OKC FRIDAY Vol. 59 No. 33 • One Section • 12 pages • December 26, 2025
$1 per copy
www.okcfriday.com facebook.com/okcfriday OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving affluent far north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills and The Village for 50 years
People you should know
Filing dates set for municipal elections By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
MELISSA PEPPER Executive Director Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park
Do you have a favorite childhood memory? Yes, being outdoors, feeling free and having a strong sense of community. I grew up in a large family. I’m the middle child of five siblings (and a lot of pets). Our street was filled with kids and our house backed up to the neighborhood pool. Our yard had gate access to the pool which meant our home often felt like Grand Central Station. I loved being surrounded by lots of friends and family. During the summer, we’d leave the house first thing in the morning and stay out until the sun was coming down. We spent lots of time at the pool, on our bikes and led by our imagination. I remember feeling connected to nature and possibility. See PYSK, Page 7 (405) 606-2727
Resolutions calling for nonpartisan city council elections in Fridayland’s sister cities were approved by both the Nichols Hills and Village city councils last week. Filing periods for city council seats in both cities is Feb. 2-4, 2026. Election in both cities is Tuesday, April 7, 2026. In Nichols Hills, longtime Ward 3 councilman and current Mayor Steve Goetzinger, 67, announced his intentions to file for reelection. He has served on the City Ccouncil for the past 14 years. City Council members in Nichols Hills serve a three-year term. Members of the Nichols Hills City Council are also
Of good cheer! Above: Dana Childress and Diana Robinson play the "Left Right" game during Oklahoma Art League’s annual Christmas Luncheon and Guest Day. At right: Christy Delano adds to the concoction during a cocktail class at The Greens Golf and Country Club. For more, see Page 11.
See FILING, Page 3
Nichols Hills' Evangeline Park gets a fresh new look Evangeline Park, located at the corner of Avondale and Huntington in Nichols Hills, has undergone a revitalization, bringing new life to this cherished neighborhood space. The park improvement effort was led by Nichols Hills resident Nancy Ellis, who spearheaded a campaign and secured several generous donations that made the enhancements possible. As part of the improvements,
From left, front to back: Nichols Hills residents Jerri Seikel, Shari Buxton, Cheryl Ramey, Nancy Ellis, Bruce MacKellar, John Kennedy and John Harvey celebrate the new park improvements at Evangeline Park in Nichols Hills.
See NHILLS, Page 7
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week
This is Chase Hayes's dog Vivian. She is a standard poodle who is 2-years-old. She loves dressing up and taking over the entire bed at night. Her favorite treat is everything in sight! Her favorite pastime is barking at motorcycles and cuddling. Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
OKC residents can mulch or dispose of live Christmas trees Instead of leaving your live Christmas tree at the curb, turn it into free mulch with OKC Parks. OKC residents can drop off their natural Christmas trees between Dec. 26 – Jan. 15 for OKC Parks to mulch at one of two locations: • Will Rogers Park, 3600 Pat Murphy Dr., in the parking lot at the center of the park, south of the OKC Tennis Center and on the south side of Pat Murphy Drive. • Wheeler Park, 1120 S. Western Ave., in the parking
lot on the west side of the park next to Western Avenue. All trees must be free of lights, ornaments, nails and stands. The trees must also be unflocked, meaning they cannot have fake snow or dust on the branches. Mulch can be picked up from dawn until dusk in designated areas through Jan. 15. Residents must bring their own shovels and containers. Residents who drop off a tree don’t have to take mulch, See TREES, Page 3
Coloring Contest
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 26, 2025, Page 2
Thank you to our sponsors: Casady School Learning Tree Lewis Orthodontics Sylvester Eye Care Thrifty Pharmacy Gia L., age 9
Evan P., age 7
Jude S., age 8
Rose S., age 5
Hunter, age 9
From Page One
FILING
t h e trustees of the From Page 1 c i t y ’ s public trust and the Nichols Hills Municipal Authority. In The Village, voters will elect councilmembers to represent Wards Four and Five. Ward Four councilman and Vice-Mayor Braxton Banks, 38, announced his intentions to seek reelection. Banks also announced his intentions to run for Oklahoma House District 85 and will relinquish his City Council seat if he wins his Oklahoma House of Representatives race. Ward Five councilman and current mayor of The Village John Allen, 45, has said he will not be seeking a second term on the council.
TREES From Page 1
and those who pick up mulch don't have to drop off a tree. Donating your tree for mulching helps reduce landfill waste, and mulch benefits gardens by conserving water, maintaining soil moisture, and keeping tree and plant roots warmer during winter. The mulching program is open to all Oklahoma City residents. Bulky waste Residential Oklahoma City Solid Waste customers with curbside trash and bulky waste services may set their natural or artificial
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 26, 2025, Page 3
“I am, unfortunately, not going to be able to run again. My work responsibilities have become such that I cannot do both,” he said. Both Banks and Allen were first elected to their city council seats in 2024. Both Banks and Allen were first elected to their city council seats in 2024. City Council elections in Nichols Hills were rarely contested until the 2025 race between Colin FitzSimons, 51, and Ford Austin, 55, that elected FitzSimons to represent Ward 2 with 68.8 percent of the vote. Incumbents in The Village regularly draw challengers for council seats. Council candidates in both Nichols Hills and The Village must live in the ward they seek to represent. Registered voters
trees at the curbside for collection with other bulky waste no later than 6 a.m. on their assigned monthly bulky waste date. Do not put bulky waste next to obstructions such as mailboxes, trees, shrubs or vehicles. Do not cover your water or natural gas meter with your bulky waste. Bagged trash set outside of Big Blue trash carts or alongside bulky waste is not accepted. Need an extra Big Blue cart? To order one, visit okcutilities.com or call (405) 297-2833. For residential customers with more than two Big Blue carts, there will be a small
in both municipalities, regardless of which ward they reside, may vote for all candidates as residents vote at-large in a nonpartisan general election to elect City Council members. There is no primary election. The offices of mayor and vice mayor are rotated between City Council members in both cities. Those interested in filing to run for city council in either Nichols Hills or The Village must file their candidacy with the Oklahoma County Election Board, 4201 N. Lincoln Blvd in Oklahoma City between the hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The filing fee for both cities is $50. Members of The Village City Council are paid $25 per month and in Nichols Hills councilmembers receive compensation of $20 per month.
monthly fee (per additional cart). Visit okcutilities.com or okc.gov/ mytrashday to view
your next bulky waste collection day. For bulky waste set-out guidelines, visit okc.gov/trash.
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 26, 2025, Page 4
OKC FRIDAY
Sports Weekly 2024-25: The school year in sports
- Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com
PC North’s Jayda Stevenson throws a pitch against Yukon last fall. 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.
Here’s a rundown of sports action in Fridayland over the first half of the 2024-25 school year. AUGUST August marked the beginning of the 202425 sports season. Softball and volleyball occupied most of the month, as football got started with Week 0 contests. After ending last season on a bitter note, the Mount St. Mary volleyball team came out blazing into the 2024 season with an 8-0 record and last weekend collected the Broken Arrow Invitational championship. The Rockets only dropped one set to host Broken Arrow in the title match. Ella Hale, Livia Ward and Georgia Ahlert were named to the All-Tournament team, with Ward being selected as Most Valuable Player at the Broken Arrow Invitational. Also in the early going, McGuinness pulled off a sweep over Fridayland Heritage Hall to open the season. Four football teams kicked off the 2024
Above, Mount St. Mary volleyball players, from left, Ella Hale, Livia Ward and Georgia Ahlert were named to the All-Tournament team, with Ward being selected as Most Valuable Player at the Broken Arrow Invitational. At left, Heritage Hall’s Reece Foster (4) posted 12 kills, 11 digs and three aces in a win over Crossings Christian. - Photo by Tina Walker, tinawalker.pixieset.com
campaign with Week 0 contests. Deer Creek hosted McGuinness, while Crossings Christian hosted Douglass and John Marshall entertained Clinton.
Cross Country got underway with the host Antler boys claiming second at the Deer Creek Invitational. Harding Charter Prep took part in the Bridge
Creek Invitational, as Heritage Hall and Mount St. Mary competed at the Summer Showdown in Norman. See YEAR, Page 5
Mount St. Mary’s Zekeriah Robinson (11) tries to get away from Casady’s James Elder (12) during last Friday’s football game at Hoot Gibson Field. - Photo by Johnny Holland, jhollandphotography.com
McGuinness’ Jace Weeks (8) returned a fumble 25 yards for a touchdown against Tulsa-Bishop Kelley. - Photo by Lance Payne, thephotograb.com
Sports Weekly
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 26, 2025, Page 5
- Photo by Ani Vazquez, Mount St. Mary Athletics
Members of the Casady boys cross country team celebrate after winning their second straight state championship last fall at Edmond Santa Fe.
The Mount St. Mary volleyball team celebrates after winning the Class 5A state championship last fall over Tulsa-Booker T. Washington at Moore High School.
YEAR From Page 4
SEPTEMBER The 2024 football season got into the full swing as Week 1 started on Sept. 6 continuing through Week 4 on Sept. 27. Week 1 saw Mount St. Mary hosting Community Christian as FRIDAY’s Spotlight Game of the Week. Others spotlight games in February included: John Marshall hosting Heritage Hall (Week 2), Casady taking on Mount St. Mary for the first time (Week 3) and PC North opens district play against PC West (Week 4). Mount St. Mary continued the strong start to its volleyball season
Heritage Hall receiver Porter England (4) makes a leaping catch against Lincoln Christian during their Class 3A semifinal last Friday at Prague. - Photo by Ben Thomas, bent02photography. pixieset.com
with a title at the Comet Classic hosted by TulsaBishop Kelley and sweeps over the OKC Storm and Christian Heritage. Heritage Hall also swept Oklahoma Christian Academy. Deer Creek highlighted Fridayland cross country team with a sweep of the boys and girls titles at the Edmond Pre-State meet. Harding Charter Prep grabbed second at the Army National Guard Invitational, as did Crossings Christian at North Rock Creek and Heritage Hall at Anadarko. Key softball wins included Deer Creek over Edmond Santa Fe, PC North over Putnam City and Crossings outlasted McGuinness. OCTOBER Football season
reached its mid-stages during October, while softball season ended, volleyball and cross country ventured through its postseason. Spotlight football games included: Little Axe at Crossings Christian (Week 5), Midwest City at McGuinness (Week 6), Lexington at Crossings Christian (Week 7) and El Reno at John Marshall (Week 8). Mount St. Mary and McGuinness advanced to the Class 5A volleyball tournament and Deer Creek made the 6A field. Heritage Hall saw its softball season end with a 2-0 series loss at Lone Grove in the 3A super regionals, while Deer Creek and PC North were eliminated in the semifinals. Cross country teams competed at regionals across the state. NOVEMBER The football playoffs opened in early November, with Deer Creek, PC North, McGuinness and Heritage Hall hosting firstround games. Crossings Christian hit the road for its postseason start. At month’s end, the Chargers stood as the lone remaining Fridayland teams in the playoffs. Heritage Hall cruised past Holland Hall in the Class 3A quarterfinals to set up a battle against Lincoln
The Deer Creek boys cross country team is all smiles after claiming its second straight state championship and third in four years last fall in Edmond.
Christian. Deer Creek, PC North and McGuinness suffered losses in the quarterfinals, and Crossings Christian saw its season end in a firstround loss at Millwood. The final two spotlight games of the regular season featured Purcell at Heritage Hall (Week 9) and Muskogee at PC North (Week 10). DECEMBER The Heritage Hall
football team suffered a loss to Lincoln Christian in the 3A semifinals to kick off the month of December. Basketball and wrestling seasons got underway, with the Crossings Christian boys opening the hoops season with a title at the Edmond Open. In other early tournaments, the McGuinness boys took second and the Heritage Hall
boys were sixth at the Harrah Panther Classic. The Deer Creek girls captured the Alva Shootout championship, as PC North took second in the Joe Lawson Invitational and Crossings Christian third in the Wynnewood Invitational. Wrestling season opened with Deer Creek placing third at the Perry Tournament of Champions.
Booster
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 26, 2025, Page 6
CALENDAR SAVE THE DATE Feb. 7 • Harmony Workshop The award-winning OK City Chorus, ranked 9th internationally by Sweet Adeline’s International, invites young voices to take part in an exciting Youth in Harmony Workshop on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 134 NW 4th St. The workshop is for young women treble singers in grades 6–12 for four-part a cappella singing in the barbershop style. This fullday event runs from 9 am to 4 pm, followed by a free public performance at 5 pm featuring the workshop chorus and the OK City Chorus. Registration and details are available at okcity.org.
OKC residents can drop off their natural Christmas trees between Dec. 26 – Jan. 15 for OKC Parks to mulch at one of two locations: • Will Rogers Park, 3600 Pat Murphy Dr., in the parking lot at the center of the park, south of the OKC Tennis Center and on the south side of Pat Murphy Drive. • Wheeler Park, 1120 S. Western Ave., in the parking lot on the west side of the park next to Western Avenue. All trees must be free of lights, ornaments, nails and stands. The trees must also be unflocked, meaning they cannot have fake snow or dust on the branches. Mulch can be picked up from dawn until dusk in designated areas through Jan. 15. Residents must bring their own shovels and containers. and seniors and $33 For adults ($10 for ZOOfriends members). Tickets will go on sale at okczoo.org on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026.
COMEDY
Jan. 16 • Jerry Seinfeld See Jerry Seinfeld live March 6 • at the Civic Center Dinosaur Expedition Music Hall, Friday, Dinosaur Expedition is Jan. 16 at 7 pm. Visit coming soon to the okcciviccenter.com for OKC Zoo. Featuring tickets. more than 60 animatronic dinosaurs, this THEATRE additional exhibit will have guests engaging Jan. 20-25 • with and learning Beauty and the Beast about dinosaurs OKC Broadway presthrough signs and ents Disney’s Beauty activities. In addition and the Beast musical to life-sized dinosaurs, at the Civic Center. visitors can experiReuniting to create ence dino skulls and this new production skeletons, rides, dig are members of the pits, and photo ops. original Tony AwardAdventure Tickets winning artistic team. include admission Get tickets at okccivicplus all-day access to center.com. Dinosaur Expedition, lorikeet feeding, and MLK JR. DAY carousel rides. Priced at $30 for children Jan. 19 •
MLK Jr. Day Parade The OKC MLK Alliance honors the life, memory and influence of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Beginning at NW 5th and Walker, the parade is at 2:00 pm with many activities before and after. Visit okcmlkalliance. org for more information.
OKC THUNDER HOME GAMES
Paycom Center 100 West Reno Ave. Sunday, Dec. 28 • Philadelphia 76ers 2:30 pm Wednesday, Dec. 31 • Portland Trail Blazers 2:30 pm Monday, Jan. 5 • Charlotte Hornets 7:00 pm Wednesday, Jan. 7 • Utah Jazz 7:00 pm Sunday, Jan. 11 • Miami Heat 6:00 pm Tuesday, Jan. 13 • San Antonio Spurs 7:00 pm
Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com Paycom Center Events/Shows: Jeff Dunham TobyMac Rascal Flatts Zoo Amphitheatre: Civic Center Music Hall: Mannheim Steamroller -
Jan. 29 Feb. 11 Feb. 21
Dec. 27
Mozart’s Rivals Jerry Seinfeld Jones Assembly My So Called Band (NYE) Niko Moon The Brook & The Bluff Max McNown -
Jan. 10 Jan. 16 Dec. 31 Jan. 29 Apr. 14 Apr. 22
Rob Reiner A
ctor, writer, and director Rob Reiner died last week. The circumstances were tragic. Fortunately, Reiner left behind one of the greatest bodies of film and television work in Hollywood history. Reiner’s first writing credit was on the Steve Allen Comedy Hour in 1967. Over the next few years, he wrote 26 episodes of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, five episodes of The Glen Cambell Goodtime Hour, and four episodes of All in the Family. Reiner was also a seasoned actor. His 90 acting credits included guest starring roles on several TV classics like The Odd Couple, The Partridge Family, and The Beverly Hillbillies. But the role that made him a household name was playing Michael “Meathead” Stivic in 184 episodes of All in the Family. That show won 22 Emmys. Reiner won two for Best Supporting Actor in 1974 and 1978. In the eighties, Reiner stepped into the director’s chair. He launched his feature film directing career in 1984 with This is Spinal Tap, arguably the greatest mockumentary ever. The film was a modest success theatrically, but found new life on VHS, becoming a cult classic that spawned a million quotes and is now included in the
Library of Congress. Reiner followed Spinal Tap with a string of iconic films that rivals the output of any director in Hollywood history. His films were not only popular, but they also hit the zeitgeist time and time again. Stand By Me, the 1986 coming-of-age story based on the novella “The Body” by Stephen King is Reiner’s most sentimental film. Beautifully cast with River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Wil Weaton and Jerry O’Connell, Reiner creates a world that perfectly captures what life feels like at the tail end of childhood. The Princess Bride in 1987 was another slow burn like Spinal Tap, modestly successful at the box office, then later thrust into iconic status as one of the alltime funniest movies. Filled with hysterical guest performances by Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, and Andre the Giant, the film rose above other comedies because of the beautiful love at its core between Cary Elwes and Robin Wright. When Harry Met
Blackberry Smoke Apr. 30 Tower Theatre: The Criterion: Morrissey Jan. 13 Tig Notaro Feb. 20 Other Events/Shows/Awards: A Christmas Carol Nov.28-Dec.27
Sally, the hilarious comedy from 1989, is another Reiner film that jumped right into the middle of the zeitgeist. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan delivered career defining performances on a dazzling screenplay from Nora Ephron that explored the eternal question, can men and women actually be friends. Misery, Reiner’s second filmed based on a Stephen King story, came out in 1990 and became an instant success. Kathy Bates created one the scariest villains in movie history with her violent super fan Annie Wilkes. She is the still the only person to win an Oscar from a movie based on a Stephen King book. Reiner scored his biggest hit in 1992 with A Few Good Men. Based on the play of the same name by Aaron Sorkin, the allstar cast led by Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore carried the film all the way to the Oscars, where it was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. There are certainly other films that could make the list, like The American President. I hope you will use the occasion of Reiner’s untimely passing to revisit some of his iconic, industry defining films. Rest in Peace.
Red Earth TreeFest Safari Lights MLK Jr Parade -
Through Dec. 31 Through Jan. 4 Jan. 19
OU student’s groundbreaking paleontology study challenges extinction theories In a rare achievement for an undergraduate student, Colby Higdon, a geology major on the paleontology track with the University of Oklahoma has published original paleontological research conducted at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History that reveals new insights into whether competition between ancient animals was responsible for their extinction. The study, which explores the feeding ecology of extinct echinoderms, was published in the Journal of Paleontology and sheds new light on ancient marine ecosystems preserved in Oklahoma’s Bromide Formation. Higdon’s research began in 2022 after taking Fundamentals of Invertebrate Paleontology with Dr. Lena
Cole, assistant curator of invertebrate paleontology at the Sam Noble Museum and assistant professor in OU’s School of Geosciences. “I approached Dr. Cole after class and asked if she had any research opportunities,” Higdon said. “Eventually, I settled on a project that sparked my curiosity. Then came the lengthy period of data collection.” Over the course of three semesters, Higdon examined more than 4,000 fossil specimens from the museum’s collections, focusing on five groups of extinct echinoderms–– relatives of modern sea stars, sea urchins, and sea lilies–– paracrinoids, rhombiferans, diploporans, eocrinods and crinoids. His goal was to determine whether these species competed for
food, which could help explain why some of these groups ultimately went extinct while others survived. “My research suggests that not much, if any, competition was taking place between these groups,” Higdon said. “They fed at different heights above the sea floor, which affected how they accessed food particles. This diversity in feeding strategies shows how complex these ancient ecosystems really were.” For her own part, Dr. Cole praised Higdon’s dedication and scientific rigor throughout the long months of collection research. “Colby’s curiosity and self-taught knowledge stood out immediately,” she said. “He expanded a model I developed to quantify feeding strate-
gies and collected thousands of measurements. His findings ruled out competition as a major factor in echinoderm extinction and revealed surprisingly complex ecological structures.” The fossils Higdon studied came from the Bromide Formation in the Arbuckle Mountains of southern Oklahoma, a late Ordovician rock sequence known for its extraordinary abundance of marine fossils. Several of these fossils are currently featured in the museum’s Formed in Stone temporary exhibit, on display through Jan. 4. For more information about research and volunteer opportunities at the Sam Noble Museum, visit samnoblemuseum.ou.edu.
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From Page One
PYSK From Page 1
What’s something you are deeply passionate about? Connecting great people to one another and creating spaces- emotional, physical, and communal, where people feel seen, inspired and more themselves. Art, nature and human connection all live at that intersection for me. What does a perfect day look like? A slow morning, good coffee, time outside moving with my son and my dogs, meaningful work that feels purposeful, and connecting with friends and family (ideally with good food,
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 26, 2025, Page 7
music, and art). How do you define success differently today than when you were younger? I used to measure success by achievement and external validation. Now, success is peace, integrity, emotional safety, and living in alignment with my values, while still being able to care for the people I love. What’s No. 1 on your bucket list? Currently, number one on my bucket list is to complete the capital campaign to bring The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park to life! I feel honored to be able to help steward this project because places like this that blend art, nature, play and community leave a lasting positive
NHILLS From Page 1
Nancy purchased a beautiful outdoor sculpture that now serves as a striking centerpiece in the park, adding both character and charm to the space. Another key contributor to the park’s renewal is John
impact. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Trust your inner knowing, even when it’s quieter than fear or other people’s opinions. What would you like people to remember about you? That I was kind, thoughtful, held space for others and showed up with heart even when it was hard. What is your favorite food? Anything made with love (bonus points if it has melted cheese)… preferably shared with friends and family. When I was a kid, I wanted to be in the concert business. And I was able to do this with my job in
Kennedy. Evangeline Park is named after John’s mother, making the project especially meaningful. “She would love seeing this park,” John shared. A ceremony celebrated the park improvements and to recognize Nancy, John and other donors for their dedication and hard work. The refreshed park has already become a popular
college and first job out of college. I love live music! Did you have any sports heroes when you were growing up? Why was he/she your hero? Not necessarily heroes but three sports figures stood out to me: Andre Agassi (even bought the same hot pink tennis racquet he played with), George Brett since I grew up in Kansas City and we were avid Royals fans, and Gregory Hines because I loved to tap dance. What are you most proud of? That I keep choosing growth and building a life rooted in intention. I continue to prioritize this work so I can be the most present, grounded and loving mom I can be.
gathering spot for residents of all ages. “I love seeing how residents are enjoying the park— like all the kids on scooters, and the folks relaxing on the benches,” Nancy said. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of these community members, Evangeline Park continues to be a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.
December 26 Charlie Amis Mary Gerry Brown Byron Gambulous Parker Tate Kelly Turner December 27 Halley Brunsteter Erin Czeskieba Barrett Davidson Chip Eeds Dr. Joseph Harroz Robert Heaton Laura Hile Todd Hinkley Carolyn Lee Hughes Jay Markley Hayden Roberts Theresa Stringer Susan Turpen Chris Williams December 28 Charles Delhotal Tyler Eeds Barbara Knott Lynn Mills John Ragsdale Kailey Richardson Nathan Smith December 29 Emily Button Cache Daneshmand Natalie Gonce Kathy McCracken Caroline Mitchell Phyllis Munsell
Scott Pauley Reese Wilmoth Janis Wilson December 30 David Dawkins Allison Floyd Neva Johnson Carrie Kippenberger Glenda Nigh Bill Shapard, Jr. Carl P. Smythe Christy Thompson Nancy Ann Tompkins Hardy Watkins December 31 Susan Barton Karen Braver Jim Cowan Susie Ellegard Kelly Hancock Thomas Rhodes Pixton Paula Wade Christine York January 1 Lisa Douglas LaShanda Jones Gayle Mock Etta Pennington Fletcher B. Williams Kraig Willis January 2 Brian Affolder Jacque Dean Dana Lopez
Email updates for the birthday list to rose@okcfriday.com.
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 26, 2025, Page 8
okcFRIDAY
LEGAL NOTICES & CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL NOTICES 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/A.Ward By: DEPUTY (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, December 26, 2025) DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2025-2985 In Re: The Name of: Jacob Austin
) )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
ProBate (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, December 19, 2025; Friday, December 26, 2025) IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY, STATE OF OKLAHOMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Peggy Ann Prather DECEASED DISTRICT COURT NO: PB-2025-1264 STATE OF OKLAHOMA
} } ss. COUNTY OF OKLAHOMA } AMENDMENT NOTICE OF HEARING PETITION FOR LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION Notice is hereby given that on the 1 day of December, 2025, MonCheri Mensah 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 MonCheri Mensah upon the Estate of Peggy Ann Prather, deceased, late of the County of Oklahoma and State of Oklahoma. And pursuant to an order of said Court, the 20 day of January, 2026 at the Hour of 1:30 pm o’clock am of said day has been appointed as the time for hearing said application, before Judge Aguilar, Judge of the District Court in the District Court Room Probate Division Room __, 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 MonCheri Mensah. Dated this 1 day of December, 2025. KAREN AGUILAR Judge of the District Court Rick Warren Court Clerk Oklahoma County, Oklahoma By: /s/Patricia Spencer (SEAL)
Name ChaNge (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, December 26, 2025) DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2025-2937 In Re: The Name of: ) Atun Duamutef Mu’Basa-Bey ) NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Atun Duamutef Mu’Basa-Bey has petitioned to change his/her name to Antone Dwon BatesBey. A Hearing on said petition is set for 9:00 o’clock A.M. on the 17 day of February, 2026, before Judge Bonner at 9:00 o’clock in courtroom 304 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
TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Jacob Tyler Austin has petitioned to change his/her name to Saige Kaia Finley. A Hearing on said petition is set for 9:00 o’clock A.M. on the 17 day of February, 2026, before Judge Bonner at 9:00 o’clock in courtroom 304 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/illegible signature By: DEPUTY (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, December 26, 2025) DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2025-3029 In Re: The Name of: Leslie Dawn Rushing
) )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Leslie Dawn Rushing has petitioned to change his/her name to Leslie Dawn Schantz. A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 2 day of February, 2026, before Judge Bonner at 1:30 o’clock in courtroom 304 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/illegible signature By: DEPUTY (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, December 26, 2025) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2025-3030 In the Matter of the Application ) of Leslie Rushing ) as next of friend of (child) ) Cooper Rushing ) to Change Her/His Name ) NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME To Whom It May Concern: Take notice that (a) Leslie Rushing, as next of friend of Cooper Rushing has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a) Cooper Rushing to (b) Cooper Schantz; and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Bonner of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 2 day of February, 2026 at 1:30 o’clock p.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for hearing. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/illegible signature Deputy CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, December 26, 2025)
Deadline: Friday 3:00 p.m. the week before publication 405-755-3311
AUCTIONS
City of NiChols hills (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, December 26, 2025) RESOLUTION NO. 1612 CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA A RESOLUTION CALLING A GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON APRIL 7, 2026 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING A COUNCIL MEMBER FROM WARD THREE OF THE CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA; SETTING FORTH THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCH OFFICE, THE TERM OF THE OFFICE TO BE FILLED, THE FILING PERIODS OF CANDIDATES FOR SUCH OFFICE, AND THE MANNER OF HOLDING SAID ELECTION; PROVIDING FOR ELECTION PROCEDURES; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO CAUSE THIS RESOLUTION TO BE PUBLISHED IN A NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION IN THE CITY; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO NOTIFY THE OKLAHOMA COUNTY ELECTION BOARD OF THE DATE OF THE ELECTION AND THE CONTENT HEREOF BY DELIVERING A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE SECRETARY OF SAID BOARD; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO FURNISH SAID BOARD A CURRENT MAP OF THE CITY, A COPY OF THE CITY CHARTER, AS IT APPLIES TO THE CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS, AND ANY OTHER INFORMATION REQUIRED BY LAW OR NECESSARY FOR CONDUCTING SAID ELECTION; AUTHORIZING THE CLOSING OF A PRECINCT, PARTIALLY CONTAINED WITHIN THE CITY, IN WHICH NO PERSONS RESIDE; AND CONTAINING RELATED PROVISIONS. WHEREAS, the City Charter of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, provides that there shall be a council of three (3) members, consisting of one member from each of the three (3) wards of the City, to be elected at large by the qualified electors of the entire City at a nonpartisan election; and said charter further provides that if one person is a candidate for any council office, he or she shall be elected ipso facto; and WHEREAS, the City Charter further provides that a general election shall be held on the first Tuesday in April of each year to elect a successor to the member of the council whose term of office will expire in the year in which the election is held; and the term of office of the member of the council from Ward Three will expire in 2026; and WHEREAS, the central offices of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, are located in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma (hereinafter called the “City”), that a general election shall be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, for the purpose of electing a council member from Ward Three of the City for a term of three years. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the council member to be elected at said election shall be elected at large by the qualified electors of the entire City. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that candidates for council membership from Ward Three shall be qualified electors of Ward Three and must reside in the City and in Ward Three all as provided in the City Charter. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in accordance with Section 16-102(D) of Title 11 of the Oklahoma Statutes, candidates for such office must file sworn statements of candidacy with the Secretary of the County Election Board within a three (3) day filing period that shall begin on Monday, February 2, 2026. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that only qualified electors residing in the City who have the qualifications prescribed for electors by the Constitution and laws of the State of Oklahoma and who are registered as required by law may vote in said election, and that the election shall be nonpartisan and no party designation or emblem shall be placed on the ballots. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if only one person is a candidate for the office to be filled, he or shall be elected ipso facto and his or her name need not appear on the ballot. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk is hereby directed to notify the public of said general election by causing this resolution to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City at least ten (10) days before the beginning of the period for filing sworn statements of candidacy with the Secretary of the Oklahoma County Election Board. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said election shall be conducted by the Oklahoma County Election Board and that the provisions of the State Constitution and laws applicable to municipal elections shall govern said election, insofar as they are applicable and not superseded by the City Charter or by ordinance and not in conflict with this resolution. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk is hereby directed to notify the Oklahoma County Election Board of the date of said election and of the contents hereof by delivering and submitting a copy of this resolution to the Secretary of said Oklahoma County Election Board before the 12th day of January, 2026 together with (a) a copy of the City Charter, as it applies to the conduct of elections, (b) a current map clearly defining City limits and ward boundaries, and (c) any other information necessary for conducting said election. ADOPTED AND APPROVED by the Council of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, this 9th day of December, 2025. ATTEST:
alCohol Beverage liCeNse (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, December 19, 2025; Friday, December 26, 2025) OKLAHOMA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LAWS ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE In accordance with Title 37, Section 522 and Title 37A, Section 2-141 Ichiban Sushi Bar & Poke #3 Inc., 7640 NW Expressway, Suite 211 Oklahoma City, OK 73132 a Corporation hereby publishes notice of its intention to apply within sixty days from this date to the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission for a Mixed Beverage License under authority of and in compliance with the said Act: That it intend(s), if granted such license to operate as a Mixed Beverage establishment with business premises located at 7640 NW Expressway Suite 211 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, 73132 under the business name of Ichiban Sushi Bar & Poke. Dated this 11 day of December, 2025. /s/Zubo Chen County of Oklahoma, State of Oklahoma. Before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared: Zubo Chen to me known to be the person(s) described in and who executed the foregoing application and acknowledged that he executed the same as his free act and deed. /s/Martin Diaz, Notary Public (SEAL) State of Oklahoma #25000266 My commission expires 01/08/2029
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, December 19, 2025; Friday, December 26, 2025) OKLAHOMA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LAWS ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE In accordance with Title 37, Section 522 and Title 37A, Section 2-141 Takumi Unity LLC 2800 N Classen Blvd Ste 101, Oklahoma City, Ok 73106, an LLC hereby publishes notice of its intention to apply within sixty days from this date to the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission for a On Premise Beer and Wine License under authority of and in compliance with the said Act: That it intend(s), if granted such license to operate as an On Premise Beer and Wine establishment with business premises located at 2800 N Classen Blvd Ste 101 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, 73106 under the business name of Ling Long. Dated this 13 day of December, 2025. /s/Rufeng Weng County of Oklahoma, State of Oklahoma.
Steven J. Goetzinger Mayor
Amanda Copeland City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared: Rufeng Weng to me known to be the person(s) described in and who executed the foregoing application and acknowledged that Rufeng Weng executed the same as Rufeng Weng free act and deed.
John Michael Williams City Attorney CERTIFICATE This is to certify that a copy of the foregoing Resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 9th day of December, 2025, was served upon the Oklahoma County Election Board by personal delivery to me on the 18th day of December, 2025. WITNESS my hand the seal of the Oklahoma County Election board this 18th day of December, 2025. Doug Sanderson Secretary County Election Board of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2025-3031 In the Matter of the Application ) of Leslie Rushing ) as next of friend of (child) ) Jorda Rushing ) to Change Her/His Name ) NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME To Whom It May Concern: Take notice that (a) Leslie Rushing, as next of friend of Jordan Rushing has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a)
Jordan Rushing to (b) Jordan Schantz; and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Bonner of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 2 day of February, 2026 at 1:30 o’clock p.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for hearing. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/illegible signature Deputy CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT (SEAL)
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/s/Latoya Pullen, Notary Public (SEAL) State of Oklahoma #24005140 My commission expires 04/17/2028
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Legals
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 26, 2025, Page 9
City of NiChols hills (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, December 26, 2025) ORDINANCE NO. 1294 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE NICHOLS HILLS CITY CODE REGARDING RIDING BICYCLES, ELECTRIC, AND MOTORIZED VEHICLES AND DEVICES ON SIDEWALKS AND PARK TRAILS; REPEALING ALL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. EMERGENCY ORDINANCE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA: Section 1. Section 38-348 is hereby amended, with deleted language stricken through, to wit:
Section 3. Section 38-352 is hereby added to the City Code, with new language underlined, to wit: Sec. 38-352. Electric and motorized vehicles and devices on sidewalks and Park trails prohibited. Riding and operating vehicles and devices powered by electricity, combustion engine or other power source on public sidewalks and Park trails is prohibited. This prohibition includes electricassisted bicycles; electric scooters; electric personal assistive mobility devices (commonly referred to as segways); Golf Carts; Low-Speed Electric Vehicles; motorcycles; motor-driven cycles, including mopeds; motorized bicycles; motorized scooters; and motorized skateboards. The City recognizes that new technologies may be developed in the future as to powered vehicles and devices. It is the City’s intent that all vehicles and devices of any kind are prohibited on public sidewalks and Park trails. This Section does not apply to:
Sec. 38-348. Definitions.
(1) Individuals with mobility disabilities using power-driven mobility devices designed to transport a single individual with a disability as a substitute for walking.
The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this Article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
(2) Vehicles and devices used by the City in its operations. (3) Vehicles and devices operating during City-sponsored events with City permission.
Bicycle means either: (1) A a device having two wheels and having at least one saddle or seat for the use of a rider that is propelled by human power; or (2) A device having two or three wheels with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (one horsepower) whose maximum speed on a paved level surface when powered solely by such motor while ridden is less than 20 miles per hours and weighs no greater than 80 pounds. Hours of Darkness means any time from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise and any other time when there is not sufficient light or visibility to clearly discern Persons on a Street at a distance of at least 500 feet. Jogging means running, trotting, or alternately running, trotting, and walking. Section 2. Section 38-349 is hereby amended, with new language underlined, to wit:
(4) Emergency vehicles and devices. Secs. 38-3523– 375. Reserved. Section 4. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are, to the extent of such conflict, hereby repealed. Section 5. The provisions of this ordinance are severable and if any part or provision hereof shall be adjudged invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such adjudication shall not affect or impair any of the remaining parts or provisions hereof.
larly a “Plat”) identified herein an illegal discriminatory restrictive covenant which prohibits the sale, rental, or occupancy of real property by certain races. In each instance such an illegal discriminatory restrictive covenant contains, in part, the following or similar language: Ownership Or Occupancy By Negroes Prohibited: None of the lots shown on said plat shall be conveyed, leased or given to and no building erected thereon shall be used, owned or occupied by any person of African descent, commonly known as Negroes. While the discriminatory language varies somewhat from Plat to Plat, any reiteration of such language in any Plat is referenced herein as “Discriminatory Language”. Although the Discriminatory Language is no longer legally enforceable pursuant to the United States Supreme Court ruling in Shelly v. Kraemer, 334 U.S. 1 (1948), the provisions of the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C., Section 3601 et seq., and 11 O.S. § 42-106.1(E), such language remains part of the Plats identified herein. Title 11 O.S. § 42-106.1(E) provides a process for the removal of the Discriminatory Language by means of an Ordinance amending a plat or plats (“Amendment”) after consideration by the Nichols Hills Planning Commission and approval by the Nichols Hills City Council. Except for the removal of the Discriminatory Language, the remainder of each of the Plats shall remain enforceable and effective. The real property that comprises the Plats is located in the NW/4 and the SW/4 of Section 5, T12N, R3W, the NE/4 and the SE/4 of Section 6, T12N, R3W, and the NW/4 of the NE/4 of the NE/4 of Section 7, T12N, R3W of the Indian Meridian, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. The Plats are located within the boundaries of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma. The Plats form a contiguous exterior boundary within the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, as depicted below:
Section 6. EMERGENCY SECTION. WHEREAS, in the judgment of the Council it is necessary for the immediate preservation of the peace, health, welfare and safety of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, and of the inhabitants thereof that the provisions of this ordinance be put into full force and effect immediately, and therefore an emergency is hereby declared to exist by reason whereof this ordinance shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage as provided by law.
Sec. 38-349. Riding bicycles. It is unlawful for any Person to ride a Bicycle on any public Street in the City except in accordance with the following regulations:
PASSED by the Council of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 9th day of December, 2025. APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 9th day of December, 2025.
(1) Persons riding Bicycles are subject to the traffic Ordinances of the City except as to special regulations in this Article and except as to those provisions of such Ordinances that by their nature can have no Application.
ATTEST:
(2) Persons riding Bicycles must obey the directions of traffic signals, signs, and other control devices applicable to other vehicles unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
Amanda Copeland City Clerk [Seal] REVIEWED as to Form and Legality John Michael Williams City Attorney
(3) Persons riding Bicycles during Hours of Darkness must wear reflective clothing or reflective items that are visible from the Person’s front and back and that are adequate to reflect brightly the headlights from a Motor Vehicle at a distance of at least 500 feet. (4) Every Bicycle in use during Hours of Darkness must be equipped with a lamp on the front emitting a white light visible from a Motor Vehicle at a distance of at least 500 feet and a lamp on the rear emitting a red reflective device visible from a Motor Vehicle at a distance of at least 500 feet. (5) Persons riding Bicycles must ride in the same direction as traffic and as near to the edge of the Street as practical. Such Persons must not ride at a speed greater than is reasonable and proper and must use care to avoid endangering themselves, another bicyclist, a jogger, a walker, or any Motor Vehicle. (6) Riding bicycles on public sidewalks and Park trails is prohibited except for children under the age of 14 who are accompanied and supervised by an adult.
Steven J. Goetzinger Mayor
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA PC-2026-01 Notice is hereby given that an Ordinance amending the final plats of (a) Wilshire Section of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, recorded May 16,1946, in Book 25 of Plats, Page 44, and (b) Wilshire Section Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, recorded February 11, 1948, in Book 26 of Plats, Page 23, all in the office of the Oklahoma County Clerk (collectively the “Plats”), will be considered at public hearings to be held by the Nichols Hills Planning Commission and the Nichols Hills City Council. The public hearing for the Nichols Hills Planning Commission will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., and the public hearing for the Nichols Hills City Council will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. Both public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers at Nichols Hills City Hall, 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma 73116.
The final plats of Mayfair Park, Nichols Hills Blocks 88 to 94, Duffner’s Country Club, and Nichols’ Club Estates contain Discriminatory Language within the text of their respective plats. The removal of such Discriminatory Language is necessary by means of the Amendment of each of the aforementioned Plats. Any person may address the Nichols Hills Planning Commission and the Nichols Hills City Council at these public hearings regarding the Ordinance. A written protest to the proposed Ordinance may be filed with the office of the City Clerk, 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, 73116, not less than three (3) days before the public hearings. Dated this 15th day of December, 2025.
Amanda Copeland, City Clerk City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma
The purpose of the Ordinance is to remove from each plat (singu-
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Legals
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 26, 2025, Page 10
City of NiChols hills (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, December 26, 2025) ORDINANCE NO.1293 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF REMOVING DISCRIMINATORY LANGUAGE AGAINST CERTAIN RACES CONTAINED IN EXISTING PLATS DEDICATED TO THE CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA, AND FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE OKLAHOMA COUNTY CLERK; AMENDING THE FINAL PLAT OF LOTS 9 TO 21, INCLUSIVE, BLK 54, AND LOTS 4 TO 13, INCLUSIVE, BLK. 55-BLK 55A, MAYFAIR PARK OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA COUNTY, OKLAHOMA; AMENDING THE FINAL PLAT OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA COUNTY, OKLAHOMA; AMENDING DUFFNER’S COUNTRY CLUB SECTION OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA COUNTY, OKLAHOMA; AMENDING THE FINAL PLAT OF NICHOLS’ CLUB ESTATES ADDITION TO NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA; AMENDING THE REPLAT OF A PORTION OF BLOCKS 124 AND 125, DUFFNER’S COUNTRY CLUB SECTION OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA COUNTY, OKLAHOMA, AND AMENDING GARNETT ADDITION, AN ADDITION TO NICHOLS HILLS, OKLHOMA; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN ANY DOCUMENTATION NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THIS ORDINANCE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. EMERGENCY ORDINANCE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA: Section 1.The purpose of this Ordinance is to remove discriminatory language against certain races from all platted subdivisions to the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma (individually a “Plat” and collectively the “Plats”) containing such language. The respective Plats subject of this Ordinance are as follows: (a) Lots 9 to 21, inclusive, Block 54, and Lots 4 to 13, inclusive, Block 55, and Block 55A, Mayfair Park Section of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma (“Mayfair Park”), filed of record on October 1, 1930, in Book 23 of Plats, Page 88, (b) Nichols Hills, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma (“Nichols Hills Blocks 88 to 94”), filed of record August 6, 1938, in Book 24 of Plats, Page 93, (c) Duffner’s Country Club Section of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma (“Duffner’s Country Club”), filed of record January 8, 1946, in Book 25 of Plats, Page 74, (d) Nichols’ Club Estates Addition to Nichols Hills, Oklahoma (“Nichols’ Club Estates”), filed of record on July 11, 1946, in Book 25 of Plats, Page 25A, (e) Replat of a Portion of Blocks 124 and 125, Duffner’s Country Club Section of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma (“Replat of Blocks 124 & 125”), filed of record on June 8, 1950, in Book 28 of Plats, Page 19, and (f) Garnett Addition, an Addition to Nichols Hills, Oklahoma (“Garnett Addition”), filed of record on May 3, 1952, in Book 30 of Plats, Page 87, all in the office of the Oklahoma County Clerk. For purposes of this Ordinance the discriminatory language, whether identical or different between plats, is individually and collectively referenced herein as the “Discriminatory Language.” Section 2.The Discriminatory Language prohibits the sale, rental, or occupancy of real property subject of each respective Plat. Although the Discriminatory Language is no longer legally enforceable pursuant to the United States Supreme Court ruling in Shelly v. Kraemer, 334 U.S. 1 (1948), the provisions of the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C., Section 3601 et seq., and 11 O.S. § 42-106.1(E), it remains part of the Plats. Title 11 O.S. § 42-106.1(E) provides a process for the removal of the Discriminatory Language by means of the amendment (the “Amendment”) of the Plats. (a) The Discriminatory Language contained in the final plat of Mayfair Park filed of record on October 1, 1930, in Book 23 of Plats, Page 88, is as follows: Ownership Or Occupancy by Negroes Prohibited: None of the lots shown on said plat shall be conveyed, leased or given to and no building erected thereon shall be used, owned or occupied by any person of African decent, commonly known as Negroes. This prohibition, however, is not intended to include the occupancy by a negro or negroes while employed on the premises. This is a reversion clause in this dedication and upon the violation of said condition, last above set out, the lot or lots and the improvements thereon shall immediately revert to the Company or its assigns and it shall be entitled to immediately re-enter and take possession of said lot or lots and improvements thereon; provided this reverter shall not affect the lien of any mortgage or deed of trust placed on any lot in said addition prior to the violation of the restriction in this clause if the same is placed thereon in good faith and so long as such lien is held or owned by and for a person not a Negro. Provided, further, any person not a Negro who shall obtain a valid Sheriff’s deed to any lot in said addition under the foreclosure of the lien of any mortgage described above and shall obtain rightful and lawful possession of said property under said Sheriff’s Deed, shall take the same free from any violation of this condition accruing prior to the sale under which said Sheriff’s Deed is issued, but shall, in all other, take same subject to this condition and right of reverter. (b) The Discriminatory Language in Nichols Hills Blocks 88 to 94, filed of record August 6, 1938, in Book 24 of Plats, Page 93, is as follows: OWNERSHIP OR OCCUPANCY BY ANYONE OTHER THAN THE WHITE RACE: No lot or lots herein platted shall ever in any manner be owned or held by or for, or the improvements thereon occupied by (except necessary occupancy of servants quarters by a servant employed by white occupant of the main improvements thereon) any person of African decent, commonly known as negroes and hereafter called Negroes. This is a reversion clause in this dedication and upon the violation of said condition, last above set out, the lot or lots and the improvements thereon shall immediately revert to the COMPANY or its assigns and it shall be entitled to immediately re-enter and take possession of said lot or lots and improvements thereon; provided, however, this reverter shall not affect the lien of any mortgage or deed of trust placed on any lot in said addition prior to the violation of the
restriction in this clause if the same is placed thereon in good faith and so long as such lien is not held or owned by and for a person of African decent, commonly known as a negro.. Provided, further any person not a Negro, who shall obtain a valid Sheriff’s Deed to any lot in said addition under the foreclosure of the lien of any mortgage described above and shall obtain rightful and lawful possession of said property under said Sheriff’s Deed shall take the same free from any violation of this condition accruing prior to the sale under which said Sheriff’s Deed is issued but shall, in all other, take same subject to this condition and right of reverter. (c) The Discriminatory Language in the Duffner’s Country Club, filed of record January 8, 1946, in Book 25 of Plats, Page 74, is as follows: OWNERSHIP OR OCCUPANCY BY THE CAUCASIAN OR AMERICAN INDIAN RACES ONLY: No lot shown on said plat shall be conveyed, leased or given to and no building erected thereon shall be used, owned or occupied by any person other than a member of the Caucasian or American Indian race. This prohibition shall not preclude occupancy of quarters provided for that purpose by a negro or negroes while employed on the premises by the owner. Upon violation of this clause, same being a reversion clause, the lot or plot and the improvements thereon shall immediately revert to the Company or its assigns, which shall be entitled to immediately re-enter and take possession hereof, provided, however, that nothing in this paragraph contained shall affect the lien of any mortgage covering any lot executed prior to the violation of the provision hereof, if same was executed in good faith and is not held or owned by or for a negro, and provided further that any person not a negro who shall obtain a valid sheriff’s deed to any lot or plot by virtue of the foreclosure of such a mortgage as is described above, and who shall obtain rightful and lawful possession of property covered by such sheriff’s deed shall take the same, free from any violation of this condition occurring prior to the sale under which such sheriff’s deed is issued, but shall in all other respects take the same subject to all the provisions hereof. (d) The Discriminatory Language in the Nichols’ Club Estates, filed of record on July 11, 1946, in Book 25 of Plats, Page 25A, is as follows: OWNERSHIP OR OCCUPANCY BY ANYONE OTHER THAN THE WHITE RACE: No lot or lots herein platted shall ever in any manner be owned or held by or for, or the improvements thereon occupied by (except necessary occupancy of servants quarters by a servant employed by white occupant of the main improvements thereon) any person of African descent, commonly known as Negroes. This is a reversion clause in this dedication and upon the violation of said condition, last above set out, the lot or lots and the improvements thereon shall immediately revert to the COMPANY or its assigns and it shall be entitled to immediately re-enter and take possession of said lot or lots and improvements thereon; provided, however, this reverter shall not affect the lien of any mortgage or deed of trust placed on any lot in said addition prior to the violation of the restriction in this clause if the same is placed thereon in good faith and so long as such lien is not held or owned by and for a person not a Negro. Provided, further any person not a Negro, who shall obtain a valid Sheriff’s Deed to any lot in said addition under the foreclosure of the lien of any mortgage described above and shall obtain rightful and lawful possession of said property under said Sheriff’s Deed shall take the same free from any violation of this condition accruing prior to the sale under which said Sheriff’s Deed is issued but shall, in all other, take same subject to this condition and right of reverter. (e) While the Replat of Blocks 124 & 125 does not contain any Discriminatory Language, does not contain any Discriminatory Language, the Replat of Blocks 124 & 125 is located entirely within the real property subject of the final plat of Duffner’s Country Club which does contain Discriminatory Language. There is no evidence that the Discriminatory Language contained in the final plat of Duffner’s Country Club was ever voided or otherwise nullified by the Oklahoma County District Court; therefore, the Discriminatory Language continues to run with the land, and its removal is necessary by means of the Amendment of the Replat of Blocks 124 & 125. (f) While the final plat of Garnett Addition does not contain any Discriminatory Language, a portion of the Garnett Addition was a replat of Lots 11 to 21, both inclusive, Block 54, Mayfair Park which does contain Discriminatory Language. There is no evidence that the Discriminatory Language contained in the final plat of Mayfair Park was ever voided or otherwise nullified by the Oklahoma County District Court; therefore, the Discriminatory Language continues to run with the land, and its removal is necessary by means of the Amendment of the final plat of Garnett Addition. Section 3.The real property which individually comprises each plat within The City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, is as follows: (a) The real property which comprises the final plat of Mayfair Park is located in a part of the SW/4 of Section 5, T12N, R3W of the Indian Meridian, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. The Lots and Blocks which comprise the final plat of Mayfair Park are Lots 9 to 21, both inclusive, Block 54, Lots 4 to 13, both inclusive, Block 55, and all of Block 55A. (b) The real property which comprises Nichols Hills Blocks 88 to 94 is located in the SE/4 of Section 6, T12N, R3W of the Indian Meridian, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. The Lots and Blocks which comprise Nichols Hills Blocks 88 to 94 are Lots 1 through 63, both inclusive, Block 88, Lots 1 through 18, both inclusive, Block 89, Lots 1 through 14, both inclusive, Block 90, Lots 1 through 26, both inclusive, Block 91, Lots 1 through 20, both inclusive, Block 92, Lots 1 through 23, both inclusive, Block 93, and Lots 1 through 37, both inclusive, Block 94. (c) The real property which comprises Duffner’s Country Club is, in part, located in the SE/4 and the NE/4 of Section 6, T12N,
R3W of the Indian Meridian, and, in part, located in the SW/4 and the NW/4 of Section 5, T12N, R3W of the Indian Meridian, all in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. The Lots and Blocks which comprise Duffner’s Country Club are Lots 1 through 9, both inclusive, Block 121, Lots 1 through 15, Block 122, Lots 1 to 21, Block 123, Lots 1 through 31, both inclusive, Block 124, and Lots 1 through 24, both inclusive, Block 125. (d) The real property which comprises Nichols’ Club Estates is located in the NW/4 of the NE/4 of the NE/4 of Section 7, T12N, R3W, of the Indian Meridian, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. The Lots which comprise Nichols’ Club Estates are Lots 1 through 6, both inclusive. (e) The real property which comprises the Replat of Blocks 124 & 125 is located in the SW/4 of Section 5, T12N, R3W of the Indian Meridian, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. The Lots and Blocks which comprise the Replat of Blocks 124 & 125 are Lots 1 through 6, both inclusive, and Lots 28 through 30, both inclusive, Block 124, and Lot 1 and Lot 24, Block 125, being a replat of Lots 1 through 7, both inclusive, Block 124, Lots 28 through 31, both inclusive, Block 124, and Lot 1 and Lot 24, Block 125, Duffner’s Country Club. (f) The real property which comprises Garnett Addition is located in the SW/4 of Section 5, T12N, R3W of the Indian Meridian, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. The Lots and Blocks which comprise Garnett Addition are Lots 1 through 30, both inclusive, Block 56, and Lots 1 through 30, both inclusive, Block 57, being a replat of Lots 11 through 21, both inclusive, Block 54, Mayfair Park Section to Nichols Hills and Block 19 of the North Lake View Addition. Section 4.Each individual plat identified herein which collectively comprise the Plats are hereby amended to delete, remove and strike in their entirety the Discriminatory Language. The provisions of this Amendment shall supersede and control over any conflicting provision contained in an individual plat identified herein which collectively comprise the Plats. Except for the Discriminatory Language, the remainder of each plat identified herein shall remain enforceable and effective. Section 5.The Mayor is hereby authorized to sign any documentation necessary to effectuate this Ordinance. Section 6.Emergency Section.In the judgment of the Council it is necessary for the immediate preservation of the peace, health, welfare and safety of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, and of the inhabitants thereof that the provisions of this Ordinance be put into full force and effect immediately, and therefore an emergency is hereby declared to exist by reason whereof this Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage as provided by law. [signatures are on the following page]
PASSED and ADOPTED by the Council of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 9th day of December, 2025. APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 9th day of December, 2025. CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA
ATTEST: Amanda Copeland City Clerk [Seal]
Steven J. Goetzinger Mayor REVIEWED as to Form and Legality
John Michael Williams City Attorney STATE OF OKLAHOMA ) ) ss: COUNTY OF OKLAHOMA ) This instrument was acknowledged before me on the 9th day of December 2025, by Steven J. Goetzinger, Mayor of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma. Sherry Dickson Notary Public My Commission Expires: 11/18/26 Commission #: 14010540
(Seal)
ORDINANCE NO. 1295 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AND ENACTING THE “NICHOLS CITY CODE 2024 CUMULATIVE ANNUAL SUPPLEMENT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION BY SUMMARY IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. EMERGENCY ORDINANCE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA: Section 1. The “Nichols Hills City Code 2024 Cumulative Annual Supplement” as submitted by CivicPlus (the “Code Supplement”), which contains all ordinances of a general and permanent nature enacted since the Nichols Hills City Code was enacted, has been published and is hereby adopted and enacted by reference as if set out in its entirety. Section 2. The provisions of this ordinance are severable and if any part or provision hereof shall be adjudged invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such adjudication shall not affect or impair any of the remaining parts or provisions hereof. Section 3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are, to the extent of such conflict, hereby repealed. Section 4.SUMMARY OF CONTENTS OF CODE SUPPLEMENT. As required by Title 11, Oklahoma Statutes, Section 14-108(C) and Title 11, Oklahoma Statutes, Section 14-107(A), the contents of the Code Supplement are hereby summarized as follows: See the attached and incorporated Exhibit A, entitled Summary of Contents of Nichols Hills City Code 2024 Cumulative Annual Supplement. Section 5.EMERGENCY SECTION. WHEREAS, in the judgment of the Council it is necessary for the immediate preservation of the peace, health, welfare, and safety of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, and of the inhabitants thereof that the provisions of this ordinance be put into full force and effect immediately, and therefore an emergency is hereby declared to exist by reason whereof this ordinance shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage as provided by law. PASSED and ADOPTED by the Council of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 9th day of December, 2025. APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 9th day of December, 2025.
ATTEST:
Steven J. Goetzinger
Mayor Amanda Copeland City Clerk REVIEWED as to Form and Legality [Seal] John Michael Williams City Attorney
LPXLP
Exhibit A Summary of Content of Nichols Hills City Code 2024 Cumulative Annual Supplement
News
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 26, 2025, Page 11
Art League hosts Christmas Luncheon, Guest Day Oklahoma Art League’s annual Christmas Luncheon and Guest Day was held at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, At left: The committee, from left, Cheryl Merritt, Sharon Mugg, Gwen Cockrill, Patsy Lucas, Joyce Lucas, Diana Harden, Gail Wernick and Paula Wolfe.
Clarification - Photos by Jim Felder
Above: From left, Sally Limber, Kacy Hays and Connie Weber. At right: Susan Edwards and guest Dr. Sharon Brady.
Due to information submitted, retiring Nichols Hills Fire Chief was misidentified as Keith Boydston in the December 19, 2025 edition of OKC FRIDAY. He is actually Kevin Boydston. The newspaper is responsible for the misspelling of the word chief and regrets that error.
Editorial Page
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 26, 2025, Page 12
OPINION O UR S 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.
MEMBER OF We urge courtesy in disagreement. We view with favor wise public choices and view with alarm flawed public choices. We give good advice to public officials at federal, state and local levels, and society in general, on what to do right. So, if they don’t take our advice, it’s not our fault. EMAIL YOUR OPINION to: vicki@okcfriday.com
Retired Lt. Gen. Hawkins: Called to service By Mary Pointer Special to OKC FRIDAY In every generation, there are individuals who feel a call so strong that it shapes the entire course of their lives. For recently retired Lt. General Stacey Hawkins, that call came in the form of service — service to his country, to his Airmen, and to the ideals that define the United States of America. He did not choose the military for titles, rank, or prestige. He chose it because he believed deeply in the promise of America: that freedom is sacred, that justice matters, and that the blessings of liberty are worth defending. His uniform became a symbol of a commitment rooted not in ambition, but in purpose. “I serve because I love this nation,” Hawkins has often said, “and because I believe in the ideals that shaped it — freedom, justice, and equality.” Those ideals guided him through career spanning decades of leadership at the highest levels of the United States Air Force. His work carried him
LT. GEN. STACEY HAWKINS, RETIRED
across the world, into complex missions, demanding commands and roles where the consequences of every decision were profound. But ask him about his career, and he won’t lead with his accomplishments. He will talk first about people. He speaks of the young Airmen who trusted him to lead them well; of the families who bore the weight of service beside their loved ones; of the mentors who shaped him; and of the teammates who sustained him during the most challenging seasons. To him, leadership has never been about authority, but about accountability. It is not about power, but about purpose. It is not about recognition, but about responsibility.
“The true strength of the United States,” he says, “is not found in our weapons or technology, but in our people — the courageous men and women who raise their right hand and pledge to defend something greater than themselves.” Through his long and distinguished service, Hawkins experienced the pressure familiar to all strategic leaders: the urgency of missions, the demands of national defense, and the weight of decisions that affect thousands. Yet at every turn, he brought clarity, steadiness, and a rare ability to elevate the people and missions entrusted to him. His career included command roles across multiple major commands, responsibilities in both operational and sustainment enterprises, and leadership positions that shaped the readiness and global capability of the Air Force. His influence reached from the flight line to the Pentagon, from industrial depots to high-level strategic planning rooms.
“My combat tour of duty as a Deputy Group Commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom is an opportunity that shaped me as a leader.the most significant contribution within my professional field,” said Hawkins. “In addition to commanding Airmen who performed combat aircraft generation in support of coalition warfighting operations, I had the honor of leading an Air Force/Marine Corps aircraft recovery team in Iraq’s volatile Al Anbar province. Within 6 six hours of official notification, our team was tasked to redeploy into Iraq on a recovery mission for a severely damaged C-130 tactical aircraft that clogged the flow of equipment and supplies to United States Marines throughout Iraq’s western region. “Upon landing at a U.S. Marine base in the Al Anbar province, our team experienced immediate mortar and rocket fire; the first of such attacks on the base in three months,” Hawkins continued. “Subsequent intelli-
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gence reports classified the attacks as attempts by insurgent elements to completely destroy the disabled aircraft and claim responsibility for downing an American warplane to the international media. In just 11 hours, we overcame the insurgents’ attacks, repaired major aircraft structural components, and moved the aircraft safely out enemy fire range. The team’s efforts freed a critical aerial logistics port supplying U.S. Marine ground forces-in-contact.” Hawkins also became known for transforming organizations, strengthening operational resilience, and developing the systems that allow Airmen to succeed in the most demanding environments. His leadership helped modernize sustainment infrastructure, expand innovation across the logistics enterprise, and ensure that the Air Force remained agile and capable in an everchanging global landscape. His influence eventually reached across
nearly every corner of the Air Force—from flight lines buzzing with activity to quiet, windowless rooms where internationallevel decisions are made. Over the years, he carried the pressures familiar to all military leaders: urgent missions, operational demands, and choices that affected thousands. Yet through every assignment, he brought clarity, steadiness, and a rare ability to elevate both people and mission. Another significant chapter of his career unfolded at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, where he commanded the Air Force Sustainment Center. Leading a workforce of more than 40,000 Airmen and civilians, he oversaw the sustainment of aircraft, missiles, propulsion systems, and aerospace commodities—capabilities essential to American warfighters around the globe. Under his leadership, the center managed billions of dollars in equipment and infrastructure, all See HAWKINS, Page 14
Rock & Roll Christmas
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 26, 2025, Page 13
Rock & Roll Christmas
- Photos by Rose Lane
The Hickman Music School’s Christmas performance was a “Rock & Roll Christmas.” Above: Penny Bishop and Morgan Mankin rock out to “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Below: From left, Anderson Still, Eli Ikard, leader Kathryn Mosteller, James Rainbolt and Woods Rymer are busy building toys during “We are Santa’s Elves.”
Above: Matty Mankin and Lily Mlady get into the groove during a “Rock & Roll Christmas.”
At left: Miles Lankford takes his turn at the drums.
Below: Looking dapper in candy cane vests, twins George and James Katigan belt out “Santa’s Gonna rock.”
News
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, December 26, 2025, Page 14
HAWKINGS From Page 12
while supporting both legacy aircraft and next-generation weapons systems. Prior to commanding the Sustainment Center, Hawkins served as the senior logistician at Air Combat Command, where he shaped fleet readiness, strengthened infrastructure, and ensured forces could deploy anywhere in the world on short notice. He also commanded the Sustainment Center’s Ogden Air Logistics Complex in Utah, guiding one of the nation’s largest depots through significant improvements in efficiency, quality, and readiness for aircraft such as the F-35 and F-22. Earlier, at the United States Air Force Academy, he led the 10th Air Base Wing, overseeing daily operations for more than three thousand personnel. His earlier assignments were equally varied and influential deputy commander for maintenance at the Sustainment Center’s Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, maintenance officer for the Air Force Thunderbirds, and even Special Advisor for Defense Policy and Intelligence Programs to the Vice President of the United States. Each role added a different layer to his leadership and broadened the way he viewed service. Along the way, Hawkins was instrumental in advancing innovation across the Air Force’s sustainment and logistics enterprise. He championed efforts such as Global Enterprise Network for
Universal Sustainment (GENUS), a digital-engineering platform that connected sustainment operations across the Air Force, improving predictive maintenance and enterprise-wide decision-making. He also led the development of Forward Air Logistics Complex Operational Nodes (FALCON), a new logistics command model designed to improve agility, streamline supply-chain operations, and support rapid-response missions. Colleagues describe him as a leader who combines vision with humility, and discipline with compassion someone who believes deeply in empowering Airmen, strengthening teams, and holding fast to the ideals that make the profession of arms noble. For Hawkins, the military was never simply a career. It was a commitment to a set of values that transcend time: honor, duty, service, and sacrifice. Though his career has been marked by major achievements, he remains grounded in the belief that the real measure of service lies not in rank or ribbon, but in the impact one leaves behind. “A career of service doesn’t end when you take off the uniform,” he often reflects. “It becomes who you are. And I will always serve — in heart, in spirit, and in gratitude.” In an age where many search for purpose, Lt. General (ret) Stacey Hawkins stands as a powerful reminder that service rooted in character, integrity, and love of country, is still one of the greatest callings a person can answer.