Edmond Life and Leisure - September 23, 2021

September 23, 2021 Vol. 22, No. 19

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

‘Dancing with the Stars’ again helps the chamber

Four Seasons, by Kevin Box, in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper.

Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.

For more information, see page 4.

Honor for musician Kyle Dillingham See Page 7

FRIDAY, September 24 Mostly Sunny High 90° Low 59°

SATURDAY, September 25 Partly Cloudy High 89° Low 62°

SUNDAY, September 26 Sunny High 92° Low 66°

PHOTO PROVIDED

The 2021 Winning Dancers, from left are, Elizabeth Wood, Dance Makers; Kenneth Wohl, RCB Bank; David Wood, Dance Makers; Julie LeBlanc, Homes by Taber, Krista Jones, Retired from Krista Jones DDS; and David Elliot, Dance Makers The Edmond Chamber of Commerce recently held their biggest fundraiser, Edmond’s Dancing with the Stars earlier this month at the Edmond Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center. The fourth annual competition brought in a record-setting fundraising amount to support the Edmond Chamber’s programs and mission to support local Edmond businesses.

The event, sponsored by Mercy, included a dancing competition among six local celebrities, a silent auction, catered dinner and a cocktail hour presented by Allen Samuels Volkswagen.

EDWS pairs local celebrities with professional dancers from Dance Makers, an Edmond-based business teaching ballroom, Latin, country and swing. Celebrities included Ward 4 City Councilwoman and Paragon Homes Co-Owner, Stacie Peterson; Co-Owner of Homes by Taber, Julie LeBlanc; retired dentist Krista Jones; Owner of Frost Auto Accessories, Wayne Frost; VP of Central OK Home Mortgage at RCB Bank, Kenneth Wohl; and Business Advocate and Team Lead at Beyond, Evan Comer.

The night was filled with entertainment as all six celebrity dancers took

the stage with their partners. The celebrities compete for three awards; People’s Choice, Star of the Show and Best Overall.

LeBlanc, with professional dancer David Wood, won the hard-fought People’s Choice Award. Their performance included a rumba/cha-cha mix and was celebrated by LeBlanc’s huge audience of friends and family.

Wohl and his partner Elizabeth Wood earned a perfect score from the judges, leading them to win the Best Overall recognition. Wohl, only the second EDWS dancer to ever

receive a perfect score, dazzled the judges with a decades-themed dance with crowd favorites like “Thriller,” “Bye, Bye, Bye” and “Despacito.”

Jones brought the energy with her professional dancer David Elliot during her Linde and Charleston dance, which secured her place as the Star of the Show.

The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce is the voice for business.

It is a hundred-year-old, 1,000-member organization working together to create a strong local economy and to promote the community.

Page 2 • September 23, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • September 23, 2021 • Page 3

Center marks 1500th liver transplant The Nazih Zuhdi Liver Transplant program at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City just completed the 1500th liver transplant since the program’s inception in 1992. The milestone surgery took place on Sunday, Sept 12. John Duffy, M.D., was the primary surgeon with Drs. Nitin Abrol and Yi Huang assisting.

Vivek Kohli, M.D., the surgical director of liver transplant at INTEGRIS Health, says the event is something to be celebrated.

“Only a handful of transplant centers in the United States have performed this many liver transplants,” said Kohli. “The Nazih Zuhdi Liver Transplant program at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center provides outstanding services and care to patients in Oklahoma and surrounding areas being the longest standing and most successful liver transplant program in the state with na-

tional recognition for patient survival. We have created a comprehensive transplant center that continues to grow.”

The Liver Program at the INTEGRIS Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute uses the most advanced technology to treat all types of acute and chronic liver conditions, including treatment for hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, alcoholic cirrhosis, liver tumors and management of metabolic, autoimmune and hereditary liver diseases.The program has stepped up during the last 18 months of the pandemic to provide the increased complexity of care for immunosuppressed transplant and liver disease patients.

Patients with liver disease seeking transplant come to the INTEGRIS Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute from Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico and Missouri. To learn more, call 800-991-3349

To know more about the center, please call 1-800-991-3349

Preliminary planning starts for a 2022 school bond vote Election most likely in February

By Patty Miller Edmond Public Schools is getting ready for its 61st bond issue. Sixty others have been passed by Edmond voters.

Associate Superintendent of Operations Justin Coffelt presented a run down of potential projects during the Sept. 9 Edmond School Board meeting.

“We won’t present the final list until the December board meeting, and the election won’t occur until February,” Coffelt said.

One of the items on the list includes the replacement of school roofs.

“The roofs we are considering were installed in the mid to late 90’s,” Coffelt said.

Although a new school is not on the list, Coffelt said the district is considering purchasing property for a future elementary school on the east side of the district.

“We will not know a total amount for the items on the bond list until we get closer to the voting date,” Coffelt said.

He added if the bond does not pass it would be devastating for a number of departments.

“I think our technology and curriculum departments would be hit the hardest,” Coffelt said. “We would not be able to complete a large number of the projects, which means our buildings would not provide the kind of learning environment that is the expectation in Edmond.”

Edmond School Board President Jamie Underwood said that the large number of students enrolling in the Edmond School District makes it necessary to pass the bond issue when it comes before the Edmond citizens.

“It is imperative that we continue to pass bond projects to keep up with the continued growth of our school district,” Underwood said.

“We must purchase land for future school sites, build additional classrooms, and maintain existing buildings.”

With student growth comes the need for additional buildings, Underwood said.

This is only the preliminary list and the final list will include an estimate of costs for each project.

Coffelt added, “The final list of projects will be presented in December,” Coffelt said, “with the cost of each project. The bond election is set to occur in February.”

2021-2022 Bond Election Preliminary Items 1. Technology/Copiers 2. Transportation 3. Curriculum and Equipment 5. Security 5. CN Equipment 6. Classroom Furnishings 7. HVAC Replacement — Central Middle School, Sequoyah Middle School, Memorial High School,

Northern Hills Elementary School, and Santa Fe High School 8. Roofing — North High School, Angie Debo Elementary School, Sunset Elementary School, and Will Rogers Elementary School 9. Paving, Parking and Road Additions, Renovations and improvements — Central Middle School, John Ross Elementary School, Santa Fe High School, Frontier Elementary School, Orvis Risner Elementary School, Angie Debo Elementary, and Boulevard Academy High School 10. Flooring 11. Marquees and Directional Signage (Phase II) 12. Update Intercoms and Clocks Districtwide 13. LED Lighting Upgrades Districtwide 14. School Improvements — Northern Hills Elementary School, Sunset Elementary School, Ida Freeman Elementary School, Orvis Risner Elementary School, Charles Haskell Elementary School, Chisholm Elementary School, Russell Dougherty Elementary School, Will Rogers Elementary School, Clegern Elementary School and Clyde Howell Elementary School 15. Redbud and Scissortail Elementary School Additions 16. Washington Irving Elementary School Interior Renovation 17. Angie Debo Elementary School Interior Renovation 18. Central Middle School — Renovate Tennis Courts and Track, Gym Bleacher Replacement and Update Locker Rooms 19. Summit Middle School — Renovate Cafeteria and Practice Gym 20. Heartland Middle School — Expand Cafeteria 21. Cimarron Middle School — Renovate Practice Gym, Classrooms and Office Area 22. Sequoyah Middle School — Renovate Exterior, Cafeteria and Corridors 23. Memorial High School — RenovateFreshman Academy and Main Building Corridors 24. North High School — Renovate/Add on to Main Cafeteria and New Dust Collection System for Wood Shop Santa Fe High School — Renovate Science Rooms in Main Building 26. Freshman Academy and New Dust Collection System for Wood Shop 26. Boulevard Academy — Enclose Walkway from Main Building to Gym 27. Technology Building at EPSAC 28. Land for New School (East), School Site Expansion and Pre-Construction Improvements 29. District Warehouse 30. Special Services Addition

Details on city survey For households not selected to participate in the random sampling for the ongoing 2021 City of Edmond Citizen Survey, there is now an online option for you to provide feedback. The results from the online opt-in survey will be weighted and analyzed separate from the random and scientific sample of 4,200 Edmond households that received invitations to participate in the mail in August.

Similar to the random survey households received last month, the survey centers on community livability and includes questions about the quality of life in the community, local policies, demographics, rating of local government services and resident use of services. Recipients of the original mail survey are encouraged to complete it instead of the optin survey.

The deadline to participate in either the random sample survey or online opt-in survey is Oct. 4, 2021. To take the survey, please visit https://polco.us/edmond2021.

The City of Edmond’s Polco platform is being utilized to conduct the survey. To ensure the integrity of answers, participants will be required to create an account and provide a name, zip code, and email address before responses can be submitted. This information is not tied to individual responses and is kept confidential and secure by Polco, not the City of Edmond.

Lawmaker appointed to panel Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, was appointed chair of the House Appropriations & Budget Transportation Subcommittee recently by House Speaker Charles McCall.

McCall, R-Atoka, also advanced the committee’s previous chairman, Rep. Todd Russ, R-Cordell, to chairman emeritus.

“Our infrastructure system connects Oklahomans and builds stronger businesses and communities,” Miller said. “Ensuring Oklahoma continues proper funding for the repair and maintenance of our roads and bridges is a top priority. I am excited to step into this role ahead of the upcoming legislative session and look forward to working with other state officials to continue to improve Oklahoma’s infrastructure.”

Miller has served as vice chair of the committee since 2019. Elected in 2018 to represent House District

82, Miller previously worked for the Oklahoma Dept. of Veterans Affairs and Oklahoma National Guard.

In his new position as chairman emeritus, Russ will advise committee leadership and assist as needed with managing matters before the committee. He will continue to sit on the committee and vote on legislation.

Russ served as chair of the committee from 2019 to 2021. Elected in 2009 to serve House District 55 in western Oklahoma, Russ is a banker who has served various institutions in roles from owner and founder to executive vice president and president, CEO, director and stockholder. He is currently a licensed land title agent and has also served as chairman of the Oklahoma Banking Association Small Bank Council.

“This committee’s work has been highly rewarding,” Russ said.

Page 4 • September 23, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

October 12 sales tax election You may have seen Vote No or Vote Yes on October yard signs on the streets over the past couple of weeks. You may have received an absentee ballot on the upcoming election and not know what the vote is concerning.

On Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, Edmond residents will have the opportunity to visit the polls and Ray Hibbard vote on a temporary sales tax to purchase 22 acres of land adjacent to Hafer Park.

I encourage you not to turn to social media, especially the neighborhood sites, for your information on this election. In fact, tune out everyone except responsible sources including this newspaper. We have provided below the facts from the City of Edmond that we have researched and confirmed over the last several weeks. Below is information that voters can consider in making their choice: Why is this election happening?

The 22 acres of land just south of Hafer Park is privately owned and the owners are looking to develop the site with a mix of retail and residential uses. Due to previous and continued opposition from the public for developing the site, a group including the property owner’s representatives, elected officials, and concerned citizens met in Spring 2021 and proposed allowing the residents of Edmond to decide if they would want to pass a temporary tax to purchase the land and avoid further contention. A public vote in 2017 overturned a previous project that was approved

by City Council, and another project was met with comparable results in 2006.

What is the sales tax increase and for how long?

The proposed sales tax increase would be 0.25% for one year. This would change Edmond’s sales tax rate from 8.25% to 8.50% from January 1, 2022, to Dec. 31. The sales tax rate would return to 8.25% on Jan. 1, 2023. To extend it beyond that point is not in the plans and would take another vote of the people.

How much will the land cost?

The tentative purchase price for the 22 acres of land is $3,998,000 plus closing costs.

See Purchase Contract Will this 0.25% tax cover the land cost?

Based upon tax collections from the 2020-2021 fiscal year, it is estimated that the 0.25% tax will generate approximately $5,000,000.

What will happen to the money that is collected beyond the purchase price of the land?

Any tax dollars received in excess of the purchase price plus closing costs may be used to pay towards the cost of improving the land or providing other capital improvements for the city.

How does the city plan to use this land?

The 22 acres of land will be added to the city’s parks system. However, there are no plans or additional funding currently identified for the spe-

A look at the land’s location, which will appear on the ballot. cific future use of the land.

What happens if this vote doesn’t pass?

The sales tax rate will stay the same, the city will not purchase the land and the landowner can pursue developing the land or leaving it unimproved.

Has the city ever done something like this previously?

No. This is not something the City Council would typically pursue but is doing so due to the efforts of the parties involved and the unique history of the property.

Will this make Edmond’s sales tax higher than others?

No. If the sales tax rate were temporarily raised to 8.5%, it would still be the lowest rate in the metro.

What will the ballot say?

Shall Ordinance No. 3843 of the City of Edmond, State of Oklahoma, be approved authorizing the City of Edmond to levy and assess a city excise (sales) tax of one-fourth of one percent (1/4%) for a period of one (1) year commencing January 1, 2022, and ending December 31, 2022, said funds to be used to pay for the land acquisition near the northeast corner of 15th and Bryant adjacent to Hafer Park in Edmond, Oklahoma; said land to be included in the City's park system; provided the project may also be funded from other revenue sources if they become available and provided further surplus proceeds of the tax may be used for the early redemption of any payment obligations associated with the land acquisition project or to pay the cost of improving the land or providing other capital improvements for the City?

How do I Vote?

The deadline to register to vote in Edmond for the Oct. 12th election was Sept. 17th.

The deadline for Absentee / By Mail Voting for the October 12th election is Oct. 5th. The absentee voting application must be physically received in the County Election Board office by this date by 5 pm. Ballots must be returned by mail and must be received by the County Election Board no later than 7 pm on the day of the election. (A postmark prior to that time will not suffice, the ballots themselves must be in the hands of the County Election Board by 7 pm. A ballot cannot be hand-delivered.)

The early voting period for the October 12th election is Oct. 7th & 8th – Voters may vote early from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Oklahoma County Election Board Office located at 4201 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City OK 73105.

To confirm your registration, find your polling place, or track your absentee ballot, please visit the Oklahoma State Election Board's Online Voter Tool.

This is going to be one of those emotional issues folks full of misinformation. I suspect that there will be individuals on both sides that will try to mislead voters including those that use a battle cry of “Save Hafer Park.” Our most popular park is not in danger either way the vote goes. We will explore more about this vote in coming weeks.

I was asked the other day if we will endorse vote yes or vote no on this proposed tax increase.

We respect the voters right to decide issues and will not endorse one side or the other. Our role will be in seeking out the difference between fact and fiction. You can be assured that there will be plenty of fiction out there and misinformation.

We take our role of sorting through the two for our readers seriously. Feel free to contact me with questions.

(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside!

---- Police arrest report ......................................................................Page 6.

---- Weekend calendar of events ........................................................Page 6.

---- New Eagle Scout from Edmond ..................................................Page 9.

---- The public has a right to know ..................................................Page 10.

---- Scenes from last Saturday’s Heard on Hurd ................................Page 11.

---- Carol Smag looks at garlic..........................................................Page 12.

---- George Gust reviews ‘movie ......................................................Page 14.

---- Crossword puzzle ......................................................................Page 14.

---- Business news ............................................................................Page 17.

---- Church directory ........................................................................Page 19.

This, and much more, in this week’s edition!

See if you can find ‘Four Seasons’ “Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper.

Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.

Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011.

Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable.

For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Patty Miller, Rose Drebes, and George Gust.

Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2021 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • September 23, 2021 • Page 5

Part of the signage coming into Edmond on the Broadway Extension.

Edmond’s path to better wayfinding

By Jennifer Seaton Have you struggled to give a newcomer or visitor directions?

Describing how to find the Edmond Public Schools Aquatic Center at Mitch Park or the entrance to Edmond Center Court can be tricky. A current goal in Edmond City Council's strategic plan is "Improved/enhanced coordination of brand identification, place marking and tourism wayfinding." A collaborative effort of nine City of Edmond departments and 25 community stakeholders (made up attractions, education, athletic facilities and leadership organizations) are working together to meet this strategic goal.

After meeting internally to identify Edmond’s wayfinding challenges and opportunities, City Council approved the decision to partner with a national firm named MERJE. They have experience with more than 100 other cities to more effectively guide visitors and residents to key locations.

To accomplish this, MERJE is leading a wayfinding analysis, conducting stakeholder interviews, developing a schematic design, digital wayfinding strategy report, orientation maps, gateway identification, sign location plan, budget plan and project phasing plan.

John Bosio, principal of MERJE Environments and Experiences, said “Our goal is to develop a functional wayfinding system that will market Edmond's assets and present a friendly image.” Based in West Chester, Pa., MERJE follows a holistic design approach that “merges” graphic design with the built environment, helping cities, universities, healthcare organizations, corporations, retail establish-

New OB-GYN INTEGRIS Lakeside Physician’s Group welcomes a new OBGYN. Crista (Thomas) MacAllister, M.D., is a board-certified obstetrics and gynecology physician. She received her medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and completed her residency in Oklahoma City.

Her specialties include normal to highrisk pregnancies, laparoscopic surgery, cervical dysplasia, family planning and adolescent gynecology.

"I am honored and blessed to have the opportunity to care for women as an obstetrician and gynecologist. I love building lifelong relationships with women as their physician, from their adolescent years through menopause. I am delighted to follow the path God has designed for me in caring for women through medicine.”

MacAllister offices with the Lakeside Physician’s Group located at 11101 Hefner Point Drive, Suite 204. She is accepting new patients.

Call 405-936-1000 to make an appointment.

ments, hospitality facilities, libraries, and schools enhance their brand and achieve their mission.

Their work commonly includes five basic elements: branding and identity, wayfinding and signage, architectural and visual enhancements, exhibit and interpretive design, and print materials.

Last month, MERJE, Visit Edmond and the City of Edmond coordinated meetings with the following stakeholders to discuss the Wayfinding process and gain feedback: ATTRACTIONS AND EDUCATION Gabby Trad, Edmond Conference Center Amy Stephens, Edmond History Historical Society & Museum Craig Dishman, Arcadia Lake and City parks Cinda Covel, Edmond Visual Arts Council Randal Shadid, Public Art Kelly Vaughn, University of Central Oklahoma Ken Koch, Francis Tuttle Technology Center Angela Grunewald, Edmond Public High Schools ATHLETIC FACILITIES Bryan Heathcock, Edmond Aquatic Center at Mitch Park David Minihan, Edmond Center Court Edmond High Schools, Mike Nunley Edmond 66 Park/Route 66, Jennifer Lemon Service Blake Soccer Complex, James Soesbee Golf (Oak Tree/Golf Club of Edmond/Kickingbird), Michael Henderson

Baseball/Edmond All Sports Association, Terri Jungles LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATIONS Stephanie Carel, Downtown Edmond Business Association Stacie Peterson, Edmond Historic Preservation Trust Rick Howland, Oklahoma Department Of Transportation Erik Brandt, Oklahoma County Planning Ron Cardwell, District 3 engineer Sherry Jordan, Edmond Chamber of Commerce Dena Jones, Hotels and Tourism Board President Jordan Evans, Association of Central Oklahoma Governments Darrell Davis, Edmond Mayor Terry Lanham, Visit Edmond At this early stage, your opinion is needed about directing people throughout our community. A 12question survey asks questions like, “Which attraction should a person visit in Edmond” and “What are some of Edmond’s hidden gems?” The survey takes approximately eight minutes to complete. Please respond by Friday, October 1, at https://edmondok.com/wayfinding.

The feedback and data received will be used to help inform and shape the new plan that is expected to be completed in the coming months. Important phases of this process will be obtaining funding, long-term maintenance and brand alignment.

(Jennifer Seaton is tourist director for the city of Edmond.)

Page 6 • September 23, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

(The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department.

Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.)

Sept. 7 Derek Logan Pullen, 25 of Tuttle.

Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Shea Star George, 23 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Justin Don Campbell, 37 of Shawnee. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS. Wendy Jean Baldwin, 62 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Steven Raymond Braggs, 52 of Oklahoma City. Four counts of failure to appear, driving with license canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and (Possession of a stolen vehicle) unauthorized use of vehicle or implement of husbandry.

Sept. 8 Jesus Rodrigo Lopez-Franco, 30 of

Oklahoma City. Driving without proper or valid driver’s license.

Thomas Lorenzo Rios, 27 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Matthew Isaac Hicklin, 40 homeless. Public intoxication.

Sammy Terrel McKinley, 41 of Sikeston, Mo. Petty larceny.

Charles Derek Hodges, 31 homeless. Felony warrant, possess CDS and misdemeanor warrant.

Kimberly Ann Jones, 50 of Edmond. Obstruction of a police officer, public intoxication and misdemeanor assault on a police officer or peace officer.

Sept. 9 James Adam Self, 29 of Edmond.

Public intoxication and two counts of failure to appear.

Thomas Jay Busby, 28 of Edmond.

Public intoxication.

Sept. 10 Brian Keith Ganaway, 43 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Lisa Jenell Buchanan, 45 of Oklahoma CIty. Misdemeanor warrant, driving while license is canceled, suspended or revoked and (possession of a stolen vehicle) unauthorized use of vehicle or implement

of husbandry.

Carl Deundrae Washington, 28 of Houston. Felony possession of stolen property, conspiracy, burglary in the second degree and possess CDS. Andre Nigel Bennett, 21 of Houston. Felony possession of stolen property, conspiracy, burglary in the second degree and possess CDS. Lonnie Ray McNeil Jr., 29 of Houston. Felony possession of stolen property, conspiracy, burglary in the second degree and possess CDS. Nateagus Keyon Taylor Jr. 21 of Houston. Felony possession of stolen property, conspiracy, burglary in the second degree and possess CDS. Dakota Wade Wright, 21 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Matthew Isaac Hicklin, 40 homeless. Public intoxication.

Teal John Johnson, 41 of Edmond.

Failure to appear.

Saul Martinez Bernal Jr. 42 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant and two counts of failure to appear.

Stephanie Rae Heidenreich, 38 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Sept. 11 Talmadge Larmar Smith, 41 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Josie Rodriguez-Gonzalez, 43 of

Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and disregarding restricting turn signs.

Ronald Wayne Pymm, 41 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants and two felony warrants.

Michael Denarnce Fitzpatrick, 39 of Edmond. One misdemeanor warrant and two felony warrants.

Elizabeth Lynn Emberton, 52 homeless. Public intoxication and possession of marijuana.

Sept. 12 Charles Leonard Boyles, 58 of Edmond. Violation of protective order.

Zane Douglas Gray, 29 of Edmond.

Possess CDS and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Jeffrey Miquel Davis, 50 homeless.

Two misdemeanor warrants.

Ronnie Ree Perry, 52 of Muncie, Ind. Public intoxication and petty larceny.

Dillon Kyle Porterfield, 29 of Healdton, Okla. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Noor Muneer M. Algallaf, 31 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and failure to appear.

Weekend Calendar of Events Sept. 23-26 What’s Happening This Weekend Sept. 23-26 ---- In the Gallery: Dead Feather (Joshua Garrett) ---- VIRTUAL:: Edmond’s African American History ---- ‘Women’s Rights Are Human Rights’ ---- Book + Author: Kristin Hannah ---- Fright Fest ---- Squad Live ---- UCO Criminal Justice Day ---- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market ---- Signature Tour ---- Brown Bag Lunch Series: Finding El Norte: Shifting Perspective on Western History ---- Lyric Theatre Presents: Master Class ---- Oklahoma State Fair ---- Guided Walking Tour ---- Oklahoma City Cancer Walk/Run ---- Oklahoma Derby Day Extra Information In the Gallery: Dead Feather (Joshua Garrett) Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Free; featuring the art of Dead Feather (Joshua Garrett); edmondfinearts.com VIRTUAL: Edmond’s African American History Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: through Fri, Dec 31; edmondhistory.org ‘Women’s Rights Are Human Rights’ Location: University of Central Oklahoma –

Melton Gallery Extra Info: Free; Display through Nov 18; calendar.uco.edu Book + Author: Kristin Hannah Location: Best of Books Extra Info: Thu, Sept. 23; 6 p.m.; free; bestofbooksok.com

Brown Bag Lunch Series: Finding El Norte: Shifting Perspective on Western History Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Thu, Sept. 23; 12 ---- 1 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Fright Fest Location: Frontier City Extra Info: Fri, Sept. 24; sixflags.com/frightfest

Lyric Theatre Presents: Master Class Location: Myriad Gardens Water Stage Extra Info: Wed, Sept. 15 – Sun, Oct 3; performance times vary by date; lyrictheatreokc.com

Squad Live Location: UCO Jazz Lab Extra Info: Fri, Sept. 24; 8 p.m.; $15; calendar.uco.edu

Oklahoma State Fair Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Thu, Sept. 16 – Sun, Sept. 26; okstatefair.com

UCO Criminal Justice Day Location: University of Central Oklahoma Extra Info: Fri, Sept. 24; eventbrite.com

Guided Walking Tour Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens Extra Info: Sat, Sept. 25; 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.; oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com

Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place Extra Info: Sat, Sept. 25; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; edmondok.com Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, Sept. 25 & Sun, Sept. 26; 1 to 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Oklahoma City Cancer Walk/Run Location: Virtual Event Extra Info: Sat, Sept. 25; 7 a.m.; fundraising.stjude.org Oklahoma Derby Day Location: Remington Park Extra Info: Sun, Sept. 26; First race at 3 p.m.; remingtonpark.com

Plaza District Festival scheduled for Oct. 2 The annual Plaza District Festival returns for its 22nd year on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. This year’s festival will feature 28 performers, 32 artists and a range of activities.

The festival, held on the 1700 block of 16th St., is a celebration of all things local. The one-day event incorporates live music, local artists, food trucks, kids activities and more.

“This year’s festival is significant because it’s happening during a time when people need community, creative inspiration, and collective joy the most,” said Rachael Leonhart, Plaza District Executive Director.

“Everyone talks about the physical and financial impact of the pandemic, but I often think about the emotional and physiological impact the past 18 months have had on our community. Every musician and visual artist for our 22nd Annual Plaza District Festival and Plaza Walls Mural Expo was chosen intentionally to curate a cultural experience to bring people together regardless of age, socioeconomic background, or cultural taste. My hope is that our community recognizes this, joins us, and creates lasting, positive memories with us on Oct. 2.”

There will be three stages with 28 musical and performance acts. Included in the lineup are stepmom, Sarafina Byrd, and this year’s headliner, Lincka.

Visual artists will be selling their works along 16th Street, with a diverse selection of some of Oklahoma’s best artists. Included in this year’s vendors

Pictured are artist vendor booths from the 2019 Plaza District Festival are oil painter Angel Jaramillo, John Brooks Woodworks, candle maker Moonglow Maven, and many more. Represented media include jewelry, soaps, lamps, paintings, photography, sketches, clothing, pottery, and more.

The annual Plaza District Festival is the Plaza District Association’s largest fundraiser and invites

Oklahoma to experience local together by providing the creative space to showcase Oklahoma’s visual artists, musicians and local food trucks. This unique, family-friendly event is free and open to the public. You can view the full festival lineup, list of visual artists and activities at www.plazadistrict.org/plazafest.

Edmond Life & Leisure • September 23, 2021 • Page 7

Final showing of VIBES for season to be held Oct. 7 in downtown Edmond Edmond’s First Thursdays wraps up its first seven-month season with the final 2021 VIBES on Thursday, Oct. 7 in Downtown Edmond from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This final VIBES of the season brings back some audience favorites including live ceramic demonstrations by Erin Harris, Emily Odom and Amelia Synan south of the Edmond Railyard on 1st Street.

Funky cover-band Jane Mays and the Minnie Funk Band will return for the final event, along with sylphs dancer Micah Wylie, and locally-loved Kentucky Daisy Band.

October will also feature activities especially for the kids. Join Metro Library System for a Story Time at 6 p.m. and take home a FREE Art Kit. Face painter Okie Artistry will be at the event to create custom face paintings for your family and enjoy a special performance by the Studio J Dance School in the driveway of the Citizens Bank ATM from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

During VIBES, the Edmond Visual Arts Commission will celebrate its 20th Anniversary at The Edmond Railyard patio beginning at 6 p.m. They invite the public to join them in celebrating 20 years of providing public, visual arts to the community. On the patio during VIBES, Edmond’s Nick Massey will be performing for fans.

More than 40 visual artists will be set up throughout Downtown Edmond, showing and selling their work. 36 participating businesses, including 19 restaurants, will stay open late and offer specials on VIBES nights. Come out to enjoy the final event of the VIBES season!

For a full list of programming and information about Edmond VIBES, visit edmondvibes.org.

VIBES Edmond’s First Thursdays is a program of the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, Edmond’s nonprofit community arts organization providing visual

Send news to news@edmondpaper.com

PHOTO PROVIDED/ERIECH TAPIA

Amelia Synan throwing pottery during a demonstration at the August VIBES event.

and performing art classes for children and adults year-round and the 3rd and 4th grade Art in Schools Program for Edmond Public School students.

For more information about the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, visit EdmondFineArts.com or call 405-340-4481.

Kyle Dillingham

Music world honors artist Grand Ole Opry Guest Artist, Kyle Dillingham, took home his first Indie Music Channel Award presented at the iconic Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood, earlier this month. The Indie Music Channel celebrates independent musicians from all genres across the globe, supporting excellence in recording and performing arts and providing opportunities to showcase and celebrate the unsigned artists and the immense pool of talented musicians on the international music scene. The project was created by Emmy Awardwinning media entrepreneur and television host, Christopher Ewing.

Dillingham’s original song, “Four in the Morning”, won for Best Contemporary Christian Song at the 10th annual event. It was also number one for three consecutive weeks on The Radio Cafe’s Top 10 Countdown live from Hollywood. "I receive over 20,000 song submissions a year from all around the world, so just making it onto my show is hard enough.

Reaching number one is even harder!" said Ewing. "Way to go! Keep making great music! You are, truly, one of the best indie artists in the world!"

Another one of Dillingham’s songs,

Kyle Dillingham “Homa”, was also nominated for Best Americana Song, which will be the title track off of his upcoming album to be released in 2022.

The Indie Music Channel Awards are judged by a panel of experts from across the industry–production & engineering, artist management, mainstream radio and television, and Grammy-winning artists and producers.

"What an honor!" said Dillingham.

"I hope this song speaks to everyone the way it speaks to me."

About Kyle Dillingham: Dillingham, an Oklahoma native, has electrified and energized audiences in 41 countries and he and his band, Horseshoe Road, are scheduled for a performance tour in Dubai spring 2022. He picked up the violin when he was nine, and eight years later, he gave two featured performances at the Grand Ole Opry.

Youth Leadership Edmond now taking applications After taking a year hiatus, Youth Leadership Edmond is back for 2021.

This program is designed to provide an opportunity for Edmond high school juniors and seniors to develop and use their leadership potential in a way that positively impacts themselves, their families, their schools and their community.

High school juniors or seniors who reside in the Edmond city limits and/or the Edmond Public School District and attend Edmond Public Schools, private schools or who are home schooled can apply. Applicants must possess at least a 3.0 GPA. Attendance at the opening session, graduation, and six day-long sessions is required. Selected students will be responsible for their own transportation needs to and from each session.

Interested students should:

--- Demonstrate leadership or leadership potential in family, community, and/or school activities and show a desire to develop additional leadership skills.

--- Express an interest in furthering their knowledge of the Edmond community.

--- Commit to full participation in Youth Leadership Edmond.

Selection Process: Selection is a two-step process. All applications will be reviewed by a selection panel. Students invited for an interview will be considered for the class. Final selection is based upon the information provided on the application and the interview.

Applications are due by Friday, Oct. 1, 2021 at 3 p.m.

For additional information please call 405 341-2808.

Page 8 • September 23, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Helps fund Edmond Fine Arts Institute

Organizers prepare for OK Ale Trail benefit The OK Ale Trail is a 3-mile fun run/walk in Downtown Edmond, on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 11 a.m. Participate with the traditional “Lager Jogger Registration” and compete in the “Ale Trail Challenge” which requires running a lap and drinking a beer (3 laps, 3 beers). Prizes and awards will be presented to the top three male and female “Ale Trail Challenge” finishers.

New registration options for 2021 include the “Seltzer Sprinter” where participants will receive 3 seltzers to drink throughout and following their 5k fun run. Not a drinker? No problem! Come out for the run as a “Dry County Runner” and participate in the 5k plus all the fun after the run. If you are feeling extra rowdy, sign up for the marathon of fun with the “OK Ale Trail Triathlon” that includes 1 Lager Jogger registration, 1 entry into the Beer Pitcher Chug Contest, 1 entry into the Seltzer Shotgun Competition and of course a much needed “Dry County Run Registration” for your DD.

All of the OK Ale trail fun kicks off at The Edmond Railyard, 23 W 1st St, Edmond, OK, the route loops through downtown Edmond and back through The Railyard where the beverages are served. After crossing the finish line, stick around for an afternoon of live music, fun contests and supporting the arts at the official after party sponsored by Regent Bank.

Early registration is recommended at EdmondFineArts.com for $45 a person but increases to $55 after Oct. 13. All ages are welcome to participate in the race, but beer run participants must be 21 and over with a valid ID. The OK Ale Trail is a rain or shine event. If conditions are unsafe to run the course, participants will still hang out, drink beer, and enjoy live music and fun! Walk up registration will be available at the Railyard on race day.

Want to get an early start? Join the pre-party packet pick-up on Friday, November 12th from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at 1884 which includes happy hour

specials for Ale Trail Runners, or pick-up packets on Saturday, Nov. 13 beginning at 9:30 in The Railyard.

Participants are expected to follow the City of Edmond’s COVID guidelines to ensure a safe event for everyone. EnMotive will manage the start/finish line and official race timing, while the Edmond Police Department oversees the course throughout downtown.

Special thanks to supporting sponsors: David Dobson Re/Max First, Regent Bank, and The Grant Group. Sponsorships are still available.

Proceeds benefit the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, Edmond’s nonprofit community arts organization providing visual and performing art classes for children and adults year-round and the 3rd and 4th grade Art in Schools Program for Edmond Public School students.

For more information on the upcoming evet, please visit EdmondFineArts.com or call 405-3404481.

PHOTO PROVIDED/SAVANNAH WHITEHEAD

A look at last year’s OK Ale Trail Winners.

Obituary Notice Velma e Illene Harrrris and Jacob Waarrren Harrris r December 29, 1930- August 15, 2021 I April 21, 1927 – August 27, 2021

Illene was born in Cashion, Oklahoma to Arnold O’Del Chandler and Velma Olive Donihoo on December 29th, 1930. She was one of four children and raised in Guthrie, Oklahoma. She was schooled in Guthrie, and in her teenage years was a strikingly beautiful young woman who modeled hats and gloves for the local fashion store.

Jay was born in Cooper, Oklahoma to Norman Harris and Edna Mae Lowery on April 21st, 1927.

He was one of three children raised in Osage county and later in Edmond, Oklahoma. Af ter high school in Edmond, OK, Jay immediately joined the US Navy following his brother Jack. He ser ved aboard the USS Bull as a Yeeoman 3rd Class in the Pacific theater traveling to many por ts in Asia. Af ter the war, Jay returned to Oklahoma and graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Civil Engineering.

In 1946, Ilene’s red hair and blue eyes caught the attention of Jay at a local dance. They dated for several years and were married in 1950. Dancing was a constant in their marriage of over 71 years. Their love for each other was amazing to watch; throughout their lives they were devoted to each other.

Jay and Illene had two sons, Steve and Mark in 1952 and 1954 both born in Oklahoma. Jay Joined Pacific Pumps and the family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In 1955 the family moved to Anaheim, California. Jay worked at Pacific Pumps (Dresser Industries) and Illene a wife and mother as the young family thrived.

Jay and Illene were very involved with their son’s lives including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and spor ts. Illene was a Den mother and Jay was a Scout master.

Jay and Illene were passionate about gardening and weekends in California were spent visiting botanical gardens around the state. Camping trips with their boys around California were also very regular, visiting most par ts of the state.

Illene and Jay always found time to dance together, and evenings without the boys almost always involved dancing.

Illene and Jay moved to Dallas and later to Houston with Jay’s work at Dresser.

Illene worked at Southland Life in Dallas and as an Executive secretary in Houston. The boys Graduated High School and College in Texas. While in Houston Jay joined the executive team at Axelson in Longview, Texas and Illene and Jay moved to Longview. While there, Jay acquired ownership share in Ramteck Industries and became CEO in one of the subsidiaries, FH Maloney Company. He served in this role for many years, and when Ramteck was sold to British company, Jay joined First Houston International Corporation as CEO helping companies to acquire one another and develop products.

While in Houston Jay and Illene also pursued their passions of flowers and dancing. They became members of the Plumeria Society of America and Jay served as its President. They travelled to Hawaii to collect specimens which grow in their garden today.

Jay and Illene travelled extensively in Europe and the Americas with many cruises and trips with friends before landing in Horseshoe Bay, Texas.

Never ones to remain idle, square dancing star ted with the Crazy Eights and The Bluebonnets. Later they joined the Kingsland Country Cuzzins and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at a dance which they sponsored. Round dancing continued to be a passion for the couple as they travelled all over the US dancing for fun and in competitions. Illene was a gif ted seamstress and created many (if not all) of their matching ensembles.

Jay was involved with the local M.U.D. board, appraisal district, and elected as the Llano County Republican Chairman.

Throughout their lives, Illene’s grace and kindness and Jay’s patience and thoughtfulness were loved by all. Their impact on others’ lives will remain.

They are survived by their two sons Steve and Mark, wives Lynne and Jenny, four grandchildren, six great grandchildren, sisterr--in-law Lela Chandler, and nieces and nephews.

Services are pending.

Edmond Life & Leisure • September 23, 2021 • Page 9

UCO drops close home game to Missouri Southern Central Oklahoma lost to Missouri Southern Saturday night at Wantland Stadium after a final-minute touchdown put the Bronchos in a deficit too late to overcome.

The final was Missouri Southern 14, Central Oklahoma 10.

“I thought we played well for 59 minutes and 20 seconds,” UCO head football coach Nick Bobeck said.

“There’s not much to say about this one. We didn’t play great and we let them have a chance and they got us.”

UCO trailed 7-0 in the first quarter but built a 10-7 lead before halftime.

The game remained at that score till Missouri Southern’s 54-yard touchdown pass with 41 seconds left in the game.

Central had the Lions of Joplin, Missouri to its final down and with no timeouts left. But on 4th & 4 from the MSSU 46, a streaking Brian Boyd caught a pass in stride on the Southern sideline and darted down the field for the game-winning score.

UCO threw an interception on its first play from scrimmage after the score and Southern took a knee in victory formation.

Central Oklahoma posted 178 yards rushing Saturday, a season high after three weeks. Stephon Brown ran for a game-high 73 yards on 22 carries and Payton Scott added 67 yards on 12 carries. Jayce Gardner rushed for 19 yards on four carries before a game-ending injury. Tucker Pawley had 15 yards on six carries and added UCO’s lone touchdown, a 7-yard scamper in the second quarter.

Brown also went 16-for-21 passing for 71 yards and two interceptions.

The first of those came on the Bronchos’ opening drive. After Southern

Doctor Thanked for Service

College football missed a field goal on the first drive of the game, Brown threw to his left and MSSU’s Dylan Bolden jumped the route and logged a 27-yard interception return to give the Lions a 7-0 lead with 8:35 to play in the first quarter.

Pawley put the Bronchos on the board in the second quarter. UCO had a monster drive of 17 plays for 73 yards that spanned 10:07 from the first quarter to the second. Pawley found room on the left side of the field and found the endzone for the first time in his career to tie the game, 7-7, with 8:44 to play in the first half.

UCO punted on its next possession but got the ball back thanks to a fumble that Derrick Shaw recovered. Alex Quevedo then gave UCO the lead with a 26-yard field goal to make it 10-7 UCO with just 10 seconds left before the half.

In the second half, Central punted on four of its first five possessions, fumbled on the other, and then threw an interception on its sixth and final drive of the second half.

UCO’s defensive effort was led Saturday by Michael Slater, who had five tackles and a sack to go with a fumble recovery. He made two stops behind the line of scrimmage including the sack. Tre’Vaughn Craig also had five tackles. Dylan Buchheit, Elijah Wright, and Shaw each had four stops. Zane Adams and Hunter Largent teamed up for one sack. Darius Hawkins joined Slater on the other sack.

Central Oklahoma is back on the road in Week 4. The Bronchos will pay a visit to Northwest Missouri. Central returns home in Week 5 to face Lincoln in the UCO Athletics Hall of Fame Game.

William Ryan Washko

Edmond youth earns Eagle rank William Ryan Washko, age 14, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank within the Boy Scouts of America program. He is a member of Troop 79 chartered to Southern Hills Christian Church, under the direction of Scoutmaster Tony Emig.

William demonstrated leadership to others in a service project benefitting Oklahoma Christian Academy where is oversaw the build and installation of a sandbox for the pre-k classes at the academy. His favorite Scouting memory is going to Philmont Scout Ranch with his dad and friends.

When not Scouting, William attends Oklahoma Christian Academy where he runs track and cross country. He is also on the Principal’s Honor Roll.

Please join us in congratulating Williams and his parents, Steven and Chesca, on his achievement of earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

The Last Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts of America includes 24 counties in Central and Southwest Oklahoma.

Edmond North High School Athletic Director, Baron Potter (left), presents Dr. Charles Funderburk (middle), McBride Orthopedic Hospital Physician, a Framed #24 Jersey and Lifetime Husky Athletic Pass to celebrate his service and commitment to Husky Athletics for almost a quarter century. Dr. Funderburk will remain in private practice at McBride, but has officially retired as Head Team Physician after 24 years working with Edmond North studentathletes. Also pictured is Scott Delcamp, McBride Sports Medicine and Edmond North Certified Athletic Trainer.

Page 10 • September 23, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Having

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side the right to know Thank you truck drivers

By Steve Gust I've seen some interesting First Amendment videos on YouTube recently.

If you're not familiar with these, it consists of guys with video cameras taking footage of various public places. Usually the police challenge the filmers.

At one time I used to think that Steve Gust both left and right could agree on these videos. The goal isn’t bad. It involves transparency in government. I’m not sure the left is such a proponent of transparency anymore.

Anyway, a lot of these independent video people can be jerks at times. Yet if they’re on public streets or public property, they can apparently take pictures and videos. Sometimes I wonder if they don’t push the envelope a bit so they can sue.

If you’ve read this column for any time, then you know I’m a police proponent. It’s a tough and thankless job and can be dangerous. I thank all the people who do it.

Having said that, I urge all police, and other public officials, to be aware of the law concerning when someone can or can not film. The First amendment needs to be respected. Transparency is vital, in my opinion.

I think we’ve seen that in recent weeks and months. At the end of the month our president announced we had used a drone strike to fight back against an alleged group named ISIS-K. Turns out it was a civilian vehicle and seven children were killed. This is so outrageous. What makes it even worse is that we don’t know who is to blame for this egregious action. Of course we’re dealing with the same people who thought the Kabul airport was safe and the Afghans had a very well trained and effective military.

There was no transparency on Afghanistan.

Then again you find that in other governments at times.

Government agencies, and the folks who work for them, are supposed to be public servants. In other words, they work for us. People who pay taxes have the right to know how that money is being spent.

I urge everyone to be civil during public meetings. Yet still, if you want to know something about Edmond City government or the State of Oklahoma, go ahead and ask. We don’t want government working behind closed doors.

You have a right to know.

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

By Jonelle Jones Professional truck drivers are the backbone of the American economy. Visit any grocery store, business or medical facility in Oklahoma and that becomes immediately obvious.

Whether you are buying clothing at a retail store or a filling up your tank at a gas station, nearly every part of our lives is impacted, and made possible, by the work of a professional truck driver.

In the midst of a global pandemic in which they faced unforeseen challenges, the professional men and women behind the wheel came through for America when they were needed most, when the world

stopped, they kept moving. Despite the numerous risks to their personal health and safety, the shelves in our stores remained stocked, and our families remained provided for.

This year, from Sept.

12-18, we celebrated National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. This week was an opportunity for the general public to extend a thank-you to the men and women who drive America’s economy and keep their communities supplied.

During our most challenging times, it is important to thank and acknowledge the essential men and women who step up and ensure that our way of life remains intact. If you see a truck on the highway, or taking a break at a rest stop, I encourage everyone to take a moment and say thank you — or at the very least recognize that the driver is most likely in the middle of delivering the goods that keep America moving. Maybe delivering to our community here in Duncan, or a community that a family member or loved one resides.

As essential workers, trucking’s 3.6 million professional drivers haul more than 10 billion tons of freight every year, which accounts for 70% of total U.S. freight tonnage. It is difficult to imagine our society without truck drivers delivering our vital goods the way they do. More than 80% of U.S. communities rely exclusively on trucks to deliver their freight.

Jonelle Johnson is CEO of Continental Drive Away Inc., located in Oklahoma City and Duncan.

Senator opposes latest order from Biden

Lankford questions mask mandate

By Sen. James Lankford Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) along with Senators Josh Hawley (RMO), Rand Paul (R-KY), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) to request information regarding the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) imposing a mask mandate for employees at private businesses.

Lankford, last week, strongly opposed President Biden’s Executive Order to require Executive Branch employees and contractors to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Lankford yesterday reiterated his opposition to the vaccine mandate and instead encouraged Oklahomans to be vaccinated if they choose.

Lankford Over the last two weeks, the senators have heard from a number of meat packing and poultry processing plants in their states regarding what appears to be an extrajudicial mandate on private businesses by the FSIS. These businesses informed the offices that, due to FSIS’s sudden actions, they have been forced to shut down or are fearful they will be soon be shut down for reasons wholly unrelated to compliance with laws, rules, or regulations enforced by FSIS. “We stand with these businesses in taking issue with this federal overreach by FSIS,” the senators wrote. “Individual processing facilities and plants have established policies to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 that work best for their employees and operations and are adhering to local and state guidance and restrictions. Further, it is questionable whether FSIS has the authority to withhold conducting inspection services, thus resulting in products being labeled as ‘adulterated,’ for reasons not author-

ized by Congress or outside the rulemaking process required by the Administrative Procedure Act.” The full text of the letter can be found below: Dear Administrator Paul Kiecker, Over the last two weeks, we heard from a number of meat packing and poultry processing plants in our states regarding what appears to be an extrajudicial mandate on private businesses by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). These businesses informed our offices that, due to FSIS’s sudden actions, they have been forced to shut down or are fearful they will be soon be shut down for reasons wholly unrelated to compliance with laws, rules, or regulations enforced by FSIS. We write to request information on this new FSIS policy and how the agency will enforce the notice.

On August 20, 2021, FSIS issued a notice stating, “Establishments must require their employees or contractors to wear masks when IPP are present, if the establishment is located in a county with "substantial" or "high" community transmission of COVID19.”[1] The notice states FSIS will withhold inspections if an establishment does not require its employees to wear a mask when FSIS personnel are present. Given the nature of constant presence of FSIS inspectors at facilities like meat packing and poultry processing plants, this notice seems to be a backdoor maneuver to regulate the internal policies of private businesses.

This notice imposes a mask mandate for employees at private businesses not engaged in interstate travel, the first such mandate of the Biden administration. Many businesses told our offices they were given little notice of this mask mandate, and, after seeking opportunity to appeal the new restrictions, FSIS informed them it would no longer provide inspection services after August 25, 2021, and any products out of such facilities would be deemed adul-

terated and subject to recall. This action has effectively shut down these plants. Meat packing and poultry processing plants are critical to our nation’s food supply chain. We are concerned with the impact this notice will have on the economy and availability of food nationwide.

We stand with these businesses in taking issue with this federal overreach by FSIS.To better understand the rationale and authority for this notice, and to ensure our meat packing and poultry processing plants are not shut down by overreach of the federal government, we request answers to the following questions: 1) Please provide the legal authority under which USDA and FSIS issued this notice.

2) Please provide the legal authority by which USDA and FSIS can deem a product to be adulterated solely due to a facility not requiring universal mask use but operating in compliance with local and state guidance for COVID-19.

3) Please provide the total number of businesses that FSIS has withheld inspections as a result of noncompliance of the notice.

4) Has the USDA conducted any analyses to determine the economic impact of the FSIS actions to shut down plants under this notice, either before or since its issuance?

5) Was this notice developed and issued pursuant to any collective bargaining agreement with a FSIS representative?

6) Under this notice, are the personnel of private businesses required to wear masks when an inspector is not present?

7) Does USDA require inspectors to wear masks whenever they are in public, either on or off-duty?

8) Does USDA bar FSIS inspectors from entering, either on-duty or off-duty, any private establishment that does not require mask use for its personnel?

Edmond Life & Leisure • September 23, 2021 • Page 11

Edmond’s street party, Heard on Hurd, returned last weekend. Once again there was music and food trucks for participants coming to downtown. It was sponsored by Citizens Bank of Edmond.

Heard on Hurd

Support for the military was represented at Heard on Hurd with the Blue Star Mothers, raising money to help families that lost soldiers and Fold of Honor raising money to provide scholarships to military children.

Kennedy (13) and Reagan (10) Johnson partaking of the good eats at Heard .on Hurd

Photos by Melinda Infante

Arts Festival Award Winners An announcement was made last week on the winners of the annual Downtown Edmond Arts Festival, held earlier this month. At right is first place winner Jerry Bergin for graphics. Below left is second place winner Mary Lou Gresham for sculpture.

Below right is third place winner David Billen for photography. The prizes were sponsored by the Downtown Edmond Business Association and AT&T. Presenting prizes in each photo is Jan Moran of AT&T.

Page 12 • September 23, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

New TSET board member appointed State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister has appointed Tulsa pediatrician Dr. Runako Whittaker to the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) Board of Directors.

“I am honored to be appointed to the TSET Board of Directors and look forward to making an impact on the health of all Oklahomans,” Whittaker said.

Dr. Whittaker has practiced pediatrics in the north Tulsa community for more than two decades and has served as the pediatrician and medical director of Westview Pediatric Care since 2012. She is a member of the Metropolitan Baptist Church, the Oklahoma Black Physicians Alliance, the American Academy of Pediatrics and is a board member of the Heather Burns Memorial Scholarship Fund. Whittaker is also the recipient of numerous honors, including the Women of Color Expo - Tulsa Woman of

Dr. Whittaker

The Year in 2018.

“As a veteran pediatrician active in improving the health of children in our state, Dr. Whittaker will bring an important perspective to the TSET Board of Directors,” Hofmeister said. “Her influence and expertise will have a meaningful impact on the wellbeing of Oklahomans, especially our youngest citizens. It’s my honor to appoint Dr. Whittaker to this important role.”

Dr. Whittaker represents the 1st congressional district in Oklahoma, replacing Casey Killblane,

TSET Board Member for the past 18 years. As specified in the Oklahoma Constitution, the TSET Board of Directors is comprised of seven appointees with at least one member from each congressional district and no more than two from any single district.

“We look forward to the expertise and experience that Dr. Whittaker brings to the TSET Board of Directors,” said TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee.

“TSET has made targeted investments in preventing and reducing tobacco use, vapor use and obesity in young people. Dr. Whittaker will be an asset in guiding those strategic efforts.”

The TSET endowment invests a portion of the payments received by the State of Oklahoma as part of the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement. Earnings from the endowment fund TSET grants and programs aimed at improving the health of Oklahomans.

Who Knew

Grand Slam Garlic

By Carol Smaglinski Elizabethan writer and playwright Thomas Nashe, (1567-1601), wrote that “garlicke makes a man winke, drinke, and stinke.”

So true.

Gathering around the dining room table, my niece, Denise, wiggled her nose, smiled and said, “Yuk, what is that funky smell, Aunt Carol?”

After chopping several cloves of mouth-watering garlic for the entree, I reluctantly agreed that I was the guilty party.

Excusing myself, I ran to the kitchen where I washed my hands with soap and water and then set out some large stainless steel spoons. I once read that you can get rid of the pungent odor by simply washing with soap and water. The next step is to find something that is stainless steel and rub your hands over it. Success! One more wash and I was as fresh as a daisy.

Lesson learned? Kids tell the truth, and I once heard a 5-year-old yelling at her older sister to “tell the troot!” when her sibling told a big fib.

The truth about garden classic garlic is to recognize how it’s taste can be altered by the way and time it is added to a particular recipe.

If you add it initially and keep it cooking in the pan after tossing in the rest of the ingredients, the garlic could burn and taste bitter.

You won’t go wrong if you heat the skillet, add the oil, then add garlic. When cooked to your heart’s desire, remove it from the pan.

Add it back in when all the other vegetables are nearly done and you will notice the difference.

A quick and easy way to peel the cloves is to simply break apart the cloves and heat on high in a microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. Experiment with your microwave as I set mine at 18 seconds. The skin will easily slip right off.

The tenderloin in the recipe below is a long narrow boneless cut of meat that comes from the muscle that runs along the backbone. Serve with fruit.

Light on the Fork Pork 1 lb. pork tenderloin 3 garlic cloves, peeled and halved Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Paprika Dipping Sauce: ½ cup plain yogurt 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. dried tarragon (more if desired) 2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil Set the oven to 425 degrees. Put the pork on a baking sheet with sides. Make slits, ½-inch long in the pork and push a piece of garlic in each slit.

Sprinkle it with salt, pepper and paprika.

Bake for 22 to 24 minutes or until just barely pink in the center.

Take its temperature and just before it is done, mix the yogurt, mustard and tarragon in a small saucepan and heat for no longer than 2 minutes.

Do not let it boil. Then, stir in the oil and use it for dipping on the side of the tenderloin slices.

Depending upon how fatty the tenderloin is, you can take it to 160 degrees on your instant read thermometer, but no more, or it will be dry.

When done, place the meat on a cutting board and let it sit for about three minutes where it will still be cooking. Then, slice thinly on the diagonal and serve with the dipping oil.

Edmond Life & Leisure • September 23, 2021 • Page 13

Part of the art work done by visiting artist Kathryn Walker Richardson. She will be the guest speaker next Monday for the Edmond Arts Association meeting.

Courtney Montgomery

OMRF part of national Edmond Arts Association research on genetics to hold meeting Sept. 27

ations", states RichardProgram for Edson, who is currently mond Arts Association Oklahoma's Ambassa(EAA) on Monday, dor of the Portrait SoSept. 27 will be a ciety of America. demo by Kathryn Kathryn's subjects, Walker Richardson, at over many years, have Williams Fine Art Sturanged from beauty dio Gallery. queens to governors, The Edmond Arts AsCEO's and retiring sociation (EAA) is deans to visionaries pleased to announce and small children, the program for its Sepand put together, protember meeting will be vide the experience at Reian Williams Fine and expertise needed Art Studio and Gallery for her love of teachat 316 West 33rd ing the next generation Street, in Edmond.

Richardson of classically trained Kathryn Walker artists.

Richardson will be doing a portrait For more information on Kathryn art demo at the Williams Art Studio Richardson’s work, check out her to the members and guests of the website at: https://www.fineartporEAA on Monday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. traits.net/ Kathryn Walker Richardson is a naThe EAA meeting is open to the tive Oklahoma artist trained in the claspublic. The Sept 27 meeting will be sical tradition from renowned artists held at Reian Williams Fine Art Stulike Bettina Steinke, Harley Brown, dio at 316 West 33rd street in EdCedric and Joanette Egeli and Morgan mond. There is a $5 fee for guests.

Weistling. Studies include the Art StuThe EAA meets on the fourth Mondents League in New York, The Atelier in Minnesota, and Cape Cod School of day evening of the month except in June, July, August or December.

Art in Massachusetts.

Artists of all media will enjoy speakRichardson has built a Fine Arts ers and demos on subjects of interest commissioned portrait business, newly located in her Northwest OKC to all. Membership is open to anyone interested in the arts. For more inforstudio where she works and resides. mation please visit www.edmon"...fine arts, like musical and literary dart.org and like our Facebook page classics, are capable of uplifting the at www.facebook.com/EdmondArhuman spirit...in my profession, I am tAssociation/ blessed to depict God's highest cre-

Sometimes in science, bigger is better. That can be especially true when it comes to learning from large sets of data.

That’s why Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Courtney Montgomery, Ph.D., has been a member of the medical research collaboration TOPMed for nearly a decade. Sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine program collects whole-genome sequences from scientists nationwide studying heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders.

The nearly 1,000 researchers who contribute to the database can propose studies to analyze the DNA sequences. In those studies, scientists look for clues that might not be evident in small batches of participants.

A new study published in the journal Science included Montgomery’s lab’s contributions. In it, a Harvard researcher mined the TOPMed database for patterns that could explain genetic mutations. The study detailed seven previously unknown genetic mutation processes that lead to numerous conditions.

“TOPMed allows researchers to dive deep into genetics in a way that would not be possible in a single lab,” said Montgomery, a scientist in OMRF’s Genes and Human Disease Research Program and a member of the steering committee for TOPMed. Montgomery studies sarcoidosis, a rare and painful inflammatory dis-

ease. When volunteers who live with the condition donate samples to her study, they have the option to share their samples with the TOPMed database. There, their DNA is anonymized, sequenced and ultimately, shared with researchers studying conditions like asthma, sickle cell disease and stroke.

“I’ll never have a study of 30,000 people with sarcoidosis in Oklahoma,” Montgomery said. “But when researchers can compare the DNA from lots of different diseases, we can find the commonalities that allow us to build off each other’s work.”

Montgomery has contributed more than 1,400 samples, and the database holds more than 155,000 DNA sequences. Research published last year from the database identified 400 million genetic variants, more than 78% of which had not been described before.

And while Montgomery is on the hunt for answers to the mysteries of sarcoidosis, she hopes Oklahomans who opt in to sharing their data feel good knowing they’re making a difference for people across the country.

“Our study participants may change the lives of people living with dozens of other conditions,” she said.

“That’s something we can all be proud of.”

For more information about sarcoidosis research at OMRF, visit www.omrf.org/sarc.

Page 14 • September 23, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Review of film ‘Cry Macho’

Eastwood’s persona dominates movie

By George Gust “Cry Macho” is the latest film from legendary director/star Clint Eastwood. A one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder (Eastwood) takes a job to bring a man's young son home and away from his alcoholic mom. On their journey, the horseman finds redemption through teaching the boy what it means to be a good man.

“Cry Macho” sees Eastwood return to his cowboy and western roots, and even at 91 years old Eastwood still commands the screen in the rustling landscape of rural Mexico. And even though the years have taken most of his physicality away, there is a gentle knowingness to Eastwood’s performance in this sentimental western film that brings a surprising sweetness to this film. Especially in scenes with his young travel companion (Eduardo Minett) who is biting at first but softens over the course of their unlikely friendship.

Minett’s performance shows the unfairness of his background and the misguided ideals of masculinity in a rough situation.

As a director, Eastwood makes the most of this

simple surrogate father/son road trip film by giving the relationships the time to breathe and develop in a natural way that is anything but flashy in its delivery. “Cry Macho” isn’t the kind of send up to the raucous spaghetti westerns, but instead has a more transcendental connection to nature and animals, horses especially. There’s not the build up to the big showdown on main street, but instead a sincere slow character study of second chances and new beginnings.

Throughout “Cry Macho” you can’t help but no-

tice the age of Eastwood and wonder if he’s too long in the tooth to carry this kind of movie. And while you’re worried about the 91-year-old Eastwood sleeping on a hard rock under the stars or getting into a car accident, he’s also still able to deliver the no-nonsense one liners that only Eastwood can deliver. “Cry Macho” may have been more exciting (and believable) with a younger lead, but Eastwood brings all the history of his screen legend to the film that is irreplaceable, and if you’re a fan of his career feels satisfying to see him still working as a movie star even at such an advanced age.

Overall, “Cry Macho” is a straightforward film that is more low-key study on regret and the opportunity to start anew than an old man on an revenge mission (see “Rambo 5: Last Blood”). If you’re in the mood for a slow paced and surprisingly sentimental western you should try to “Cry Macho” now available on HBO Max and in theaters.

“Cry Macho” is rated PG-13 for language and thematic elements.

3.8 out of 5 stars.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Now on HBO Max and in theaters, ‘Cry Macho’ finds Clint Eastwood once again returning to the Western genre in a surprisingly sweet meditation on modern cowboy masculinity.

Elm Tree concert set at Arcadia Answers appearing on Page 19

ARCADIA – Terry Ware and his musical friends will close out the 2021 season of the Elm Tree Concert Series, on Sunday, Sept. 26, at the Arcadia Round Barn.

Ware is a member of the Woody Guthrie Festival house band, and has toured and performed with such artists as John Fullbright, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Monica Taylor, the Red Dirt Rangers and Bob Childers.

The concert is from 1 to 3 p.m. For the first hour, Ware will perform with his group known as the Sunday Flyers. His band called the Shambles will finish out the concert.

The Round Barn is six miles east of Interstate 35 on historical Route 66 and is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free to the museum and all musical events, but donations are accepted for the maintenance of the barn, which is owned and operated by the Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society.

The Arcadia Round Barn house band, Joe Baxter and the Round Barn Ramblers, will continue to provide live bluegrass music from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday.

For more information about music at the barn, call Baxter at 405-8331350.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: World Series ACROSS 1. Locker room infection?

6. Vow at #41 Across 9. Smoke plus fog 13. Veranda in Honolulu 14. Salmon on a bagel 15. Hindu religious teacher 16. To the left, on a boat 17. Hula dancer's necklace 18. Cheryl Strayed on the Pacific Crest Trail, e.g.

19. *Winningest World Series team 21. *Infield shape 23. Acronym, abbr.

24. Make or break, e.g.

25. Repellent brand 28. Minimal distortion 30. Loathes 35. Make children 37. Low-____ diet 39. Cry of the Alps 40. Swarm like bees 41. Location of #6 Across vow 43. Tiny piece 44. Lack of intestinal movement 46. Siren's song 47. Buffalo lake 48. Makes sense, 2 words 50. "Aid and ____" 52. "Game, ____, match" 53. Like time with Bill Maher 55. Road, in Rome 57. *Current baseball champions 61. *Won in NLCS or ALCS 65. Mode of communication 66. "____ Now or Never" 68. Styluses 69. *____ Martin, 5-time World Series champion 70. Bad-mouth 71. Upright in position 72. Let it stand, to proofreader 73. Is, in Paris 74. Rodeo rope

DOWN 1. Kill 2. Spanish appetizer 3. Any minute, arch.

4. Winter cover 5. Of advanced technology, colloquially 6. Bad wishes 7. Buck's partner 8. Nitrous ____, a.k.a. laughing gas 9. Sink or this?

10. Type of shark 11. Damien's prediction 12. To put a girdle on 15. Showing signs of wear and tear 20. Writer ____ Jong 22. Retirement plan acronym 24. Like a Zoom session 25. Port of old Rome 26. *____ of dreams?

27. Let out of jail 29. *____ Classic 31. *Runner's destination 32. Frankincense and myrrh, but not gold 33. Adjust, as laces

34. Between rain and snow 36. Outback birds 38. Prickle on a wire 42. "Super" Christopher 45. Definitely 49. p in mpg 51. Glittery decoration 54. Digression 56. Bone hollows 57. Young female socialites, for short 58. Fail to mention 59. Earnhardt of racing fame 60. Coating of aurum 61. Attention-getting sound 62. Pirates' affirmatives 63. *ALCS counterpart 64. *Nickname of Red Sox manager who won two World Series 67. "____ the season ..."

Answers are found on Page19

Edmond Life & Leisure • September 23, 2021 • Page 15

The Edmond Iris and Garden Society is making plans for a big sale this weekend.

Iris Club having its annual sale this Saturday The Edmond Iris and Garden Society is hosting their annual Iris Rhizome and Perennial Sale on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Rodkey House. The historic Rodkey House is located at 410 South Littler on the West side of Stephenson Park in Edmond.

This annual sale is a great opportunity to select healthy iris rhizomes from the private collections of the Iris Society’s members from a plethora of colors and in a variety of sizes and types at a reasonable price. Tall bearded, Intermediate and Dwarf Iris will be available in a rainbow of colors and

styles. Back by popular demand, the society will again offer their Rainbow Iris Garden bags of assorted rhizomes. A limited number of potted iris and perennials will also be available for purchase.

Come early for the best selection. Admission is free and cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.

Iris are an ideal perennial for central Oklahoma gardens. They require little water and at least six hours of sun for ideal bloom. Iris are drought and deer resistant and varieties bloom from early to late spring. Some reblooming iris will additionally

rebloom in the summer and/or fall under ideal conditions! This time of year is an ideal time to plant iris in your garden. Club members will be on hand to help with your selection, answer your gardening questions and share information on iris planting and care.

The Edmond Iris and Garden Society was founded in 1925 and Mrs. Rodkey was one of the charter members. Proceeds from the sale fund the society’s programs and activities and a horticultural scholarship available to Edmond high school students.

Life af ter retirement can be full of purpose Are you retired but not tired?

That’s how many of us feel.

Ready to retire, but not ready to stay home ever y day. Are you looking for a way to keep using the skills you’ve honed over your career, but at a reduced pace?

If so, VillagesOKC maay be just what you’re looking for.

The oppor tunities to give back are limitless. At VillagesOKC, we believe that ever yone has something of value to give. We nabling are vir tual neighbors enabling mature adults to come t gether to learn, plan and n ser ve with spirit and dignity.

Being aware of community resources and discovering ways to collaborate provides oppor tunities for continued education, life planning, and

ser vice to each other.

If VillagesOKC sounds like something you’d like to be par t of, a great way to get star ted is with the GIFT (Gathering Information for Transitions) workshops.

Led by trained facilitators, you’ll haave discussions about personal, medical, legal, financial, power of attorney, living will, home health, hospice, downsizing and real estate, care plan, crisis plan, funeral preferences, d digital connections and mo more. At the end, ou’llll haave a notebook fille filled with all of this impor tant information.

To learrn morre about ViillagesOK KC or to enr nrro oll in the GIFT T, call ca or text 405.990.6637 or email inffo o@villagg-esokc.orrgg.

Page 16 • September 23, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From left are Sherry Jordan, Edmond Chamber of Commerce; Judy Pike, Edmond Historic Preservation Trust; Ellen Lee, Chair of the DAR Community Service Awards Committee; Stephanie Carel, award recipient; Amy Stephens, Edmond Historical Society & Museum; Andrea Aven, Regent, Cordelia Steen Chapter, NSDAR.

Stephanie Carel honored for community service Cordelia Steen Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, awarded the DAR Community Service Award to Stephanie Carel at their chapter meeting on earlier this month.

Carel, a longtime volunteer in Edmond, was honored for her service as the Executive Director of the Downtown Edmond Business Association, as the Chairman of the Edmond Historic Preservation Trust, and for her recent work on the revitalization of Gower Memorial Cemetery, a historic black cemetery in the Edmond-Arcadia area. Carel was also honored for her work with the Edmond Homeless Alliance and the Edmond Business Im-

provement District.

The ceremony, led by Ellen Lee, chair of the chapter's Community Service Awards Committee, included members of the Edmond community who spoke of Carel’s outstanding volunteer service: Judy Pike, Edmond Historic Preservation Trust; Sherry Jordan, President & CEO of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce; Amy Stephens, Executive Director of the Edmond Historical Society & Museum; and Cordelia Steen Chapter Regent Andrea Aven, who spoke on behalf of Sherrod Wall for the Gower Memorial Cemetery project.

Criteria for the DAR Community Service Award

requires that candidates must have contributed to the community in an outstanding manner through heroic, civic, or benevolent service; or, by organizing or participating in community service activities.

The person or persons may not receive compensation for their service; and service must be within the last 5 years.

Carel stated regarding her community service: “My passion is my family and my community, and I strive to make Edmond a better place to live and visit. I have been volunteering for over 40 years, and community service is a true calling for myself and my family.”

Education audit ordered In the wake of Epic Schools misreporting its school administrative costs, Gov. Kevin Stitt has requested an investigative audit of the Oklahoma Cost Accounting System (OCAS) at the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE).

“I deeply appreciate Gov. Stitt for his confidence in the findings of the Epic Schools audit report released last year,” said State Auditor Cindy Byrd.

“It is clear Epic’s founders were able to take millions of dollars by manipulating the schools’ administrative costs reported to OSDE.” Following the October 1, 2020, release of the Investigative Audit which included both Epic Schools districts, many have questioned if the same issue is occurring in additional public school districts including 22 legislators who wrote Governor Stitt seeking an audit of OSDE. The governor’s request will help the state answer those questions.

The audit has two primary objectives: • Identify all revenue sources flowing into the State Department of Education (SDE), including but not limited to, federal funds, state appropriations, taxes, and fees. Determine

if the revenues were properly allocated and expenditures from selected funds were made in accordance with applicable laws.

• Determine if SDE and Oklahoma school districts are complying with OCAS financial transaction reporting requirements and that SDE is effectively requiring consistent application and timely accountability.

“This type of audit has never been conducted in the history of Oklahoma and, perhaps, the nation,” Byrd said. “As always, these audits are about transparency and accountability to taxpayers. I commend Governor Stitt for requesting this audit.

People want to know how their tax dollars are spent on education.”

Staying within administrative spending limits can create unique challenges for school boards and administrators especially when considering whether to accept certain federal grants that increase administrative costs for compliance with federal regulations.

“In the end, the intended purpose of this audit is to ensure per pupil spending and education funding is making it to the classroom,” Byrd said.

Edmond Life & Leisure • September 23, 2021 • Page 17

Jim Thorpe Rehab Integris treatment now in Edmond In a fast-moving world, convenience means everything. Access to health care is no different. That’s why INTEGRIS Health continually explores opportunities to bring Oklahomans the health care they need closer to home.

As part of our commitment to the communities we serve, INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation will officially open its Edmond inpatient service facility at INTEGRIS Health Edmond on Oct. 1. They will begin accepting patients as early as this week.

INTEGRIS Health Edmond has housed an outpatient Jim Thorpe clinic for years. The new 18-bed inpatient rehabilitation facility is just one component of a larger, $95 million INTEGRIS Health expansion in Edmond.

“This is great news for people living in Edmond and the surrounding areas,” saysBrent Tipton, M.D., the medical director of INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation. “They will no longer have to be transferred into the city to receive the expert care they need when recovering from a serious illness or injury. Instead, they can now receive Jim Thorpe quality care right there in their local hospital.”

The on-site team includes physicians, nurses, counselors, therapists, dietitians, social workers and case managers. They serve adult patients diagnosed with orthopedic, neurologic and other complex medical conditions.

To learn more about the Jim Thorpe inpatient rehabilitation services located at INTEGRIS Health Edmond, 4801 INTEGRIS Parkway, please call 405-6445356.

Former Oklahoma City police officer and knife expert Shawn Shropshire

Area knife expert shares his expertise with students at Francis Tuttle Tech Center Knives are a crucial part of a chef’s tool kit, and who better to talk about it than someone who makes them by hand.

Shawn Shropshire, owner of SDS Knifeworks and star contestant of the show “Forged In Fire,” gave a presentation at Francis Tuttle Technology Center on Thursday.

He spoke to Culinary Arts program students in the morning and afternoon about the importance of good knife care.

Shropshire spoke to students about his craft and provided some important tips for effective knife sharpening. Culinary students focus on knife sharpening, care and safety as part of their coursework, since a good knife can make all the difference in the preparation of a delicious meal.

“It was great to have Shawn come and talk to our students about a vital component of culinary arts,” Michele Sanders, director of Culinary Arts at Francis Tuttle, said. “His presentation was fascinating and I was

New doctor at Integris Family Care volved with community outDerek Pourtorkan, D.O., is a reach in order to promote preboard-certified family medicine ventive health. What I value physician. He graduated from most, however, is getting to Oklahoma State University Colknow and build a relationship lege of Osteopathic Medicine with not just patients, but also in Tulsa. He completed his resitheir families." dency at McAlester Regional Pourtorkan offices at the INHealth Center in McAlester.

TEGRIS Family Care Coffee Areas of interest include Pourtorkan Creek clinic located at 2916 N. acute care, hypertension, diaKelly Ave. in Edmond. He is acbetes, COPD, smoking cessacepting new patients. To know more tion, depression and anxiety. or to schedule an appointment, please "I love the variety and the continuity call the INTEGRIS Family Care Coffee of care found in family medicine, as Creek clinic at 405-715-5300. well as the opportunities to get in-

Recognition for MidFirst Bank MidFirst Bank is proud to announce its No. 1 ranking on the America's Best Employers By State list for the state of Oklahoma. As the largest privately owned bank in the United States, MidFirst Bank was selected following an evaluation of a vast sample of approximately 80,000 Americans working for companies with more than 500 employees across 25 industry sectors in the US. "It is an honor for MidFirst Bank to be recognized in such a positive way, and we want to thank all of the em-

ployees who participated," said MidFirst Bank Chairman and CEO Jeff Records. "Independent recognitions like America's Best Employers By State are especially meaningful this year when every industry is reimagining the workplace and striving to create opportunities for their employees.

MidFirst Bank is committed to continuously providing an exceptional culture creating an energizing and supportive employee experience while delivering extraordinary customer service."

Honors await business leaders The 35th annual induction ceremony of the Oklahoma Commerce & Industry Hall of Honor will welcome three new inductees at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 28 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. The honorees are Debby Hampton, Christian Keesee and Sam Presti. Corporate tables and individual tickets are available at okcu.edu/hallofhonor.

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

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

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

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

For questions or to discuss corporate sponsorships, contact Cory at 405-2085540 or mcory@okcu.edu.

impressed by how engaged the students were. We teach all about knife safety and sharpening in our program, but it’s always great to have an expert come to reinforce that knowledge and maybe get the students thinking more about their future careers.”

Shropshire is a retired OKC police officer who has been working on knives for about 20 years. He has done several shows and demonstrations across the country, and he was crowned Champion of Season 5 Episode 39, titled “Ring Hilted Sword,” of the History channel show “Forged In Fire.”

Based in Piedmont, Shropshire creates custom-made knives and has extensive knowledge on the types of metal used, materials for handles, the longevity of knives, and how to properly sharpen knives to prolong their effectiveness. He demonstrated to students proper sharpening techniques, various stones and surfaces to use, and what makes certain knives ideal for specific kitchen jobs.

Page 18 • September 23, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Applying a little country and western therapy

By John Goetz Edmond Family Counseling Sometimes events in life help you gain layers of perspective. If nothing else the last year and a half has added a layer of experience to all of our lives. We have been flexible and we have adapted. Some have struggled Goetz more than others and this article is tor the strugglers.

“Run your car off the side of the road Get stuck in a ditch way out in the middle of nowhere Get yourself in a bind, lose the shirt off your back Need a floor, need a couch, need a bus fare” Find Out Who Your Friends Are Song by Tracy Lawrence I find this song eloquently expresses the old truth that true friends are rare and the title “friend” is not to be given out lightly. Who would you call, who would you give short- term help to (go pick them up in the middle of the night in a sketchy neighborhood)? Who would you give longterm help to (let them live with you)? Has the past year put friends in your life through tough times, what can you do to help? I once heard that we can count the number of true friends in our entire life time on one hand and two if we are very fortunate.

So what do we know about friendships? One, there is good evidence/data to support the statement, human touch is vital to physiological development. Two, isolation or should I say involuntary isolation is an aversive experience. Social isolation

significantly increases a person's risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Social isolation is associated with about a 50% percent increased risk of dementia. “Do you remember Wilson in “Cast Away”? Three, in interviewing survivors of the holocaust, a common denominator associated with survival was the belief that I need to stay alive for someone else. Typically the will to live is because of a spouse or family member.

Friendships and family relationships are important, but what if some of your family members are a pain? We can all relate to that! Often friendships and friendships within family are freely given with no expectations. Sure, you can have a mutual and beneficial relationship with someone, even a very close relationship, but that does not make it a lifelong friendship. An example would be, if money is given are there expectations? Many times help is given to a friend with no expectations. A very difficult thing to accomplish and example would be giving someone a kidney. Being a friend or family member requires establishing boundaries. Boundaries are OUR red lines others do not cross. A simple example is to knock on a family member’s bed room door before entering. A more complex example is demonstrated by answering the question, how many times can I lie to you and you still trust me? Before you answer that, take 24hrs to think

about it. If I can’t trust you, then we are not friends. Boundaries require assertiveness to be able to carry them out. Finally, we know that reflective listening reduces conflict and can lead to greater clarity of what is being communicated.

I will finish with noting that valued beliefs have an effect on our family and friendships. PreCOVID, COVID and post COVID let us keep an eye out for those in need by offering what help we can. Let us nourish those friends and family we already have. You never know when you will be stuck in a ditch way out in the middle of nowhere!

Just for fun, the following is from Psychology Today, see how many statements in which you agree: The 13 Essential Friendship Traits How much do you agree with each statement?

1. I am trustworthy.

2. I am honest with others.

3. I am generally very dependable.

4. I am loyal to the people I care about.

5. I am easily able to trust others.

6. I experience and express empathy for others.

7. I am able to be non-judgmental.

8. I am a good listener.

9. I am supportive of others in their good times.

10. I am supportive of others in their bad times.

11. I am self-confident.

12. I am usually able to see the humor in life.

13. I am fun to be around.

(John Goetz M. Ed LPC-S, is the Clinical Director of Edmond Family Counseling and Staff Therapist).

Edmond Family Counseling is a non-profit organization. We may be reached at 405-341-3554, to schedule an appointment with one of our professional counselors.

Celebrating six years since heart transplant

Man credits Integris for saving his life The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS Health concluded the 2021 “Home Run For Life” series recently by honoring Timothy Stone of Jenks, Okla., during the Dodgers’ 7:05 p.m. ¡Celebración Cielo Azul! game against Round Rock at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Stone had a physically demanding job working on cars and was in excellent shape traveling the country as a competitive bare-knuckle fighter for 20 years.

He rarely slowed down, even for several years after being diagnosed at the age of 40 with cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart that makes pumping blood throughout the body difficult. Then at the age of 49, Stone collapsed while mowing his backyard in Jenks, Okla., and his health quickly spiraled downward starting in March 2015.

Stone would endure multiple surgeries, including five open heart surgeries and a heart transplant at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center. He would spend about four months in the hospital in Oklahoma City.

Now almost six years later at the age of 55, Stone is back living life with vigor and new perspective with the goal of helping others facing similar difficult journeys thanks to the care he received at INTEGRIS Health.

“I owe them everything,” Stone said of the staff at INTEGRIS Health.

“Life is precious. We have all heard that a million times, but I think we look at it a little differently now.”

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the Oklahoma City community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and

Timothy Stone health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a prerecorded home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony. “’Home Run For Life’ allows us to uniquely recognize some amazing Oklahomans who have endured significant health challenges,” OKC

Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “Each month during the baseball season, we are proud to partner with INTEGRIS Health to honor the perseverance and courage displayed by these individuals and to help inspire others with their incredible stories.”

After collapsing in his yard in the

spring of 2015, Stone’s wife Leslie took him to the hospital in Tulsa. A series of serious health setbacks followed throughout the next five months. Eventually with the right side of his heart shutting down, he was brought to INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City in August 2015.

When he arrived, he faced seemingly insurmountable odds with a prognosis of a five to 10 percent chance of survival without a heart transplant.

He had 12 surgeries, including five open heart surgeries.

He typically weighed around 175 pounds, but in October 2015 was down to about 118 pounds and then came the devastating news that he had about eight days to live.

With three days left and his organs shutting down, he said his goodbyes to his wife and children telling then how much he loved them.

Everything changed on Oct. 29, 2015 when they found a heart that was a perfect match.

The sixth anniversary of his heart transplant is soon approaching and Stone now mentors others going through transplants.

He was fortunate to have the unending support of the INTEGRIS Health staff, his wife Leslie, daughter, son and family throughout his journey back to health, but knows not everyone is so lucky.

“We were blessed to have a lot of great people and a lot of loving people help us along the way,” he said.

To read Stone’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-thebricks.

Edmond Life & Leisure • September 23, 2021 • Page 19

Agencies & pandemic relief The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS), in partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), will begin delivering millions of dollars in federal aid directly to families across the state this month. The Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program provides food benefits for families with school-aged children who qualified for but did not receive free or reduced-price school meals due to pandemic-related virtual learning during the 2020-21 school year. Benefits will be distributed in multiple batches beginning this week, with all benefits to be distributed to hundreds of thousands of Oklahoma children by Oct. 15.

Families with eligible students, as identified by their schools, will receive new P-EBT cards in the mail. The benefits loaded on the cards can be used to purchase groceries at authorized retail food stores and farmers’ markets.

OKDHS and OSDE utilized a collaborative datasharing agreement, using the most current data available, to ensure hundreds of thousands of eligible households across the state would automatically receive P-EBT benefits without having to complete an application.

“P-EBT has been a critical program to address childhood hunger as a result of COVID-19,” said Secretary for Human Services and OKDHS Director Justin Brown. “We share a commitment with the State Department of Education to support Oklahoma children and families who may face increased food insecurity due to the pandemic. We are here to offer resources and are grateful to the many partners who continue to raise their hands in service to others.”

"We're pleased to partner with OKDHS to ensure that children can continue to learn despite the difficult circumstances presented by the pandemic," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister. "Proper nutrition is essential for children to be ready to learn, and our state and school leaders have stepped up during this unprecedented time to see that our children's most basic needs are met first and foremost."

Families who believe their children are eligible but have not received their P-EBT card(s) by Oct. 15 may visit this website or call (405) 522-5050

Holiday sale this Saturday There will be an event billed as “The Pumpkins are Coming,” this Saturday at the Masonic Lodge, 1026 N. Boulevard. Sales will be done by the Edmond De Molay.

Holiday vendors will be inside, The sale runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For additional information, please contact L. Luttrell at 405-474-0792.

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In light of COVID 19 for the time being, some worship services may be suspended or online.

Please check with your house of worship for more information.

Page 20 • September 23, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure