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OKC FRIDAY

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OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving affluent far north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills and The Village for 51 years

Graduates voice concerns over money, the future

By Rose Lane Editor

Financial stability and the future are concerns of the members of the high school class of 2025.

OKC FRIDAY asked members of the All-Star teams from our 11 high schools, who were included in our

Salute to the Class of 2025, what is the greatest concern facing their generation?

Being able to pay for college and get a job is a concern of Trinity School’s Angela Taylor.

Harding Fine Arts’ Keivona Blackshear wants to be able to go to college.

“ ... But, it’s so expensive,” she said.

Candela Principi, a graduate of Harding Charter, said that at 18, people have to prepare to go into debt to study.

“ .. But, if we don’t go to college, we are told we won’t have money to live. The same thing will happen even if we do study,” she said.

That lack of financial security is something Heritage Hall graduate Adalyn Brown said is a result of influencers and social media as they continually are forcing materialist ideas upon us.

See CONCERNS, Page 11

Science Museum gets personal with SMO21+: Out Loud

Science Museum Oklahoma invites adults to step into the spotlight, just as they are, for a night that celebrates individuality, curiosity and the science of self.

SMO21+: Out Loud takes place Friday, June 21, 7 -10 p.m., offering a bold, afterhours museum experience for guests ages 21 and up.

This playful, sciencepacked event leans into the many layers that make us human. From fruit-based DNA extraction to pheromone testing, the activities are as hands-on as they are thought-provoking.

Teams can try their skills at building genetic chains in a fast-paced DNA block race, while a dating game inspired by the famous Turing Test invites guests to guess who they’re really talking to.

Creativity and expression are just as important as inquiry at Out Loud. Guests can make DIY identity buttons and personalized DNA bracelets, and they’re encouraged to dress in whatever best represents who they are. Add in cocktails, music, and a rainbow of light and color, and the evening promises to be as vibrant as its guests.

A signature part of the SMO21+ experience, the fanfavorite Secret Room returns, bringing with it another layer of mystery and discovery.

“SMO21+: Out Loud is a night to connect with science through exploration, celebration, and investigation of the

world around us,” said Sherry Marshall, John E. Kirkpatrick CEO at Science Museum Oklahoma. “It’s playful, clever, and the right mix of serious science and fun. Plus, there’s a cocktail or two waiting for you!”

Tickets are available now. VIP guests get early entry at 6:30 p.m., lounge access, a complimentary signature cocktail and discounted drink refills. General admission begins at 7 p.m. Food, nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

For more details and tickets, visit smo.org/SMO21.

Our students earn college-financed National Merit Scholarships

By Rose Lane Editor

Ten Fridayland students are the recipients of collegesponsored National Merit Scholarships.

They are among over 2,900 winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. Officials of each sponsor college selected their scholarship winners from among the finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institution.

Small receives policy award

OCPA president Jonathan Small is the recipient of the 2025 Thomas A. Roe Award — State Policy Network’s highest national honor for leadership in advancing liberty through public policy.

This prestigious award recognizes Jonathan’s deep and lasting impact—not only as a bold reformer, but as a servant leader who leads with vision, humility, and resolve. Under his direction,

OCPA has helped shape some of the most significant policy victories in Oklahoma history — from expanding school choice to holding courts accountable and driving tax reform that rewards work.

Jonathan’s work is rooted in something far greater than politics. As a father of five daughters, his mission is personal. He is driven by the See SMALL, Page 7

These awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship. An additional group of Scholars are to be announced in July, bringing the total number of college-

sponsored Merit Scholarship recipients in the 2025 competition to more than 3,600.

Our National Merit Scholars are: • John Landon Kreger, Crossings Christian School,

See MERITS, Page 7

FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week

Meet Gigi! She is the 9 1/2-year-old Sheepadoodle of Jason and Paige Moreland. She was adopted by Paige in 2017 from the Fort Smith, Ark. humane society; rescued from a very abusive breeder. She is still very shy and timid but has blossomed so much in the last 8 years. Gigi loves bones and treats, and goes crazy for a ball or a squeaky toy! She loves to be called “pretty” and will squint her eyes and shake her booty when you do. She’s one of a kind and so very loved!

Email Pet of the Week submissions with complete descriptions to: rose@okcfriday. com.

OKC adopts 2026 budget

By Rose Lane Editor

Due to slow revenue growth, the Oklaoma City Police Department and Fire Department were directed to propose a 1.5% budget reduction and most other City departments proposed a 4.5% reduction.

The Oklahoma City Council adopted City Manager Craig Freeman’s calculations.

“This is the second year in a row that sluggish revenue growth triggered a budget reduction,” Freeman said. “Despite this, I’m encouraged that departments could make adjustments to stay within available resources while continuing to focus on services for our residents.”

The operating budget is $930 million and pays for day-to-day operations. The proposed budget includes funding for 5,090 full-time positions, a decrease of 27 from FY 25.

The budget deletes 15 vacant uniform positions in the fire department, removing the second engine from Station

See BUDGET, Page 7

SMO21+: Out Loud takes place Friday, June 21, 7 -10 p.m., offering a bold, after-hours museum experience for guests ages 21 and up.

JONATHAN SMALL

Terry Bradshaw keynotes Festival of Hope

Four-time Super Bowl champion quarterback, actor, Emmy Award-winner, singer, author, motivational speaker and Quarter Horse breeder Terry Bradshaw, left, with event Co-Chairman Mary Blankenship Pointer, was the keynote speaker for the Salvation Army’s Festival of Hope. Above: Kris and Bill Frankfurt support the mission of the Salvation Army which is to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs without discrimination, and be a transforming influence in communities.

Above: Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby receives the Salvation Army’s Others Award from Majors Jamie and Russell Clay, Central Oklahoma Area commanders. At left: Steve and Linda Slawson.

- Photos by Rose Lane

Beutlers meet other Beutlers

The Beutlers met the Beutlers during an event at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame/Gaylord-Pickens Museum in Oklahoma City.

Mark Beutler attended a book signing ceremony hosted by Elk City native and distant cousin, Randy Beutler.

Randy Beutler is a former member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and recently retired as president of Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford. His new book, Impresarios of the Rodeo Arena, details the story of the Beutler stock contractors, dating back to the 1920s.

“I met Randy when he was in the House and I was state Capitol reporter for OETA,” said Mark Beutler. “We talked about how we were related and traced it back several generations. My father explained the relationship between the two Beutler families before he passed in 2010.”

Brothers Elra, Jake and Lynn Beutler started the company in 1929, and through the years it grew into one of the largest stock contractors in the country. They provided stock to some of the

See BEUTLERS, Page 11

OKC FRIDAY in Italy

Fr. Rex Arnold, pastor with Christ the King Catholic Church in Nichols Hills, led a pilgrimage to Italy for Jubilee 2025. Parishioners from Christ the King (Nichols Hills), St. John Nepomuk (Yukon), and Holy Spirit (Mustang) joined together for a journey of spiritual renewal and sightseeing in Rome, southern Italy, and Sicily. Pictured along the Amalfi Coast are Fr. Rex Arnold, pilgrims Audrey Banes, Ashley Cason, Maggie Chaney, Brett and Mary Dougherty, Kathy Estlinbaum, Goddard and Jane Finley, Heidi Herburger, Steven and Lacey Hough, Kristy Johnson, Bill and Pamela Kennedy, Charla Rene Ketter, Jennifer Mulcahy, Michelle Patterson, Jane Reisdorf, Brian and Barbe Renz, Vicki Spears, Gary and Patty Wallace, Cheryl Weintraub, Peggy Wilktrson, Clay and Kennette Wilsey, Jeff and Karen Wilson, and Mike and Serina Zurline, and our guide Mari Carrozzi. Be sure to pack OKC FRIDAY when you travel. Email photos to rose@okcfriday.com.

Randy and Mark Beutler with a copy of Randy’s book.

OKLAHOMA CITY FRIDAY

Publication No. (USPS 893-600)

PHONE 405-755-3311 • www.okcfriday.com

Official Legal Newspaper For OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA CITY and OKLAHOMA COUNTY, including NICHOLS HILLS and THE VILLAGE Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Office of publication, 10801 N. Quail Plaza Drive, P.O. Box 20340, Oklahoma City, OK 73156. FRIDAY is published each Friday by Nichols Hills Publishing Co., Inc. It is an official, legal newspaper, under Oklahoma law, published in Oklahoma County, primarily serving Oklahoma City but also The Village and Nichols Hills. Mail subscription price in county $35. elsewhere in Oklahoma $45, elsewhere U.S. $45. Newsstand price $1.

Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: FRIDAY, P.O. Box 20340, Okla. City, OK 73156.

MEMBER: Oklahoma Press Association, National Newspaper Association, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Northwest OKC Chamber of Commerce. Represented nationally by USSPI, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Detroit, Dallas.

ALL-CITY TEAMS | SOCCER, BASEBALL

Fridayland quartet make 1st team

A trio of Fridayland state champions, along with a player from Deer Creek, earned spots on The Oklahoman’s All-City first teams in soccer and baseball.

SOCCER

Heritage Hall’s

Tucker Austin highlights a quartet of local athletes on the All-City soccer first team.

Austin, who plans to attend Midwestern State in Wichita Falls, Texas, scored 12 goals and 6 assists in helping lead the Chargers to their third straight Class 4A state championship. The senior was also named as a Player of the Year finalist. Casady standouts Helen Olszewski and Molly Shepherd also received first-team honors. Olszewski, a Vir-

ALL-CITY 1ST TEAM

Soccer

Tucker Austin, Heritage Hall

Helen Olszewski, Casady

Molly Shepherd, Casady

Maliyah Smith, Deer Creek

ginia signee, netted 27 goals and 15 assists, including two assists against Cascia Hall, as the Cyclones won their first-ever 3A state championship.

A Kansas signee, Shepherd led a solid defensive unit which allowed just 2 goals all season, while also scoring 22 goals in 2025.

Deer Creek’s Maliyah Smith rounded out the group, as the junior defender played on an Antlers defense that allowed just seven goals all season and reached the 6A quarterfinals.

Heritage Hall’s Yohanna Bell, Casady’s Lily Johnston and Crossings Christian’s Kaiden Laisle secured nominations on the second team.

Honorable mention selections included: Casady – Max Geib, Nolan Geib, Caroline Heasley, Jaxon Hutton, Ryan Mendola, Caroline Olszewski, Eduardo Parra, Gabrielle Salami, Madalyn Salami, Edie Tucker; Crossings Christian – Bennett Baker, Kennedy Cardoza, Camryn Graham, Grace

Mazza, Ruby Rowe; Deer Creek – Paxton Martens, Cooper Stephens; Heritage Hall – Caysen Argo, Alex Alspaugh, Kennedy Cardoza, Logan Orcutt, Noah Ragozzino, Anna Walker, Cal Welker, Lauren Wilson; McGuinness – Nick Pittman; Mount St. Mary – Jacob Geffre.

BASEBALL

Eight different Fridayland athletes received honorable mention selections on the All-City baseball team. They represent: Casady – Henry Lewis; Crossings Christian –Carson Baugh, Kade Weinstroer; Deer Creek – Mason Phillips; Mount St. Mary –Miles Stanley, Wade Webb, Harry Tesio.

& WRESTLING

Davis, Furnish named players of year

A state championship duo joined a semifinalist and nearly a half-dozen other Fridayland athletes in being recognized with first-team selections on The Oklahoman’s AllCity winter teams for basketball, swimming and wrestling.

BASKETBALL

Deer Creek’s Clyde Davis Jr. and Crossings Christian’s Cal Furnish earned Player of the Year honors on the Big and Little All-City basketball teams, respectively.

Davis averaged 15 points per game in the 2024-25 season and helped the Antlers win their first state championship since 1974. The senior guard also was named the Class 6A tournament Most Valu-

ALL-CITY 1ST TEAM

Basketball Player of the Year: Clyde Davis Jr., Deer Creek Player of the Year: Cal Furnish, Crossings Chr. Coach of the Year: Mike Donnelly, Deer Creek Coach of the Year: Logan Martin, PC North Brandie Harrod, PC North Swimming Beckham Shields, Deer Creek John Nguyen, McGuinness Harper Husbands, Deer Creek Camryn Kanaly, McGuinness Roxy Podoba, Crossings Christian

able Player. Furnish, a perimeter playmaker, scored just over 16 points and 5 assists per game as the Knights made the 4A state championship game where they lost to Weatherford on a last-second shot.

PC North’s Brandie Harrod rounded out the

local trio with a firstteam selection. Harrod played a huge role in the Panthers’ march to their first-ever 6A state championship. The senior averaged 13.5 points and 8 rebounds. Deer Creek’s Mike Donnelly and

See ALL-CITY, Page 5

Heritage Hall’s Tucker Austin received first-team honors on the All-City soccer team.

- Photo by Ben Thomas, bent02photography.pixieset.com

From Page 4

PC North’s Logan Martin got rewarded for leading their teams to state championships as both there selected as All-City Coaches of the Year.

Donnelly oversaw one of the best seasons in program history, posting a 25-5 record and upsetting former champions Owasso, Moore and Tulsa Union on the way to a state championship.

Meanwhile, Martin led the PC North girls to the school’s bestever season with a 29-1 record. The Panthers dominated the state tournament in winning all three games by nearly 20 points per contest, culminating in a 65-48 win over Mustang in the final.

Four other Fridayland athletes were named to the second team, including Khai Brown and Kiana Gray from PC North, along with Deer Creek’s Phoenix Woodson and Crossings Christian’s Braden Buckingham.

Deer Creek’s Kaden Leache and PC North’s Nykaiya Dillard highlighted a group of five local players on the third team, also including Marly Moore and T.J. Williams from Heritage Hall and Kylie Ross from Mount St. Mary. Honorable mention selections included: Casady – Trinity Boone, Davis Currie, James Elder, Kate

Naifeh; Crossings Christian – Clara Bebee, Cam Parker, Rylen Sykes; Heritage Hall – Kash Cooper, Reagan Fowler, Xzavier Mbroh; John Marshall – Zuo Kpogba; McGuinness – Cooper Bradley, Mariah Conally, AceLynn Tucker; PC North – Anthony Leonard, Nate Muriithi.

SWIMMING

Three individual state champions and two others who finished in the top 5 at state received first-team spots on the All-City swimming squad.

McGuinness’ John Nguyen captured a Class 5A state championship in the 200-yard freestyle in 1:50.38 and took fifth in the 100 butterfly in also being named a Swimmer of the Year finalist.

Crossings Christian’s Roxy Podoba, who also received a Swimmer of the Year finalist nod, earned a gold medal in the 500 freestyle (2:52.32) and was third in the 200 freestyle at the 5A state championships.

McGuinness’ Camryn Kanaly shined in her first state meet as the freshman claimed a state title in the 200 individual medley in 2:16.58 and grabbed a silver medal in the 100 backstroke.

Deer Creek teammates Harper Husbands and Beckham Shields round out the first-team honorees. Husbands made her state debut with a

fourth-place finish in the 100 breaststroke. Shields also garnered fourth place in the 100 backstroke.

Three other Fridaylanders collected second-team honors, including Deer Creek’s Ashlyn Bucy (100 butterfly), Crossings Christian’s Zach Lopp (100 backstroke) and Harding Charter Prep’s Jack Powell (500 freestyle).

Honorable mention selections included (by event): 50 Freestyle –Thomas Gillenwater, Casady; Jason Hull, Deer Creek; Jasper Jernigan, Crossings Christian; Max McAllister, Casady; Macy McFarlane, McGuinness; Tristan Shao, McGuinness; Colin Turbayne, PC North. 100 Freestyle – Jason Hull, Deer Creek; Brandon Mai, McGuinness. 200 Freestyle – Xander Applegate, PC North; Miranda Pina Pineda, McGuinness. 500 Freestyle – Maddalena Scorpecci, Deer Creek; William Wendelken, Mount St. Mary. 100 Butterfly –Skyler Brown, Deer Creek; Denzel Chen, Casady; Jackson Hill, McGuinness; Maggie Milligan, McGuinness; John Nguyen, McGuinness; Caroline Olszewski, Casady. 100 Backstroke – Susannah Brown, Casady; Mason McAllister, Casady; Owen McCall, Deer Creek; Zander Pruden, McGuinness. 100 Breaststroke – Addison Harley, McGuinness; Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.

Send us your summer sports photos!

Calling all Fridaylanders!

OKC FRIDAY is expanding its sports coverage this summer and we need your help!

Send us photos of your kids or grandkids from their baseball and soccer games, swimming competition, or any other sports.

Email photos with a brief description to jason@okcfriday.com

The Greens Country Club Racquet Member of the Week DeLEE SMITH

DeLee Smith has long been a devoted tennis fan and player, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a professional event she hasn't attended! We're pretty sure she never missed a single Virginia Slims or IGA Tennis Classic-especially when they were held right here at The Greens Racquet Club, following the tournament days at Summerfield Racquet Club.

In addition to her tennis passion, DeLee is an ace softball player, a skilled golfer, and now a gold medal-winning pickleball player!

She recently took home top honors at the Limbs for Life Pickleball Benefit alongside her

partner, Casey Williams. And as if that's not enough-she's now taken up Padel, too!

Fun Facts About DeLee:

• She's a fan of Rombauer Chardonnay. but isn't above a glass of 2 Buck Chuck!

• She's convinced she washes her hair too often.

• Her fashion sense? Think metallic shine and sparkly shoes-always fabulous!

But beyond all the fun, DeLee is one of the kindest, most thoughtful people you could ever have in your corner. Her energy, enthusiasm, and unwavering support make her an irreplaceable part of The Greens Country Club Racquet Community.

Upcoming events at The Greens Country Club

SOCIAL

June 13

Whiskey Tasting and Cigars

June 17-20

Summer Sports Camp June 25

Family SINGO

RACQUET

June 13

Kids’

CALENDAR

PRIX DE WEST

June 2021 • Prix de West

Art Sale Weekend

The 53rd annual Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition & Sale

oﬀers more than 300 paintings and sculp

ture by the ﬁnest contemporary Western artists in the nation and features works ranging from historical subject matter to more contemporary and impressionistic pieces. Landscapes, wildlife art and illustra

tive scenes are show

cased in this worldclass exhibition. These works will be on dis

play from through Aug. 3. Sale weekend events include semi

nars, artist demonstra

tions, a live auction, receptions, awards, an art sale and several trunk shows at The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Store.

THIS WEEKEND

June 1215 • Merry Wives of Windsor Shakespeare's “sit

com” centers around the famously philan

dering Sir John Falstaﬀ and his amorous mis

adventures in small town England. Staged outdoors in the beau

tiful Shakespeare Gardens, Paseo, directed by Oklahoma Shake

speare Artistic Associ

ate, Kris Kuss, and star

ring Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park Associate Artistic

June 26 • Opry Anniversary Show Join us in celebrating the Oklahoma Opry’s 48th Anniversary with a concert and fundraiser on Thursday, June 26 at Oklahoma Ranch in Bricktown at 7:30 pm. This familyfriendly show is appropriate for all ages; however, the VIP reception is 21+. Expect an incredible concert featuring many of your favorite Opry performers from the past 48 years. There will be a silent auction featuring several items you will want to take home including concert tickets and signed guitars by arti sts like Wade Hayes and the Turnpike Troubadours. Proceeds from this event will beneﬁt Phase 2 of the Opry's Brick by Brick Capital Campaign.

Director, Lance Marsh, as the inimitable Sir John Falstaﬀ, the production is sure to please. Visit okshakes. org for details.

June 14 • National Dog Dad’s Day

Celebrate Dog Dad’s Day at Bar K on June 14 from 9 am to 10 pm. Bring your fourlegged friend along for a funﬁlled day. Dogs can try free doggie beer samples and will receive a free necktie while supplies last.

June 14 • Brewer’s Fest

The 5th Annual Oklahoma Brewer's Fest is Oklahoma’s only brewerled festival featuring nearly 50 craft breweries from across the state. Enjoy more than 300 beers including special release beers at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. This year’s OBF will feature a 360photo booth, live festival tshirt screen printing and vendors from across the state. The Oklahoma Brewer’s Fest will

oﬀer two sessions (12pm and 5pm) with a special onehour early entry for VIPs. Visit okcballparkevents. com/event/brewersfest/ for a link to get tickets.

June 14 •

Summer Skate Nights

Saturday Summer Skate Nights at the Scissortail Park Sky Rink are from 710 pm with live DJ, lawn games, food trucks and good times roller skating under the stars. Quad and inline rental skates available. Visit scissortailpark. org/rollerskating/ for details and pricing.

MOVIE NIGHT

June 18 • Free Summer Movie

Myriad Gardens’ free summer movie series is on the Devon Lawn beginning at 7 pm with Captain America: Brave New World (2025, PG13) starting at 9 pm. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy local food trucks, Kona Ice and kettle corn.

Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com

Photo

After conflicts have ended, what does it take to recover the heartbeat of humanity? An upcoming thoughtprovoking and transformative photography exhibit titled “How We Rebuild” will take viewers into the aftermath and the indomitable spirit of humanity in post-conflict zones.

The exhibit will be in Oklahoma City University’s Nona Jean Hulsey Art Gallery from June 16 to Aug. 11.

“How We Rebuild” draws from 12 years of compelling work by grant winners and finalists from The Aftermath Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to illuminating oftenoverlooked war stories – the arduous journey of individuals rebuilding

shattered lives and homes, restoring civil societies, and rebuilding communities after conflicts have ceased.

Documentary photographer Sara Terry founded The Aftermath Project in an effort to impart the importance of “aftermath photography,” yearning for a society that doesn’t forget the people and places that conflict photography covers.

“If I can get you to care, then perhaps I can get you to think, and if I can get you to think, perhaps I can get you to act,” Terry said.

The exhibit is organized into three distinct sections. A prologue features conflict and post-conflict photographs from Bosnia, laying out the

Congratulations to the deadCenter Film Festival on 25 years of outstanding independent film. Congratulations to the staff, programmers, volunteers, and board members who have kept deadCenter on track as the film industry has evolved in a million different ways during those twenty-five years. And congratulations to Executive Director Cacky Poarch on two wildly successful turns as the ultimate leader of the pack.

After things wrap up for the festival this summer, Cacky Poarch is stepping down as Executive Director of deadCenter. Poarch served in the position twice, from 2004-2010 and 2022-2025. Both times, she was the perfect dynamic leader for the moment. Her creative spark, eclectic taste, and fearless attitude made deadCenter a force to be reckoned with on the festival circuit and an enticing gem to lure people downtown before the Thunder arrived.

During her first tenure, Poarch moved the festival from Edmond to Oklahoma City, expanded the reach internationally, welcomed Oscar winner Spike Jonze to premiere his movie, The Birth of Big Air, about Oklahoma BMX legend Mat Hoffman,

created a space for the Flaming Lips to share their films, and led deadCenter to its selection as one of the Top 20 Film Festivals in the World by MovieMaker magazine. In her second run, Poarch helped the festival recover from COVID, add more Oscar-qualifying short film categories, and expand great partnerships with First Americans Museum, Oklahoma Contemporary, The Oak, and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

It was always Poarch’s intent to step down this summer, so the board has recently completed an extensive search. The new Executive Director of deadCenter will be announced at the festival this week and covered more here later.

Cacky Poarch is a graduate of Casady School, the University of Southern California, and the Meinders School of Business at Oklahoma City University, where she earned her MBA. She is most proud of her two fantastic, now grown, kids: Parker Poarch and Meade Poarch. And she is

origin story of The Aftermath Project.

The second section presents a suite of images by four photographers who explore historical American aftermaths, offering unique perspectives on resilience within the nation’s history. Finally, an international “wall of humanity” showcases a diverse collection of post-conflict images from around the globe, highlighting shared human experiences of recovery and hope.

The exhibit includes works by acclaimed photographers such as renowned war photographer Ron Haviv, along with several grant winners and finalists throughout the project’s history. It is enhanced by visual

blissfully in love with her recent husband and long-time beau Sean Murphy, a journalist with the Associated Press. Poarch is also a longtime filmmaker. She has acted in twelve films, including William H. Macy’s Rudderless. She has produced two feature films: Mellissa Scaramucci’s directorial debut Making Arrangements, and the awardwinning rock opera Rainbow Around the Sun. And she has directed two featurelength documentaries, Art 365 and Faces of the 47th: The Art of Activism, and a short film about her son, The Reawakening of Meade The first time I really met Cacky was at Nonna’s Purple Bar in the summer of 2006 at a deadCenter after party. I was sitting at the bar. A booming voice from across the room yelled, “Ladies and gentlemen, that man right there is a filmmaker!” Everyone looked around to see where the woman was pointing as she made her way around the bar. When she arrived at my seat, raised her hand, and put it directly over my head, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause. Cacky leaned over and said, “Welcome to deadCenter.” It was a moment I will never forget. Thank you, Cacky!

literacy frameworks and a wealth of public programming tools, designed to facilitate meaningful engagement and foster discussions around the vital role visual narratives play in helping communities heal.

“How We Rebuild” is organized by ExhibitsUSA, a program of MidAmerica Arts Alliance. For more information about the project, visit theaftermathproject.org.

The Hulsey Art Gallery is located in OCU’s Norick Art Center at 1608 NW 26th St. Admission is free and summer hours are 8 am to 10 pm Mondays through Thursdays. For more information visit okcu.edu/artgallery.

BUDGET

From Page 1

1 from service.

The 2026 budget adds two recovery support specialists and two mobile integrated health responders to further implement the Alternative Response Team Program. It also adds one human resources business partner to support employee training and related needs.

$1.7 million funds a new fire station and remodeling costs from the Fire Sales Tax Fund.

The budget freezes 20 vacant uniform police positions and $8.6 million in funding toward capital construction and additional funding for services and supplies from the Police Sales Tax Fund.

In the municipal court, the new budget deletes the lead customer service representative, the office clerk and municipal court clerk, as well as the senior customer service representatives.

Public works is seeing the deletion of two vacant positions — the office administrator from traffic services and the construction project manager from the Infrastructure Program.

Two vacant positions are being deleted from Development Services. The code technician from the Plan Review Program and the lead customer service representative from the Permits and Licensing Program are going away.

In public transportation and parking, $1.4 million in savings is achieved by insourcing the operation and maintenance of the streetcar.

MERITS

From Page 1

National Merit Oklahoma State University Scholarship. Possible career field: Radiology.

• Jamay Jan Leow, Deer Creek High School, National Merit University of Oklahoma Scholarship. Possible career field: Law.

• Emri Lindley, Deer Creek High School, National Merit Purdue University Scholarship. Possible

SMALL

From Page 1

belief that Oklahoma should be a place where families can flourish and build a future with freedom and opportunity.

The Roe Award is an honor bestowed upon those leaders whose achievements have greatly advanced the cause of liberty in their state and beyond. It acknowledges leaders who have built strong teams and durable organizations committed to improving lives in their communities through public policy. The award recognizes those who have innovated, sacrificed, and remained courageous in the face of opposition.

The award is an extension of SPN’s founder, Thomas Roe, whose hard work, dedication, and resilience helped build the powerhouse 50-state Network we see today.

Small’s peers often describe him as a “secret weapon”—an understated leader who gets extraordinary things done. His influence now shapes who runs for office, what issues gain traction,

Two facilities and plant mechanic II employees are being added in the Utilities Department. The services and supplies budget is increased by $2.1 million.

In the Park and Recreation Department, two vacation positions, as well as a municipal accountant are being deleted. The athletic field maintenance supplies are being downsized by $255,209 and contract labor in the Grounds Manager Division was cut by $245,000.

The budget decreases publicprivate partnership support with Myriad Gardens, Scissortail Park and the First Americans Museum by $515,123.

In General Services, a net of two positions are to be deleted — a building maintenance mechanic and a fuel systems technician.

A vacant training and safety specialist in risk management and a vacant municipal accountant II are being deleted in the Finance Department

Human Resources is to see the deletion of a vacant public information and marketing specialist in the Talent Acquisition Program.

In the Municipal Counselor’s Office a vacant legal secretary II position is eliminated.

Oklahoma City’s largest single source of revenue is sales tax, which pays for day-to-day services. Every time people shop in Oklahoma City or buy something online, they invest in the community.

The city gets 4.125% of taxable sales made in Oklahoma City or when people from Oklahoma City buy something online. Of that, 2.25% goes to the General

career field: Aerospace Engineering.

• Umer Ahmad, Casady School, National Merit University of Oklahoma Scholarship. Possible career field: Medicine.

• Matthew A. Albers, Harding Charter Prep, National Merit Oklahoma State University Scholarship. Possible career field: Mechanical Engineering.

• Maxwell Barnes, Harding Charter Prep, National Merit University of Central Florida

and how the public thinks about freedom in Oklahoma. His work has made OCPA a model for strategic, long-term policy transformation.

Under his leadership, OCPA has become the most trusted policy voice in Oklahoma, influencing everything from judicial accountability to universal education freedom. He has

Fund that pays for day-to-day operations. About 60% of the General Fund goes to police and fire departments.

Police and fire also have a dedicated public safety sales tax of ¾ of a cent. The OKC Zoo gets 1/8th of a cent, and finally, there’s the MAPS 4 temporary penny sales tax.

The city also gets about 13% of residents’ total property tax bill. OKC’s share pays off the general obligation bonds we use for bond projects in the Better Streets, Safer City program.

That funds improvements to streets, parks, Police and Fire facilities and other needs for the next several years. Check them out at okc.gov/BetterSafer.

The remaining property tax goes elsewhere – public schools, libraries, vocational schools and the county government.

Another significant source of tax revenue is the hotel tax, which is charged on hotel room stays. This tax is dedicated to promoting tourism and capital improvements at the OKC Fairgrounds.

The City also gets some revenue from franchise fees, building permits, business licenses, fines, service charges and fees. Visit okc.gov/tax for an overview of OKC’s revenue.

The budget process begins each February with a City Council budget workshop. The budget hearings in the spring and budget adoption in June finish the budget process every year. When necessary, the Council adopts amendments to the budget in the middle of the fiscal year.

The budget book can be reviewed at okc.gov/budget.

Scholarship. Possible career field: Investment Banking.

• Parker H. Bryan, Crossings Christian School, National Merit

David A. Burr Scholarship. Possible career field: Dentistry.

• Barron Clark, Crossings Christian School, National Merit Oklahoma State University Scholarship. Possible career field: Aerospace Engineering.

• Turner W. Hadrava, Heritage Hall School, National Merit University of Oklaho-

grown OCPA into a multi-pronged powerhouse that includes a think tank, litigation, advocacy, investigative journalism, and a leadership academy —the popular Fears Fellowship. This “durable freedom infrastructure” has transformed the policy landscape in Oklahoma and inspired similar efforts in other states.

ma Scholarship. Possible career field: Biomedical Engineering.

• Benjamin Everett Willis, Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. Possible career field: Mathematics.

OF Tarren Renee Sorrels DECEASED DISTRICT COURT NO: PB-2025-602 STATE OF OKLAHOMA } } ss. COUNTY OF OKLAHOMA } NOTICE OF HEARING PETITION FOR LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION

Notice is hereby given that on the 4 day of June, 2025, Edith A. Lamay Filed in the District Court of the County of Oklahoma and State of Oklahoma, a Petition praying for Letters of Administration to be issued to Edith A. Lamay upon the Estate of Tarren Renee Sorrels, deceased, late of the County of Oklahoma and State of Oklahoma. And pursuant to an order of said Court, the 7 day of August, 2025 at the Hour of 2:00 o’clock pm of said day has been appointed as the time for hearing said application, before Judge Oakes, Judge of the District Court in the District Court Room Probate Division Room 217, Oklahoma County Courthouse 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, when and where any person interested in said estate may appear and contest said petition by filing written opposition thereto on the ground of incompetence of the applicant, or may assert his/her own right to the administration and pray for Letters to be issued to Edith A. Lamay.

Dated this 4 day of June, 2025. MARTHA OAKES Judge of the District Court Rick Warren Court Clerk (SEAL) Oklahoma County, Oklahoma By: /s/ Bryan Glenn Deputy

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, June 13, 2025)

DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

CV-2025-1355

In Re: The Name of: ) Andrea Alexandra Crain ) NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME

TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Andrea Alexandra Crain has petitioned to change his/her name to Andrea Alexandra Liggett. A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 3 day of July, 2025, before Judge Stinson at 1:30 o’clock in courtroom 712 at the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, when and where any person interested in said estate may appear and contest said petition by filing written opposition thereto on the ground of incompetence of the applicant, or may assert his/her own right to the administration and pray for Letters to be issued to Edith A. Lamay.

Dated this 4 day of June, 2025.

MICHELLE C. HARRINGTON Judge of the District Court Rick Warren Court Clerk (SEAL) Oklahoma County, Oklahoma By: /s/ J. Salas Deputy (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, June 13, 2025; Friday, June 20, 2025)

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY, STATE OF OKLAHOMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE

RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/Misty Zaragoza By: DEPUTY (SEAL)

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, June 13, 2025)

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA

CV-2025-1316

Sonya Rogers Petitioner

NOTICE OF HEARING

Please take notice, that the undersigned will bring the above Petition for hearing before the court at Room 325, Judge Ogden, Oklahoma County Courthouse, City of Oklahoma City, on the 10 day of July, 2025, at 1:30 o’clock p.m. of that day or as council can be heard.

/s/ Sonya Rogers Petitioner, Signature

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BUILDING COMMISSION – CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA

CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL APPLICATION

Notice is hereby given that an Application for a Certificate of Approval from the Nichols Hills Building Commission has been filed by the following applicant as to the following project:

Applicant: David & Jenell Evans BC-2025-06

Proposed project: Construction of an addition to an existing main dwelling

Proposed project’s address or descriptive location: 1121 Larchmont Lane

The Application and supporting documentation may be inspected in the office of the City Clerk during regular business hours. No later than the Friday preceding the hearing, the full application and supporting documents will be posted at www.nicholshills-ok.gov.

This Application will be considered at a public hearing to be held by the Nichols Hills Building Commission on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. This public hearing will be held in the Council Chambers at Nichols Hills City Hall, 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, 73116.

Any person objecting to or supporting this Application may appear before the Nichols Hills Building Commission on the above public hearing date and show cause why the proposed Application should be approved or disapproved. Further, written support or protest regarding the Application may be filed with the City Clerk at 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, 73116, provided it is received by the City Clerk not less than three days before the public hearing.

Dated this 3rd day of June 2025

Amanda Copeland, City Clerk City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BUILDING COMMISSION – CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL APPLICATION

Notice is hereby given that an Application for a Certificate of Approval from the Nichols Hills Building Commission has been filed by the following applicant as to the following project:

Applicant: Dream Investments BC 2025-07

Proposed project: Demolition and construction of a main dwelling

Proposed project’s address or descriptive location: 1807 Guilford Lane

Dated this 3rd day of June 2025

Amanda Copeland, City Clerk City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CASE NO. BOA 2025-02

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an application has been filed seeking a variance from the Nichols Hills City Code on the following described property: Lot six (6), of Block Thirty-one (31), in NICHOLS HILLS, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, according to the recorded plat thereof. The property is also known as 6809 NW Grand Boulevard. Current zoning is E-2. The application is seeking a 2’1-5/16’’ height variance, allowing for a 37’1-5/16’’ maximum height to the main building.

A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD on said application by the Nichols Hills Board of Adjustment in the Council Chambers, City Hall 6407 Avondale

Name ChaNge

Residents urged to stop spraying harmful mosquito sprays that kill pollinators

As warmer weather lures Oklahomans outdoors, the unwelcome buzz of mosquitoes can quickly turn backyard relaxation into an itchy ordeal. While many are tempted to hire mosquito-control companies that promise to eliminate these pests with yard spraying, Okies for Monarchs is urging residents to think twice—for the sake of pollinators, pets, and the environment.

Despite clever marketing that touts terms like “natural,” “green,” or “biodegradable,” the reality is that most mosquito sprays contain pyrethroid insecticides and are enhanced synthetic versions of natural pyrethrin, which is derived from Chrysanthemum flowers. These chemicals don’t discriminate - killing far more than just mosquitoes - including butterflies, bees, dragonflies, lightning bugs, and other beneficial insects critical to our ecosystem.

“The tragic loss of thousands of migrating monarch butterflies in 2020 due to insecticide exposure serves as a sobering reminder of the broader impacts of mosquito spraying,” said Katie Hawk, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Monarch Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Pyrethroid insecticides, including permethrin, are known to contaminate bee hives, harm aquatic wildlife through runoff, and even cause health issues in pets such as vomiting and lethargy. Before resorting to harmful sprays, residents are encouraged to adopt a variety of proven, pollinator-safe mosquito control measures:

✓ ters, and birdbaths.

Eliminate standing water in flower pots, gut-

Use mosquito dunks (BTi) in ponds.

✓ Wear light colored protective clothing and

✓ apply insect repellent with Picaridin or eucalyptus oil.

Run fans to deter weak-flying mosquitoes.

Jakian Parks: The Black Land rides into Oklahoma Contemporary

Opening Nov. 6 in the Mary LeFlore Clements Oklahoma Gallery, Jakian Parks: The Black Land connects the past and present, situating the American West as a living archive and center stage for Black cattlemen and cowboys alike. Through Jakian Parks’ photography, The Black Land envisions a layered structure, connecting the historical phases from Black captivity through to contemporary Black equestrianism. The exhibition highlights the land as a complex and enduring source of struggle and identity within the African American experience and explores the ritualistic practices that form the foundation of cultural healing that sustains Black communities.

Oklahoma City Community College presents ‘DRUMLine Live’ on June 18

Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) presents “DRUMLine Live” on Wednesday, June 18, at 7:30 pm in the OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC) Theater.

“DRUMLine Live,” the showstopping attraction created by the musical team behind the hit movies, “Drumline” and “Drumline: A New Beat,” embodies the soulful, high-stepping style of the marching

band experience. Offering riveting rhythms, bold beats, and eargrabbing energy, “DRUMLine Live” has entertained audiences all over the world.

“Bring the whole family to OCCC this June to experience ‘DRUMLine Live,’” said Mark Levine, director of the VPAC at OCCC. “This show promises a high-octane musical roller-coaster ride that is guaranteed to touch every emotion in your body.”

To purchase tickets, visit occc.edu/tickets or call 405-682-7579.

The Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC) is a 1,055-seat, state-of-the-art theater space located on the north end of the OCCC campus. There is no charge for parking.

Follow Oklahoma City Community College’s VPAC on Facebook and Instagram for updates and upcoming events.

Oklahoma Museum of Natural History to host summer’s coolest adventure: snow

✓ Limit dense undergrowth where mosquitoes

✓ rest.

✓

Spread cedar mulch under outdoor seating.

In photographs taken across Oklahoma — on front porches, in gospel choirs, on horseback and in quiet afternoons spent ﬁshing — Parks documents the quiet grace of Black cowboy culture, redeﬁning historical narratives and contributing to a broader understanding of the American landscape.

Chloe` Flowers, guest curator for the exhibition, said, “The Black Land is a ceremonial parade of the admiration and respect we have for ourselves and our ancestors. The overlap between faith and forward action creates a supernatural progression for Black people. I hope viewers are able to see their reﬂections in the work and implement more advancement into their lives.”

Learn more about the exhibit at oklahomacontemporary.org.

The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is excited to announce the opening of Snow: Tiny Crystals, Global Impact . This chilly summer adventure seeks to educate visitors of all ages about the importance of snow and the vital role it plays in the global climate system. Experience an immersive snowstorm with giant

interactive snow crystals, make snowflakes grow from specks to complex six-sided crystals, and listen to oral histories about snow from InÞupiaq elders and culture bearers.

Developed and produced by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland, Snow: Tiny Crystals, Global Impact offers a fully immer -

sive, interactive experience where visitor groups have the opportunity to explore all the ways this fundamental weather phenomenon impacts our lives—no matter where we live! Snow: Tiny Crystals, Global Impact will be on display at the Sam Noble Museum, 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, from May 17 to August 17.

Locally-owned Business Directory

Debbie South Metro First Realty @ Lake Hefner 3232 W Britton Rd, 277 Oklahoma City, OK.73120 (405) 706-9077

Full Circle Bookstore 1900 NW Expressway

Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 842-2900 (800) 683-READ

Junior’s Supper Club

2601 NW Expressway Oil Center Building (405) 848-5597 juniorsokc.com

Boutique One

7636 N. Western Wilshire Village Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 888-9822 boutiqueone.store

The Learning Tree 7638 N. Western Wilshire Village (405) 848-1415 learningtreeokc.com

Nancy Farha’s 9205 N. Pennsylvania Casady Square

The Village, OK 73120 (405) 775-0404 nancyfarha.com

23rd Street Antiques 3023 NW 23rd. (405) 947-3800 Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Antiques23.com

Coyle Law Firm 125 Park Ave. No.100 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 583-3909 coylelaw.com

Gulfport Seafood Market 8016 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-3468 Gulfportseafoods.com

Moorman's Distinctive Carpets and Area Rugs 3835 NW 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4888 moormanscarpetsoklahoma city.com

Naifeh Fine Jewelry 6471 Avondale Dr,. Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 607-4323 Naifehfinejewelry.com

Retirement Investment Advisors 2925 United Founders Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-3443 theretirementpath.com

Thrifty Pharmacy 10904 N. May Ave. L Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 751-2852 230 S. Santa Fe Ave. Edmond OK 73003 thriftypharmacyedmond.com

BancFirst 6200 Waterford Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 270-1622 Bancfirst.bank

First National Bank of Oklahoma 10900 Hefner Pointe Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-2001 fnbok.com

CK & Co. 6429 Avondale Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 843-7636 ckandcompany.com

Quail Creek Bank 12201 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-1000 quailcreek.bank

Covenant Brothers 5900 Mosteller Dr. No. 7 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-4671 covbros.com

Justin Beasley, DDS 4600 W Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73142 (405) 755-5400 drbeasley.com

Cindi Shelby, Stylist Lela Rose & Pearl by Lela Rose 333 W. Wilshire Blvd., Ste. F Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 830-1138

Quail Plaza Barber Shop 10940 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (495) 751-2126

All About Travel, Ltd. 6104 Northwest 63 Oklahoma City, OK 73132 (405) 384-3880 www.allabout-travel.com

Papa Dios 10712 N May, Suite D Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-2255 papadiosokc.com

First Fidelity Bank 6404 Avondale, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 416-2222 Website: ffb.com

Denner Roofing Co. LLC 6608 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4411 dennerroofing.com

First Source Real Estate

Residential Sales 12020 N. Penn Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747

Michael Biddinger Real Estate Commercial Sales, Management 12020 N. Pennsylvania Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747

The Adult Clinic at Hearts for Hearing 11500 N. Portland Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 548-4335

Christian Science Reading Room 6490 Avondale Drive (Nichols Hills Plaza North) Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 843-5334 christianscienceokc.org

Steam It Klean It LLC Carpet Cleaning PO Box 20232 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 602-4960 Steamitkleanit@gmail.com

Krista Anne’s Boutique 7602 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 310-5500

Paul Seikel Pearls Oyster Bar 5641 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 848-8008 pearlsokc.com

Basey's Roofing Gary Basey 2700 S. May Ave. Okla City, OK 73109 (405)755-8717 baseysroofingjs@gmail.com

Niroula Law 511 Couch Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 496-9250 niroulalaw.com

OKC FRIDAY P.O. Box 20340 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 755-3311 okcfriday.com

Strebel Creek Vineyard & Gift Shop 11521

navigatingmedicare.com

business listings are only $25 a month. Email rose@ okcfriday.com for more information.

OPINION OPINION O O UR UR S S TAND TAND

“And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 (quoting Jesus).

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” – Edmund Burke paraphrase, 1767. If you want it in the paper, it’s advertising. If you don’t want it in the paper, it’s news.” – Ancient Chinese Proverb

“Without, or with, offense to friends or foes, We sketch your world exactly as it goes.” – Byron, 1818.

“Every violation of truth is a stab at the health of human society.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1878.

“We must always stand – alone if necessary – as the conscience of this community.” – J. Leland Gourley, 1959.

‘Big Beautiful Bill’ makes significant, drastic changes to education policy

By Joe Dorman President and CEO

Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy

As we continue our examination of the massive federal legislation called the “Big Beautiful Bill” by proponents, it is important to look at the education portion of the bill. As you can see from the analysis below, the federal funding and policy changes will be a tremendous change in how Kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) classes and access to college courses are supported by federal dollars. The bill would create an unprecedented $5

billion national school voucher program under K-12 called the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA). Families making up to 300% of area median income would be able to apply for and receive scholarships to use toward private school tuition, homeschooling books, or tutoring, for example. The money would be distributed by thirdparty scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) certified by the U.S. Treasury and IRS. Donors to SGOs would reap the tax benefits from this system. Anyone would be able to donate to one of these SGOs like a chari-

table organization. The difference, instead of getting a deduction from your taxable income, donors will receive a dollar-for-dollar full tax credit for up to the greater of $5,000 or as much as 10% of one’s income. For example, $1,000 donated to an SGO would result in $1,000 deducted off one’s tax bill. This is an unprecedented dollar-for-dollar charitable donation tax credit at the federal level.

The changes are not limited to just young Americans in the education system. For America’s college students, the news is very concerning to many, especially community colleges. The bill proposes to:

• Raise the definition of “full-time” to 15 credits per semester to get full Pell (from the current 12 credits).

• Eliminate Stafford subsidized loans.

• Eliminate graduate student PLUS loans and limits parent PLUS loans.

• Eliminate existing income-contingent repayment plans and create one new incomebased repayment plan, increasing the percentage of discretionary income allowed and the number of payments needed before a loan can be forgiven.

This will place extreme hardships many, including those who choose to work while taking college courses. By current standards, only 36% of undergraduate Pell Grant recipients attempted 30 or more credits in one academic year, the newly proposed definition of full time.

This means that in the 2024-25 academic year, only about 2.5

Dear Wise Elder: I am the Power of Attorney for my motherin-law and also the executor of the estate of my late father-in-law. Since his death, we have seen more of my MIL’s cognitive decline than we had realized. But she’s still in her home and seems totally capable because she can feed, dress, bathe, toilet herself, and work outside in the flower beds. We were shocked when the assisted living community evaluated and could not accept her because “she needed memory care.” To me, she doesn’t seem “that far gone.” What to do?

Dear What To Do?: You can get a second or third opinion. But

million of the 6.9 million Pell Grant recipients nationwide would have qualified under the new definition. Further, about 1.4 million, or 20%, of Pell Grant recipients would lose their Pell Grant funding entirely due to the limitation on awards for less than half-time enrollment.

This would include 810,000, or about onethird, of the 2.5 million Pell Grant recipients who are currently enrolled at community colleges, according to Center for American Progress. For part-time adult students who work while attending school, this could have a devastating impact on enrollment numbers.

Most students who register in less than full time enrollment have jobs to help cover the rising cost of college and often have families to support. These pro-

all assisted living communities are required to evaluate and will likely have the same result because they look at critical thinking and decision-making skills needed for independent living. If she moves, the community is responsible and wants to ensure she is safe, well cared for, and content. It is not uncommon that family members “see” their loved one as they “were” not as they “are” today. Life is little by little moving in small increments so that close up we barely recognize the changes. Trust the professionals. - Courtesy VillagesOKC, www.VillagesOKC.org (405) 990-6637

grams currently provide an offset opportunity to complete courses more quickly, therefore allowing entry into the job market at a quicker pace. The low interest loans these students would lose under this bill will likely have a devastating impact on enrollment, depriving many of the chance for better lives and opportunities through higher education. You can read my previous two columns at oica.org/weeklycolumns which discuss changes to SoonerCare and food assistance programs. A future column will look at the tax provisions of the bill being discussed. Should you have concerns about the legislation and wish to contact members of Oklahoma’s federal delegation, you can find their information at tinyurl.com/ OKCongDel.

Gifford is elected to ACLU Board

Robert Don Gifford has been elected to serve a three-year term on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Gifford is a criminal defense and civil rights attorney in Oklahoma City, as well as serves as a tribal court judge for nine separate Native American Tribes in Oklahoma. In addition, Gifford was selected as a member of the Oklahoma Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The commission is

an independent, bipartisan agency established by Congress in 1957 to focus on matters of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin with advisory committees in every state and territory to advise on civil rights issues affecting Oklahoma.

CONCERNS

From Page 1

“Many go into debt trying to live the curated life they see on social media, or turn to fast fashion, which comes with its own set of issues,” she said.

Without financial literacy, people don’t know how to spend money wisely, Harding Charter’s Peter Onema II said.

“We’re expected to make

BEUTLERS

From Page 1

biggest rodeos across the United States, and to popular television shows like “Gunsmoke” and “Bonanza.” At their museum in Elk City, the brothers have a photo with actress Marilyn Monroe, when they provided livestock for her 1956 film Bus Stop.

The Beutler Brothers evolved into Elra Beutler and Sons, Beutler and Morgan, Beutler and Gaylord, and now Beutler and Son, led by Bennie Beutler and son Rhett.

“Our side of the family kept the original German pronunciation, while the Elk City faction kept the spelling, but during World War II, opted for a simpler ‘Butler’ pronunciation,” Mark said. “When I was a DJ at KXY, I met Reba McEntire for the first time in Nashville. She saw my name tag and asked, ‘What did you say your name is? Because I pronounce it ‘Butler.’ Apparently during her rodeo days, she had worked quite a bit with the Beutler Brothers.

“I love family history, researching and learning new stories,” Mark added. “Now this new book by Randy sheds light on the other side we never knew much about.”

Impresarios of the Rodeo Arena is available at beutlerandsonrodeoco.com

huge decisions about college with little or no knowledge about money,” he said. “Learning about how to manage finances should be taught early; it’s one of the most important skills we need.”

Several students saw a real lack of hope for the future.

“We are exposed to more information than previous generations and see more of the bad in the world,” Mount St. Mary’s Diego Cardenas said. “This leads to many taking a nihillistic

outlook on life.

“We feel useless and just accept anything.”

Savian Sullivan, a member of the Class of 2025 at Heritage Hall, said it is necessary to try to maintain hope and commitment to future and personal goals.

“The world often highlights negativity, making it difficult to stay focused and optimistic,” he said. “However, I believe that by remaining hopeful, we can continue to progress and establish meaning in our life journey.”

ROBERT DON GIFFORD

Grandmark residents welcome OKIE for progressive dinner

The Grandmark was THE place to be on May 3.

A festive group spent a beautiful spring evening exploring Israeli wine and cuisine together via a progressive dinner, sponsored by the OKlahoma Israel Exchange (OKIE).

Chef Aaron Ware developed an inventive menu featuring Israeli boutique wines and savory cuisine. The evening began with heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine, and laughter at the smart condo — and sun-filled, Asian-inspired outdoor space — of Dr Mike Winters.

From there, guests moved to the chic, glam condo of Patti and Rob Lewis, with views overlooking the city as the sun set. On the menu

were a salad of roasted beets, crispy kale, and Israeli couscous finished with a spicy palm sugar dressing, followed by broiled falafel crusted sea bass with freekeh salad and a main course of perfectly roasted beef shawarma stuffed eggplant with a pine nut tabouli and parsley oil.

The final course, enjoyed at the pastel paradise of Kay Kuykendall with her gallery of expressive art, featured orez be chalav – a rich milk chocolate rice pudding. Chef Ware introduced each course, sharing a vivid description of the region of Israel that inspired each dish and connecting each to fond and funny memories of his trips to Israel.

Barry and Anne Gray pose with OKIE Board Member Chip Oppenheim.

At the end of the evening, those who closed the party down took a minute for a photo op.

Chef Aaron Ware gets BIG hugs from board member Ronna Davis and President Jonna Kirschner!

Lynnisa Catlin, Edie Roodman, Linda Aberson, Lynn Sauble, and Sandra Leaver can’t wait for Kay to host another party in her posh pink condo, perfect.

- Photos by Rose Lane

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