In This Issue
Medical program gave woman her life back See page 16
Takingaim
A half court Edmond winner
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31
Partly Cloudy
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Mostly Sunny
64° Low 42°
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Partly Cloudy
One Edmond young man is really enjoying 2025. Last week, 19-year-old Thunder fan Jake Amy hit the MidFirst Bank half-court shot and banked $20,000 during the Thunder vs. Mavericks game. A resident of Edmond, Amy, a student at University of Oklahoma says he, “plans to invest the money.” This is the 24th time a fan has made the shot since the contest started in 2008, and the 1st make of the 2024-25 season.
From the Publisher
Hornbeek for Mayor 2025
Four candidates for Mayor will appear in a primary election ballot on Tuesday, Feb. 11. 2025. The top two vote-getters in that race will advance to the general election for City Council on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. We are blessed here in Edmond with all the candidates being good choices, so Edmond wins no matter who wins in the primary or general election. I admire folks who are willing to put themselves out there and run for any public office. It sure is not an easy task and takes a great deal of personal sacrifice on the part of the person running and their family.
While all four of the candidates are appreciated by me and qualified there is only one candidate that I can pick for the office of Edmond Mayor for 2025. It is David Hornbeek, and I hope you will join me in casting your vote for this guy who is the perfect choice for mayor of our town especially at this time.
None of the other candidates know Edmond as well as Hornbeek, has the leadership skill level he has or has as much ability to bring people together. I have served on many boards with Hornbeek and to be completely forth coming, he is one of my best friends. You should interpret that to mean I know him well folks and it is what I know about the man that causes this endorsement and not just the fact that we are friends.
Here is some information from Hornbeek’s campaign that says it best. What I can do is verify that it is all true.
A Foundation of Service
David Hornbeek’s campaign for Mayor of Edmond is built on a legacy of service to the community. His deep commitment to improving the quality of life in Edmond stems from his unique combination of volunteerism, professional expertise, and civic engagement. He believes that thriving community organizations are essential to a healthy and prosperous city. Throughout his career, David has positioned himself at the intersection of architecture and community, designing social, cultural, and educational infrastructure that serves the public.
From his work as a volunteer architect for Pepper’s Ranch, where he helped build homes for foster care families, to his role in the creation of the renowned UCO Jazz Lab, David has consistently demonstrated his belief that building physical spaces can strengthen social bonds. As mayor of Edmond, David Hornbeek will champion public projects that foster cultural engagement, entrepreneurship, and education.
David’s perseverance is a defining characteristic that makes him uniquely qualified to lead Edmond as its mayor. His 25-year dedication to the First Americans Museum stands as a testament to his tenacity, leadership, and commitment to seeing complex projects through to completion. His efforts involved navigating political, environmental, and funding challenges—culminating in a national and international cultural landmark that connects the public with the rich heritage of Oklahoma’s First American tribes.
Edmond is a growing city, and David under-
stands that it requires leaders who are unafraid to tackle big challenges. From advocating for collaborative development and financial stewardship to ensuring that Edmond is prepared for future growth, David’s leadership style is one of collaboration with transparent processes, accountability, and long-term strategic planning.
As mayor, David will bring that same innovative thinking and dedication to the future of Edmond.
His focus will be on creating policies that promote economic development, support local businesses, and foster a vibrant downtown area. He understands the importance of infrastructure development and will prioritize forward-thinking solutions that benefit future generations
David Hornbeek’s platform is centered on three pillars: service, progress, and community. His record of volunteerism, advocacy, and professional leadership proves that he is dedicated to making Edmond a more connected and thriving city. He has the experience to lead, the vision to inspire, and the dedication to turning ideas into action.
The common theme in all the debates and forums we heard from Hornbeek was transparency. He emphasized this repeatedly and I believe it is what voters want in our city government. The lack of transparency has led to distrust of the issues before the council. Hornbeek will rebuild that trust by making sure the process is transparent and that citizens have enough time to give input into the projects before the city.
He is retired and sold his firm so now he has the time to take all that expertise to work in service to others. Think about it folks, what developer will have a chance of pulling the wool over Hornbeek’s eyes when it comes to their project. He gets it and knows what is possible to ensure qual-
ity. He wants growth but quality growth in Edmond and who better than an experienced architect to make sure that happens. If you have not done so, please tour the First Americans Museum then try and tell me any other candidate has been involved in such an immense project.
His character is beyond reproaching folks. Heck, even one of the other candidates, Leonard Scott, took time during one of the forums to speak of how good Hornbeek would be as mayor and what a good person he is.
I am going to tell you that this is a guy who not only designed the UCO Jazz Lab, but he went on to create the not-for-profit Tres Amigos that has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the UCO Foundation for creating music scholarships. None of those scholarships carry his name. There are three of them and they are in honor of past and current professors in the Jazz Program at UCO. Not talk but action folks. Other candidates can talk about what they want to do but Hornbeek has done his service and is ready to apply what he has learned and knows to better our Edmond.
In the primary election for Edmond Mayor, Vote Hornbeek!
Girl Scout cookies are here
Girl Scout Cookie time has arrived in central Oklahoma, and it is time to unbox the possibilities! Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma (GSWESTOK) announced regional sale dates for the 2025 Girl Scout Cookie program. They stopped by to bring some boxes last week so I could do proper research on this year’s cookies. I can announce that they are all great!
In Oklahoma, digital cookie sales begin Jan. 25 when consumers can pre-order cookies through their local Girl Scout's individual Cookie links to have the sweet treats shipped to their door or hand delivered. In-person activity begins Feb. 1, with girls developing their marketing skills and business sales during door-to-door sales and order deliveries. Customers will see Girl Scouts selling cookies at booths throughout their communities starting Feb. 7. Cookie sales will conclude March 23. Each year, some 2000 Girl Scouts in the GSWESTOK council run their own cookie business.
“When you buy a box of Girl Scout Cookies, you’re making an investment in the future of our girls and their communities,” said Kat Marran, interim CEO of Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma. “Through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls develop essential skills like goal setting, money management and business ethics, preparing them to become the leaders of tomorrow. And in return, you are rewarded with a box of cookies that is as impactful as it is delicious.”
Each package of Girl Scout Cookies retails for $6. Cookie proceeds stay in Oklahoma to benefit local Girl Scouts, creating opportunities for them to enjoy new experiences and adventures like camps, leadership development and STEAM activities. GSWESTOK is recognized as one of the top councils nationwide for the amount of cookie proceeds reinvested in local troops.
(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure, may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)
David Hornbeek
Tours offered Saturday for Arcadia Round Barn
ARCADIA – The Arcadia Round Barn continues to draw interest.
Would you like to learn more about one of the most photographed icon on Route 66 in Oklahoma? Join us for a free, guided public tour every Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. at the Arcadia Round Barn.
Our tour guides are trained in the history of the 1898 landmark that is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tours will take place from 1 to 1:30 p.m. at 107 E. Highway 66 inside the Arcadia Round Barn. Please arrive five minutes before the start time in the lower level gift shop of the barn. Allow 30 minutes for the guided tour and then browse the grounds, gift shop and museum at your leisure.
The Round Barn is six miles east of Interstate 35 on historic Route 66 and is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please park in the designated parking lot behind the Arcadia Round Barn.
For more information about the public tours at the Round Barn, call Andrea at 405-822-6156 or 405-396-0824.
Above, one of the most famous locations in the county is the Round Barn. Tours are offered to view the landmark. Left, Andrea Moon, left, (Round Barn Events Coordinator) with visitors from Vermont and Ohio.
Photos by
SHELLEE GRAHAM
Francis Tuttle instructor get presidential award
Oklahoma science and math teacher Heather Voss is a recipient of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
Voss teaches advanced placement math and physics to high school students in the Computer Science Academy at Francis Tuttle Technology Center. Within the last year, Voss began teaching college-level physics to students enrolled in a dual-credit program through Wichita State University.
matics, and computer science to 10th-12th grade students in its Computer Science Academy. She currently teaches Advanced Placement Physics 1, Advanced Placement Physics 2, Project Lead the Way Digital Electronics, and Honors Chemistry. Previously, Heather spent nine years teaching physics and calculus for the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics at several regional center locations. She has also taught biology at Pasco High School and algebra at Azle High School.
“Receiving this award is an extraordinary honor,” Voss said. “It serves as a validation of my unwavering commitment to providing my students with a rigorous, hands-on learning environment, one that empowers them to excel far beyond my classroom. This award is recognition of the impact I have had as a result of my deep-seated passion for STEM and being a role model for both STEM and STEM education within my community.”
Recipients of the award have demonstrated a deep understanding of the subjects they teach and an ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments. Educators are nominated and complete a rigorous application process before they are selected by a panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators from the state and national level.
As a recipient of PAEMST, Voss will receive $10,000 and will attend a ceremony at the White House.
Voss is an educator with more than 20 years’ experience, with the last ten of those years at Francis Tuttle Technology Center teaching science, mathe-
Heather is passionate about encouraging STEM education. Outside of her classroom, she participates in outreach activities with local elementary and middle schools. Heather is an active STEM leader for her daughters’ Girl Scout troop and guides girls in various grade levels in hands-on STEM activities in areas such as coding and engineering design. Recognizing the importance of identifiable role models in STEM, it is her goal to be a positive role model for girls like her daughters. Heather has received the Girl Scout Outstanding Volunteer Award for her STEM work with the troop.
Heather was the President of the STEM division of Oklahoma Association for Career and Technical Education during the 2022-23 school year. She is currently the state high school representative for the Arkansas-OklahomaKansas (AOK) section of the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT).
Heather has a B.S. in mathematics from Oklahoma State University, a B.S., with honors, in physics from Oklahoma State University, and an M.S. in nuclear physics from Iowa State University.
Voss
(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.)
Jan. 13
Andreina Fernandez La Rosa, 31 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
James Charles King, 25 of Edmond. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Kershena Cotton, 41 of Edmond. Expired tag, child endangerment and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Jan. 14
Sergio Augusto Kellogg, 49 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
Troy O’Neil Daniel, 50 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
Jimmy Levert Ezell, 52 of Edmond. Three counts of failure to appear.
Robert Alexander Muina, 39 of Edmond. Failure to carry current security verification form in vehicle, expired tag and possess CDS.
Lance Clarence Groves, 36 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia trafficking in illegal drugs.
Matthew Scott McCarter, 38 of Oklahoma City. Possess CDS.
Janelle Leigh Yost, 51 homeless. Trespassing.
Jan. 15
Kelela Monica Layfield, 43 of Edmond. Shoplifting – petit larceny.
Billy Gene Thomas, 51 of Oklahoma City. Carrying a harmful weapon.
Amber Demesha Moore, 36 of Bethany. No proof of insurance, possession of marijuana and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended,
denied or revoked.
Tanja Verlon Henderson, 50 of Edmond. Expired tag – over three months, no proof of insurance and operating a motor vehicle with no valid driver’s license.
Calvin Lamar Hogg, 41 of Edmond. Shoplifting - petit larceny.
Koen James Gamboe, 21 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.
Jan. 16
Casey Joseph Bateman, 36, address unknown. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.
Kenneth Wade Lynch, 45 of Edmond. Procure minor to participate in porn, (felony) publication, distribution or participation of obscene material or child pornography – unsolicited mailings and aggravated possession of child porn (100 or more materials).
Phillip Emanuel Davis II, 29 of Edmond. Felony warrant, two misdemeanor warrants and failure to appear.
Dillan Thomas Wheeler, 32 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.
Taylor Ray Lair, 27 of Guthrie. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked and felony DUI/APC.
Jan. 17
Jessica Dawn Ellenburg, 39 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
Damian Ortiz-Lopez, 44 of Edmond. Possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS, driving with incense canceled, suspended or revoked.
Jose Maria Xic Gomez, 28 of Edmond. Operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Jan. 18
Joshua Sunrise Koenig, 28 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Janie Lynn Ragsdale, 37 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Savanna Lynn Turman, 30 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Elizabeth Jade Sneed, 41 of Oklahoma City. Felony DUI/APC.
David Resendiz Olguin 36 of Edmond. Obstruction of police officer, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Xavier Jamal Conally, 26 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.
Amanda Victoria Dingess, 38 of Edmond. Failure to appear.
Adrian Seth Rosacker, 18 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana and public intoxication.
Jan. 19
Donald Victor Williamson, 55 of Edmond. Possess CDS.
Kyran Ray Bowens, 18 of Moore. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.
Adam Percy McCloud, 47 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Branee Michelle Owens, 30 of Edmond. Shoplifting – petit larceny.
Devin Michael Allen Hill, 29 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.
Jan. 20
Janesha Janae Young, 32 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.
Michael Kade Calhoun, 28 of Edmond. Failure to appear.
Jason Lee Stanford, 37 of Edmond. No proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Charles Derek Hodges, 34 homeless. Possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and trespassing after being warned.
Tammie Rae Wamsley, 56 of Perkins. Misdemeanor warrant.
Weekend Calendar of events Jan. 30-Feb. 2
Weekend Calendar of Events Jan. 30-Feb. 2
Weekend Calendar of Events Jan 30 – Feb 2
- In the Gallery
- Seen & Heard: Album Art Direction and Design by Carrie Smith
- Indoor Edmond Farmer’s Market
- Board Game Night
- Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered
- Devon Ice Rink
- Downtown in December
- Karaoke Thursdays
- Acoustic Nights
- Beer + Yoga
- UCO Jazz Lab
- Code of the West: Willie Lusk
- Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner 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 local artists Natalie Biggs and Eric Lyons; edmondfinearts.com
Seen & Heard: Album Art Direction and Design by Carrie Smith
Location: University of Central Oklahoma –Melton Gallery
Extra Info: through Fri, Feb 21; weekdays: 12 –5 p.m.; Free; uco.edu
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
Board Game Night
Location: MAC in Mitch Park
Extra Info: recurring monthly on the 1st Saturday through Sat, Dec 6, 2025; edmondokcivicrec.com
Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered
Location: Armstrong Auditorium
Extra Info: Mon, Feb 26 – Fri, Jan 31, 2025; Free; Mon – Thu: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Fri & Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; closed Saturdays; armstrongauditorium.org
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
Karaoke Thursdays
Location: The Frosted Mug, 1333 N Santa Fe
Ave, Suite 107, Edmond, OK
Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Thursday; Free; 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.; frostedmugedmond.com
Acoustic Nights
Location: The Frosted Mug, 1333 N Santa Fe Ave, Suite 107, Edmond, OK
Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Friday; 8 p.m. –1 a.m.; Free; frostedmugedmond.com
Beer + Yoga
Location: American Solera – Icehouse Project
Extra Info: Recurring monthly on the 2nd Sunday; Free 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.; americansolera.com
UCO Jazz Lab
Location: University of Central Oklahoma - Jazz Lab
Extra Info: Fri, Jan 31: Miss Brown to You @ 8 p.m.; $15; Sat, Feb 2: Smilin’ Vic @ 8 p.m.; $15; calendar.uco.edu
Code of The West: Willie Lusk
Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Extra Info: Sat, Feb 1; 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org
Dinner Detective Comedy
Mystery Dinner Show
Location: Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City
Extra Info: Sat, Feb 1; 6 – 8 p.m.; thedinnerdetective.com
OKC Ballet to present ‘Swan Lake’ next month
Oklahoma City Ballet will present the epitome of classical ballet, Swan Lake, February 7-16 at the Civic Center Music Hall. The two-weekend run will include six performances plus a sensory-friendly performance in collaboration with AutismOklahoma.
Oklahoma City Director of School and Studio Company, Racheal Nye, will choreograph Swan Lake adapted from Petipa and Ivanov. The ballet will feature 24 swans as part of the corps de ballet. Swan Lake is one of the most physically demanding ballets for both the corps and principal dancers, as it famously ends with the Black Swan completing 32 consecutive whip turns (fouettés). Nye has learned Swan Lake and other classical
ballets directly from the top teachers in the world.
“Swan Lake has been twisted and turned throughout the years, and I am excited to expand the story based on historical pantomime. I hope all of our dancers feel like they are part of a special process that showcases the lineage of where ballet was and where it is going,” said Nye. “Swan Lake is certainly a love story, but also a very moving story of strength and sacrifice.”
The sets and costumes for Swan Lake will be rented from Ballet West based in Salt Lake City. The Swan costumes were made famous when Taylor Swift donned the tutu in her 2014 music video “Shake it Off,” and Oklahoma City Ballet will be
using the very same outfits. Racheal Nye wore the very same costume when she danced the lead role circa 2010.
"Swan Lake is the embodiment of classical ballet, showcasing the artistry, precision, and emotional depth that define the art form. For the swans, it is a grueling test of endurance and unity, requiring not only technical excellence, but also a profound connection to the story and music. This production highlights the dedication and discipline of our dancers as they embody
Single tickets range from $29 to $128 and are available now through Oklahoma City Ballet and Civic Center Box offices. They are also available online at www.okcballet.org.
Teddy Bear Clinic held
Nursing students hosted the Teddy Bear Clinic last week.
Child Development Center children brought cuddly friends for a checkup. The toy friends got the medical attention they needed last week from PreNursing students at Francis Tuttle Technology Center. Children from the Francis Tuttle Child Development Center took their plush friends to the 2nd Annual Teddy Bear Clinic last Fri-
day. Pre-Nursing students provided the stuffed animals with an annual checkup.
As their teddy bears have their heart, blood pressure, and reflexes checked, children can see that doctor’s office visits aren’t scary and can in fact be a good thing.
The Teddy Bear Clinic took place in the Pre-Nursing classroom at the Francis Tuttle Rockwell Campus.
Teen leader applications being taken
The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is seeking applicants for its 2025-26 Teen Leaders class. Applications are due March 1.
OMRF’s Teen Leaders program provides group activities, panel discussions with OMRF scientists and state civic leaders and time in the foundation’s labs. Now in its 13th year, the program is open to high school students entering their sophomore, junior and senior years.
“Students who participate as Teen Leaders leave with the leadership skills, tools and connections to be change-makers in their communities,” said Katherine Jackson, who oversees the program. “Equally important, the program also helps expand OMRF’s reach to the next generation.”
Grayson McGuire, a senior at Community Christian School in Norman who is currently participating in the program, said his Teen Leader experi-
ence has opened his eyes about medical research.
“I’ve been amazed at how involved the research is – how smart you have to be to do it and how much technology is required – but also how much it can help people,” he said.
In addition to interacting with OMRF’s researchers, selected students learn the fundamentals of nonprofit fundraising and development, networking, and creating impactful social media content. Teens will also enjoy a graduation dinner to cap off program activities.
Group sessions will begin in September and continue through the 2025-26 school year, generally on the second Tuesday afternoon of each month. Applicants must demonstrate good academic standing and attend school in Oklahoma. There is no cost to participate. For more information and to apply, visit www.omrf.org/teen.
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.
Francis Tuttle nursing students were scheduled to put on a Teddy Bear Clinic last week. The event showed children how beneficial it can be to have medical care.
Edmond recycling efforts strong with programs expanding & growing
From City Source Edmond
For more than 90 percent of City Edmond solid waste customers, “blue” is a favorite color.
In 2024, 92 percent of customers participated in the Edmond Recycles program, filling blue recycling bins at their homes as part of the City’s residential recycling program. Between that service and, now, two drop off locations, residents recycled 5,221 tons of materials in 2024.
“The City of Edmond’s recycling program is committed to removing as much waste as possible from the stream for re-use and recycling,” said Bobby Masterson, the Assistant Director of Public Works, who saw his team handle 62,708 tons of solid waste in 2024. “Lowering the amount of waste that enters the landfill is the goal.”
The reach of the Edmond Recycles program continues to grow. Recently, the University of Central Oklahoma and the City entered an agreement for a more sustainable future with the addition of an
SPOTLIGHT: Edmond residents feeling ‘blue’ –and that’s a good thing for recycling
Edmond Recycles program expands with a new drop off location on the UCO campus
City Source
on-campus recycling collection center. The center, located in Parking Lot 3, 427 Chartrand Ave., is available for use by the UCO and Edmond communities.
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,” Masterson said. “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,” said Kelly Vaughn, Director of Facilities Administration at UCO. “The City of Edmond has generously provided the recycling bins and weekly collection service at no cost to UCO or the community. 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 residents who don’t have time or the ability to drop off recycling materials at the UCO and the City’s 5300 Recycle Trail facility, curbside service makes participation easy.
As part of the curbside service, blue recycling carts are picked up on a bi-weekly basis. Recycling collection is scheduled for the same day as weekly trash cart collection. However, the recycling and trash are collected by different trucks and at different times of the same day.
To participate is easy. Residents place their blue recycling cart at the curb/roadway in front of their house before 7 a.m. on their designated collection day. The time of day varies for recycling collections. The collectors will work until dark to com-
Trucks, like this one, help to recycle a lot of solid waste in Edmond. The city’s recycling efforts now include a partnership with the University of Central Oklahoma.
Recycle
plete their routes if needed. Residents are asked to leave at least four feet between the recycling cart and the trash cart.
Residents can place all recycling materials in the cart. There is no need to separate the materials. Newspapers can be gathered and placed in a brown, craft paper bag before putting them in the recycling cart. This helps to keep them from blowing out of the cart or collection truck on windy days.
Accepted recycling items include:
• Aerosol Cans (only if they are completely empty)
• Aluminum beverage cans
•Glass bottles/jars
•Prescription vials, yogurt containers, dairy containers, margarine tubs, detergent containers, and fabric sof-
tener bottles stamped with a 1 & 2
• Magazines and phone books
• Cake and Cereal boxes
• Juice boxes and other paper cartons
• Newspapers, including ad inserts
• Plastic beverage containers, food containers, clean garden pots, flats, and detergent jugs that are stamped with a 1 & 2 on the bottom
• Shampoo and conditioner bottles stamped with a 2 on the bottom
• Tin food cans and lids (rinse clean, no need to remove labels)
• Cardboard (corrugated paper board)
Glass is accepted only for residential service. Just like plastic and paper items, glass items must be clean and dry before placed in the recycling cart. Glass items are not accepted at
the 5300 Recycle Trail drop-off facility, which accepts only paper, cardboard, plastic, cans and aluminum. There is no fee to take recyclable items to the 5300 Recycle Trail dropoff facility. To utilize this service, a utility bill and driver's license must be shown to verify you are an Edmond
From Page 8
Solid Waste Customer. For information on pickup schedules, items that can be placed in the residential recycling bin and more, go to Edmondok.gov/EdmondRecycles. Learn more about what’s happening around the City at www.edmondok.gov/CitySource.
The recycling drop-off location at the University of Central Oklahoma.;
Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side
The big game is Feb. 9
In a week and a half the world will be treated once again to a uniquely American football spectacle known as the Super Bowl.
On Sunday Feb. 9, the Chiefs and Eagles will once again battle it out. Each of the winning players will get a $171,000 bonus. Those on the losing side will have to try to get by with a mere $103,000.
There is lots of money involved –with television commercials fetching millions. Or course the Monday morning water cooler chat will cover the ads people liked the most.
This is the 59th edition of the big game. Although I was a kid, I remember the first few games. It wasn’t called the Super Bowl. It was something like the AFL-NFL Championship Game. What was odd, is that the network that covered the AFL –broadcast the game and the network that covered the NFL also aired their own broadcast simultaneously.
I doubt the winners, the Packers in 1967, got $171,000 each. I do know the game wasn’t a sellout. The
$5 or $10 ticket price was considered too outrageous an amount to pay for a football game. Hence there were empty seats for the first game — played at Los Angeles.
Get ready for a lot of hype. I don’t know why they don’t just play the Super Bowl the week after the conference championship games.
Back 30 years ago, or so, they used to play the Super Bowl in January. In 1977 the Oakland Raiders defeated the Minnesota Vikings, 32-14 for their first Super Bowl title. And that game was played Jan. 9.
Now they’ve managed to stretch the postseason another full month.
Once again I don’t really have a favorite team. I’d like to see Jalen Hurts do well, since he played at OU.
Then again I like for the kicker for KC – Harrison Butker to have a great game. The guy is a devout Catholic and very pro-family. His commencement address last year at a Catholic college had the cancel-culture folks irate. I thought he was right. There is a great deal of honor and purpose in raising a family.
(Steve Gust, editor of Edmond Life & Leisure, may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com.)
Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt has filed legislation for the 2025 session to modernize Oklahoma’s eviction statutes. Senate Bill 815 would seal eviction records and Senate Bill 128 would give people more notice of eviction hearings.
“Oklahoma is sixth in the nation for evictions. When families lose their housing, they also can lose stability like their jobs and their children’s school success,” said Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. “By modernizing our statutes, we can make sure laws meet the needs of property owners while protecting the rights of tenants. We need to align our laws with the best practices good landlords already follow.”
SB 815 would require records to be sealed immediately if an eviction case is dismissed, or found in favor of the defendant. In other cases, the record would be sealed two years after the date of judgment. SB 128 would extend the summons timeline, giving tenants a better chance to resolve their back rent instead of losing their home.
“An eviction case stays on the public
record and can make it nearly impossible for that person to find housing in the future, even if it was resolved in their favor or they’ve been able to get back on their feet financially,” Kirt said. “These bills could be real solutions for more Oklahomans to build prosperous futures.”
——-
If Rep. Molly Jenkins, R-Coyle, has her way, the people of Oklahoma could soon have the opportunity to cast a key vote in defense of property owners' rights.
Jenkins has filed House Joint Resolution 1003, an initiative aimed at ending the abuse of eminent domain by private companies that take government subsidies and leverage them to seize private property.
Jenkins introduced the resolution after a private company began approaching landowners in her district, pressuring them to relinquish their property for the construction of a transmission line tied to federally subsidized green energy projects.
"The people of Oklahoma believe eminent domain should never be accessible to large, government-subsidized corporations," Jenkins said.
"House Joint Resolution 1003 would give people the opportunity to have their voices heard and vote whether to prevent this kind of abuse."
If passed by Oklahoma voters, the resolution would amend the State Constitution to ensure that subsidized private companies could no longer use eminent domain to take property. Instead, they would be required to negotiate directly with property owners. The measure would also prohibit wind energy companies from using eminent domain to construct wind turbines.
"I trust that my fellow Oklahomans will do the right thing and advance this important proposal swiftly,” Jenkins said. “Oklahoma landowners are currently under duress and they need immediate relief.”
Jenkins is urging any constituents who are threatened by the use of eminent domain to take their property to contact her office for assistance.
HJR1003 will be eligible for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 3. If passed, Oklahomans could see it on the ballot in 2026.
Mullin gives personal pro-life story
Last week, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), a father of six kids — three of whom are adopted, stood beside U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Roger Marshall (R-KS), and abortion survivors in a press conference ahead of the March for Life. During the press conference, Republican Senators called out Senate Democrats for blocking the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act on the Senate floor Wednesday. Senator Mullin then shared his family’s personal story in the fight for life.
On he and his wife’s attempts at starting a family:
“I was asked to share our story. My wife and I’s story on why were so pro-life. It’s more than just a passion, it’s more than just legislation, it’s more than just action for us. My wife and I, we got married
when we were 19 and 18. We were high school sweethearts, elementary sweethearts, she just knew she couldn’t do any better once she got me. For seven years, we tried to have kids. Seven years into it we got pregnant for the first time and we found out on Christmas morning. So exciting, Christmas morning of 2001. It was actually what my wife gave me for Christmas was a pregnancy test. We went to the doctor several weeks later, and we heard the heartbeat for the first time. And how excited I was, and how excited I was that we started picking out names. As the pregnancy progressed there was more information coming out and we were getting very excited at this point. Unfortunately, at one of the later doctor’s appointment, the heartbeat was gone. That was a death to us. It was no longer a fetus, it wasn’t this thing, that was a death. That was a death of a child that my wife and I had been praying about, been seeking for years. The worst part is it affected me, it affected my wife even more because her body had been through the changes along the way.”
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On gratitude for his family, and the ongoing fight for life:
“Fortunately for us, it was nine months later, almost exactly nine months later that we got pregnant with our first biological son. After that we went on to have three more biological kids and now today were the proud parents of six kids. As I say we have three that came natural and three we chose. So which ones do you think we love the most? The ones we got stuck with or the ones that we got to pick? We have two beautiful twin girls that are 14 years old now and we got a wonderful guy that wrestles at Oklahoma State and he’s 21. All three of them came into our lives at different stages. The girls came into our lives at two years old, Jace came into our lives much later. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think their birth mother made such a brave decision to give Christie and I, an opportunity to be loved by them.”
On the importance of adoption:
“I know people say ‘well no you’re loving them’ and people always come up to us all the time and say ‘hey, I bet you’re just such a blessing to them.’ No, they’re a blessing to us every single day. Every single day my heart grows because I have six kids. But if we’re gonna be pro-life, than we also have to be pro-adoption. Because if we want the mother to go through the process, than we have to make sure that child lands in a loving family along the way. If you think, ‘well I don’t have the resources or the capability,’ I promise you, you do. If you were concerned like I was with my wife who talked to me for months trying to get me to agree to adopt our twins, and I would say ‘babe, we’ll write a check, we’ll support them financially, that’s easy.’ And she said, ‘babe would you just pray about it?’…
“I think all of us that are pro-life have a responsibility to all the born [and unborn] children who are on the way.”
Steve Gust
Mullin
The ways to make state of Oklahoma healthy again
Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, announced last week the filing of six bills to Make Oklahoma Healthy Again. In tandem with the MAHA agenda of President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Deevers introduced SB943, SB702, SB771, SB801, SB941, and SJR8.
“The MAHA agenda is one of the most positive developments in American politics and has a clear mandate from the voters,” Deevers said. “These bills aim to improve the health of Oklahomans by increasing quality, transparency, accountability, decentralization, and freedom in health and medical care.”
SB943, The Medical Freedom Act
SB943 is a bill to ensure that “The right of a person to refuse any medical procedure, medical treatment, device, vaccine, or prophylactic shall not be questioned or interfered with in any manner. The right of a person to public accommodation, to the equal protection of the law, and to seek restitution for harm shall not be denied or infringed upon because of the exercise of the rights contained in this section.” It also establishes protections for whistleblowers and dissenters in the medical profession.
“The horrors inflicted upon the people of this country, including Oklahomans, during the Covid years must never be allowed to take place again,” Deevers said. “SB943 would establish that the government may never again do what they did, as well as protect the brave doctors willing to blow the whistle when they see obvious corruption like we saw in 2020 and 2021.”
SB702, The Health Education Act
SB702 is a bill to ensure that Oklahoma health education curriculum focuses on physical health, exercise, and nutrition, equipping students with the knowledge necessary for lifelong wellness and staying out of morally questionable judgments best left to parents.
“Nationwide, there has been a push to expand health education to include liberal versions of re-
productive health, sex ed, gender theory, and psychological counseling. These are best done under the supervision of parents,” Deevers said. “SB702 keeps health education centered on what truly matters—teaching students how to take care of their bodies, make informed dietary choices, and develop healthy habits without left-wing ideological influence."
SB771, Banning Direct-to-Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising
193 out of the world’s 195 countries do not allow pharmaceutical companies to market prescription drugs directly to consumers. Only the United States and New Zealand allow it. This practice has led to a culture in which commercials can end up influencing healthcare decisions and compromise the integrity of the doctor-patient relationship by creating improper pressure on doctors to prescribe certain advertised medications.
“The dangers of direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising have been well-documented in multiple public health crises,” Deevers said.
“Aggressive marketing campaigns for opioid painkillers, such as OxyContin, played a pivotal role in fueling the opioid epidemic, leading to widespread addiction and countless deaths. Similarly, Vioxx, a pain reliever heavily promoted through television ads, was later pulled from the market after being linked to tens of thousands of fatal heart attacks. SB771 will ensure that medical decisions are merit-based and free from emotionally manipulative multi-million dollar marketing campaigns.”
SB801, The Medicine Injury Justice Act
SB801 would establish that “Any pharmaceutical company whose products are proven to directly cause harm to an Oklahoma citizen shall be directly liable in Oklahoma state courts” for damages caused. In the legislative findings, the bill cites the right to remedy guaranteed in Article II of the Oklahoma Constitution: “The courts of justice of the State shall be open to every person, and speedy and certain remedy afforded for every
wrong and for every injury to person, property, or reputation; and right and justice shall be administered without sale, denial, delay, or prejudice.”
“No one, not even pharmaceutical companies, should be given blanket immunity from liability for harm caused by their actions or products,” Deevers said. “When you shield an entire industry from having to pay for the consequences of their mistakes, you incentivize recklessness and subpar products. This bill would not only provide justice to those harmed, but also improve drug quality overall.”
SB941, The Truth in Medicine Act
SB941 is a bill to ensure that customers are easily able to access information about the ingredients used in medications. It establishes that “Manufacturers of pharmaceutical products, including those intended exclusively for research purposes, shall publish a complete and detailed list of all ingredients for each product,” and provides for a penalty of up to fifty thousand dollars per violation for drug manufacturers.
“Oklahomans have a right to know exactly what they are putting into their bodies,” Deevers said. “SB941 ensures that pharmaceutical companies provide this critical information to the public.”
SJR8, The Food Freedom Amendment
SJR8 is a simple amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution to add that “The right of a citizen of Oklahoma to cultivate food and to purchase food from the source of his or her choice shall not be infringed.” It is similar to an amendment that Congressman Thomas Massie has introduced federally.
“When four companies control 85 percent of the beef market and four other companies control 60 percent of the commercial seed market, it is clear that we need to decentralize the food industry,” Deevers said. “Overregulation is killing local farmers and producers. We need to relocalize food production, promote competition, and resist corporate monopolization that threatens economic freedom, food security, and public health.”
Christmas Light Ministry efforts will provide 57,317 meals for needy
The Downs Family Christmas Light Ministry collected enough food and fund donations to help the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma provide 57,317 meals to neighbors experiencing food insecurity in central and western Oklahoma.
The annual holiday light display, located in Norman, features more than 18 miles of lights synchronized to holiday music. Visitors are encouraged to make a monetary or food donation to the Regional Food Bank when they visit. In total, visitors donated $17,630 and 5,310 pounds of food during the 2024 season.
"Each year, the Downs family puts their heart and soul into creating holiday memories for Oklahomans of all ages," said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. "We are so grateful for their efforts, which have helped the Regional Food Bank provide millions of meals to Oklahomans living with hunger."
Since 2007, visitors to the display have donated more than $514,000 to the Regional Food Bank. Learn more about the Downs Family Christmas Light Ministry by visiting their website or by following them on social media.
About the Regional Food Bank of Okla.
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is leading the fight against hunger in 53 counties in central and western Oklahoma and envisions a state where no one goes hungry. Founded in 1980, the Regional Food Bank is the state’s largest domestic hunger-relief 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes food through a network of community- based partner agencies and schools. The majority of people served by the Regional Food Bank are chronically hungry children, seniors living on fixed incomes and hardworking families struggling to make ends meet. The Regional Food Bank is a member of Feeding America.
EV charging station is set to open
A new state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) charging station is scheduled to be installed this month near The Oxlley apartments, 101 W. Main Street.
Part of a public/private partnership with the new development, the new EV charging station is part of a grant-funded collaborative initiative that began in 2019. Each station can power up two cars simultaneously and only costs $.25 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), offering significant savings and making electric vehicles more affordable and ecofriendly.
"Electric vehicles reduce emissions and save you money," said Phil Jones, the City of Edmond Sustainability Planner. "These charging sites, powered by 100 percent domestic wind energy through Edmond Electric and the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority, represent a shared vision of providing valuable amenities to Edmond residents and students."
There are currently 11 EV stations (22 ports) around Edmond funded by this program. Strategic site selections ensure residents and visitors can conveniently charge their EVs while going about their day. Here's where you can find the other charging stations funded by this program in Edmond:
Mitch Park: 2 stations, one located behind the YMCA and one next to the library kiosk
Edmond Tennis Center on 15th Street: 1 station in the west parking area
Service-Blake Soccer Complex: 3 stations total, located in the east and west parking areas
City First Administration Building: 1 station at Littler Avenue and 2nd Street
UCO Visitor Parking Lots: 2 stations total, located on the east and west sides of campus
The Railyard parking Lot: 1 station in the north side parking lot
5th Street & Broadway: 1 station east of Broadway
Find all the locations using the station locator tool at www.chargepoint.com.
In 2019, the City of Edmond and the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) partnered to secure two grants worth a total of $50,503.60. These grants started the road to the installation of Level 2 charging stations for electric vehicles, supporting both public and workplace locations. These grants complimented earlier installations still in operation at the Hilton Hotel and Conference Center on I-35. In 2022, and Edmond secured another $54,773 grant from the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG), enabling six more public Level 2 charging stations.
State Election Board conducts routine voter list maintenance
The State Election Board completed its routine, statutorily-mandated, biennial voter list maintenance on Friday, January 17 and Tuesday, January 21. The process removed 129,680 inactive voter registrations and 2,242 duplicate voter registrations from Oklahoma’s voter rolls.
The removal of inactive and duplicate voter registrations is a thorough, multi-step process the State Election Board is required by law to conduct every two years following the General Election.
State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said the law that mandates the current voter list maintenance process has been in place for decades and includes clear guidelines for which voter registrations must be removed.
"The voter list maintenance process is not a new. In fact, it’s been conducted in essentially the same manner since the mid-1990’s. It is a nonpartisan, routine process and is a necessary part of election administration. It’s also required by law,” Ziriax said.
According to Ziriax, maintaining clean and updated voter rolls protects our election system by making it far more difficult for someone to use outdated voter lists to attempt to commit fraud or disrupt elections.
Duplicate registrations that were deleted during the most recent voter list maintenance process matched newer registrations by the same person at a new address.
Inactive registrations that were removed were for voters who failed to confirm their address in 2021 and then had no voter activity through the 2024 General Election.
State law lists seven reasons why a voter may receive an Address Confirmation Notice. Some of the most common reasons include having a first-class mailing from the Election
Board returned as “undeliverable,” being identified as a potential duplicate of a voter registration in another county or state, or having no voter activity for an extended period of time.
The removal of inactive voters is a clearly defined and lengthy process.
First, a voter is mailed an Address Confirmation Notice for one of seven reasons required by law.
Next, the voter must confirm their address. If the voter fails to confirm their address, then the voter is designated “inactive.” (An “inactive” voter is still a registered voter and is still eligible to vote. A voter is returned to “active” status automatically by voting or by making changes to their voter registration.”)
Finally, a voter who is designated as “inactive” for failing to confirm their address can only be removed from the voter rolls if there is not voter activity for two consecutive General Election cycles after becoming inactive.
In addition to the biennial, statutory voter list maintenance of inactive and duplicate voter registrations, county election boards continually update the voter rolls by removing voters who are deceased, have registered in another state or county, have surrendered their driver license in another state, who are convicted of a felony, or as otherwise required by law.
Oklahoma voters are strongly encouraged to verify their voter registration each year and make any necessary updates. Voters can verify their registration and make changes using the OK Voter Portal.
To learn more about the biennial voter list maintenance process in Oklahoma, see 26 O.S. § 4-120.2. Voters with specific questions regarding their registration should contact their County Election Board.
Fellowships given OMRF trio
Three postdoctoral researchers at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation have received American Heart Association fellowships to continue studies of cardiovascular disease.
The recipients are Marcella Datilo, Ph.D.; Liang Gao, Ph.D; and Hina Nizami, Ph.D. All three have completed a doctoral degree and are now in the early stages of their scientific careers. Their one-year fellowships range from $153,000 to $166,000, and those funds will help advance their research training.
The AHA has awarded research fellowships since 1949. Studies funded by the organization have led to Nobel Prizes and to breakthroughs including the development of artificial heart valves and cholesterol-lowering medications.
OMRF Vice President of Research Courtney Griffin, Ph.D., received three AHA grants early in her career. She now reviews the organization’s grant applications and has served on the Oklahoma City chapter’s board of directors.
“These fellowships are critical for both
OMRF and the trainees,” Griffin said. “Among other things, they pay the trainees’ salaries, which extends lab resources to support their projects. For the recipients, these fellowships can steer them further toward a career aimed at better understanding the human cardiovascular system.”
Datilo studies the causes of heart valve damage. These valves make sure blood flows in the right direction into and out of the heart. Valve damage occurs in 1 in 10 older people and can be lifethreatening.
Gao investigates sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder that affects more than 100,000 people in the U.S., primarily those of African descent. In the condition, red blood cells become rigid and sticky, blocking blood flow and causing inflammation, excruciating pain and potential organ damage.
Nizami researches the molecular cause of diabetic cardiomyopathy, an abnormal weakening of the heart muscle that often results from diabetes. She will explore strategies to protect the
heart from diabetes.
“Each of these talented postdoctoral trainees is studying a crucial aspect of a cardiovascular condition, and each project could ultimately lead to a new therapeutic treatment,”
Griffin said. “I’m excited to see where their research takes them.”
Edmond
Marcella Datilo, Hina Nizami
Liang Gao
Review of film ‘Flight Risk’
Movie begs to be skipped at theater
By George Gust
January has become the dumping ground for action B-movies aiming for the lowest common denominator with such January highlights in recent years being action exercises from action stars who are in the waning years of their career like Gerard Butler (“Plane”) and Jason Statham (“Beekeeper”)
Enter the Mark Wahlberg led high concept action thriller “Flight Risk” inexplicably directed by Oscar winning director and divisive public figure Mel Gibson, directing his first film in nearly a decade since 2016’s “Hacksaw Ridge.”
A pilot (Wahlberg) transports an Air Marshal (Michelle Dockery) accompanying a fugitive (Topher Grace) to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they seem.
“Flight Risk” aims to be a claustrophobic thriller to build tension with the film’s interest premise, but basically none of the elements in the movie succeed at what it is trying to accomplish.
The plot is simple and straightforward, but the direction and storytelling doesn’t do enough to build the tension and ultimately feels like it could have been told in a 45-minute episode of a
TV/Streaming police procedural. There are so many elements where you’ll think about the forced story choices and wonder why the characters would behave that way, and the answer is always, “because it’s a movie!” This kind of dumbed down storytelling brings the film into a ‘so bad its good’ territory.
“Flight Risk” takes the biggest nosedive when considering the mismatched tone of the film. The three main characters reveal this incompatibility of tone in their performances with each performer aiming for a different tone. Dockery is in serious marshal mode, with a detached performance that takes the film very seriously. Grace
brings his usual nervy, ‘scared of everything’ energy which feels like has the appropriate mix of humor and seriousness. And Wahlberg in this film is the biggest issue (or feature if you view the film as something to be mocked) bringing a wild performance that features a laughable southern accent, clearly shaved “balding” reveal, and slurry of physical threats that make the audience uncomfortable in all the wrong ways.
Overall, “Flight Risk” is a quick and dirty 90minute action thriller from a director and star that have produced much better work in the genre in their career. An uneven tone, story that struggles to prove its existence, and slipshod filmmaking make this an easy skip at the theater but could end up being a fun watch to mock with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
“Flight Risk” is rated R for violence and language.
1.5 out of 5 stars
(Contact George Gust for comment about these awards,, or any other motion pictures at gust.george@gmail.com)
High drama in the cockpit
Metro listed as a top film spot
Oklahoma City has been listed as No. 13 on MovieMaker Magazine’s 2025 list of “The Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker” in the U.S. and Canada. This recognition coincides with the Oklahoma Film & Music Office’s official designation of Oklahoma City as a film-friendly city last week. Mayor David Holt celebrated the achievements, stating, “We truly are the capital of film for this state and remain enthusiastic about growing this industry.”
The Oklahoma City Film and Creative Industries Office, established two years ago in partnership with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, has been instrumental in elevating the city’s status in the film industry.
“Oklahoma City’s inclusion on MovieMaker’s list of Top 25 North American cities after only two years of the office’s existence is incredible,” said Jill Simpson, executive director of the Oklahoma City Film and Creative Industries Office. “Over the past couple of years, the State of Oklahoma and the City of Oklahoma City have worked in tandem to change the landscape for filmmakers wanting to live and work here. Their continuing support is vital.”
Mark Wahlberg stars in the Mel Gibson directed action thriller ‘Flight Risk’ which fails to take off from its intriguing premise.
Integris weight loss program helped to give woman back her life & mobility
Nancy “Polly” Hall found herself praying for a sign. Like many people who struggled with their weight from a young age, she had tried numerous diets and even worked with a dietitian recommended by her primary care doctor. And while she lost some weight that way, she says she eventually reached a point where she felt like a prisoner in her own body.
At her highest weight of 495 pounds, Polly struggled with mobility issues and couldn’t drive. She often found herself staying at home while her husband, Danny, and their daughter would go out to do things together. “Before surgery, I often tried to hide from the world because of my weight,” she says.
The Surgery
Feeling like she was missing out on her own life and that of her family, Polly was highly motivated to explore her options. Enter the INTEGRIS Health Weight Loss Center and bariatric surgery.
“Our patients really get a second lease on life,” says Hamilton Le, M.D., a bariatric surgeon and the center’s medical director. “Weight loss surgery is a challenging journey. The life of our patients is often a struggle. They wake up every day with a lot of pain. They take medications related to diabetes and high blood pressure, so surgery is an opportunity for me to make a major impact on someone’s life and hopefully, give them their life back. There’s nothing more rewarding as a bariatric surgeon than that.”
For Polly, the best approach was laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, a procedure that removes 75-80 percent of the stomach. “The stomach is divided into two parts,” Le explains. “The new banana shaped stomach, which is sized with a vertical tube, leaves about 20-25 percent volume of the original stomach.”
The procedure is the most common bariatric surgery performed today and can provide a jump start for the more than 6 out of 10 Oklahomans who struggle with being overweight or obese. This is particularly true for people who also have other underlying conditions like diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea that can make non-surgical methods of losing weight more complicated.
“The sleeve gastrectomy reduces the size of the stomach and decreases a hunger hormone called ghrelin,” Le adds. “There is a decrease in the amount of food to feel full while also having satiety for a longer amount of time.”
Le first went through several screening measures to make sure that bariatric surgery would be a safe procedure for Polly. She went to a therapist to address the mental health side to losing weight and saw a heart doctor and a respiratory expert to ensure that bariatric surgery would be safe. Le then asked Polly to lose 40 to 50
pounds prior to the surgery to show she was committed to the process.
Life Changing Impact
“Most people don’t recognize me now,” Polly says. “It’s been life changing. I got my life back. I would absolutely recommend the INTEGRIS Health Weight Loss Center to anyone because it will change your life.”
Another positive effect from the surgery besides the weight loss, is that Polly no longer needs to take her diabetes or blood pressure medicine. Her A1C is now in a healthy range, showing how effective the procedure can be in alleviating other medical issues as well. But Le also stresses how critical it is to focus on long-term goals and a team approach to ensure weight loss success that lasts.
Ashley Sale, a physician assistant with the INTEGRIS Health Weight Loss Center, has worked closely with Polly since the surgery. “Over the past three years, I have witnessed Polly completely transform her life, shedding an incredible 250 pounds since beginning her journey. I first met Polly (and her husband who is always faithfully by her side) in September 2021.”
Since the surgery, Polly has worked hard to keep up with her diet and lifestyle changes that have made for a lasting impact. She follows up with Ashley every three months for checkups and blood work and has recently started on Wegovy to provide a nonsurgical means to maintain and continue her significant progress.
“Polly’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring, marked by resilience and a commitment to positive change,” Sale says. “Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, Polly’s dedication to improving her life has been unwavering. Her story is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible with determination, support and the right tools to help.”
To get back on track on your own personal weight loss journey in the new year, INTEGRIS Health encourages you to contact your primary care physician or visit the INTEGRIS Health Weight Loss Center for more information.
Polly Hall, above. struggled with weight issues. Her highest weight was 495 pounds.
Oklahoma Treasurer welcomes court ruling protecting ‘financial integrity’
Todd Russ
The U.S. District Court decision involving American Airlines and BlackRock delivers a resounding validation of Oklahoma’s efforts to protect financial integrity and prioritize fiduciary responsibility. This ruling highlights how ESG policies, when prioritized over financial returns, constitute a breach of fiduciary duty — a concern Oklahoma has raised for years through the Energy Discrimination Elimination Act and the Restricted Financial Company List.
“The legislature saw the writing on the wall—this breach of duty — and took action,” said State Treasurer Todd Russ. “I picked up the mantle and made it clear: Oklahoma’s tax dollars and pension funds will not support companies undermining their fiduciary responsibilities. This court decision confirms what we’ve said all along—it’s dangerous, it’s a breach, and it’s exactly what we’ve been fighting against.”
The judge in the U.S. District Court case, Spence v. American Airlines, specifically noted that considering Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in fiduciary decisions was central to the breach of duty under ERISA. The court found that:
American Airlines' Employee Benefit Committee (EBC) al-
lowed ESG considerations —particularly BlackRock’s ESG-driven proxy voting and activism — to influence decisions about the 401(k) plan.
This focus on ESG goals came at the expense of maximizing financial returns for the plan's participants, violating the fiduciary duty of loyalty.
The court stated that considering ESG factors improperly shifted the focus from financial performance to sociopolitical outcomes, which is not permissible under fiduciary law.
In its opinion, the court highlighted BlackRock’s blind commitment to ESG initiatives and noted that this activism conflicted with the financial interests of plan participants, citing proxy votes and shareholder proposals at major energy companies as examples.
“As Treasurer, my job is to ensure our funds are managed responsibly and with one goal in mind—ethically delivering returns for Oklahomans,” added Russ. “This ruling reinforces what I’ve said from the start: ESG activism has no place in managing state funds. It’s short-sighted, it’s reckless, and it’s a violation of trust.”
OSU hosts aerospace expo at Paycom Center
A controlled crash landing into a Burger King drive-through.
A World War II-era plane making a one-wheel landing.
A lifesaving mid-air refueling over hostile territory.
Those are just a few of the stories a panel of accomplished aerospace professionals shared with hundreds of high school students from across the state Thursday as Oklahoma State University hosted the third annual Thunder Aerospace Day at
the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Those stories came in response to a question about the panelists’ wildest aviation stories, but the real takeaway for the aspiring youths was that no matter their chosen field, the aerospace industry has a place for them.
“I think hearing from different panelists and being able to talk to different industry partners and the university programs helps students open up their minds to the possibilities of things that they probably didn't consider before,” said Dr. Kat Gardner-Vandy, OSU
TFCU Foundation honors agency helping veterans
The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) is proud to announce that it has been awarded the 2024 Advocate of the Year Award by the Tinker Federal Credit Union Foundation (TFCUF). This recognition highlights ODVA's dedication to connecting Oklahoma veterans with vital services provided by TFCUF.
ODVA has actively referred veterans to TFCUF's programs, including: Home Repair Program: Offers home repair services and accessibility modifications to ensure safe and accessible living environments.
Success for Veterans Program: Provides financial assistance to organiza-
tions serving veterans by issuing grants to meet unfunded needs.
Branch Community Impact Program: Connects veterans with necessary services and supports mental wellness initiatives for first responders in communities surrounding TFCU branches.
"We are honored to receive this award from the Tinker Federal Credit Union Foundation," said James “Jay” Bynum, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs. "Our collaboration with TFCUF has been instrumental in providing essential services to veterans, ensuring they receive the support they deserve."
QCB employee hits milestone
Please join us in congratulating Kelly Schmitt for 25 fabulous years of service to Quail Creek Bank! Kelly started her career in banking in 1980, and over the course of the next 45 years she has certainly perfected her craft working in many areas of banking throughout her career.
Kelly returned to college in her 30’s and completed a Bachelor of Science in General Studies while starting a family.
She returned to banking in 1999, and spent the bulk of her career as-
State
sisting commercial and consumer lenders including document preparation, loan closings, servicing, on-going loan documentation, and comprehensive customer service.
Kelly and her husband Scott enjoy the great outdoors and love camping. They also showcase their skills in local bowling leagues, but most of all love spending time with their two sons and three grandchildren.
Kelly has been a valuable member of our team and we are honored to celebrate her 25th anniversary with our bank!
takes action against business
The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) has issued a Cease-and-Desist Order against Select Auto Inc., doing business as Select Auto Protect, due to the unauthorized sale of auto warranty contracts in Oklahoma. Effective immediately, the company must stop all sales activities within the state. The OID stresses that any entity offering auto warranty contracts to consumers in Oklahoma must be properly authorized by the OID.
"Taking action against unauthorized entities is one of the many ways we protect Oklahoma consumers,"
said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready. "Licensing ensures that companies uphold ethical standards and remain accountable for their practices."
The OID began an investigation after receiving consumer complaints about the sale of unlicensed auto warranty plans in Oklahoma.
Consumers are encouraged to verify a company's licensing status before purchasing any policy. If you suspect fraud or need to file a complaint, please contact the OID at 800-522-0071.
professor of aviation and space.
“It's fun to explain to students that you don't have to choose one specific thing to be part of the aerospace industry. You can think of what you like and what you enjoy, and see how that feeds in, and you absolutely will find a place in the aerospace industry. It’s not just about pilots. The industry needs physicists, chemists, engineering, design work, writers, mathematics, you name it.”
See OSU, Page 19
Even more good reasons to quit tobacco during February
The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), is offering Oklahomans thinking about quitting tobacco a powerful boost this February. All month long, Oklahomans who sign up for the Helpline will get at least eight weeks of patches, gum or lozenges for free – four times more than typically available. This limitedtime offer of extra nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) runs through Feb. 28.
“If it wasn't for the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, I'd still be smoking cigarettes today,” said Brian Brower, a resident of Claremore. “If it wasn't for the free services I wouldn't have tried it, this is the one true place that offered free help.”
In addition to NRT support, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline offers the opportunity to quit with free, personalized help from trained Coaches.
“The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is a vital resource that empowers Okla-
homans to take control of their health and live tobacco free,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “By providing personalized support and resources, we’re fulfilling TSET’s mission to shape a healthier future for all Oklahomans.”
In a 7-month follow-up survey, 44.4% of participants said they had remained tobacco-free for at least 30 days — well above the 30% success rate considered a national benchmark. With 97% user satisfaction, the Helpline stands out as one of the nation’s leading quit services.
Smokers put themselves at high risk for developing smoking-related health issues like lung cancer, stroke, diabetes and heart disease. Through secondhand smoke, they risk endangering the health of their families. Quitting smoking lets blood vessels work better and helps the heart and lungs. Quitting at any age can give back years of life that would be lost by continuing to smoke.
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Hägar the Horrible
Led by Gardner-Vandy, the panel discussion focused on the many career paths within aerospace and aviation and explored the ins and outs of military, public sector and private sector career paths. Other panelists included:
Col. Matthew Ghormley, commander of the 507th Air Refueling Wing, Tinker Air Force Base and American Airlines pilot
Dwain Davis, FAA Academy Air Traffic Division manager
Kellie Hudson, air boss for Hudson Airshows
Following the panel discussion, the Paycom Center concourse was inundated with potential aerospace companies and institutions eager to engage with high schoolers about their future, be that in the cockpit, an air-traffic control tower or any number of other roles that may not readily come to mind when talking about aerospace.
Patrick Smith, manager of prospective student services at the OSU College of Education and Human Sciences, said he’s seen a surge of interest among high school students about aerospace careers.
“I'm in awe of what these ARPA [American Rescue Plan Act] high school programs are doing in terms of connecting Oklahoma students to opportunities that they may not have known existed without those programs being in place,” Smith said. “It's always amazing the new growth that we see with interest in our aviation programs. Certainly, the professional pilot route is always going to be very popular, but we're starting to see more students who are interested in our aerospace security, aviation management options within that aerospace administration and operations degree. These young
people are getting connected with the second leading industry in the state of Oklahoma.”
One of those students is Silo High School student Zaman Daniyal, who eagerly signed up to make the three-hour trip for the second straight year. He’s been locked in on becoming a pilot, but for him, the draw is in finding clarity about what comes next.
“I'm looking into a pilot career, and I’m generally looking to get a better understanding of it, so this is a great opportunity,” he said.
Another student who made the inter-county trek to Oklahoma City was Norman High School freshman Andrew Putman. Although his future education plans are up in the air, he said the event provided excellent guidance for plotting his career, which he believes will ultimately be in aerospace.
“It's all pretty interesting,” he said. “There are a lot of career choices, and the fact that someone from Little Axe, which is where I'm from, was able to get to the position where he is, is super interesting. And even though I am in Norman … you have to recognize what OSU is doing here.”
Davis is the Little Axe native from whom Putman drew inspiration. Along with Ghormley and Hudson, he encouraged students to be adaptable and remain open to new and exciting possibilities. OSU College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology representatives Danielle Miles and Jacob Smith said the expo offered an excellent oppor tunity to share and explore those possibilities and meet students where they are, recognizing that a campus visit isn’t always feasible.
