This Issue
City Hall unveils new facilities See Page 9
Edmond Life & Leisure turns 25 years old
FRIDAY, JULY 25
SATURDAY, JULY 26
SUNDAY, JULY 27
The famed newscasters — and brothers — the Ogles will forever be linked to Edmond
newspaper. They were featured on our newspaper’s first cover in 2000 — seen in
Some 25 years later the Ogles are still well known and were recently inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. From left, are Kent, Kevin and Kelly Ogle.
Publisher Ray Hibbard recalls 25 incredible years. See Page 2
Editor also looks back at some of the news from 2000 to 2025. See Page 10
Some of our advertising friends wish us a very Happy 25 Years.
PHOTOS BY MELINDA INFANTE
Life & Leisure
photo.
25th anniversary marked with our new beer
"All I know is just what I read in the papers, and that's an alibi for my ignorance."
Will Rogers
A special thank you to Edmond’s own Ogle brothers, Kent, Kevin and Kelly. They were on our first cover, and they graciously agreed to pose for this 25th anniversary edition. These guys are big dogs, but they took the time to help their hometown newspaper 25 years ago and they were willing to help now. They are great Edmond citizens and terrific individuals.
Welcome to the 25th anniversary of Edmond’s only newspaper. We have survived them all. While we stand ready to beat back any competitors, it is nice to not be under vicious attack as we were in the early years. Instead of responding in like, we chose to keep our shoulders to the wheel and just take care of our customers and readers. It worked.
In some ways 25 years seems like forever ago and in other ways it seems like just yesterday. How do you define or illustrate 25 years in business? Here is how we measure it:
Over 1300 issues published.
Gust and I have written the same number of columns
Over 40,000 pages of news and advertising printed and distributed
24,000 pages of just advertising
650 pages of advertising donated to charity above the news coverage
3,420 individual businesses that have purchased advertising over 25 years.
521 vendors
Payroll taxes, our part, are over half a million dollars paid to support social security
Edmond has had eight mayors including the first candidate we endorsed, Saundra Naifeh Edmond Public Schools has increased its students by 11,000
School buildings have increased by sixteen
Thank you to Frenzy Brewing Co. for creating our own beer for the 25th. It is a Kölsch beer that they created just for our anniversary and is called, as you might suspect, Life and Leisure, Cold off the Press. Our staff designed the label. It is a refreshing, top-fermented, pale ale originating from Cologne, Germany. I hope you like it, and you can purchase as a draft or in six packs at Frenzy. Our lawyer told me under no circumstances can I sell beer, anybody’s beer, even our own, out of our office so you will continue to be able to get it at Frenzy. It is really good beer. To stay in business for 25 years it takes team effort. We have help from so many people and I just must mention a few but please know it is only the tip of the iceberg of the folks that has made it possible to win the day.
First and foremost, he is going to hate this, our partner Chris Hoke and his wife Valarie. If it were not for the Hoke family, we could have never gotten started much less stayed in business. Chris was supportive and encouraging. Scott White in his office and before that his late sister Cherri have been an immense help. We thank them for their belief in Edmond having a
locally owned and operated newspaper.
I thank my wife and love of my life since junior high Lisa. She packs me a lunch every day saving money and making sure I eat right and helps with delivery every Thursday. I need to thank my kids who provided free cleaning services for the office each week. Yes, it was slave labor, and they learned enough about the business to know they did not want to follow in dad’s footsteps.
Art Hyde who literally developed the name and helped get us open with a market study.
Thanks to our staff of Steve, Alexx and Deanne. Deanne is our short timer at only 7 years. Alexx has been with us 16 years and Steve, the old guy, has been with us from the start. Steve’s wife Glenda helps as well.
Our legal council, Todd McKinnis
All our freelancers including Melinda Infante, Carol Smaglinski, George Gust and Elaine Warner.
Mentors who continue to give us great advice, General Dick Hefton, Ed Livermore and the late Leland Gourley who was truly my second dad. He and Vicki taught me more about community journalism than possible.
So many advertisers to thank and at the top of the list is Citizens Bank of Edmond. CEO and chairperson Jill Castilla continues to support us and that a strong newspaper is needed in the community. Integris Health Edmond, City of Edmond, Visit Edmond, Edmond Economic Development Authority, Riverwind Casino, Oklahoma County, businesses like Matthews Funeral Home, Ackerman McQueen and traction marketing which are big dog advertising agencies that I
have had a friendship with for 45 years continue to support us and local journalism, the Downtown Merchants, UCO, Quail Creek bank, Prime Bank OU Heath when Leslie Buford was with them and she is at Integris now, Eskridge Honda, Pete and Brad Reeser, AT&T, Best of Books, Cox, Thrifty Pharmacy and so many more.
Here is part of what was in my first column of our first issue. I believe we have stayed true to what I wrote back then.
“Hello neighbor. I want to personally welcome you to our publication for Edmond residents. You have received today the inaugural issue of Edmond Life & Leisure and we want to welcome you to our family of readers.
Edmond Life & Leisure is a weekly newspaper designed to carry news about Edmond's people, families and neighborhoods. We believe that this publication should be one that Edmond families, civic clubs, schools and organizations look for current information about upcoming events and activities.
Edmond Life & Leisure i s distributed free. Our circulation is targeted at up-scale neighborhoods and shoppers at Edmond's finer retail establishments. We distribute 12,000 copies per week.
Edmond Life & Leisure is locally owned and operated. We are truly Edmond's only local media voice in the form of independent, family ownership. Our operation is a small one as newspapers go. We may not have the might of a giant corporation, but we have a local heart and conscience toward uplifting Edmond to the best of our ability.
Through much discussion with my Edmond friends and the tremendous help of Art Hyde at The Schuster Group, we found a niche in our town that begged to be filled. It centers on an interest in quality of life. Local news that affects your quality of life is what you can expect in Edmond Life & Leisure.
Arts and Entertainment obviously fall into this category but so do business, education, government, politics, history and so much more. Our front pages will not have stories about crime or traffic accidents. Those subjects are already covered so well by the daily newspapers in our market that there is no need to shove them in front of you again.
People in our town will also be a major focus for Edmond Life & Leisure . We have so many Edmond residents that have such an impact in Edmond, the state and even the world. These are stories that need to be told.
I am so pleased with the response from so many in the community to Edmond Life & Leisure, especially our advertisers. The willingness to participate in our newspaper, absolutely sight unseen was overwhelming to me. I ask you to visit their place of business not just because of their support for our newspaper but because they offer excellent products and services.
Again, welcome to Edmond Life & Leisure. Please send us your comments, story ideas and suggestions.”
(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure, may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)
Ray Hibbard
Cycle 66
A huge race, Cycle 66, is on its way to Edmond on July 27. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of visitors, will be here. The race also means some streets in Downtown Edmond will be closed. See more details on Page 8.
The Nichols family participating in a past race.
Vietnam War exhibit coming to History Museum
Ten-Hut! The Edmond History Museum presents the exhibit Close to Home: Vietnam’s Effect on Edmond, on display until January 12, 2026.
The exhibit features photographs, artifacts and loaned items that range from uniforms and medals to flags and patches owned by military veterans who live in Edmond. It also pays tribute to the six Edmond High School graduates who died serving the country in the Vietnam War.
America’s role in the Vietnam War reached its peak in 1965 and lasted until 1973. During that time over 3-million Americans were deployed. This exhibit, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the start of the war, telling the story of five soldiers and a USO volunteer. Charles DeBellevue, Larry Hillman, Richard Prawdzienski, Ray
McCormick, and Eddie & Connie Beesely share their personal accounts from the Vietnam War and how their lives were affected afterwards.
Exhibit Highlights: US Air Force Fighter Pilot Helmet worn by Charles DeBellevue US Air Force Flight Suit worn by Larry Hillman
A leather wallet which survived a landmine explosion, carried by Eddie Beesley Letter written by Edmond High School Graduate, John Charles Wilson M-30 Practice Grenade
M7 Bayonet used for the M16 rifle beginning in 1964
Exhibit created by exhibit coordinator, Michael Cavazos. Information regarding events and Veterans Day ceremonies will be announced in the near future.
Time to think about going back to school
As the summer winds down, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is reminding families to start thinking about their back-to-school checklist before kids go back into the classroom.
“Now is the time to begin gathering the documents parents and caregivers may need before kids return to the classroom,” said Erica Rankin-Riley, OSDH Spokesperson. “The sooner families begin the processes to obtain what they need, the better.”
Birth certificates:
Birth certificates can be ordered online or by calling 877-817-7364. Requests from a parent named on the record are generally issued within two business days and arrive in the mail typically within a week.
Below are the costs for ordering birth certificates or changes to birth certificates:
Birth certificate (with no changes): $15 search fee
One (1) copy issued, if birth record is found. Search fee is non-refundable if birth record is not found.
Additional copies: $15 each
Change or amendment to a record: $40 ($15 search fee + $25 amendment fee)
Online/phone convenience fee: $5 for Oklahoma residents (varies for non-residents)
Online/phone expedite fee: $20 (if applicable).
Records that require a change or amendment are not eligible for expedited services.
To process orders as quickly as possible, applications should be completed in full without abbreviations or blanks and reviewed before submitting to make sure the information is correct.
Shot Records:
If a parent or guardian needs to get a child’s shot records those can be found online through the Oklahoma Immunization Information System (OSIIS) portal.
To obtain shot records through the portal you must have the child’s name, date of birth, and the contact phone or email on the child’s shot records.
If the records are not in OSIIS, you can contact the OSIIS Help Desk by emailing OSIISHelp@health.ok.gov or you can contact the provider who administered the shots and ask them to update OSIIS.
Tax free weekend set for Aug. 1-3
Every year, Oklahoma’s Tax Commission celebrates the Oklahoma Sales Tax Holiday, where all retail sales taxes are not collectible or payable on certain purchases.
The holiday is celebrated annually, and here’s what you need to know.
When is Tax Free Weekend in Oklahoma?
Tax Free Weekend is celebrated on the first weekend of August each year. This year, that is Aug. 1-3.
The tax-free holiday applies throughout Oklahoma, and people can use it to purchase goods online, in catalogs or at retail locations.
However, not everything is tax-free.
According to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, sales of clothing or footwear for less than $100 are exempt from taxes; however, shoes and clothes intended for "athletic activity or protective use" are not exempt.
Krazy Daze’s colorful past
By Ray Hibbard
The Downtown Edmond Business Association will host their annual Krazy Daze Sale in historic downtown Edmond this Saturday July 26 all day long.
For the whole day. Edmond downtown merchants will offer their biggest markdowns of the year during the sidewalk sale.
You can thank the late Morris "Hoot” Gibson at the former McCalls in downtown Edmond for this big event. Sometime back in the 1960’s he was returning from a vacation and passed through a town that was having a big sale in their downtown area. The streets were packed with shoppers and he decided it might be a good idea for something like that to take place in downtown Edmond. At that point, Krazy Daze was born and spread throughout the city.
Back in the day, the merchants would dress up in silly costumes and make it a really giant celebration. Over the years, the costume participation has dwindled some but the sales are still in place. .
Being in the dunk tank isn’t the Kraziest thing I’ve done for Krazy Daze I hate to say. The first year I was working in Edmond for the Livermore family at the Sun, Publisher Ed Livermore instructed me to pump up ad sales for the annual Krazy Daze issue. It seems some of the advertisers were purchasing other forms of advertising such as radio.
That just was not allowed in the world according to Livermore.
My creative idea was to pre-purchase some radio time and include it
in the advertising package we sold to our customers. It kept them from buying radio time on their own and purchasing too much radio time. We made profit on both the ad space we sold to customers and the radio time. It only worked one year because the next year the radio stations were on to me and would not sell me the time again. They hadn’t planned on me reselling the time.
The look on Livermore’s face was priceless when I told him I had just spend a few thousand dollars of his treasure chest on radio advertising. I promised him we would sell it back to customers as part of a package and it would make even more money. Our package included signs for the windows. I don’t think he became a believer until after the numbers were totaled at the end of the month
That was a time when Krazy Daze always had a theme. That year the theme was "Edmond’s Gone Bananas.”
The sales team had me dress up in a gorilla suit and go with them on the Krazy Daze sales calls. It seemed like a good idea when we were planning the event in March of that year. Of course, it wasn’t as hot in March as it was in late June when the average temperature in Edmond was 100 plus. The gorilla suit was like an oven with all that fake fur attached to it. The advertising executives were nice enough to keep me hydrated when I would be out all afternoon making calls. I will say it did get the attention of business owners and their customers when we walked through the door. It was a fun promotion but I was much younger back then.
(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.)
July 7
Robert Alan Hunt, 44 of Bethany. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, possess CDS and three counts of failure to appear.
Melissa Renee Devine, 44 of Wellston. Misdemeanor warrant.
David Yair Gonzalez-Trejo, 26 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Eryn Jade McMurray, 30 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Patrick James Rhodes, 47 homeless. Non-assault resisting officer, public intoxication and two counts of failure to appear.
Tia Ann Hawthorne, 35 of Oklahoma City. Two misdemeanor warrants and two felony warrants.
Angel Eduardo Gonzales-Licona, 26 of Edmond. Operating a motor vehicle with no valid driver’s license and operating a motor vehicle with improper equipment.
July 8
Breanna Lynn Henderson, 32 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant and (Misdemeanor 1st and 2nd offense) receiving stolen merchandise from retailer.
Misael Daniell Salazar Guevara, 25 of Oklahoma City. Operating a motor vehicle with no valid driver’s license.
Jeremiah Santana Middleton, 29 of Oklahoma City. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, driving with an open container of intoxicating beverage or beer, operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more and a misdemeanor warrant.
Travis Lane Jacobs, 54 of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear.
Ashley Lethea Bubp, 41 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
July 9
Terrance Janiel Payne, 41 of Oklahoma City. Hidden — (Misdemeanor 1st offense) domestic abuse assault (pregnant victim.)
Deonta Dshawn Hartsfield, 25 of Oklahoma City. Three felonies and a misdemeanor warrant.
Chadwick Christopher Lavender, 49 of Edmond. Violation of protective order
Jaimee Rachel Lacey, 33 of Edmond. Shoplifting – petit larceny.
William Joseph Revels, 48 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
July 10
Kati Marie Hinrichs, 24 of Edmond. Possess drug paraphernalia, transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer, possess CDS, expired tag and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Brayden Lane Pralle, 23 of Guthrie, Access to computers, computer systems and computer networks prohibited for certain purposes-penalty, (felony) publication, distribution or participation of obscene material or child pornography – unsolicited mailings and aggravated possession of child porn (100 or more materials).
Kevin Ray Custard, 53 of Edmond. A misdemeanor warrant and five felony warrants.
Keera Shoniece Reed, 36 of Oklahoma City. child endangerment and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
July 11
Rachel Shoshana Marie Hauck, 25 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
David Thomas, 47, homeless. Obstruction of police officer, public intoxication and assault and/or battery with a deadly weapon.
Gabreille Nicole Granillo, 21 of Edmond. Failure to appear.
Sam Demetrius Tyler, 55 of Oklahoma City. No proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Shelby Lane Smith, 27 of Ardmore. Shoplifting –petit larceny.
July 12
Bryce Cameron Garrison, 18 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Jamon Di’Antre Parker, 29 of Oklahoma City. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.
Khari Hakim Jones, 25 of Edmond. Failure to appear.
Blake Aaron Watts, 28 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
James Kalvin Owens, 48 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
David Todd Cummings, 59 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and shoplifting – petit larceny.
Kristi Jean Meierhoff, 43 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants.
Serena Rae Griffin, 49 homeless. Public intoxication and false representation to an officer.
Steven Edwards Noble, 34 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication and vandalism.
James Jonathon Wesley, 34 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.
Scott Taylor Nevez, 53 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
July 13
Tabita Jo Barker, 32 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Rayah Joe Hanna, 19 of Warr Acres. Shoplifting – petit larceny.
Tasha Renee Butts, 43 of Edmond. Operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Derrik Walter Duarte, 21 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
Terrell Andrew Munday, 67 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
Holly Brook Steely, 43 of Edmond. Shoplifting –petit larceny.
Kadence Brook Garman, 18 of Edmond. Shoplifting – petit larceny.
Joshua Daniel Wise, 33 of Oklahoma City. Possess CDS.
Russell James Fuchs, 54 of Edmond. Felony warrant.
46 bookings
Weekend calendar of events, July 24-27
Weekend Calendar of Events Jul 24-27
---- In the Gallery
---- Edmond’s Farmer’s Market
---- Saturday Farmer’s Market at Scissortail Park
---- Wheeler District Farmer’s Market
---- Board Game Night
---- Karaoke Thursdays
---- Beer + Yoga
---- Books + Board Games
---- Saturday Morning Music Sessions
---- Concerts in the Park
---- Igor Lipinski’s Piano Illusions
---- KidzPalooza
---- Live Music: Kyle Dillingham
---- Edmond Jr. Rodeo
---- Cycle 66
---- Air Supply
---- Summer Roundup 2025
---- National Day of the Cowboy
---- “Artfully Local: Creations by Dr. Bob Palmer & Holly McHughes” Exhibit
---- Summer Walk-Ups
---- Arabian Horse Association Youth & Mid Summer Nationals
---- Storyteller Theatre OKC presents: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
---- Riversport NightWater
---- Out West Music Fest
---- Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo
---- Ham Holiday
---- Book Swap
---- Oklahoma Children’s Theatre presents: Disney’s
The Little Mermaid, Jr
---- Forensic Night
---- Old Dominion in Concert
---- OKC Summer Run x Planet Fitness
---- Lost Dymension Fantasy Fest & Costumecon
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 artist Marie Kash Weltzheimer; edmondfinearts.com
Edmond Farmer’s Market
Location: Festival Market Place
Extra Info: Sat, Apr 12 – Sat, Oct 25; Free; 8 a.m.
– 1 p.m.; edmondok.gov
Saturday Farmer’s Market at Scissortail Park
Location: Scissortail Park
Extra Info: Sat, Apr 5 – Sat, Oct 25; 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; free parking: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.; scissortailpark.org
Wheelers District Farmer’s Market
Location: 1737 Spoke St, OKC, OK
Extra Info: Through Fri, Oct 24; 6 – 9 p.m.; (closed Jul 4); wheelerdistrict.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, OK
Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Thursday; Free; 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.; 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
Saturday Morning Music Sessions
Location: Arcadia Round Barn
Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Saturday; 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; visitedmondok.com
Concerts in the Park
Location: Stephenson Park
Extra Info: Thu, Jul 17; featuring: Bluetic String Band and The Claire Piersol Band; Free; 6 – 8:30 p.m.; edmondok.gov
Igor Lipinski’s Piano Illusions
Location: University of Central Oklahoma – Jazz Lab
Extra
Info: Thu, Jul 24; $25; 8:30 p.m.;
calendar.uco.edu
KidzPalooza
Location: The Gin, 29 West 4th Street
Extra Info: Tue, Jul 8 – Fri, Aug 8; recurring weekly Tue – Thu; $15+; theginok.com
Live Music: Kyle Dillingham
Location: Prairie Haven, Guthrie
Extra Info: Fri, Jul 25; 7 – 10 p.m.; prairiehavenevents.com
Edmond Jr. Rodeo
Location: Edmond Round Up Club – Carl Benne Arena
Extra Info: Fri, Jul 25; 7 p.m.; Adults: $5; 18 & younger: $1; edmondroundupclub.com
Cycle 66
Location: Downtown Edmond
Extra Info: Sun, Jul 27; 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; cycle66ok.com
Air Supply
Location: Riverwind Casino – Showplace Theatre
Extra Info: Fri, Jul 25; 8 p.m.; riverwind.com
Summer Roundup 2025
Location: National Cowboy & Western Museum
Extra Info: Thu, Jul 24 – Fri, Jul 25; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org
National Day of the Cowboy
Location: National Cowboy & Western Museum
Extra Info: Sat, Jul 26; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org
“Artfully Local: Creations by Dr. Bob Palmer & Holly McHughes” Exhibit
Location: Oklahoma Territorial Museum & Carnegie Library, Guthrie
Extra Info: Tue, Jun 3 – Fri, Sep 5; okhistory.org
Summer Walk-Ups
Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens
Extra Info: Mon, Jun 16 – Fri, Aug 8; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; myriadgardens.org
Aerospace industry making its mark on state economy
The Greater Oklahoma City aerospace industry remains a cornerstone of the regional economy, generating $8.8 billion in goods and services and employing more than 45,500 workers with an average salary of $87,000, according to the latest Greater Oklahoma City Region Aerospace and Aviation Industry Survey and Economic Impact Assessment released by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and RegionTrack, Inc.
The industry has entered a new era of expansion and diversification. Long anchored by defense aviation, Greater Oklahoma City’s aerospace sector now encompasses a broad mix of public and private activities — spanning maintenance, logistics, engineering, training and manufacturing. While Tinker Air Force Base and the FAA’s Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center remain foundational to the region’s aerospace footprint, the private sector has steadily expanded, particularly in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), aerospace engineering and unmanned aerial systems.
“Oklahoma City’s aerospace sector is not only strong today, but also strategically positioned for what’s next,” said Christy Gillenwater, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “As private-sector investment accelerates alongside our legacy federal assets, our region is becoming one of the
Calendar
Arabian Horse Association Youth & Mid Summer Nationals
Location: Jim Norick Arena
Extra Info: Fri, Jul 18 – Sat, Jul 26; Begins 8 a.m. daily; arabianhorses.org
Storyteller Theatre OKC: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Location: Civic Center Music Hall
Extra Info: Tue, Jul 22 ---- Sun, Aug 3; Fri – Sun: 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; okcciviccenter.evenue.net
Riversport NightWater
Location: Riversport at the Boathouse District
Extra Info: Thu, Jul 24; 6 – 8 p.m.; riversportokc.org
Out West Music Fest
Location: 7 N Lee Ave, OKC
Extra Info: Fri, Jul 25; 5 – 10 p.m.; core4brewing.com
Delta Waterfowl Duck
Hunters Expo
Oklahoma State Fairgrounds
---- Bennett Event Center
Extra Info: Fri, Jul 25 – Sun, Jul 27; Fri: 12 – 6 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; deltawaterfowlexpo.com
Ham Holiday
Location: Oklahoma City Community College, OKC
Extra Info: Fri, Jul 25 – Sat, Jul 26; 9
most competitive and future-ready aerospace hubs in the nation.”
Key findings from the report include:
• 338 aerospace establishments employing 45,539 workers
• $8.8 billion in total output and $4.0 billion in labor income
• $87,000 average annual wage, well above the regional average
• 80,200 total jobs supported when including multiplier effects
• $413 million in state and local tax revenue generated annually
Tinker Air Force Base employs nearly 27,000 workers, and the FAA’s Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center supports more than 5,100 federal employees and contractors, accounting for over 70% of the region’s aerospace employment and output.
Private-sector growth is accelerating, particularly in MRO, aerospace consulting, logistics, and advanced systems. Since 2020, private aerospace firms have added more than 1,100 jobs and increased output by nearly 36%.
Wages in the industry continue to rise, with labor income growing by 48% since 2015. When paired with Oklahoma’s low cost of living, the region offers significant advantages in workforce attraction and retention.
The report is designed to support workforce development, infrastructure investment, and strategic planning across the region.
From Page 6
a.m. – 2 p.m.; hamholidy.com
Book Swap
Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens
Extra Info: Sat, Jul 26; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; myriadgardens.org
Oklahoma Children’s Theatre: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr.
Location: Oklahoma Children’s
Theatre
Extra Info: Sat, Jul 26 – Sun, Jul 27; 2 – 3 p.m.; oklahomachildrenstheatre.org
Forensic Night Location: Skeletons: Museum of Osteology
Extra Info: Sat, Jul 26; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.; skeletonmuseum.com
Old Dominion in Concert
Location: Zoo Amphitheatre
Extra Info: Sat, Jul 26; 7 p.m.; okczooamp.com
OKC Summer Run x Planet Fitness
Location: 8301 SE 104th St, OKC
Extra Info: Sat, Jul 26; 8 – 11 a.m.; 5K Run: $30; Kid’s Dash: $15; runsignup.com
Lost Dymension Fantasy Fest & Costumecon
Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds ---- Oklahoma Expo Hall
Extra Info: Sat, Jul 26; 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; okcfairgrounds.com
Cycle 66 routes mean lane closures in Downtown Edmond
Cycle 66 Presented by Amazon and Walmart is July 27 at 7 a.m. and to accommodate this annual event, streets that are part of race routes around downtown Edmond will be closed starting at 4 a.m. July 27 and will remain closed until 6 p.m.
Part of the series of races scheduled for the event, the “Crit @ Cycle 66” is an eight-race series that will require street and lane closures around the downtown area. The “Crit” route runs from Broadway at 1st Street north to Campbell Street, east from Campbell to Littler Avenue, south from Littler to Hurd Street, east from Hurd to Boulevard, south along the southbound lane of Boulevard to 1st, and west from 1st back to Broadway.
To accommodate this part of the event, the “Crit” route will require street and lane closures on Broadway from 2nd to Edwards. The southbound lanes of Boulevard will be closed to all traffic from Campbell to 1st. To maintain traffic flow, the northbound lanes of Boulevard will temporarily be reconfigured to accommodate one lane of traffic in each direction. Motorists are advised to follow posted signage and drive with caution through the reconfigured area. As well there will be closures between Broadway and Boulevard at Campbell, Hurd, Main and 1st. Littler will be closed from Campbell to 1st.
No street parking will be permitted along the route during the event and any cars on the route will be subject to towing after 4 a.m. July 27. Parking lots downtown will be open, but access will be limited and controlled by the racecourse marshals.
Along with the “Crit” there are five non-timed distance tours – rides of 10, 18, 33, and 66 miles, as well as a 1-mile Kids’ ride – and routes for these will be open to traffic, with riders following traffic flow and standard road ordinances. Local police will be stationed to keep streets safe for cyclists. For routes and other information, check out www.cycle66ok.com.
Cycle 66 covers more miles on historic Route 66 than ever before. Last year’s ride was cancelled due to rain, so the annual event was moved from November 2024 to July 2025 and has an earlier start time to help with summer heat.
Cycle 66 participants and spectators can enjoy free public parking throughout downtown Edmond. A convenient parking map is available at www.cycle66ok.com. Entry to downtown is encouraged from the west and north.
Cycle 66 will donate registration proceeds to
Effective Sunday, July 27
General
for
Oklahoma Route 66 Association, YMCA and Bike Club OKC, an after-school club for boys and girls that teaches bike safety and maintenance, important life skills and that leads bike rides around local neighborhoods. YMCA will use Cycle 66 funds to add a bike checkout program so people
can borrow a bike to ride trails that connect to Arcadia Lake at the new YMCA on 15th Street just east of I-35.
registration
Cycle 66 is $45 and includes a free T-shirt. The 1-mile kids’ ride and kids’ crit are free for kids ages 10 and under.
Edmond officially opens up new City Hall facilities
Last week, current and former members of City Council, City staff and representatives of Flintco Construction and REES Architects were on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of a new City Hall facility. The centerpiece of a threestructure, $44 million project, the new City Hall houses a larger and more modern City Council chambers as well as several city departments that are currently located in five different buildings. Additionally, the full project includes a new municipal court building and a three-level parking garage.
Immediate past Mayor Darrell Davis, holds part of the scissors with current mayor Mark Nash. The city officially opened the new City Hall facility
There will be a lot more elbow room in the new council chambers.
One of the new conference rooms.
Mayor Nash addresses the crowd.
Photos by Melinda Infante
Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side
Celebrating 25 years
It’s been interesting around the office – as Edmond Life & Leisure marks our 25th anniversary. It’s a great milestone as we are a private operation.
I began my career with a chain newspaper. I lasted a year. I wasn’t terribly impressed with the chain operation. It just seemed like they weren’t as involved in the community as they should be. But it was a nice place to get some experience.
The next newspaper I worked at was in Seminole – also a private newspaper. I was there for four years. Then I came to Edmond in 1988 and worked more than 11 years at The Edmond Sun. There were lots of odd things that happened in those newsrooms.
I’ve chronicled most of those experiences in my book “Editor’s Total Recall.”
There’s no doubt about it, newspaper work can be fulfilling. Most people probably think newspaper editors and reporters live for breaking the
big story – exposing government corruption. While that may be of great consequence, it’s not always the endall, be all.
I think what gives me satisfaction here are the smaller stories. I’m the kind of guy who likes seeing people, who deserve recognition, get it. It’s folks like the kid who scores a perfect ACT test or an athlete who wins state. They certainly deserve a big pat on the back.
It can be fun to promote an event. Once the Rotary Club in Edmond was having a benefit pancake breakfast. We put the story on the cover and our Rotarians were really busy. I heard they ran out of food.
One of our At Home advertisers, took out an ad and was amazed with the business he received. He had to hire extra help.
Has everything been perfect? No, it hasn’t. We make mistakes and sometimes miss a story we needed to cover. But please know we’re always striving to do better.
I truly thank the Edmond community for your support. Let’s keep this thing going strong.
(Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com.)
Work provides purpose for many people in life
By Okla. Congressman Kevin Hern
The recent debate over President Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill Act has laid bare the fundamental divide between Republicans and Democrats on the role of the individual in society at large, — a divide rooted in competing visions of human potential and responsibility.
Democrats believe the government’s role is to spend unlimited tax dollars on inefficient programs. Republicans, on the other hand, reject the idea of government as the arbiter of success and the owner of our rights. The government’s duty is not to offer never-ending handouts, but to be the hand up that individuals need to get on the path to selfsufficiency.
Individuals thrive when they are active participants and contributors to their communities. We all have responsibilities to our families, neighbors, colleagues, friends, and fellow taxpayers. As Americans, we share a duty to minimize our burden on the public purse. For citizens facing genuine hardship — illness, dis-
ability, or temporary setbacks — government aid exists as a vital safety net. Despite the falsehoods peddled by some Democrats, no one in Congress seeks to strip this away.
But for able-bodied Americans, the expectation is clear: Be an active participant in the society that supports you. And in America, our government works best as a facilitator of opportunity, not a guarantor of outcomes.
Democrats’ push for expansive, no-strings-attached welfare risks trapping millions in dependency, stripping them of the dignity that comes from productive work. It’s not cruel to expect able-bodied adults to participate in the workforce; it is cruel to let them languish in a system that stifles their potential.
Work requirements for government assistance aren’t a punishment. They are meant to restore purpose to people’s lives. I have seen this firsthand. I lived it. I grew up in poverty, surrounded by family members who allowed the welfare system to dominate them — to keep them in a cycle of poverty that extended from generation to generation. The only reasons I am here today are my commitment to work and the opportunities America offers to take a dream, apply some elbow grease, and build something great.
America’s greatness stems from a core belief: Anyone, regardless of origin, can achieve success through effort and ingenuity. From garage startups and dorm-room dreams, our nation’s history is filled with stories of ordinary people who worked relentlessly to build extraordinary lives. This ethos remains alive today. Work isn’t just a means to an end; it’s a source of pride, a way to forge connections, and a path to self-reliance.
In a nation built on opportunity, the dignity of work is non-negotiable. Republicans will continue to champion policies that uplift individuals, not by coddling them, but by trusting in their ability to rise. That’s not just a conservative principle — it’s the American way.
Kevin Hern represents Oklahoma’s First Congressional District.
Sen. Mullin sees the high tech abilities of Fort Sill
Last week, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll joined U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) on a tour of Fort Sill. Included in the tour was a visit to Joint C-sUAS University where Senator Mullin showcased how Lawton-Fort Sill is leading the way in equipping our warfighters with cutting edge technology and training.
“The Lawton-Fort Sill community is critical to our mission of being the most prepared and lethal fighting force in the world,” said Senator Mullin. “It was an honor to have the Army Secretary in Oklahoma to be able to show him how we are leading the way in supporting our warfighters.”
In a rapidly changing technological environment, Senator Mullin and the Secretary also discussed the importance of defending against drones and other modern threats. Readiness was also a key point of the visit as it is critical our warfighters have the most recent technology to protect and advance our interests.
Treasurer recalls ‘visionary leader’
Letters to the Editor policy
We love mail, especially mail from Edmond Life & Leisure readers with complaints, compliments or comments about what they read here. The rules, even for e-mail letters:
1) You must tell us your full name;
2) You must give us your complete address and phone numbers (but we will identify you only by name); and
3) We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity and taste (our taste).
Send mail to Letter to the Editor, Edmond Life & Leisure, 107 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034. or fax to 340-3384 or e-mail to news@edmondpaper.com.
State Treasurer Todd Russ joins the state of Oklahoma in mourning the loss of Bob Funk Sr., a visionary leader who built one of the nation’s most successful employment companies and invested in youth, agriculture, and rural development.
“Bob Funk Sr. was a pillar of Oklahoma’s business and philanthropic community. His vision, work ethic, and generosity left a lasting mark on our state. From helping Oklahomans find meaningful work to supporting rural development and preserving our Western heritage, his impact will be felt for generations. We take comfort in the words of Scripture: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ (Matthew 25:21). My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of loss.” — Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ
Steve Gust
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, front row white shirt, saw first-hand the military abilities of Fort Sill in Lawton.
Exploring the super highway of seeds
By Carol Smaglinski
Would you like to add a little extra oomph to your cooking? Or, produce more flavor and texture?
Then just check out the abundance of edible seeds to choose from in our supermarkets or gardens.
Seeds are sustaining substances and yep, they happen to taste good, too.
Seeding is the term used for the process of removing seeds from plants.
For example, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add extra calcium on top of a healthy green salad, soups or nut butters. Just don’t overdo it.
Just think, these tiny sesame seeds that come in different colors from white, black or brown, were originally called benne seeds and were brought to America by African slaves and grew very popular in Southern cooking recipes. They are imperative in making tahini, for delicious hummus from Middle Easterners and for delicious snack foods.
Toast sesame seeds easily by setting your oven at 350 degrees and spreading the seeds in a single layer
on a baking sheet. Bake only for six or seven minutes and stir a couple of times. Because of their high oil content, take care with storage as they can go rancid quickly.
Store in the refrigerator on the lower racks or freeze.
Another seed to sample is the black chia seed, which we all know from the popular Chia commercials at holiday time.
They were used by American Indians who took them along on long hunting trips. Chia seeds have a slight licorice taste and mix well with nuts, raisins and cereals. The seeds come from a plant native to Central America and Mexico called Salvia Hispanica and is a cousin to the captivating smelling mint.
Another that I recommend comes from the biannual caraway plant. Its seeds are imported from Holland and Poland. They are also grown here in some northern and northwestern states. Just the addition of just a few caraway seeds to a pork roast or sauerkraut with an authentic Polish sausage, incorporated into rye bread, a sprinkle on top of homemade rolls, or into a batter for potato pancakes
Governor touts economy
Last week, Governor Kevin Stitt is celebrating good news for Oklahoma's economy, as new data shows the state is bringing in more money, creating new jobs, and keeping unemployment low.
“This is what happens when you keep your fiscal house in order,” said Governor Stitt. “Because we’ve cut taxes, reined in wasteful spending, and resisted the urge to grow government, Oklahoma is thriving.”
Oklahoma's 12-month tax revenue totaled $16.92 billion, an increase of $38.6 million over the previous year. With the state’s Constitutional Reserve Fund now at full capacity, $23.3 million has been deposited into the Revenue Stabilization Fund—
further strengthening Oklahoma’s long-term financial position. Earlier this year, S&P Global Ratings upgraded Oklahoma’s credit rating to “AA+” from “AA,” marking the state’s highest rating in decades.
Oklahoma’s labor market remains one of the strongest in the nation, with steady employment growth and an unemployment rate of just 3.1%, well below the national rate of 4.2%.
“What we’re seeing is proof that Oklahoma’s economy is booming and that conservative principles work. We’ve built an Oklahoma where businesses want to invest, families want to grow, and job creators can chase the American Dream,” Stitt added.
can make a difference.
With the warm, sweet, biting mustard seeds, they can be added whole or ground to a number of sauces such as mayonnaise, cheese sauces, or a bearnaise. Flavor baked beans or green beans with mustard seed. And, they are terrific in potato soup.
I hope that you can share my enthusiasm for the munch and crunch granola recipe.
Perk it up with dried fruit such as prunes or apricots, honey instead of the maple syrup, raisins and sunflower seeds.
Granola
Makes about 4 cups
½ cup no sugar applesauce ¼ cup pure maple syrup
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
3 cups rolled oats
1 and ½ cups chopped walnuts
3 Tbsp. ground flax seeds
2 Tbsp. chia seeds
Set the oven to 325 degrees. Line a 15 by 10-inch cookie sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, incorporate all ingredients. Spread the mixture onto the pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes and watch carefully to prevent burning. After 20 minutes of baking, stir the ingredients in the pan.
Let cool and serve for breakfast or even snacks. Store in the refrigerator for up to three months, or in an airtight container a cool, dry place for up to a month.
Local FCCLA members attend district officer training
Bella Godinez, Braelyn Harris, Tabina Chowdhury, Adleigh Fuller, and Srinidhi Chilakapati, are members of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Chapters of Edmond North High School, Edmond Memorial High School, and Cimarron Middle School, and were five of 96 district officers from across Oklahoma who participated in the organization’s District Officer Training last month at Oakridge Camp in Anadarko.
Bella Godinez is serving as the 2025-2026 President. Braelyn Harris is serving as the 2025-2026 Vice President of Community Service. Tabina Chowdhury is serving as the 2025-2026 Vice President of Membership.
Adleigh Fuller is serving as the 2025-2026 Vice President of Public Relations. Srinidhi Chilakapati is serving as the 2025-2026 Vice President of STAR Events.
DOT is designed to empower officers to lead with confidence, build strong district teams, and make an impact in their schools and communities. The three-day event also gives students the oppor-
tunity to connect with peers from across the state and develop friendships that strengthen their FCCLA experience.
As these 96 district officers return home, they are equipped and energized to lead Oklahoma’s 24,000+ members with purpose, professionalism, and passion.
“District Officer Training is an Oklahoma FCCLA tradition and an event students look forward to every year,” said Brittani Phillips, Oklahoma FCCLA State Adviser. “It’s where we grow our own leaders—from first-year officers to future national presidents. Some of our very best FCCLA leaders have come through this training, and it continues to shape the future of our organization.”
Led by dynamic facilitators Kelly Barnes and Jason Wetzler, the training provided district officers with the tools they need to succeed in their roles. Officers worked together to plan their District Leadership Conferences, develop their personal leadership styles, and learn strategies to engage members and promote FCCLA’s mission
throughout Oklahoma.
FCCLA helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues. More than 24,000 students on Oklahoma high school and technology center campuses are members of Oklahoma FCCLA.
“FCCLA is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members,” Phillips said. “It is the only CareerTech student organization with family as its central focus. Participation in national programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.”
The intra-curricular CareerTech Student Organization, FCCLA, is an integral part of the Oklahoma CareerTech System and supports family and consumer sciences education for students in grades six through adult. FCCLA is one of seven CTSOs affiliated with CareerTech career areas.
For more information about FCCLA, e-mail Brittani Phillips at brittani.phillips@careertech.ok.gov
PHOTO PROVIDED
Pictured are the 2025-2026 North 3 FCCLA District Officers. Pictured back row left is Tabina Chowdhury, back row middle is Braelyn Harris, back row
right is Adleigh Fuller, front row left is Bella Godinez, and front row right is Srinidhi Chilakapati.
Scientist joins OMRF staff
David Hughes, Ph.D., has joined the scientific faculty of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation as an assistant professor in OMRF’s Aging and Metabolism Research Program.
Hughes studies the molecular causes of muscle loss. He first came to OMRF as a research assistant professor in 2023 to work in the lab of his mentor, Sue Bodine, Ph.D., when she joined the foundation from the University of Iowa.
With this promotion, Hughes will open his own independent laboratory. In it, he’ll focus on how specific proteins contribute to the loss of muscle, especially in aging.
“I’ve had a front-row seat to Dr. Hughes’ career progression for nearly a decade,” Bodine said. “He has brought countless insights to my lab, and now I am confident he will do the same for our entire Aging and Metabolism Research Program."
Hughes, a native of England, received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Manchester Metropolitan University and his doctorate from the University of Bedfordshire.
Alarming data on U.S. teen health
By Brian Attebery
The Center for Disease Control recently released a report that 1 out of 3 teens are prediabetic in the U.S. They defined that age group as ages 12-19 years of age. This SHOULD BE a major wake-up call to all of us. When we discuss this type of “prediabetic” then we need to clarify this is for Type II diabetes. The kind of diabetes is when your cells develop insulin-resistance. What that means is your muscle cells that normally have insulin push carbs/sugars into your cells for storage as glycogen are not efficiently doing this. This resistance happens for several reasons but primarily from the cells being overfilled with carbs/sugars repeatedly which in turn leads to weight gain. The cells get damaged from lack of exercise and too much food.
The obesity of America and the youth is directly correlated to this study. While their other factors that can contribute to the development of this condition, it is correlated around 90% to obesity. Obesity is considered a “preventable” disease. 1 in 5 U.S. children and adolescents have obesity according to the C.D.C. study from 2017-2020. That is 19.7% of the youth. For comparison, the rates were around 5% in the 1970s. It has quadrupled
Who is to blame? While we can blame the food industry, school cafeterias, marketing and the internet, parents need to take the brunt of this. Who buys their food? Who directs their activities or lack of them? The parents do and should be teaching them how to take care of themselves. If parents don’t know, they need to seek out help for their children. What education is more impor-
tant than taking care of your health for life? It is time to take this seriously and understand that we are literally setting up children in the U.S. for a mountain of health problems due to their obesity and the 33 major illnesses associated with them. Little things add up to big things and we need to start doing them now.
I have owned Results Fitness and Nutrition Center in Edmond since 2003 and have been a professional trainer since 1997. Through the years I have consulted thousands of people all over the nation. I have had multiple kids in with their parents and witnessed more that need to be. Part of the issue is that families need to get educated and make fitness part of their lives. The parents need to lead by example and even if they don’t, they need to recognize that their kids sitting around on their phones and video games for hours on end and not being active coupled with sugar sodas and processed foods are piling up on their bodies. We were meant to move and be active. We need to eat healthy foods and pay attention to the amounts we eat. This whole attitude of, “well, they are kids…” does not mean parents should have them lead an unhealthy lifestyle. If you think having your kids OR grandkids exercise DAILY and eat healthy is “mean” then it is time to be mean. They will thank you later for it when they are fit, healthy, and have better self-esteem.
I do understand genetics are a factor. I also understand that each generation seems to be getting fatter and we can’t simply blame it on that. Enough is enough. It is time to get tough on your kids and most likely yourself. We can do better.
(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer. He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.com
Author to speak at History Center
On Saturday, August 2, from 2-4 p.m., the Oklahoma History Center Museum will host a free discussion and book signing with Michael Wallis for his new book “Belle Starr: The Truth Behind the Wild West Legend.” Ken Busby will moderate the discussion. Belle Starr, born as Myra Maybelle Shirley in 1848, was known as “the Bandit Queen.” She was linked to outlaws throughout her life and is now considered one of the most infamous female outlaws from the 19th century. Historians say her only documented crime was horse theft in 1883. She was shot and killed by an unknown assailant on February 3, 1889. Wallis conducted extensive research to write this biography of the woman behind the renegade legend, including reviewing correspondence, official records and contemporary newspaper accounts.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase through the Museum Store. No registration is required for this free event.
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications, the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit okhistory.org.
Attebery
David Hughes, Pd.D
Review of the movie ‘Smurfs 2025’
The Smurfs seem to have lost freshness
By George Gust
The Smurfs are back on the big screen (for the 4th time since 2013) with the 2025 revival/reboot simply titled “Smurfs.” When Papa Smurf (voice of John Goodman) is taken by evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel (JP Karliak) Smurfette (Rihanna) leads the Smurfs on a mission to the real world to save him.
It’s no secret that Hollywood has been rebooting beloved recognizable properties, and this latest installment in the Smurfs franchise fits squarely within that trend.
While the film makes an effort to be modern and accessible, there’s an undeniable feeling that the story was coldly reverse engineered from brand recognition rather than organically developed.
Younger kids will be entranced by the chaotic charm of the Smurfs as they tumble through jokes, gadgets, and glittering spell, but for older viewers, the experience is less magical and more mundane.
The main problem with “Smurfs” is that it feels like a warmed-over mixture of ideas to keep these
recognizable characters relevant to kids of today. The multiverse storyline feels like a tired trope in modern moviemaking and doesn’t feel fresh in this film.
The blend of CGI Smurfs in real-world locations like New York and Paris feels visually muddled and half-hearted, lacking the seamless integration that more confident films like “Paddington” have been pulling off with greater finesse for years.
The cast of voice actors seem well-matched to their animated counterparts, delivering spirited
performances that do justice to their pint-sized personalities. But the musical numbers, which clearly aim to be bold set pieces, miss their mark. These songs are catchy enough to stick in your head momentarily, but much like the rest of the film are disposable. You can almost hear the effort behind the scenes, the intention is clear, but the execution goes in one ear and out the other. While “Smurfs” (2025) is undeniably colorful and occasionally funny, it doesn't offer much beyond nostalgia and safe family animated antics. It entertains the kids but rarely engages adults beyond polite chuckles. The reboot energy is strong in this movie, but this entry doesn’t get you excited for future installments in the Smurf-verse. Smurfs (2025) is rated PG for mild cartoon violence and thematic elements.
2.5 out of 5 stars
(Contact George Gust for comment about this movie, or any other motion pictures at gust.george@gmail.com)
Agency mourns Bob Funk
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education joins countless Oklahomans in mourning the passing of Bob Funk Sr., co-founder of Express Employment Professionals and a tireless advocate for skills-based education and workforce development.
Funk, known nationally for building one of the largest staffing companies in North America, was also a passionate supporter of Oklahoma CareerTech and its mission to prepare students and adults for success in high-demand careers. Throughout his career, Funk championed the value of hands-on training and consistently emphasized the importance of connecting education to the needs of business and industry.
“Bob Funk believed in the dignity of work and the power of giving people the tools to succeed,” said CareerTech State Director Brent Haken. “He was a true partner to Oklahoma CareerTech. His voice, influence and advocacy helped elevate career and technical education across our state. Many of you may not realize how instrumental he was in promoting our system to business leaders and policymakers alike.”
Don't smurf now, but the little blue guys are back in theaters with another reboot "Smurfs" this time lead by Smurfette (voiced by pop star Rihanna).
When the heat arrives, keep an eye on pets
Summer’s extremely hot weather has arrived, a situation that can be dangerous for your family pets. The American Red Cross has steps you can take to help ensure your fourlegged friends stay safe this summer.
HEAT STROKE Animals can suffer heat stroke, a common problem for pets in warmer weather. Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are especially prone to heat stroke, along with overweight pets, those with extremely thick fur coats or any pet with upper respiratory problems such as laryngeal paralysis or collapsing trachea.
Some signs of heat stroke in your pet are:
Heavy panting and unable to calm down, even when lying down
Brick red gum color
Fast pulse rate
Unable to get up
If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, take their temperature rectally. If the temperature is above 104 degrees, cool the animal down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose. Stop cooling the animal when the temperature reaches 103 degrees. Bring your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage.
To prevent heat stroke and other injuries:
Don’t leave your pet in a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open.
Take walks during cooler parts of the day.
Check how hot your walking surface is. If you can’t hold the back of your hand on the pavement for 5-10 seconds, it’s probably too hot to walk your dog.
“Pets are cherished members of many families, and it’s important for us to make sure we’re keeping their safety and comfort in mind as temperatures soar,” said Loida Haffener Salmond, Executive Director of the
Red Cross of Central and Southwest Oklahoma.
STEPS TO KEEP YOUR PET AT THEIR BEST:
Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh, cool water and shade.
Make sure your pet has yearly checkups and is up to date on vaccines, especially mandated rabies vaccines.
Keep dogs on leashes outside – another animal may be too much temptation.
Know how to perform CPR and provide basic first aid until veterinary care is available.
Download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for more information on how to include pets in emergency preparedness plans. The app also features step-by-step instructions for first aid emergencies, toxic substances, a pet profile for storing tag ID, photo and medical information, early warning signs for when to contact a veterinarian and an animal hospital locator. Users can find it in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross, texting GETPET to 90999 for a link to download the app or going to redcross.org/apps.
You can also take the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course so you’ll know what to do in an emergency until veterinary care is available. You can access the course on your desktop or tablet at redcross.org/catdogfirstaid and go through the content at your own pace. The interactive course includes: How to determine a pet’s normal vital signs so owners can notice if there are any irregularities.
Step-by-step instructions and visual aids for what to do if a pet is choking, needs CPR, has a wound, or is having a seizure.
Information on preventative care, health and tips for a pet’s well-being.
Summer’s extreme heat can be dangerous for you too.
Local news?
Tips on handling the summer heat
As summer temperatures and humidity rise, INTEGRIS Health cautions people taking certain prescription and over-the-counter medications that they may impair the body’s ability to stay cool. If you find yourself highly sensitive to the summer heat, it could be a sign of heat intolerance.
What is heat intolerance?
“Heat intolerance means your body has a reduced ability to regulate its temperature, which can lead to serious heat-related illness,” says Robie Harrington, Pharm.D., clinical pharmacy specialist in the emergency department at INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center.
Medications that may increase heat sensitivity
Several commonly used medications interfere with the body’s natural cooling processes, including:
Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine): Can reduce the ability to sweat.
Beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol): May blunt cardiovascular response and impair vasodilation, a key mechanism for cooling.
SSRIs/SNRIs (e.g., sertraline, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, duloxetine): Can impair thermoregulation and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition with symptoms ranging from agitation and shivering to seizures or death.
Diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, torsemide, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide): May cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and reduced ability to sweat.
Stimulants (e.g., Adderall, modafinil): Increase metabolism and body temperature, which can lead to dehydration and decreased thirst.
Antipsychotics/antidepressants (e.g., olanzapine, clozapine, risperidone, haloperidol): Disrupt the hypothalamus, affecting temperature regulation and sweating.
Anticholinergics (e.g., oxybutynin, benztropine, scopolamine): Inhibit sweat gland activity.
Even common over-the-counter products including allergy medications, decongestants, pain relievers, herbal weight loss aids and caffeine-based supplements can worsen heat sensitivity or contribute to dehydration.
Who is most at risk?
According to Harrington, those at higher risk include:
Young children, pregnant persons and older adults
People with chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Graves’ disease, multiple sclerosis or mental illness
Individuals unaccustomed to hot environments
Those with a history of heat exhaustion or heat stroke
Individuals working or exercising outdoors
Heat intolerance is a common symptom during perimenopause and menopause due to fluctuating and decreasing estrogen levels
Symptoms
Individuals who live with underlying health conditions may notice that as temperatures increase, symptoms simultaneously begin to worsen.
Symptoms of heat intolerance and heat sensitivity include:
Feeling excessively hot in moderately warm temperatures
Spells of exhaustion and fatigue in summer months
Dizziness and nausea when outside for extended periods of time
Excessive sweating followed by little or no sweating
Rapid heartbeat coupled with feelings of confusion
Muscle cramping and weakness
General feelings of illness
“If symptoms occur, move to a cooler place, hydrate, and apply cool, wet cloths to areas like the neck and underarms,” says Harrington. “When your body can’t cool itself properly, especially in extreme heat, the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke rises. In the event of a heat stroke, call 911 immediately.”
Tips for staying safe in the heat
Hydrate - Drink plenty of water throughout the day and limit alcohol and caffeine.
Take breaks - Seek shade or go indoors frequently.
Avoid peak heat - Plan outdoor activities during cooler hours.
Dress smart - Wear light, breathable clothing. Family members and caregivers should monitor loved ones on heat-sensitive medications. “Know what they’re taking and have a plan to help them cool down if needed,” Harrington advises.
INTEGRIS Health encourages anyone with questions about their medications to speak with their pharmacist. If you or a loved one is struggling with heat intolerance, it is important to contact your primary care provider for a medical evaluation.
Access to hearing aids for low-income adults
Mission: Hough Ear Institute (HEI) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to restoring hearing worldwide through research, teaching, and humanitarian efforts. At HEI, we are pursuing the dream “that all who have ears will hear.”
Helen Keller, upon being asked whether she considered vision or hearing more important, replied:
“The problems of deafness are deeper and more complex, if not more important, than those of blindness. Deafness is a much worse misfortune. For it means the loss of the most vital stimulus—the sound of the voice that brings language, sets thoughts astir and keeps us in the intellectual company of man.”
What Keller knew, and what popu-
lar thought has often overlooked, is that the human sense of hearing represents the primary cognitive window into life itself. “Blindness cuts us off from things; deafness cuts us off from people … to be cut off from hearing [people] is to be isolated indeed.”
People with hearing loss and tinnitus often experience frustration and anxiety in social situations due to their struggles to hear. This can cause them to withdraw and isolate themselves from others. Isolation means less stimulation for the brain and can accelerate cognitive decline and dementia.
Hearing aids can be a significant expense, especially medical-grade devices purchased through an audiolo-
gist. However, the price tag shouldn’t deter anyone from seeking professional hearing care if they need it. Hearing aids undoubtedly improve everyday quality of life for those who struggle to hear, and studies have shown that wearing them can even improve brain function for those with hearing loss.
Hearing aids cannot cure tinnitus (ringing in the ears), but they can lessen the severity of symptoms and even stop the symptoms in some cases. Tinnitus is partially caused by the brain trying to overcome one’s hearing loss when processing sound. So, when wearing a hearing aid and the brain is more easily able to process sounds, many people with hearing loss experience relief from tinnitus.
The AVERAGE cost of hearing aids is $5,000. According to the Social Security Administration, the average benefit from Social Security for Seniors is $1,843.96 a month. Many of our seniors will simply go without using hearing aids due to the high cost. More than 48 million Americans, including two in three adults over 70, live with hearing loss. But untreated hearing loss doesn’t just lead to arguments over the volume of the TV set, it’s also been linked to a higher risk of depression, cognitive decline, dementia, falls, emergency room visits, hospital stays, and a
46.5% rise in health care costs. In the elderly population, 1 in 5 individuals have tinnitus. For every 1 in 10 patients, their tinnitus is elevated enough to interfere with daily life.
Medicaid and Medicare do not cover hearing aids. SoonerCare pays for children up until the age of 18 for the cost of hearing aids. The HoughAid Program will serve individuals who are age 19 or older, have aged out of SoonerCare (Medicaid), are in need of hearing aid support, and face economic barriers to hearing aid access.
HEI started the hearing aid program in 2024. We predict we will have provided hearing aids to 21 lowincome Oklahomans since September. In this initial phase, we have relied on partner audiologists for lead-generation and referrals to the program. I n 2025, we plan to increase the number of partner audiologists across Oklahoma, especially in rural areas where access to care is even more challenging for low-income adults who are struggling. HEI also has plans to begin widely publicizing the program to the public, including reaching candidates through uninsured clinics, AARP, senior publications, county resource centers, and professional organizations serving under-resourced families and seniors.
Know the signs of heat intolerance and what to do to stay safe.
Expansion set at Lazy E Arena
The Lazy E Arena (LEA), one of the most iconic venues in Western sports, has announced an ambitious infrastructure expansion aimed at elevating its status as the premier destination for rodeo, equine, and special events. Construction is already underway on a development that will feature a cutting-edge event center, new barns outfitted with Priefert stalls, and a new covered arena. The expansion also includes an upgraded facility equipped with updated restrooms, laundry, and shower amenities, as well as dedicated office spaces designed specifically for event promoters.
At the heart of this expansion is a modern, 30,000-square-foot multi-purpose event center designed to host a wide array of events—from concerts, and corporate meetings to trade shows, horse sales, and community gatherings. The new space will also feature a new covered arena and will be equipped with cutting-edge amenities to provide an elevated experience for both attendees and event organizers.
“The Lazy E Arena has always been a leader in Western sports, and with the support of the McKinney Family, this expansion marks an exciting new chapter,” said Dan Wall, General Manager of Lazy E Arena. “We’re not just expanding our footprint— we’re redefining what’s possible for events in this industry and delivering a world-class experience to the western community.”
Beyond the event center, the expansion includes a newly completed facility building featuring showers, restrooms, and a laundry area for both contestants and guests. In addition to the two new barns and 266 permanent Priefert stalls, 160 stalls are currently under construction and slated for completion by November 2025.
To further support event operations, the Lazy E
will also introduce new office spaces designed specifically for event promoters to use as temporary headquarters during their shows and productions. The event space is projected to be fully completed by June 2026.
For decades, the Lazy E Arena has stood as a cornerstone of Western sports history. From helping
The truth about probate in Oklahoma: What most homeowners don’t know
Seminar Date: Tuesday, Aug. 5
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: The Purple Room, Francis Tuttle Technology Center – Northwest Hall Entrance, 12777 N Rockwell Ave, Oklahoma City, OK
It's a common misconception that having a will means your family is going to avoid probate, but that is not always the case. Navigating the probate process can be daunting for homeowners and their families, especially as laws and procedures continue to evolve.
On Tuesday, August 5, at 10:00 a.m., the Senior Living Truth Series presents “The Truth about Probate in Oklahoma: What Most Homeowners Don’t Know,” a free seminar designed to demystify probate and estate planning.
“But it’s really about more than avoiding probate,” said event organizer Becky Seda, a Certified Senior Housing Professional. “It’s about peace of mind and leaving things in order for your family.”
Most homeowners, and even many real estate professionals, are unaware of recent changes in probate law and how these changes can complicate the sale of a home or the settlement of an estate. Whether you are planning for your own future, assisting aging parents, or managing a loved one’s estate, understanding probate is essential to avoid unnecessary delays, stress, and financial loss.
This seminar panel will include an estate planning attorney and an experienced title officer who will share the truths about:
• How probate impacts the sale of your home after death
• How tools like wills, trusts, and transfer-ondeath deeds can streamline the process and
reduce expenses
• Common pitfalls families face when selling a home and practical solutions to avoid them
Attendees will have their most pressing questions answered, including:
• Is probate required if I already have a will?
• What is a transfer-on-death deed, and how can it help avoid probate?
• Why might probate still be required if I have a revocable trust?
• How long does probate take and what are the costs?
•Isn’t probate the same in every state?
This event is ideal for homeowners, caregivers, and anyone assisting older adults with estate planning. Participants will gain critical knowledge and actionable strategies to save time, money, and stress, without any sales pitches. The focus is on the truth about probate, estate planning tools, and real-world solutions from trusted experts.
The Senior Living Truth Series is not a Francis Tuttle program, but Francis Tuttle graciously provides its beautiful and comfortable venue for monthly Truth Series events. Everyone is welcome!
Registration is open at https://seniorlivingtruthseries.com or by calling 405-563-7501.
Moderator Becky Seda, far left, includes expert panelists in the monthly Senior Living Truth Series seminars. For the July downsizing seminar, it was Laura Larimer of True Blue Clean Out Services, Noel Ladd of K&N Furniture Consignment and Tia Dunlap of Caring Transitions.
launch the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) to hosting the prestigious Cinch Timed Event Championship of the World, the venue has welcomed countless world champions and legendary personalities. Today, the Lazy E proudly hosts more than 35 events annually and remains steadfast in its mission to be the world’s premier Western entertainment facility.
Some sketches showing the expansion
Francis Tuttle helps to fulfill childhood dream
At just 7 years old, Jessie Gomez knew he wanted to be a chef. That childhood dream never faded, and his time at Francis Tuttle Technology Center helped make it a reality.
Gomez, who graduated from Edmond Santa Fe High School in 2017, attended Francis Tuttle’s Culinary Arts program as a high school student. There, along with essential culinary skills, Gomez learned “little details that have made the biggest impact and gotten me to the jobs that I’ve had,” like how to be organized, think ahead, stay humble, and more.
“My Francis Tuttle experience was one of the best things that could have happened to me and one of the greatest decisions I made,” Gomez shared.
Gomez grew up in a family that loved cooking, which worked out well because he loved eating. He recalls watching TV chefs like Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsay and being drawn to what they were doing. That interest in cooking never went away, so Gomez started learning the skill, taking home economics in middle school and attending Francis Tuttle after his two older siblings, who both attended the technology center, recommended it to him.
After graduation, Gomez worked his
way up from dishwasher to sous chef at Cafe 501 in Edmond. He later applied to Chicago’s renowned Alinea Group. After a one-day trial run working in the kitchen, Gomez received a job offer for one of the group’s restaurants. Gomez then worked at nearly 20 Michelinstarred restaurants in Chicago, embracing the opportunity to absorb as much as possible before feeling drawn to return to Oklahoma and share what he learned.
Currently, Gomez works as the executive sous chef at Birdies by Chef Kevin Lee, a Korean steakhouse located in Edmond. Before starting at Birdies, Gomez was not familiar with Korean cuisine. For him, the opportunity to constantly learn is one of the greatest things about cooking. Gomez also hosts a pop-up concept that fuses Mexican and Korean flavors.
“I wish I could travel back in time and tell 7-year-old me to just keep going because I think for the first time, I’ve been able to see who I wanted to become, and I am living it,” Gomez expressed. “It encourages me to keep going and share my story and encourage people who are maybe down. This is a very, very tough career, but I encourage people to never give up.”
Family Circus
Hi and Lois
Shoe
Zits
Beetle Baily
Blondie
Hägar the Horrible
Jessie Gomez with students.
Governor seeks reform to business courts
Last week, Governor Kevin Stitt is reaffirming his commitment to making Oklahoma the most business-friendly state in the nation. Attorneys for the Governor delivered oral arguments before the Oklahoma Supreme Court in support of the new business court law passed in the 2025 legislative session. Their arguments urged the Court to reject a meritless lawsuit brought by trial lawyers seeking to block the implementation of Oklahoma’s new opt-in business court system that would streamline legal proceedings for complicated business matters.
“Business courts are a game-changer for Oklahoma, so of course the old guard is panicking,” said Gov Stitt “Our business court system will make it easier for businesses to grow, invest, and hire more Oklahomans— because they’ll finally have certainty in how disputes are handled. We’re ready to move forward. This lawsuit is exactly what you'd expect from trial lawyers who treat the courtroom like a business model. They’re worried about losing billable hours and that’s why they’re scrambling to stop our progress before it starts— we’re moving their cheese.”
The Oklahoma Legislature passed Senate Bill 632 establishing business courts. The courts will launch in 2026 with divisions in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, streamlining commercial disputes and signaling to national and international companies that Oklahoma offers a predictable, modern legal environment. The courts are modeled on best practices from across the country and
are designed to reduce litigation costs, expedite resolutions, and attract new investment.
The governor’s legal team argued that the plaintiffs—a pair of private attorneys with no actual case before the business courts—lack standing to challenge the law.
"This lawsuit is a textbook example of attorneys trying to use the courts to block progress. They have no actual injury, no client affected by the law, and no standing to be here,” continued Gov. Stitt. "They’re asking the Supreme Court to stop a law they simply don’t like— that’s not how the Constitution work. We have full faith that the Oklahoma Supreme Court will fall on the right side of this issue."
“To compete with other states, we need to have a legal system that resolves business disputes quickly,” said business courts task force chair and former state representative Jon Echols. “I look forward to an expeditious resolution to this case and a great launch of these courts.”
“The Business Courts Task Force set up by the Governor and Legislature last year shared the goal of making Oklahoma the most business friendly state in the nation,” said Secretary of Energy and Environment and task force member Jeff Starling. “I’m confident the result of our work will help achieve that goal and be a benefit for the legal system in Oklahoma.”
