in 2023, and now by popular demand we are back to honor a second group of outstanding Oklahoma women,” said Sandra Thompson, director of the Ambassadors’ Concert Choir.
St. John Missionary Baptist Church is at 5700 N. Kelley Ave. Admission to the concert is free, but donations will be accepted. Guests will receive a free program including biographies of each of the honorees.
he University of Central Oklahoma will host BronchoThon Car Show from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday, March 2, in Lot 53 on UCO’s campus, to raise funds for the Children's Health Foundation in Oklahoma. Pictured, a BronchoThon marquee lit up during an event from a prior year.
House acts to protect energy future
Oklahoma took a significant step towards securing its affordable energy future last week with the passage of House Bill 2747 out of the House Utilities Committee.
The legislation promotes affordable and reliable energy generation by championing Oklahoma’s abundant natural gas resources while also restoring state control over high-voltage transmission infrastructure to ensure ratepayer and landowner protections.
"HB 2747 is a crucial step towards ensuring that Oklahoma's energy future is secure, reliable, and affordable for all Oklahomans," said House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey Caldwell, RFaxon. "Oklahoma ratepayers and landowners have been disadvantaged by policies of previous federal administrations for way too long. HB 2747 creates a level playing field for reliable natural gas
generation to outshine federally subsidized renewable resources and support economic growth. This will help us protect ratepayers and landowners from unregulated transmission developers who have no accountability to Oklahomans while ensuring free market competition on the construction of these projects.”
HB 2747 protects Oklahomans and encourages economic growth by:
Modernizing state regulations to increase new natural gas generation. HB2747 gives natural gas a fair chance to compete against federally-subsidized renewables by reducing the cost of building natural gas plants and enabling them to be built faster.
Enhancing existing natural gas power plants and other key critical infrastructure, such as distribution lines and equipment, to boost efficiency and pro-
vide more reliable power now and in the future. Keeping rates affordable by requiring any changes to critical infrastructure to be reviewed through the traditional rate review process at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.
Preventing ratepayers from funding subsidies used to switch from one fuel source appliance to another in furtherance of liberal energy policies.
Requiring a state-administered competitive bidding process for high-voltage transmission lines constructed in Oklahoma and reinstating the OCC’s right to oversee the costs before a single cent can be passed on to Oklahoma ratepayers.
Ensuring landowners are protected from out-ofstate developers placing high-voltage transmission on their property for 50 years or more with no oversight by or accountability to the State.
Work-at-office order challenged by Dem
Last week, Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, held a press conference announcing a lawsuit he is filing in opposition to the Governor and Executive Order 2024-29.
“I have grown increasingly concerned at the scope and breadth of the Governor’s executive orders and the ways they supersede legislative authority,” Fugate said. “It is not his job to make laws. That is the job of the legislature.
“On December 18, Governor Stitt issued an order requiring state agency directors to ensure all full-time state employees return to their offices or field locations by February 1, 2025. This morning, with the help of my Attorney Richard Labarthe, we took legal action against this order because it violates the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches.
“The governor doesn't have the authority to issue this order. State employees work for the people of Oklahoma, not the governor. Creating new employment conditions and authorizing money for facilities and office equipment is the legislature's job, not the governor's. His order has also caused chaos for state employees, many of whom rely on remote work.
“The value of remote work to em-
ployees means they can choose rural Oklahoma life without wasting gas and sacrificing time with their families. It gives employees more time to be present with their families and active in their communities. It means better, safer working conditions for employees with fragile health.
Says Fugate, “The Governor’s Executive Branch overreach threatens the very constitutional foundations of separation of powers.” Fugate was also joined in the press conference by his lawyer Richard Labarthe.
“We are happy to represent Rep. Fugate in this effort to determine that Gov. Stitt’s executive order compelling all state employees to work in person was an impermissible trespass upon the lawmaking power that, by our State Constitution, resides exclusively with the legislature,” said Labarthe. “It is an important, and apparently necessary, action to preserve the separation of powers established by our state’s founding document. And further, it allows for transparency and public discourse of an important public policy issue, through the legislative process, as opposed to a sudden, unilateral decree by the State’s Chief Executive.”
Retired federal employees and spouses meet regularly
The Edmond Chapter 947 of the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employee Association (NARFE) welcomes current and retired Federal employees and their spouses to attend one of our monthly meetings to keep currant on changes that are occurring with the new administration. NARFE continues to be the information source for your Federal employment and benefits.
Meetings are held at 12 noon on the 4th Tuesday of each month in the Duncan Room of the Meinders/Gaylord University Center, Oklahoma Christian University, 2501
E. Memorial Road, Edmond. Optional Food Court Lunch: $12.
Currently plans are underway for Chapter 947 to host the State-wide Oklahoma NARFE Federation Conference on May 2-3, 2025 at St. Luke’s Methodist Church at 900 N. Sooner Road in Edmond.
Senator James Lankford’s office has tentatively committed to addressing the conference concerning the 1st 100 days of the Trump administration.
For more information and a copy of our newsletter, contact Paul Kraman at 703-901-8151.
Before exiting February, let’s stop and recall a special event earlier in this month of valentines.
Edmond Antiques was so honored to have a part in the Secret Wedding Proposal of DAVID and Lizzy this month. They visited the shop on one of their first dates and it became one of their favorites
So...David thought it would be a great place to propose!
The people at Edmond Antiques were happy to be part of the couple’s story.
Officials also want efficiency in state government
Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, today advanced legislation to eliminate outdated and redundant government commissions, reinforcing the state’s commitment to efficiency and responsible governance.
Senate Bill 676 repeals various statutory provisions establishing commissions that are no longer active or necessary. The bill removes obsolete references in state law, reducing bureaucratic redundancy. The bill passed 9-0 out of the Senate's Retirement and Government Resources Committee.
"This legislation is a step toward a leaner, more accountable government," Pro Tem Paxton said. "By eliminating commissions that no longer serve a functional purpose, we are ensuring taxpayer dollars are directed toward essential services rather than unnecessary administrative structures. Many of these commissions haven’t met in years or are duplicative and could be handled by the agency they report to. I remain committed to streamlining government operations and eliminating inefficiencies while ensuring necessary services are maintained. I appreciate my Senate colleagues for advancing
this measure."
The repealed commissions under Senate Bill 676 include:
Advisory Committee of the SouthCentral Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact
The 1953 multi-state compact is no longer necessary and redundant on duties undertaken by the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s Office and other agencies.
The Oklahoma Suicide Prevention Council
The council’s sunset date was effective in 2020 and stopped meeting. Removing this council from statute does not impact how the state provides funding or resources for suicide prevention.
The Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Advisory Council
Created in 2004, the EITA is duplicative of federal law and other state statutes that have been enacted since its inception. The council’s sunset date was July 1, 2020.
The Oklahoma School for the Visual and Performing Arts
The purview of the Oklahoma School for the Visual and Performing Arts is under the University of Sci-
ence and Arts of Oklahoma and no longer necessary in statute.
The Permanent Legislative Liaison Committee
This committee is duplicative of the Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority, the Office of Management and Enterprise Services and other positions within the legislature. No meetings or agendas are posted.
The Staff Review Committee of the Senate
This committee is unnecessary as internal policies have been implemented for annual staff reviews by division directors. The committee does not currently meet. By repealing these sections, Senate Bill 676 ensures that Oklahoma's laws remain relevant and aligned with the state's evolving priorities.
Hi and Lois
Shoe
Zits
Family Circus
Beetle Baily
Blondie
Hägar the Horrible
Bill would up funds spent in classroom
Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, last week passed legislation in committee that would require state public schools to spend at least 60% of their funding in the classroom.
House Bill 1280 passed the House Appropriations & Budget Education Subcommittee, which Caldwell chairs. It now moves to full A&B.
"This bill prioritizes our kids, our teachers, and our classrooms," Caldwell said. "For a child to excel academically, most of our school funding should go toward teachers and resources that directly contribute to student learning. It's why we send our children to school – to learn. I'm simply asking our school district leaders to do what makes logical sense and prioritize spending on classroom instruction."
Caldwell stated that every education study he has read indicates the single most important factor in a child's academic success is having a quality teacher in the classroom. One of the main objectives of this measure is to raise teacher salaries.
"In my 11 years as a legislator, we have passed several bills to improve teacher pay, and as a direct result of this bill, teachers are going to make more money," he said. "While raising pay for teachers is the most likely way for schools to increase instructional funding, there are other options as well.”
"I'm disappointed, though not surprised, to learn that some district leaders opposed prioritizing students and higher pay for teachers by fighting against this bill,” he said.
Since 2011, Oklahoma school district administration has grown by nearly 25%, while the state’s student population has increased by about 5% during that same period, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, a division of the U.S. Department of Education.
Currently, the average classroom spending in the state is just under 58%, which suggests many public schools are nearing the threshold set by the bill. This measure aims to bring state schools closer to the national average, which is slightly below 62%. However, Caldwell noted that around 150 school districts in the state allocate less than 50% of their funding to classroom instruction.
"Quite frankly, I cannot think of a legitimate reason why a district would need to spend less than half of their budget on the classroom where the majority of instruction takes place," Caldwell said.
"As a state, we rank near the bottom in the country in percentage of classroom spending. However, some districts in the state have prioritized learning and are spending 65 percent to 70 percent in the classroom, so we know it can be done in Okla-
homa. If other states can figure out how to do this on the whole, we can too."
Caldwell stated the definition of instructional expenditures in the bill comes from the U.S. Department of Education.
“That is important because it allows for a true apples-to-apples comparison," he said. "So, when we discuss instructional expenditures in Oklahoma, we're using the same criteria as they do in every other state."
The measure does not consider other school staff—such as counselors, nurses, front desk personnel, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers—as classroom expenditures. While Caldwell, whose mother is a retired high school counselor, acknowledges that these employees are vital to school operations,
