Edmond Life and Leisure - May 25, 2023

In This Issue

FOUR SEASONS

New UCO leadership

Former Lt. Governor takes over July 1

A look at Edmond’s parks

See Page 13

After a national search, the Board of Regents for the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) has named Todd G. Lamb, J.D., the 22nd president of University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). Lamb will assume the presidency beginning July 1, 2023, replacing Andrew K. Benton, J.D., who was named interim president of UCO in January 2023.

Born in Enid, Oklahoma, Lamb earned his Bachelor of Arts from Oklahoma State University, having also attended a number of classes at UCO, and earned a Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University.

After beginning his career as an assistant to Governor of Oklahoma Frank Keating, Lamb entered the U.S. Secret Service where he served from 1998 to 2002. While with the Secret Service, Lamb was appointed to the Joint Terrorism Task Force, was an investigative lead for the 9/11 investigations and served on details protecting President George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton.

Following his tenure with the Secret Service, Lamb represented U.S. Senator Don Nickles as an agriculture field representative throughout northwest Oklahoma, after which he entered the private practice of law. While practicing law, Lamb was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate, where he represented the district in which a substantial portion of Edmond, Oklahoma, is located. Lamb served as a state senator from 2005 to 2011.

Following his service in the Oklahoma State Senate, Lamb was elected as the lieutenant governor of the State of Oklahoma, a position he held from 2011 to 2019. During his time at the Oklahoma Capitol as a senator and as the lieutenant governor, Lamb served in a number of leadership roles, focusing on educational, financial and commerce matters.

Upon reentering the private sector in 2019, Lamb has been involved in a number of private business ventures

and most recently reengaging in the private practice of law, focusing on business and governmental matters.

Lamb’s diverse background in government, law, financial management and industry will help guide UCO into the future, as a leading university in career readiness.

Lamb also brings an extensive background in situational assessment, risk management and crisis response from his service as a Secret Service agent. The knowledge gained and connections made during Lamb’s tenure with the Secret Service will strengthen UCO’s nationally recognized and respected W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute. Lamb is respected and supported by many who have helped build UCO.

“Todd Lamb is a hardworking and dedicated leader in our state,” said former UCO President Roger Webb.

“His ability to navigate complexities, inspire innovation and forge strong partnerships will be crucial in propelling the university toward a bright future.”

Lamb is the recipient of the Oklahoma State Regents Distinguished Service Award for his dedication to strengthening higher education in Oklahoma.

“Todd Lamb has been a consistent advocate for the needs of students throughout his tenure in the state Senate. His leadership during this difficult budget year was instrumental in providing an increase in funding for higher education, making a tuition freeze possible. Our state system of higher education is very grateful,” said then-Chancellor of Higher Education Glen D. Johnson

The RUSO Regents are resolute that Lamb is the right person for the job of creating a renaissance at UCO as the future of higher education evolves.

“Lamb’s experience in financial management will be an asset to the university’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and exploring new fundraising avenues,” said RUSO Board Chairperson Connie Reilly.

Four Seasons, by Kevin Box, in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. For more information, see page 4.

VIBES is back in downtown Edmond on evening of June 1

VIBES Edmond's First Thursday's June 1st event is presented by Nestle Purina and will feature 66+ Visual Artists and a performance by the “Pointe Painter” Autumn Klein.

Join us from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm to experience creativity throughout 15 blocks of Downtown Edmond. This month an all-time high number of Visual Artist are setting up to show and sell their artwork. Performances at the June event include the mesmerizing “Pointe Painter” Autumn Klein performing in the entrance of Festival Market from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm as well as the dance styles of The Groovemeant Community in the Vault 405 driveway.

If visual art is your thing, take your time browsing through the area and stopping inside the downtown Edmond businesses to see local favorites like Jim Weaver, Terry Clark, Polly Sharp, Cherie Hightower, Jerry Bergin and more. Multiple visual artists will be demonstrating their skills. Take time to ask them questions about their techniques and creative methods.

Are you the type that enjoys a patio and good tunes? Head to Frenzy Brewing to catch Jeff Dodgen, The Edmond Railyard to listen to Brandon Laib, The Icehouse to rock out with the Jeremy Rowe Band, or post up on the corner of 1st St. to hear the guitar guru himself, Edgar Cruz. VIBES features the most live music in Downtown Edmond than any other night!

Bringing the family? VIBES is ex-

cited to have several activities especially for the young creatives. Stop by Spinal Care to participate in their “Chalk Contest”, then head to the “VIBES Make & Take” table on the NW corner of Campbell to create your own masterpiece supported by the UCO Leadership Program. Don’t forget to patronize the awesome local restaurants like Othellos, The Mule, Empire Pizza, and more!

There is truly something for everyone at this free, family-friendly event. We can't wait to experience the magic in Downtown Edmond with you! Stay up to date on all the monthly features by following @Edmond_Vibes on Instagram or the www.edmondvibes.org website.

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

For more information about VIBES please, visit EdmondFineArts.com or call 405-340-4481.

The 2023 VIBES Season is made possible by Citizens Bank of Edmond, Mercy, Edmond Electric, Broadway Development Group, Empire Slice House, and other businesses that believe in the importance of access to creativity.

Engagement, Wedding notices

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

Shopper looking at Matthew Nelson’s artwork at 2022 VIBES event.

Photo by Eriech Tapia.

The origins of Memorial Day

“We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country, they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.”

– James A. Garfield, May 30, 1868, Arlington National Cemetery

Most of us view Memorial Day as nothing more than the start of summer activities. It is a kickoff to the next three months of vacations, swimming pools and taking a break in our busy lives. If you ask the questions about what Memorial Day really means, you might get a variety of answers that do not come close to the true reason Memorial Day was made a holiday and a time to remember.

Here is some information I hope you will share with your family this weekend. Please, enjoy your time together as a family and have fun. But, if you get a chance, try to share what is written below with your family around the picnic table. Take a break in your holiday fun to remind folks that there is a meaning to this day.

Perhaps you have a family member that died in battle, and this would be a great day to think of this fallen soldier. I was a young boy when my cousin was killed in Viet Nam. He was a U.S. Marine just like my dad and his death hit me hard. A few years ago, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame for his heroic service to the troops under his command. He was a recipient of the Silver Star. He saved many lives that day in the jungles, but it cost him his life. I try to take Memorial Day to remember him and his ultimate sacrifice.

Originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union sailors and soldiers. During that first national commemoration, former Union Gen. and sitting Ohio Congressman James Garfield made a speech at Arlington

National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who were buried there.

This national event galvanized efforts to honor and remember fallen soldiers that began with local observances at burial grounds in several towns throughout the United States following the end of the Civil War, such as the May 1, 1865, gathering in Charleston, South Carolina organized by freed slaves to pay tribute and give proper burial to Union troops.

In 1873, New York was the first state to designate Memorial Day as a legal holiday. By the late 1800s, many more cities and communities observed Memorial Day, and several states had declared it a legal holiday.

After World War I, it became an occasion for honoring those who died in all of America’s wars and was then more widely established as a national holiday throughout the United States.

In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act and established that Memorial Day was to be commemorated on the last Monday of May.

Memorial Day is commemorated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each

grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

To ensure the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed, and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.

Folks can be confused over the difference in Memorial Day compared to Veterans Day. Here is an explanation of the difference

Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces, particularly those who died in battle or because of wounds sustained in battle. In other words, the purpose of Memorial Day is to memorialize the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

You’ll find that some veterans find

it dismaying when they are thanked on this day. It’s a time remembering those who lost their lives and could not come home. We might consider how we can support and safeguard their grieving families and loved ones who are left behind, as well as reflecting on why we—the living—have the luxury and freedom that we enjoy today.

Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL who served in the United States Armed Forces—in wartime or peacetime—regardless of whether they died or survived. Veterans Day is always observed officially on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls.

Flying Old Glory

Flag etiquette on Memorial Day is unique. At sunrise, flags are to be raised to full staff briskly, then lowered to half-staff position, where they will remain until noon. See guidelines for flying the American Flag.

Traditionally, on Memorial Day (U.S.), volunteers often place small American flags on each grave site at national cemeteries. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time. Consider visiting a local cemetery to place flags; many organizations would be grateful for volunteers. Scouts have done this for decades here in Edmond.

Cities and towns across the United States host Memorial Day parades each year, often incorporating military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations. Some of the largest parades take place in Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C.

Americans also observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. Some people wear a red poppy in remembrance of those fallen in war—a tradition that began with a World War I poem. I remember when in elementary school we would cut out red poppies to commemorate those that died in World War I. I am guessing that they do not do that anymore. Someone please let me know if they do.

On a less somber note, many people take weekend trips or throw parties and barbecues on the holiday, perhaps because Memorial Day weekend — the long weekend comprising the Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day and Memorial Day itself. There are so many great traditions that take place on Memorial Day. Please continue them and have fun but if you can, take time to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.

(Ray Hibbard may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)

“Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper.

Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.

Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011.

Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable.

visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.

Ray Hibbard

Youth Leadership graduates

Class XXI of Youth Leadership Edmond (YLE) graduated on April 18, 2023 at the Edmond Public Schools Board of Education. The class voted on speakers for the evening. Anna Degraffenreid, Oklahoma Christian School lead the invocation and Kyle Nguyen, Edmond Memorial High School lead the Flag Salute. Madison Adkins, Edmond Santa Fe High School Madison recognized the sponsor and – Mia Lewallen, Edmond North High School recognized the volunteers. MeKinley Brooks, Edmond Memorial High School; Ariyanna Underwood, Edmond Santa Fe High School; and Damien Guo, Edmond North High School served as class speakers. Youth Leadership Edmond is put on by the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce and is designed to enable high school juniors the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, gain a broader perspective of the issues in their city, introduce them to career paths in the Edmond community and take an active role in improving their community by introducing them to volunteer opportunities. The program meets once a month from November to April. Class XXI is hosted by the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce

and presented by Francis Tuttle Technology Center.

YLE class members are area High School Juniors who reside in the Edmond city limits and/or the Edmond Public School District and attend Edmond Public Schools, private schools, or who are home schooled.

Class XXI graduates includes the following students from Edmond Memorial: Fawwaz Ayodele, Bennett Bickle, MeKinley Brooks, Lorelei Cash, Claire Cornmesser, Kaitlyn Cotton, Madison Dolan, Claire McKinnon, Kyle Nguyen, Cooper Praytor, Jaclyn Pruitt, Nathaniel Stephens and Caroline Wofford.

Edmond North High School Students are: Victoria Brazil, Grant Donovan, JD Evans, Damien Guo, PeightonHarak, Evelyn Hrencher, Mia Lewallen, Pressly Morrison, Kate Pollot, Anna Rainwater, Abbie Randol, Inara Ukawuba, Carson Wallace and Reagan Wood.

Students from Edmond Santa Fe High School include: Madison Adkins, Grace Lin, Varsha Nair, Alexia Pham, Sameeha Sajid, Katarina Samwel, Ariyanna Underwood and Gabrielle Whitfield. Students from Oklahoma Christian School: Riley Collins, Anna Degraffenreid and Anna Moore.

Obituary notice

Jimmie L. Burrow Shadid Brown

Born December 19, 1923, in Lindsay, Oklahoma to Sam and Meddie (Allison) Burrow. Attended school in Fox, Oklahoma before moving to Arcadia, Oklahoma in 1936. Moved to Spencer, Oklahoma in 1940 and graduated from Jones, Oklahoma High School in 1942. Employed at Wilson Co. until married to Coy Shadid on May 15, 1946. To this union two sons were born, Randel Coy Shadid and Barry Lee Shadid, both of Edmond, Oklahoma.

Coy and Jimmie opened a ladies’ dress shop in Altus, Oklahoma named Randel’s in 1949 and retired, selling the business in 1980. In Altus, Jimmie was an active member in the First Baptist Church, Beta Sigma Phi social sorority and volunteer at the Altus hospital. Jimmie and Coy moved to Edmond in 1994. After Coy’s death in 1999, Jimmie married high school friend, Rev. Roy Brown in 2005. Roy passed away on October 18, 2009. Jimmie was an avid traveler in the US, in Europe and on cruises and loved volunteering at Hopefully Yours in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Jimmie was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Geraldine and Louise (Dale) Bloyd, husbands Coy Shadid and Roy Brown. She is survived by sons Randel and wife Dana Shadid, Barry and wife Dorene Shadid, grandchildren Jerame and Jerod Shadid, Jennifer Paxton, Chris and Julie Whitaker and great grandchildren Azure and Ryder Paxton and Lexie Akers and Adelyn Whitaker. Also survived by Roy Brown’s three daughters and many of their children and grandchildren. Instead of flowers, it would be greatly appreciated if memorials would be made to Boys Ranch in Edmond, Oklahoma, or the Hope Center of Edmond.

Youth Leadership Edmond (YLE) graduates

(Editor’s Note: The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law. Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.)

May 2

Daniel Gallegos-Vargas, 18 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or a combination of schedule I chemical or controlled substance.

Shahnetfa R. Tel Green, 32 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Georgina Rios, 22 of Oklahoma City. Operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license and possess CDS.

May 3

Trinity Renee Sisk, 20 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

Leasha Gail Short, 48 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Cody Friderich Bouge, 24 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .,08 or above.

Santiago Kareem Rubio, 31 of Edmond. Domestic abuse assault (strangulation).

May 4

Paul Anthony Younger, 64 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Lisa Kay Ranee Gifford, 31 of Oklahoma City. A felony warrant and three misdemeanor warrants.

Courtney Dae Curtis, 29 of Moore Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

May 5

Douglas Eugene Pfaff, 60 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant.

Terri Dawn Cleverly, 41 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Bennie Williams IV, 37 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Alfred Rene Coderre III, 25 of Oklahoma City. No proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Christina Kay Jones, 39 homeless. Possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Chad Louis Maxwell, 55 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.

Christopher Michael Hutchison, 43 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Aubree Daegan Augusta, 38 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

May 6

Aubrey Lee Brumlow, 52 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.

Jacob Brent Ward, 26 homeless. Public intoxication.

Booke Ashley Schneberger, 26 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Isaiah Joseph McGhee, 21 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Jacob James Ross, 19 of Edmond. Minor – intoxicating beverage – possession by person under 21 and under 21 – operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance.

Brittany Ann Bridges, 33 of Edmond. Child abuse neglect.

Bryan Todd Bridges, 39 of Edmond. Child abuse neglect.

Kimberley Ann Titus, 55 of Crescent. (Misdemeanor first and second offense) larceny of mer-

chandise from retailer and (misdemeanor value) obtaining by false pretenses by trick or deception.

Devante Eric Forbes, 30 homeless. Public intoxication.

May 7

Travis Don Horton, 29 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.

Letha Lee Davis, 58 of Gig Harbor, Wash. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more and failure to stop – accidents involving damage to a vehicle.

Michael William Miller, 22 of Guthrie. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of.08 or more.

Helen Renee Hearon, 52 of Oklahoma City. Possess CDS, (misdemeanor first and second offenses) larceny of merchandise from a retailer and a misdemeanor warrant.

Teresa Anne Wendt, 64 of El Reno. Misdemeanor warrant.

Blake Tyler Evans, 24 of Edmond. Trespassing after being warned.

Matthew Ryan McCarter, 46 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

May 8

Andy Doyle Jones, 28 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Joshua Mark Rutter, 46 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Mark Ronald Robbins, 36 homeless. Possess drug paraphernalia, felony warrant, possess CDS and obstruction of police officer.

Griffin Tyler Fife, 22 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Kristi Jean Meierhoff, 41 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Samson Dane Elliot, 24 of McLoud. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Joshua Louis Whitener, 37 of Guthrie. Two counts of failure to appear.

Kristobal Angelo Ortiz, 26 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

May 9

Colby David Puckett, 35 of Edmond. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

May 10

Tahliq Ahmir Jackson, 21 of Guthrie. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Paige Marie Singer, 22 of Moore. Public intoxication.

Christopher James Day, 26 of Edmond. Felony warrant

Mekayla Marie Brock, 29 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Tina Lynn Hiel, 58 of Edmond. Shoplifting.

Jennifer Joy Todd, 44 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.

Christopher Lloyd Smith Jr., 48 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

May 11

Bobby Joe Wyble, 35 of Del City. (Lawful access but misappropriated) unauthorized use of vehicle or implement of husbandry and a felony warrant.

Laura Elizabeth Ellis, 37 of Clinton. A misdemeanor warrant and a felony warrant.

Gabriel Majaliwa Gregory, 21 of Oklahoma CIty. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more and

three counts of failure to appear.

Joseph Amadore Placker, 34 of Edmond. Obstruction of a police officer and false personation of another.

Brandon Duane Buser, 25 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Dylan Leroy Turner, 23 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC.

Eulalia Ann Smith, 47 of Edmond. A misdemeanor warrant and four felony warrants.

Alexa Symone Bryant, 33 of Midwest City. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana dn driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Aurion Damon Jackson, 20 homeless. Shoplifting and two counts of failure to appear.

May 12

James Tyler Mathis, 31 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Mukam Awasthi, 24 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana and shoplifting.

Summer Anne Mosley, 37 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Steven James McAlister, 40 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Blake Tyker Evans, 24 of Edmond. Petty larceny and public intoxication.

May 13

Blake Lance Schrick, 38 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Yumekia Victoria Ann McFall, 33 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Chad Carl Pierson, 51 of Oklahoma City. Leaving scene of accident, damaged fixtures and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Michelle Shayrela Chi, 21 homeless. Felony warrant

Travis Don Horon, 29 homeless. Possession of marijuana and trespassing after being warned.

Edwin Alfonso Yojcom Carrera 37 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Roy Lee Campbell, 37 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

May 14

Xavier Deangelo Thomas, 19 of Oklahoma City. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and operating a motor vehicle with no valid driver’s license.

Ronnie Lynn Rodgers, 35 of Oklahoma City. Possess firearm after conviction of a felony, trafficking in illegal drugs, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

Mary Elizabeth Williamson, 40 of Bethany. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Melvin Matthew Cunningham, 39 of Edmond. Public intoxication and transporting open container alcoholic beverage.

Jualacy Chrisandra Whitley, 34 of Oklahoma City. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer, misdemeanor warrant and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Talmadge Lamar Smith, 42 of Edmond. (Felony) domestic abuse assault & battery and three counts of failure to appear.

Takara Akeda Elix, 35 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Stephon Trent Vick, 24. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more and transpot open container of intoxicating beverage or beer.

New law will notify residents on nearby prisoner escapes

Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, commented on the governor signing into law a bill that creates an Orange Alert to notify residents in close proximity of a correctional facility in the event of a prisoner escape.

House Bill 1546 directs the Oklahoma Department of Corrections to develop an Orange Alert communication system at each correctional facility in the state to notify any resident within a 40-mile radius of the facility when a prisoner has escaped. The legislation was drafted by Katie Edelen, a high school senior from Arapaho-Butler Public Schools –a constituent in Moore's House District 57.

"This is phenomenal work by a young woman who took a frightening personal experience and turned it into a law that will better protect all Oklahomans" Moore said. "I am so proud of Katie's courage, insight and leadership on this important issue. Residents deserve to know if their lives are

in danger, and this alert will help protect their safety."

Moore explained that Edelen's family lived through a frightening situation in which her aunt, Jamie Allen, was kidnapped by escaped inmates.

After that experience, Edelen attended "Capitol Camp" last summer. The program, held at the State Capitol, is hosted by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau for high school FFA and 4-H students. The goal is to help students learn about the legislative process and how bills become laws. During the camp, Edelen drafted the proposed legislation.

"I am excited to know that the Orange Alert is becoming a law," Edelen said. "I hope that with this bill I can keep everyone more safe and maybe potentially save a life."

Allen related her experience and her gratitude toward her niece for creating and pursuing the Orange Alert legislation.

On March 12, 2006, one of the first things I saw when I opened my front door was orange jumpsuit pants. That signaled forever change in my life," Allen said. "Katie Sue's work on and the passing of the Orange Alert signals another forever change for Oklahomans. Katie Sue has brought a ray of sunshine to a dark situation. Although many positive things have come from what happened to me that day, I never want anyone else to have to travel through it. The Orange Alert will help raise awareness to ensure that it doesn't happen to anyone else. Genesis 50:20 says 'As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.'"

Moore said the alert created in HB1546 would work similar to Amber Alerts that people receive on their cell phones.

Weekend calendar, May 25--28

What’s Happening

This Weekend May 25 — 28

In the Gallery

---- Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit

---- Unveiled: Edmond’s Bridal Fashion

1875 ---- 2020

---- Farmer’s Market

---- Frenzy in May

---- UCO Jazz Lab Events in May ---- Live Music at Round Midnight ---- Beginners Pickleball Club ---- World Championship Junior

Rodeo

---- Mountain Bike Ride ---- Pups on the Patio

Signature Tour ---- Annual Chuck Wagon Festival

---- OKC Broadway presents: Hamilton

Paseo Arts Festival

---- Beats & Bites Festival

---- Make Ready Market

Extra Information

In the Gallery

Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute

Extra Info: Featuring the art of Jack Fowler; edmondfinearts.com

Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit

Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum

Extra Info: Wed, Oct 5 – Thu, Aug 31, 2023; edmondhistory.org

Unveiled: Edmond’s Bridal

Fashion 1875 – 2020

Location: Edmond History Museum

Extra Info: Wed, Mar 1 – Fri, Dec 1; visitedmondok.com

Farmer’s Market

Location: Festival Market Place and Farmers Market

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 15 – Sat, Oct 28; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.gov

Frenzy in May

Edmond girls named Girl Scouts

Western Okla. Gold Award winners

Location: Frenzy Brewing Company

Extra Info: Fri, May 26: John the Franklin @ 8 p.m.; Fri, May 27: Kennedy Fine @ 7:30 p.m.; frenzybrewing.com

UCO Jazz Lab Events in May

Location: University of Central Oklahoma – UCO Jazz Lab

Extra Info: Sat, May 27: Miss Brown to You @ 8 p.m.; $15; ucojazzlab.com

Live Music at Round Midnight

Location: Round Midnight

Extra Info: Thu, May 25: Vintage

Vinyl; Fri, May 26: Naomi Wharry; Sat, May 27: Noah Engh; 7 – 10 p.m.; Free; facebook.com

Beginners Pickleball Club

Location: Kickingbird Pickleball Center

Extra Info: Sat, May 6 – Sat, Dec 30; 8 – 10:30 a.m.; Free; edmondok.com

World Championship Jr. Rodeo

Location: Lazy E Arena

Extra Info: Thu, May 25 – Mon, May 29; lazye.com

Mountain Bike Ride

Location: Arcadia Lake

Extra Info: Fri, May 26; 5 p.m. Free; arcadialakeok.com

Pups on the Patio

Location: American Solera – Icehouse

Project

Extra Info: Sat, May 27; 1 – 2:30 p.m.; Free; facebook.com

Signature Tour

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sat, May 27 – Sun, May 28; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Upcoming charitable art auction

OK: From June 5th through June 15th, Daily Living Centers will be hosting a silent Art Auction at their Edmond, Bethany, and South Oklahoma City Centers. Additional artwork will be posted on Daily Living Center’s Facebook Page for those who wish to participate online.

The proceeds of this event will go towards a challenge grant from the Carl C. Anderson Sr. and Marie Jo Anderson Charitable Foundation, who generously pledged to match fundraising efforts up to $15,000 for activities and programming.

“I feel excited that we get to create different types of art to show people what we do here,” said Brent, a Daily Living Centers participant. “I made two diamond artworks for the auction. I would just love for somebody to purchase them because I worked very hard on them. Art has been an outlet for me.”

“Art therapy is a fundamental part of our programming here at Daily Living Centers because it fosters independence and creates purpose. We are so grateful for this opportunity from the Anderson Charitable Foundation and are excited to showcase our participants’ creativity,” said Amanda Dirmeyer, Daily Living Centers President, and CEO.

For more information regarding the online and in-person silent art auctions, please contact Ragan Franklin at (405) 792-2401 or check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/dailylivingcenters.

About Daily Living Centers:

Since 1974, Daily Living Centers (DLC) has provided rest and hope for caregivers. They are Oklahoma’s first and leading non-profit adult day provider for senioradults and adults with disabilities ages 18 and older. There are three locations that offer nonresidential affordable day services for over 200 participants 246 days a year in an environment that enhances mind, body, and spirit. While attending DLC “participants” enjoy healthy meals, exercise programs, socialization, activities, and outings that meet their individual needs.

They have a fleet of vehicles including limos and wheelchair accessible vans that provide door-to-door transportation and med rides. Many of the participants have physical and/or mental limitations or suffer from isolation and depression. Common diagnoses found in those DLC serve include dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson's, stroke, traumatic brain injury, autism, Down Syndrome, and other developmental disabilities.

Police to try license tag program

This summer the Edmond Police Department will conduct a 60-day Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) pilot program.

The camera system, made by Flock Safety, is designed to capture license plates, and vehicle characteristics, rather than people or faces. When a stolen or wanted vehicle is detected, a real-time alert is sent to law enforcement. Law enforcement will also receive alerts if a vehicle is associated with a wanted person, missing person or an AMBER or Silver Alert.

There will be 10 ALPR cameras installed within the next six to eight weeks around the city of Edmond in strategic areas. Edmond Officers will

not only have access to these 10 cameras but can also connect and collaborate with other agencies that use the Flock system.

Flock Safety, a public safety technology company, helps communities and law enforcement work together to solve and reduce crime.

The Edmond Police Department will maintain department guidelines and provide officers with updates and training on proper use of the Flock System. Each search requires justification, and the data is never sold or shared with third parties.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about this system can visit https://www.flocksafety.com

Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma has named its 2023 Gold Award recipients. Adriana Del Rio and Tessavale Fasching of Edmond are two of 12 Girl Scouts recognized for their outstanding leadership and community impact achieved through a hands-on project.

Del Rio’s project focuses on concerns related to the wildlife habitat at Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City. She worked with the National Resources Conservation Service to create safer wildlife habitats for the Texas Horned Lizard, a species living near the gravel trails at Tinker. NRSC will help sustain the project by monitoring the intentional spaces Del Rio created.

Fasching’s project focused on trail upgrades at Arcadia Lake in Edmond. She performed cleanup at the trails, repainted signs, published a trail book online and created a scavenger hunt for hikers. Several school and church groups have enlisted in ongoing efforts to maintain the trails Fasching improved.

Each year, hundreds of Girl Scouts across the country learn important life skills when completing their Gold Awards.

“The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn. It acknowledges the commitment behind each recipient’s dedication to not only empowering herself but also making the world better for others, one community at a time,” said Janienne Bella, CEO of Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma.

“Gold Award Girl Scouts are leaders who

identify solutions to shared problems. It shows colleges and employers that Girl Scouts change the world, wherever they go from here.”

According to the or-

ganization’s statistics, Girl Scouts are more likely than non-Girl Scouts to graduate from college, take on leadership roles and engage in community service activities.

Adriana Del Rio Tessavale Fasching

Researchers say hope on horizon for RSV vaccine

Controlling a sometimes-deadly respiratory virus is a step closer to reality following U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of the first preventive vaccine for older adults, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientists say.

The FDA this month approved a vaccine to prevent respiratory syncytial virus, better known as RSV, in people aged 60 and older. The vaccine is made by the British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to follow the FDA’s approval, clearing the way for RSV vaccines for older adults to be available in the U.S. this fall. Drugmakers Pfizer and Moderna are also in the late stages of developing RSV vaccines, including one for pregnant women.

“This is a major step, and even more progress against this virus appears to be on the horizon,” said OMRF physician-scientist Hal Scofield, M.D. “RSV annually kills thousands of seniors in the U.S. and has recently played a big part in stressing global health care systems, so this first vaccine approval is welcome news.”

RSV typically produces a cold-like illness, but it can cause lower respiratory infections like bronchiolitis and pneumonia. At greatest risk of RSV complications are older adults with chronic lung or heart disease, those with weakened immune systems, and young children. Scofield said the virus is

“woefully underdiagnosed” in adults.

The CDC estimates that RSV leads to more than 60,000 hospitalizations and over 6,000 deaths among adults 65 years and older annually.

According to GSK, in a clinical trial of 25,000 adults, its vaccine was more than 94% effective in preventing severe RSV.

GSK’s shot involves technology dating to the 1980s. Called a recombinant subunit vaccine, it is used in numerous immunizations, including those for hepatitis B and whooping cough.

OMRF scientist Susan Kovats, Ph.D., studies RSV. She is working to understand why the virus impacts children more frequently, with more than 2 million outpatient visits for children under age 5 annually, but generally hits older adults harder. The work is setting the stage for better treatments and will aid in vaccine design.

“There seems to be a correlation between virus load and age,” she said. “The preliminary data in our models of older adults shows that the older you are, the harder it is to eliminate the virus.”

Scofield and Kovats said the approval of the first vaccine for RSV is good news, as long as those eligible take advantage.

“Time will tell how widespread uptake of the vaccine will be,” said Scofield, “But for older adults most at risk of a bad outcome from RSV, I hope that getting vaccinated when it becomes will be an easy decision.”

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Susan Kovats, Ph.D.

Lankford outlines wasteful spending

The government is not always wise stewards of our money

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced the Senate to the latest edition of his government waste book: Federal Fumbles: Ways the Federal Government Dropped the Ball. In volume 7 of the book, Lankford outlines numerous examples of waste and head-scratching spending the government has undertaken. In total, Fumbles highlights almost half-a-trillion dollars in misspent federal money, including on wine trails in Napa Valley, the effect of climate change on driving conditions in Ghana, and preserving a secret French butcher language.

Transcript Debt is front and center in the national conversation again. It's entirely reasonable. We have a debt ceiling conversation right now about America taking care of our debts and our responsibilities, which we are a responsible nation, we're going to do. But we should also have a grown-up conversation about our spending, to say: are we spending on our priorities, because when you have $31 trillion—actually let me scratch that—$31.4 trillion because $400 billion is not a rounding error, $31.4 trillion in total national debt, we should pay attention to this especially when we're currently adding $1 trillion in new debt every single year, and it continues to accelerate.

Recently someone asked me: when does it get hard? When do we pass the point? And I actually had to painfully say to them: 10 years ago, because in the last 10 years our debts continued to accelerate like a rock rolling downhill, and it's going to be harder to manage this. And at some point, we've got to be able to stop and say inflation’s going up, the challenges that are in our economy are increasing, we're spending almost as much on interest as we are on defense. At what point do we stop and say: we've got to be able to fix this?

Well, I have a perspective. The first step on actually talking about debt and deficit is taking it seriously and saying: what are we spending on that's a priority and what are we spending on that's not a priority? Again, it's not unreasonable to be able to say that’d be nice to do, but we don't have the money to do that. Let's set that aside. And for whatever reason in this town, any time you talk about reducing spending of whatever percentage or whatever amount, everyone freaks out immediately like ‘Oh you can’t. There is no way you can reduce spending in government.”

So, we started seven years ago a habit of our staff, that we produce a book called Federal Fumbles. Every we are we put out the Federal Fumbles guide, and that's just a set of ideas to say these are areas that we believe the federal government’s dropped the ball, that the federal government and our agencies, we had a responsibility to handle American taxpayer dollars prudently and wisely, but that didn't happen.

So we ask the question: is this really what we need to spend for? In a nation that's keeping up with our infrastructure, of our national defense, of education, of so many different expenses, and things that are truly governmental, we ask the simple question: with $31.4 trillion in total debt, is that what we need to spend our dollars on?

Now just to set context because again this is difficult to be able to do, when you talk about millions and billions and trillions, it gets easy to go, ‘Those all sound alike, so they're similar.’ And so people throw out millions of dollars or billions of dollars or trillions of dollars, and you just think, ‘Okay, I don't even understand what this is anymore.’ So I break it down as I have in the past. I break it down to seconds because that's something I can understand.

A million seconds is 12 days—12 days. That's a million seconds. A billion seconds is 32 years. Okay? So there's a big difference between a million and a billion. 12 days and 32 years. A trillion seconds is almost 32,000 years.

So let me knock that past us again. A million seconds is 12 days. A billion seconds: 32 years. A trillion seconds, al-

most 32,000 years. And to put this into the context of $31.4 trillion in total debt, that is 995,000 years, almost a million years of seconds to get to $31.4 trillion.

The numbers here are large, and they're overwhelming. So, again, why don't we talk about ways that we can actually save money. In my reasonable conversation with Federal Fumbles every year, is just to say let's talk about it. Is this really how we want to be able to spend Americans’ taxpayer dollars?

We’ve set up a top 10 list that we listed out some of the things that we just say, okay, of the 50 different examples, we don't try to go into every spending area but lay out in the guide 50 different examples and ask the question: is this the best way to spend Americans’ dollars? And again we've all got different perspectives on it. I'm just asking the question.

For instance, last year the State Department did a grant to Ecuador to host 12 drag shows in Ecuador with American tax dollars. Now you may have different opinions in this room on drag shows. I'm just asking the simple question: is the best use of American tax dollars to actually fund drag shows in Ecuador with US tax dollars? I don't believe that it is.

Last year, we actually did a different funding through the State Department that was… actually this was the National Science Foundation. Excuse me, strike that. It seems like a State Department thing. The National Science Foundation last year did a study of butterflies in Europe. So we funded with American taxpayer dollars a butterfly study in Germany where we paid a Swedish scientist to study butterflies in Germany. I'm not real sure why American tax dollars, that was the best use of that, but that was one of the grants done last year.

Last year there was an NEA grant that was done to set up a display in Brooklyn for the Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, which by the way is not even an American band, and I’m not sure why we had to pay federal tax dollars to be able to do that. My simple question as always: why are tax dollars being taken out of Oklahoma to be able to do that?

Always popular, we had an almost, well, $350,000 grant to study smart toilets was one of the grants that we actually paid for with our federal tax dollars last year.

We also had a grant that was done studying colonial Mexican soundscapes. Now I'm sure colonial Mexican soundscapes are fascinating, but we paid for a researcher to travel to Mexico and then to be able to write a series about the sounds of colonial Mexico and how they could be used to be able to influence communities.

We, last year did a study on helmets and seat belts in Ghana to be able to study whether seat belts and helmets were effective for saving lives in Ghana.

Can I just go ahead and answer that question for free? Seat belts and helmets are a good idea. They save lives. Free, I can go ahead and give you that advice. How do you know that? Because we've already spent millions of dollars in other studies here in the United States, but instead we spent money in Ghana studying helmets to see if they're actually a good idea there, and amazingly they discovered, yes, they are.

There was also a grant that was done last year—I’ve got to just walk this one through. This was at the Springfield Museum of Art in Missouri. There was a grant on a display, an installation, an exhibit in a museum called Yoko Ono Mends Peace. Now let me just read this to you. It's a simple white room where shattered cups and saucers are placed on a table, and participants are asked to mend the fragments together using common household items like twine, glue, scissors and tape, and the resulting works are displayed on nearby shelves as evidence of the power of collective action. Again, I’m not opposed to fixing broken saucers in a public place and displaying them. All I’m asking is why did Oklahomans work overtime last year to pay their tax bill to fund doing the Yoko Ono white room where people fixed broken saucers? I don't have a good answer for that yet by the way. I’m still trying to be able to get that.

If you like wine country, great, you helped pay for it. One of the highest-income areas in the world is Napa Valley, California—one of the highest income areas in the entire world. The good folks of Oklahoma helped pay for a wine pedestrian trail through Napa Valley, because apparently Napa Valley didn't have enough cash to be able to pay for the eight-mile walking trail through wine country, some of the most expensive real estate in the entire world. So the taxpayers in Oklahoma

had to pay for that wine country tour trail.

If you like traveling to Hawaii, enjoy the trip. When you get there, if you go to a farmer's market, you’ll find out that you helped pay for that farmer's market because the farmer's market paid $3.4 million to be able to fund the farmer's market.

If you go to New York City and pay for a very high-dollar ticket to get into a private location in the Metropolitan Opera to be able to watch the opera. You will feel safer, I’m sure, when you go to the Metropolitan Opera because almost three-quarters of a million dollars was given to the Metropolitan Opera in New York to help them install a new fire suppression system with federal tax dollars.

If you like traveling to Paris and you go to a butcher shop in Paris, you may be fascinated to know since the 13th century, apparently butchers in Paris have come up with their own private language. It’s like a super, secret private language in Paris. Fascinating for the French is study, but unfortunately, the Americans taxpayers paid for a study of French butchers’ private language for fear that it is diminishing and fading away. So the American tax dollars paid for this study in France to study the secret language of butchers in Paris. Can't tell you why.

You may know the story of the—let me see if I can pull this out—the Parable of the Sower. It’s a very famous, biblical story, the Parable of the Sower. Well, this particular version of the Parable of the Sower was actually little bit different. What your tax dollars paid for is actually an event that was done to teach climate futurism and to be able to use the Parable of the Sower from the Bible but to reteach a new religion called Earthseed using the biblical story of the Parable of the Sower in talking about humanity's destiny to be able to leave Earth for other planets.

Sen. Lankford

By Steve Gust

I wish Todd Lamb all the success in the world as he prepares to lead the University of Central Oklahoma as president.

It can’t be an easy job. In fact, much of leadership isn’t.

I wrote a column once about all the jobs people believe they can handle. Those included being a head football coach of a major college program and raising other people’s children.

You can add politician to that list as well. It can be argued that the college president isn’t a political office. But in reality it is. Lamb will be dealing with a lot of political issues as he guides UCO.

Still the critics will be around.

Anytime you make decisions, there are people who disagree.

On a much smaller scale, I remember when I led my college fraternity. My early ideas got some blowback from some of the guys. I was surprised. I asked a past president about it. He set me straight right away. He told me to get rid of the idea that I was going to make everyone happy all the time. That’s just the way it is, he told me. And he was right. Not everyone can agree and they usually

aren’t shy about telling you all about it either

Before I came to Edmond, I worked in a town that had a steady turnover of city managers.

It seemed like as soon as one was hired, political factions and alliances would immediately start to form to challenge the city manager on almost every issue.

It made for some dandy copy from city council meetings. At the same time, it was kind of sad to have all the bickering and rancor.

There’s something about the human condition, which seems to gravitate toward criticism. In a way, that is not all bad. I don’t think I want to live in a society, in which everything is rubber stamped and everyone agrees with those in charge. There are places where people don’t argue much. One of those places is called Communist Cuba.

Many issues need to be challenged. It’s tough in D.C. where people have practically made arguing hand-to-hand combat.

I guess the bottom line is that officials should know they’re prime for criticism. Hopefully that criticism can be done respectfully. But sadly, not everyone sees it that way.

Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, and Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, along with legislators from across the state, filed a concurrent resolution on Thursday to defund any state-funded institutions of higher education that do not immediately eliminate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) from every vestige of their institution.

“DEI is better understood by the taxpayers of Oklahoma as Divide, Exclude and Indoctrinate, and is in opposition to the principle of equality and the closely held beliefs that reflect the overwhelming majority of taxpaying Oklahomans,” Standridge said. “If our universities and colleges funded all or in part by the hard work of Oklahomans do not immediately eliminate every bit of DEI within their institutions their funding should be cut and all investments made by taxpayers on their campuses should be repossessed to be used by an alternative education entity that will respect the beliefs and principles of those who pay for such.”

Senate Concurrent Resolution 12 would direct state funded Oklahoma universities and colleges to immediately discontinue and disband their DEI

programs in whole.

“Our colleges are constantly discriminating against, shaming and shunning any students that do not tow the DEI and leftist line,” Humphrey said. “This must stop immediately. Taxpayers are sick of learning from their children about sexual indoctrination, racist practices and blatant indoctrination into worldly leftist beliefs being pushed by their chosen college and will not stand for this any longer.”

“It is as if our universities believe they have gotten so much smarter than everyone else that they can ignore the equality guaranteed in our Constitution,” said Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow. “Why they would return to new racism to make up for past racism makes no sense and just punishes innocent young students. We look forward to when our colleges return from institutions of indoctrination back to institutions of higher learning

———

The full Senate gave final approval to legislation last week to ensure Oklahomans have access to mental and behavioral health care in a timely and more affordable manner. Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, authored Senate Bill 254, requiring insurers to arrange such care quickly with an out-of-network provider if such care is unavailable innetwork.

“In a mental health crisis, getting proper care can be a matter of life and death. This will require insurers to help patients arrange mental health care when they can’t find timely services on their own,” Garvin said. “This reform will make sure Oklahomans can get the help they need quickly and without the higher costs associated with out-of-network care. This will make Oklahoma a leader in mental health care.”

Under the measure, should a patient not be able to find the necessary innetwork mental and behavioral health care, the insurer will be required to arrange the necessary care out-of-network. The bill prohibits costs for outof-network care from being passed on to the patient outside of their normal deductible and copay. Each health plan will also be required to have a documented procedure to assist a plan member in accessing out-of-network behavioral health care. It further allows the Oklahoma Insurance Department to see the procedure if they have to investigate an instance of a failure to ensure coverage.

Uplifting Oklahomans in foster care

By Sen. Markwayne Mullin

Please join me in recognizing and honoring May as National Foster Care Awareness Month.

God has blessed Christie and me with six wonderful children who are the pride and joy of our lives. We often say when it comes to our kids, ‘three came natural, and three we chose,’ meaning that three of our children came into our family through the blessing of adoption. Our hearts have only gotten bigger with the addition of Jayce, and our twin girls Ivy and Lynette.

Every child in America deserves a safe and loving home, and I am dedicated to walking alongside Oklahoma’s children and families to ensure a happy, healthy, and stable future for all in foster care.

The United States currently has 391,000 children in the foster care system, and out of that large number, around 6,552 are local to Oklahoma, and 449 are without a current foster care placement. There’s no question that each of these children deserve a caring family that prioritizes their safety and development. As a member of the Senate Foster Youth Caucus, I’m working across the aisle to improve the

quality of life of children, teens, and young adults in the foster care system, and aid those who are aging out of the system and face additional challenges.

I could not be more grateful for the Oklahomans who have made this their lives work. I was thrilled to spend the afternoon with the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Oklahoma City (CASA) recently at their annual clay shoot in support of CASA’s mission to train volunteers to advocate for the best interests of foster youth. To our CASA

to the Editor policy

trainers and volunteers – thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I also offer my most profound appreciation to the 4,560 approved foster homes across the state. We recognize and value you; we can’t thank you enough for your contribution to the foster care system. I know it’s not always easy, but your perseverance and selflessness does not go unnoticed.

For children and young adults in the foster care system, each day is an uphill battle, and my greatest hope is that together we can lessen the challenges they face. While these children have experienced immense adversity, they are resilient. Youth in foster care are our future leaders, world changers, educators, and neighbors – beloved by God with endless capabilities. Support from their neighbors, community members, and representatives is the first step in helping them to succeed.

U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) is a successful business owner and working cow-calf rancher serving Oklahoma on the Armed Services; Environment and Public Works; Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; and Indian Affairs Committees. He is an enrolled member of Cherokee Nation and is the first Tribal citizen to serve in the U.S. Senate in nearly two decades.

For easy cooking, little things mean a lot

By Carol Smaglinski

Did you ever wonder why things happen the way they do, especially in an ordinary kitchen? Well, let's be frank…I do too.

For example:

***Here comes trouble! When you measure dry ingredients such as sugar or a cup of flour for bread or biscuits, it is best to use a metal measuring cup with a flat handle. Fill it up, then with a knife, sweep it off so the top is level. The recipe will be screwed up if you just fill up the cup randomly.

***The longer a stock gently simmers, the more the flavor develops.

That could mean up to three hours while you watch a couple of TV episodes. No boiling, as a boiling stock recirculates impurities and the stock will be cloudy. Skim off those impurities as they rise to the top.

***Want better French toast? Start with dry bread by putting the bread in a 300-degree oven for a few minutes and the finished product will not be soggy. Only use yolks for better flavor and soak the bread in a flat dish for just 20 seconds on each side.

**Grab a can of Navy Beans for a good side at dinner. Early in the 29th century, it acquired the name because they were a staple food for the U.S. Navy.

***Ever wonder why (in a high-dollar restaurant) when the head chef comes out after cooking all night, the chef’s coat is not covered in grease and bits and pieces of flying food? Well, the front of the jacket is reversible and he or she can wear the clean side over the grease-spotted side. The jacket is constructed with a double-layer of heavy cotton protecting against splatters. Plus, there’s no buttons, but cloth toggles, as buttons can pop off into the soup if the chef has put on a few extra pounds testing recipes lately. Also, many chef coats and jackets are double-breasted and the front easily switches to conceal

spills or stains.

***Split those English muffins apart before freezing. ‘Nuf said.

***If you have had trouble getting those muffins out of the pan because they are stuck, then turn the pan on its side and carefully pull them out as they slide out in one piece.

***Need some minced garlic for a pesto with no delay? Chop some garlic and then sprinkle with coarse sea salt such as kosher. Drag a chef's knife over the mixture a few times and sure enough, you will have a smooth paste.

***Confused about correct wine

temperatures? Keep white wine under refrigeration and remove 30 minutes before serving. Place red varieties in the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving.

***When cooking pasta, use four quarts of water for each pound of pasta allowing plenty of room for the pasta to move.

PDQ Tomato Sauce

Makes about 6 servings

1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

2 large garlic cloves, minced

2 (24 oz.) cans of diced tomatoes

1 tsp. dried thyme or oregano or

both

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

3 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil

In a large deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and add garlic. Add tomatoes, herbs and seasonings. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes are tender and the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your taste. Give it an extra kick by adding a healthy pinch of red pepper flakes. Make it fancy with chopped black olives. Perfect with penne or rigatoni. So fix it and forget it!

Gallery opening set for June 1 at FAI

Herb Graves, an accomplished local artist, is set to showcase his latest work in a gallery opening at the Edmond Fine Arts Institute on Thursday, June 1, from 5-8 pm.

The event promises to be an exciting opportunity for art enthusiasts and the community to enjoy and appreciate the creative work of a seasoned artist. Herb's artwork is eclectic, directed to the abstract and impressionistic style. He paints in both oil and acrylic with a preference for floral, landscapes, and original abstracts. When not painting with a brush, he enjoys using a pallet knife.

A native Oklahoman reared in Western Oklahoma, Herb is a retired lawyer and the former assistant United States trustee for the Western District of Oklahoma. He practiced law for 22 years with the Oklahoma City Law Firm, Sullivan,

Graves & Densmore.

Herb began painting as a teenager and studied under a local artist in Clinton, Oklahoma. Art subsequently gave way to college studies, military duty, law, and family. He again picked up his paintbrush and pallet knife twelve years ago to begin painting. He has studied under the guidance of Norman artist Carol Armstrong, Santa Fe artist Brad Price, and Taos artists Gwen Fox and Richard Nichols.

The Edmond Fine Arts Institute Gallery is open daily for public viewing Monday – Thursday or by appointment. Monthly gallery exhibits are a program of the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, with support from presenting sponsor, BancFirst. FAI is Edmond’s nonprofit community arts organization providing year-round visual and performing art classes for children and adults and the Art in Schools Program for 3rd and 4th-grade students in Edmond Public Schools. For more information, visit EdmondFineArts.com or call 405-340-4481.

State may have solution for bad odors near DC

Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars could soon bring relief to Edmond-Deer Creek neighborhoods dealing with wastewater challenges and bad odors from a nearby treatment plant.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives today passed House Bill 2942, which appropriates $28.1 million to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for water infrastructure investments, including to the Deer Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.

House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on Transportation Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, said the treatment plant is necessary but desperately needs infrastructure updates.

"The residents living and working near this site are subject to the pungent odor, as well as worries about water quality," Miller said. "I've been working on this legislation since last fall, and now, with the passage of this bill, Edmond-Deer Creek residents will shortly have relief from the odor and potential hazards presented in their neighborhoods right now."

Under HB2942, the Deer Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant will receive $2,083,434 for critical updates. The funding will help accelerate the current project by the City of Oklahoma City.

Miller worked with Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, to develop the bill.

“This area of the metro continues to grow,” Treat said. “Improving the infrastructure surrounding the wastewater treatment plant will ensure more economic development and a better living environment for individuals to raise their families. This is money well spent on a project that will allow the area to further thrive.”

“I hear often from constituents about odors emitted by the wastewater treatment plant in Deer Creek," Thompson said. "I am pleased to see strategic investments in infrastructure within Senate District 22. These upgrades will improve the quality of life in our community as we prepare for future growth.”

In December, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality filed an emergency order after sewage and untreated wastewater leaked into a creek in west Edmond. The order noted that the sewage traveled several miles away from the site, which is managed by Bethany/Warr Acres Public Works.

HB2942 passed the House 96-1 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Photo of resent work. Provided by the artist, Herb Graves.

Edmond = Park fun!

A local park can be found for every season and every occasion. Summer is the perfect time to explore playgrounds, trails, and hidden treasures. Did you know “Lovers Rock” is at Fink Park? Initials and pledges of love have been carved in a cluster of sandstone in the middle of a shaded area in the middle of the park.

A suburban oasis, Hafer Park is located amidst shopping and dining. Complete with multipurpose trails, an adjacent baseball complex, performance stage, a pond with flocks of geese and ducks, and inviting playgrounds, the park is perfect for picnics that linger, hammocks, exercise and playdates.

Mitch Park is a spacious recreational area in North Edmond. Adventure awaits with an accessible playground, pollinator gardens, pond,

an amphitheater, community programming and classes in the Multipurpose Activity Center (MAC). The park holds sports fields, a disc golf course, the Mathis Skate Park, primitive and paved trails.

Bickham-Rudkin Park is in South Edmond, an expansive dog park sits at the entrance. Follow the trail through an urban pollinator prairie, beside a well-populated fishing pond that serves as home to turtles and all varieties of wild birds. Whispering Heights Park is a favorite of locals with playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts. Beyond the park lies the Margaret Annis Boys Centennial Arboretum, which connects to Oklahoma Christian University’s Eagle Trail.

Find more details about all of Edmond’s parks at www.visitedmondok.com/parks-trails

Mitch Park Amphitheater

Bickham Rudkin Dog Park

Fink Park entrance

Film caters to fans of ‘Fast’ franchise

By George Gust

Fasten your seatbelts this week at the movies and reunite with Vin Diesel and the extended “Fast and Furious” family with “Fast X” the latest installment in the ongoing espionage with cars action series. This time, Dom Toretto (Diesel) and his family are targeted by the vengeful son (Jason Momoa) of drug kingpin Hernan Reyes-last seen in the events of “Fast Five.”

It’s become de rigueur to critique the new ‘Fast and Furious” movie for being over the top or shamelessly repeating the family theme of the films, but with “Fast X” it feels like the series has reached a critical mass for storylines, characters new and old, and physics defying stunts. This film’s wild globe-trotting twists and turns plot highlights the change the series has gone through since the passing of Paul Walker and his character’s exit from the series. Where there used to be a semblance of heart there now exists even more improbable sequences of a flaming 2-ton bomb bouncing through the streets of Rome (Don’t worry though, the news reports in the movie said that no one died in the mayhem).

And for all the talk of family, “Fast X” divides the

team into four separate storylines all tied together with a phenomenally deranged performance by Momoa, doing his best audition for a Joker-esque supervillain who constantly stays 10 steps ahead of our heroes with an even more elaborate evil plan. Where Momoa is clearly having a lot of fun with a flamboyant offbeat character, Diesel couldn’t be playing it more straight forward as the best driver, best dad and unstoppable good guy isolated in his own story with no one from the main crew to interact with. The rest of the returning cast has their own little mo-

ments in the film between wild car action sequencesits fun to see John Cena get to play up more fun than in “F9: The Fast Saga” and the return of Sung Kang as Han was nice, but he’s given precious little to do amongst the chaotic plot.

Overall, “Fast X” is a middling entry into the inexplicable action/espionage franchise lifted by a more self-aware tone than “F9: The Fast Saga” highlighted by the scene chewing performance of Momoa. “Fast X” sets the table for a conclusive final film for the characters as we know them with story elements that feel like a blend between telenovela and professional wrestling, a tactic that will pay off for the next film, but ultimately have you leaving this film feeling unsatisfied. If you’re already a fan of these films, “Fast X” will continue most of what you’ve enjoyed, but this movie will not be a good entry point for the uninitiated.

“Fast X” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, language and some suggestive material.

2.9 out of 5 stars

To reach George Gust for a comment on this review, please e-mail gust.george@gmail.com

Answers on Page 19

Vin

Paseo & First Friday Gallery Walk Crossword Puzzle

The Paseo Arts District, Oklahoma’s popular arts destination, hosts the monthly First Friday Gallery Walk. Visitors can stroll throughout the district and immerse themselves in new art exhibits, special guest artists and live entertainment within walking distance. Visitors can also dine at any of the ten restaurants that make up the Paseo’s distinct atmosphere.

On June 2, this upcoming First Friday, The Paseo Arts & Creativity Center will open three new exhibitions: Heroes in Gallery I, The Wichitas in Gallery II and Transitions in Time in Gallery III. An opening reception will be held during First Friday from 6-9 pm at 3024 Paseo.

Heroes is an exhibit created by Poetic City, a high-energy and inclusive performance arts entity whose goal is to recognize that love and ambition come in all shapes and sizes. They express these themes through art forms such as poetry, music, dance and visual arts. Heroes will showcase artwork about fictional and non-fictional heroes and villains.

Answers on Page 19

Diesel and crew are brought back into the dangerous world of international espionage by the chaotic son of an old foe in ‘Fast X’ the latest over the top installment

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May puts emphasis on motorcycle safety

As the weather gets warmer, motorcycle riding will be more prevalent across the region. While riding can be fun and exuberant, without the proper riding equipment or training, it can be very dangerous. May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and AAA is reminding everyone to take precautions when driving around motorcycles and to Share the Road responsibly.

Unfortunately, data shows that motorcyclists continue to be overrepresented in traffic crashes and fatalities each year, and speed and alcohol are large contributing factors. According to the National Safety Council, in 2021, although motorcycles made up only three percent of all registered vehicles and less than one percent (0.6%) of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists accounted for:

14% of all traffic fatalities

17% of all occupant fatalities; and

3% of all occupant injuries

Fatalities among motorcycle riders and passengers increased eight percent from 2020 to 2021, accounting for 5,932 deaths nationally. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this is the highest number of motorcyclists killed since at least 1975.

“The rise in motorcycle fatalities needs to be addressed and motorists are reminded to safely ‘Share the Road’ with motorcycles and to be extra alert when driving to help keep motorcyclists safe,” says Rylie Mansuetti, spokesperson for AAA Oklahoma. “Motorcyclists are also reminded of their responsibility to keep themselves as safe as possible by following the rules of the road, being alert to other drivers, and never driving while impaired or distracted.”

Each year in Oklahoma, an average of 76 motorcycle riders and passengers are killed in traffic crashes and 991 riders and passengers are injured, according to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office. In 2021,

there were 1,285 motorcycle-involved crashes, resulting in 76 deaths and 990 injuries.

As fatalities increased, nationally, helmet use has declined significantly in the past few years, leaving motorcyclists more vulnerable to injury and death than passenger vehicle drivers in the event of a crash. It’s everyone’s responsibility — both the motor vehicle driver and the motorcyclist — to practice safe habits on the road and, ultimately, to Share the Road.

Like seat belts, helmets are a simple and effective way to reduce the likelihood of injury or death during a crash. According to NHTSA, the use of DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets declined from 69% in 2020 to 64.9% in 2021. Helmet use continued to be significantly higher in states that require all motorcyclists to be helmeted than in other states that do not. In contrast, helmet use among passengers of riders wearing DOT-compliant helmets increased sig-

nificantly from 84.5% in 2020 to 92.1% in 2021. Nearly 70% of those killed in motorcycle-involved crashes in Oklahoma in 2021 were not wearing a helmet.

Motorcycle helmet laws vary by state. In Oklahoma, only riders under 18 are required by law to wear a helmet.

Motorcyclists and Motorists – AAA

Tips for Sharing the Road

Tips for Motorists

Share the road. A motorcycle has the same privileges as any other vehicle on the road. Be courteous and give the motorcyclist a full lane of travel.

Look out. Look for motorcyclists on the highway, especially at intersections when a cyclist may be making a turn or changing lanes. Clearly signal your intentions.

Anticipate a motorcyclist’s maneuvers. Obstructions (debris, potholes, etc.) that you may ignore or not no-

tice can be deadly for a motorcyclist. Anticipate their possible evasive actions.

Allow plenty of space. Do not follow a motorcycle too closely. Allow enough room for the motorcyclist to take evasive actions.

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists

Make yourself visible. Choose protective gear that provides visibility and protection. This includes wearing bright colors. If riding at night, wear clothing with reflective materials.

Allow space. Position your bike in the lane so that you can be seen. Allow additional space for emergency braking and room to maneuver. Avoid riding in a motorist’s blind spot. Make lane changes gradually and use appropriate signaling.

Never share a lane beside a car. A driver may be unaware of your presence. Most drivers are looking for larger vehicles, not motorcycles.

Clearly signal your intentions. Use turn signals before changing lanes and never weave between lanes. Wear protective gear.

Helmet - Always wear a U.S. DOTapproved helmet.

Eye protection - Visibility is key to riding safely. Many motorcycles do not have windshields. Riders should protect their eyes with goggles that can shield the face from wind and debris, both of which can cause tearing and, blurred vision.

Body Protection - Jackets with long sleeves and well-fitting abrasion resistant pants.

Gloves - Durable gloves should be a non-slip type to permit a firm grip on controls.

Footwear - Proper over-the-ankles footwear should be worn to help prevent injuries.

Complete a motorcycle rider education and training course. The overwhelming majority of motorcyclists have had no formal training. Get professional training on how to be a defensive driving motorcyclist.

Private Caribbean island for sale for $100 million Also used in famous movies

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl introduced the world to Johnny Depp’s eccentric Pirate Jack Sparrow, garnered more than $650 million at the Box Office, and spawned four sequels with a fifth in development with producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Though the movie’s main sets were built in Los Angeles, the sweeping vistas of its fantasy pirate world were filmed in the real-life Caribbean, including at a stunning private island in the Bahamas known as Little Pipe Cay. The iconic James Bond franchise also featured the island, which made an appearance in the movie Casino Royale, while Sean Connery’s Thunderball filmed at a neighboring cay. The 40acre private paradise has hit the market for $100 Million.

Little Pipe Cay’s fine-white-sand beaches complement sparkling waters which the locals refer to as “Bombay-Sapphire Blue.” Exotic plants and animals, including dolphins and sea turtles, call the tropical landscape home. A luxury getaway perfect for a celebrity or high-roller, the island features a helipad, a seaplane dock, and a deep-water dock able to accommodate superyachts. A 5,300-square-foot main residence, four guest cottages, and accommodation quarters for staff offer over 22,000 square feet of interior space including eleven bedrooms and twelve bathrooms. Peaked roofs, high-beam ceilings, hardwood floors, and lots of glass offer a classic style that takes advantage of the location’s spectacular views and beautiful weather.

Though much of the island has been left in a natural state ideal for attracting local birds and wildlife,

tasteful gardens and an Olympicsized infinity pool offer an alternative landscape for relaxing and taking in the tropical scenery. Jet skis and kayaks are included with the property, which is currently operated as a rental resort with rental prices between $75,000 and $95,000 per night. The sale includes the right to further develop the island, which has potential as either a private vacation destination or an investment property.

Located 70 miles from Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, the island is part of the archipelago known as the Exumas. An incredible destination for snorkeling and scuba-diving with extensive off-shore coral reefs, the chain of 365 islands are mostly uninhabited with only 1,500 full-time residents in the capital of George Town. Originally settled in 1783 by loyalists fleeing the American Revolutionary War, the city is named for King George III. The island chain provided hideouts for pirates until the 18th century and was said to be a favorite of the notorious Captain Kidd.

Today, some of the islands are protected as part of the Bahamas National Trust park system, some are used for tourism, while others are privately owned. The pandemic brought renewed interest in private islands among the world’s elite, with David Copperfield, Tyler Perry and Johnny Depp just a few of the notable owners of Little Pipe Cay’s neighboring islands.

This listing is held by Engel & Völkers Bahamas. Photos courtesy of Engel & Völkers.

For more celebrity home news and celebrity home video tours, visit TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.

Childhood obesity is a life-and-death matter

By Brian Attebery

Years ago, I wrote a story about one of my experiences at the Zoo. My wife and I had taken our kids for a day to enjoy and I walked away with more fitness and life lessons to write about. I noticed when we were walking around how many kids were complaining about how tired they were, or their legs hurt,or they wanted to rest etc. It really struck me and it still does even more today about how sedentary kids are compared to previous generations. Child and adolescent obesity is a serious issue and it can’t all be blamed on genetics. The CDC states, “For Children and adolescents aged 2-19 years in 2017-2020, The prevalence of obesity was 19.7%. Obesity was 12.7% among 2- to 5-year-olds, 20.7% among 6 – 11-year-olds, and 22.2% among 12 – 19 year olds.” In comparison, in the 1960s and 70s between 5-7% of children were obese (American Psychological Association www.apa.org). That is a staggering increase.

Obesity is linked to 33 major illnesses. Please read that again. Yes, I said 33 major illnesses. Obesity is also considered a “preventable disease”. That means you make choices to help fight it. Kids need direction and examples from their parents. Through the years, I have consulted many kids sent by their parents. I require the parents to come to the meetings too. Why? Well, besides the fact that they are probably a minor, most kids don’t go to the grocery store. They don’t drive themselves through the fast-food line. If the entire family is not educated, involved and part of the solution, then they are part of the problem. You are not being “mean” to make your kids eat vegetables, cut soda and limit unhealthy food choices. Remember, 33 major illnesses? This could be one of the greatest lessons you teach them growing up. How to eat healthy and make exercise part of their lives. We live in a world of seat belts, caution signs and child safety locks that you wouldn’t dare ignore. Why would you ignore helping your kids be active, fitand healthy?

I think we all can agree that

phones and video games are a huge culprit to lack of activity. Each week, my phone sends me a data summary of how much up or down I was with my “screen time”. How about keeping track of that but making sure your kids are not on it too much? How about tracking how much activity time more and being accountable to that? If your kidsdo “x” amount of time on their X Box, then they need to do a certain portion of physical activity to earn more time. You will see kids that are in better moods, have better self-esteem, handle anxiety and stress better and are more physically fit. You will be so glad you were “mean” and made them get off their electronics and moved more.

Kids involved in competitive sports tend to be less prone to obesity too. I say, “tend to be” because you can out eat your exercise and yes, not everyone is super lean. I also think it is important for kids and parents to not confuse being an “athlete” with being an “exerciser”. You don’t have to be the fastest, strongest, or most agile kid to run, walk or bike. Proper weightlifting is not hard for anyone to do. Work at your own pace and ability. It may not be easy, but you will never get better if you don’t try. Your kids may complain and say they don’t like to exercise but what did you say when they mentioned not liking to clean their rooms or do homework?

Obesity in kids is one of the most tragic situations we have faced for them in decades. Obese kids are more likely to become obese adolescents. Obese adolescents are more likely to become obese adults and the cycle of health complications continues to get worse because they end up raising their kids with similar bad habits. Kids need you to help them make good choices for their own welfare.

YOU must make good choices for your own welfare to be good examples to them AND to make sure you are around for them. Let’s put the brakes on child obesity by helping them make exercise and healthy eating a priority. Their lives depend on it.

(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer. He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.com)

School safety pilot program passes the Oklahoma House

Legislation creating a school safety pilot program passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives Wednesday.

House Bill 2903 creates the School Resource Officer Program, a threeyear pilot program to provide every district with a school resource officer or security upgrades. House Bill 2904 funds the program and directs approximately $96,000 to each Oklahoma public school district. Both bills were presented on the House floor by Rep. Dick Lowe, RAmber.

"Parents want their children to be safe at school and progress in their education," Lowe said. "These two bills represent a tremendous invest-

ment in school safety for school districts of all sizes."

Under HB2903, School Resource Officers (SROs) participating in the program must complete active shooter emergency response training provided by the Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET).

The bill also establishes a School Security Revolving Fund and allows the State Department of Education to distribute up to $50 million per year, totaling a $150 million investment over the three-year program.

HB2903 passed the House 90-9 and HB2904 passed 98-1. Both bills now move to the Senate for consideration.

Attebery

A Grand Opening for Kiddie Academy of Edmond

Kiddie Academy of Edmond recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 430 E Covell Rd.

At Kiddie Academy, they are first and foremost caregivers. They believe care and learning should go hand in hand, and the two should always be balanced with a big dose of fun. The commitment to quality childcare and innovative programs set them apart from the competition. They welcome

children from 6 weeks to 12 years old.

Life Essentials is the philosophy that guides what they do at Kiddie Academy every day. It begins with the natural curiosity present in every child. By focusing on elements fundamental to a child’s growth – character education, STEM-infused technology and health and fitness experiences –they nurture and build upon inquisitiveness, creating momentum for learning that doesn’t stop once the child leaves our classroom.

OCU has international business school pacts

Leaders from Oklahoma City University announced they have signed agreements with four international schools to provide pathways for foreign students to earn graduate business degrees at OCU.

The agreements were signed during an international goodwill trip by OCU President Kenneth Evans and business school Dean Sri Beldona, with stops in India, Malaysia and Taiwan.

During the trip, Evans and Beldona signed memorandums of understanding (MOU) with four schools: Presidency University in Bengaluru, India; International School of Management Excellence (ISME) in Bangalore, India; Yuan Ze University in Taoyuan, Taiwan; and Fu Jen Catholic University in New Taipei, Taiwan.

All four agreements codify academic pathways that enable students to earn a number of credit hours through their domestic undergraduate studies that can then be applied to graduate business degrees at Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business, thus shortening the runway to an OCU degree.

At Presidency, ISME and Yuan Ze, the pathways apply to a number of graduate business programs within Meinders. At Fu Jen, the pathway is targeted on OCU’s Master of Busi-

ness Administration program.

“Today’s global economy requires a global outlook on workforce supply and development,” Evans said.

“We’re committed to producing future generations of business leaders to help deliver the workforce the world needs.

“We’re also proud to work with our new partner institutions and to continue our history as a destination for international students seeking to broaden their horizons in our thriving city.”

The trip to southeast Asia was part of OCU’s continued work to attract a diverse set of students to campus.

As part of that effort, OCU’s business school recently expanded its offerings to include four graduate programs designated as STEM areas of study. Beldona said these offerings are in high demand with international students.

“Students with STEM-related degrees may qualify to live and work in the United States for three years following their graduation, as opposed to the standard one year offered to non-STEM-related graduates,” Beldona said. “This post-graduate period is known as optional practical training, and it certainly is an important consideration for international students looking to study in the United States.”

Integris hires DEI director

INTEGRIS Health is pleased to announce Charles Horne will serve as the new Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for INTEGRIS Health.

Horne has more than a decade of experience in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion with various health care systems. Most recently he served as the Chief Diversity Officer at JPS Health Network in

Home

Fort Worth, Texas; and served as the Director for Diversity, Inclusion and Equity for Parkland Health in Dallas prior to that.

He obtained his Master of Arts in Medical Anthropology from Creighton University, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences from the University of Washington and an Advanced Diversity, Equity and Inclusion certificate from Cornell University.

The brand-new facility includes daily sanitization utilizing a ZONO ozone machine for toys and cots, greatly reducing chemical use in the building. UV lights in the AC system to kill bacteria and viruses. The 10,000 sq ft playground has certified fall protection under the turf, age-appropriate equipment, and an outdoor learning area on 1 AC of a tree and wildlife preserve.

To learn more visit https://www.kiddieacademy.com/edmond

The Edmond Chamber has rolled out the red carpet for Kiddie Academy of Edmond.

Touch-A-Truck event coming June 3 at UCO

Edmond Electric will host the Edmond Touch-A-Truck June 3.

Attendees can interact with a variety of unique vehicles at event on UCO campus

Edmond Electric is bringing back the annual Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday, June 3, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in University of Central Oklahoma parking lot #6.

Touch-A-Truck is a fundraising event benefiting The Hope Center of Edmond, allowing kids of all ages to experience life-size vehicles and interact with community support leaders like law enforcement officers, firefighters, lineworkers, and others from local businesses.

Families will have the very unique opportunity for hands-on exploration of the many City of Edmond vehicles such as fire trucks, police cars, an Edmond Electric bucket truck, a solid waste truck, plus more from the community like tow trucks, storm tracker vehicles, hot air balloons, and construction

To know more, 405-216-7462

equipment.

Admission for the Touch-A-Truck event is a suggested $2 donation with all proceeds going to The Hope Center of Edmond to benefit residents in need.

The last event displayed more than 30 different vehicles, a helicopter, kid-friendly characters, and face painting for kids to enjoy and raised $6,500 for The Hope Center of Edmond.

Continuing in 2023, there will be a “quiet hour” from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. to accommodate those sensitive to loud noises. During this time, no horns or loud music will be allowed.

To find out more about the event visit edmondelectric.com/touchatruck, or contact Hannah Stewart with Edmond Electric at 405-2167462 or Hannah.Stewart@edmondok.gov.

Hi and Lois

Shoe

Zits

Family Circus

Beetle Baily

Blondie

Hägar the Horrible

All schools due vulnerability assessments

State moves to beef up school security

Legislation to improve the safety and security of Oklahoma’s public and private school districts, and CareerTechs was unanimously approved Friday by the Senate. Senate Bill 100, by Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, will help ensure all schools meet certain safety and security standards by requiring districts to complete ongoing risk and vulnerability assessments. The bill was requested by the bipartisan Senate School Safety Working Group, which the Muskogee Republican and retired educator chaired.

“With growing concerns about school safety, finding a way to get all of our districts on the same page regarding security was our working group’s main goal. This will better utilize the Oklahoma School Security Institute by having them conduct regular assessments of facilities and procedures to make sure our schools are as secure as possible,” Pemberton said. “I’m grateful and proud of the Legislature for supporting this important measure and also historic funding to ensure all districts are able to afford improvements to the safety and security of their facilities.”

SB 100 requires the OSSI to conduct the assessments by July 1, 2026, with re-assessments conducted every five years. Those districts that have already undergone assessments in the previous two years will be exempt. Under the measure, any school district applying for an Oklahoma School Security Grant Program award must com-

plete such an assessment and agree to expend grant funds on items recommended by the risk and vulnerability assessment and/or to provide de-escalation and behavioral threat assessment and management training to employees. Finally, it requires the grant program report to include a list of recipients.

The Senate also gave final approval Friday to HB 2903 and HB 2904, both of which Pemberton presented. The first creates a three-year

school safety pilot program to provide each district with approximately $96,000 to hire a school resource officer or make necessary security upgrades.

The other measure provides a one-time appropriation of $150 million to fund the safety program.

Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, served as the principal House author of SB 100, which now goes before the governor for final consideration.