Edmond Life and Leisure - November 28, 2024

In This Issue

FOUR SEASONS

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 2.

UCO wins home playoff game

See page 3

Happy Thanksgiving

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29

Mostly Sunny High 49° Low 36°

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30

Mostly Sunny High 54° Low 24°

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1

Partly Cloudy High 46° Low 27°

Happy Thanksgiving to the many friends and neighbors of Edmond Life & Leisure newspaper. Thanksgiving is a centuries old celebration with President George Washington officially making it in 1789 “as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God.”

However you celebrate Thanksgiving, please make it a great holiday for you and your family. Also note that our office at 107 S. Broadway will not be open Thursday or Friday because of the holiday.

From the Publisher

Please give to HOPE Center Samaritan Drive

Some good folks in our community do not have a voice or may be embarrassed to use it but I am not. Please accept my plea for you, your family and your business to contribute to this year’s HOPE Center of Edmond Samaritan Fund Drive.

Some are surprised to understand the needs here in Edmond. Yes, this is a wealthy suburban community for some but not all. It just takes one tragedy or misstep to need help to get back on your feet. We are all there or have been there folks. There are people in town that need that lift to get back on their feet and that is what Hope Center does for people. They are also excellent stewards with the funds you entrust with them.

Many of the families they see at HOPE Center this year never imagined that they would need to seek assistance for food or rent. People found that if they had not lost their jobs, the hours had been cut by more than half.

The Samaritan Fund Drive started in 1989 as the annual fundraising campaign for HOPE Center of Edmond. They had a partnership with Edmond Sun owners Ed and Marcia Livermore to help give recognition and encouragement to those that donate. Edmond Life & Leisure is honored to pick up that tradition and we will start next week by publishing the names of those that donate. It encourages your friends and neighbors to donate as well. It is also a way to challenge other businesses to contribute by seeing your business name as a donor. It is a way to highlight HOPE Center’s mission and programs. We will share stories told as part of the Samaritan Fund Drive provide an opportunity for the community to learn more about the people who have been touched by the HOPE Center and about the extraordinary way our community cares for its citizens.

The Samaritan Drive accounts for nearly 40% of the HOPE Center’s budget and is a vital component of the overall funding of services at the center. This money is used for client programs for utility or rent payments and to purchase perishable food items like milk, bread, eggs, fruit and meat.

Here is some of what was provided in 2023: 6,000 people received coats, clothing, shoes, household/kitchen items

$765,305 was paid in rent and utilities for 3,915 families

16,137 women, infants and children received nutrition and breast-feeding education

1600 volunteers and 3200 hours of service

The list goes on of what they have done to help people in our community. HOPE Center has it all. It is 100% local, great stewards with the money and services donated, they put people back on their feet, have an excellent director, staff and board of directors. What more could a donor possibly ask for in an organization?

Their mission is to transform the lives of our neighbors from hopelessness and despair to encouragement and hope by providing food, clothing, and financial assistance to our clients. Please donate today, either online at www.hopecen-

terofedmond.com or by mail to PO Box 2915, Edmond, OK 73083.

Here is some history of HOPE Center if you are new to the area and need to know more provided by executive director, Chris Sperry. In addition to great leadership, she is one of the finest individuals you will ever meet.

Since 1984, HOPE Center has been providing assistance to members of the Edmond community. Our name is our mission - it stands for Help Our People in Emergencies. Our mission is to meet the basic needs of the people in our community who are having personal emergencies or crises. HOPE Center was organized to meet a community need for a central agency to provide social services. The Center was developed by the Edmond Ministerial Alliance, an inter-denominational council of churches, with volunteers and a grant from the Edmond Women’s Club.

It is difficult enough to ask for help but imagine how hard it would be to have to go to every church in town to get enough assistance to pay the utility bill. The combined support of many of the churches, businesses and individuals in the community means that we have the resources to provide food, clothing and utility assistance from a single community agency. More than five hundred families receive services from HOPE each month.

The uncertainty of life is probably the major factor that sustains the need for an agency like HOPE. Most of our clients are regular people who live and survive as long as nothing extraordinary happens to them. For most of our clients, though, it takes only one seemingly small event to disrupt their lives. If their vehicle breaks down, they cannot afford the repairs and they lose their job. If a child gets sick, they must take unpaid days from work and then must decide how to pay the extra expenses of doctor’s bills and prescription costs on a smaller than usual paycheck. The harsh reality of a hungry child, an eviction notice, or utility cut off notice can cause panic or hopelessness for anyone.

We hope that our services help our clients avoid such situations. Most of HOPE Center’s clients are people who work hard to provide for themselves and their families but find themselves in desperate situations. We strive to treat every client who comes to our agency with respect and kindness and help them resolve their emergencies.

The HOPE Center Health Clinic opened in 1994 and offers nutritional counseling and education for almost 15,000 participants through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutritional Education program.

HOPE Center is privately funded. Our only fundraising activity each year is the Samaritan Fund Drive. Many of the churches in Edmond contribute regularly. We also apply for grants whenever we can. Our only other regular source of funding is HOPEfully Yours, our resale shop. The resale shop was opened in 2004 as a project to fully utilize each donation we receive. Clothing and household items that are not needed for clients-like wedding dresses or formal gowns, dry-clean only clothing or pictures and draperies-are sold and the proceeds are used to purchase fresh food items, help fund our pre-natal clinic and support other client programs.

Food drives and volunteer activities are another

way that the community supports HOPE Center. We have more than eighty volunteers each week. They are members of churches, Scout groups, University clubs, social clubs and service clubs, high school students, college students, and retirees.

In 2013, HOPE started a Teen Leadership Board. The purpose of the Teen Board is to allow high school students an opportunity to gain experience about a community-based not-for-profit social service agency. They participate in HOPE’s food pantry and clothing closet, organize service activities, and will have the opportunity to hear from a variety of leaders in our community. Students can also earn community service credit hours for their participation.

The longevity and success of the HOPE Center are a direct result of conservative management, judicious planning and a serious commitment to accountability. Each contribution and donation are used carefully to provide the greatest benefit for clients. Keeping administrative overhead as low as possible is another way the agency maximizes its resources. Our Board of Directors’ dedication to fiscal responsibility has enabled HOPE Center to continue to provide quality services to clients for so many years.

It is also amazing that whenever we have a critical or special need, we can call different churches or groups, and the word will spread, and the need will be met. THAT kind of community wide support is what makes HOPE center work and the reason that it has been here for 40 years.

I cannot think of a better way to shake off the split in our society than for us to all unite and donate this year to the HOPE Center Samaritan drive. Join Lisa and I in doing so today! Please, donate today, either online at www.hopecenterofedmond.com or by mail to PO Box 2915, Edmond, OK 73083.

(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure, may be reached 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,

Ray Hibbard

Sports UCO wins OT thriller

Next playoff challenge in Big Rapids, Mich.

Zane Adams and Hunter Largent combined for the seventh UCO sack of the game to propel Central Oklahoma to a 38-31 overtime victory against Ouachita Baptist in the NCAA Division II Football Championship First Round game at Chad Richison Stadium.

UCO made its first appearance in the playoffs in 21 years and earned its first win 25 years with Saturday's overtime thriller in Edmond. The Bronchos led throughout the game before a late rally by OBU prompted a Central comeback.

And the Bronchos did just that.

Trailing 28-24 with 3:18 to play in the game, Jett Huff led the Bronchos down the field on a 10-play, 75-yard scoring drive to give UCO a 31-28 lead.

Huff hit Jacob Delso for a 12-yard touchdown pass with Delso making a highlight snag dragging his feet on the sideline while reaching above his hands for the grab and the score.

OBU though marched right back down the field and kicked a gametying field goal with five seconds left to force overtime.

The GAC Champion Tigers from Arkadelphia, Arkansas won the overtime coin toss and chose defense. But Huff moved UCO to the 3-yard line on three plays, then hit Delso again for a touchdown to give UCO a 38-31 lead.

Ouachita picked up one first down in overtime, but on the fifth play of the drive, OBU threw an incomplete pass and it was 4th & 5 from the UCO 7-yard line.

Ouachita's backup quarterback was in the game after UCO knocked out the starter for the second consecutive week. He dropped back to pass with the game on the line but Adams and Largent collapsed on him for the game-ending sack.

Central Oklahoma advances in the playoffs and will play Ferris State in the second round Saturday, Nov. 30 at 12 p.m. (Eastern) in Big Rapids,

Saturday in Edmond, Central Oklahoma came out with the first strike –a 73-yard touchdown run by Jaylen Cottrell to give UCO the 7-0 lead with 7:07 left in the opening quarter.

Cottrell scored on 1st & goal from the OBU 20 to give UCO a 14-7 lead with 7:32 to play in the second quarter. That capped off an 11-play, 72yard scoring drive.

Nicky Quevedo kicked a 29-yard field goal to give Central a 17-7 lead early in the third quarter, then Ashton Schumann's 25-yard touchdown reception with 3:31 to play in the third

gave UCO a 24-14 lead.

Into the fourth quarter is when OBU made its move. A 36-yard touchdown run and a 47-yard touchdown pass gave the Tigers a 28-24 lead.

Huff finished the day 36-for-58 with 371 yards and three touchdown passes. Terrill Davis led UCO's receivers with 14 receptions for 155 yards.

Cottrell finished with 17 carries for 151 yards and two scores. He was the second leading receiver with seven catches for 62 yards. William Mason, who had nine carries for seven yards, was big in the pass game and had five catches for 70 yards.

Delso finished with four receptions for 37 yards and the two touchdowns. The defense for UCO, under constant scrutiny for allowing too many yards, finished with 12 tackles in the backfield including seven sacks.

Adams and Largent both finished with 10 tackles. Adams had 2.5 sacks, with Largent earning the half-sack on the final play. Connor Johnson had seven tackles and also finished with 2.5 sacks.

Jack Puckett finished with eight tackles and had one sack. Marcus Sowell and Wesley Hudson both had sacks as well for the UCO defense.

The Bronchos also had three pass breakups, two QB hurries, and Kobey Stephens finished with one interception.

Mich.

UCO head coach Adam Dorrel addresses his team at Chad Richison stadium.

City offering ways to revitalize homes and to develop affordable housing

From City Source Edmond

With around 36,000 households, Edmond is a growing community with great schools, parks and homes that people can take pride in.

However, the average cost of a home in Edmond is almost twice the cost of Oklahoma’s average, which can cause financial challenges in the community.

That is where the Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department comes in.

The HCD Department manages the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which is federally funded to revitalize neighborhoods, develop affordable housing, expand economic development, and provide public services to those persons or households who qualify as low to moderate income.

Christy Batterson, Manager of the Housing and Community Development Department since 2019, said, “Our goal is to provide safe and livable housing conditions to all throughout our community and to also allow older adults to age in place in their own home. Giving back to the community is

what I like most about the program.”

The City of Edmond has three housing programs available:

• Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation

• Homebuyer Assistance

• NeighborWoods Tree Program

The Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation program fully funds home improvements that have an impact on the occupant’s health and safety, with a focus on disability-related accommodations, and considers weatherization and energy efficiency. The types of projects that are available this year include, but are not limited to, the list below.

ADA Accommodations projects like:

• Ramp fixes or installations

• Handrail additions

• Bathroom improvements

• Widened doorways for wheelchair or mobility aid access

Energy Efficiency activities include:

• Doorway and window sealing

• Replacing lighting with LED fixtures

• Water-conserving fixtures

• Insulation

Emergency Solutions includes:

• Heating & air

• Plumbing

• Roofing

• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

The City of Edmond’s goals for these Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitations are:

• To bring the unit up to local building code and other standards so that the home is safe.

• To ensure an accessible environment for all those living there.

• That safety and sanitation are of the highest importance, so those who live there are healthy.

• The home should be energy efficient starrated.

•The structural integrity of the home must be ensured.

Unless it is part of a handicap accessibility project, remodeling projects – such as room additions, relocating interior walls, retaining walls or redesigning the home – are not eligible projects in this program.

Edmond citizens can submit an application –which are all located on the City of Edmond’s website under the HCD tab – and the City takes care of the rest. If a household and project qualify, an expert Housing Rehab Specialist will inspect the home. Then, the City bids out general contractors and starts the process, in collaboration with the residents, their schedules and their needs.

One resident who benefitted from one of the programs said, “It has come as a great blessing to us because we were without water for months because of a water-heater fire, and I could not afford a new one. But now, me and my great-grandchildren say it feels so good to be under a hot shower again! It was truly great a blessing. Through this I have met the most amazing people who helped keep us together.”

The Homebuyers Assistance program aims to decrease barriers to owning a home in Edmond for

See Homes, Page 5

With help from the Community Development Block Grant program, the look of the home to the left was improved to the right.

UCO, City of Edmond establish on-campus recycling partnership

The University of Central Oklahoma and the City of Edmond have entered an agreement for a more sustainable future with the addition of an on-campus recycling collection center. The center, located in Parking Lot 3, 427 Chartrand Ave., is available for use by the UCO and Edmond community.

The City of Edmond, through the Edmond Public Works Authority, provided five containers for recycling materials, with weekly pickups. Acceptable collection items include glass, aluminum, plastics numbers one and two, paper and cardboard.

“We are excited to launch this partnership with UCO. Their commitment to recycling mirrors the commitment of our residents,” said Bob Masterson, assistant director of Public Works with the City of Edmond.

Homes

low to moderate income individuals and families. It can provide qualified applicants with a potential 50 percent of down payments, up to $14,999.

Before funding is provided, this program requires a qualified soon-to-be homeowner to have a licensed inspector check the property, completion of the Homebuyer Education Class, and 1 percent of the down payment to the lender as a buy-in.

This program is aimed at ensuring that people can have a home and build generational wealth, especially for younger families and low to moderate income households.

“I am so glad we can offer this kind of program. I believe it really makes a difference in people’s lives, especially those who otherwise would not

“This convenient, centralized location that is open to the public will benefit UCO students, staff and the community as a whole. We look forward to a successful partnership for years to come.”

Nearly 400 recycling bins across the UCO campus are emptied weekly by UCO Facilities Management. Through this new partnership, UCO Facilities Management will no longer have to store and transport recycled materials to an off-campus recycling facility––using the new, on-campus containers for all recycling collected at UCO.

“Thanks to this partnership with the City of Edmond, our team will have direct access to the collection containers, which will greatly increase our efficiency. The City of Edmond has generously provided the recycling bins and weekly collection serv-

ice at no cost to UCO or the community,” said Kelly Vaughn, director of facilities administration at UCO.

“We are very grateful for their support so we can continue to do our part to care for the environment.”

The agreement builds on an existing memorandum of understanding between UCO and the City of Edmond, aiming for a more sustainable future through collaboration in areas like energy efficiency, ecosystem health, alternative fuels and public transportation, solid waste and recycling management, parks and recreation facilities, water and wastewater resources and educational opportunities.

For more information about UCO, visit www.uco.edu.

have the opportunity to be homeowners,” said Avery Geist, the Community Services Coordinator for HCD. “I have called Edmond home for years, and I would like to see more people able to do so in the future, especially younger individuals and families.”

The NeighborWoods program takes care of pruning and removing hazardous trees. Trees that qualify have high risk conditions of concern that threaten the health or safety of the home’s inhabitants and/or the surrounding trees.

“While trees provide many benefits for residents, such as cost savings from energy conservation, improved air quality, and increased property values, they do require some maintenance for improved

tree condition and safety,” said Leigh Martin, Urban Forester for the City of Edmond. “NeighborWoods provides an avenue for qualifying residents to receive assistance with significant tree maintenance needs on private property.”

Find applications for the Housing & Neighborhood Program, the Homebuyer Assistance Program Application Packet and the NeighborWoods Program at: www.edmondok.gov/217/Housing-Neighborhood.

Learn more about the Housing and Community Development programs at www.edmondok.gov/HCD.

Learn more about what’s happening around the City at www.edmondok.gov/CitySource.

Edmond Fine Arts to have Gallery Opening & an Open House

Edmond Fine Arts invites you to its December Gallery Opening and Open House on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 5:00-7:30 p.m., featuring the captivating, collaborative works of local artists Natalie Biggs and Eric Lyons.

Biggs and Lyons, friends and colleagues residing in Oklahoma City, bring a unique approach to their art, combining their creative visions in a way that highlights the passage of time. Their works breathe new life into vintage photos, reimagining the stories they tell through intricate mark-making and linework that embody the precise moment of creation. The duo draws inspiration from minimalistic art styles and their shared love for hip hop music, titling each piece after hip hop lyrics that resonate with their creative process.

Having collaborated for three years, the artists weave a seamless partnership, with

every piece reflecting their combined efforts. Their work merges the simplicity of colors, shapes, and lines with the depth of nostalgic imagery, resulting in art that sparks connection and contemplation.

In addition to viewing the stunning gallery exhibition, attendees are invited to enjoy the open house festivities, explore the Edmond Fine Arts facility, and meet the artists behind this inspiring body of work.

About Edmond Fine Arts: Edmond Fine Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accessible arts education and fostering creativity in the Edmond community. Through classes, workshops, and community events, Edmond Fine Arts aims to inspire individuals of all ages to explore and embrace the arts. The Gallery is sponsored by BancFirst. For more information, visit www.edmondfinearts.com.

The University of Central Oklahoma and the City of Edmond have entered an agreement for a more sustainable future with the addition of an on-campus recycling collection center, pictured. The center, located in Parking Lot 3, 427 Chartrand Ave., is available for use by the UCO and Edmond communit

Eric Lyons and Natalie Biggs at Edmond Fine Arts 2022 December Gallery Opening. Photo by Eriech Tapia.

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.

Weekend Calendar of Events Nov. 28-Dec. 1

Weekend Calendar of Events Nov 28 – Dec 1

------- In the Gallery

------- Indoor Edmond Farmer’s Market

---- Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered

---- Edmond Ice Rink

---- Devon Ice Rink

---- Downtown in December

---- Red Earth Treefest

---- OKC Zoo Safari Lights

---- Edmond Turkey Trot

---- Turkey Tracks 5K

---- Karaoke Thursdays

---- Live Music by the Dorman Bros

---- Acoustic Nights

---- Speakeasy

---- UCO Jazz Lab

---- Meet The Grinch

---- Small Business Saturday

---- Horse-drawn Wagon Rides

---- Beer + Yoga

---- Holiday Home Light Displays

---- Clay Walker

---- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum events

---- The Polar Express

---- OKC Philharmonic presents: Star Wars – Return of the Jedi

---- Pollard Theatre presents: A Territorial Christmas Carol

---- NRHA Futurity Championship Show

---- Myriad & Bright

---- Tellers Thanksgiving Feast

---- VIP Limo Christmas Light Tours

---- Holiday Pop-Up Shops

---- Midtown Oklahoma City PopUp Market

---- A Territorial Christmas Celebration

---- Lights on Broadway

---- Oklahoma Gaming Frenzy

---- A Very Merry Guthrie Christmas

---- Beauty Ball Hair Show

Extra Information

In the Gallery

Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute

Extra Info: Gallery is open Mon –Thu; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Free; Featuring Behnaz Sohrabian; edmondfinearts.com

Indoor Edmond Farmer’s Market

Location: Festival Market Place and Farmers Market

Extra Info: Sat, Nov 9 – Sat, Mar 22; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Free; edmondok.com

Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered

Location: Armstrong Auditorium

Extra Info: Mon, Feb 26 – Fri, Jan 17 2025; Free; Mon – Thu: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Fri & Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; closed Saturdays; armstrongauditorium.org

Edmond Ice Rink

Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 8 – Mon, Jan 20; edmondicerink.com

Devon Ice Rink

Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 8 – Sun, Feb 2; Mon – Wed: 3 – 9 p.m.; Fri: 3 – 11 p.m.; Sat: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sun: 12 – 7 p.m.; myriadgardens.org

Downtown in December

Location: Downtown OKC

Extra Info: Thu, Nov 14 – Tue, Feb 4; downtownindecember.com

Red Earth Treefest

Location: BancFirst Tower, OKC

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 15 – Tue, Dec 31; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; redearth.org

OKC Zoo Safari Lights

Location: Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden

Extra Info: Sat, Nov 9 – Wed, Jan 1; 5:30 – 11 p.m.; okczoo.org

Edmond Electric’s Luminance –An Enchanted Stroll

Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 22 – Wed, Jan 1; edmondlights.com

Edmond Turkey Trot

Location: Downtown Edmond

Extra Info: Thu, Nov 28; 5K run or walk: $25 – 12 & up; $15 – ages: 3 --- 12; 8:35 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.; 1-mile Family Wobble: $15; 8 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.; runsignup.com

Turkey Tracks 5K

Location: 305 NW 5th St, OKC

Extra Info: Thu, Nov 28; One-mile Fun Run starts at 8:30 a.m.; 5K starts at 9 a.m.; okcturkeytracks.com

Karaoke Thursdays

Location: The Frosted Mug, 1333 N Santa Fe Ave, Suite 107, Edmond, OK

Extra Info: Thu, Nov 28; Free; 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.; frostedmugedmond.com

Live Music by the Dorman Bros

Location: Old Icehouse, The Extra Info: Fri, Nov 29; Free; 8 p.m.; theoldicehouse.com

Acoustic Nights

Location: The Frosted Mug, 1333 N Santa Fe Ave, Suite 107, Edmond, OK

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 29; 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Free; frostedmugedmond.com

Speakeasy Location: Ellis Island Coffee and Wine Lounge

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 29; Free; 6 – 9 p.m.; ellisislandcoffee.com

UCO Jazz Lab

Location: University of Central Oklahoma ---- Jazz Lab

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 29: The Wise Guys – 8 p.m.; $25; calendar.uco.edu

Meet The Grinch

Location: Around The Corner

Extra Info: Sat, Nov 30; Free; 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; downtownedmondok.com

Small Business Saturday

Location: Downtown Edmond

Extra Info: Sat, Nov 30; Free; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; downtownedmondok.com

Horse-drawn Wagon Rides

Location: Downtown Edmond

Extra Info: Sat, Nov 30 – Sat, Dec 21; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Free; recurring weekly on Saturday; downtownedmondok.com

Beer + Yoga

Location: American Solera – Icehouse Project

Extra Info: Sun, Dec 1; Free; 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.; americansolera.com

Holiday Home Light Displays

Location: Miranda Family Lights, 19544 Talavera Lane; Lights on Rockwood, 1300 Rockwood Drive

Extra Info: Sun, Dec 1 – Wed, Dec 25; Free; 6 – 10 p.m.;

Clay Walker

Location: Riverwind Casino, Showplace Theatre

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 29; 8 p.m.; riverwind.com

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Events

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sun, Dec 1 – Tue, Dec 31: Explore the Code: Larry Mahan; Sun, Dec 1: Find Howe and Dee, The Cowboy Elves; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

The Polar Express

Location: Oklahoma Railway Museum

Extra Info: Thu, Nov 14 – Fri, Dec 27; Showtimes vary on select departure dates; oklahomarailwaymuseum.org

OKC Philharmonic presents: Star Wars – Return of the Jedi

Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: Sat, Nov 30: 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; okcphil.org See Calendar, Page 7

Pollard Theatre presents:

A Territorial Christmas Carol

Location: Pollard Theatre, Guthrie, OK

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 22 – Sun, Dec 22; Thu – Fri: 8 p.m.; Sat: 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Sun: 2 p.m.; thepollard,org NRHA Futurity Championship Show

Location: Oklahoma City State Fair Park

Extra Info: Tue, Nov 26 – Sat, Dec 7; nrhafuturity.com

Myriad & Bright

Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens

Extra Info: Sun, Nov 24 – Tue, Dec 24; visitokc.com

Tellers Thanksgiving Feast

Location: 120 N Robinson Ave, OKC

Extra Info: Thu, Nov 28; 12 – 9:30 p.m.; tellersokc.com

VIP Limo Christmas Light Tours

Location: Citywide

Extra Info: Thu, Nov 28 – Mon, Dec 30; two and three hour tours are available; viplimo.net

Holiday Pop-Up Shops

Location: 399 NW 10th St

Extra Info: Fri, Nov 29 – Sun, Dec 22; Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; okcpopups.com

Midtown Oklahoma City PopUp Market

From Page 6

Location: 399 NW 10th St, OKC

Extra Info: Sat, Nov 29; 11 a.m. –5 p.m.; okcpopups.com

A Territorial Christmas Celebration

Location: Historic District Downtown, Guthrie, OK

Extra Info: Sat, Nov 30 – Sat, Dec 14; Sat, Nov 30: Lighted Christmas Parade; Sat, Nov 30:

Territorial Governor Ceremonies: Sat, Dec 7: Distinctive Home Tour: Sat, Dec 7 & Sat, Dec: 14

Victorian Walk Nights; Facebook.com

Lights on Broadway

Location: Automobile Alley, OKC

Extra Info: Sat, Nov 30; 4 – 7 p.m.; downtownindecember.com

Oklahoma Gaming Frenzy

Location: OKC Fairgrounds

Extra Info: Sat, Nov 30; 10 a.m. –5 p.m.; okcfairgrounds.com

A Very Merry Guthrie Christmas

Location: Cottonwood Flats, Guthrie, OK

Extra Info: Sat, Nov 30 ---- Sat, Dec 28; 6 – 9 p.m.; averymerryguthriecchristmas.org

Beauty Ball Hair Show

Location: OKC Fairgrounds Centennial Building

Extra Info: Sun, Dec 1; bundlesonhand.com

(Send calendar items to infante318@cox.net)

Phil Fraim announces bid for Ward 4 seat

Edmond resident and noted business leader Phil Fraim officially announces his candidacy for Edmond City Council, Ward 4. Fraim is a lifelong Edmond resident. He and his wife Rachel have three grown children and eight grandchildren and all of them currently live in Edmond.

“As an Edmond guy with family members that go back to early Edmond, I want to see our community be the best it can be”, says Fraim. “I have witnessed tremendous change and growth over the years, and as that continues, challenges will certainly follow. Yet despite those challenges, I’m confident that all our residents will work together as Edmond continues to be the most desirable place to live in the great State of Oklahoma!”

To help continue the outstanding legacy of Edmond, Fraim believes we need to focus on these 5 critical tenets:

• Sustainable, common sense economic development; sales tax & use tax are vital

• Financial transparency with fundamental business principles; project prioritization w/ financial accountability

• Enhanced messaging/communication; City leaders talking with neighbors & residents

• Public Safety; continue to assure Edmond has the best Police & Fire Departments

• Build Public Trust; it all starts with accountability and communication Fraim has a strong history of community involvement where he currently serves as a Trustee of the Edmond Economic Development Authority for the past 10 years. He served as a Trustee and as Chair of the UCO Foundation and is part of the advisory board of the UCO Insur-

Exhibit set

The University of Central Oklahoma's Department of Art will host an opening reception showcasing the artistic talents of seven graduating seniors at the Senior Capstone Exhibition from 5-7 p.m., Dec. 5, in the Melton Gallery, located in the UCO Art and Design Building. The exhibition will be on display Dec. 2-13.

The exhibition celebrates studio art majors through a spectrum of the visual arts, including ceramics, drawing, printmaking, jewelry, metals, painting and sculpture.

"This fall, the seniors are exploring various topics such as identity, culture, resilience and belonging while using various artistic materials said Eric Hoefer, M.F.A., associate professor of art at Central.

ance, Risk Management and Actuarial Science Department. For the past four years Fraim has served as President of his neighborhood HOA and currently represents Edmond as a Director of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) of Central Oklahoma.

Phil adds to his community service with notable financial and business leadership experience, having served as President/CEO of Oklahoma Attorneys Mutual Insurance, a statewide professional liability insurance company, for 31 years. That experience includes working with insurance and reinsurance leaders across the US, Canada, and Western Europe.

He has also served as President and as Secretary of a national association for professional liability insurance companies, as a Board Member of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies and is Secretary of a surety/fidelity company.

“I am happy to endorse Edmond resident Phil Fraim for Edmond City Council Ward 4”, says Nick Massey, former Edmond Ward 4 City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem. “I have known Phil for over 10 years and have served with him as a board member of the Edmond Economic Development Authority. He is excellent at taking complicated matters and approaching them with a calm, rational and reasonable approach. His background in business, insurance, and public service makes him well suited to guiding Edmond through the coming years. Please consider voting for Phil Fraim for Ward 4 in the upcoming city election in April 2025.”

Edmond City Council elections will take place April 1, 2025, and I hope to earn your vote. If questions or comments, feel free to reach out: FraimforEdmond@gmail.com

Fraim

Integris acted quickly to save life

Lloyd Vines was only 33 years old when severe abdominal pain landed him in the hospital. He was diagnosed with a bowel obstruction and underwent surgery to untwist his small bowel. That’s when things took a turn for the worse.

“He was crashing basically. It kind of just escalated from sepsis to septic shock quite quickly. He was close to death,” remembers Lloyd’s partner, Katrina. “It was 4 or 5 in the morning when the physician on staff came in and said I’m going to put in a call to the ECMO team at INTEGRIS Health.”

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, commonly abbreviated as ECMO, is a lifesaving therapy that provides support to patients whose heart and/or lungs are so severely diseased or damaged that they can no longer serve their function. It is often considered as a “last hope” for patients in critical condition.

Laura Swant, D.O., is a critical care physician at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center. “I remember getting the call. It was early in the morning and one of my former colleagues called me and told me about his case. He was in desperate

need of some mechanical circulatory support. His lungs were so sick, as well as he was just in profound shock.”

The INTEGRIS Health ECMO team, that consists of an ECMO physician, ECMO coordinator, ECMO specialist or perfusionist and a respiratory therapist, mobilized to retrieve Lloyd and bring him to the Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center, where the ECMO program is headquartered.

“In Lloyd’s case, both his heart and his lungs were both severely impacted by his disease. The night that we got called his heart was only functioning at about 10 percent and his lungs had a severe infection as well,” says Zac Reaves, an ECMO specialist. “He was so critically ill in that moment, that he would not have survived just a conventional transport by ambulance to our hospital.”

The odds seemed to be stacked against Lloyd, but after five weeks on ECMO – his body started to respond. He was literally brought back from the brink of death. It’s been a long, hard journey but just recently Lloyd returned to INTEGRIS Health to thank the care team who saved his life.

“He came to the unit a couple of weeks ago and I happened to be working. I recognized him and I obviously recognized Katrina, and it was great to see him back thriving,” states Swant.

Reaves agrees, “We don’t always have the luxury of seeing how patients improve once they leave our ICU. Seeing how far they come after they get out of rehab, long-term acute care facilities, it’s very special to see how far they’ve come.”

Lloyd is just thankful for each new day. “When you come that close to lights out, it makes you question a lot of stuff. People ask me now, ‘Oh are you going to go climb Everest or something,’ and it’s like no. I value a Sunday morning in bed drinking a cup of coffee with Katrina and the dog. Those little things are what it is all about. I feel very grateful and lucky that we were oddly in the right place at the right time. Today is a gift in itself.”

INTEGRIS Health was the first in Oklahoma to establish a specialized life support program solely devoted to adult patients facing imminent death. The system has a 24-hour ECMO hotline: 844-436ECMO (3266). ECMO physicians are available 24/7/365 for consultation with other hospitals and doctors throughout the state.

Holiday ‘Hop Around’ promoted by museum promises fun for all

Experience an old-fashioned Christmas as you “Hop Around” to three historical sites in Edmond, OK on Sat, Dec 7th from 1-4:00 pm.

Stroll to three historical places in Edmond for FREE holiday crafts, Santa photos, hot cocoa, and old-timey atmosphere. The three locations are within a few blocks of each other, near Downtown Edmond.

Locations and activities include:

· Edmond History Museum (431 S. Boulevard): Toy trains and children’s activities. Plus, view the museum exhibits, including Mysterious Machines and On the Air in Edmond .

· 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse (124 E. 2nd St): Historical games and crafts.

· Victorian Rodkey House (410 S. Littler): Santa photos, Christmas activities, and hot cocoa.

Model trains, provided by the Sooner Division of Toy Train Operating Society and Oklahoma Nrail. Holiday Hop Around is hosted by the Edmond History Museum, Edmond Historical Preservation Trust, and the Edmond chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Old-fashioned and homemade presents are available in the museum gift shop for purchase. Attendees are invited to save 10% on all gift shop purchases.

UCO honored again for helping military

The University of Central Oklahoma has once again been recognized as a leading institution for veterans and military-connected students, earning a spot on the Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges list for the ninth consecutive year. UCO is one of only five institutions in Oklahoma to achieve this distinction, underscoring its commitment to providing outstanding support and services for those who have served.

Central focuses on providing services and support for veterans and military-connected students through the Veterans Higher Education Resource and Opportunity Center (VetHERO) and federally funded programs.

"This national recognition is a testament to the University of Central Oklahoma’s dedication to serving those who have sacrificed for our country,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.

Holiday Season

Downtown Edmond is already in the holiday mood as ‘Deck the Downtown’ festivities were held earlier this month at Campbell and Broadway, There was a tree lighting, live music and hot cocoa.

RAY HIBBARD

By Steve Gust

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

There is one post-election development that has fascinated me in the past few voting cycles.

Celebrities all packed? Sen. Lankford: Still lots to do in 2024

It involves celebrities vowing to leave America if the GOP presidential nominee is elected.

The vow is even more pronounced with Donald Trump being the nominee and presidential winner. And to be clear, if someone wishes to leave the country, that’s up to them. They have that freedom..

Yet when it comes to celebrities, I have no idea why someone would be influenced by an entertainer’s endorsement of a candidate. Some years ago, I heard the late-actor Andy Griffith talk about a foray he made into political endorsements. He did it once and then vowed he’d never do it again. It was his conclusion that his endorsement actually hurt the guy he supported.

I imagine that’s probably the case with most entertainers. What they don’t realize is most of us can make up our own minds on who we want to vote for and we sure as heck don’t need their help.

But in their minds they have a very inflated opinion of themselves,

which leads me back to my original point. If they want to leave the nation, then go for it. And if they want to endorse a certain candidate, they can do that also.

What I don’t understand is why they make a big production out of leaving the country? Their absence isn’t going to affect my life and I doubt it’s going to affect yours either. Yet they make sure it’s known that they’re leaving the country if Trump, or someone else from the GOP, is elected president.

In effect, what they’re saying is that they’re part of an elite class, which doesn’t have to live under a governing administration that won’t march in lockstep with their leftist beliefs. It just reminds of the upset kid who gets mad at his playmates and picks up his toys and goes home. And we’ve also seen that a lot of these celebrities don’t follow through with leaving. But if they must go, then remember — parting is such sweet sorrow.

—-

Hats off to the UCO and OU football teams. UCO had a real overtime playoff victory thriller last Saturday. And OU did great against Alabama.

It's time for the holiday season to officially begin! I pray that each of us would remember with gratitude the many blessings we enjoy as Oklahomans and Americans. We are always working to form a more perfect union, but we are still the greatest nation on Earth. This Thanksgiving is a great moment to pass down our values to the next generation of Americans. Please remember during this time to give thanks for all that God has given us and to those who keep us safe so we can live free.

Congress Still Has a LONG To-Do List for 2024

Currently, government funding runs out on December 20th. Each year, the deadline for the Defense Bill (known as the National Defense Authorization Act or the NDAA) is the end of the year. North Carolina and Florida are still struggling to recover from the devastating hurricanes. Our farmers and ranchers also need us to finalize a Farm Bill to update our agricultural policies and provide more certainty and stability for

By Rep. Nicole Miller

I recently helped host the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots 95th Anniversary gala at the Oklahoma State Capitol. This was held in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), Will Rogers International Airport, and Sundance Airport.

The Ninety-Nines is a nonprofit organization established in 1929 by Amelia Earhart and 98 other women pilots whose mission was to promote the "advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight."

was initiated and in 1975, land became available to build a large headquarters facility. Within it, a Resource Center was created to include a library, archives, museum, and oral/video history collection. In 1999, The 99s Museum of Women Pilots opened to the public and this year, improvements to the museum and exhibits have been made and are open for tours and education programs.

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics has worked with the Ninety-Nines for nearly a decade to ensure the workforce needs of this industry are met.

In 1955, the organization moved its headquarters from New York City to the Will Rogers International Airport terminal building in Oklahoma City. In 1972, The 99s Museum of Women Pilots

The gala celebrates the NinetyNines' remarkable legacy in aviation history, their sisterhood, progress, and their many decades headquartered in Oklahoma City. The event included a dinner that showcased the rich heritage of Oklahoma's aviation and aerospace industry and the diverse tapestry of people and ecosystems across the state’s 77 counties. It was an honor to help host this amazing night.

our producers. Senator Chuck Schumer has not scheduled votes on any of those important bills all year, which has pushed everything to the end of the year.

I am continuing to push for the NDAA, Farm Bill, Pharmacy Benefit Manager reforms and other end-of-year agenda items to get completed and not just punted to “later.” Next year, the new Republican majority in the Senate is ready to quickly confirm President Trump’s nominees through an open and transparent process, help close the open southern border, extend the expiring Trump tax cuts, tackle our skyrocketing debt and deficit, and much more. As busy as December will be to end this session of Congress, the start of the next session will be even busier.

Two weeks ago, I was elected into leadership of the Republican Senate for next session. In January, I will begin my service as the Republican Vice-Chair of our Conference, which will allow me to bring Oklahoma common sense and problem solving to the decision making process.

FEMA Clean Up

As soon as the information came out about FEMA disaster responders avoiding locations with Trump yard signs in the areas affected by the recent hurricane on the East Coast, we immediately took action to verify the information and then connect directly with FEMA. The individuals carrying out the political discrimination have now been fired, but I want to make sure this never happens again. This week, I passed legislation out of the Homeland Security Committee to prevent FEMA from ever again using political discrimination against disaster victims.

This is one of multiple reforms I have proposed to fix our emergency disaster assistance programs. Natural disasters are nothing new for Oklahomans. When disaster strikes, families should focus on rebuilding and helping their neighbors recover, not waiting on FEMA paperwork or dealing with replacement fees. I introduced the Replacing Essential Passports and Licenses After Certain Emergencies (REPLACE) Act to automatically waive replacement fees when survivors lose critical documents like passports.

On another note, I authored several bills that took effect Nov. 1. These include:

House Bill 3672 is an aerospace bill that defines VTOL aircraft and adds the term vertiport to state statute. VTOL aircraft have the ability to take off and land vertically. Vertiport is the area of land used for the takeoff and landing of these type of aircraft. Additionally, the measure adds vertiports as a type of airport that a municipality can own and updates language to include vertiports under the Municipal Airports Act and the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) Act. Lastly, the measure requires ODAA to create a framework to guide the further development of Oklahoma’s air transportation system, including vertiports, for the use of unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility. This measure is based off of the state's Advanced Air Mobility Strategic Plan.

House Bill 3673 creates the Tricare Reserve Select Reimbursement Program for participating Oklahoma National Guard members who are on a state active duty mission for 30 days or more, so their insurance premiums will be covered.

House Bill 3668 strengthens protections for the elderly and other vulnerable adults when it comes to financial and sexual abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The measure extends the statute of limitations for beginning the prosecution for sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult from three to 12 years after discovery of the crime. It also expands the definition of racketeering to include Medicaid fraud and sets penalties based on the amount of fraudulent payments.

Convicted individuals will face proportional fines, up to three years imprisonment, or both, and must cover investigation and litigation costs, with all collected funds deposited into the state attorney general’s Medicaid Revolving Fund.

A favorite: French Toast & pure maple syrup

By Carol Smaglinski

When your bread has probably seen better days in your kitchen, rather than feed it to the birds or make croutons, try turning it into some delicious French Toast.

If French bread goes slightly off in France, it is called “pain perdu” which translates to lost bread. Authentically fresh-baked French bread usually only lasts for a day, due to its recipe that only contains flour, yeast, salt and water. Made without the addition of butter or fat, it can easily slip off the rails. That might be the reason that the French people shop for bread once a day.

The best topping for your rendition of French Toast (“nun’s bread” or “eggy bread”) is a splash of delicious maple syrup. And that could be one of the best efforts of Mother Nature and our American Indians who showed the earliest settlers just how to handle it.

Most maple syrup comes from Canada, with some from Vermont and other northeastern parts of the United States due to its abundance of maple trees. And the important symbol of Canada and the central feature on its national flag is the maple leaf.

It all starts around February and its sugaring sea-

son can continue on throughout April. Each tree being tapped can be counted on to produce at least a dozen gallons each year, but it is an arduous process, to be sure. Thirty-five gallons of sap will produce just one gallon of maple syrup.

These days, life can be stressful enough without having to feel stressed out about what we are eating while trying to satisfy our minds and appetites for good food with balance. The worst case scenario? Junk food? No way, you say.

One of the saddest things is shopping for groceries and picking up the product and checking out the chemicals listed on the jar. But maple syrup is pure and it comes from the sap of a rock or maple tree and black maple trees. The sap of the tree is boiled, which evaporates the water. Then it is concentrated into 100 percent pure maple syrup. The sap from the first renderings is usually more intense in flavor. And, there are also flavor varieties of maple syrup including assertive, rich, and mild, gentle, delicate and fancy.

Note that ordinary table syrup is simply corn syrup with a high-fructose concentration and is much thicker and stickier than the smooth maple syrup.

It is expensive, a luxury but worth it and can be

Pet groomer marks milestone

Diamond In The Ruff Mobile Pet Spa recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their anniversary.

Diamond In The Ruff Mobile Pet Spa was founded in 2009 in Edmond. After years working for a veterinarian and several more years managing the grooming department at a national store chain, they realized the need for personalized health care in the grooming industry. With multiple accredited certifications ranging from pet CPR and First Aid to certified advanced grooming techniques, they are on the cutting edge and regu-

larly attend continuing education classes. Today, they have expanded to a multiunit mobile spa company. Diamond in the Ruff Mobile Pet Spa is central Oklahoma's leading mobile pet grooming salon.

Join them for an open house to celebrate with an evening filled with conversation, cocktails, and dancing! Saturday November 16th from 7-10pm. It is an adult only event with a cash bar.

To learn more about Diamond In The Ruff, check out their website, https://diamondintheruffpetspa.net/, or give them a call at (405) 509-8825.

used as a topping for hot toast, crisp English muffins, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, and even on oatmeal. To keep it fresh for up to a year, store under refrigeration or freeze. If your maple syrup has crystallized, heat the glass bottle in a pan of hot water over low heat until the foam dissolves.

Easy French Toast

Makes about 6 servings

3 eggs, large

1 and ½ cups half and half

¼ cup of sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. cinnamon

12 thick slices of slightly stale bread

Butter for the skillet

Blend together the eggs, half and half, sugar, vanilla and add cinnamon, and turn out into a shallow dish.

Carefully dip each slice of bread in the mixture, letting it soak it for a few seconds and flipping again. Let the excess egg drip off.

Meanwhile, heat the skillet with some of the butter and fry the soaked bread slices by cooking them quickly until the surface of the slices are golden. Serve with sides of Canadian bacon, sausage or bacon for breakfast.

Chamber officials helped The Ruff Pet Spa celebrate many years in business.

Kelly Hines takes state senate oath of office

Sen. Kelly Hines, R-Edmond, was sworn into the Oklahoma Senate ear;ier this month. Hines took his oath of office in the Senate chamber in a ceremony led by Sen. Brent Howard, the chamber’s chief presiding officer. Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice M. John Kane IV administered the oath of office as Hines’ family and friends watched.

Hines was one of 14 new senators sworn in earlier this mon th. Altogether, 26 senators, including those returning for new terms, took the oath of office.

“After devoting most of my adult life to protecting this great nation and its freedoms, I’m honored and humbled to represent the residents of Senate District 47,” Hines said. “I’m grateful to the voters who put their trust in me, and I look forward to working on behalf of all my constituents to move this great state forward.”

Hines was raised in the small town of Whitesboro, Okla. In 1985, he joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard, which began his more than 34 years of military service. He graduated from East Central University in Ada Oklahoma and was commissioned as an active-duty 2nd Lieutenant in Army Aviation in 1992. Hines retired as a Colonel in 2019. He has commanded thousands of soldiers and hundreds of aircraft execut-

ing conventional and special operations missions around the globe.

A decorated combat veteran, Hines’ awards include the Air Medal for Valor, two Bronze Stars and two Legions of Merit. He has logged nearly 3000 helicopter flight hours (over 500 in combat) and has served in multiple units to include the 101st Airborne Division, 10th Mountain Division, 160th Special Operations Avi-

ation Regiment, and the 25th Infantry Division. He now serves as the vice president of domestic operations for Aviation Training Consulting (ATC) in Edmond. Hines holds a bachelor’s degree in history from East Central University, a master’s degree in ancient history from American Public University, and a master’s in strategic studies from the United States Army War College. Hines has

been married to his wife, Shannon, for 32 years, and they have two adult children, Alex and Riley.

Hines and other new senators have officially takem office

The 60th session of the Oklahoma Legislature begins on Jan. 7, when both chambers will hold an organizational day to elect leaders and adopt legislative rules. The full, four-month legislative session will start Feb. 3.

How cutting fitness impacts your wallet

By Brian Attebery

I have been a personal trainer for 28 years. I have owned and operated my fitness center since 2003. I have been able to witness multiple trends and patterns in day-to-day life, seasons of the years, and economic impacts in the U.S. and globe. The sad reality is that people do not prioritize their health and fitness. While I completely understand that people will make cuts in their lifestyle when times are tough, it is tough to watch people cut their fitness as one of them. Obviously, I am biased since this is my profession, but the bigger picture is the overall impact on their health, stress-management, and prioritize that I think people miss the boat on.

I have witnessed many people cut the gym and then 2-3 years later end up with diabetes, high-blood pressure, joint issues, and heart disease. Luckily, some have recognized the correlation and got back on track. Many don’t. This is when our society needs to do a better job of encouraging fitness during tough times and showing the true economic impact of what ignoring it can and will do to your pocketbook and the world. There are many studies that prove it.

The research organization, RAND Europe examined the potential global implications of insufficient physical activity and changes of physical activity levels at the population level across different countries with the goal to explore the main economic costs of physical inactivity and to identify the key benefits to improving activity rates. Overall, the models estimate that between US$8.7 billion -

US$11.2 billion in present global healthcare expenditure could be saved by making people physically more active, with those savings rising to between US$16 billion and US$20.6 billion by 2050.(“The Economic Effects of a More Physically Active Society”:11-5-19 www.rand.org)

Other studies show better work production and lower health care costs. Specifically, an Insurance Company called “Health IQ” showed multiple examples of specific areas and types of exercise. Here are some examples benefits from the gym environment:

• Physically active, health-conscious people have a 47 percent lower risk of all-cause mortality.

• Weightlifters have an 80% reduction in depression.

• Athletes who perform high-intensity interval training, commonly known as “H.I.I.T”, have a 53% lower risk of all-cause mortality.

Other research found that a person who walks or otherwise exercises for 150 minutes per week spends $2,500 less each year on medical expenses than those that fail to average that. (U.S. News and World Report. “How Exercise Literally Makes You Richer. March 15th, 2017.)

It is easy to look at the immediacy of your financial situation and think it makes sense to not “spend money” on your fitness but the negative impact of your health and ultimately, financial situation will just be worse. If you have fallen off the wagon, get back on it. It will be the best investment you have ever made.

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

Attebery

Sen. Kelly Hines, R-Edmond, (center) recites the Senate oath of office on Wednesday in a ceremony at the Oklahoma Capitol.

Francis Tuttle pre-nursing program volunteers for OBI events

The Oklahoma Blood Institute does several blood drives every year at Francis Tuttle Technology Center.

The partnership provides a valuable resource for the community, as donated blood is a guaranteed life saver for so many. But it also provides valuable experience for Francis Tuttle Pre-Nursing students, and OBI is happy to have them take part.

At the very least, Pre-Nursing’s participation motivates younger people to donate blood.

“Our mean age for donors is 35-65,” said Laurinda Field, OBI’s supervisor for a Francis Tuttle blood drive on Oct. 24. “The young people haven’t really gotten into it yet. So, if someone comes here and starts at 16, and then donates for the rest of their life, then that’s very rewarding.”

Kennyth Clark, a Deer Creek High School student in the Pre-Nursing program, represents the program as its president for the health student organization HOSA. He spent most of the morning of the blood

drive walking the halls and encouraging people to come donate.

Clark said participating in the blood drive gave him valuable insight for his future career.

“It helps you see how all of this is done,” he said. “You see how it all works and how big of a help it can be for people.”

Pre-Nursing students run the check in desk and hand out snacks to blood donors. They also provide an extra set of eyes and helping hands for OBI staff.

“They can come and observe the blood being drawn and see how that works,” Field said. “They also help out in the snack area, and they keep an eye out for people who may start to feel lightheaded or squeamish.”

While participating in the blood drive, Pre-Nursing students take time to donate, as well. Victoria Eckiwardy, a senior at Edmond Santa Fe and HOSA vice president, said she was nervous about donating at first, but is now perfectly comfortable with it after

City Council filing period nears

The filing period for individuals interested in running for one of three positions on Edmond City Council is Dec. 2-4. Seats up for election are Mayor, Ward 3 and Ward 4.

Filing is done in person at the Oklahoma County Election board offices, 4201 North Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and questions regarding the process can be directed to 405-713-1515.

To be eligible for office in Edmond, the City Charter requires the following criteria be met:

Legal citizen of the United States.

A minimum of 25 years of age.

A freeholder (landowner) and resident of at least one year prior to selection to serve.

A qualified voter of the City of Edmond and of the Ward in which the candidate is running, except for the Mayor seat, which is an at-large position representing the entire city.

Elections for Edmond City Council are non-partisan. For seats in which more than two candidates file, a primary election will take place Feb. 13, 2025. The general election will be held April 2, 2025.

City Council is a five-member body, including the Mayor, representing the four Wards that make up the City of Edmond. Ward representative council terms are four years and the mayor serves a two-year term.

An updated map of the City of Edmond council Wards can be found here: https://www.edmondok.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7731/2024-NEWWARD-MAP.

To make sure you are registered to vote, please visit: https://oklahoma.gov/elections/vote r-registration/register-to-vote.html.

learning about how it works.

“You’re observing what they are doing, so it gives you an idea of what you’ll do in your job,” she said. “And really, with any job in healthcare, you’ll deal with blood.”

Students also gain an appreciation for patient care as they experience the blood drive. OBI staff take special care to give donors appreciation and a safe environment to ask questions.

Cooper Barton, HOSA secretary and Deer Creek High School student, has also donated blood multiple times after initially being nervous about it. Now he is looking forward to interacting with patients the same way OBI staff are with blood donors.

“As we go further into the program, we learn about phlebotomy,” he said. “This is something that prepares us for what we’ll experience at clinicals in hospitals. The phlebotomists here are always nice and reassuring to the blood donors who come in, and it shows me how I want to be with patients.”

Students from the Pre-Nursing Program at Francis Tuttle Technology Center volunteer their time to help at a blood drive organized by the Oklahoma Blood Institute. From left to right: Sofia McCarty (Edmond Santa Fe HS), Victoria Eckiwardy (Edmond Santa Fe), Kennyth Clark (Deer Creek HS), Raelyn Poole (Edmond Memorial HS), and Cooper Barton (Deer Creek HS).

Sen. Adam Pugh and Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders pose for a photo at the ExcelinEd 2024 National Summit on Education. The event, earlier this month, brought together policymakers, educators and thought leaders to discuss transformative strategies for improving education nationwide. ‘It was an honor to welcome Governor Sanders at this year’s summit,’ said Senator Pugh.

Arkansas Governor visits

Movie review of ‘Wicked: Part 1’

Film may be a tad long but is worth it

By George Gust

The 1939 film adaptation “The Wizard of Oz” is an undeniable American film classic and cultural touchstone that has stood the test of time. And the subsequent near 100 years have produced a multitude of stories in the world of Oz riding the success of that classic film, yet none have been as successful as the 2003 Broadway revisionist sensation, but would the film adaptation live up to the hype or become yet another failed attempt to cash in on the land that lies somewhere over the rainbow?

“Wicked: Part 1” follows Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), their friendship reaches a crossroads.

For those unfamiliar, it may come as a surprise that this week’s new release film is only the first half of a two-part film adaptation of “Wicked.” This decision to split the Broadway show into two parts has its benefits and drawbacks. Where the Broadway show breezes through plot points in 5 minutes, this

film is able to give more room and breath to these storylines to build a more fully realized film world. And in emotional moments, like a downtempo dance sequence, the film is able to zoom in on the emotions of Erivo’s performance and show more depth to her character where the stage performer would have to play that moment as broad as possible to the ‘cheap seats.’ The drawback with expanding the stage show is the 2 hour 40 minute runtime of “Wicked” can feel like its dragging out too long and stretched too thin for the Broadway story.

“Wicked” has all the spectacle elements of the

classic movie musical from years past but modernized for current audiences. From the massive set design, intentionally intricate costumes, and large cast of dancers in sweeping visual sequences, but the performances of Erivo and Grande are the elements that will be the takeaway from the film. Erivo is fantastic in this, with a showstopping singing performance paired with the emotion and character that serves as the emotional crux of the film. Grande also turns in an effective performance with marvelous singing that show her unmatched vocal range, but there are several moments where it felt that her performance fell flat when trying to convey the friendship between her and Erivo.

Overall, “Wicked: Part 1” is the kind of big screen spectacle for a new generation of Oz fans, with impeccable filmmaking and strong performances from the Broadway savvy leads. The near 3 hour length of the film can feel like a drag at times, but gives ample opportunity to run back to the snack bar during the proceedings.

“Wicked: Part 1” is rated PG for some scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material. 4 out of 5 stars

The Senate unanimously passed a bill introduced by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Markwayne Mullin (ROK) to name the new Veterans Administration (VA) 75,000-squarefoot, 58-bed medicalsurgical hospital in Tulsa the James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center in honor of the life and legacy of the late-Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe, who tirelessly served our military, veterans, and their families for his entire public service career. Lankford helped ensure the hospital received funding to commence construction in 2020 and helped ensure the skyrocketing inflation of the last three years did not interrupt the construction schedule with additional unforeseen costs.

Representative Kevin Hern (R-OK) is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“This is one of the most fitting honors we can give to Senator Inhofe for his decades of dedicated service to our veterans and their families,” said Lankford. “Taking care of our military and veterans was at the top of Senator Inhofe’s priorities.”

The big screen film adaptation of the hit musical ‘Wicked’ charms even with a bloated run time.

Outgoing House Speaker looks back at accomplishments

House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, released the following statement expressing his gratitude and reflecting on legislative accomplishments during his eight years as Speaker of the House, and twelve years in the House of Representatives:

“First and foremost, I would like to thank my wife and children for their support these last twelve years. Without them, I would never have been able to effectively serve the citizens of our state. Next, I want to thank the citizens of District 22 for electing me twelve years ago and allowing me to serve them for over a decade. It has been the honor of a lifetime. I would also be remiss if I did not extend a sincere thank you to my fellow House members, and the citizens they represent throughout our great state, for putting their trust in me to lead as Speaker of the House. Finally, I would like to thank the staff of the Oklahoma

House of Representatives for their hard work and dedication. Together, we have accomplished meaningful changes for the people of Oklahoma. We right sized Oklahoma's budget, moving from deficits to billions in surplus. This allowed us to cut taxes, protect core services and invest in the future of our state. We invested more in education over the past eight years than in the previous 27 years combined. We lowered taxes on citizens and businesses, creating an economic environment that attracts new investment and encourages growth. We protected constitutional rights, defended the lives of the unborn and fought back against the Leftist agenda that has swept across our nation over the past four years, which led to Oklahoma being ranked as the second most conservative Legislature in the country. Last, but not least, we created more parental choice in education, allowing parents, and students, to determine their own educa-

New leader chosen for Okla. House

The Oklahoma House Republican caucus last week elected Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, as Speaker-Elect of the House for the 60th Legislature.

Speaker-Elect Hilbert has served as Speaker Pro Tempore for the House since 2022. He is set to become the 45th Speaker of the House and the ninth Republican speaker.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust the Republican caucus has placed in me heading into the 60th Legislature,” said Hilbert. “Together, we must rise to the occasion of the urgent challenges facing Oklahomans, including the ongoing pinch of inflation, a widening workforce skills gap and much-needed investment in our public infrastructure system including transportation, water, wastewater and broadband connectivity. Our caucus is ready to make the tough decisions needed to

move Oklahoma forward.”

The Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives is the body’s chief presiding officer and is responsible for committee appointments, the flow of legislation and the management of the House budget and staff. The speaker also serves as an ex-officio voting member on all House committees.

Hilbert, 30, will be the youngest House speaker in Oklahoma state history and only the second Republican speaker 30 years old or younger in any state since 1873.

The House Republican caucus also elected today Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, as Speaker Pro TemporeElect; Rep. Stan May, R-Broken Arrow, as Caucus Chair; Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, as Caucus Vice Chair; and Rep. Josh Cantrell, RKingston, as Caucus Secretary.

Lawmaker against open primary

Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, released the following statement regarding the filing of a new state question that aims to change Oklahoma’s elections to impose open primaries.

“On November 5th, Oklahoma spoke loud and clear that we are a conservative state that is only becoming more conservative. So, why then would Oklahoma suddenly move to a liberal, open primary system, which seeks only to disenfranchise Republicans? This proposed state question is a sure pathway to turn our state blue and a ‘solution’ in search of a problem.

“It also doesn’t matter what you call it — open primaries, jungle pri-

maries, top two — they are all the same. Instead of running liberal policies like open primaries to hand our elections over to the left, we should instead be focused on reforming the initiative petition process to keep outof-state leftists from perverting our state. To protect Oklahoma, we need policies that require state question signature gatherers to collect signatures in dozens of counties, which would align with legislation I’ve filed in the past.

“After the greatest win for Republicans in history, now more than ever, we must focus on stopping this progressive policy, rather than inviting it to ruin the party.”

tional pathway. Of course, there are countless other accomplishments that could be included in this list, and I truly feel that as my time as Speaker comes to a close, Oklahoma is in a better place than it was twelve years ago. I would like to congratulate my successor in House District 22, Ryan Eaves, and wish him well as he embarks on his own legislative journey. I hope that he feels the joy of service as deeply as I have these past twelve years.

I want to leave you with a quote from President Ronald Reagan who said, 'The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.' I hope I have been a leader worthy of my station, and I am forever grateful for your faith in me. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. God bless the Great State of Oklahoma."

State auditor accuses town of fiscal mismanagement

Oklahoma State Auditor & Inspector [SA&I] Cindy Byrd last week released her forensic audit report for the City of Lindsay in Garvin County. Auditor Byrd launched the investigation after receiving a request from District Attorney Greg Mashburn.

Byrd

The SA&I investigated the city’s financial records from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2022. The audit uncovered significant mismanagement and a failure of Lindsay City Council members to provide proper

oversight of expenditures.

“The warning signs were there but no one was looking,” Auditor Byrd said. “Lindsay’s elected leaders have a legal obligation to oversee the City’s finances. Instead, the City’s financial mismanagement was exacerbated by ineffectual leadership that failed to maintain records and oversee City functions. As a result, Lindsay taxpayers have been shortchanged by hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

Among the problematic findings

See Audit, Page 19

Jennings pens third book & has plans for a fourth

By Rose Drebes

James Jennings, a fifth generation native Oklahoman, trial lawyer and author of Western fiction, explores how far a man will go for justice and the nature of truth in his new novel, Blue Wild Indigo.

Set against the dry, hard-edged landscape of the western Oklahoma prairie, Blue Wild Indigo, Jennings’ third novel, is a love story at its core, as well as an exploration of life in the 1960s in a small town not accustomed to change. Horsemanship, cattle ranching and other pursuits that are still a part of the west, are told in vivid detail that only a native like Jennings can describe.

tion, all of which helps me know my home state even better.”

In getting ideas for his novels, Jennings said he looks to William Faulkner’s Nobel Prize acceptance speech, “The problems of the human heart in conflict with itself alone can make good writing because only that is worth writing about, worth the agony and the sweat.”

He said he takes those words to heart.

“My novels deal with courage and cowardice, loyalty and betrayal, love and loss,” Jennings said. “I try to tap into that underground stream of common experience.”

Jennings, of Edmond, said his native American roots serve as a backdrop for his writing.

“My Chickasaw and Choctaw ancestors came west on the Trail of Tears in the 1830s,” Jennings said. “I was born in Oklahoma and have lived here all my life.”

The small towns and open country of his native state serve as the setting, at least as a model for the time and place, of all his novels, Jennings said.

“I love this state and think that shows in my writing,” he said.

The places of his stories are also very much a character.

“It can be friend or foe, perhaps both,” Jennings said. “Oklahoma is a place I know well and setting my books here leads to research about history, geology and vegeta-

Work as a trial lawyer involves storytelling, as, of course, does writing fiction.

“The two are close kin,” he said. “I think my experience as a trial lawyer has made me a better writer and my experience as a writer has made me a better trial lawyer,” Jennings explained. “My dual identity helps me hone my skills in both fields of endeavor.”

Notions of justice seem to show through in all of his books. The tagline for Blue Wild Indigo is, “How far will a man go for justice.”

“I suppose, to some extent, my background as a lawyer plays a role in that,” he said.

There is a fourth novel on the horizon. The title is Travertine Rim.

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James Jennings, of Chickasaw and Choctaw descent, has penned a new novel, ‘Blue Wild Indigo.’ His books emphasize justice,

Bill would slowly end state income tax

Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, has filed Senate Bill 1, a tax reform proposal designed to reduce Oklahoma’s income tax rates in a responsible and measured way.

Under SB1, the state’s marginal income tax rate will be reduced by 0.25 percentage points across all income brackets. Future reductions are tied to revenue growth, with the Board of Equalization tasked with determining if total state revenue has increased by at least $400 million compared to the fiscal year before the most recent tax cut. Each time this benchmark is met, another 0.25 percent reduction will be triggered, continuing until the top marginal income tax rate is zero.

To protect the state’s financial health, the bill includes safeguards to delay tax cuts during times of revenue fail-

ure. If a shortfall occurs after a tax cut has been triggered but before it takes effect, the reduction will be postponed until revenue growth resumes. Additionally, starting in 2035, the $400 million benchmark will adjust every ten years to account for inflation, ensuring the plan remains economically viable over time.

“I’m proud to champion a policy that supports hardworking Oklahomans and promotes economic growth,” Bergstrom said. “This measured, step-by-step approach ensures that our state remains on a sound financial footing while giving families and businesses more of their hard-earned money back.”

SB1 can be considered when the 2025 legislative session begins on Feb. 3, 2025.

The Chamber helps business mark anniversary

American Solera recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their two-year anniversary.

American Solera is Oklahoma's world-class Craft Brewery + Winery, operating their tasting room and pilot facility in Edmond, Oklahoma. They are focusing on creatively engaging beer drinkers from the local tap room to across the world. Come for their bright, fun, and often quirky labels and stay for the hoppy, crispy, funky, and barrel aged goodness.

To learn more about American Solera Edmond, check out their website, https://www.americansolera.com/, or give them a call at (405) 920-6210.

With help from the

OMRF welcomes two new members to board

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Board of Directors welcomed two new members and honored two others during its semiannual meeting last week.

Joining the Board are Sherri Lance of Sulphur and Gail Muncrief of Edmond.

Lance and her husband, Bill, served as this year’s sponsorship chairs of 241, OMRF’s largest annual fundraising event. She is president and managing partner of Gaming Capital Group. She also serves on the boards of United Way of Central Oklahoma, Integris Health, and the Oklahoma Association on Problem Gambling.

Muncrief and her husband, Rick, are major supporters of the foundation’s Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence. Earlier this year, they made a $1.5 million gift for MS care and research. She serves as a trustee of the Oklahoma City Memorial and Museum, the Oklahoma State University Foundation, and the national Chi Omega Foundation.

The Board also elected Carl Edwards of Oklahoma City and Ross Swimmer of Tulsa as life directors.

Edwards has served on the Board since 2010. He has chaired the Board’s Technology Ventures Committee and played a pivotal role in establishing a partnership between OMRF and the Presbyterian Health Foundation, where he served as chair for 17 years.

Swimmer has been an OMRF Board member since 1989. A former principal chief of the Cherokee Nation and assistant secretary of Indian Affairs under President Ronald Reagan, Swimmer has been instrumental in helping OMRF build relationships, support and visibility in the Tulsa area and within Oklahoma’s tribal communities.

Also Thursday, OMRF’s Scientific Advisory Board reviewed the Cardiovascular Biology Research Program. That program, led by Lijun Xia, M.D., Ph.D., studies the blood and other systems in the body that can contribute to a wide range of diseases, including heart attack, stroke and vision loss.

“This is an extremely strong research program,” said James Kirkland, M.D., of The Mayo Clinic, who chaired this year’s Scientific Advisory Board. “OMRF is a real gem in the state and in this part of the country.”

Composed of six distinguished scientists from universities and research institutes across the country, the Scientific Advisory Board provides a rigorous outside review the foundation’s research programs to ensure OMRF maintains the highest scientific standards.

Research complex to be named after Pickens

Oklahoma State University has named a new research complex after late businessman, philanthropist and alumnus T. Boone Pickens, the institution announced last week.

The Boone Pickens Human Performance Innovation Complex, set to start construction next year, initially launched through a $50 million land grant provided by the American Rescue Plan Act.

The T. Boone Foundation donated $25 million more.

"Boone Pickens understood the link between productivity, fitness and happiness," said Lance Walker, Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute Rick and Gail Muncrief executive director. He added that Pickens introduced one of the first corporate wellness programs in the United States.

two years of being in business.

Lance Muncrief

Edmond Chamber of Commerce — American Solera marked

Lyric to help food drive

For the 13th consecutive year, the cast and crew of Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma's "A Christmas Carol", presented by Devon Energy, will collect donations for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma following each performance.

"A Christmas Carol" begins Saturday Nov. 23 and runs through Dec. 27. Last season, audiences contributed more than $31,000, the highest donation total in the history of the local production.

"The annual production of "A Christmas Carol" is such a special holiday event. We are so grateful to our friends at Lyric Theatre and their loyal patrons," said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. "It's rare to see a partnership like this between nonprofits and we encourage everyone to purchase tickets and get into the holiday spirit."

Since 2011, Lyric Theatre audiences attending the annual holiday production have collectively donated $249,526 to help fight hunger in

central and western Oklahoma.

“Lyric Theatre is proud to support the Regional Food Bank with our annual giving event," said Michael Baron, producing director of Lyric Theatre. "With everyone doing a little over the past 12 years, we as a theatre-going community have been able to provide more than 870,000 meals to our neighbors. Now that’s the spirit of the season!”

Tickets for “A Christmas Carol” are available at LyricTheatreOKC.org or by calling Lyric’s box office at 405524-9312.

Founded in 1963, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma is the Official State Theatre of Oklahoma. Lyric produces classic and contemporary musicals, new works, and plays featuring artists from Oklahoma and nationwide. Lyric’s Thelma Gaylord Academy is the premiere professional theatre training ground, offering classes in all aspects of the performing arts, and its Interactive Program reaches 160,000 schoolchildren across the state each year.

Hi and Lois

Shoe

Zits

Family Circus

Beetle Baily

Blondie

Hägar the Horrible

are:

Utilities

The City under-billed commercial customers by approximately $1.5 million. The City expects to recover about 45% ($676,000) of that amount.

Failures to process utility rate hikes, and collect late fees, resulted in lost revenue of approximately $152,460.

Two City employees and two City Council members received utility services despite not making payments for periods ranging from four to eight months.

Sales Tax

Sales tax earmarked for the Lindsay Public Works Authority (LPWA) in the amount of $493,990.16 was improperly retained in the General Fund bank account and not utilized for LPWA restricted purposes as required by law.

Expenditures

Credit card expenditures in excess of $223,000 per year, many without purchase orders, occurred without any board approval or oversight.

Eight invoices from the Grand River Dam Authority [GRDA] were paid late, some due to insufficient funds, resulting in late fees totaling $16,319.04.

Due to missing records, the appropriateness of $34,488.83 in tested purchasing card expenditures could not be verified.

Lindsay City Manager, Rebecca Niernberger, made inappropriate fuel purchases totaling $531.14 and questionable food purchases totaling

$1,789.85. She also improperly obtained $727 worth of fuel for her personal vehicle. The City had no records to support $10,651.87 of Niernberger’s purchasing card expenditures.

The City also had no records to support $20,156.49 of purchasing card expenditures from Lindsay City Clerk Kathy Hammans.

Audits

The City’s financial audits were not completed in the statutorily required timeframe. Two audits were filed more than a year late.

The lack of timely audits hindered the Council’s assessment of the City’s financial status and prevented the City from applying for grant funds.

“While we found countless examples of defi-

From Page 16

cient oversight, mismanagement, and poor decision-making, we classified less than two-thousand dollars of expenditures as fraudulent,” said Auditor Byrd. “On a very good note, the City of Lindsay is working to resolve the issues we discovered and appears to have turned the corner financially. The City has caught up on its audits and is now fully eligible to apply for grant money.”

The full audit is posted here on the Oklahoma State Auditor & Inspector’s official website.

Two City employees and two City Council members received utility services despite not making payments.