Edmond Life and Leisure - August 24, 2023

FOUR SEASONS

RED Day Run nears One of Edmond’s major annual benefits

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

See pages 5

FRIDAY, August 25

Mostly Sunny High 103° Low 77°

SATURDAY, August 26

Mostly Sunny High 100° Low 75°

SUNDAY, August 27

Partly Cloudy High 96° Low 69°

Edmond’s largest charitable run, the RED Day Run, returns following the organization’s biggest year yet!

The collections from the 2022 RED Day Run helped tip the eight-year giving total to $1,121,500!

The Downtown-Edmond charitable 5K and 1 mile fun run will be held September 23rd and has a goal of 2,000 participants raising $250,000 to distribute to nine metro-area nonprofits. Whether it be running, walking, volunteering, or sponsoring, the ninth annual RED Day Run wants you to get involved.

The nine named charities vying for the largest percentage of funding this year are: Edmond Public Schools Foundation, OKC Dream Center, Wings Special Needs Community, Project 66 Food & Resource Center, Pepper’s Ranch, HALO Project, Folds of Honor Oklahoma, Edmond Mobile Meals, and new this year: NorthCare.

“The RED Day Run stands alone in its class as a fundraiser for local charities in Edmond,” says 2023 Race Director Kim Baker. “Having DONATED over $1M in only eight years, the 1 mile fun run and 5k race offer a unique opportunity to both bring citizens of the community together for a morning of fun and to support Edmond charities striving to serve the growing needs in our community. There’s no other 5k like RDR23, and there’s no other town quite like Edmond! Please register today at reddayrun.com and join us on Sat.,

Sept. 23rd. You can also register and do a virtual run anywhere in the world, so invite your friends and family to join in the fun with us, whether near or far! Your $40 registration fee will go far to positively impact local residents.”

In 2022, the RED Day Run distributed $225,000 to 21 local charities allowing them to directly help tens of thousands of metro-area residents. Since the event’s inception in 2015, over one million dollars has been raised and donated by the RED Day Run for those most in need in and around Edmond.

Sponsors and Run registrants get the choice to participate in the 5K or the 1-mile fun run, to run as a charity’s team member, and most importantly, to vote for their favorite charity! The organizations will receive the funds raised from registrations and sponsorships on a pro-rata basis determined by the number of votes each charity receives. Sponsorship opportunities are still available and registration can be completed on the race website, reddayrun.com.

2022’s top prize of $56,250 went to Wings Special Needs Community. Wings exists to enhance the lives of adults with special needs through creative post-high school educational programs and specialized job training, encouraging members to realize the vast potential inside them, achieve new levels of independence, and thrive.

The Edmond Public Schools Foundation was the runner up last year, receiving $45,000. The money received will provide extra funding to the 23,496 students and 1,500 teachers of the Edmond Public Schools system, allowing for advanced technology, curriculum improvements, classroom grants and more.

For their first year involved in the RED Day Run as a named charity, HALO Project came 3rd in the voting, and was presented with $33,750. HALO Project believes there is hope for every child and family to experience healing through connection. Everyday, they equip families and community partners with proven methods to work toward individual healing and disrupt the cycle of hurt in our community. HALO believes that when people are seen, heard, and valued, they not only survive, they thrive.

Edmond Mobile Meals glided their way to securing fourth place, and with it $22,500. Edmond Mobile Meals has delivered over 1,000,000 meals to elderly and disabled persons who are unable to prepare meals for themselves. The caring volunteers who deliver the meals with a smiling face allow frail, homebound persons to remain independent and in their own homes.

In fifth place, Project 66 won $13,500 to further their food pantry

continued on Page 3

Edmond lawmaker to step down

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Some of the many area groups benefiting from the RED Day Run in the past, inset. The race is scheduled for next month.

Cover

From Page 1 ministry. Project 66 provides food and other resources to families with food insecurity in Edmond, Arcadia, and the surrounding communities. Set up like a grocery store, Project 66 is a client choice pantry.

Pepper’s Ranch came in 6th place, receiving $11,250. Pepper’s Ranch serves children in Oklahoma DHS custody uniting sibling groups, onsite therapy and services, the hope of a home, the hope of a family, and the hope of a bright future.

Finishing 7th was Folds of Honor Oklahoma, receiving $11,250. Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of the fallen, wounded, and disabled military veterans who served in the armed forces. Last year Folds of Honor Oklahoma provided 261 scholarships, 35 of which went to students right here in Edmond.

Rounding out the named charities, OKC Dream Center finished 8th receiving $9,000. The organization exists to reach, rescue, and restore people isolated by poverty in Edmond and OKC. They aim to do this by meeting basic needs, providing preventative programs for at-risk kids and youth, establishing relationships and referrals through our Community Resource Center, and the Dream Living Transitional Program for men.

In addition to the 8 named charities, the RED Day Run also tithes to a number of other local non profits. In 2022, those organizations were: All Things Baby, Angel Foster Family Network, Citizens Caring for Children, Filling Tummies, Fostering Sweet Dreams, The Fine Arts Institute of Edmond, K Club for Kindness, NorthCare, Project 31, and UR Special Ministries. Each tithe charity received $2,250.

Every year, one tithe charity has the chance to move into the named charity category for the following Run by having the most runners sign up under their team. The tithe charity moving up for the 2023 Run is NorthCare.

NorthCare is a place for hope and recovery. The center provides social services and behavioral health care to the community while ensuring care to those most in need. Today, NorthCare provides more than 20 trauma-informed programs for Oklahomans of all ages.

The 2023 RED Day Run is sure to be the largest event yet! With an unbeatable venue in Downtown Edmond, tons of race-day fun, and lively atmosphere, it’s the charitable event of the season. You won’t want to miss it!

Introduced in 2009, RED Day was created by Keller Williams Realty International to recognize the leadership of KW Vice-Chairman of the Board and long-time Edmond resident, Mo Anderson, in crafting the culture of the company. Giving back to the community in which KW realtors live and work is at the heart of this company culture. Designed to fulfill the ‘Giving Where You Live’ mantra, RED Day is celebrated the second week of May.

The company-wide day of giving earned its moniker from the signature hue of the real estate company and also serves as an acronym of the principles describing our goal: Renew, Energize, Donate.

Each Keller Williams market center is free to choose how they spend that day, and the RED Day Run is Central Oklahoma’s version. In 2015, the Edmond market center decided to transition the day of service to a day of fundraising, widening the scope of those impacted by their efforts.

Registration is open and is only $40 per runner! ( $20 for 12 and younger). Each sponsor and registrant has the opportunity to vote for his or her favorite of the nine local non profits and choose to participate in the 5k or the 1 mile fun run.

If you or your business is interested in giving back with us, sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact us at reddayrun@gmail.com.

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.

‘Seized but not Silenced’

continue to publish. I would like to point out that it is weekly, just like your hometown newspaper. Our staff has the same spirit and capability of finding the skunk under the house and reporting on it.

We have seen here in Edmond how crazy local politics can get but the truth is they can be worse folks. A town needs a local newspaper, preferably one that is locally owned and operated. Sure, our pages are filled with a lot of good news like when a kid makes Eagle Scout, but it does not mean we are not ready to defend the First Amendment.

Ray Hibbard

This headline appeared on the front page of the Marion County Record in the first issue after the local police department conducted a raid and sized computers, software and files from the Kansas weekly newspaper. If the thug of a police chief thought, he could shut down the locally owned and operated newspaper he was wrong. Using some old computers, the seasoned staff of editorial and advertising were able to publish the next issue right on time. If you care about press freedom, you’ve probably heard about the alarming police raid on the Marion County Record. Based on the flimsiest of legal excuses — a local business owner accused the Record of violating her privacy by checking her driving record on a state website — police searched the newsroom and home of the paper’s publisher, carting off computers, phones, and other devices. One of the Record’s co-owners, Joan Meyer, died the next day.

The central Kansas police chief was not only on legally shaky ground when he ordered the raid of a weekly newspaper, experts said, but it may have been a criminal violation of civil rights, a former federal prosecutor added, saying: “I’d probably have the FBI starting to look.”

Some legal experts believe the Aug. 11 raid on the Marion County Record’s offices and the home of its publisher violated a federal privacy law that protects journalists from having their newsrooms searched. Some believe it violated a Kansas law that makes it more difficult to force reporters and editors to disclose their sources or unpublished material.

Part of the debate centers around Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody’s reasons for the raid. A warrant suggested that police were looking for evidence that the Record’s staff broke state laws against identity theft and computer crimes while verifying information about a local restaurant owner.

But the police also seized the computer tower and personal cellphone belonging to a reporter who had investigated Cody’s background.

The raid brought international attention to the newspaper and the small town of 1,900 — foisted to the center of a debate over press freedoms. Recent events have exposed roiling divisions over local politics and the newspaper’s aggressive coverage. But it also focused an intense spotlight on Cody in only his third month on the job.

Five days after the raid, officials withdrew the search warrant and returned all the seized items to an attorney representing the Record The Record is a small newspaper with a circulation of about 4,000. Among the items seized were servers that had the only copies of the ads meant to appear in the next edition. Incredibly, the Record’s staff was able to publish on time, despite the raid. And its circulation has rocketed by 50%.

This whole thing has the look of 1938 Nazi Germany with storm troopers busting into a free press and trying to shut it down. This weekly paper proved that the free press would answer the call, point out corruption and fight for our rights to

The police raid on the Marion County Record sparked a firestorm over press freedom.

You may be wondering what you can do to help Your local newspapers in their fight of legitimate news coverage including this newspaper.

Support them financially.

We could undoubtedly use all the financial support it can get. Newspapers today, especially locally owned ones, are barely hanging on. Support the advertisers in the newspaper and tell them you appreciate their support of the local newspaper. Encourage businesses to advertise as well or if you have a business run ads for it.

Contact your members of Congress to urge them to support the Community News and Small Business Support Act, a bill that would also go a long way toward increasing funding for local journalism. While we hope no other newsroom will face a similar situation to the raid on the Record, it’s important to ensure a thriving local press that has the resources to protect itself and resist pressure from police or others.

To make a difference in communities, foundations and philanthropists can of course make direct donations and grants to the important news outlets in their own regions. But there’s a multiplier effect when giving to larger organizations and associations that are serving as support for the entire ecosystem of local news around the country.

Consume local media – Watch the news. Read print copies of the local papers you come across at work, in waiting rooms, etc. and pass them along.

Place ads – People who care about their communities consume local media. They see who is advertising. They are proactive with their support. Participate in this important cycle of local information and commerce.

Advertise in other ways – Chances are you aren’t aware of all the creative and effective ways to get your business in front local media consumers. Call to learn more.

Follow online – Make the effort to like/follow local media organizations on Facebook and Twitter. Even better, go to their homepages on Facebook and click “see first” under the “follow” button. This action ensures their content will be in your newsfeed.

Share – This goes a long way in the electronic media world. Don’t just “like” the social link to stories you find interesting or important – share and comment on them.

Follow journalists – Local reporters have social media accounts. You’d be surprised how insightful and entertaining their posts can be.

Get in the news – If you think there is something interesting, espe-

cially good or even troubling about your business or industry, reach out. Call the news desk. Share a press release. Send an email. Give a reporter a tip or send an anonymous letter if you think that’s best. Local reporters will do everything in their power to bring an important story to the public when they have the help of sources. (They won’t burn you, either.)

Participate – Local media companies host events, get involved with local causes and experiment with content in new formats all the time. You can nominate colleagues and businesses for awards. Take their surveys and give their new media products a try.

Write – Your opinions, expertise in your field and concerns as a member of the business community matter. Send a “letter to the editor” email. Write an op-ed on behalf of your company, affinity group or industry.

Give feedback – Hit up that reporter or columnist who wrote the piece you love or hate. Criticize coverage that got it wrong. Give kudos for getting it right. Local journalists and news managers care about what you think and really do want to hear from you.

Teach your children – Get involved in the long game. Share clippings and links to local media stories with your kids. Let them stay up for the 10 p.m. newscast. Get them into the habit of being well-informed via local news.

Be a voice for local media – Let your marketing department know they should be advertising locally. Let your boss know the breakroom needs a subscription. Let a company know their local ad is what motivated you to do business with them.

Explore life with local media – Don’t forget about the important role local media play when it comes to lifestyle. Keep an eye out for entertainment recommendations and book reviews. Try the recipes in the paper. Read reviews of local performances. When that heartwarming story about a local do-gooder gives you the feelings, seek that person out on social media and let them know you read/saw the story and appreciate them.

(Ray Hibbard may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)

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

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

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

Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, 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.

Ukulele Festival will be coming to Arcadia next month

A full afternoon of ukulele music is on tap for the annual UkeFest, set for Sunday, Sept. 10, at the Arcadia Round Barn.

Eighteen solo and ensemble acts will take the stage between noon and 4:30 p.m., according to Lory Ferguson, UkeFest coordinator.

Sixteen Strings, the Ukulalians, Funkalele, the Tulsa Ukulele Club, Misspent Ukes, Functional Polly and Peppermint Mocha are among the bands that have signed up. Spanish guitarist Edgar Cruz will make a cameo appearance on the ukulele, as will singer-songwriter Joe Baxter, who coordinates the live music at the barn.

J and J Catering and Concessions will bring a food truck to the festival, offering such fan favorites as the Okie Pig and Porky sandwiches, the Top Dog hot dog with bacon and cheese and Fair Style Sausage.

Ukulele trader Thomas McCoy will have a booth, and the Round Barn museum and gift shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The festival stage will be outdoors beneath the shade of the giant elm tree on the north side of the barn. Guests can bring blankets and lawn chairs or sit at the picnic tables.

Ukulele players not on the program are invited

Martinez to quit

Rep. Ryan Martinez, R-Edmond, last week issued the following statement saying he will resign from his legislative seat effective Sept. 1, 2023.

"While I have followed the guidance of my legal counsel and a letter from the Office of the Attorney General, there are differing opinions about whether I should remain in office. My intention has been to resign at the appropriate time to allow a representative to be seated for next year’s legislative session.

"With such legal uncertainty, I believe now is that time, so that my neighbors can be represented without distraction. I am therefore resigning my position of state representative for House District 39 effective Sept. 1, 2023.

"I take full responsibility for my

mistake and apologize to my family, friends, and constituents who have supported me for the last seven years serving House District 39. I have engaged in court-ordered obligations prior to my plea, and faced my day in court without a conviction. I’m taking accountability for my actions, and making efforts to move forward.

"It has been an honor to serve alongside those who work tirelessly to pass beneficial legislation at the State Capitol, and I hope they will continue standing up against corruption, providing the leadership and vision Oklahomans deserve."

Last spring Martinez was arrested by Edmond Police on a DUI charge.

Ryan Martinez serves District 39 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. The district includes parts of Edmond and Oklahoma City.

Edmond Family Counseling had a blast with GirlStrong Day camps

By Katie Golden Edmond Family Counseling

School has begun, but at EFC we’re still celebrating the wonderful times summer brought us. Our days were filled with space themed GirlStrong Day Camps. Edmond Family Counseling hosted five sessions of the oneweek day camp for incoming third through sixth grade girls, and every group was out of this world!

Each group discussed a variety of topics including body image, self-esteem, and decision-making. They learned new ways to deal with negative thoughts, and techniques to calm themselves down when they start to become overwhelmed. The girls did crafts that highlighted their personal strengths and best qualities. They played games that taught problemsolving skills and encouraged teamwork. Above all, GirlStrong was a fun way to introduce new life skills to the girls attending.

All of the counselors that led GirlStrong would like to say thank you to the 66 girls who joined us this year. Exploring the galaxy would be lonely without friends, which is why we are so glad that you joined us on our adventures this summer.

Have an amazing school year, and we hope to see you again soon!

Edmond Family Counseling is a non-profit organization. We may be reached at 405-341-3554 to schedule an appointment with one of our professional counselors. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @edmondfamilycounseling for additional information regarding mental health awareness and future programs.

to bring their instruments for jam sessions inside the barn. The UkeFest will take the place of the monthly Round Barn Rendezvous, which will return in October.

Admission is free, but donations will be accepted for the maintenance of the barn, which was built in 1898 and is owned and operated by the nonprofit Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society.

The Round Barn is six miles east of Intertate 35 on historical Route 66 and is open every day. For more information about music at the barn, call Baxter at 405-833-1350.

The Misspent Ukes are on the program for UkeFest, coming up on Sept. 10 at the Arcadia Round Barn. (Photo provided by Lory Ferguson)

(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.)

Aug. 7

Jessica Joyce Stoddard, 25 of Midwest City. Two misdemeanor warrants and non-assault resisting officer.

Joseph Robert Rose, 26, homeless. Failure to appear.

Warren Keith Jones, 59 of Oklahoma City. Trespassing after being warned.

Aug. 8

Deontre Maurion Freeman, 28 of Oklahoma City.

Improper lane usage, expired tag — over three months, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended or revoked, misdemeanor warrant and failure to appear.

Joe Torres, 28 of Oklahoma City. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.

Dolph Henri Golock, 65 of Luther. Three counts of failure to appear.

Aug 9

Alec Julien Peel, 21 of Tulsa. Non-assault resisting officer.

Ryan Edward Capshew, 42 off Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Britni Lauren Michaels, 25 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Aug. 10

Kevin Lee Epperson, 28 of Guthrie. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Mia Faye Bagby, 21 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Hunter Ryan Adams, 28 of Guthrie. Misdemeanor warrant, non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Tiffany Rene Hicklin, 40 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Aug. 11

Brian Lavelle Neal, 25 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Kody Matthew Bowyer, 21 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Matthew Paul Brown, 23 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Dallas Joe McClelland, 21 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Junior Pereira Rodriguez, 21 of Bethany. Two counts of failure to devote full-time attention to driving, leaving the scene of an accident and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

Aug. 12

Travis Don Horton, 29, homeless. Failure to appear.

Heath Austin Shaw, 21 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Horizon Joe Miller, 27 of Edmond. Assault & battery (felony) on a police officer or correctional staff and public intoxication.

Ernesto Hernandez, 29 of Edmond. Robbery in the first degree, aggravated assault & battery and two counts of public intoxication.

Natalie Rae Rich, 44 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs of a combination of schedule 1 chemical or controlled substance, possess drug paraphernalia, expired tag and failure to maintain compulsory insurance.

Brian James Albert Stuck, 39 of Stillwater. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer, leaving scene of accident damaged fixtures and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level or .08 or above.

Misty Dianne Greene, 39 of Stillwater. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer, leaving scene of an accident damaged fixtures and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Lamar Eugene Black, Jr., 31 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Aug. 13

Seyda Masooma Abedi, 42, homeless. Public intoxication.

Scott Gage Stroud, 32 of Edmond. Improper walking/running in roadway and public intoxication.

Michael Allen Stroud, 39 of Oklahoma City. Improper walking/running in roadway and public intoxication.

Joshua John Primrose, 20 of Edmond. Disregard signal light and non-assault resisting officer.

Derek Edwin Conatser, 42 homeless. Possession of marijuana and failure to appear.

Weekend Calendar of Events, Aug. 24-27

What’s Happening This Weekend Aug 24 -27

---- In the Gallery

---- Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit

---- Unveiled: Edmond’s Bridal Fashion 1875 ----

2020 ---- Beginners Pickleball Club

---- Farmer’s Market

---- Edmond Jr Rodeo

---- Board Game Day at Frenzy

---- Cycle 66 Training Ride

---- Sunday Spotlight: Oklahoma Run

---- All Star Team Roping Finals

---- Oklahoma Shakespeare Presents: Shakespeare in Love ---- Guided Gardens Tour

Extra Information

In the Gallery

Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute

Extra Info: Featuring Artist Katherine Sanders; free; Gallery is open Mon – Thu ; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; edmondfinearts.com

Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit

Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum

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

Unveiled: Edmond’s Bridal Fashion 1875 – 2020

Location: Edmond History Museum

Extra Info: Sat, July 1 – Sun, Dec 31; visitedmondok.com

Beginners Pickleball Club

Location: Kickingbird Pickleball Center

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

Farmer’s Market

Location: Festival Market Place and Farmers Market

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

Edmond Jr Rodeo

Location: Edmond Round-Up Club

Extra Info: Fri, Aug 11 – Sat, Aug 12; Adults: $5; 18 & younger: $1; 6:30 – 11 p.m.; edmondroundupclub.com

Board Game Day at Frenzy

Location: Frenzy Brewing Company

Extra Info: Sat, Aug 12; 12 p.m.; Free; Facebook.com

Cycle 66 Training Ride

Location: Edmond Library

Extra Info: Sat, Aug 12; 7:30 a.m.; Cycle66ok.com

Sunday Spotlight: Oklahoma Run

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sun, Aug 13; 1 – 1:30 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

All Star Team Roping Finals

Location: Lazy E Arena

Extra Info: Tue, Aug 8 – Sun, Aug 13; allstarteamroping.com

Oklahoma Shakespeare

Presents: Shakespeare in Love

Location: Shakespeare Gardens, OKC

Extra Info: Thu, Aug 10 – Sun, Aug 20; Thu & Sun: 7:30 p.m.; Fri & Sat: 8 p.m.; okshakes.org

Guided Gardens Tour

Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens

Extra Info: Fri, Aug 11; 1 – 2 p.m.; myriadgardens.org

Arcadia Round Barn getting ready for holiday music

The Arcadia Round Barn welcomes Labor Day weekend visitors for live music concerts on Saturday, Sept. 2 and Sunday, Sept. 3.

The Round Barn Ramblers, the house band led by Joe Baxter, who coordinates the live music at the barn, will perform from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 2.

Singer-songwriter Fred Hill will present an Elm Tree Concert at 1 p.m. Sept. 2 beneath the shade of the giant elm tree on the north side of the barn.

On Sept. 3, Susan Herndon, Felix Linden and Jahruba Lambeth will bring an Elm Tree concert starting at 1 p.m.

Hill’s music runs from folk to Americana to country and the blues. He accompanies himself on guitar and harmonica and has appeared at Java 39 and the Patriarch in Edmond, the Paseo

Arts Festival in Oklahoma City and at venues in Norman and Guthrie.

Herndon, a Tulsa native, said she loves all music but most often plays folk-Americana. She is a regular at the Woody Guthrie Festival and at venues in Dallas and Austin.

Linden and Lambeth are reggae and rhythm and blues artists who for many years have played together and with other bands.

Lambeth plays percussion and sings, and Linden sings and plays acoustic guitar and percussion.

Guests can bring a lawn chair or sit at the picnic tables. Parking is on the north side of the barn, and cold bottled water is available inside the barn.

The Round Barn is six miles east of Interstate 35 on historic Route 66. For more information about live music at the barn, call Baxter at 405-833-1350.

(E-mail items for calendar to infante318@cox.net)

Fred Hill

Awards given

Gamma Zeta in Edmond, Ok received awards at IC Council this yearAwards at IC Council in Grapevine, Texas. Jacque Cantrel: 1st place for holiday and 2nd place for photography; Shirley Moore: 1st place for porcelain painting and 1st place overall for Association of the Arts at IC Council; Laura Howells 3rd place for photography; Jacci Gantz: honorable mention for embroidery; not pictured Billye Peterson and Debbie Scott: honorable mention for their wreaths. Congrats ladies.

Forget the heat, city has big plans for winter

By Jennifer ThorIon Visit Edmond Director

It may be hot outside, but Edmond is joining a holiday collaboration EARLY to celebrate "100 Miles of Christmas on Route 66". Cities along Route 66 from Sapulpa to El Reno are connecting to showcase their holiday spirit as we get ready to celebrate the Route 66 Centennial birthday in 2026.

The goal is to entice Route 66 travelers to visit cities as they travel between Nov. 14-Dec. 29. Edmond chose a "Miracle on 2nd Street" theme for our 13.4 miles of Route 66. This theme captures our welcoming Hallmark feel and will focus on Santa Claus sightings.

A citywide committee of businesses and citizens is forming now and will be incorporating existing holiday events and creating new ones. Visitors and residents can enjoy Edmond all season long during holiday activities by shopping, dining, staying and playing.

Second splash pad work starts

A ground-breaking ceremony was held Aug, 15 for the much-anticipated addition of a 5,200 square foot splash pad as part of a $1 million-plus upgrade for Ted Anderson Park.

The facility at 2405 S. Rankin Street will be the City’s second public splash pad, replete with a variety of interactive features, a new permanent restroom facility, upgrades to the sidewalks to improve accessibility and new equipment to replace the existing playground.

The park area, situated north of Orvis Risner elementary, will close for work with the groundbreaking and is scheduled to be complete and available to the public by early Summer 2024.

“We know that splash pads are popular and well-used, and we know this will be an amazing addition to an already popular park,” said Christin Mugg, City Councilmember for Ward 3. “We are excited about the addition, as well as the playground upgrades and work to improve the walkways and accessibility to the entre facility.”

The project is paid for through the voter-approved 2017 Capital Improvement half-cent sales tax. A group of citizens appointed by City Council suggested an “expanded and improved the park system with increased splash pad facilities.

Other Route 66 Cities Participating:

Sapulpa Christmas Chute (featured on Today Show last year)

Bristow - Cowboy Christmas

Arcadia - North Pole

El Reno - Polar Express Stroud - Illuminating Elf on water tower and throughout town

Wellston - Charlie Brown Christmas

Luther - Luwhotherville

Chandler - Santa's Workshop

How You Can Join the Holiday Fun:

1 Like and Follow the Miracle on 2nd Street Facebook Page

2. Email your holiday events to edmond.route66@gmail.com or call (405) 341-4344. They will be promoted on www.visitedmondok.com

3. Light up your home or business with colorful lights by Nov. 14

4. Paint your windows with holiday images by Nov. 14

5. Add holiday greetings to your marques/signs

6. Be creative with other ideas!

Francis Tuttle instructor honored

Kari Bailey, Service Careers-Hospitality instructor at Francis Tuttle Technology Center, won the 2023 Kaleidoscope Award for creating the HospitAbilities certification.

The Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education (OkACTE) presents the Kaleidoscope Award to recognize people and programs that embrace and promote diversity in the workplace. The HospitAbilities certification, created in 2019, provides Service Careers students with an industry-recognized pathway to a job.

“It is an honor to be recognized with this award,” Bailey said. “This shows me that HospitAbilities is doing exactly what it was designed to do: to serve our students by showcasing their abilities and connecting them to good-paying jobs. I also want to recognize our industry partners, whose cooperation and insight made HospitAbilities possible.”

Service Careers students train for entry-level positions in the hospitality industry. The program prepares them for job functions such as clearing and setting up dining tables, cleaning dishes, washing and folding laundry, washing and preparing cutlery, and maintaining inventory.

Bailey recognized that while the students who graduated from her program had the skills to succeed, they needed an industry certification that could land them a job. She created one with the input and assistance of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association and the Oklahoma Hotel and Lodging Association. Now, Service Careers students

Kari Bailey

from across Oklahoma can achieve an industry-recognized certification by performing the tasks they would complete in various hospitality jobs. Certification exams are hands-on and judged by industry professionals, eliminating the need for a written exam that is a barrier for many Service Careers students.

HospitAbilities has already led several Service Careers students to jobs in hotels and restaurants in the Oklahoma City metro. There are also efforts in other states to replicate this certification.

An update on ongoing city projects

New projects

Campbell Street lane closures: The eastbound lane of Campbell Street, east of Broadway by the downtown post office location, will be closed beginning Aug. 23 for work on a permanent paving repair. When work on the eastbound lane is complete, that lane will open and work will move to the westbound lane, where permanent paving repairs will take place. Work on both lanes is expected to be completed by Sept. 1, with cooperative weather. This is part of the Downtown Infrastructure Improvements project.

On-going projects

Main and Littler closures: Physical demolition of the Downtown Community Center (DCC) is scheduled to begin Aug. 21. Preparation for the demolition of the DCC building is nearly complete. Installation of fencing to ensure the safety of the public and workers could mean periodic short-term closures of Main Street to finish. The utility infrastructure inside the fenced area has been made safe for demolition. Littler Avenue, between First and Main streets, is closed and will remain closed through the demolition and construction processes. Except for periodic short-term closures, Main Street will remain open through the end of this year. Beginning January 2024, Main Street will close from the Littler intersection to half a block west of the four-way stop and will remain closed

for the duration of the City Center Complex project work. Several parking areas near the construction site are closed, including the Littler Lawn parking areas, the east parking lot behind the Planning and Public Works building, and a portion of the Cityowned parking lot on the northwest corner of Littler and Main. Work to complete the project and open all street and parking closures is expected to take 20 months.

Boulevard lane closures (updated 8/17/2023): Northbound Boulevard will close between 12th Street and 9th Street beginning Aug. 23 for water line construction as part of the FY20 water line improvements project. That closure is expected to take three weeks, with cooperative

weather. Boulevard southbound between 9th Street and 15th Street will continue to have intermittent lane closures as part of this project.

Steps reconstructed in alleyway: Crews began work to replace steps and paving to the east of the entrance of Prime Travel in the alleyway just south of Hurd Street. The alleyway is closed at the site of the stairway work, so no through traffic is possible while work is being completed. Work on the steps needs to be completed before drainage channel and paving can be done. All portions of the project are expected to be completed by Aug. 24, with cooperative weather.

Water line and alleyway work:

Contractors completed saw-cutting and demolition work in the alleyway between Hurd and Campbell streets. The final pour on new concrete in the alleyway is set for Aug. 17. The alleyway will reopen Aug. 21, with cooperative weather.

Line bored along Edmond Road: Work boring electrical conduit for street lighting from behind 123 Broadway along westbound Edmond Road to the water lift station just west of the train overpass closed the south entrance from the alleyway to Edmond Road. This also will result in a westbound curb lane on Edmond Road, just past the overpass bridge, to be closed part of the day. Work is expected to be complete Aug. 18, with cooperative weather.

Main Street: Main Street is closed west of Broadway at the railroad tracks to N. Santa Fe Street while work is being completed on the Oxlley multi-family project, as well as streetscape and additional on-street parking on Main Street. With cooperative weather, the street will reopen in early December.

Fourth Street closure: As part of the Stephenson Park improvements project, Fourth Street between Boulevard and Littler Avenue is now open. While the road is open, the parking stalls along Fourth Street will remain closed while work on the park continues.

Paseo District also having construction

The Paseo Arts District is open for business! Oklahoma’s most popular arts destination is going through renovations that are part of the Paseo Streetscape Project. Despite the current construction, the district will remain open with plenty of parking so the public can come visit the district! With construction at the intersections of 30th St and Paseo Drive, and at Walker Ave and Paseo Drive, visitors are encouraged to enter the district through Dewey Ave, Lee Ave or NW 29th St.

This September, the Paseo Arts Association presents three new exhibitions, two of which strongly emphasize photography. An opening reception will be held during First Friday on Sept. 1 from 6-9 pm in the Paseo Arts & Creativity Center, 3024

Paseo. The photography exhibits will include the Juxtapositional Harmony in Gallery I and Paseo PhotoFest in Gallery II.

Juxtapositional Harmony is a collection of nature photography by Wayne Ruff. Each photo features subjects such as rock formations and wildflowers. While currently employed as a meteorologist, Ruff is a passionate photographer. Ruff’s portfolio has come from many years of hiking and exploring the American Southwest, becoming fascinated by how the same locations are presented through the changes in season and weather. Through colorful textures and experimental angles, Ruff intends to represent the contrast and congruence of nature through its large and small features.

Only soccer coach in program’s 25-year history

UCO coach readies for farewell season

UCO head women’s soccer coach Mike Cook, the only coach in the 25-year history of the program, announced that the 2023 season will be his last.

“This is a bittersweet decision,” Cook said. “I want to give God all the honor for helping this South American missionary kid find the perfect profession which has allowed me to be able to coach a game I love, but more importantly, be able to serve and have an impact on the lives of young student-athletes through their college career for so many great years. I’m thankful for every player that came through our program. It’s always been my goal to not just coach soccer but to try to be a positive role model making a difference in their lives and giving them a well-rounded college experience while here at UCO.”

The longest tenured employee in the UCO athletic department, Cook will officially retire May 31, 2024 after a quarter-century career with the Bronchos. He was hired to start the program in 1998, immediately put UCO on the map as one of the best teams in Division II, and compiled a 347-14940 overall record in 24 seasons of play at UCO. Cook has 435 career wins when combining his record at Southern Nazarene, where he led that program to 88 wins in five years before coming to Central Oklahoma.

“Wins and losses are part of coaching, but being able to have a part in helping our studentathletes graduate and go out and find great jobs and be successful in life is the most satisfying part of coaching,” Cook said.

UCO opened its fall training camp Monday morning. The Bronchos will go through a week of two-a-days before school starts, then finish out camp next week before the beginning of the 2023 regular season August 31 in Texas. UCO will play its first home match of the new season Saturday, Sept. 2 against Midwestern State at 7 p.m. at Tom Thompson Field on campus.

Cook will lead the Bronchos into his 24th season in year 25 – there was no season in 2020 due to the pandemic. Since the beginning in 1998, the Tradition of Excellence has been the standard at Central.

Cook has led UCO to 15 NCAA national tournament appearances. There have been 71 studentathletes earn all-conference honors a combined 125 times. There have been 48 student-athletes earn all-region honors a combined 84 times. And

there have been 11 student-athletes earn All-American honors.

“While I can’t thank everyone that has impacted my career, I definitely need to thank a few people who have been a part of this amazing journey,” Cook added. “There is no way I could have done this job for so long without the love and support of my amazing wife Sandy and my great kids Cody, his wife Dani, and Taylor, and her husband, Jacob. I also need to thank everyone at Southern Nazarene that had a part in my life as a player, assistant coach, and then finally giving me my first opportunity to coach. I have had the privilege of working with incredible people here at UCO for over 25 years. This university has always supported me, and the soccer program. From the past presidents, athletic directors, administration, right down through all the faculty and staff that work so hard to make UCO such a great university.

“I can’t thank former president Roger Webb enough for having the vision to start a soccer program and the confidence in hiring me along with former athletics director, Skip Wagnon,” Cook continued. “They had the confidence to allow me to be the first coach and to get this program started. One of the most amazing things is that I have had the opportunity to work with Skip’s son, Stan as Athletic Director for the last three years. He has done an amazing job in the short time he has

Motorists get advice on back-to-school driving

With the 2023-24 school year getting under way and students returning to campuses and classrooms, transportation will undoubtedly be impacted. Back-to-school transportation affects not only students and parents, but also other motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians using the roads.

"This time of year is particularly dangerous. Young, inexperienced drivers heading to high school, school buses, commuters, parents doing drop-offs, and pedestrians and bicyclists are all sharing the road," says Rylie Mansuetti, public affairs manager, AAA Oklahoma. “While traffic patterns may change, the responsibility for keeping students safe does not. It's important that all drivers, as well as students, remain alert and follow basic precautions for a safe return back to school.”SchoolsOpen_AAA.png

AAA advises all drivers to be mindful of changes in traffic in and around school zones.

“This time of year, school bus safety becomes a priority,” says Mansuetti. “Students, parents, teachers, administrators, transportation personnel and the motoring public all play important roles in keeping children safe while on or around a school bus. Motorists especially need to follow the rules of the road when it comes to stopping for school buses. School bus stopping laws are in place to protect our children going to and from school.”

AAA reminds that Oklahoma law requires motorists from any direction to stop when a school bus is stopped along a roadway, picking up or letting off passengers, with the stop arm and signal lights activated. Drivers should not proceed again until the bus is back in motion.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, all 50 states have a law that makes it illegal to pass a school bus with its red flashing lights on and its stop-arm ex-

tended.

AAA offers the following tips as the new school year gets under way:

AAA School Bus Safety Tips

Always Stop for School Buses –Flashing yellow lights on a school bus indicate it is preparing to stop to load or unload children and motorists should slow down and prepare to stop. Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on and off. Motorists are required to stop their vehicles and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.

Keep Track of Time – Be aware of the time of day you’re on the road and how that coincides with the school day. More school-age pedestrians are killed from 7 to 8 a.m. and from 3 to 4 p.m. than any other hours of the day.

Slow Down – Whether in a school zone or residential neighborhood, drivers should keep their speed low and be prepared to stop quickly for increased vehicle or pedestrian traffic.

Come to a complete stop – Always come to a complete stop, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.

Eliminate distractions – Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing. Children can be quick, crossing the road unexpectedly or emerging suddenly between two parked cars. Reduce risk by not using your cell phone while driving.

Obey Traffic Signs and Signals –Unfortunately, many motorists violate stop signs in school zones and residential neighborhoods, with many failing to come to a complete stop, rolling through a stop sign or not slowing down at all. Motorists are also running red stoplights, putting pedestrians and other motorists at risk.

been here and he has been fully supportive of the program and myself from day one.”

Cook has coached 232 student-athletes in 24 years. That number will move up to 241 with this year’s roster.

“It has been a privilege to be able to shape and mold this program from the start,” Cook said. “I would like to say a special thanks to my amazing assistant for the last 17 years, Amel Muhamedagic, who has brought so much to our program with his work ethic and loyalty to all things UCO. I also want to thank all the amazing other coaches here at UCO now and over the years who have been friends, mentors and supportive of myself and our program over the years. I have been doing this for a long time, and now it is time to move on to a new chapter in life. Coaching is what I did but now I’m excited to see what new challenge God has lined up for me moving forward. I will forever be grateful and indebted to UCO for allowing me to have an amazing opportunity to be successful as a coach and a mentor for so many years.”

Central Oklahoma will kickoff its 18-game 2023 schedule August 31 at Angelo State in San Angelo, Texas. The Bronchos have 10 home matches scheduled for this fall, including the opener on Sept. 2. UCO will play an 11-game MIAA schedule. The 2023 MIAA Championship is scheduled for November 3-12.

Mike Cook

A few new ideas

By Steve Gust

I wish the government would order some kind of a blue-ribbon panel to look at the way they handled the pandemic.

And I’m not saying the risk is absolutely no longer there. But last year, the president ended the state of emergency. If Biden wanted to embrace an important issue, he would consider a massive review of how the pandemic was handled. Although I’m sure Biden is more busy getting ready to go to his bunker in Delaware and run for president again. That’s too bad. This issue is important and would probably get strong bipartisan support.

And if Biden won’t order such a panel, then some in the Congress should advocate for it. I’m sure many businesses and hospitals have done private reviews, or plan to do one. Everyone needs a better playbook than what we had last time.

I’ve never quite understood why it was OK to fine, or jail, people who went to church services but it was perfectly all right for rioters to assemble and destroy public and private property and hurt people?

We need a sound strategy. And maybe someone can do the ultimate

testing on masks to see how effective, or non-effective they are.

Maybe the panel can come up with rules that effectively manage a pandemic while not steamrolling personal rights.

—I have another idea also. This one might be even more controversial than the one above.

Upfront, I want to say that I may be wrong on this one. There may be some situations I don’t know about. But should the city consider moving the Edmond Farmers Market from downtown Edmond to Mitch Park on Saturdays?

We have a tremendous Farmers Market. I’ve been a few times this summer. It’s a great success. But perhaps it’s too successful? (nice problem to have) The parking and traffic downtown gets pretty intense – at least the times I’ve been there.

Downtown Edmond is also blessed to have many successful small businesses. In recent years we added the Railyard, which houses many eateries.

Now granted, the Farmers Market isn’t held the whole Saturday. It might only affect business for a few hours. Still, I offer this suggestion in good faith. I think the Farmers Market would still be successful at Mitch Park.

Bill supports state military bases & personnel

By Sen. James Lankford

Each year the National Defense Authorization Act (known as the Defense Bill or NDAA) gives Congress an opportunity to update our national defense priorities and provide for our military’s missions, their health, their families, and more. The NDAA recently passed the Senate with my support, and it included multiple amendments from my office.

Like all Oklahomans, I stand firmly behind our military and National Guard installations. This year’s NDAA included a 5.2-percent pay raise for our service members and Department of Defense civilian workforce along with payroll increases for Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve military technician civilians. It funds counter-drone technology research and development in our state, which is spearheaded by Oklahoma State University. I worked to ensure we keep moving forward on the KC-46 hangar at Altus Air Force Base, the Undergraduate Pilot Training Center at Vance Air Force Base, a new power grid and backup power for Fort Sill, and a vehicle maintenance shop in Ardmore to

serve our Army National Guard.

The Senate Defense Bill fully funds the purchases of the B-21, T-7, KC-46, E7, and E-6 as well as Army ammunition for McAlester, general purpose bombs, long-range precision fires, air and missile defense, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), and the Paladin artillery systems for the Army. I also fought this year to prohibit the divestiture of the valuable E-3 at Tinker AFB until the Air Force can adequately transition to the new E-7.

I was able to hold military contractors accountable for dilapidated or dangerous military housing in Oklahoma. I won the additional funding and authority needed to rebuild L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School on Altus Air Force Base, to provide a modern safe learning environment for children on the base. I was also able to protect the religious liberty for service members of any faith who face discrimination for living their faith while serving. I fought for military spouses and ensured they have access to good career options while their spouse selflessly serves in defense of our nation. I also introduced updated policies on hiring veterans and retirees in federal positions, so we don’t miss out on their good talent when they move into the private sector.

The Defense Bill ensured pilots could get the necessary training to stay “current” in their pilot rating or designations while they are on inactive duty. The bill requires an intentional DOD strategy to counter international drug trafficking to help protect citizens from the onslaught of Chinese and Mexican fentanyl. It also limits ways the communist Chinese government can interact with US military contracts.

We still have outstanding issues to resolve like the Biden Administration’s push for increased abortion access in the military or the focus on expanding “diversity, equity, and inclusion” efforts instead of being better prepared for the global threats we face each day. I will keep working to keep these progressive policies out of our military.

We still have work to do, but these are just some of the wins I secured for our service members this year. Now our bill heads to what’s called a Conference Committee with the House to work out the differences between our bills by the end of the year.

No accountability on Afghan debacle

By Senator Markwayne Mullin

On August 15th, 2021, Kabul fell to the Taliban following the Biden administration’s near-total withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. Two years ago, the world watched as our commander in chief, Joe Biden presided over some of the most tragic and deadly policy decisions in American history. Yet in the years since that fateful withdrawal, not one person has been held accountable for the reckless decisions that claimed innocent lives and forever tarnished our position on the world stage.

While there is room for debate about the timing and necessity of a complete U.S. withdrawal, there can be no doubt that the way in which the Biden administration executed the withdrawal was reckless – directly leading to the loss of 13 brave U.S. service members and countless innocent people.

The American withdrawal from Kabul was a complete and utter disaster brought on by systemic failures from the top down across multiple agencies. However, it’s not enough to say this was a disaster and move on. Lives were lost, our global reputation was shattered, and the Biden administration’s legacy will forever be defined by the disastrous withdrawal.

One motto of our military is to ‘leave no man behind.’ There is no greater tragedy than leaving American troops and trusted allies in harm’s way before the

mission is complete. And that is exactly what Joe Biden did. He said abandoned our Armed Forces’ sacred creed and turned his back on prior commitments to evacuate anyone wanting to leave Afghanistan. Biden said whoever needed help would get it. We knew that wasn’t true.

For weeks, our government told American citizens in the country and our Afghan allies, including interpreters who served as a lifeline for our military, that they could come to the United States on Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) or go to Kabul, where they would be safely evacuated, only to be abandoned by this administration.

In the past two years, multiple reports have been published regarding the Biden administration’s mishan-

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dling of the withdrawal on every level.

Most recently, a report from the U.S. Department of State released this past June noted the Biden administration’s “insufficient senior-level consideration of worst-case scenarios and how quickly those might follow” and lack of clarity as to who had the lead on preparations for a complete evacuation of the country.

Despite these findings, not a single person has been held accountable. The American people, and our Gold Star Families deserve better.

To Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and to our commander in chief – we cannot learn from this catastrophic failure if no individual or agency takes responsibility.

This Congress, I’ve cosponsored a bipartisan bill to provide support for Afghan nationals who directly aided the United States’ mission in Afghanistan, including by allowing Afghan allies who fought alongside our troops, such as Afghan special forces, to obtain special immigrant status. In the Senate Armed Services Committee, my Republican colleagues and I continue to stress the need for transparency and oversight over the Afghanistan disaster. We will continue to do so until we hear from the Biden administration.

History will never forget the Biden administration's handling of this tragedy – during, before, and after. The blood remains on Joe Biden’s hands. True accountability is the only way to right this wrong and prevent a future tragedy of this magnitude from ever happening again.

The real chick in charge — those chick-peas

By Carol Smaglinski

A secret? Yes. Chick-peas are part of closely guarded family secret recipes called Tagine in Morocco. That is a covered braised stew filled with warm and pungent aromatic herbs and spices.

Chick-peas date back to China around 2,000 B.C. and were eaten by ancient Romans. Chickpeas are actually the hard seed of a plant indigenous to the Mediterranean and central Asia. Like two peas in a pod, their individual seeds are contained in a pod.

In England, where they were considered a low form of food, they were originally spelled “pease” and the peas were incorporated into a pudding made with dried peas.

As a little girl, my sister, Joan, and I would skip around our backyard reciting nursery rhymes and one went like this: “Pease porridge hot, pease porridge cold, pease porridge in the pot, nine days old.” But I think we said “peach” instead of pease, which was wrong, but much easier to say.

Chick-peas are just one of the various members of the legume family, which have their own unique tastes, textures and cooking characteristics.

According to the USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, chick-peas are the most commonly consumed legume in the world. They are grown by farmers in Idaho, Washington, Oregon and North Dakota.

With their slight chestnut-like flavor, peas were mentioned in the Bible and now are used by cooks in many countries.

In India and Spain, they are known as garbanzos. They are a specialty in Turkish cooking, and in fact, used all over the Middle East where they had long discovered the magical process of combining flavors.

Consider yourself lucky if you eat chickpeas. No? Never heard of them? Most likely, if you are among the many who love hummus with roasted garlic, chick-peas are an essential ingredient. Just drain and soak for a few hours first.

They are also used in the making of falafel, which are deep-fried chick-pea balls, chick-pea patties, and mixed with different shapes of pasta, used in spicy sauces and even chili. In Italy, they are known as ceci (CHEH-chee). In France, they use chick-pea flour, wherein the peas are roasted and then ground into flour and used to produce socca, a huge crepe often sold by wedges by vendors on the streets.

Don't forget to toss them into a vegetarian soup with some improvisation, just don’t use too many

different herbs and spices.

The quick and easy Fix It & Forget It GarbanzoTomato Curry recipe is nice served with a dollop of yogurt. Other sides might include a bed of rice, couscous, bulgur, whole wheat noodles or tortillas, or a sprinkling of cashews.

Be sure to cook those canned garbanzos as they need some simmering to soften up.

Not to worry, you will never overcook those chickpeas.

Fix It & Forget It Garbanzo-Tomato Curry

1 Tbsp. canola oil

1 onion, chopped

1 Tbsp. minced ginger

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp. curry powder

1 tsp. each cumin, dried mustard and cayenne pepper

2 -15 oz. cans garbanzo beans, (chick-peas) rinsed, drained and soaked

1 - 14 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained

1- 14 oz. can of coconut milk

Salt and pepper to taste

Dash of lemon juice

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, ginger, garlic and cook until the onions begin to brown for about 5 to 7 minutes.

Then stir in curry powder mustard and cayenne for just a minute.

Add garbanzos and tomatoes, and bring to a boil. Let cook for about 5 minutes. Add the can of coconut milk and lemon juice.

Dig in!

UCO honors faculty & staff

The University of Central Oklahoma recognized faculty and staff for their substantial contributions to the Central community at its annual Faculty and Staff Convocation.

UCO President Todd G. Lamb, J.D., kicked off the start of the 2023-24 school year and addressed Central’s faculty and staff with his vision for the future of the university.

Several awards were presented to faculty and staff at convocation.

Recipients of the Faculty Merit Credit Awards, presented in the categories of research, teaching and service are:

Abdellah Ait Moussa, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Engineering, in the category of teaching;

Trevor Cox, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Adult Education and Safety Sciences and interim director of learning innovation, in the category of service;

Mohammad Hossan, Ph.D., professor in the School of Engineering, in the category of research; and,

Benjamin Tayo, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Engineering, in the category of research.

The Making a Difference Award is given to a randomly selected faculty or staff member who has donated to the university within the past calendar year. The recipient gets to choose a reserved parking spot anywhere on campus. The 2023 recipient is Shelley Lute, registrar.

The Vanderford Faculty Awards are given to faculty to honor outstanding work. Recipients receive $1,000 and a plaque funded by the estate of Central alumni Austin and Cleo Patra Vanderford. The 2023 recipients are: April Haulman, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction; Forensic Science Institute faculty, for engagement; and, Mohammad Hossan, Ph.D., professor in the School of Engineering, for re-

search.

The Vanderford Initiative Awards are given to faculty for demonstrating exceptional leadership. Recipients are chosen by the university president and receive a plaque and $1,000. The 2023 recipient is Elizabeth Maier, Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts.

The Neely Excellence in Teaching Award, funded by Central graduate J. Gail Neely, M.D., in honor of his parents, El Roy C. Neely and Lucile Hawker Neely, recognizes faculty for a hunger for knowledge and support of education. Recipients receive $1,000.

The 2023 Neely Award recipients are Jill Davis, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, and Kimberly Pennington, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Educational Sciences, Foundations and Research and assistant dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies.

The Herbert S. Dordick Award for an Outstanding Mentor is given to a faculty or staff member for mentoring students in their freshman year.

Established in 1998, the award honors Herbert S. Dordick, Ph.D., beloved mentor of Robert Epstein, Ph.D., UCO professor emeritus of management. The award includes $1,000. The 2023 Dordick Award recipient is Shun Kiang, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of English.

The Modeling the Way Award is given to three members of the UCO community who consistently lead by

example and live the mission, values and goals of the university. Each recipient is awarded a $1,000 check and a Waterford crystal memento.

The 2023 Modeling the Way recipients are Liz Crowell, assistant director of research and development with the Center for eLearning and Connected Environments; Frederick Hammond, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Educational Sciences, Foundations and Research; and, Samuel Magrill, D.M.A., professor in the School of Music.

The Citizens Bank of Edmond Leadership and Civic Engagement Award is given to a faculty or staff member that leads by example and is involved in the community. Each recipient or group receives $2,000 and an engraved clock. This year's recipient is Jancy Scott, senior director of recruitment and admissions.

The Exceptional Performance Award is given to staff members that reflect the innovative, passionate and studentcentered focus that Central embraces. Each recipient receives $1,250 and a plaque. This year’s recipients are Erin Ta, development director for the College of Education and Professional Studies; Jane Womble, office manager for the Forensic Science Institute; and, Quinton Thorp, assistant director of institutional research.

The Exceptional Group/Unit Service Award is an award given to a group or unit that passionately reflects the innovative and student-centered focus of Central. This year’s award winners are the UCO Wrestling team and coaching staff, the 2023 NCAA Division II national champions, led by Todd Steidley, head wrestling coach.

The Masonic Endowment for Transformative Learning Award, presented by the Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma, is given to organizations that exemplify the university’s commitment to provide transformative learning experiences to its students.

This year’s first-place winner is the Center for Active Living and Learning led by Jacilyn Olson, Ph.D., professor in Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies, and Larissa Boyd, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies. Second place is the National Honor Society for Forensic Science, Delta Delta Epsilon, Alpha Chapter, led by Keisha Jones, instructor in the Forensic Science Institute; and, Jennifer Schmitz, J.D., associate professor in the Forensic Science Institute.

Pictured, left to right, Jancy Scott, senior director of recruitment and admissions, accepts the Citizens Bank of Edmond Leadership and Civic Engagement Award from UCO President Todd G. Lamb, J.D., at the university’s annual Faculty and Staff Convocation.

AAA: Car tech could stop millions of crashes

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are the eyes and ears of your car. They use sensors and cameras to detect potential hazards, warn drivers, and can take corrective action automatically. These safety systems are common on new vehicles, and they have the potential to save lives by preventing crashes – but how many?

New research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that available ADAS technologies could prevent approximately 37 million crashes, 14 million injuries, and nearly 250,000 deaths over the next 30 years. This would represent 16% of crashes and injuries and 22% of deaths that would otherwise occur on U.S. roads without these technologies.

“The findings from this latest study on the AAA Foundation’s work in emerging technologies suggest that ADAS have the potential to transform road safety,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation. “However, the full safety benefits of ADAS will not be realized unless they are fully understood by the consumer, used properly, and widely adopted.”Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

The future safety benefits of ADAS could be larger or smaller, depending on many factors, including the rates of consumer uptake, use, and the future development of these technologies, as well as many other factors. But technology limitations still exist, and while ADAS may save 250,000 lives over the next 30 years, nearly 900,000 lives will be lost on our roads if current trends continue.

So how do these systems work? Here are a few of the most common ADAS features:

Forward Collision Warning: Detects a potential collision with a vehicle ahead and alerts the driver. Some systems also provide alerts for pedestrians or other objects.

Adaptive Cruise Control: Cruise control that also assists with acceleration and braking to maintain a driver-selected gap to the vehicle in front. Some systems can come to a stop and continue, while others cannot.

Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects potential collisions with a vehicle ahead, provides forward collision warning, and automatically brakes to avoid a collision or lessen the severity of impact. Some systems also detect pedestrians or other objects.

Lane Departure Warning: Monitors vehicle’s position within the driving lane and alerts the driver as the vehicle approaches or crosses lane markers.

Lane Keeping Assistance: Provides steering

support to assist the driver in keeping the vehicle in the lane. The system reacts only when the vehicle approaches or crosses a lane line or road edge.

Blind Spot Monitoring: Detects vehicles in the blind spot while driving and notifies the driver of their presence. Some systems provide an additional warning if the driver activates the turn signal.

Unlike full automation, which is not yet commercially available, ADAS works to form a vehicle’s “safety net.” The study found that the safety benefits of ADAS will vary depending on the type of system and how it is used. Last year, AAA engineers examined automatic emergency braking systems, which effectively prevent rear-end crashes but less so when encountering bicyclists or vehicles crossing paths.

According to recent Foundation research featuring Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), drivers may initially lack the appropriate knowledge to use it properly. This can lead to misuse or mistrust, especially in situations beyond the system’s capability

(i.e., edge cases).

But with time and exposure to various edge-case events, drivers may better understand and use ACC more effectively.

The Foundation’s research reinforces the importance of the Safe System Approach (SSA). It’s a strategic way of leveraging the engineering and behavioral countermeasures proven effective at preventing traffic crashes and the injuries that can result from them. .

“The future for ADAS is bright, but it’s not a cure-all,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy. “While these technologies offer substantial safety benefits, we cannot engineer our way out of traffic injuries and deaths on U.S. roads. Investments in a diversity of proven traffic safety measures, including but not limited to vehicle technology, is in order.”

AAA urges automakers to adopt a standard naming convention for vehicle technology to ensure drivers understand the capabilities of catchy, marketing-driven branded names for popular systems.

Lane warning system.

New film surprisingly enjoyable

By George Gust

With the summer movie season officially ending, we have the last gasp of spectacle and blockbuster in the newest DC comic book movie “Blue Beetle.”

And at this point in the overarching era of the comic book movie blockbuster “Blue Beetle” on paper sounds like the kind of death knell of the genre that epitomizes the superhero fatigue that has been brewing for the past couple of years of superhero offerings. However, when taken on its own terms you may be surprised to find that “Blue Beetle” is a superhero origin that has more genuine humor and heart than you might expect from yet another familiar origin story.

An alien scarab chooses college graduate Jaime Reyes (Xolo Mariduena) to be its symbiotic host, bestowing the teenager with a suit of armor that’s capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the superhero known as “Blue Beetle.”

“Blue Beetle” is not breaking new ground in the superhero genre and the plot, story beats and set pieces all feel familiar and standard for this kind of movie. However, in the case of “Blue Beetle” the more impor-

tant piece is the singer not the song, as the ensemble cast in this film brings a unique and fun energy to what could easily have been a throwaway generic exercise in superhero action. That’s not to say that the action and visual effects are lackluster, but the set pieces and visuals are secondary to the heart of the film: family.

In the main role of the film Mariduena is a breath of fresh air. So often with these kind of superhero films we are seeing ‘big name actor’ as ‘superhero x’ with all the trappings and shared history with said

Answers on Page 19

movie star, but Mariduena brings emotional stakes and comedic energy that you haven’t seen a hundred times before. His electric performance is supported by a fantastic cast as the Reyes family is filled out with fun character actors, none as recognizable as George Lopez. And while Lopez’s comedic schtick can be grating to some, but in this movie his larger-than-life persona is harnessed in an effective and humorous way.

Overall, “Blue Beetle” is not going to turn the comic book superhero genre on its head. However, with a small scale and a focus on the charm and heart of its ensemble cast “Blue Beetle” might surprise you for how enjoyable it ends up being. If you can look past the generic and familiar plot and superhero fatigue, you will have a fun time with this movie.

“Blue Beetle” is rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence, language and some suggestive references.

3 out of 5 stars

To reach George for comment on this review or any for others movie reviews, please e-mail him gust.george@gmail.com

Gas prices remain near the $4 mark

The national average for a gallon of gas has been hovering around $3.82 for the past ten days, a noteworthy length for price stability. This lack of price movement came despite an uptick in gas demand and rising oil prices approaching the mid-$80s per barrel. Last week’s national average of $3.84 is 30 cents more than a month ago but 15 cents less than a year ago.

In Oklahoma, the gas average wais $3.62 tlast week, up five cents in the last week and seven cents higher than one year ago.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand jumped from 8.84 to 9.30 million barrels per day last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks decreased from 219.1 to 216.4 million barrels. Higher demand, amid tighter supply, has helped to keep pump prices elevated. If gas demand remains high, alongside increasing oil prices, drivers should brace for increases in pump prices.

Crossword Puzzle

Beetle.

North grads get valuable lab experience thanks to the OMRF

Two Edmond North High School graduates spent their summers performing experiments while learning about biomedical research at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.

Amari Griffis, a biology major entering her sophomore year, was among six OMRF interns from Langston University, Oklahoma’s only historically Black college or university.

The OMRF-OKC VA Langston University Biomedical Scholars Program launched in 2021 with a goal of diversifying Oklahoma’s labs.

Carolyn Sutliff, who will be a senior at Bowdoin College in Maine, interned through OMRF’s Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars Program. Created in 1956, the program is named for the British scientist who discovered penicillin and in 1949 came to Oklahoma City to dedicate OMRF’s first building.

Griffis worked with OMRF scientist Jake Kirkland, Ph.D., whose lab studies the relationship between gene alteration and cancer. His goal is to predict more precisely which therapies will benefit each patient.

“Amari is a model example of the summer scholar that makes mentoring the most rewarding part of my job,” Kirkland said. “Our job is not just to discover foundational principles in biology and disease, but to mold a whole new generation to take the baton and continue the race to a world where people will live longer and healthier lives.”

While Griffis hasn’t settled her career path, she said her OMRF experi-

ence “made me realize how much I enjoy the laboratory environment. It was great to see the outcome of all of the work that I did in my two months in the lab.”

Sutliff interned in the lab of scientist Benjamin Miller, Ph.D., who leads OMRF’s Aging and Metabolism Research Program. His lab studies the biological process of aging, with the goal of keeping people healthy and independent for as long as possible.

“I tested a new method for isolating muscle fibers from skeletal muscle tissue,” Sutliff said. “We hope that with this new method, we can learn how the quality of our muscles declines with age so that we can slow the aging process.”

Miller’s lab has a long history of guiding younger scientists, including training to help them become mentors themselves. “I cannot imagine running a lab where mentoring is not a primary mission, as it is something that I derive the most satisfaction from,” he said.

Sutliff said her internship strengthened her desire to pursue a medical career, most likely in neurology or optometry. Miller added: “Although I think med school is her goal, she would make an exceptional scientist if she chose that direction.”

Applications for OMRF’s 2024 Fleming Scholar program will open in fall 2023. For more information about education and outreach programs at OMRF, including the Langston program, visit omrf.org/education.

Amari Griffis, an Edmond North High School graduate and current student at Langston University, served a summer internship at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation through its OMRFOKC VA Langston University Biomedical Scholars Program.

Let’s help fight obesity & diabetes by getting our youth healthier

By Brian Attebery

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the U.S. over the last few decades. The current data from the C.D.C. is for children aged 2-19 years of age, the prevalence of obesity was 19.7% and affected about 14.7 million children and adolescents. Even 2-5 year olds see 12.7%, while 6-11 year olds show a 22.2% number.

It’s not just an aesthetic or appearance issue like most of our culture focuses on but obesity is associated with 33 major illnesses. When you see kids developing high blood pressure and diabetes or pre-diabetes then we need to wake up.

Years ago, I wrote an article about the prevalence of diabetes in the U.S. I pointed out that 90% of diabetics in the U.S. are Type II. Most studies show that 90% of THOSE diabetics have it due to their obesity. Why is that important to point out? Obesity is considered a preventable disease. I do understand that genetics and family history are

factors but I also know that most family history is linked to bad habits and nutrition issues. If you have a genetic propensity towards weight gain, then you will probably have to work harder and be more disciplined than your friend or co-worker. The same mind set needs to be taught to kids. It is literally a life or death decision. Obesity can kill you. I know it takes time and is hard. Trust me. I help people for a living. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t have multiple talks and peptalks about the challenges of eating correctly and getting exercise in. You can do more than you think you can and your kids and/or grandkids need you to get them on board too.

Kids will do what their families do for the most part. If you have a sedentary lifestyle and eat fast food/junk then your kids will too. Can you blame them? We all like a good burger and a lazy day on the couch sometimes. Did you know that we start developing plaque in our arteries at the age of 2 years and up? Yep. Even those skinny kids do too. Being skinny doesn’t equate to healthy always. Making healthy food choices needs to start early. It needs to be promoted because it is healthy and not just as a reaction for someone needing to lose weight. Be PROACTIVE and not REACTIVE to your health and your kids’ health.

It is important to understand that this topic is a very sensitive one as well. You need to approach this subject with care and love with your kids. Using phrases like, “Let’s get healthier” and “stronger” while addressing these issues is important. It is also vital that you explain that there is nothing wrong with having some ice cream or a burger on occasion but “occasionally” doesn’t mean every day. Teach balance. The same attitude needs to be applied to their activity level. I don’t care if kids play video games, watch TV or sit around on their phones but if they do that for hours per day and don’t exercise then that is a problem. I figure most kids need at least an hour of intentional exercise every day. That is only ONE hour. Understand that most kids 40 years ago looked at riding their bikes, playing “army” or going to the park as their “video” game. It is what they did, and they did it for HOURS. They also had a blast! I know I did.

I have seen many parents negotiate with their kids about exercise. Usually, it means the kids are trying to guilt their parents into letting them out of it. Parents, it is not “mean” to make your kids pursue being healthy. Our job is to protect and direct our kids and grandkids. I think it is “mean” to allow them to be unhealthy by eating poorly and not exercising regularly. In a society that preaches mental health awareness, we can’t ignore the effects of being unhealthy and overweight with the direct impact that can have on self esteem and confidence. The school year has started. It is a great time to make sure that your child’s physical education correlates with their scholastic education. You need to join them and be a walking, talking example of a fit family that makes health a priority this year and in the future going forward.

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

Attebery

A look at different business insurance

Small businesses face a variety of risks, ranging from natural disasters to cyberattacks. Different types of insurance can help protect your business from various adverse — and often costly — circumstances. Here are a few of the insurance options available to help protect your small business.

A grand opening for Northern Tool + Equipment

Northern Tool + Equipment recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 3824 S. Broadway.

Northern Tool + Equipment has been family owned and operated for over 40 years. From their humble start in Don Kotula’s garage back in 1981, all the way to their current status as the ultimate destination for hard-working do-it-yourselfers and professionals, Northern Tool + Equipment has always been a family-owned and operated business that puts the customer first.

Their selection of products proves it, with a great lineup of generators, pres-

sure washers, power tools, hand tools, air compressors, welders, material handling equipment and more from the top national brands. Their selection doesn’t stop there. They also design, build, test and deliver an extensive selection of world-class products made right in their own manufacturing facilities. You’ll always find great prices on the perfect set of tools and products needed to tackle the tough challenges. Best of all, they’re backed with the product expertise and customer care you can always count on at Northern Tool.

To learn more about Northern Tool + Equipment visit https://northerntool.com/.

New cafe puts the fun back into the morning

By Alexx Reger

Business Editor

Some mornings it may be tough to roll out of bed and start the day, but when you know you are going to Yolkizz Café in Edmond, getting out of bed is a breeze!

Yolkizz Café is one of the newest restaurants in Edmond and is sure to please your taste buds. Owner, Shandi

Kuo is excited to serve the city of Edmond with delicious food from breakfast/brunch to lunch cuisine.

Kuo was driven by her Chinese Taiwanese heritage when opening this business. She also has a passion for food, commitment to family values and wishes to create meaningful dining experiences for her customers.

Some of the menu offerings you can find at Yolkizz are pancakes, waffles, Hawaiian French toast, omelets, benedicts, breakfast burritos, croissant beignets, breakfast burgers and the Chicken Dude’s Biscuit which is

scrambled eggs, melted cheddar, jalapeno jam and pick juice-marinated fried chicken. You can also find lunch items like fish and chips, chicken fried steak, pork chops and meatloaf.

Kuo says their genuine flavors, cultural values and family focus offer a unique dining experience. She adds that the best part of being a business owner is being able to turn her personal story, values and passion into a vibrant business that connects, preserves and nourishes the community.

Kuo believes that Edmond is a city that provides a warm and positive atmosphere and is looking forward to serving all of Edmond and hopes to see the community gather for some great food to add to great conversation.

Yolkizz Café is located at 737 W. Danforth Road. Visit them on their Facebook page or call 405-562-3438 for more information.

State broadband map available

The Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) has launched an interactive online map detailing availability of high-speed internet service throughout the state, Executive Director Mike Sanders announced.

The Oklahoma Broadband Map, available at map.broadband.ok.gov, offers Oklahomans a way to track improvements in broadband infrastructure as federal grant funds are deployed statewide over the coming years.

“The Oklahoma-specific map will

serve as a guide to the success of our mission to ensure high-speed internet service is available to everyone – including the nearly 750,000 Oklahomans who lack such service today,” Director Sanders said.

Among the unique features of the Oklahoma map is the ability to view service availability within congressional districts and state legislative districts. Updated features will be added in a Version 2 to be released early next year.

General liability insurance: General liability insurance, also known as business liability insurance, offers protection against claims of bodily injury and property damage, as well as the medical expenses associated with these events.

Professional liability insurance: Professional liability insurance, sometimes called errors and omissions insurance, is appropriate for any business that provides professional services or offers advice to clients. This includes accountants, real estate agents, and advertising agencies.

Commercial property insurance: This type of insurance provides protection for your business’s physical assets, such as its physical location, equipment, furniture, tools, business records, and electronics. Coverage

This type of insurance

generally also extends to outdoor items like signs and fences.

Commercial auto insurance: If your business uses vans, trucks, or cars, you will likely need commercial auto insurance to provide coverage for these vehicles. Personal auto insurance policies generally do not cover business-related vehicle use, so it is generally necessary to have commercial auto insurance for your business’s vehicles.

Workers' compensation insurance: This type of insurance is required by the federal government if your business has even a single employee. Workers’ comp covers your employees in cases of work-related injuries or illnesses, including the costs of their medical expenses, disability benefits, and lost wages.

Cyber liability insurance: Data breaches and cyberattacks can be expensive for small businesses and cyber liability insurance can help cover some of the costs associated with these events. This type of insurance can cover some of the costs of notifying customers in the event of a data breach and may even offer free credit monitoring to impacted customers.

(workers com) is required by the federal government if your business has even a single employee

Treasurer warns public about companies

Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ last week released an updated list of the institutions that remain on the restricted financial company list, following further analysis of their environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies. The companies include:

BlackRock, Inc.

Wells Fargo & Co.

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Bank of America, N.A.

State Street Corp.

Climate First Bank

HB 2034, the Energy Discrimination Elimination Act of 2022, requires that the Oklahoma State Treasurer maintain a list of financial institutions that boycott oil and gas companies. According to the definition of boycott in the legislation, companies “without an ordinary business purpose, refusing to deal with, terminating business activities with, or otherwise taking any action that is intended to penalize, inflict economic harm on, or limit commercial relations with a company because the company: a. engages in

the exploration, production, utilization, transportation, sale, manufacturing of fossil-fuel-based energy and does not commit or pledge to meet environmental standards beyond applicable federal and state law…”

Such institutions may be excluded from doing business with the state.

“The State of Oklahoma should not be investing money with companies that boycott one of our own industries. These financial companies are using ESG policies to promote a political, social agenda instead of allowing the free enterprise system to work,” Russ said. “When a state boycotts a major industry like oil and gas, the result is less diversification of funds, which can lead to more risks and potentially lower returns for investors.”

Under state law, the Treasurer must update the list annually, but not more often than quarterly. It also states that restricted financial companies must cease engaging in boycotting energy companies within 90 days of receiving notice to avoid potential divestment with the state.

Hi and Lois

Shoe

Zits

Family Circus

Beetle Baily

Blondie

Hägar the Horrible

More than 1,800 call state home

Senate panel studies Oklahoma’s Afghan refugee program

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee examined Oklahoma’s Afghan Placement and Assistance (APA) Program last week, which was the second anniversary of the fall of the Afghanistan government. The interim study was requested by Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, to review the program’s strengths, ongoing challenges, and what steps can be taken to improve future refugee efforts.

Following the fall of the capital city of Kabul in 2021, more than 120,000 allies were airlifted out of Afghanistan, making it the largest non-combatant evacuation operation in U.S. military history. Of those refugees, some 72,000 were resettled in the United States with Oklahoma set to receive the highest number per capita and the third highest overall next to California and Texas.

“When tragedy struck the people of Afghanistan, Oklahoma’s interfaith community stepped up and welcomed hundreds of refugees fleeing for their lives,” Hicks said. “Today, more than 1,800 Afghanis now call Oklahoma home, including 40 babies who have been born here in the Sooner State. I want to ensure that should another refugee crisis arise that Oklahoma is better prepared to provide proper care, housing, and other basic needs for families.”

Oklahoma’s resettlement effort was led by Catholic Charities, which is the state’s only federally authorized resettlement agency. More than $8 million in federal funds flowed through the agency to the refugees. Each family received a one-time payment of $1,225, along with SNAP and SoonerCare benefits, employment authorization, legal assistance,

education support and many other services.

Due to the large number of refugees and short five-week time line, the Spero Project, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR OK), the Hebrew International Aid Society (HIAS), and countless other volunteers from the interfaith community stepped in to secure housing; meet healthcare needs; provide food, clothing, and basic living essentials; help with school enrollment; and a number of other needs while recognizing and honoring their cultural and religious beliefs.

Presenters included CAIR Deputy Director Veronica Laizure; Catholic Charities Executive Director Patrick Raglow; Spero Project Executive Director Kim

Bandy; Kerri Keck, a retired veteran and CAIR-OK volunteer; Temple B’nai Israel Trustee Stefani Nachatilo; sponsor family Christine and Jeff Poyner; and Dr. Feroz Bashari, whose family was the last to relocate to Oklahoma.

The Afghan families did not enter the country through the typical refugee path but rather through humanitarian parole, which provides only 90 days of assistance for housing, utilities, healthcare, and other living expenses. Their employment authorization documents are also set to expire in September or October, which must be addressed to keep parents employed to continue providing for their families.