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.
Nation’s largest church, based in Edmond. See Page 9
FRIDAY, JULY 12
Mostly
SATURDAY, JULY 13
Mostly Sunny High 98° Low 76°
SUNDAY, JULY 14
Mostly Sunny High 99° Low 76°
I enjoyed attending the opening of the new Ted Anderson Splashpad location, 2405 S Rankin in Edmond (behind New Covenant Church and next to Orvis Risner Elementary). This million-dollar project included construction of a splashpad, restroom, and planting of additional trees. Also, work included repairing and replacing existing sidewalks throughout the park to improve safety and accessibility of the space.
And, as a companion to this project, the entire play structure at the park/playground facility has been remodeled. The new facility provides a new play structure and safety surfacing. Synthetic turf has replaced the woodchips that were previously used for safety surfacing. It is all part of the on-going investment in the Edmond parks system, looking for ways to bring diverse attractions and options to our residets.
My friend Bill Begley who is Marketing and Public Relations Manager for the City of Edmond knows how to get me to turn out in 90-degree weather. FOOD! More specifically, food my wife frowns on me having. Edmond Parks and Rec staff grilled hot dogs, and Snow Worries was there with their snow cone truck. Here was the best part, the hot dogs and snow cones were provided FREE to the first two hundred. You tell a newspaper guy there is free food, and he will be there every time and at the head of the line. Begley knows this because he was a newspaper guy.
The city has done an excellent job in this space. It is really nice with good parking in the area. The shade trees are fantastic compared to our other splash park on Kelly Ave and Edmond road. The new space has nice grass areas for laying out blankets and picnic tables to enjoy as well. I did not get in the splash park after my experience with a water spray area in Aspen, Colorado but the kids looked like they were having a lot of fun.
The splash area in Aspen runs the width of the street and two summers ago Lisa and I were in the area fly fishing the Frying Pan River. There were a number of kids in and out of the water. I was minding my own business when a young man about ten said to me, “I bet you would not walk through the water spray”. My response was, “Please do not double dog dare me buddy.” Of course, his response was, “I double dog dare you” with a maniacal laugh.
I had no choice. Thinking back on it, most times I got myself in trouble during my misspent youth was because someone double dog dared me. Off I went, not understanding two key facts that my little friend left out. One was that the water was from the creek that runs through Aspen. It was a mountain stream cold albeit fresh water. The second was that instead of a spray the water was coming from a pipe about two inches around so instead of a sort of mist you got hit with a water cannon of water. I was soaked, Lisa was on the ground laughing, the kids were hysterical with laughter, and I was soaking wet with a mountain coolness in the air.
What I can say folks is that my honor was fully intact.
Not only does our Edmond Parks & Recreation department deserve a giant pat on the back for this
project but for all they do for our city as well. We have some of the best parks I have seen in all my travels and folks I have been all over the world. Not only are our parks beautiful but they are designed with families having activities to do in them. Our parks are really a crown jewel for Edmond and must be either number one or two on the list of why people decide to live here.
The people who work at Parks and Rec have a huge responsibility and they cover so much. If you think it is only parks that they take care of please think again. They have responsibility for not only city parks but Arcadia Lake, Farmers Market, MAC room rentals, trail systems, all our recreation activities including classes, Festival Market Place, Senior Center, Concerts in the Park and Pickleball to name a few of the things they do.
They also have two big enterprise fund centers under their direction. One is the new Edmond Center Court, and the other is the newly remodeled Kickingbird golf course. Not to go all accounting on you but enterprise funds are how governments manage property that is owned by them but that operate like a business for customer service and efficiency. A golf course and a tennis center are textbook examples.
The big gorilla for them is Arcadia Lake. The lake offers four different park areas – Carl Reherman Park, Central State Park, Edmond Park and Scissortail Campground – and truly is a place for all seasons. In winter, visitors can watch wildlife including the bald eagles or fish for bluegill, bass or catfish in the covered, heated fishing dock. In the spring, they can play disc golf or take a hike on the rustic, scenic trails. Summertime water sports include boating, skiing, and swimming.
Amidst autumn's colorful leaves and cool breezes, campers can choose from four parks and more than 140 campsites. Whether they want to "rough it" or park an RV at a fully equipped campground with pic-
Check out what’s inside!
---- Police booking report................................................................Page 6. ---- Weekend calendar......................................................................
---- America’s largest church based in Edmond................................Page 9.
---- Beware of scammers................................................................Page 10.
--- Learn to cook up some wickedly great fajitas..........................Page 11. ---- George Gust’s review of ‘Despicable Me 4’..............................
“Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper.
Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.
Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011.
Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable.
For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.
nic tables, charcoal grills, electrical outlets, and community showers, Arcadia Lake is the perfect outdoor place.
These things do not just happen without great maintenance and much work on the part of our Parks & Rec teams. It is one thing for a city council to decide to build a park or area of recreation but at the end of the day, they adjourn and go home. It is the work force and leadership at Parks & Rec that must make it happen and maintain the place. As my dad used to say, it is where the rubber meets the road. Thank you, Edmond Parks & Recreation, for all you do for us in Edmond!
Consider helping our Regional Food Bank
We think of charity organizations during the holidays often, but they need our help in the dead of summer as well. Stacy Dyksta, CEO of our Regional Food Bank, sent several request for help last month in an effort to bolster the pantry there at the food bank. Folks can be hungry year-round, and they need our help folks.
When the need for food assistance is elevated, as it has been in recent years, their funding needs increase, too. With your help, they can continue to expand access to nutritious food for Oklahomans when and where they need it. Food distributions, outreach programs and services that connect Oklahomans with life-changing resources. These efforts are all critical. They provide nutritious food for families, children and seniors in central and western Oklahoma. Every $1 helps provide three meals. This is a great country, and our state is full of good people. There is just no excuse for children to not have enough food to eat. It is simply wrong, and you can help by going to their web site, www.regionalfoodbank.org, and giving generously. Please do not wait for the holidays. (Ray Hibbard may be reached for comment at ray@edmondpaper.com.)
Since its inception in 1982, the Edmond Historic Preservation Trust (EHPT) has sought to “Preserve, Protect, and Promote Edmond’s Heritage, Landmarks, and Sites.” The EHPT is expanding their efforts to honor residential houses in Edmond that are at least 100 years old with bronze plaques. Two Centennial Homes plaques will be installed during a ceremony at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 12 at 304 E Second Street.
The first two homes to be recognized with Centennial Homes plaques are located at 304 E. Second Street and 229 E. Main Street. Past Trust Chairman Dr. James Crowder said, “Not every 100-year-old house is worth saving, but our rapid removal of houses and neighborhoods that represent our culture and history is saddening to people who truly appreciate Edmond’s heritage. EHPT is recognizing historic homes being saved and honoring the owners who see the value of their retention.”
The centennial home on 304 E. Second Street is located on land owned by Harry Clegern, who sold the lot to George Paas in 1920. Paas
built the Craftsman-style home and owned it until 1944. Robert T. Rice bought the home in 1958, and it has been in the Rice family ever since.
The centennial home on 229 E. Main Street is a Craftsman’s house built by William Patten in 1902. Several years later the roof was raised, and a second story was built. It was purchased in 2023 by the Healing Heart Project.
The Edmond Historic Preservation Trust board members, city council members and Mayor Davis invite the public to attend the first Centennial Home Ceremony to learn the history of two of Edmond’s centennial homes. Other centennial homeowners in Edmond may order centennial plaques through EHPT.
The Edmond Historic Preservation Trust duties are outlined by the Trust Indenture of the City of Edmond. Accomplishments include restoration of the 1889 Territorial School located at 124 E 2nd Street, placement of bronze plaques on historic downtown buildings, and installation of street toppers to identify four historic neighborhoods.
The dog park pond at BickhamRudkin Park has been temporarily closed due to concerns with bluegreen algae in the area. The access gate is locked to separate the pond from park users and their pets.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will treat the pond next week. Staff will monitor the pond and determine an appropriate time to reopen it after the hot, dry weather pattern changes.
Blue-green algae is common in this type of body of water due to hot summer temperatures and reduced rainfall. Also known as cyanobacteria, this type of algae produces toxins that can cause health issues in dogs, so the decision was made out of an abundance of caution for park visitors.
Any change in status will be announced on the Parks or City of Edmond social media channels.
Edmond (Graduate)
Alizereej, Hussein Zuhair Mohammed, MS, Engineering PhysicsMechanical Engineering
Ashok, Gorli, PSM, Computational Science-Computational Engineering Briscoe, Hannah Christine, MED, Library Media Education Brown, Emery L., MED, Early Childhood Education Carson, Sarah Marie, MS, Behavior Analysis Cuthbertson, Nina, With Honors, MED, Curriculum and InstructionTeaching & Learning PreK-6 Dorrough, Jami, MED, Educational Leadership Eldridge, Haley, MPA, Public & Nonprofit Management Fischer, Taylor Cheyenne, MED, Reading Gibson, Shellie-Renee, With Honors, MED, School Counseling Gilbert, Cristie Redding, With Honors, MED, Bilingual Education/Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages Gillin, Brooke, With Honors, MED, Bilingual Education/Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages Hampson, Amy, With Honors, MED, Library Media Education Harstad, Kristen, With Honors, MED, Library Media Education Hassett, Natali Linn, With Honors, MS, Forensic Science Hedges, Andrew Yaakov, With Honors, MA, Psychology-Counseling Psychology Hill, Victoria, With Honors, MED, Bilingual Education/Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages Jernigan, Angie, MED, School Counseling Johnson, Lauren, With Honors, MED, Special Education-Mild/Moderate Disabilities Jones, Haley Grace, MS, Forensic Science Kachamgottu, Vaishnavi, With Honors, MA, Psychology-Counseling Kapu, Sree Hruday Reddy, With Honors, MS, Nutrition & Food Science Kemp, Brandy Leigh, MBA, Business Administration-Professional MBA Kite, Heather, MED, Secondary Education Lee, Madelynn Orion, With Honors, MA, Literature Livingstone, James, MS, Business Analytics Lollis, Megan Elizabeth, With Honors, MED, Bilingual Education/Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages Lombano, Grace, MS, Speech-Language Pathology McRorie, Aimee Ryanne, With Honors, MM, Jazz Studies-Jazz Studies Melton, Braden, MA, Museum Studies Messick, Abby, With Honors, MED, Bilingual Education/Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages Minner, Joshua Michael, With Honors, MPA, Public & Nonprofit Management Neville, Trevor, MBA, Business Administration-Professional MBA
O'Leary, Dena Elaine, With Honors, MBA, Business AdministrationHealthcare Palle, Sai Sathwika, MS, Business Analytics Petschnig, Victoria Maria Sophie, With Honors, MED, Special EducationMild/Moderate Disabilities Ramirez Macias, Ariadna, MS, Speech-Language Pathology Schwarz, Miranda, With Honors, MED, School Counseling-School and Professional Counseling Shariff, Saba, MBA, Business Administration-Professional MBA Sivertsen, Steven, With Honors, MED, Educational Leadership Smith, Tanner, MBA, Business Administration-Professional MBA Telu, Suma Priya, MS, Nutrition & Food Science Thompson, Bryan, MBA, Business Administration-Professional MBA Vandiver, Mitchell Lane, With Honors, MM, Music-Music Education Vijayakumar, Dionee, MS, Business Analytics Wuerflein, Hannah Sydney, With Honors, MED, Library Media Education Younger, Jerry David, With Honors, MA, Criminal Justice Management and Administration
Edmond (Undergraduate) Adams, Cora Elizabeth, BA, Psychology Akins, Laurence Lea, Cum Laude, BS, General Studies AlSugair, Sugair, BBA, Information Systems and Operations Management-MIS Amighi, Yusuf Amin, BS, Mechanical Engineering Anwar, Izza, BBA, Information Systems and Operations ManagementMIS and BS, Forensic Science-Digital Forensics Asadi, Vandad, Magna Cum Laude, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences Austin, Ryan G., BA, Technical Writing Autry, Olivia G., Summa Cum Laude, BS, Nursing Barber, Kathryn Christene, Cum Laude, BS, Mathematics Bassandeh, Farnam, BS, Data Science Bates, Victoria Marie, Magna Cum Laude, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences Beam, Maegan Renee, Cum Laude, BSED, Elementary Education Beier, Devin Robert, BS, General Studies
Blake, Kenneth, BS, Organizational Leadership Briggs, Makenzie Lee, Cum Laude, BS, Nursing Bullock, Jordan Nicole, BBA, Business Administration-General Business Cardenas, Zoe Izobel Olivia, Magna Cum Laude, BSED, Early Childhood Education Carius, Lauren, BS, General Studies Chavez, Kenneth, Cum Laude, BBA, Information Systems and Operations Management-MIS Chesshir, Abby, BS, Nursing Cocklin, Kylie A., BA, History-History Connelly, Sydney, Cum Laude, BS, Nursing
Cummings, Cullen William, BBA, Finance Dennin, Emma, Magna Cum Laude, BS, Psychology Dimick, Jaden Marie, BBA, Management Doak, Laura Lee, BS, Nursing Dodson, Karli, Summa Cum Laude, BSED, Early Childhood Education Dougherty, Samantha Skye, BS, Nursing Doyle, Ashlynn Mackenzie, BAED, Art Education Drullinger, Jordan, BBA, Finance and BS, Accounting Drum, Emma Grace, BS, Nursing Dunn, Kaleb P., BFA, Art-Studio Art Dye, Micah H., BA, Criminal JusticeGeneral Criminal Justice and BS, Forensic Science Eby, Coleman Kent, BS, Computer Science-Applied Erwin, Evan Jay, BS, General Studies Fitzgerald, Abigail N., BBA, Management Floyd, Rex Adam, BA, Criminal Justice-General Criminal Justice Franklin, Brooke, Magna Cum Laude, BS, Speech-Language Pathology Fratarcangeli, Megan G., BBA, Management Friscic, Joshua, Magna Cum Laude, BA, Geography Fuller, Lydia, BS, Forensic ScienceForensic Investigations Garey, Macy Dawn, BBA, Marketing George, Austin, BBA, Information Systems and Operations Management-MIS Ghigliotti, Jessica Lynn, BBA, Marketing Goings, Mackenzie Elizabeth, Summa Cum Laude, BS, Public Health Gonzales, Ryan Louis, Cum Laude, BBA, Information Systems and Operations Management-MIS Gonzalez, Ezri Elena, BS, Biology Gonzalez, Vanessa, BBA, Finance and BBA, Management Gorman, Alexandra Danielle, BA, Criminal Justice-General Criminal Justice Greenwood, Reina, BFA, Theatre Arts-Performance Griffith, Alex Riley, Magna Cum Laude, BS, Speech-Language Pathology Guin, Fang, BS, Nursing Hartman, Jordan Andrew, BS, Computer Science Haught, Lucas Matthew, BMED, Music Education-Music Education Hedges, Chalentz, BS, General Studies Hibbs, Clara Louise, Summa Cum Laude, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences and BS, Forensic Science-Molecular Biology Hild, Kaelyn Elizabeth, BBA, Management Hill, Nathaniel Davon, BBA, Information Systems and Operations Management-MIS Hoisington, Emma Grace, BS, General Studies HosseinZadeh, Hashem, BS, Software Engineering Hostetler, Aubrey N., BS, Nursing Howell, Zachary Aaron, BBA, Economics Hyland, John, BBA, Finance Jernigan, Kylee Tanner, Cum Laude,
BA, Psychology Johnston, Noah William, BS, Industrial Safety Keenum, Connor Allen, BS, Software Engineering Kesner, Alexis Esperanza, BA, Psychology Kim, Samantha, BBA, Marketing King, Bonnie Elizabeth, Summa Cum Laude, BA, Criminal Justice-General Criminal Justice and BS, Forensic Science Kvicala, James Daniel, BS, General Studies Labay, Daniel, BS, Biology Lam, Thanhtruc Thuy, BS, Mathematics Lawrence, Maci Danielle, BS, General Studies Lewis, Caitlin, Summa Cum Laude, BFA, Design-Graphic Design Lloyd, Christian, BS, General Studies Long, Jaedyn Mikhaly, BA, Humanities Mahaffey, Heather, BSED, Physical Education/Health Mahaney, Trent, BA, Political Science Manning, Mackenzie Kaitlyn, BS, Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Management Marshall, Gillian Reese, Magna Cum Laude, BS, Biology Martin, Kalei Denae, BS, Biology Martinez Gonzalez, Jose, BBA, Economics Martinez, Jordynn Ainsley, BA, Mass Communication-Professional Media Massion, Salina, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences Mathis, Catherine Grace, BA, Strategic Communications Maxey, Jerrica Renee, Magna Cum Laude, BS, Accounting Mayfield, Zachary Price, AAS, Contemporary Music Production McBride, Kayley Marianna, BS, Biomedical Engineering McGinnis, Grace Katherine, Summa Cum Laude, BS, Nursing Meek, Macie Lynn, Cum Laude, BS, Speech-Language Pathology Minter, Jacee Lynn, Cum Laude, BBA, Management Moreland, Emma Lee, BS, Nursing Morrison, Mykenzie R, BS, Nursing Neel, Eric Steven, BMED, Music Education-Instrumental Odetalla, Aseel, Magna Cum Laude, BS, Speech-Language Pathology Ourani, Amira, BA, Criminal JusticeGeneral Criminal Justice Ozbirn, Aaron, BS, Mechanical Engineering Page, Kayleigh Mason, Summa Cum Laude, BSED, Mathematics Education Palmer, Anthony S., BAED, English Education Palmer, Deanna JoEllyn, BS, General Studies Paradise, Blaize P., BS, Accounting and BS, Forensic Science Payne, Dalton Garrett, BS, Data Science Peery, Catherine, BS, General Studies Phelps, Audrey Elizabeth, BA, Modern Language-Spanish and BS, Forensic Science Prospero Avila, Ana Valeria, BFA, Design-Graphic Design Rhodes, Marin Joy, BBA, Finance-Insurance & Risk Management and BS, Actuarial Science Richardson, Alex Marie, BS, General Studies
Rider, Katherine, BS, Accounting Ridings, Paige E., Cum Laude, BA, Communication-Interpersonal Communication Rogers, Cameron Michael, BBA, Marketing Rubio, Erika, BA, Psychology Schulz, Zoe, Summa Cum Laude, BFA, Design-Graphic Design Serrano, David Eduardo, BS, BiologyBiomedical Sciences Sewell, Abby Michelle, BA, Mass Communication-Professional Media Sharp, Auston, BA, English Shaver, Jamie Keenan, BS, BiologyBiomedical Sciences Sims, Matthew Samuel, BS, Chemistry-Health Sciences Singha, Proggaparomita, Summa Cum Laude, BS, Computer Science Skinner, Kaylyn, Summa Cum Laude, BS, Nursing Smethers, Jakob, BS, General Studies Smith, Janie, BS, Software Engineering Spencer, Zoe Brooke, Magna Cum Laude, BA, Applied Liberal Arts Spicer, Adam Tyler, Cum Laude, BBA, Management-Human Resource Management Starns, Ryklee D., Magna Cum Laude, BSED, Elementary Education Stegall, Blake, BA, Criminal JusticeGeneral Criminal Justice and BS, Forensic Science Tackett, Mackenzie Mae, BS, General Studies Tanksley, Ryan Cole, BS, Accounting Teter, Marissa Arden, BBA, Finance Thomas, Emma Ann, BSED, Early Childhood Education Tincher, Emily Grace, BBA, Business Administration-General Business Tran, Erica, BS, Biology Tran, Gia Han Le, Magna Cum Laude, BS, Biology-Biomedical Sciences Troncoso-Males, Nadia, BS, SpeechLanguage Pathology Trower, Britain Dean, BBA, FinanceInsurance & Risk Management Tu, Brittiany B., Summa Cum Laude, BA, Psychology and BS, Forensic Science Vanhooser, Madeline Nichole, BSED, Elementary Education Vick, Jada Rylee, Summa Cum Laude, BA, Arts Administration Vo, Sunnie, BS, Nursing Walker, Adriauna Taylor Fay, BS, Nursing Waters, Daniel Robert, BAT, Commercial Music Weaver, Joel Robert, BS, Software Engineering Weiss, Sharon, BS, Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Management Williams, Christopher Kylin, BS, General Studies Williams, Joel David, BBA, Finance Williams, Lauren Kate, Magna Cum Laude, BA, Psychology Willmon, Baile Nicole, Summa Cum Laude, BFA, Design-Interior Design Wilson, Audrey Elaine, BBA, Marketing Wilson, Jeremy Alexander, BS, Nursing Wu, XiaoYing, BS, General Studies Zapata, Rafael Ramon, BS, Electrical Engineering Zimmerman, Abigail Rachel, BFA, Art-Studio Art
Sgt. C.J. Nelson
Nearly two years after Edmond Police Sergeant CJ Nelson was killed in a wreck along Broadway Extension, a nonprofit organization stepped in to pay off the Nelson family’s home.
Nelson’s death occurred the day before his 13th anniversary with the Edmond Police Department. He is survived by his wife Jenefer and their two children, Emily and Connor.
“In an instant, I became a single mom of two beautiful young children and was so fearful of our future,” said Jenefer Nelson. “The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s home program has helped light up our darkness. By lifting this financial burden from my shoulders, the Foundation has given me hope for a bright future for our family. Thank you will
Applications are available for neighborhood groups and public schools or their associated parentteacher organizations to receive trees, free of charge, as part of the Edmond Tree Grants program.
Administered by the City of Edmond Urban Forestry Department, eligible groups within Edmond city limits can apply to receive seedlings, 3-gallon or 15-gallon containerized trees for planting within the areas they manage, as well as a street tree component for residences. Applications will be accepted while supplies last.
This partnership between the City and residents and schools aims to enhance tree canopy within areas often not served through other Urban Forestry Department programs.
“Trees are a valuable resource
within the areas where people live and recreate, providing such benefits as improved air quality, cooler temperatures, UV ray protection, energy conservation, health benefits, beautification, and higher property values,” said Leigh Martin, City of Edmond Urban Forester.
The Edmond Tree Grants program fosters community understanding and engagement and provides education about proper tree care and planting practices. Grant recipients work closely with the Urban Forestry Department to execute projects, potentially involve their communities or groups and implement a maintenance plan.
For more information about Edmond Tree Grants, visit edmondok.gov/treegrants.
never be enough.”
As part of their Fallen First Responder Program, Tunnel to Towers pays off mortgages for families of law enforcement officers and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty, die from from 9/11-related illnesses and leave behind young children.
“Sergeant Nelson was senselessly taken away from his young family very suddenly. Jenefer and her children are still healing from this terrible loss and we are honored to give them a light at the end of this dark tunnel. By paying off their mortgage we bring them peace of mind and a bright future to look forward to,” said Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
(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.)
June 24
Xenia Alexandria Anson, 27 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Heather Elaine Strother, 25 of Oklahoma City. Operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license and operate (DUI and APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Delinda Dawn Karr, 38 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.
Dixson Morazan Cruz, 24 of Oklahoma City. Driving without proper/valid driver’s license.
Kalli Marie Acord, 25 of Edmond. Felony warrant.
June 25
McKenzie Blayre Bolfa, 20 of Edmond. Felony warrant.
Tester Test, 41 of Edmond. Failure to appear.
Daniel Jay Proffer, 53 of Edmond. Felony warrant.
Mark Anthony Adkins, 42 of Edmond. No proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Matthew Roy Taylor, 40 homeless. Non-assault resisting officer.
Daquarius Rashawn Durham, 23 of Edmond. Loitering, injuring, molesting joy riding a motor vehicle and domestic abuse assault (strangula-
tion).
June 26
Danielle Alexis Shade, 31 homeless. Possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to appear.
Haley Ann Eason, 32 of Edmond. Shoplifting. Joseph Michael Wallace, Jr., 34 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.
Josie Guerrero Cruz, 38 of Oklahoma City. Failure to appear.
Ronald Joel Hidalgo-Bolivar, 23 of Edmond. False representation to an office and shoplifting.
June 27
Karla Janeth Zambrano, 24 of Oklahoma City. Following too closely, operating a motor vehicle with no valid driver’s license and failure to appear.
June 28
Ernest Green II, 45 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
Jimmy Lee Babb, 70 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC ) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
June 29
Amanda Gail Kirk, 41 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
Gregory Galen Warren, 48 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
John Wesley Prince, 41 of Emond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault and public intoxication.
Juan Angel Paredes, 23 of Houston, Texas. Public intoxication.
Hala Griselda Wilson, 22 of Edmond. Failure to appear.m
Michael Angelo Smith, 35 homeless. Trespassing after being forbidden.
Danielle Alexis Shade, 31 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.
Andy Eduardo Bailon, 21 of Warr Acres. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, illegal possession/use weapons/firearms/fireworks (lake only), two misdemeanor warrants and public intoxication (lake only.)
Edwin Alexander Leon-Murillo, 24 of Bethany. Assault &/or battery with deadly weapon.
Manuel Deris Davila-Herrera, 20 of Bethany. Assault &/or battery with a deadly weapon.
June 30
Sanyah Elizabeth Butler, 20 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.
Ashanti Ayanna Muhammad, 25 of Oklahoma City. No tag — improper tag, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Abdon Escobar, 49 of Guthrie. Driving without proper/valid driver’s license.
Cheikhou Oumar Dior, 37 of Oklahoma City. Operating motor vehicle with improper equipment, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled suspended, denied or revoked.
Gary Allen Maldonado, 53 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Tommy Zane Griffin, 21 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Remember: Do not drink & drive
Weekend Calendar of Events July 11 ---- 14
---- In the Gallery
---- Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered
---- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market
---- Twilight Swim
---- Concert in the Park
---- Vinyl Record Show
---- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Events
---- Oklahoma City Summer Bead & Jewelry Show
---- PBR: Teams
---- New World Comic Con
---- Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show
---- Sunday Twilight Concert Series
---- Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma presents: Jersey Boys
---- Round Barn Rendezvous
Extra Information
In the Gallery
Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute
Extra Info: Thu, July 11: Gallery Opening 5 – 7 p.m.; Featuring Sheryl McLain; free; Gallery is open Mon – Thu; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; edmondfinearts.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
Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market
Location: Festival Market Place and Farmers Market
Extra Info: Sat, Apr 20 – Sat, Nov 2; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.com
Twilight Swim
Location: Pelican Bay Aquatic Center
Extra Info: Tue, May 28 – Thu, Aug 1; 7 – 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays twilight swim; pelicanbayaquatics.com
Concert in the Park
Location: Stephenson Park, Hafer Park Stage
Extra Info: Thu, July 11; 6 – 8:30 p.m.; Free; edmondok.gov
Vinyl Record Show
Location: Hilton Garden Inn
Extra Info: Sat, July 13; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; $8 or $15; vinylrecordsshow.com
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Events
Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Extra Info: Mon, July 1 – 31: Explore the Code: Know Where to Draw the Line – Bass Reeves; Thu,
A Round Barn Rendezvous will be held Sunday, with local artists entertaining.
July 11: The Reading Roundup; 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.; Thu, July 11: PBR Heroes & Legends; 5:30 – 9 p.m.; Thu, July 11 – Sun, July 14: Choose Your Adventure!; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat, July 13 – Sun, July 14: Signature Tour @ 1 – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org
OIKC Summer Bead & Jewelry Show
Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park
Extra Info: Fri, July 12 – Sun, July 14; Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; aksshow.com
PBR: Teams Location: Paycom Center
Extra Info: Fri, July 12 – Sun, July 14; Fri: 7:45 p.m., Sat: 6:45 p.m.; Sun: 1:45 p.m.; paycomcenter.com
New World Comic Con
Location: The Pavilion Extra Info: Sat, July 13 – Sun, July 14; Sat: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; newworldcomic-
con.org
Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show
Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park
Extra Info: Sat, July 13 – Sun, July 14; Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; okcgun.show
Sunday Twilight Concert Series
Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens
Extra Info: Sun, July 14; 7 – 8:30 p.m.; Free; artscouncilokc.com
Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma presents: Jersey Boys
Location: Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
Extra Info: Sun, July 14; Tue, Wed & Thu: 7:30 p.m.; Fri: 8 p.m.; Sat: 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Sun: 2 p.m.; lyrictheatreokc.com
Round Barn Rendezvous
Location: Round Barn, Arcadia, OK
Extra Info: Sun, July 14; 12 – 4 p.m.; arcadiaroundbarn.com
Caple Spence, M.D., a board-certified neurosurgeon with INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center, recently performed the first cranial biopsy in Oklahoma using Stryker’s new Q Guidance System with Cranial Guidance Software.
The margin of error when performing a biopsy on the brain is razor thin, but modern, computerized systems like this are making neurosurgery more accurate and safer than ever before.
“Even a few millimeters of difference when inserting a needle into the brain to remove a tissue sample for biopsy can result in patient injury or death,” says Spence. “This cutting edge technology is a huge benefit for our patients and our ability to provide cranial biopsies with the highest degree of accuracy and safety.”
The Stryker Q Guidance System now being used at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center is the first and only such tech being used to perform cranial biopsies in the state. The procedure helps doctors diagnose issues like brain disorders, tumors, infections and inflammation.
What is the technology?
A precision targeting system neurosurgeons use to locate, guide and navigate the procedure of inserting a
needle into the brain to retrieve a sample of tissue for biopsy, as well as during other image-guided surgeries and procedures involving the head and spine.
The system uses cameras to capture and relay the patient’s anatomy and the surgeon’s precise movements in comparison to the patient, which is then displayed on computer monitors in the operating room.
The tech is also used before procedures to help plan the point of entry or where to drill, to map the patient’s anatomy and the location of a tumor, as well as to guide the surgeon’s approach and alignment.
Why it matters:
This technology replaces earlier systems that can be less accurate and more cumbersome for neurosurgeons to work with, leading to better patient outcomes. Planning for cranial surgery can be difficult. This new technology helps INTEGRIS Health doctors provide patients with the best possible care and safety available today.
INTEGRIS Health is at the forefront of using technology to assist our caregivers in providing health care to Oklahomans. To read more about the spine and neurological surgery team at INTEGRIS Health, please click here.
State
Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond
Sen. Adam Pugh (R-Edmond) will host a legislative interim study to examine the impact of students having cellphones in schools.
The study will bring together national experts to discuss the benefits and challenges associated with cellphone use in educational settings.
Sen. Pugh, who serves as the Chair of the Senate Education Committee, said it is important to understand the implications of cellphone use in schools from every level.
"Our goal is to gather comprehensive data and insights from a variety of perspectives to make informed decisions that best support our students' education and well-being," said Sen. Pugh. "We are inviting top experts from across the country to ensure a robust and balanced discussion. Their knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we explore this complex issue."
The interim study will feature presentations from leading experts in education technology, child psychology and school administration. Topics will include the potential for cellphones to enhance learning through educational apps and resources, as well as concerns about distractions, cyberbullying and data privacy.
The study is scheduled to take place at a date to be determined at the Oklahoma State Capitol. The findings and recommendations from this study will inform potential legislation in the upcoming session.
By Carla Hinton
The Oklahoman
Is the largest church in America based in Oklahoma?
Yes, Edmond-based Life.Church, with an average attendance of 85,000, topped the Outreach 100 list of the largest congregations in the U.S. for 2023, the second year in a row it has done so.
Internationally known for creating the popular, free YouVersion Bible App, Life.Church, led by founder and Senior Pastor Craig Groeschel, also has become one of the preeminent churches in America because it is a multi-site congregation, with offices and a church at Interstate 35 and Second Street in Edmond, plus a whopping 44 satellites across the country.
Outreach Magazine has compiled listings of the country’s largest churches and fastest-growing churches for several decades, collaborating with Lifeway Research, the official research arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, while also drawing numbers from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research. The 2024 listings are expected in the fall.
According to its website, the magazine contacts thousands of churches each year, inviting them to participate in a survey. The result is the annual Outreach 100 list of largest churches, which tracks numerical gains in attendance, and the Outreach 100 list of fastest- growing churches, which tracks percentage growth. They solicited participation from more than 13,000 churches. Outreach said churches were contacted multiple times by email and fax to be part of the self-reported survey that is based on attendance averages, not membership. According to the Outreach website, participating churches answered questions about their 2023 inperson, weekend attendance averages for February and March as compared to their 2022 numbers.
Other Oklahoma congregations on the 2023 list of the largest churches was Church on the Move in Tulsa, which came in at No. 88, with 7,000 members. BattleCreek Church, a Southern Baptist church in Broken Arrow, also made the list at No. 94, with 6,560 members.
BattleCreek Church in Broken Arrow also was included in the 2023 Outreach 100 list of fastestgrowing churches as Life at the top No. 54, along with another Southern Baptist congregation, Together We Church in Yukon, formerly known as Trinity Baptist.
Groeschel founded Life.Church in 1996. Life Covenant Church, as it originally was called, began with about 45 people and has grown to include 18 satellites in Oklahoma and 26 satellites outside the state: two in Arkansas, three in Colorado, two in Florida, one in Iowa, five in Kansas, three in Missouri, one in Nebraska, one in New Mexico, one in
New York, one in Tennessee and six in Texas.
For context, Life.Church is larger than a Houston, Texas, church that many people have long known as one of the largest churches in the country. That congregation, Lakewood Church led by prominent televangelist Joel Osteen, took the No. 3 spot on the 2023 largest church list, with average attendance of 45,000. Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama, came in at No. 2, with average attendance of 60,000.
Leaders with Life.Church declined requests for an interview, but shared a statement instead.
“As people have examined their lives over the last few years, we’re seeing a renewed sense of passion and hunger for God throughout our ministries,” Bobby Gruenewald, Life.Church pastor and innovation leader known as the creator of the YouVersion Bible App, said in a statement.
“People from all walks of life and across generations are facing very real struggles and thankfully they’re turning to the local Church for support. And in seeking God, they’re finding healing, community, and a true sense of purpose for their lives.”
Fast-growing church in Yukon
Together We Church is No. 48 on the 2023 Outreach 100 list of the fastestgrowing churches in the U.S., and the Yukon church was No. 94 on the 2022 fastest-growing list.
The Rev. Brian Mills, the church’s senior pastor, said the growth began after he started his first sermon series after arriving at the church from Arkansas with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children in June 2019. He said the church, originally
A class at the Oklahoma History Center on Saturday, July 20, from 14 p.m. will focus on flower art. Attendees will learn basic flower art skills while creating a piece of art by placing dried flowers and petals in their own design.
Tickets are available online. They are $25 for Oklahoma Historical Society members and $30 for nonmembers. All supplies are included in the cost. The registration deadline is Saturday, July 13. The class is limited to 12 people.
The Oklahoma History Center Museum is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi
Dr. in Oklahoma City. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
Epsilon Sigma Alpha’s Gamma Zeta chapter held its meeting at Schlotsky’s. Coniglio presented her very informative educational on Hawaiian history.
The U.S. annexed Hawaii as a territory in 1898. On August 21, 1959, Dwight Eisenhower signed the bill to make Hawaii the 50th state, and today tourism is the most important industry. Hawaii is known not only for sugar cane, pineapples, coconuts, bananas, and sweet potatoes but also as a strategic defense of our western coast. Since WWII, Hawaii is host to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, the world’s largest naval command.
Gamma Zeta discussed philanthropic enterprises for the year such as bingo, bunco, popcorn sales, and restaurant events as well as volunteer opportunities for St. Jude, Oklahoma School for the Deaf, Oklahoma School for the Blind, UR Special, Free to Live, Salvation Army, No Boundaries, and Boys’ Ranch town. Currently members are working on volunteering at the St. Jude Dream Home Open House in Edmond. Come join our fun and fellowship. Contact Jacci Gantz at 405-922-5954 if interested.
founded as Trinity Baptist, was founded in 1979 and had a weekly attendance of about 800 people. By the time he and his family arrived, about 300 were attending weekend services.
Mills said the congregation took to heart his first sermon series entitled “Together We,” so much so that they began inviting other people to church and became involved in mission efforts, and the congregation began to experience “crazy growth.”
The minister said the church grew 34% in 2019 and then the COVID-19 pandemic happened. But church members rallied behind a dream to build a food pantry and the church’s Together We Center, built on church property without incurring debt, includes a food pantry that other area churches contribute to, and a boutique that helps fund the ministry and also contributes to community residents. In 2022, the church’s first time on the list, Together We had an average attendance of 1,397 members, and in 2023, the average attendance was 1,879.
The pastor said he fully expects that Together We will be on the 2024 list of fastest-growing list, but the church is not going to “chase after a number.”
“If the Lord keeps growing us, we’re just going to be faithful with what God sends us,” he said.
“We just want to take care of people and we want to shepherd the flock that God sends to us.
“Every number has a name, every name has a story and every story has a destiny, and we want to be a part of that story. We want to be a part of that individual’s life.”
Everyone who uses the Internet or e-mail is a potential victim of fraud and scams. Maybe some of you have already had a bad experience. The Reader’s Digest this month has an article about a couple in New England. They were working through a building contractor to have a swimming pool put in the backyard of their home.
Steve Gust
They put down a deposit and later were told they had to pay another $30,000 or so to start construction. And they had to send the money by Zelle, a digital payment system.
Now here’s the interesting part. The scammers had apparently hacked into the contractor’s e-mail and were passing themselves off as him.
The scammers were the ones requesting the money from the couple before the construction could begin. But the construction would have to wait. When the people finally got in touch with the contractor, he told them he hadn’t gotten any emails from them.
The bad news is once that money went into the crypto sphere, it was bye bye.
The FBI was contacted but these people never heard from them after filling out a report. There probably wasn’t a whole lot they could do anyway.
I read another article about scams. They seem to be on the increase and cost victims, mostly elderly, billions of dollars annually. They also include the romance scams, which bilk life savings as well. It’s kind of odd to see some of these folks on programs like “Dr. Phil” where the women will swear their alleged romance partner is real, but he isn’t.
This Reader’s Digest article had an interesting footnote. The guy and his wife saved up money for a few more years and finally paid to finish the pool. This time, they wrote a check for the work.
I would advise everyone to simply use caution when dealing with money and sending it. And having said that, the scammers are a determined group. Instead of working honestly, this is the only way they can make a living. If any deal, or romance, comes along and you aren’t sure – call a trusted financial adviser or family member.
Last week, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Charles McCall (R-Atoka) kicked off their State and Federal Partnership Series: ‘Serving Oklahoma 101.’ These panel-style conversations included a series of informative discussions regarding the role of state and federal leadership, their differences in responsibility, and how Oklahoma’s local, state, and federal leadership can work together to address many of the state’s most important priorities.
“What a great week,” said Sen. Mullin. “I am grateful to Speaker McCall for joining me and to those who hosted us, and to the constituents who took time out of their day to show up and engage in meaningful conversation. I truly believe we accomplished our goal of educating Oklahomans on their representation and equipping local leadership with the tools to best meet their local and federal needs. I am energized by the response we received and look forward to similar events in the future. It’s an honor to
get up every day and work on behalf of our great state, so I appreciate ways to improve upon this work and deliver even more results for hard-working Oklahomans.”
“These meetings have been a perfect example of how state and federal relations can work to the benefit of all Oklahomans,” said Speaker Charles McCall. “Throughout these public meetings, Sen. Mullin and I have been able to provide citizens with an inside look into the work their government is doing for them, but more importantly, we’ve been able to listen to their issues and get new ideas on how to solve them. As a proponent of more transparency and accountability in government, I’ve been pleased with the productivity of these meetings, and look forward to more opportunities to bridge the state and federal gap in the future.”
The first stop on the tour included a panel discussion hosted by the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday. U.S. Senator Mullin and Speaker McCall discussed state versus federal response to the border crisis, transportation issues, budgets, inflation, and education among other topics. Sen. Mullin would like to thank Alane Zannotti, President and CEO of the Stillwater Chamber for her hospitality and leadership.
"It makes perfect sense that Chamber host an event like this in order to connect the business community with our local, state and federal leaders. The casual conversation leads to a better understanding of each level of government's responsibility,” said Stillwater Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Alane Zannotti.
The tour concluded on Thursday with an event at Northeastern State University (NSU) in Muskogee. Sen. Mullin and Speaker McCall began the discussion with a breakdown of the differences between state and federal senators and representatives. Mullin believes this understanding will allow constituents to better direct their needs to the appropriate office and receive the assistance they are seeking. Mullin and McCall continued the discussion, covering federal regulations that encouraged Mullin to run for federal office.
Dear Editor,
In regard to Steve Gust’s commentary:
Letter to the Editor
Is it really a debate? I must reply. First of all, the mic needed to be monitored like it was because Trump does not know when to shut up.
And since Mr. Gust feels it is un-American to shut down the mic, I imagine he won’t mind hearing/reading what I have to say here. Because Mr. Gust’s dislike for liberals is so palatable, turnabout is fair play.
He asks why the liberal candidates ALWAYS have liberal commentators. Um …. please tell him, it’s not an absolute but the liberal commentators come with the liberal CNN station who is putting on the debate. If Trump didn’t want it at CNN, he could have said no and demand it only be on NewsMax or Fox News. Generally speaking, all candidates like soft ball questions which is what conservative candidates get all the time from the likes of Sean Hannity and that other guy who got fired from Fox for lying… like it was a new thing for that station.
I won’t ignore the elephant in the room: yes,
You (Steve Gust) claim we have runaway inflation…and to a certain extent we do but it’s getting better.
—— Eva Mahoney
Biden did poorly with his soft-spoken voice and desire to vomit the facts out that were swirling around in his head. He overtaxed his ability to remember THE FACTS and not resort to just speaking in generalities and downright lies.
You don’t have to memorize the untruth…the details of a lie are not important. The detail of the truth is much more consuming on one’s intellect. Putting the debate to the side (you said it’s not all that needed anyway), you have it incorrect on Trump’s four years in office. He, maybe, accomplished a few things but mostly, he did not do much of what he said he would. The wall didn’t get built and Mexico didn’t pay for it; he didn’t give us a replacement for Obamacare. He did cre-
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ate a reality TV show in his pursuit to win over Kim Jong Un and Putin…very entertaining but totally unnecessary and sort of useless.
You claim we have runaway inflation…and to a certain extent we do but it’s getting better.
Even your Fox News/Business peeps say so. Costs of everyday items is still way up but coincidently so are corporate profits. Yes, be happy that so many who have more money than we can even dream of, are making even more money for themselves rather than passing that on to the consumer. Corporate greed is running amuck. Our conservative Langford and other Republican congressperson created a very nice bill that would solve so many of the issues that are plaguing us at the border. It was a great bill, askLangford. But Maga-gress turned it down. You know this, I know you do.
I do agree, the election shouldn’t be close…and sadly it is. Anyone who believes it’s okay to have a convicted felon as POTUS, needs to take a good look at their own moral integrity.
EVA MAHONEY Edmond Resident
Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.
It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues.
By Carol Smaglinski
Next time you are seated at a bar, watch the talented bartenders whipping out those drinks.
Trying to keep each drink recipe correct is no easy task. It’s certain that nobody uses more limes than bartenders, except in Mexico where that distinctive fruit is a national favorite.
From a simple attractive wedge hanging over a stemmed cocktail glass to imperative additions to a delicious Daiquiri, a frozen Margarita, a Mai Tai, or a Mojito, the tiny lime offers a refreshing taste.
Limes are too tart to be eaten like an orange, however, a single squirt might chase away those funky odors on fish that you should have cooked yesterday.
Here’s why: The citric acid in lime juice or lemon juice helps to neutralize compounds in the fish and that’s why you often see recipes mentioning a lemon or lime addition, usually in small amounts. Note that those tiny-but-tough limes are slightly more acidic than lemons.
The zest of the lime peel contains essential oils with intense aromas. Most citrus grown today is simply used for making juice.
Back in the day, scurvy was avoided by issuing limes for men sailing the high seas who were not able to get enough Vitamin C from fresh fruits in their diets to prevent the onset of scurvy. So the English used limes that contained ascorbic acid to eliminate the symptoms and cure scurvy. The British Navy was credited with calling its men the
slang term of “limeys.”
These days, most limes are grown in Mexico and imported from the West Indies and used in marinades to seviche, with other varieties grown in Florida and California. The Persian lime is the most common in the U.S.
Key limes come from Florida and who can resist a piece of the Key Lime Pie?
Fajita aficionados love limes and the word fajita is from the word “faja” in Spanish meaning a belt or a sash due to the flank (or skirt steak) used in the recipe.
Flank, a rather tough piece of meat, comes from the belly of the animal or the diaphragm muscle of the beef, as long as a belt.
For tender slices, cut across the grain. All fibers in the grain run the same way in one direction, so examine the meat, then position your knife to cut perpendicular to these fibers, not parallel to them.
The Serrano hot chili pepper (where’s my rubber gloves?) adds extra oomph. It tastes like heaven, but burns like hell! This pepper is a bit more powerful than a jalapeno, but avoids swollen lips by using too much.
Note that the “heat” of the chili comes from the ribs inside the pepper, not from the skin or seeds.
Try the fajitas, and use that grill/flip basket. Don’t overcook.
Fajitas
2 lbs. flank or skirt steak
6 crushed garlic cloves (microwave 10 secondspeelings will slip off)
Bell Peppers: green, red, and yellow, sliced in slim strips
2 red onions, sliced the size of the peppers
½ Serrano pepper, chopped
8 limes, squeezed, equaling a full cup
2 Tbsp. tequila
Salt and pepper, to taste
16 tortillas. warmed
Salsa, sour cream, slices of ripe avocado
Place meat in a bowl or a strong plastic bag. Add garlic, peppers, onion, lime juice, hot pepper, tequila and salt and pepper. Mix well and marinate for about 4 hours or overnight under refrigeration.
When ready to cook over hot coals, remove the meat and vegetables and discard the marinade. Cover the vegetables with a cooking spray and place in a grill/flip basket.
Grill 4 minutes on each side until the veggies are tender. Remove steak, cut into thin slices diagonally across the grain, or grandma might lose her dentures. Cook strips on the grill for 3 to 5 minutes quickly. Serve on warm tortillas and garnish with condiments.
The Edmond History Museum, in conjunction with Eagle Scout candidate Reagan Grau, present “Be Prepared! The History of Scouting in Edmond,” an exhibit that explores the origins of scouting in Edmond as well as how scouting in Edmond has changed.
“I created this exhibit as part of my Eagle Scout project as I wanted to display the impact scouting has had on Edmond. I am proud of our scouting legacy as well as the community support for over a century. Education is the best way I can give back to our community,” said Reagan Grau, Eagle Scout Candidate
“Working with Reagan on this exhibit has been a wonderful experience and I’ve enjoyed helping him learn more about what’s involved in creating an exhibit. His unique insight and perspective into the scouting world was a vital part of the exhibit,” said Derek Lee, Curator of Collections
Exhibit Spotlights:
Troop 1 Original Charter: The original charter of Troop 1 from 1913. Troop 1 is Edmond’s oldest Boy Scout troop.
Scout Backpack: A Boy Scout backpack that was used by Edmond scout Carl Graves in the 1960s. Merit Badges: A variety of merit badges earned by Edmond Boy Scouts throughout the decades. The exhibit will be on display from July 17 through October 19, 2024.
Opening reception: There will be a come and go exhibit opening on Wednesday, July 17 from 5:30 – 6:30 PM.
Museum Information:
Edmond History Museum is open 10:00-5:00 Tuesday – Friday and 1-4:00 Saturday. Please visit the museum website at www.EdmondHistory.org or by calling the museum at 405-340-0078. Admission is free.
The Edmond History Museum, on July 17, will open the new exhibit looking at the glorious past of
University of Central Oklahoma’s community
versity Center, located on Central’s campus. The
ested in learning more about
and
The University of Central Oklahoma’s community of Greek Life organizations will host Greek Discovery Day at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, in the Nigh University Center, located on Central’s campus. The event is open to high school seniors, incoming freshmen, transfer students and current students interested in learning more about fraternity and sorority life at Central.
The event will feature Greek organizations from each of the four governing councils on Central’s campus, including the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and the College Panhellenic Council (CPC). Participants will have the opportunity to attend a council breakout session to learn about the individual organization they are most interested in, as well as upcoming events, information on how to join and requirements.
“Greek Discovery Day is a great way for those who are interested in the fraternity and sorority experience to learn more about Greek life at UCO,” said Taylor Bradberry, coordinator of Student Engagement - Fraternity and Sorority Life at UCO.
“It showcases student perspectives and experiences with the organizations that have led to lifelong friend-
ships, leadership opportunities, academic support and community and philanthropic service.”
Additionally, parents and families can attend a separate panel for questions regarding fraternity and sorority life at Central.
Registration is free and student participants will receive a free T-shirt.
Central is home to more than 25 Greek chapters.
IFC chapters include Alpha Sigma Phi, Alpha Tau Omega, Beta Upsilon Chi, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Nu and Sigma Tau Gamma.
CPC chapters include Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Xi Delta, Delta Zeta, Sigma Kappa, Sigma Phi Lambda and Sigma Sigma Sigma.
MGC chapters include Omega Delta Phi, Tau Kappa Omega, Gamma Delta Pi, Kappa Delta Chi, Phi Delta Alpha, Sigma Lambda Alpha and Sigma Lambda Gamma.
NPHC chapters include Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma and Sigma Gamma Rho.
To register or for more information about Greek Discovery Day and fraternity and sorority life at UCO, visit go.uco.edu/greek.
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.
By George Gust
In “Despicable Me 4” Gru (voice of Steve Carrell), Lucy (voice of Kristen Wiig), Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal (voice of Will Ferrell) and his girlfriend Valentina (Sofia Vergara), and the family is forced to go on the run.
The bar for storytelling and filmmaking for the “Despicable Me” franchise is incredibly low for general audiences. People are here for Carrell’s silly voice and of course another helping of those adorably evil and inept yellow minions, and if Illumination checks those boxes, they’ll bring in big box office numbers. And in “Despicable Me 4” the filmmakers have met that bar, but there appears to be some diminishing returns to the tried-and-true series.
If you look past the surface level bits for the kiddos, which are in ample supply as the minions get superpowers in this one and they add a cute baby
Due to technical issues, the Sudoku & crossword puzzles have been repeated.
character to the mix, “Despicable Me 4” suffers from the sequel bloat that has sunk many other franchises in their 6th installment. The problem that this entry faces is juggling too many plot points for a 90 minute ‘enjoy the colors’ kids movie. The result is a bungled movie that ends up feeling like an episodic series of shorts as opposed to the more fully thought out first film that had a little bit of an emotional punch to it. If you’re trying
to follow the story, you’re jumping around from the domestic follies of Gru and crew (not) fitting in with their new uppity neighbors, to the minions becoming super powered miles away from the plot to the underserved Maxime character that squanders the voice talents of Ferrell.
“Despicable Me 4” is a movie you can eat popcorn to with your kids, but not much more than that. There are times when filmmakers produce children’s content that can be enjoyed across the board, see this summers’ brilliant “Inside Out 2” for example, “Despicable Me 4” on the other hand is aimed directly at the younger kids in the audience and is a movie that feels perfectly made to be put on in the background when it hits Netflix.
“Despicable Me 4” is rated PG for action and rude humor.
2.9 out of 5 stars
(Contact George Gust for comment at gust.george@gmail.com)
The town of Edmond sprang up overnight during the great Oklahoma land run on April 22, 1889, when homesteads were staked around the Santa Fe station. The original plat for Edmond was prepared by the Seminole Town and Development Company, a newly formed syndicate with ties to the railroad. Many of the original streets were named for men associated with either the Santa Fe Railroad or the town syndicate. The first mayor and city officers were elected in May 1889, and Edmond’s population was 394 in the 1890 census.
——
The first public schoolhouse in Oklahoma Territory, completed in August 1889, is in Edmond. It still stands as a historic monument on 2nd Street between Boulevard and Broadway and is open to the public on the first two Saturdays of each month or by appointment
.——
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, the first church opened after the land run, was located on the southwest corner of East First and South Boulevard. The congregation still exists, although not in its original building or location.
The American Aging Association has named Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Benjamin Miller, Ph.D., as its new president.
The 54-year-old organization, also known as AGE, consists of scientists and physicians dedicated to research on aging.
Miller is a national and international leader in studies of how to maintain muscle mass and function as we age. He focuses on interventional approaches using exercise and compounds such as the diabetes drug metformin as potential ways to slow the process.
An exercise physiologist by training, Miller joined OMRF from Colorado State University in 2018. At OMRF, he leads the foundation’s Aging & Metabolism Research Program and holds the G.T. Blankenship Endowed Chair in Aging Research.
OMRF scientist Holly Van Remmen, Ph.D., held the same role in AGE two years ago. That leadership progression in a national organization
speaks volumes about the research going on in our state, Miller said.
“Oklahoma is firmly on the map for aging research,” he said. “Between our research programs at OMRF, the Nathan Shock Center and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, we have emerged as a center of excellence. That’s why I came here.”
Van Remmen noted that in addition to Miller’s expertise in the laboratory, he is passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists.
“That is a focus of the American Aging Association,” she said, “so I’m excited to see how that might translate during his term as president.”
“Internally, we’ve known for quite some time that we have something special going on in the research program led by Dr. Miller,” said OMRF Vice President of Research Courtney Griffin, Ph.D. “His ascension to the presidency of this prestigious group of scientists validates that belief.”
Last month, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation added Jon Iker Etchegaray, Ph.D., to the faculty of its Aging and Metabolism Research Program.
Etchegaray studies how changes in metabolism affect the development of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and agerelated vision loss.
“Dr. Etchegaray helps strengthen our focus on the aging of our nervous system,” said OMRF Aging and Metabolism Research Program Chair Benjamin Miller, Ph.D. “He has studied metabolism in the eyes, which are windows to the brain, and he will apply these findings to the brain to benefit aging individuals and those with neurodegeneration.”
Etchegaray joins OMRF as an assistant professor. He received both his bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in neurobiology from Boston University. He comes to OMRF from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he completed his postdoctoral training.
Flex Courier Service recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 820 West Danforth Ste #103.
Flex Courier Service is Oklahoma’s newest courier service, dedicated to meeting the needs of the rapidly expanding Sooner state. They specialize in personal, medical, legal, and business courier services, ensuring efficient and reliable delivery across Oklahoma.
Their ultimate goal is to provide you with exceptional service.
They are committed to serving Ok-
lahoma's diverse needs with a focus on medical, legal, business, and personal solutions, delivering seamless service tailored to your enterprise or family needs.
Flex Courier proudly stands as Oklahoma's premier choice for courier services, recognized for our reliability, professionalism, and commitment to exceeding customer expectations.
Flex Courier Service: Delivering Your Success On Time, Every time! To learn more about Flex Courier Service, check out their website, https://www.flexcourierservice.com, or give them a call at 405.541.8978
INTEGRIS Health welcomes
Adedamola Adepoju, M.D., MSc, a new neurosurgeon, to INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center. His areas of interest include complex cranial neurosurgery including open and endoscopic skull base, open cerebrovascular, cranial and spine neuro-oncology and spinal pathology including degenerative traumatic spine disorders.
Adepoju graduated medical school from the University of Massachusetts in Worcester. He completed his neurological surgery residency and enfolded endoscopic skull base fellowship at Albany Medical Center in New York where he was chief resident. Adepoju went on to complete
an additional fellowship in open cerebrovascular and skull base microneurosurgery with world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Ali Krisht at the Arkansas Neuroscience Institute. He became a staff neurosurgeon after his fellowship at Arkansas Neuroscience Institute/CHI St. Vincent before he joined INTEGRIS Health Medical Group.
Adepoju brings to Oklahoma an unparalleled approach to the treatment of brain and spinal diseases.
He offices at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Spine and Neurological Surgery, located at 3433 N.W. 56th St., Bldg. B, Suite 900 in Oklahoma City. For more information, call 405-5520401
NTEGRIS Health Medical Group now offers a quick and convenient treatment for patients with sports-related injuries at their Saturday Sports Medicine Clinic.
The clinic is open every Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon.
Services include:
Treatment of sports injuries, sprains and strains of athletes of all ages and competition levels
X-ray, splinting, bracing, crutch instruction, casting and rehab exercises
No appointments are necessary; walk right in
“Our new Saturday Sports Medicine Clinic enables patients to bypass the emergency room and get back to doing what they enjoy most,” says Orthopedic Surgeon Paul Allegra, M.D.
The clinic is conveniently located at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Orthopedics Edmond, 4833 INTEGRIS Health Parkway, Suite 150. For more information, call 405-657-
Last week, INTEGRIS Health announced a new partnership with McBride Orthopedic Hospital.
McBride Orthopedic Hospital, with 36 physicians, one hospital, one outpatient surgery center and eight clinics, has been a trusted orthopedic clinic and hospital for more than 105 years.
INTEGRIS Health, with more than 800 employed physicians and advanced practice providers, 19 hospi-
tals and more than 180 clinics, has provided exceptional orthopedic services to our communities for many decades.
The joint venture is expected to expand upon the legacy of great orthopedic care that both organizations have offered for many years. Oklahoma patients will significantly benefit from their combined strength as they partner with people to live healthier lives.
A four-year college degree is not necessarily the next step for students after they graduate from high school. The rising cost of college tuition has revitalized interest in career and technical education (CTE).
According to data from the National Student Clearinghouse, enrollment at community colleges rose 2.6 percent in 2023 compared with a year earlier, enhanced by a 16 percent surge at schools with a focus on CTE. Similarly, a survey by Edge Research commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation found onthe-job training seems to be more valuable to both high school students and non-enrolled graduates than a four-year degree, with 83 percent of the former stating it is excellent or good in value, compared to 80 percent for college. Favor for CTE schools is up 63 percent from the previous year.
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges says CTE has evolved from a traditional vocational school model to one that offers academics and skills for higher education and careers in skilled trades, technology and applied sciences. Demand for this type of education continues to grow, with various state superintendents and directors of CTE programs indicating they can only accommodate a fraction of the appli-
cants they get for CTE programs.
"Since 2004, Vermont has seen a decrease in its overall student population, however we have had an increase in CTE students in that same period," says Jay Ramsey, Vermont State Director for Career and Technical Education.
While a traditional four-year university might be the right path for some individuals, CTE has proven ideal for many others. New York City schools
Chancellor David Banks has said it's a sentiment being shared across the nation, that there is another way and another track for students to be successful. CTE may help students get more excited about school and view themselves in careers they may not otherwise be exposed to.
The National Center for Education Statistics puts the average annual tuition for a four-year degree at a private institution in the United States at roughly $35,000 (and public at approximately $10,000. Room and board costs also must be considered, and those can increase the overall cost by a significant amount. The average tuition for a trade school can be around $17,600 a year, but rates vary based on the trade. Most of the CTE schools do not require students to reside on campus, which helps to save money.
—— Metro News
Excitement is building for Work the Runway, Central Oklahoma’s biggest fashion show and fundraiser to support the free employment services provided by Goodwill Central Oklahoma. Mark your calendars for Friday, August 2, and join us at The Criterion for an unforgettable evening of sustainable fashion, impact stories, and immersive upcycled art experiences.
Work the Runway: Seasons of Opportunity
Entering its fourth year, Work the Runway continues to grow, and this year promises to be the best yet. The Criterion will be transformed with a 6-foot-tall runway, 600 runway-side seats, a thrifted luxury boutique, and an exclusive silent auction. Our theme, ‘Seasons of Opportunity,’ will showcase stunning seasonal styles on the runway and highlight the vital services we provide at various stages of our clients and employees’ lives. Our models are Goodwill team members and program graduates who have benefited from our services. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear from and interact with them on and off the runway.
Goodwill Central Oklahoma is proud to partner with local multi-disciplinary artist Leslie Hensley, known for her innovative work with Factory Obscura and OK Contemporary. Hensley’s team will create striking art installations inspired by the four seasons, using 90% recycled materials sourced from Goodwill’s Outlet Store and salvage program. These installations will include immersive experiences, fantastical photo backdrops, and live performances.
Proceeds from Work the Runway will directly support our mission of helping individuals overcome challenges to employment, including those transitioning from incarceration or living with physical or learning disabilities.
Ticket purchases and sponsorships will fund free job placement services, upskilling programs, and career training—including via our mobile unit, which brings these essential services to more people across central Oklahoma.
Guests can also shop at our Good Threads boutique for exclusive higher-end and designer items at affordable prices. Our silent auction will feature exciting trips and prizes, including item donations
from community partners. Join Us for an Evening of Fashion and Philanthropy
Guests will not want to miss an evening filled with fun, thrifted décor, sustainable fashion, and opportunities to support Goodwill’s mission.
The program will also include the awarding of our Social Impact Champion of the Year, honoring a Goodwill ambassador who has done outstanding work in amplifying our mission on social media.
Tickets and last-minute sponsorships are available at www.worktherunway.com. We want to thank our presenting sponsors Mathis Home, Love Meyer Family Foundation and Whitten Burrage for their generous support. For a full list of sponsors, please visit www.worktherunway.com.
