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Vol. 60, No. 15
August 21, 2026
1 Section • 14 Pages
Village voters to decide 12 issues
People You Should Know
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
tives and as an attorney for the Oklahoma City American Federation of
Residents of The Village go to the polls this Tuesday, Aug. 25, for a special election to approve 13 propositions to the city charter. The city charter is the basic legal document that establishes the governing structure, local powers and core operation rules for the city. The proposed amendments are the first updates to the City charter in 67 years. The current city Charter became effective in May of 1959. City officials said the update is needed since many provisions of the charter from 1959 need to be modified to reflect current needs and to comply with state laws that have changed over the years. The City Council has spent the past 18 months reviewing changes needed in the charter. Eleven requested changes are on the ballet along with a lodging tax question and a franchise renewal agreement with OG&E. City officials plan to propose additional charter amendment questions on an April 2027 ballot. Below are brief descriptions of the questions featured in Tuesday’s ballot: Proposition 1 proposes a new 9% lodging tax for shortterm rental stays of less than 30 days.
See HABITAT, Page 3
See VILLAGE, Page 3
DARLA ZUHDI Entertainer, Song Writer, Author Where did you grow up, and do you have a favorite childhood memory? I grew up in Stillwater, mostly on an acreage northwest of town. We had horses and cows and a huge orchard. My favorite childhood memory is of my mom. Throughout my childhood, she supported and encouraged me in everything I did. She was (and still is) a champion of mine. What did you want to be when you grew up? A singer and writer. What are you most passionate about professionally? Performing and writing songs and creating quality, wholesome entertainment. Has your definition of success changed as you’ve developed your career? My definition of success has remained the same. I’ve always wanted to touch lives in a positive way, to make people happy, to encourage children to want to do what is right in life and to entertain audiences. What is a perfect day for you? A beautiful, crisp fall day. I love spending time with my husband Bill, eating gourmet food, having great wine and enjoying God’s beauty. What is some of the best advice you’ve received in your life? Never give up and the power of positive statements and thinking. What is No. 1 on your bucket list? To make a full length feature film for families. How would you like to be remembered? As a person who has moral integrity, a great example, someone who is kind, smart, compassionate, loyal, and See PYSK, Page 2
(405) 606-2727
Back to school Marek and Casey Cornet’s sons (a set of triplets and an older brother), Emmett, Lyon, Logan and Oliver, are headed to their first day at John Rex Elementary School. Most of our local schools have returned to classes. For more back to school photos, see Page 2.
Pennington is new Habitat CEO The Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH) Board of Directors named Camal Pennington as the organization’s next chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1. Pennington succeeds Ann Felton Gilliland, who is retiring Dec. 31 after more than 36 years leading the affordable housing ministry in Central Oklahoma. Pennington was selected following a national search led by The Mettise Group, an Oklahoma City-based consulting firm retained by the COHFH board. He is to work alongside Felton Gilliland through her Dec. 31 retirement to ensure a seamless transition.
Pennington brings a rare combination of nonprofit leadership, community development experience and deep Oklahoma City roots. He currently serves as executive director of It’s My Community Initiative, a nonprofit focused on strengthening families and building healthy communities, and represents Ward 7 on the Oklahoma City Council. An attorney by training, he is a former chair of the Oklahoma City Planning Commission and has served on numerous civic and education boards across the metro. Earlier in his career, Pennington worked as a congressional staffer in the U.S. House of Representa-
PC app tracks school buses By Rose Lane Editor Parents in the Putnam City Public School District can now track buses with the use of a new app. Officials said the district’s Transportation Department is committed to working with families by providing timely and accurate information about bus routes. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year and made possible by an approved bond vote by the community, Putnam City Schools Transportation is moving to My Ride K-12, a See PC, Page 2
CAMAL PENNINGTON
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week
Homer is 8-months old. Having recently relocated from South Texas, his favorite activities are to bark at squirrels, stand guard at the door and fetch anything thrown or not tied down — and bring it to the TV room for full inspection. He sorts through toys at least once a day to inventory and make sure nothing has been misplaced. All issues so far are his parents, Lou and Dan Carmichael’s error. He's a good boy and we are trying to measure up. Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
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