Hillary and Peter Farrell, right, were the co-chairman of the annual event benefiting the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Page 12.
See Fall Fashion tips from Krista Anne’s, Lela Rose and the Women’s Health Boutique. Page 11.
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OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news
Serving affluent far north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills & The Village for 51 years
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
A first for the officers involved, The Village Police Department impounded a golf cart.
The Village police stopped an unregistered golf cart driving without lights on Vineyard Boulevard near The Village Library during a
Casady tailback Andrew Fitzpatrick (4) finds an open running lane during last Friday night’s football season opener against OCS at Hoot Gibson Field. The Cyclones, who lost to the Saints, host Community Christian this Friday in a Week 2 contest.
routine traffic stop. Police identified the driver as Ian Avants, 25, of The Village. It was determined Avants had a valid Logan County misdemeanor warrant for obstructing an officer and was arrested. He was transported to I-35 and Waterloo Road where the Logan County Sheriff’s Office took him into their custody.
The incident occurred just before midnight on Sept. 3 near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Vineyard Boulevard.
Village Police officer
O’Toole witnessed the vehicle turn onto Vineyard Boulevard then enter the park near The Village Library.
“Mr. Avants was not cited
for any violations,” said Deputy Police Chief Matt Butcher. “The stop was used as an education encounter to advise about rules, regulations and safety issues of operating this type of vehicle on the roadway.
The Annie Oakley Society is to honor retail industry leader and philanthropist Sharen Jester Turney and speaker, television personality and cowgirl Courtenay DeHoff at the annual Annie Oakley Society Luncheon, to be held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum on Nov. 5. Turney, who is to be honored with the Annie Oakley Award, is a globally-respected retail executive with more than 30 years of experience growing and leading iconic fashion, luxury and lifestyle brands. She served as president and CEO of Victoria’s Secret, nearly doubling the company’s revenue and profit during her 16-year tenure.
DeHoff is the recipient of the
Oklahoma City continues to stand out as one of the most affordable places to live in the country.
The Council for Community and Economic Research’s (C2ER) Q2 2025 Cost of Living Index, published Aug. 22, ranks Oklahoma City sixth lowest among 245 participating urban areas nationwide.
When factoring in population size, Oklahoma City is the most affordable large city in the United States, offering residents the lowest cost of living of any metro area with more than 500,000 people. By comparison, San Francisco’s cost of living index of
160.1 is nearly double Oklahoma City’s score of 81.5, highlighting the significant advantage OKC offers residents and employers.
With an overall index of 81.5 — about 18 percent below the national average — Oklahoma City residents pay significantly less for housing, utilities and everyday expenses. This lower cost of living gives families more flexibility in how they allocate their budgets, whether saving for a home, investing in education or supporting local businesses.
See OKC, Page 7
The vehicle was not licensed or tagged to operate on a public street and was impounded by The Village
See VILLAGE, Page 3
“The vehicle was in violation of several ordinances,” said Chief Butcher. “The most significant was it was not equipped to operate on the road due to not having lights. This causes significate safety concerns, especially while operating at night with limited visibility.”
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
More than 100 people have graduated from the Citizen’s Police Academy offered by The Village Police Department since it was reinstated in 2022. The Department is looking for those interested in participating in the next academy which begins an eight-week session starting Thursday, Sept. 25.
“The Village Police Department has several community policing programs and our strongest and most popular is our Citizen’s Police Academy,” said Village Police Chief Russ Landon. “We launched our first CPA back in 1999 and enjoyed great success with those classes for years. Our upcoming class will be the fifth since starting the program back up in 2022 when I took over as chief of police.”
The police academy meets every Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for eight weeks and there is no cost to attend the class. All materials are provided for participants.
Annie Oakley Society’s Trailblazer Award. With over 15 years of experience as a television host, she advocates for agriculture and has taught tens of thousands in the industry the importance of sharing their story to bridge the disconnect between rural and urban communities.
See OAKLEY, Page 3
“Our intent is for the CPA to be a fun, hands-on and interactive experience,” said Chief Landon. “Over the course of the eightweek class over a dozen of our officers will give presentations on subjects like gang and narcotic investigations, communications, use of force, crash investigation, DUI enforcement, crime scene investigation and processing, domestic violence and more.
See CPA, Page 2
Upper Division students filled the Gaylord Student Center for the annual Upper Division Club Fair, exploring clubs from academics to arts and culture. New and returning students connected with peers, discovered opportunities, and learned what makes each group unique, sometimes with a sweet treat in hand. The fair is a lively reminder that at Casady, learning extends beyond the classroom, offering every student ways to find balance, purpose and joy. Above: Adeline Hanneman, Ethan Haynes and Kyra Sawheny. Below: Areeba Farhan is signing up.
From Page 1
police, with the officers involved saying on social media it was an unprecedented event on their patrol. Butcher said The Village has not had many problems with golf carts on city streets.
“The golf cart can be returned once impound fees are paid and arrangements are made to pick it up from the
From Page 1
Turney was born and raised, along with four siblings, on a working farm and cattle ranch in Ardmore. Her greatgreat-grandfather was part of the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889.
A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Turney earned a bachelor of science in business education.
She currently serves on the OU Foundation Board of Trustees and has been recognized with the OU Award of Distinction. She is also an inductee into the OU Hall of Fame for Business Education and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, the state’s highest honor. Her husband Charles is a native of Durant.
Prior to her work at Victoria’s Secret, she served as executive vice president of Neiman Marcus, overseeing six merchandising divisions before becoming president and CEO of Neiman Marcus Direct, where she launched the company’s e-commerce platform
tow facility,” said Butcher. “It is dangerous to operate these types of vehicles on public streets were other larger vehi -
and led development of the renowned Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.
Turney later served as interim CEO of Gloria Jeans, Russia’s largest apparel and accessories retailer, leading more than 600 stores and a growing digital platform. She’s been an advisor to retail and technology brands worldwide, including Marks & Spencer, Happy Socks, Paycom, Bread Financial and NewStore in the United States and Europe.
Turney has received numerous national recognitions for both her industry leadership and humanitarian efforts. Her honors include the Fashion Medal of Honor for Fashion Retailing, the Hug Award, and the Dr. Catherine White Achievement Award from HeartShare Human Services. She has also been named a Way to WIN honoree for her work with homeless women and children in New York and was previously honored by the Children’s Hunger Alliance in Columbus, Ohio. A committed philanthropist, Turney supports children, cancer
The Village police impound a golf cart after its driver is found to have a Logan County warrant.
cles operate at higher speeds.”
“Most of these vehicles do not have the safety features offered in
research and care, and education, including funding scholarships and teacher training at her alma mater. Her impact stretches globally, including scholarship initiatives for girls in Sri Lanka and support for Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan through Catholic Relief Services.
“Sharen Jester Turney exemplifies the leadership, vision and compassion the Annie Oakley Society was founded to honor,” said Cathy Keating, national chairman of the Annie Oakley Society. “She’s an innovator in her field and a tireless advocate for education and opportunity, especially for women and girls.”
The Annie Oakley
standard vehicles, like seatbelts, airbags or rigid frames,” he added “If drivers of golf carts are involved in a wreck with a standard vehicle, they are likely to receive serious injuries. Further, this golf cart did not have lights or signals and would not be as visible in dark conditions.”
In Nichols Hills, the City Council and police have had issues in the past with children driving golf carts recklessly on main thoroughfares and in city parks.
Society is an influential group of female leaders who celebrate the spirit of trailblazing women while raising funds to support educational programming at the museum.
Past honorees include Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Reba McEntire, Admiral Michelle Howard, Kristin Chenoweth, Mary Higgins Clark, Susan Goldberg and, most recently, Kathie Lee Gifford.
Proceeds from the luncheon benefit educational programming for children and families at the museum.
To learn more about Annie Oakley Society membership or to make a luncheon reservation, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org/annieoakley.
By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
Coming off a difficult road loss last week, the PC North football team looks to rebound this Friday when it hosts district rival Putnam City in FRIDAY’s Spotlight Game of the Week. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Panthers Stadium.
The Panthers (0-1), which returned just a handful of starters from last year’s squad, are expecting a few grow-
ing pains as evidenced in a 32-19 loss at Shawnee in Week 1.
“We’ve got a really young team,” said new coach Brian Lockart.
“We have just a few returning starters and a few older players who placed spotty minutes. Right now, I’m looking for our guys to get better every game and incremental growth.”
In order to get its first win, PC North needs strong offensive line play, to start the game fast and stay
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calm during big moments, according to Lockart.
Senior Caari Coleman anchors the offensive line from his right guard position. The three-year starter boasts quickness in getting out of blocks quickly, the coach said.
Quarterback Mason Jones, a senior, leads the Panthers’ offense, as fellow senior Josh Lombard shares time at QB, along with time at running back and wide receiver and starting on defense.
Thursday, September 11
Mount St. Mary at OKC Patriots
Friday, September 12
Community Christian at Casady OCS at Crossings Christian Norman North at Deer Creek
John Marshall at Southeast Putnam City at PC North
Saturday, September 13
McGuinness at Bishop Lynch (Texas), 4:30 p.m.
Jones also enjoys the luxury of a strong
receiving corps in senior Braveon Stubbs, senior Marshall Bennett and junior Charlie Bowie.
Putnam City brings a very athletic team in many key spots, the coach said, along with a four-game winning streak over PC North.
Regardless of the recent losing streak, the Panthers know playing in a rivalry game tends to even the odds.
“In a rivalry, you never know what might happen,” Lockart said. “Sometimes the better team doesn’t always win.”
By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
Staying close in the first 24 minutes, the Casady football team got overwhelmed in the second half on the way to a 42-0 loss to OCS last Friday night in the season opener at Hoot Gibson Field.
“If you could bottle up the first half and the
second half, they would definitely have different labels,” said coach Ty Prestidge after the game. “We didn’t play with much effort in the second half.”
The Cyclones (0-1) took their opening possession to the Saints’ 27-yard line before turning the ball over on downs, as they came up short on a 4th-and-9 play. It would be their best scoring opportunity of the game.
New quarterback David Lawler, a transfer from Edmond North, ran the ball six times for 18 yards and tailback Andrew Fitzpatrick added 10 yards receiving and another 15 yards on the ground in the opening series.
KNIGHTS RALLY PAST GREENHILL
Crossings Christian trailed by a field goal at halftime, before rallying for 21 points in the second half on the way to a 35-24 win over DallasGreenhill last Friday.
Wyatt Dalton enjoyed a big night with three touchdowns for the Knights (2-0), two receiving and
another on a kickoff return. Drake Manuel also added a receiving TD and Jack Weisgarber scored on a run.
BIG 4TH QUARTER KEYS IRISH
McGuinness erupted for three touchdowns in the fourth quarter and erase a 17-point deficit in 22-17 victory over Bishop Kelley.
DreAndre Burton got the Irish (2-0) on the board first on a 10yard touchdown run. Nick Pitman returned a punt 69 yards for a TD.
Following a defensive safety, Gage Chance scored the winning TD on a 5-yard run.
PANTHERS FALL AT SHAWNEE
Shutout in the opening half, PC North opened its season with a 32-19 loss at Shawnee.
Quarterback Mason Jones accounted for all three touchdowns for the Panthers (0-1), opening with a 15-yard screen pass to Terry Wilson Jr.
Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Cruising through pool play, the Heritage Hall volleyball team outlasted Holland Hall for a 3-1 victory last weekend to capture the Southwest Covenant Invitational title.
Reece Foster led the way with 18 kills and 19 digs in the championship match. Raegan Ferris collected 13 kills and five digs, while Taylor Smith had 26 digs and five assists.
The Class 3A No. 7 Chargers (13-5) also captured a 3-1 win over The Academy in the semifinals. They swept Destiny Christian, host SW Covenant and Holland Hall in pool play.
After visiting Fridayland rival Casady last Thursday, Heritage Hall hosts 4A No. 5 Christian Heritage on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
BETHANY DOWNS
CYCLONES
Casady split a pair of
matches last week, including a 3-0 loss at 4A No. 2 Bethany and a 3-2 win over 5A No. 3 OCS on Tuesday. Maeve Mullen collected 10 kills, 14 digs and a block to lead the way for the 3A No. 3 Cyclones (11-6) at the Bronchos. London Le added 25 digs and three assists. In the victory against OCS, Kherington Lane posted a team-best 18 kills, 13 kills and a service ace. Amelia Mullen recorded 4 kills, 10 digs, 35 assists, five aces and a block, while Maddie Fleming chipped in 14 digs.
Casady hosted Heritage Hall last Thursday, before entertaining Holland Hall on Monday and traveling to Mount St. Mary on Tuesday.
ROCKETS FALL AT OCS
In a battle of top-5
Erupting for 19 hits, the Crossings Christian softball team won a wild first game to set the stage for a doubleheader sweep at Community Christian last Monday.
Addison Martin led a quartet of players with three hits, collecting three doubles, driving in two runs and scoring two more, of a 12-8 win in the first game.
Emmy Rouse recorded a double, a triple and three runs scored for the Knights (12-8).
Holland Robertson belted a double, drove in a run and scored three times, while Grace Staton had two RBIs and scored twice to round out the group.
Pitcher Elizabeth Porter allowed four runs on nine hits with four strikeouts.
Crossings Christian capitalized on six errors in cruising to a 10-0 win in the nightcap. Jestyn batted 3for-3 with a 2-run home run and Porter added two hits, including an RBI double.
Martin struck out six Royals and tossed a 6hit shutout in the complete-game triumph.
teams, 5A No. 2 Mount St. Mary came out on the short end of a 3-1 loss at third-ranked Oklahoma Christian (OCS) last week.
Anna Spurlock paced the defending state champion Rockets (16-8) with nine digs and three serving aces.
Isabella Williams added six digs, two aces and two assists.
Mount St. Mary faced 4A No. 3 Community Christian last Thursday and hosts 3A No. 2 Casady on Tuesday.
Crossings Christian endured a 3-1 loss at 4A No. 14 Tecumseh.
Abby Jeffries grabbed 12 kills and Campbell Cryer had eight kills, while Ellie Estes added four aces for the 4A No. 15 Knights (6-9). Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
The Knights host a doubleheader against Marlow this Monday.
Scoring two runs each in three different innings, Heritage Hall escaped with a 6-4 win over Alva last week.
Four batters recorded at least two hits, led by Addi Thompson with a double and two RBIs. Kendall Beres, Keke Jobes and Kenzie Wells rounded out the quartet, they combined for three RBIs and three runs scored.
Thompson also picked up the pitching victory, surrendering
With four out of five runners in the top 25, the Crossings Christian boys cross country team captured the OBU Invitational championship last weekend in Shawnee.
Asher Creen completed the 5-kilometer course at Gordon Cooper Tech Center in 16:36.22 to finish in fifth place in the smallschool division.
Chase Crown garnered ninth place, while Zac Roberson finished in 11th place and Stacy Harris grabbed 16th position for the Knights. Annie Rauschkolb paced the Crossings girls in 65th place at OBU.
As both teams combined to place six athletes in the top 25, the Casady boys and Heritage Hall girls finished
three runs on three hits and striking out four over 4 1/3 innings.
The Chargers (11-0) host Perry this Friday and visit Hennessey on Monday.
Held to just a run in the first inning, McGuinness suffered a 2-1 loss against Weatherford.
Lainey Waldo belted a double to score Molly Milligan in the bottom of the first inning to lead the Irish (3-13), after Milligan singled to open the frame.
Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
third at the Bethany Bronchos Invitational last weekend.
The Casady girls also collected sixth place, with the Heritage Hall boys in seventh and Mount St. Mary in 10th place.
Sloane Travis paced the Charger girls with a fourth-place effort in the small-school division race at Eldon Lyon Park. Coral Grimmett grabbed 15th place and Kaylee Norman took 24th place.
Casady’s Hope Fahler finished just behind Travis in fifth place for the Cyclones.
Billy Mathis ran to sixth place to lead the Casady boys, as Isaac Heidebrecht came in 10th and Beckham Kerr collected 24th place.
Heritage Hall’s Tobi Yokohori cracked the top 10 in ninth place and Andrew Bessonov was 25th.
Mount St. Mary’s
Gabe Hornmeyer finished in bottom of the field in 52nd place. In the large-school division, two PC North athletes finished inside the top 25 at Bethany. Toni Ibarra led the duo with an 18th-place finish in the 5K race, and Noah Warfield came in 21st place to help the Panthers to eighth in the team standings.
IRISH BOYS GRAB 5TH AT MOORE
The McGuinness boys ran to fifth place and girls placed seventh at the Moore Invitational last week, as four runners combined to crack the top 25. Luke Worthington paced the quartet with a fourth-place finish in the 5K boys race and Luke Bryan took 10th for the Irish. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Oct. 2 • Champions of Health
The Oklahoma Caring Foundation is thrilled to announce Mario Lopez as the 2025 Champions of Health Gala keynote speaker. This annual event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 2 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum from 6 – 9 pm. Tickets and sponsorships are now available, and proceeds from the gala benefit the Oklahoma Caring Foundation, supporting pre
ventative health serv
ices at no cost for children across Oklahoma through the Caring Van program. Individuals can purchase their seats or sponsorships at oklahomacaringfoundation.org.
Sept. 25 • Fall Into Art Gallery Grazioso presents Fall Into Art, Thursday, Sept. 25 from 6 – 8 pm, 301 W. Oklahoma Ave. in Guthrie. Meet artists SaDawna Coburn, Jan Hellwege and Nan McDowell while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and live music. Exhibit is open until Oct. 25.
Sept. 21 • Sing Along with PHIL Bring your voices and join the fun! In this interactive Discovery Series concert, the OKCPHIL invites the whole family to sing
Sept. 18 – Feb. 16 • ArtNow 2025
Oklahoma Contemporary's biennial exhibition ArtNow 2025: Materials and Boundaries with an impressive 26 participating artists from across the state. With established Oklahoma City favorites such as Denise Duong and more widely known artists like Le’Andra LeSeur, Materials and Boundaries lives up to its name by pushing the boundaries of a variety of artforms. Highlights include:
• An immersive, multisensory installation you can stand inside of
• An interactive art puzzle
• Oversized fiber works
• Ceramics emblazoned with Braille
• And much more!
along with the orchestra to favorite tunes you know and love. From timeless classics to catchy new songs, this lively program is designed to get everyone clapping, smiling, and making music together. Matinee is at 2 pm at the Civic Center.
Oct. 34 • Harry Potter Concert
Introducing the Harry Potter Film Concert Series at the Civic Center. For the first time ever, audiences can relive the magic of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban set to the music of a live symphony orchestra performing John Williams’ unforgettable score. Two performances, okcciviccenter.com.
Oct. 22 • Hasta La Muerte OCCC’s Visual and Performing Arts Center presents Hasta La Muerte, a twoact, multidimensional theatrical and musical
performance that explores the stages of grief and loss through the celebration of life and death. Visit occc. edu/visualandperforming
arts
center/ for details and tickets.
Sept. 1114 •
Cirque Du Soleil: OVO Cirque du Soleil returns to the Paycom Center with an immersive journey into the vibrant world of insects. OVO brings the beauty of biodiversity to life with breathtaking acrobatics, highenergy performances, and dazzling visuals that transport audiences into a colorful ecosystem teeming with movement. Visit paycomcenter.com for details.
Sept. 1215 • Disney On Ice! Disney On Ice presents Let’s Dance with Mick
ey and his pals rocking the DJ table as they remix Disney tunes into colorful worlds at the State Fair OG&E Coliseum.
Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is excited to welcome an endangered okapi (pronounced oh-COP-ee) calf to its animal family. The female calf was born during the night on Sunday, August 24, 2025 in the Zoo’s okapi barn at Expedition Africa, presented by Inasmuch Foundation. She is the second offspring born to mother Kayin (9) and father Bosomi (7). The not-yetnamed youngster is the eighth okapi calf born at the Oklahoma City Zoo since it began caring for the species in 1973.
“We’ve been eagerly awaiting the birth of this little calf and are thrilled that she’s here, healthy and strong,” said OKC Zoo’s Curator of Hoofstock, Bill Smith. “Okapi are endangered, so this calf represents a new
generation of okapi that are vital to the population as a whole. We look forward to watching her thrive alongside her parents.”
Native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in central Africa, okapis are classified as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. According to the Okapi Conservation Project, there are only an estimated 10,000 individuals remaining the in the wild. Their population is decreasing rapidly due from mining and other human activities as well as targeting killing because of civil unrest. The OKC Zoo has provided over $18,000 to support the Okapi Conservation Project’s efforts to protect the species.
“Okapi are extremely rare, beautiful animals that we have proudly
Academy Award winner Lady Gaga won Artist of the Year at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards this past weekend. Gaga has been a dominant presence at the awards since 2009 when she burst onto the scene with her debut album The Fame and won best new artist for the iconic second single and music video, “Poker Face.”
Lady Gaga is an entertainer who launched as a pop singer with a wild visual style and outrageous fashion. She wore dresses made of meat and showed up to awards shows inside an egg. But the music was amazing.
That first album, The Fame (2009), spawned two Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits, lead single “Just Dance,” and follow up “Poker Face,” which won two Grammy Awards and was nominated for Song, Record, and Album of the Year. The album also included the pop anthem “Bad Romance,” which won two Grammy Awards the following year.
In 2009, she launched a two-year worldwide tour, The Monsters Ball Tour, and solidified her fanbase as the Monsters. While on tour, she recorded her next album, Born this Way (2011), which sold more than one million copies in the first week and
launched another number one single, “Born this Way,” the fastest selling song in iTunes history at the time.
Since that auspicious start, Lady Gaga has amassed six No. 1 singles, six No. 1 albums, fourteen Grammy Awards, twenty-two MTV Music Video Awards, two Golden Globes, and an Oscar. She performed at the President’s Inaugural and headlined the Super Bowl in 2017.
Lady Gaga released two jazz albums with Tony Bennett: Cheek to Cheek (2014) and Love for Sale (2021). Both albums won Grammys for traditional pop. The second album’s victory made Tony Bennett the oldest person to ever win a Grammy for a new recording at 95 years old.
Lady Gaga’s greatest performance as an actor and entertainer is the remake of A Star is Born. That 2018 Oscar nominated drama directed by and starring Bradley Cooper, elevated Lady Gaga into the upper echelons of acting, while acknowledging her great songwriting. She was nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars and Golden Globes. And she wrote and performed the single “Shallow,” which won the Oscar, Golden Globe, Grammy, and BAFTA.
been caring for, helping conserve, and connecting Oklahomans to for decades,” said OKC Zoo’s Executive Director and CEO, Dwight Lawson.
“I am excited for guests to make a connection with our newest okapi ambassador.”
The OKC Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA)’s Species Survival Plan (SSP) for okapi, which made the breeding recommendation for Kayin and Bosomi. By participating in this program, the Zoo is helping ensure the sustainability of okapi populations for future generations.
Okapis are the only living relative to giraffes. They are known for being elusive creatures and often referred to as the “ghosts of the forests”.
Okapi have distinguishing physical
You can check out Lady Gaga in a handful of movies and television shows. She has lead roles in Ridley Scott’s drama House of Gucci (2021) and Todd Phillip’s superhero expose Joker: Folie a Deux. She was the lead as The Countess in season five of Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story series. And she has a brief role as a ghost in the new season of Wednesday The best way to get a feel for Lady Gaga’s appeal is to watch some of her awardwinning music videos. Start with “Poker Face,” “Bad Romance,” “Telephone,” and “Born this Way.” As a group, they are wild, weird, fashion forward, and very inclusive with fabulous choreography and awesome cinematography. She has won 22 MTV Music awards since 2009 because she has an amazing vision of how music, video and fashion can work together. And, if you have time, check out Lady Gaga’s 2017 Super Bowl Halftime performance on YouTube. No one works harder to entertain you. And if you consider the breadth of her skills, no one does it better.
features including a velvet-like brown coat, striped legs and hind quarters and prominent ears. Answer the call to help wild okapi, their habitat, and other endangered species by donating used electronic devices to the OKC Zoo as part of a global recycling program. Many devices contain coltan and mining for this substance threatens the habitats of okapi and other species. When individuals donate cell phones and other small electronics, the coltan from those devices is re-used and reduces the need to mine in okapi habitats. Enjoy a free OKC Zoo admission voucher when you donate a cell phone or other device. Donations are accepted yearround in the Zoo’s guest services office.
From Page 1
“On our last night of the class students can take part in several scenarios where they will be equipped and get to ‘be’ the police officer during a traffic stop, disturbance, motorist assist and other calls,” he said. “Several of our officers specialize in different areas and will bring their expertise to each class. We have had other nondepartment people supplement some classes with their professional experience, like prosecutors and victim’s rights advocates.”
Chief Landon said many of the participants in the Citizen’s Police Academy are retirees,
From Page 1
“This recognition highlights one of Oklahoma City’s greatest strengths. Our residents can enjoy a high quality of life while paying far less than their peers in other major metros. Affordability is also a powerful advantage as we continue to attract new businesses, grow our workforce, and strengthen our com-
but it’s not uncommon for the age of participants to run the gamut of 20 to 70 years of age. The class is open to those as young as 16 with a parent or guardian’s permission.
“We are fully accredited through the state police chief’s association and I’m proud to show off our personnel, facilities, equipment and technology to those we serve,” he added.
“If you live or work in The Village, or have an interest in what our department does, you can sign up. Village residents will get precedence over others, but we have had people attend from all over the OKC metro area.
Chief Landon said he hopes those who attend the academy will receive a first-had experience in the capabilities of their
munity,” said Christy Gillenwater, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber.
Chamber research economist Eric Long added that the numbers reflect what many families and employers already experience day to day.
“Oklahoma City’s low cost of living means families can stretch their dollars further and employers can better attract and retain talent,” Long said.
police department, saying, “It also gives us an excellent opportunity to hear from residents about safety issues we can help resolve.”
Landon said some other cities may offer similar CPAs, but not all.
“It does require a commitment and cost on behalf of the department,” he said, “but we believe it’s worth it as part of our community policing outreach.”
Applications for the next Citizen’s Police Academy starting Thursday, Sept. 25, are available at The Village City Hall, 2304 Manchester, or on the city’s website at thevillageok.gov.
Class size is limited and deadline for registration is Sept. 19.
The Cost of Living Index, published quarterly by C2ER, measures regional differences in the cost of consumer goods and services for professional and managerial households. Covering 61 different items, prices are collected quarterly by chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and universities across more than 245 urban areas.
The index provides a useful measure of how far a paycheck
stretches in different parts of the country and is widely used by businesses, researchers and policymakers.
As part of this national effort, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber participates in quarterly data collection by providing local prices for a set list of goods and services, ensuring Oklahoma City’s costs are accurately represented in the national comparison.
The full report is available at coli.org.
born October 22, 1962, has filed a Petition in the above Court to have her name changed from Janet Lee Spitler to Janet Lee Martini, and the same will be heard in the courtroom of Judge Dishman, located in the Oklahoma County Courthouse, 320 Robert S. Kerr Ave. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73102, on the 1 day of October, 2025 at 2:00 pm or as soon thereafter as counsel can be heard. Any person may file a written protest in this case prior to the date set for the hearing. Given under my hand and seal this 5 day of September, 2025. By /s/L. Bell Deputy (SEAL) OFFICE OF RICK WARREN, COURT CLERK Oklahoma County, Oklahoma
APPROVED FOR ISSUANCE By: /s/ Kendall A. Sykes OBA 21837 1123 NW 14th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73106 Phone (405) 594-7980 Email Kendall@SykesLawOffice.com
Attorney for Petitioner
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, September 12, 2025)
DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
CV-2025-2207
thereof.
WITNESS my hand and the seal of said Court this 2 day of September, 2025. /s/Derrick Killman Petitioner RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/ J. Pulley Deputy (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, September 12, 2025)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA Case No. PB-2025-993 In the Matter of the Estate of: ) ) Mildred Jones, ) ORDER AUTHORIZING SERVICE BY PUBLICATION
NOW on this 8 day of September, 2025, this action comes before the Court upon the Petitioner’s Application to Obtain Service by Publication. The Court, being fully advised of the premises, finds that the Petitioner submitted a sworn affidavit in which Petitioner attests that they are not able to locate any other heirs and not able to effect service of process by any other method. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED by the Court that the Petitioner is granted permission to serve any potential heirs by publication. The Court will conduct further inquiry into the sufficiency of the Petitioner’s search to determine the whereabouts of any potential heirs before entering
In Re: The Name of: ) Tre’von Rucker ) NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Tre’von Eugene Rucker has petitioned to change his/her name to Kish Judah Israel. A Hearing on said petition is set for 10:00 o’clock A.M. on the 2 day of October, 2025, before Judge Dishman at 10:00 o’clock in courtroom 315 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.
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/Jamie Houston By: DEPUTY (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, September 12, 2025)
DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
CV-2025-2216
IN RE: The Name of: ) Victory Njindangam )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Victory Njindangam has petitioned to change his/her name to Victory Sigalla. A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 2 day of October, 2025, before Judge Andrews in his/her courtroom in 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.
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/Lisa Stephens Deputy (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, September 12, 2025)
DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
CV-2025-2244
IN RE: The Name of: ) Marcie Antoinette Murphy )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Marcie Antoinette Murphy has petitioned to change his/her name to Marcie Antoinette Anderson. A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 28 day of October, 2025, before Judge Bonner in his/her courtroom in 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.
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/illegible signature BY DEPUTY (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, September 5, 2025; Friday, September 12, 2025)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
PB-2025-1019 Judge Michelle C. Harrington
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ) DONALD H. HELBERG, Deceased ) ) )
AMENDED COMBINED NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR SUMMARY ADMINISTRATION, FINAL ACCOUNTING, DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP, DISTRIBUTION AND DISCHARGE
To: All persons interested in the Estate of Donald H. Helberg, Deceased
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 12th day of August, 2025, Sara Helberg (“Petitioner”), a resident of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, filed in the District Court of Oklahoma County, a Petition for Summary Administration of the above-referenced Estate pursuant to 58 O.S. § 245-46, in which Petitioner alleges and states that Donald H. Helberg died on February 18, 2025 as a resident of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma; that at the time of his death, the Decedent was 92 years old; that Petitioner has diligently searched for and located a document purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of the above-referenced individual, and that said Decedent died testate; that the probable value of the Decedent’s Estate is less than $200,000.00; and that the names and addresses of the heirs of Donald H. Helberg, Deceased, are as follows:
Name Age Relationship Address Lisa Helberg Adult Daughter 111 Barnacle Ct Middletown, DE 19709 Sara Helberg Adult Daughter 900 E 11th St Edmond, OK 73034
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a hearing on the Petition for Summary Administration and a Final Accounting, Determination of Heirship, Distribution and Discharge of the Estate of Donald H. Helberg will be held on the 13th day of October, 2025 at 9:30am, in the courtroom of the Honorable Michelle C. Harrington of the District Court of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma. You may file objections to the Petition at any time before the final hearing and send a copy to the attorney of record for Petitioner at the following address: Erick W. Harris, Harris Law Group, PLLC., P.O. Box 32391, Edmond, OK 73003. If you have no objections, you need not appear at the hearing or make any filings with the Court. In the absence of any objections, you will be deemed to have waived any objections to the Petition. At the hearing, the Court will determine whether summary proceedings are appropriate and, if so, whether the estate of the Decedent will be distributed and to whom the estate of the Decedent will be distributed.
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that in accordance with the provisions of 58 O.S. §246, the claim of any creditor will be barred unless the claim is presented to the Special Administrator, Sara Helberg, by and through her attorney of record at the above-stated address, no more than thirty (30) days following the granting of the order admitting the petition and combined notice, or the same will be forever barred. Dated this 29th day of August, 2025.
Respectfully submitted, /s/Erick W. Harris, OBA #32004 HARRIS LAW GROUP, PLLC. P.O. BOX 32391 Edmond, Oklahoma 73003 Telephone: (405) 804-1476 Email: HarrisLawGroupOK@gmail.com Attorney for the Petitioner, Sara Helberg
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, September 12,
Oklahoma City Ballet will presents its sixth annual Ballet Under the Stars on Friday, Sept. 12, at 7:00 pm at Scissortail Park’s Love’s Travel Stops Stage & Great Lawn in downtown Oklahoma City. Featuring excerpts from classical ballet and modern dance, the evening will include short works performed by Oklahoma City Ballet’s professional dancers, OU School of Dance students, and students from the Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School.
Ballet Under the Stars is FREE and requires no ticket or reservation to attend.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to Ballet Under the Stars to get a great spot on the lawn and to take part in familyfriendly activities starting at 5:30 pm. From 5:30-6:30 pm, attendees can watch dancers warm-up on stage, take photos with dancers, and participate in a family dance class at 6:30 pm for all ages and abilities.
“Oklahoma City Ballet wants to make ballet accessible to our entire community. Ballet Under
2025
the Stars breaks down the barriers of cost, worrying what to wear, wondering if children can attend, and shows both the fun and the formal side of ballet,” said Whitney Cross, Director of Development & Communications.
Ballet Under the Stars showcases a variety of dance, and also the range of programs that Oklahoma City Ballet conducts throughout the year. This year, students from Santa Fe South Elementary will demonstrate what they have learned through the Ballet’s free program, Dance Discovery, which takes place in four schools and 13 different Boys and Girls Club locations.
Oklahoma City Ballet also has an outstanding dance school, the Yvonne Chouteau School, whose students will perform at the event.
“Ballet Under the Stars is the best sampling of dance performance you will see all year. There is a huge amount of variety in music and dance styles, and I guarantee everyone will fall in love with something they see. If you’ve never experienced live
Chickasaw Country Entertainment Stage
(Concerts on this stage are free with outside gate admission to the Fair)
Joe Nichols: Thursday, Sept. 11, 7:30 pm
Sister Sledge: Friday, Sept. 12, 7:30 pm
Black Stone Cherry w/Kentucky Headhunters: Saturday, Sept. 13, 7:30 pm
ZZ-KC: Sunday, Sept. 14, 7:30 pm
Josiah Queen: Monday, Sept. 15, 7:30 pm
Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone: Tuesday, Sept. 16, 7:30 pm
Shawn Klush – Tribute to Elvis: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7:30 pm
Drew Baldridge: Thursday, Sept. 18, 7:30 pm
Hairball: Friday, Sept. 19, 7:30 pm
Stephen Pearcy (RATT) w/ Quiet Riot: Saturday, Sept. 20, 7:30 pm
Los Herederos De Nuevo Leon: Sunday, Sept. 21, 7:30 pm
OG&E Coliseum
(This concert has an additional ticket charge)
Trace Adkins with Casey Donahew: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7 pm
ballet, give this a try. You’ll be hooked,” said Oklahoma City Ballet Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye.
“Bringing Ballet Under the Stars to Oklahoma City for the sixth consecutive year is a true joy for all of us at Oklahoma City Ballet. Seeing thousands of people gather to experience dance in such a vibrant, open-air setting is incredibly meaningful to our dancers, students, and staff. Our community supports us in countless ways throughout the year, and this event is our heartfelt way of saying thank you—with beauty, movement, and celebration under the night sky,” said OKC Ballet Executive Director Dana McCrory.
Guests are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs. Some concessions and food trucks will be available at the park. Scissortail Park is located at 300 SW 7th St. in downtown Oklahoma City. Visit Oklahoma City Ballet’s website okcballet.org, or follow their Facebook and Instagram pages (@okcballet) to learn more.
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: Barkocy Construction Inc. BC-2025-16
Proposed project: Demolition and construction of a main dwelling Proposed project’s address or descriptive location: 1714 Huntington Ave.
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, September 16th, 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 2nd day of September 2025
Amanda Copeland, City Clerk City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, September 12, 2025)
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: Southern Design & Landscape Inc BC 2025-14
Proposed project: Construction of an addition to an existing main dwelling
Proposed project’s address or descriptive location: 1509 W Wilshire Boulevard
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, September 16, 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 2nd day of September 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: Diamond R Construction & Design LLC BC 2025-15 Proposed project: Demolition and construction of a main dwelling Proposed project’s address or descriptive location: 1111 Hemstead Place
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, September 16th, 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 2nd day of September 2025
Amanda Copeland, City Clerk City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma LPXLP
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
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 North MacArthur Blvd. Okla. City, OK 73162 (405) 720-7779 Fri. 1-5 pm, Sat. 10-5 pm, Sun. 2-5 pm FB. Strebel Creek Navigating Medicare 2232 W. Hefner Road Suite A. Oklahoma City, OK 73120
“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.
OKC is becoming a big-league tourist destination, that makes us happy!
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
We’ve always been proud of Oklahoma City. It’s our hometown. The place we chose to work and raise our families. And now we learn folks from all over the country are enjoying our city more and more as OKC has become an impressive tourist destination. That’s good news for everyone. And we like it!
Visit Oklahoma City just released its economic impact of visitors study based on 2024 data, revealing that tourism continues to be a major driver of OKC’s economy.
According to the independent report by Tourism Economics, Oklahoma City welcomed 24.5 million visi-
tors in 2024, generating $2.8 billion in direct visitor impact. Those numbers are impressive, but there’s more. When accounting for the ripple effects of that spending across the local economy, the total economic impact of tourism rose to $4.6 billion.
That’s $4.6 billion with a capitol “B”!
The report defines a visitor as someone who stayed overnight and traveled more than 50 miles to Oklahoma City.
These are folks who travel to OKC to see a Thunder game, attend the Women’s College World Series, explore the American Indian Cultural Center, ride a Bricktown Water Taxi or show their cattle, sheep and hogs at the Oklahoma Youth Expo - rec-
ognized as the world’s largest junior livestock show.
And that’s just the beginning since we all know there’s a plethora of additional events and attractions that draw tourists to our Hometown. To spend money.
The study also reports the tourism industry supported 35,303 jobs and generated significant state and local tax revenue – that’s critical funding that helps reduce the tax burden for us – those that call OKC home. Once upon a time my job was included in similar statistics.
We can thank the hardworking folks at Visit Oklahoma City for this good news. I remember when it was called the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitor’s Bureau when I worked promoting tourism in
Dear Wise Elder: My mom has had dementia for some time, and although I count it an honor to care for her, I’m exhausted and need help. What is available to help caregivers like me?
Dear Exhausted: The Medicare GUIDE program for dementia caregivers is now available. This new federal program is designed to give relief to caregivers of dementia patients provided that the patient has original
central Oklahoma years ago.
Zac Craig Visit OKC’s president says, “Tourism continues to be one of Oklahoma City’s most powerful economic engines. This year’s Tourism Economics data reflects record-setting performance and we continue building national and international awareness of our city as a dynamic, welcoming destination.”
And yet this report doesn’t include the meaningful impact OKANA will have on the tourism numbers in Oklahoma City since this spectacular resort facility opened just this year and is not included in the released statistics for 2024.
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber President and CEO says tourism touches every
Medicare insurance, not one of the Medicare Advantage programs. The GUIDE program provides for four hours of weekly professional care for the dementia patient while giving relief each week for the family caregiver. Find more information through your Medicare professional agent or through some caregiving agencies.Docs.
- Courtesy VillagesOKC, VillagesOKC.org (405) 990 6637
part of Oklahoma City’s economy. I know that’s right.
“It (tourism) fuels one in 20 local jobs, enhances quality of life, and builds awareness that attracts future residents, businesses and investments,” she says. “This report reaffirms that tourism is not just a revenue stream – it’s an investment in our future.”
That’s people spending money in hotels. Eating in our restaurants. Shopping in our local stores. Buying gas at our convenience stores. And then going home after contributing to the sales tax that helps fund our incredible MAPS Projects that have made Oklahoma City shine.
Yes, Oklahoma City is becoming a big-league tourist destination. And that makes us happy!
At Krista Anne’s, we are thrilled with the richness of this fall’s fashion lineup! Walk on the wild side with exotic animal prints that bring a sophisticat ed edge to any look— whether woven into belts, handbags, or scarves in cheetah, leopard, or snakeskin patterns. Wide-leg denim takes on a modern twist while earthy shades of brown, monochromatic ivory, and soft beige create a backdrop of timeless elegance. Luxurious textures reign supreme—fur, metallics, leather, and tweed— all lending depth and dimension. Mix and match freely: each piece makes a statement on its own, yet when layered together, they compose a harmonious style symphony, wrapping you in the richness and vitality of Fall 2025.
- Krista Souther, Krista Anne’s Boutique
Fall/Winter 2025 offers a variety of trends, as usual, and some of the most important include the ladylike trend, but with a modern twist. There’s the return of the pencil skirt, sophisticated suiting and lots of beautiful lace. Another fun trend to tap into is faux fur. It’s everywhere, on collars, vests and coats. There’s also animal print again, which is always dramatic and happens every few years. Be on the lookout for voluminous shapes, such as draped tops and coats, and bubble hems. There’s also a bohemian vibe, if that’s your look. There’s a versatile color palette with rich burgundy and purple dominating. Brown is definitely the neutral of the season. Mixing colors and prints in unexpected combinations is also something to embrace this Fall, so you can be creative!
- Cindi Shelby
Coming soon this fall, is Kintai with its cute peek-aboo styling. The plunge bra and full brief return in luscious Blackberry. The contemporary styling has been elevated with smooth satin-look elastics for a luxurious finish. Teagan’s back!!! Her tattoo-like design with large-scale floral pattern delivers a dramatic and elegant look. The Café Au Lait base features overlaid black satin elastics, creating a captivating cage-like effect.
- Ashlee Byrd, Woman’s Health Boutique
Long-time Oklahoma City Museum of Art Patron Frank Hill was honored at the Renaissance Ball with the first Frank Hill Award for his dedication to the museum. Hillary and Peter Farrell, left, were the co-chairmen of the event held at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. At right: Seated, Connell Branan, Linda Haneborg, Wendy Jo Hampton and Rochelle Gray; and standing, Cliff Branan and Alex Gray.
