Edmond Life and Leisure - September 29, 2022

Lifting prayers

Injured officer, late-officer remembered

Dozens of people gathered Sunday at the Edmond Police Department to pray for one of their own. Sgt. Joe Wells shot at a chase suspect who then hit him with his vehicle. The officer was thrown from his motorcycle into a ravine Friday.

The wife of another Edmond officer organized the prayer vigil after she said she woke up Saturday morning with a heavy feeling in her heart and knew something needed to be done to lift that cloud of worry, off of the officers and the people who hope they come home at the end of every shift.

“It’s really been the weirdest thing. It’s been a weird feeling. It’s been a heavy feeling for everyone,” explained Emily Morefield. She organized the prayer vigil.

Nearly two months after Motorcycle cop, Sgt. CJ Nel son was hit and killed by a truck as he sat at a red light, a nearly identical “officer down” call went out over the airwaves.

Friday, Sgt. Joe Wells was in the middle of a chase on his own motorcycle when the suspect hit him with a truck after Sgt. Wells fired a shot. The Sergeant was thrown from his bike into a ravine.

“That was a very traumatic event for all of us and now here we do that again,” said Edmond P.D.’s Lt. Mark Oak. “Just fear and anxiety has really never been an issue at least in my home and it just feels like this year it’s just been a lot of that. A lot of anxiety a lot of

Emily Morefield said she just needed to do something to let her husband and everyone else who wears the Edmond uniform know they’re supported.

“I fought with it for about an hour and finally I gave in and said alright I’m going to do it. It’s very much out of my comfort zone to do something like this but it was needed,” she said.

Mark said, they do.

“It’s uplifting to see the support of the community I’ll be honest with you, that’s a big deal for us. That’s what keeps up going,” said Lt. Oak. He added, “I’m glad I came and hopefully some people saw my face and that helped them as well just as when I saw their face.”

The Edmond Police Department said Sgt. Wells’ condi tion is still critical. A 24-year-old male has been arrested in connection with the incident.

PHOTO BY ERIECH TAPIA

Dozens of people gathered Sunday at the Edmond Police Department to pray for one of their own. Sgt. Joe Wells shot at a chase suspect who then hit him with his vehicle. The officer was thrown from his motorcycle into a ravine Friday.

Sgt. Joseph Wells

PHOTO BY ERIECH TAPIA

Final 2022 VIBES next week

VIBES Edmond's First Thursday's season finale event is coming up on Thursday, October 6, and will feature visual arts, performing arts, and community.

Join us in Downtown Edmond for the final VIBES of 2022! The October event is sponsored by Chickasaw Community Bank. It will headline a Ceramic Throw Night, where six ceramicists will demo their wheel-throwing and hand-building processes for attendees.

This month also showcases extra special performances, including a Beatles "Sneaker Ballet" performed by the Oklahoma City Ballet at 6:30 pm and again at 7:30 pm at the entrance of Vault 405. Inspyral Circus is back at VIBES with their "Hooplahoma” show from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on the NW corner of Hurd & Broadway. Catch dazzling ariel acrobatics from Alissa Snider and Micah Wylie in the NW corner of Campbell & Broadway. Collaborate with the Groovemeant Community on their dance floor, create origami and calligraphy with the Japan American Society of Oklahoma, and visit a balloon artist hosted by the Metropolitan Library System.

As always, VIBES will feature many great visual and performing artists. This month, enjoy over 40 visual artists set up downtown and the sights and sounds of the various performing groups. There is truly something for everyone at this free, family-friendly event. Stay up to date on all the monthly features by follow-

ing @Edmond_Vibes on Instagram or the www.edmondvibes.org website.

VIBES, Edmond's First Thursdays is a program of the Fine Arts Institute, Edmond's nonprofit community arts organization providing visual and performing art classes for children and adults year-round, and the 3rd and 4th grade Art in Schools Program in Edmond Public Schools.

For more information, visit EdmondFineArts.com or call 405-3404481. The 2022 VIBES Season is made possible by Citizens Bank of Edmond, Mercy, Edmond Electric, First Bank & Trust Co., Engel & Volkers The Duncan Group, The Mule, Small Architects, Valor Bank, and the City of Edmond.

ERIECH TAPIA

Ceramic Artist Emily Odom Throwing on the Wheel at a previous VIBES event.

From the

Robertson our corporate chaplain

You may not have known this, but our company had what I called our corporate chaplain. It was Mike Robertson, and it is with a great amount of sadness to announce he fell asleep in the Lord on Sept. 16, 2022. Our entire office loved Mike and he will be missed.

Mike and the church where he served as rector, Church of the Good Shepherd, were regular advertisers of ours. They never missed being in an issue. In fact, that is how we got to know each other. He called me one day to let me know we had missed billing him for a couple of months. I told him not to worry about it because it was my mistake, and we could just start fresh.

Within an hour, he was down at my office with a check. Mike insisted that he was not looking for a free ride and insisted on paying what was owed regardless of our billing mistake. I thanked him for the payment, but the best part was a new friendship for me. Mike believed in what our paper does for the community and wanted to be sure he was being supportive of our mission. I can tell you that Mike was one of those people that just gets it folks.

After that first meeting, Mike would often stop by with a gift. Usually, it was donuts for the staff but often it was an interesting book, story idea or news tip for us to follow. Just the week before he died, Mike was in with a book he wanted our editor, Steve Gust, to read. He did and wrote about the book in a recent column.

Mike would hit the door running. He would walk right past my desk and head to the area where most of our staff is working. The man would sit down at each person’s desk to ask how they were doing and want to know what was new in their lives. He was the most caring person I have ever known. He would eventually get around to me, but I like the fact that he put our staff and their needs first, always. That is when I gave him the unofficial title of the Edmond Life & Leisure Corporate Chaplin. He liked it even though he knew we could not afford to pay.

Going to lunch with Mike meant you needed to allow some extra time because he knew everyone in town it seemed. You could count on your lunch

getting interrupted by folks showing their respect and appreciation to Mike for how they had enhanced their lives. His sense of humor was notorious, but his sincerity was even stronger.

What Mike and I had most in common was the pride we had in our children. Despite all his successes in life, you would never hear him brag about himself. For example, I never knew he was a bishop until I read his obituary below. He would brag about his kids, and I loved him for that. The truth is that they were successful in their own right and he never talked about anything that they had not achieved through hard work.

Here is a bit of his obituary in case you did not know Mike:

1943 – 2022

J.M. “Mike” Robertson entered the near presence of God on September 16, 2022. He was born to W.H. “Bill” Robertson and Winifred (Mallary) Robertson on July 1, 1943, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

After a successful career in insurance and financial planning, he semi-retired and attended seminary. He was ordained as a priest in the Anglican Catholic Church in 1995 and served as rector of Church of the Good Shepherd for over 25 years. During that time, he was consecrated as a bishop in 2006.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Winifred Robertson, and his brother Jim Robertson. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary, his daughter, Staci Robertson, and fiancé Greg Campbell, daughter, Michelle Stellato and husband Tommy, brother-in-law Dwayne Thomason and wife Dawn and various nieces and nephews: Curtis Robertson and wife, Debbie, Susan Foster, Kenny Robertson and wife, Chery, Raewyn Shell and husband, William, and Kayla Thomason and husband, Michael Baraga.

Special thanks to Mike’s physician, Dr. Jeanie Klabzuba, who was beside him every step of the way. She was so supportive and encouraging and sent him daily “hugs and prayers.”

Arrangements were under the direction of Matthews Funeral Home, Edmond, Oklahoma.

Mike had a deep love of animals and rescued many dogs and cats over the years. He always looked forward to officiating at the Blessing of the Animals at his church and at other events. He requested no flowers, but memorials may be made to Paws for Life, Inc. (P.O. Box 3211 Edmond, Oklahoma 73083)

Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Church of the Good Shepherd.

MOJ Executive Director retiring

Our good friend and the executive director of Ministries of Jesus is stepping down to make room for a new executive director. Kim Swyden had been involved in the organization since its inception and yes, he is a minister as well. We do have many ministers that look out for us here at the paper. It follows the saying, “It takes a village” I guess to keep us newspaper folks in line with the Lord.

We have written about MOJ often and I can tell you their work makes heath care possible for thou-

sands of people who would have had to do without every year. If you are ever looking to contribute to an organization that is effective and good stewards with your donation, this is the place.

In his words, here is the announcement Kim made last week.

Greetings Friends:

I can remember, as a founder of Ministries of Jesus, sitting with my wife Julane and a dozen others 21 years ago working through Luke 4:18-19. We spent 10 months exegeting that passage to understand what Jesus said He had come to do. He came to bring healing to us spiritually; He came to preach the gospel to all and to tell us He would return. It also seemed in that passage He told (or tells) us that He was concerned about right now, that is our physical and emotional healing. So that group of founders dreamed of a new kind of ministry and then actualized the whole person healing we now call Ministries of Jesus. I remember the joy for 21 years being part of Ministries of Jesus Board of Directors and contributing to the direction of the ministry. However, the greatest joy I remember and will always remember has been leading Ministries of Jesus as the Executive Director for the past 8+ years.

Today, Ministries of Jesus is in the best place financially we have ever been, our ministry metrics have never been better, and our staff is fabulous. This multi-disciplined ministry sees all departments, medical/dental, counseling, recovery, and social services all working together for the Gospel, and loving each other in the name of Jesus.

A new chapter has begun. Ministries of Jesus is in a great position to follow the Lord to the next ministry area He chooses to lead. And we are all praying and looking to Him. This might be ministry replication, adding ministry services, or whatever He decides. This is a thrilling place to be.

I can also remember when the Lord impressed upon me this past year that now my job in following Him was to find the next person to lead Ministries of Jesus for the next decade and beyond. How pleased I am to tell you, faithful friends of MOJ, that we have found that person to take the lead.

Our new Executive Director is Dr. Joe Pierce. He is currently the Superintendent of Oakdale Schools. Joe’s last day at Oakdale will be December 31, 2022. Between now and then Joe and I will be working on the transition and ministry hand-off.

Lots of information to come. The board and staff are happy about all this. I am delighted, delighted about having served at Ministries of Jesus, this exciting transition, and yes, continuing to volunteer at a place where the mission is the Kingdom.

“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.

dok.com/public-art.php.

Edmond,

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

Ray Hibbard

The Rev. Michael Robertson, giving a pet blessing in 2015 to mark St. Francis of Assisi Day.

Joe Pierce

Col. Leonard Scott

Edmond native to be inducted into Okla. Military Hall of Fame

Leonard Scott, an Oklahoma native of Edmond, reared in Minco, will be among 12 veterans inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame on October 29, 2022. Induction will be held during ceremonies at the Embassy Suites Conference Hotel, 2501 Conference Drive, Norman, OK.

Colonel Leonard B. Scott III, USA, who is from Edmond, OK, was reared in Minco, OK. He joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard after high school graduation. In 1968 he volunteered for the Guard’s Officer Candidate School and was an honor graduate. Scott attended Officer’s Basic Course at Ft. Benning, GA, and was offered a Regular Army Commission, which he accepted. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne and attended the Airborne and Ranger School.

Scott was sent to Vietnam and was assigned to the Airborne Brigade’s Company (Long Range Reconnais-

sance Patrol) 75th Rangers. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal on May 22, 1970. In a battle with the enemy, an assistant team leader was severely wounded. Scott moved from his covered position and placed suppressive fire on enemy positions which controlled the area where the wounded lay. He also called in close artillery on the enemy. When extraction gunships arrived, he deployed them and moved to an exposed position to direct the extraction of his unit.

Scott’s other awards include the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

For information on reservations for the October 29th Induction Ceremony and Banquet, go to www.okmhf.org; email info@okmhf.org; call 405/424-5313; or find us on Facebook.

October 14th is the deadline to RSVP.

Engagement, Wedding notices

Do you have a wedding or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com. We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form.The cost is $35, which includes a photograph. Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

(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. 12

Corey Donta Shaw, 40 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Dillon Thomas Downey, 28 of Edmond. Kidnapping and (misdemeanor first offense) domestic abuse assault (in the presence of a minor child.)

Albert Henry Bollinger Jr., 55 of Oklahoma City. Fail to carry security verification form in vehicle, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, (misdemeanor value) receive stolen property and two felony warrants.

Jose Alberto Virgen, 30 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia, trafficking in illegal drugs, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked and (drug related) possession of contraband in a penal institution.

Sept. 13

Leann Nicole Wilson, 29 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Li Zhang, 51 lof Edmond. Engages/solicit prostitution.

Sept. 14

Courtney Elizabeth Stacy, 29 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Kendra Leanne Hunt, 35 of Warr Acres. Misdemeanor warrant and (felony) larceny of merchandise from a retailer.

Sault Martinez Bernal, 43 of Edmond. Proceeds derived from illegal drug activity, destroying evi-

dence, (felony) tampering with security equipment, possess drug paraphernalia and trafficking in illegal drugs.

Hollie Ann McIntosh, 39 of Edmond. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

Jacklon Arcelle Winters, 60 of Arcadia. Expired tag — over three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Adison Adele Koonce, 25 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Sept. 15

Sergio A. Lucha, 30 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence mod alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.

Jami Cassondra Yanello, 40 of Oxnard, Calif. Public intoxication.

Mark Ronald Robbins, 35 homeless. Violation of a protective order.

Bradley Norman Durbin, 39 of Oklahoma City. Two felony warrants, carrying a harmful weapon and shoplifting — petit larceny.

April Lynn Bedzyk, 34 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Sept. 16

Amy Kristine Reynolds, 39 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Hunter James Ballard, 24 of Edmond. Eluding police officer, misdemeanor and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Charles Derek Hodges, 32 homeless. Breaking and entering.

Christina Brett Martinez, 32 of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear.

Sept. 17

Brandon James Riles, 39. Possess drug parapher-

nalia, possess CDS, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, failure to carry current security verification form in vehicle, operating a motor vehicle with defective/improper equipment, resisting arrest, operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance and a misdemeanor warrant.

Alexandra Danae-Lillie Monroe, 24 of Edmond. Resisting arrest, assault and two counts of battery felony on police officer or correctional staff and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Jessie Wayne Cossey, 27 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Ronald Kenton Pounds, 65 homeless. Public intoxication.

Sept. 18

Rashaad Dewayne Briggs, 35 of Edmond. Nonassault resisting officer and public intoxication.

A’Mari Anquenenta Shoffner, 28 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Jose Jeremias Gonzalez, 43 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked.

Kerry Marcus Sherman Shaw, 21 of Moore. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Christopher Mark Edwards, 32 of Edmond. Obstruction of a police officer, domestic abuse assault (dangerous weapon) and kidnapping.

Ty Anthony Keenam, 43 of Watonga, Okla. Public intoxication.

Kristina Teresea Walton, 36 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Rena Covette McKinney, 57 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Weekend calendar of events, Sept. 29-Oct. 2

What’s Happening Sept. 29- Oot. 2

---- In the Gallery

---- Farmer’s Market

---- Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors

---- Nerf Battles

---- The Wedding Singer

---- Frontier City Fright Fest

---- UCO Jazz Festival

---- Western Dressage World Championships

---- Opening Reception for “Am I that Name?”

---- Wings Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch

---- Board Game Night

---- Red Day Run

---- Live Music at Frenzy October

---- Traditional Cowboy Arts Exhibition and Sale

---- Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Dia de los Muertos

---- Community Ofrenda

---- Signature Tour

---- Fall Festival at the Orr Family Farm

---- Guthrie Haunts

---- The Rocky Horror Picture Show

---- OKC Ghost Tour

---- Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch

---- Wicked Forest of Terror

---- Art for A Cause

---- Oklahoma Regatta Festival

---- ZOObrew

---- Keith Urban in Concert

---- Plaza Walls Mural Expo

---- Wanderlust Pop---- Up Shops

---- Guthrie Crazy Days

---- Fall Oklahoma Wedding Show

Extra Information

In the Gallery

Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute

Extra Info: Thu, Sep 1 – Fri Sep 30; Featuring David Padgett; Free; edmondfinearts.com

Farmer’s Market

Location: Festival Market Place

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 16 – Wed, Oct 19; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.gov

Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road:

American Musical Ambassadors

Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum

Extra Info: Sun, May 1 – Sat, Dec 1; edmondhistory.org

Nerf Battles

Location: The Hive Basketball Complex

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 2---- Sat, Dec 17; 6 – 8 p.m.; $13/hr or $20/2 hr; arena51fun.com

The Wedding Singer

Location: University of Central Oklahoma – Mitchell

Hall Theater

Extra Info: Thu, Sep 22 – Sun, Oct 2; 7:30 p.m.; $15 ---- $25; vbotickets.com

Frontier City Fright Fest

Location: Frontier City Extra Info: Sat, Sep 24 – Sun, Oct 30; Sat & Sun Only – hours vary; $34.99; sixflags.com

UCO Jazz Festival

Location: University of Central Oklahoma – UCO Jazz Lab

Extra Info: Mon, Sep 26 – Sat, Oct 1; 7 p.m.; Free --- $45; ucojazzlab.com

Western Dressage World Championships

Location: Lazy E Arena

Extra Info: Tue, Sep 27 – Sat, Oct 1; All Day; lazye.com

Opening Reception for “Am I that Name?” Location: University of Central Oklahoma – Melton Gallery

Extra Info: Thu, Sep 29; 5 – 7:30 p.m.; Free; calendar.uco.edu

Wings Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch

Location: Wings Event Center

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 30; Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun: 1 – 6 p.m.; Free; wingsok.org

Board Game Night

Location: MAC in Mitch Park

Extra Info: Sat, Oct 1; 6 – 10 p.m.; Free; okboardgame.com

Red Day Run

Location: Downtown Edmond Extra Info: Sat, Oct 1; 8:30 a.m.; $20 ---- $40; reddayrun.enmotive.com

Live Music at Frenzy October Location: Frenzy Brewing Company Extra Info: Sat, Oct 1; 7:30 p.m.; Free; Featuring David McKinney; 7:30 p.m.

Traditional Cowboy Arts Exhibition and Sale

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, Oct 1; 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Dia de los Muertos

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Oct 1; 12 – 1 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Community Ofrenda

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Oct 1 ---- 31; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; na-

tionalcowboymuseum.org

Signature Tour

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Oct 1 & Sun, Oct 2; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Fall Festival at the Orr Family Farm

Location: Orr Family Farm

Extra Info: Sat, Sep 24 – Sat, Nov 12; orrfamilyfarm.com

Guthrie Haunts

Location: 4524 Riverside Circle, Guthrie, OK

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 16 – Fri, Nov 5; guthriecaregrounds.com

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Location: The Boom!

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 16 – Mon, Oct 31; Dinner service starts 5:30 p.m.; Performance: 7 p.m.; theboomokc.com

OKC Ghost Tour

Location: 101 E Sheridan Ave

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 16 – Fri, Oct 28; Tours begin at 7 p.m.; Eventbrite.com

Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch

Location: 720 S Henney Rd, Arcadia, OK

Extra Info: Wed, Sep 21 – Sun, Nov 13; Wed – Fri: 1 p.m. – dark; Sat: 10 a.m. – dark; Sun: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; parkhurstranch.com

Wicked Forest of Terror

Location: 9420 W I---- 40 Service Rd, OKC

Extra Info: Sat, Sep 24 – Mon, Oct 31; 8 p.m. –close; Tiny Terror: arrive before sundown Oct 22 & 29 only; wickedforestofterror.com

Art for A Cause

Location: Paseo Arts & Creativity Center

Extra Info: Thu, Sep 9; 6 – 8 p.m.; realsinglemoms.org

Oklahoma Regatta Festival

Location: Boathouse District

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 30 – Sun, Oct 2; riversportokc.org

ZOObrew

Location: Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 30; 7 – 10 p.m.; fundraise.givesmart.com

Keith Urban in Concert

Location: Paycom Center

Extra Info: Fri, Sep 30; 7 p.m.; paycomcenter.com

Sports

Bronchos knock off No. 2 NW Missouri

Jaylen Cottrell's 83-yard touchdown run sparked Central Oklahoma's 23-14 upset of No. 2 Northwest Missouri Saturday at Chad Richison Stadium.

Northwest had allowed 34 total rushing yards combined in three games this season, but Cottrell, who had 97 yards in the game, led an offensive attack for the Bronchos.

UCO has beaten Northwest in consecutive games in Edmond.

"I'm proud of our guys," UCO head football coach Adam Dorrel said. "It's a big win for our program. The guys played great defense and it was great to see our passing game finally come together. It was all around a good effort by everyone. A true team win."

Cottrell ran the ball 10 times for 97 yards and two touchdowns. He had an 11-yard touchdown run in the first quarter that put Central up 7-0. His 83-yarder, the 11th-longest run in school history, put UCO ahead 20-7 in the third quarter.

Saturday's game wasn't an offensive display of excellence, but the Bronchos found a groove and found a way to get it done.

Andrew Carney added 10 rushing yards and Nasir Kemper had five. UCO finished the day with 106 rushing yards. Northwest had also not given up a rushing touchdown this season before Saturday.

Stephon Brown also orchestrated a solid passing attack. He was 10-for16 with 139 yards, including a 52yard connection with Jacob Delso. Peyton Thompson, who took one snap after Brown left the game due to his helmet coming off on a previous play, went 1-for-1 with 47 yards.

Oscar Hammond, a true freshman from Collinsville, Oklahoma, had five catches for 89 yards. He caught the 47-yarder from Thompson. Delso made two catches for 62 yards. Cot-

trell also had two receptions for 11 yards.

Nicky Quevedo also went 3-for-3 on field-goal attempts to add to the Broncho tally. He hit a 31-yarder, 33yarder, and a 43-yarder in the game.

Defensively, UCO had its biggest game of the season on Saturday with the Bronchos forcing five turnovers.

After a UCO punt, Northwest fumbled the ball back to the Bronchos on its first possession of the game. Central went 1-play, 11-yards and scored on a Cottrell run.

Then Northwest threw an interception, with true freshman Chase Faber snagging his first career pick. The Bronchos went 5-plays, 3-yards and Quevedo kicked the first of his three field goals to put UCO ahead 10-0.

Northwest threw two more interceptions, one in the third quarter and one in the fourth quarter. UCO also recovered a muffed punt in the fourth quarter. Though the Bronchos didn't score on any of the other Northwest miscues, the defense was playing at a high level.

Central Oklahoma held Northwest Missouri to 5 of 15 on third down and 1-for-2 on fourth down. UCO also held the Bearcats to 291 total yards of offense, a season-low for the Broncho defense.

Blake Barron led the Bronchos with nine tackles and Rae'Quan Wicks made eight stops. Dylan Buchheit had seven tackles and Emmonte Davis made five. Wicks, Buchheit and Davis each had a pass breakup.

UCO broke up eight Northwest passes on the day.

Faber finished with three tackles and one interception. Tavius McDonald and Tre'Vaughn Craig also both made interceptions in the second half.

Kalvin Hutchings, who made three tackles, had one sack. Michael Slater

Jaylen Cottrell’s big run sparked UCO to an upset football win last weekend.

New theater season starts at OCU

Oklahoma City University’s Opera and Music Theater Company opens its 71st season Sept. 30Oct. 2 with “Bright Star,” the Tony-nominated Americana bluegrass musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell.

Inspired by a true story, “Bright Star” explores a dark secret, family ties, love, forgiveness and redemption in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The show garnered five Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical and Best Score.

“The tale behind ‘Bright Star’ is dusted with gentle lies and harsh truths,” director David Herendeen said. “It asks: ‘Is it better to hope, or to know?’”

OCU’s production will feature a cast of 32 under Herendeen’s direction and a 10-piece bluegrass band, led by Matthew Mailman, in three performances: 8 p.m. Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, and 3 p.m. Oct. 2 in Kirkpatrick Auditorium, 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave.

Tickets ($15-$30) are available by calling 405208-5227 or online at okcu.edu/tickets. A “Bright Star” themed pre-show opening night dinner ($25) featuring entertainment by OCU students will begin at 6:15 p.m. Sept. 30 in the Bass Music Center atrium on the OCU campus. A free director’s talk will be held 45 minutes before curtain.

“The shining achievement of the musical is its winsome country and bluegrass score,” The New York Times noted after the show’s 2016 Broadway debut, praising songs that “boast simple but seductive melodies, and lyrics that have a sweet, homespun quality.”

The show features choreography by Sheri Hayden, costume design by Rachel Barnett, lighting design by Graham Darnell, and scenic design by Jason Foreman.

The Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival is partnering with the production.

OCU’s season continues with Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick’s “She Loves Me” (Nov. 4-6); Engelbert Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel” (Nov. 18-20); W.A. Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” (Feb. 1719); Jacques Offenbach’s “Orpheus in the Underworld” (Feb. 24-26); and Stephen Sondheim’s “Sunday in the Park with George” (April 21-23).

The Bass School of Music is home to the OCU Opera & Music Theater Company, the nation’s oldest campus-based troupe now celebrating its 71st consecutive season. OCU has been honored with 11 National Opera Association production awards, and selected multiple times by Playbill for its “Big Ten” honor roll of top schools educating Broadway performers. For more details about the OCU School of Music, visit www.okcu.edu/music.

“Bright Star” cast: Featuring Abigail Brock and Landry Champlin as Alice Murphy; Collin Ellsbury and Evan Moore (Lucas Semrau, swing) as Jimmy Ray Dobbs; Brandon Barksdale and Landon Preiss (Karol Cooley, swing) as Billy Cane; Grant Huneycutt as Mayor Josiah Dobbs; Arissa Brown and Katie Garthe as Lucy Grant; Arianna Ferch and Emma Petherick as Margo Crawford/Off-Night Edna; Joshua Cominsky as Daddy Cane; Jackson Barnes as Daddy Murphy; Peter Quinn as Daryl Ames; Mae Rodgers as Mama Murphy; Karol Cooley as Stanford; Lucas Semrau as Dr. Norquest; and Adam Morrison as Max. The Ensemble: Lucy Abramowitz, Alyssa Crowley, Ella Benward, Catherine Garcia, Grace McLean, Addison Schuh, Fiona Scott, Riordan Banks, Owen Kelly, David Eldridge, Noah Morgan, Adam Morrison and Michael Rick.

PHOTO PROVIDED

From left, juniors Lucy Abramowitz and Owen Kelly, senior Noah B. Morgan and sophomore Ella Benward rehearse a scene from OCU’s season-opening musical, ‘Bright Star.’

Edmond FFA students attend leadership training in Norman

Officers of the Edmond FFA chapter participated in the 2022 Oklahoma FFA Chapter Officer

Leadership Training Conference Sept. 6 at the Embassy Suits in Norman, Oklahoma.

The eight state FFA officers planned and conducted this year’s conference based on the theme, “Ready, Set, Go!” Elected officers from each of the 68 high school FFA chapters in the Central area attended the conference, which equipped each student with leadership tools to stop reacting to problems as they occur and start anticipating problems before they happen.

Sarah Edsall, Lomega, Oklahoma, was the keynote speaker for the conference. She is an accomplished professional speaker, and served Oklahoma FFA as southwest district vice president in 2008-2009.

"We live in a constantly evolving and ever-changing society," said Braden Burns, state FFA president. "If the next generation is going to lead in a world far from fixed and certain, they must focus on what will come next in their journey. That was part

of the inspiration behind our COLT Conference theme, "Ready, Set, Go!"

Life comes at you fast. Much like a NASCAR driver looking for his next opportunity to pull into the lead, this year's conference is focused on training leaders to look ahead to what's next; the twist, the turns, and the opportunities that chapter officers have to make a difference in their communities."

Officers attending from the Edmond chapter were: Sophia Brentlinger, president; Gianna Nicholes, vice president; Annie Simpson, secretary; Kailey Nader, treasurer; Grayson Crum, reporter; Mark Seesholtz, sentinel; and Cody Dean and Mason Jones, advisors.

COLT Conference is sponsored by Public Service Company of Oklahoma as a special project of the Oklahoma FFA Foundation. FFA is an integral part of the agricultural education division of the Oklahoma Department of CareerTech Education. There are 27,892 Oklahoma FFA members in 366 high schools statewide. For more information visit www.okffa.org.

Two state FFA officers are included in the photo. Sitting in the front row, far left, is Braden Burns, Kingfisher, state president. Sitting in the front row, far right, is Presley Pullen, Stratford, central area vice-president.

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

When predictions fail

By Steve Gust

If every wrong liberal prediction were analyzed, it would easily fill up this newspaper.

I believe that after reading a social media post by Fr. Don Wolf, a brilliant priest here in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. He addressed some of the wacky things being said today by the left. He attributes some of that to people who reject God. When that happens, other false gods take the Almighty’s place.

To prove this, he mentions the book, “The Population Bomb,” written by Stanford professor, Paul Ehrich in 1968.

Decades before all of Albert Gore’s false climate predictions, there were those made by Ehrich.

To be fair, Ehrich wasn’t the first to advocate that the world had too many people living here. That belief has been around for centuries. I remeber seeing a painting

by some Middle Ages artist. The art depicted an earth where people took up every square inch of land were crawling all over one another.

There are still people who believe that.

But have you ever taken an airplane ride? You look out and you see vast swatchs of land with nobody on them.

But Ehrich said humanity couldn’t handle population growth. In fact he predicted hundreds of millions of people worldwide would die in the 1970s and 1980s because of famine. Some of that was because Mother Earth would be experiencing global cooling and would not be able to produce much needed food. It never happened.

Back then India had about 400 million people and Ehrich had no idea how 200 million of them would be fed. Today they have 1.2 billion and seem to be feeding them,.

(See Gust, Page 11)

No pot vote in November

Last week the Oklahoma Supreme Court settled the final challenges to the petition for State Question 820, which will legalize recreational marijuana in Oklahoma. The Court also upheld the Attorney General’s version of the ballot title, rejecting the two challenges to it. This marks the end of the petition phase for the state question, and means SQ 820 is going to a vote of the people in Oklahoma. The Court did not, however, grant the request of the Yes on 820 campaign to place SQ 820 on the November 2022 ballot. Due to the unreasonable delay in counting by the Secretary of State’s office, the Yes on 820 campaign had asked the court to intervene.

Quote: “Of course we are disappointed that the Court did not grant our request to place SQ 820 on the November 2022 ballot. It is disappointing that the Secretary of State’s unqualified vendor, combined with rival amateur campaigns and political special interest groups, delayed the process, thereby preventing Oklahomans from voting on this in November. However, we cannot lose sight of how far we have come. This is a big deal. Now the petition phase is finished, and Oklahomans WILL be voting on whether to legalize recreational marijuana here, and we can soon realize the tax revenue and other benefits it will bring to our State,” said Campaign Director Michelle Tilley.

What Happens Next: State Question 820 is now eligible for a vote by the people of Oklahoma. The Governor of Oklahoma can choose to set a special election at any time for SQ 820. If the Governor fails to take action, SQ 820 will automatically be voted on in the general election of November 2024.

Quote: “To the thousands of people working on this effort, we say thank you and congratulations on a hard fought battle. We started this effort in 2019, and have faced a global pandemic, rival initiatives, an extremely fast signature gathering effort, inept government vendors, and challenges from corporate political special interests…but despite it all, due to your hard work and persistence, we have helped make the voices of Oklahomans heard. SQ 820 will be on a future ballot!” said Senior Campaign Advisor Ryan Kiesel.

Once enacted, State Question 820 will:

Legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis production for adults ages 21 and over.

Increase state and local funding for schools, healthcare, and other critical services.

Protect the public health and safety of all Oklahomans.

Provide common sense criminal justice reform and expungement for low-level marijuana offenses.

Defend the rights and civil liberties of patients and adult consumers.

Increase revenue for existing, fully compliant medical marijuana businesses with limited licensing opportunities.

Lankford not happy with abortion promotion

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) led a letter last week along with Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (RKS), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Mike Braun (R-IN), and Steve Daines (R-MT) to send a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra to share their opposition to HHS’ flagrant disregard for the law by applying “field guidance” that promotes abortion for pregnant unaccompanied alien children (UACs) in US custody, paid for by US taxpayers.

The Senators reference the use of Field Guidance #21, which they say the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) under HHS uses to transfer pregnant minors to ORR facilities in other states in order to go around state laws that protect unborn life.

The Senators write in their letter: “It is our understanding that these policies around transportation would require federal personnel to use federallyowned, leased, or contracted vehicles to transport pregnant unaccompanied minors to abortion clinics, wait in the parking lot during the procedure, and then drive the unaccompanied minor back to the ORR facility – all on the taxpayers’ dime… Additionally, it is our understanding that ORR facilitates the distribution of dangerous chemical abortion drugs within federal facilities. To allow vulnerable children in your care to receive dangerous chemical abortion drugs without direct medical supervision within fed-

eral facilities is not only a violation of the clear federal funding restrictions placed on ORR facilities, but also a complete dereliction of the duty to ensure the safety of children in your care.”

Lankford remains the leading pro-life voice in the Senate to stand up against the Biden Administration’s obsession with abortion, especially after the Supreme Court’s ruling to return decisions about abortions to the people’s elected representatives. The latest episode of Lankford’s podcast, The Breakdown with James Lankford, was a conversation about the proabortion lobby spreading false rumors about miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and what that means for the future of women’s health. Lankford and Marshall recently introduced the No Taxpayer Funds for Illegal Alien Abortions Act to prohibit any employee or contractor with US Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the HHS from transporting any illegal immigrant across state lines for the purpose of procuring an abortion.

Dear Secretary Becerra:

We write today to express our ardent opposition to the US Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) disregard for the rule of law, which puts unaccompanied children, who are entrusted to the agency’s care, in danger.

The unaccompanied children who come to our

Letters to the Editor policy

You must tell us your full name;

2) You must give us your complete address and phone numbers (but we will identify you only by name); and

3) We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity and taste (our taste).

Send mail to Letter to the Editor, Edmond Life & Leisure, 107 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034, or fax to 340-3384 or e-mail to news@edmondpaper.com.

border must be treated with dignity and respect. When the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refers these children to HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) for care, US law rightly prioritizes their safety while ORR searches for placement with vetted sponsors.

Instead of providing care for each child, HHS has created and depended upon Field Guidance #21, which directs providers to promote and facilitate abortions for pregnant minors in violation of federal law. Since 1976, Congress has included the Hyde Amendment, which restricts HHS from funding elective abortion, on annual appropriations bills that fund the agency. Azar v. Garza is not license for federal staff to use taxpayer dollars, facilities, staff, and other resources to circumvent any state laws that protect life or federal prohibitions on funding abortions.

Field Guidance #21 directs ORR staff to submit requests to transfer pregnant minors to ORR facilities in other states in order to circumvent state laws that protect unborn life. The guidance even notes that ground transportation to abortion clinics in neighboring states may be most appropriate in cases where the pregnant minor is past the gestational age in which she can fly safely. We are astounded that we have to explain the horror of driving a pregnant minor, whose unborn child is well past the point of viability, to a state where a provider will perform an elective late-term abortion. Driving a pregnant minor to another state for a late-term abortion is not a legal use of taxpayer dollars.

It is our understanding that these policies around transportation would require federal personnel to use federally-owned, leased, or contracted vehicles to transport pregnant unaccompanied minors to abortion clinics, wait in the parking lot during the procedure, and then drive the unaccompanied minor back to the ORR facility – all on the taxpayers’ dime. Depending on the specific ORR facility and state laws concerning abortion, Field Guidance #21 may even require federally-funded transportation that would cross state lines, require hours-long travel, and require overnight accommodations. This is an illegal and offensive use of taxpayer dollars.

Steve Gust

DAR hosts Tea at Presbyterian Church

Work on Fifth Street starts this week

Fifth Street partial closure scheduled to begin this week.

No through traffic available between Boulevard and Littler while stormwater infrastructure project is completed

Work to upgrade the stormwater infrastructure as part of the renovations project at Stephenson Park will require the closure of a section of Fifth Street between Boulevard and Littler Avenue beginning Sept. 26.

The section of Fifth will be closed to through traffic from just west of Boulevard, next to the Edmond Historical Society building, to east of Hideaway Pizza. Limited parking will still be available in front of Café 501 and the Fait Maison French Restaurant. Local traffic also can access parking in front of Hideaway Pizza from the west.

Drivers are asked to adjust their routes and travel schedule accordingly. The closure is expected to last one month, with cooperative weather.

The project is part of the renovations at Stephenson Park, constructing a large storm box as part of the stormwater infrastructure improvements in that location.

Gust

From Page 10

It’s important to remember that many people still die of hunger. However the belief now is that it’s caused by political factors and not the inability to produce food.

Such was the case in the 19th century. There was the potato famine in Ireland. The British played a role in the disaster.

The British prohibited practicing Roman Catholic Irish from owning land. That was a case where politics doomed many people to their deaths. Also plant disease wiped out a lot of the potato crop

Fast forward to Ehrlich’s book.

It was popular with the liberals. It probably still is. After all, a huge percentage of liberals still believe the discredited Russia election conspiracy hoax of 2016.

Although Ehrlich was proven wrong on his alarmist predictions, he never admitted being wrong. He claimed he had sounded the alarm and prevented many from dying.

For that reason, and others, I’m highly skeptical about many green ideas today by the modern left. If Ehrlich has taught us anything, it’s that we shouldn’t blindly accept dire predictions without some solid evidence.

I’m still convinced that politics, not science, plays a huge role in environmental issues.

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

The Samuel King Chapter of DAR hosted an Oklahoma Tea at the First Presbyterian Church of Edmond earlier this month. The tea featured performances by Cathy Costellovocals, Andrew Twesme- bagpipes, Jeanne Clewell- piano and Kyle Dillingham- fiddle. The event was a fundraiser for the 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse.

Kyle Dillingham, Amy Stephens, Andrew Twesme and SAR Color-guard

Wallace Moore- Buffalo Soldier and DAR Vice President General Sue Allen.

Andrew Twesme- bagpipes and Oklahoma City Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard.

Topics include future of field & ethics

Conference on media set

The public is invited to the University of Central Oklahoma’s annual media ethics conference to hear national and local speakers address the future of media and the ethical concerns involved.

The “Future of Media: Are Ethics a Part of it?” conference will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, in room 121, UCO’s First Amendment Center, in the Mass Communications Building.

The conference will be streamed on facebook live on the Media Ethics Conference page. A light breakfast bar will begin at 9 a.m., and lunch will be during the noon panel. The Mass Communication Department’s Media Conference Planning class is in charge of organizing the conference, advised by endowed journalism ethics chair Joe Hight.

Best-selling author to speak at UCO

New York Times Best-Selling Author Veronica Roth to Speak at UCO, Oct. 30

The University of Central Oklahoma’s College of Liberal Arts creative writing program, in collaboration with Best of Books bookstore, located in Edmond, Oklahoma, will host New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, in the lecture hall of the Liberal Arts building, located on Central’s campus.

“Veronica Roth is an important writer in the young adult genre, developing intense and yet vulnerable teenage characters within strangely unique – and almost always dangerous – environments,” said Amanda Putnam, Ph.D., chairperson for the department of English at Central.

“Her stories show readers the consequences of unchecked authority, while offering them examples of resilience and hope.”

At the event, Roth will discuss her latest book, “Poster Girl,” which tells a story of woman’s desperate search for a missing girl after the collapse of an oppressive dystopian regime.

Following the discussion, Roth will sign copies of her book.

Roth’s other works include “Chosen Ones,” “The End and Other Beginnings,” the “Divergent” series and the “Carve the Mark” duology.

Tickets range from $25-$30 and are required to attend the event. Each ticket comes with a presigned copy of “Poster Girl.” Guests are welcome to purchase backlist books for Roth to sign, with a limit of three signed books per person.

Best of Books is an independent bookstore, owned by Joe Hight, artist-in-residence for the Department of Mass Communication at Central.

The conference will include a panel on young journalists and the standards they are changing, a keynote on the rise of eSports and the ethical concerns surrounding that, a panel on evolving media and the future of news, a panel on the importance of diversity in the news, and a panel on the Trump effect and the impact it’s had on the media.

At 9:30 a.m. Dr. David Macey, Interim Dean of UCO, will introduce the conference theme. The emcee, Kendall Walton, a UCO senior and UCentral producer, will introduce the first panel.

The panel “Are Younger Journalists Changing the Standards?” will focus on how younger journalists have been changing standards in media and news by creating a workspace fully revolving around modern technology. Featured on this panel is Storme Jones, Morning Anchor for News9.

The conference keynote, “The Rise of ESports: What are the Ethical Concerns?,” features Billy Katsiginanis, the Esports Program Director at the University of Oregon. Introduced by Kendall Walton,

Katsigiannis will address new ethical concerns with ESports, including a lack of regulation, ethical rules of sponsorship, and safety concerns with practical jokes.

The panel, “Evolving Media: The Future of News,” will allow professionals from several areas of the media industry to share their perspectives on what the future of ethical news looks like and trends in evolving media as social and digital media continue to grow. Three of the most renowned journalists in

Oklahoma, Vance Harrison, the CEO and president of the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters, Mark Thomas, the executive vice president of the Oklahoma Press Association, and Rob Collins, executive director of the Oklahoma Media Center, will be featured on this panel.

The panel, “The Importance of Diversity in the News,” will discuss the stereotypes that exist in the Associated Press style despite the changes made in AP style to combat them. Featured as a part of this panel include Clytie Bunyan with the Oklahoman, Bobby Ross Jr. with the Christian Chronicle, and Jordan Dafnis of News9.

The final panel, “The Trump Effect: Impact on Media,” will discuss the Trump Effect and how former President Donald Trump’s controversial presidency changed modern-day media, both here in the U.S., across the world, and potentially in democracy. Featured on this panel include Trina McLellan, supervising producer, ABC News Digital at Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and Jim Fitzpatrick, senior investigative reporter for the Northern Ireland BBC.

All are welcome to the conference in room 121, the First Amendment Center in the Mass Communications building on UCO’s campus.

Melton Gallery new exhibit & artist reception

The University of Central Oklahoma's Melton Gallery will host a free, public opening reception featuring the work of artist Shelby Head from 5-7:30 p.m. Sept. 29, at the Melton Gallery, located in the UCO Art and Design building on Central’s campus. The exhibit will be on display Sept. 22-Nov. 10.

Head, a sculptor and Oklahoma resident, is known for experimenting with new materials and challenging artistic environments.

The exhibition, “Am I that Name?,” features sculptures, paintings, mixed media, video and sound installations on the complex and fluid nature of gender and identity in an often discriminatory, binary world. This work is a visual representation of Head’s study of queer theory and self-identity.

“‘Am I that Name?' is visually and auditorily captivating, and is rich in thoughtful and provoking ideas, which challenge the viewers' concepts

of queerness and self,” said Carrie Kouts, curator for the UCO Melton Gallery.

“It is so essential to showcase work, like Head’s, that pushes the boundaries of visual fine art and creates a dialogue around topics that are important to our growth as a society.”

The Melton Gallery is free and open to the public noon-5 p.m. Mondays–Wednesdays, noon-7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays by appointment. To schedule an appointment, contact the UCO Melton Gallery at meltongallery@uco.edu or call 405974-6358.

For more information about the Melton Gallery, visit www.meltongallery.com @ucomeltongallery on Facebook and Instagram and @meltongallery on Twitter.

For more information about the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design, as well as a listing of events and performances, visit cfad.uco.edu.

Veronica Roth

Shelby Head

Family Martial Arts Celebrates Grand Opening in Edmond

Family Martial Arts is Edmond’s premier martial arts studio. The mission of Family Martial Arts (FMA) is to help build leaders in the community by helping its students grow in physical fitness, self-defense, focus, and self-confidence.

They work to improve the lives of those around them by using their martial arts experience and exceptional customer service. They are dedicated to making your experience positive and rewarding.

To learn more about Family Martial Arts, visit www.edmondfma.com.

Family Martial Arts recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their Grand Opening at 1501 N Santa Fe Avenue, Suite 148.

By George Gust

“Don’t Worry Darling” A 1950s housewife (Florence Pugh ) living with her husband (Harry Styles) in a utopian experimental community begins to worry that his glamorous company could be hiding disturbing secrets.

Much of the talk surrounding “Don’t Worry Darling” leading up to its theatrical release has been the behind-the-scenes social media drama between the director Olivia Wilde and the film’s stars. And when you hear about this drama, you may think that it was concerted effort from the movie’s media team to drum up interest in a stinker of movie. However, “Don’t Worry Darling” isn’t a complete trainwreck like some of the recent Hollywood oddity films with headlining movie stars that somewhat surreptitiously finds it way into theaters (see the Matthew McConaughey led stinker “Serenity”)

“Don’t Worry Darling” is the kind of paranoid thriller that aims to keep the audience guessing at the deeper conspiracy throughout. The best example, and one of the better films in the genre, would be Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” how-

ever the underlying concept and conspiracy of “Don’t Worry Darling” doesn’t live up to the hour and half long build up. And while the substance of the film doesn’t live up to the star power and drama surrounding it, the style the Wilde brings to the film makes the movie going experience at least entertaining to look at.

The film edges above a trainwreck status on the strength of the performances of Pugh as the film’s bewildered protagonist and Chris Pine as the charismatic but sinister leader of the experimental community. When it comes to Pine and

Pugh these are two ultra-talented actors who can’t help but be compelling when onscreen. Pugh especially continues to prove that she is one of the most exciting young stars in Hollywood at the moment as her performance brings the audience into this stylish yet familiar paranoid storyline.

Overall in the post-summer/pre-Oscar movie landscape “Don’t Worry Darling” is a serviceable enough thriller with bright stars, slick direction and an unsurprising twist. It is encouraging to see this kind of original film with big movie stars avoid a streaming exclusive release and find its way to the movie theater, but the plethora of plot holes and empty conspiracy will make this movie fade from memory sooner rather than later.

“Don’t Worry Darling” is rated R for sexuality, violent content and language.

2.9 out of 5 stars.

You can reach George Gust to comment on this film, or any of his motion picture reviews at gust.george@gmail.com.

City is seeking vendors

Luminance, Edmond Electric’s walk-thru holiday 3-D light display, kicks off Nov. 18, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mitch Park. As part of that kickoff celebration, Merry Marketplace – an early holiday shopping opportunity featuring 10 popup shops at the entrance to the displays – will open that same day at 4 p.m.

There are 10 spots available on Nov. 18 for interested vendors and on a second date set Dec. 17, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“We are excited to bring back this very popular holiday shopping experience at our annual kick-off event this year and also, because of last year’s success, offer a second night to visitors,” said Nicole Koehn, Electric Program Coordinator for Edmond Electric. “We hope to bring more visitors to Mitch Park to experience Luminance as well as take advantage of our outdoor ice-skating rink.”

Vendor applications for Merry Marketplace are open at https://edmondlights.com/events and the deadline is Oct. 14. Vendors will be notified of selection no later than Oct. 18, with rental fees due by Oct. 27. If selected, vendors will be provided tents and free electricity.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Florence Pugh dives into an idyllic 1950's planned community with a sinister secret in director Olivia Wilde's ‘Don't Worry Darling.’

Have fun this fall but stay healthy

Dr. Mary Clarke

Visiting pumpkin patches, enjoying campfire s’mores, cheering for Oklahoma football: No one’s autumn to-do list includes getting the flu. Adding “Get my flu immunization” to the top of a seasonal to-do list can make it much easier to ensure attending all the fun activities this season promises and protecting others by curbing the spread of the virus.

With flu season’s official start in October, doctors and public health professionals are urging early immunization to protect our most vulnerable populations: young children, pregnant women and elderly adults, who make up the majority of flu hospitalizations. Choosing to get immunized against the flu may be the most important health decision individuals make this fall, with protection throughout the flu season, which stretches from October into May.

The CDC estimates as many as 13 million flu cases circulated through the U.S. between October 2021 and June 2022, resulting in more than 5 million medical visits, up to 170,000

hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths. Coupled with COVID, hospital capacity will likely be strained throughout the coming winter, making prompt attention with adequate personnel less feasible.

While flu is rarely asymptomatic, it is possible to spread the virus before the onset of symptoms. Hygiene measures like increased handwashing, social distancing and mask-wearing reduce the spread of the flu and other viruses; however, being up-todate on annual immunizations significantly reduces risk.

Getting immunized also protects immunocompromised individuals who cannot be vaccinated and infants under six months of age who are too young to receive the vaccine series.

Help make for a better fall season, with fewer missed days of work, family and community events, by getting your flu immunization this year. Contact your insurance provider, primary care physician or local county health department for more information about flu vaccine availability.

Dr. Mary Clarke is immediate past president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA) and a member of the Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families

JRP Media Management Celebrates Grand Opening

JRP Media Management recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 2524 N. Broadway #532.

JRP Media Management consists of a team of marketing professionals who create effective marketing concepts based on proven strategies. To help you market your business effec-

tively, they offer digital and traditional marketing platforms. Their passion is creating new marketing concepts that drive revenue to your bottom line. Their specialty is developing customized marketing strategies.

To learn more about JRP Media Management, visit wwwjrpmediamanagement.com

Opal Aesthetics welcomed to business community

Opal Aesthetics recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 1289 E. 15th St., Suite 100 in Edmond.

Opal Aesthetics is a unique medical aesthetics practice that provides a luxurious approach to the traditional medical spa environment, serving men and women in Edmond, Oklahoma, and surrounding areas.

At Opal Aesthetics, they love what

they do! Their goal is for their clients to enjoy their services as much as they enjoy providing them. They offer a full range of services including Botox and fillers, skinpen microneedling, PDO threads, laser treatments, IV therapy, laser hair removal and more.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit www.opalaestheticsok.com.

Dr. Clark

The dangerous side of clutter

For local entrepreneur Jason Roberts, owner of Bin There Dump That of Oklahoma City, the ongoing interest in decluttering is a good thing. The residential-sized dumpsters that are Bin There Dump That's specialty offer a convenient way for property owners to dispose of unwanted bulky items. But while most clutter is an annoying and sometimes embarrassing accumulation of excess consumer goods, Jason warns that there can be a dangerous side to clutter as well.

The week of October 9-15 is the 100th Anniversary of Fire Prevention Week™, an awareness event sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to educate the public on how to minimize fire risks in the home and, equally as important, how to respond when a fire breaks out. This year's theme, "Fire won't wait. Plan your escape™" emphasizes having an escape plan if a fire does break out. "While it's true that clutter can pose a hazard as the source of a fire," said Jason, "another dangerous side of clutter is that it might block a critical escape route."

The NFPA warns that you may have as little as two minutes to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds. This means that your ability to get out of a burning home depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance escape route planning. The NFPA offers tips and resources for planning at https://www.nfpa.org/Events/Events /Fire-Prevention-Week/About, but they emphasize that it's not enough

to simply plan. "It's also important to practice using your escape routes, and that includes ensuring that they are not blocked1," says Jason. "That makes Fire Prevention Week a perfect time to begin your decluttering campaign, clearing out bins of toys and clothing, unneeded furniture, stacks of books and magazines, and other miscellaneous "stuff" that could impede access to your fire escape routes."

Keep in mind, adds Jason, that if you do need to escape from a fire, you may be dealing with the constant blaring of alarms, dense smoke, searing heat, and darkness. The more you practice your escape plan, and the easier it is to reach your escape point, the greater your chances of survival. Bin There Dump That offers some eye-opening statistics on clutter, along with some tips for getting it under control, at https://bintheredumpthatusa.com/decluttering-tipsfor-your-home.

Bin There Dump That specializes in residential-friendly, dumpsters with double-door access that are designed for jobs ranging from simple yard clean-up chores to full remodeling construction projects. To learn more about renting a dumpster, or to discuss a project with a Bin There Dump That Dumpster Consultant, please contact Bin There Dump That of Oklahoma City at (405) 640-4345 or okc@bintheredumpthat.com. For more dumpster planning tips, or to learn more about Bin There Dump That, please visit bintheredumpthatusa.com

Integris volunteer helping at 102

Volunteers at INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center contribute their time and talents to help patients in a number of ways. Ruby Wilson gives her time and talent through crocheting beautiful lap blankets and baby caps. he thing about Ruby is, she will celebrate her 102nd birthday later this month.

Ruby has been a Bass volunteer since 2018, and in that time has contributed nearly 2,500 hours and crocheted dozens of items for babies and cancer

Attends bank training

Jade Tudman, with Citizens Bank of Edmond, recently completed the 2022 Oklahoma Bankers Association Basic Banking School in Oklahoma City.

Tudman was among 38 graduates of the school, which was held Sept. 12-15 at the OBA Harris Event Center.

The OBA Basic Banking School, held in alternating years, introduces its students to basic banking concepts as they relate to the overall function of a bank. This school is designed to address the educational needs of new bank employees, management trainees, employees with limited or specialized banking experience and soon-to-be promoted employees.

Areas of study include payment channels, bank operations, security and fraud, internal controls, lending, history of banking, effective communication skills, accounting, customer service, FDIC Insurance and compliance.

The OBA conducts more than 70 educational programs and seminars each year, which reach more than 5,000 bankers across the state. The Association represents approximately 200 banks across the state and serves as the primary advocate for the banking industry. It’s also heavily involved in fraud training and prevention as well as legal and compliance services and communications for its member banks.

Longtime Edmond printer still making a strong mark

By Alexx Harms

Reid Printing Inc. is a locally owned commercial printer that has been servicing Edmond for 46 years. Owner, Dennis Reid, and his staff love making sure customers have all their printing needs met.

“We opened our printing business to serve the Edmond business community,” says Reid. “We had a few years in the printing business in Oklahoma City.”

Reid Printing offers custom print brochures, forms, business Letterheads, and envelopes for organizations and business customers using presses and digital equipment. “We also design logos, forms and brochures,” adds Reid.

patients.

“We offer the afghans to all of our patients receiving treatment,” oncology nurse Sandy Gordon said. “The patients are always excited to receive the blankets, and it’s nice that we can offer them. It’s always a feel-good moment. They often comment about the beautiful colors and how warm and comforting it is to have the handmade blanket.”

Ruby resides at Golden Oaks Village in Enid and still lives independently.

While her mobility is limited, she still gets around in her little red power chair. When Ruby is not busy crocheting, she enjoys playing cards and bingo with her friends and reading.

According to Ruby’s daughter-in-law, Sherry Wilson, who is also a volunteer at Bass, Ruby finds great joy and pride in serving her community.

We are grateful for Ruby, Sherry and all of our incredible volunteers at INTEGRIS Health, and we wish Ruby a very happy birthday!

Honor for Arts Festival &

The Downtown Edmond Arts Festival, produced by the Downtown Edmond Business Association, has received an award from the International Festival and Event Association. The 2022 Arts Festival program, inserted into Edmond Life and Leisure the week before the festival, received a Silver Pinnacle Award in the Newspaper Insert/Supplement category.

“We are so honored to have provided advertising, design and printing for the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival for the last 20 years. We appreciate DEBA putting their trust in us to produce this award winning publication”, said Ray Hibbard, Publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure. “Our staff looks forward to working on this program every year and consider it

an important extension of a quality event”, he added.

Arts Festival co-chair Michelle Schaefer attended the conference last week in McAllen Texas to accept the award. While there she attended sessions on festival planning and sponsorship development.

They have graphic artists, a press operator and bindery personnel all to service your needs as well as delivery.

Reid says their customer service and taking interest in exactly what the customers needs are, is the most important part of the business. Reid also adds that one of the best parts of being a business owner is seeing customers and employees happy and pleases with the products they produce.

Reid Printing wants to make sure your product is done right, and done right the first time. For more information visit www.reidprint.com or call 405-348-0066.

Reid Printing Inc. is located at 3120 South Boulevard in Edmond.

Gourmet Gallery schedules tasting event for Saturday

The Gourmet Gallery, located in Edmond at 3325 S. Boulevard, Suite 107 will celebrate their 21st anniversary and annual Made In Oklahoma tasting event on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Oklahoma specialty food vendors will be on site sampling products complete with

recipes.

Please come meet and visit personally with some of Oklahoma’s finest specialty food vendors.

A 20 percent discount will be offered storewide. In addition, the event is being sponsored by Dennis Chaumont State Farm Insurance.

State parks & impact on economy

In 2021, visitors to Oklahoma State Parks spent $354.2 million in the communities surrounding the parks, according to new research commissioned by the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department.

Visitors who stayed overnight in a state park contributed 31.7% of the total spending. Visitor activity to state parks generated 2,980 jobs across the state of Oklahoma. Proprietors and employees of travel-related businesses took home $59 million in earnings and benefits.

As a result of visitor traffic to Oklahoma State Parks, travel spending generated approximately $15.5 mil-

lion in state tax receipts and $9.3 million in local taxes.

“Oklahoma's state parks are a crucial part of the state’s tourism industry, generating jobs and dollars in our communities from traveler spending,” said Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who also serves as Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage. “Travelers are discovering what Oklahomans have known all along — the Oklahoma outdoors are incredible.”According to the report, Oklahomans make up 59% of overnight visitors to Oklahoma State Parks. The full report can be found at OTRD.TravelOK.com/Research.

Ruby Watson

Festival co-chair Michelle Schaefer accepting the award

Thomas Kettles earns Eagle rank

Thomas Robert Kettles, age 17, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank within the Boy Scouts of America program. He is a member of Troop 1 chartered to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Edmond, under the direction of Scoutmaster Chris Shoffner.

Thomas demonstrated leadership to others in a service project benefitting City Care’s Nigh Shelter where he collected over $1,600 and oversaw the construction of 142 toiletry kits containing 36 hygiene items. City Care’s Night Shelter offers guests secure storage for their belongings, showers, and a safe and calm environment for a good night's rest.

A favorite Scouting memory for Thomas is from 2019 when his family was stationed in Abilene Texas, where he was able to earn his Aviation Merit Badge. At one point, Thomas was the passenger in a propeller plan that took off from the grass parallel to the runway when the runway was occupied. The best part was the pilot flying the airplane in ways that seemed impossible.

When not Scouting, Thomas attends Edmond North High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society, German Club, Key Club, as well as attending Francis Tuttle where his is a part of the Entrepreneurship Academy and DECA.

Please join us in congratulating Thomas and his parents, Thomas and Virginia, on his achievement of the Eagle Scout Rank!

Hi and Lois

Shoe

Zits

Family Circus

Beetle Baily

Blondie

Hägar the Horrible

Kettles

AAA marking ‘National Drive Electric Week’

AAA is marking National Drive Electric Week (Sept. 23-Oct. 2) by making it easier for those who ‘drive electric’ to have confidence in their car batteries.

Given that ‘range anxiety’ continues to be a concern for those who own or would like to own a fully electric vehicle, AAA Club Alliance (ACA), has partnered with Recurrent to ease such concerns.

AAA Oklahoma is part of ACA, the fourth largest club in the national AAA federation

“With this new partnership between ACA and Recurrent, we can provide AAA members who drive electric vehicles with personalized monthly battery reports as a benefit of Membership,” said Colleen St. Leger, Vice President of Business Acceleration and Innovation, AAA Club Alliance.

Nearly all auto manufacturers offer electric vehicles today. The electric vehicle market size in the United States is currently more than $24 billion and is projected to reach more than $137 billion by 2028.

AAA’s latest consumer survey, conducted in February, reveals that one-quarter of Americans say they would be likely to buy an electric vehicle (powered exclusively by electricity, i.e., not a hybrid) for their next auto purchase, with millennials leading the way (30%).

Of those who want to buy electric, the common factor is a strong desire to save on fuel costs, with 77% citing this as a top reason for interest. AAA believes with rising gas prices, Americans’ conversion to electric vehicles will continue to increase. However, consumer hesitation surrounding range and accessibility to charging continues to draw concerns.

As America continues to lean into the idea of

electric, AAA did find some hesitation, with top objections like range anxiety, cost and accessibility holding consumers back:

Higher purchase price – 60%

Concern there are not enough places to charge – 60%

Concern about running out of charge when driving – 58%

Unsuitable for long-distance travel – 55%

High cost of battery repair or replacement –55%

Unable to install a charging station where they

live – 31%

Automakers have made great strides to improve range, yet consumer anxiety over it remains a barrier to adoption. AAA finds that consumers have a reasonably accurate understanding of current electric vehicle range.

Six in 10 (60%) Americans think electric vehicles can travel between 100 to 350 miles before running out of charge, which aligns with today’s electric vehicle capabilities. These findings suggest the improvement in range alone hasn’t been enough to address consumer range anxiety concerns as previously hoped.

Puzzles appear