Edmond Life and Leisure - July 18, 2024

In This Issue

FOUR SEASONS

Four Seasons, by Kevin Box, in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. For more information, see page 2.

City’s Water Needs

Read how Edmond handles current & future water needs

FRIDAY, JULY 19

Partly Cloudy High 90° Low 69°

SATURDAY, JULY 20

Mostly Cloudy High 90° Low 70°

SUNDAY, JULY 21

Scattered Thunderstorms High 85° Low 68°

Have you ever wondered where the water comes from once you turn on the faucet?

In Edmond, it’s a well thought out process that requires planning — both short term and long term.

The issue is explained thoroughly in this month’s City Source feature — found in today’s issue. Not only is the system complex — but about a half a billion dollars will be invested to make sure the city continues to have the water its citizens need.

Delivering water to homes and businesses isn’t the only concern. The city map out water needs for Edmond — but they have to plan on waste water systems as well.

Although we may take all of it for granted, a great deal of organization and planning is needed.

Please see Page 3 for this month’s City Source feature.

PHOTO PROVIDED

An aerial view of the Coffee Creek Water Resources Recovery Facility — just one part of Edmond’s extensive water system fully explained on Page 3.

The U.S. Senate honors late Oklahoma Senator See Page 10

From the Publisher

City honors former Mayor Lamb

I was thrilled to see the Edmond City Council honor our former mayor Charles Lamb in their meeting last week. During its July 8, 2024, meeting, the City Council approved the naming of the conservation easement south of E.C. Hafer Park in honor of former Mayor Charles D. Lamb. The 25-acre parcel now will be known as the Charles D. Lamb Nature Preserve

The council approved a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to name the 25-acre parcel the Charles D. Lamb Nature Preserve. Private fundraising is planned to support the installation of a commemorative plaque and art piece outside the entrance to the park, honoring Lamb, who passed away in December 2018.

Please understand if you are new to Edmond that folks in this town loved our former mayor. Do not let anyone else try to convince you otherwise. Even folks that did not agree with Lamb respected and admired this long time Edmond resident. I can say that he and I did not always agree on all issues, but he took time to listen and weigh the arguments when anyone would disagree. Too often in politics today, leadership will turn a blind eye to anyone who does not share the same view. That was not the case with Lamb.

“Mayor Lamb was an avid outdoorsman, and it is a great honor to be in a position to help get the parcel of land named in his honor,” Mayor Darrell A. Davis said. “Charles Lamb is part of the fabric of Edmond. He cared about the community. He cared about how Edmond grew and his future. He knew Edmond was going to continue to grow and wanted to properly plan for that. He used his years of experience on the council and in life to help navigate its path to today. His orchestration of the ‘Tomorrow’s Edmond’ plan is a great example. If you look at that document, you will see a lot of the things that Edmond is today, and that Edmond will become in the future.”

That statement by Davis is extremely well put. There is so much that people enjoy about Edmond in 2024 that was started by Lamb and a handful of others. Our quality of life is so good in Edmond due to his efforts and past leadership.

A 1965 graduate of Edmond High School who received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Central State University (now the University of Central Oklahoma), Lamb served the Edmond community for decades through his participation in many organizations and boards. He was the City Council Ward 3 Councilmember for 18 years and served as Mayor for seven years. During his tenure as chairperson of the Urban Forestry Commission, he helped to provide an outline for a proactive approach to develop, maintain, and preserve the city’s forest, both urban and native. He was also instrumental in getting Arcadia Lake built.

Can you imagine our Edmond without Arcadia Lake folks? It just would not be the same place with as good a quality of life. The effort that Lamb put into the building of the lake and getting us released from the federal debt for the project is priceless.

“You hear people talk about the ‘Oklahoma Standard’ – well Charles was the ‘Edmond Standard,’ pe-

riod,” said David Miller, who served with Mayor Lamb on City Council for 12 years and was a close, personal friend. “Charles never did anything that was not for the greater good of Edmond. His wife (Cheri) often said that he had a heart for service, and nothing could be more true than that. When we lost him, we lost one of Edmond’s greatest advocates.”

In a special election held in October 2021, voters supported the use of a temporary sales tax to be used for the purchase of the parcel. In February 2022, the Mayor and City Council passed a resolution to authorize The Edmond Land Conservancy, Inc. (ELC) to create a conservation easement on the parcel. Lamb always believed in the people’s right to decide issues.

Over the course of the next year and a half, a committee of ELC representatives, citizens, city staff, and UCO professors and students worked to develop the structure and guidelines for the property. In October 2023, details of the conservation easement were approved, which included some minor boundary changes that increased the park size to approximately twenty-five acres. The intent of the easement is that the property shall become and remain a “minimally developed natural area” public park.

Lamb was pretty serious most of the time, but I considered that a challenge to make him laugh. He was just a great friend and helped us to get this paper started 25 years ago. He was fair but always lent a helping hand to us. You could always spot him in Edmond. His uniform was generally shorts (no matter the temperature), a golf shirt and he was riding his motorcycle with helmet of course.

He always had a smile for us and a handshake. It was a pleasure to see him, and he is greatly missed. Thank you, City of Edmond and the council, for honoring Lamb this way.

Tres Amigos announces new season

It has been a bit of a challenge but the not-forprofit production company, Tres Amigo” is back announcing its new season. It is an effort to endow more jazz scholarships for the UCO Foundation. All money other than the direct cost of the entertainer goes back to the UCO Foundation to fund these scholarships. So far, we have two fully funded with a third one on its way. The amigos are unpaid in any shape or form, and should a concert fall short of expenses, we make up the difference. Our spouses are thrilled about that part.

You can purchase individual tickets to the shows or take advantage of a special offer. Here is how chief amigo, David Hornbeek, explains the process:

Check out what’s inside!

---- Francis Tuttle students excel......................................................Page 5. ---- Weekend calendar......................................................................Page 6. ---- Lawmaker: Americans have questions after shooting................Page 8.

Senior news................................................................................Page 9. --- Elaine’s

“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.

The Tres Amigos are going to offer everyone the ability to have tickets at the front, second or third row tables, at the UCO Jazz Lab, to every show if you agree to purchase season tickets for all our shows and, ALSO, make an additional (above the cost of each ticket) $125/ticket or $750/table (seats 6) contribution to our scholarship fund.

If you agree to become a “Season Ticket Holder” and make the additional contribution, you will, in return, have the same table for all the shows in that season. Please note, there are only fifteen tables w/ 6 seats each (total of ninety tickets) available in this offer. You do not have to buy a full table to participate. You can buy two, or four, season tickets. But, if you purchase less that a full table, you will be put with others who also do not purchase a full table, as well, to fill the seats.

Also, the additional $125/ticket contribution or $750/table contribution shall be made payable to the “UCO Foundation – Tres Amigos Scholarship Fund,” and it will be a pure contribution to our endowed scholarship fund at the UCO Foundation. All seats/tables (on the first three rows) will be allocated on a “first come paid / first served pick” basis.

It is our hope and desire to raise an additional $7,500 this year with this program and continue to grow our third scholarship. Please contact me at (405) 641-6380 at your earliest convenience if you desire to become a “Season Ticket Holder” and want to make an additional contribution.

The 4 Shows for the TRES AMIGOS season… Fall 2024 through Spring 2025

(and one Re-Scheduled Concert from April) are:

“A Night of Jerry Jeff Music!” with

Django Walker & the last Jerry Jeff Walker Band

Friday, September 6, 2024 – 8:00 PM Tickets $85/each

Django (the son of Jerry Jeff) will be bringing the last Jerry Jeff Walker Band (that toured with his father) to perform all the favorites that you would hear at a Jerry Jeff concert when he was still touring, and to celebrate the incredible legacy of his father!

A Very Special & Intimate Evening with John Pizzarelli

Friday, October 11, 2024 – 8:00 PM

Tickets $85/each

An Intimate Evening with JD Souther - SOLD-OUT!

Friday, November 15, 2024 – 8:00 PM

Tickets $80/each

(NOTE: This is a Re-Scheduled concert from last Spring Season – It is SOLD-OUT!)

Below are the Tres Amigos Concerts after Christmas in the Spring of 2024 Season

– Dates &/or Ticket Prices still to Be Finalized & Determined:

A Very Special Concert featuring “the Songs that were written for Linda Ronstadt” with JD Souther & Karla Bonoff (TOGETHER!)

2 Shows on 2 Nights! currently scheduled for:

Friday March 28, 2025 – 8:00 PM

Tickets $110/each

Saturday March 29, 2025 – 8:00 PM

Tickets $110/each

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

Ray Hibbard

The late-Charles Lamb

City of Edmond invests in the future with water infrastructure projects City Source

From City Source Edmond

Safe and plentiful drinking water is essential for any community.

For the past two decades, Edmond’s population has grown tremendously, along with its need for water. City leaders and staff have studied future needs and considered the best way to ensure that water is available today and into the distant future.

To meet those far-reaching needs, several significant projects – at a cost of more than a half-billion dollars – are underway to improve the City’s water system.

“The benefit is the improvement to the reliability and resilience of our current water system and leaving it better for future generations,” said Kris Neifing, the Director of Water Resources for the City of Edmond. “What we have now is getting older and coming up on its useful life expectancy. These projects will take us past that point and provide our residents with a more modern system that is easily expandable, if needed in the future.”

Edmond’s entire water system can be divided into five categories: Sources, Water Treatment, Distribution, Collection, and Wastewater Treatment. Making improvements to only one of these categories is not practical. An upgrade to one area requires upgrades to all areas. If a City plans to produce three times more water, it needs to be able to collect three times more water from its sources, deliver three times more water to its customers, then collect and treat three times more wastewater.

Edmond has three water sources: Arcadia Lake, the Garber Wellington Aquifer and the option to purchase water from Oklahoma City.

The primary source of water comes from Arcadia Lake, which was constructed in 1986 as a cooperative effort between the City of Edmond and the U.S. Army of Corps of Engineers. Although Arcadia Lake serves as a flood control for the Deep Fork River Basin, it also provides 4 billion gallons of water each year to the Edmond Water Treatment plant. In 2012, an Arcadia Lake Yield Study determined that the lake could supply 60 percent

more water than originally calculated. Instead of providing 4 billion gallons annually, the study found the amount available is 6.4 billion gallons.

The current intake structure that draws and delivers raw lake water to the Treatment Plant is not capable of delivering 6.4 billion gallons per year. So, the City moved forward with the construction of a new intake structure. When completed, it will be capable of pumping 30 million gallons in one day. It is also designed to expand, when necessary. This project includes a pump station, along with giant 48-inch transmission lines to move massive amounts of raw water to the Treatment plant.

This huge construction project has been separated into different phases, some of which are

complete. The control building was finished in July 2022. It houses the laboratory and office facilities for the plant. Phase 1 of the construction project is also complete. It includes the solids handling facility that processes spent lime generated from the softening stage and repurposes it for agricultural purposes.

Phase 2 is underway with improvements to the electrical infrastructure, the addition of generators, construction of a new high-lift pump station, large water storage tanks, granular activated carbon filters, and a new backwash basin/pump station. The estimated completion for all phases of the water treatment plant is 2029.

See Water, Page 4

Work continues on a plant to deliver even more water to Edmond.

Water

“Our current water plant was not built for expansion,” Neifing said. “The new intake and water treatment plant will not only more than double our water plant capacity, it will also allow us – both now and in the future – to get the maximum use out of the lake resource.”

Once water has been treated and is safe to use, it enters the Distribution stage. Distribution includes the large underground water main lines, water towers, and storage tanks positioned around the city. They are crucial for creating water pressure in the system, especially the pressure needed by the Fire Department to fight fires. There are several improvements to the Distribution system that are planned and in progress.

A new water tower is almost complete near 33rd Street and Broadway. It holds two million gallons – four times more than the operating tower nearby. Another two million-gallon water tower is planned near the University of Central Oklahoma for increased reliability in the downtown area. Also, large ground storage tanks are being built near Second Street and I-35, which will balance the storage and pumping from the Water Plant to the water distribution system and will provide resiliency in case of emergencies. When completed, the City will be able to store 6 million gallons of water.

There are also plans for a 24-inch water line running along 33rd Street from I-35 west to Broadway. Its larger capacity will improve pressure on the south side of Edmond and will help supply the new water tower on 33rd Street. From these storage tanks and towers, this important resource is then successfully transported through water main lines to Edmond businesses, schools, hospitals, and homes.

Edmond’s second water source is the GarberWellington Aquifer. To collect water from the aquifer, the City utilizes 61 wells that pump water to the surface and add it to the Distribution system. Together, these wells can produce about 10 million gallons of water each day. Little treatment, if any, is required for well water. Once pumped

from the ground, it immediately enters the Distribution stage. There are more wells planned to sustain future groundwater supply for reliability and resiliency. The goal is to produce an extra four to five million gallons per day. Water wells are a tremendous resource for Edmond because they are a drought-proof water supply.

Edmond’s third source is the option to purchase water from Oklahoma City. The purchasing agreement was first implemented in 2001 to help meet the peak summer demands caused by outdoor watering. This source of water can be very expensive and is subject to Oklahoma City’s water rate changes, regulations, and schedules. The improvements being made to Edmond’s water system will soon remove Edmond’s dependence on water from another municipality, saving the City an estimated $1 million dollars annually.

Transporting water to homes and businesses isn’t the end of the story, though. The City is also responsible for wastewater that is flushed or goes down the drain. The collection and treatment of wastewater is part of Edmond’s overall water system.

Wastewater eventually makes its way to the Coffee Creek Water Resources Recovery Facility, but it must be transported there with the help of wastewater pipes and lift stations. There are several projects throughout Edmond where main wastewater lines are being upgraded to larger sizes to address existing system issues and accommodate more flow. In total, about 10.5 miles of lines will be upgraded over the next few years.

All of that wastewater flows to the recently expanded Coffee Creek facility. Before its renovations, the plant could only treat 9 million gallons of wastewater per day. Since the expansion, it can treat 12 million gallons of wastewater each day. It is also compliant with new rules established by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Once the wastewater is treated, it is safe to be discharged into the nearby Coffee Creek.

Each construction project for Edmond’s water

distribution system requires years of planning. Building materials must be extremely durable and structures must meet rigorous standards. Projects typically take years to accomplish, oftentimes performed by specialty-skilled crews. All of these factors contribute to a substantial cost. Project funding comes from user rate increases and issuing long-term debt. The long-term financing allows a better phased approach to rate increases and ensures that customers who move to Edmond in the future contribute to the infrastructure being built today.

“From a planning perspective, we always want to minimize the impact to the bills of our current customers,” Neifing said, “and also make sure the cost of the growth component is shared equitably with both our current customers and future customers as Edmond continues to grow.”

Even though the City of Edmond will have the capability to produce more water for Edmond residents, the need to conserve water remains incredibly important. Peak water demand occurs in the summer due to the increase in outdoor watering. Water demand can triple from the current 8 million gallons per day winter average to 25 million gallons per day in the summer months. Residents can conserve water by efficiently using outdoor water irrigation systems and making the most of exterior landscapes. Check out EdmondWater.com for a large resource of conservation practices that prevent water waste.

The City of Edmond also offers residents the tools to proactively conserve water. Smart meter technology allows residents to view their daily water usage and observe how small adjustments can lower the amount of water used, conserving water and reducing their utility bill.

To find out more about Edmond’s Water Resources, visit EdmondWater.com. Learn about the variety of water construction projects by checking out the Interactive Projects Map at EdmondOK.gov/Projects.

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

From

An aerial view of the plant.

Francis Tuttle students excel

A group of Oklahoma high school students took their anatomy knowledge to a national tournament and brought home some prize money.

Students in the Biosciences and Medicine Academy (BSMA) at Francis Tuttle Technology Center won second place at the National Anatomage Tournament at the University of Las Vegas. The four-person team – who call themselves Phenomenal Phalanges – won $7,500 as the national runner-up.

“This bright group of students studied diligently and prepared for this competition, where they had to know graduate-level anatomy and physiology,” Stephanie Harris, director of Health Programs at Francis Tuttle, said. “Their instructor, Dr. Rance Peters, worked with them for many months using the Anatomage Table as they trained for this prestigious competition. We are so proud of these outstanding students as they demonstrated Francis Tuttle’s core values throughout their competition and their big win.”

The team consisted of Edmond North High School student Ethan Leehan and Deer Creek High School students Blythe Nowell, Nathalia Valdez, and Ryan Westrope. They won first place in the Anatomage competition at the HOSA State Leadership Conference in April, which qualified them to compete at nationals.

The competition takes place on an Anatomage Table, a state-of-the-art learning tool that simulates a real human body on a large digital touch screen. Competitors must identify specific parts of the body – including organs, muscles and ligaments, bone segments, and parts of the brain –and are timed.

The parts of the body that must be identified are very specific and students spend many hours practicing and memorizing.

BSMA is one of three STEM academies at Francis Tuttle. High school students spend half their day studying a STEM subject that they plan to continue pursuing in college.

PHOTO LEFT — Francis Tuttle students Ethan Leehan, Bylthe Nowell, Nathalia Valdez and Ryan Westrope, won second place and a $7,500 prize at the National Anatomage Tournament at the University of Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada. ABOVE — The students identify parts of the human body.

Heard on Hurd always draws large crowds in downtown Edmond for the music, food and fun.

Weekend Calendar of Events July 18 - 21

Weekend Calendar of Events July 18 -21

---- In the Gallery

---- Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered

---- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market

---- Twilight Swim

---- Concert in the Park

---- Edmond Bike Night

---- Heard on Hurd

---- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Events

---- Arabian Horse Association Youth & Mid Summer Nationals

---- Twister City Roller Derby Bout Schedule

---- Isley Brothers in Concert

---- Oklahoma Railway Museum Train Rides

---- Oklahoma City Summer Bridal Show

---- Full Moon Bike Ride

Extra Information

In the Gallery

Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute

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

Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered

Location: Armstrong Auditorium

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

Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market

Location: Festival Market Place and Farmers Market

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 20 – Sat, Nov 2; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.com

Twilight Swim

Location: Pelican Bay Aquatic Center

Extra Info: Tue, May 28 – Thu, Aug 1; 7 – 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays twilight swim; pelicanbayaquatics.com

Concert in the Park

Location: Stephenson Park, Hafer Park Stage

Extra Info: Thu, Jul 18; 6 – 8:30 p.m.; Free; edmondok.gov

Edmond Bike Night

The rodea exhibit aat the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

Location: Festival Market Place and Farmers Market

Extra Info: Sat, Jul 20; 6 – 9 p.m.; Free; edmondbikenight.com

Heard on Hurd

Location: Downtown Edmond

Extra Info: Sat, Jul 20; 6 – 10 p.m.; Free; facebook.com

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Events

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Mon, Jul 1 – Wed, 31: Explore the Code: Know Where to Draw the Line – Bass Reeves; Thu, Jul 18: The Reading Roundup, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Thu, Jul 18 – Sun, Jul 21: Choose Your Adventure!; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat, Jul 20 – Sun, Jul 21: Signature Tour @ 1 – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Arabian Horse Association

Youth & Mid Summer Nationals

Location: OKC Fairgrounds, Jim Norick Arena

Extra Info: Thu, Jul 18 – Sat, Jul 27; 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily; arabianhorses.org

Twister City Roller Derby Bout Schedule

Location: Arctic Edge Ice Arena

Extra Info: Sat, Jul 20; twistercityderby.com

Isley Brothers in Concert

Location: Zoo Amphitheatre

Extra Info: Sat, Jul 20; Doors open: 6:30 p.m.; Showtime: 7:30 p.m.; okczooamp.com

Oklahoma Railway Museum Train Rides

Location: Oklahoma Railway Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Jul 20; Train Times: 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. & 3:15 p.m.; oklahomarailwaymuseum.org

Oklahoma City Summer Bridal Show

Location: Oklahoma City Convention Center

Extra Info: Sun, Jul 21; 1 – 4:30 p.m.; online ticket: $7, $12 at the door; okbride.com

Full Moon Bike Ride

Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens & Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory

Extra Info: Sun, Jul 21; 8:45 p.m.; myriadgardens.org

West Nile death reported

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is reporting the first human case, and death, caused by West Nile Virus (WNV) in a Southwest Oklahoma resident. The patient was hospitalized before passing away.

WNV spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. In Oklahoma, WNV is primarily spread by the Culex mosquito, which feeds on infected birds and then spreads the virus when biting humans, horses, and some other mammals.

This type of mosquito increases in abundance during mid to late summer when temperatures are high, and the weather pattern is dry.

“We expect the number of human cases to increase as the temperatures rise throughout the summer,” said Jolianne Stone, the State Epidemiologist. “Typically, summertime is the beginning of the WNV season in Oklahoma, so with more people participating in outdoor activities there are increased opportunities for encountering infected mosquitoes.”

OSDH officials are reminding the public to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

Tips to avoid mosquito bites and pre-

vent WNV:

Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin and clothing when going outdoors, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to bite. Insect repellent with permethrin should be used on clothing only.

Repair or install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of the home.

Prevent items such as buckets, cans, pool covers, flower pots, children’s toys and tires from holding water to prevent providing mosquitoes a place to breed.

Empty any pet’s outdoor water bowl and refill daily.

Scrub and refill bird baths every three days.

Clean leaves and debris from rain gutters regularly to ensure they are not clogged.

While the vast majority of individuals with WNV will likely never experience symptoms following an infection, those with symptoms, are often mild and may include sudden fever, headache, dizziness or muscle weakness.

Recovery typically occurs within one to three weeks.

Integris hires Jorden D. Pope

Jorden D. Pope, D.O., is a board-certified family medicine physician at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Coffee Creek.

Pope

His areas of interest include adolescent medicine, behavioral health, holistic care, preventive medicine and pediatrics.

“I do my best to have a teacher’s heart, striving to empower patients with the knowledge of health, disease processes and solutions,” says Pope. “I am thrilled when patients

come to understand how powerful their simple, daily choices are and how much control they can have when it comes to feeling their best.“

Pope graduated from Touro University Nevada - College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Martin Army Community Hospital in Fort Moore, Georgia. He was a Major in the United States Army and served for over seven years. He enjoys treating patients of all age groups.

Pope practices at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Coffee Creek, located at 2916 N. Kelly Ave. in Edmond. To schedule an appointment, call 405715-5300.

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 submissionj by noon Thursday.

State senator wants answers on shooting

Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, comments on the shooting that occurred at President Donald Trump’s rally over the weekend, injuring the President and bystanders, and taking the life of an innocent American:

I spent nearly three decades in law enforcement, the last nine years as the Director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics prior to being elected to the State Senate. As the Director, I was the agency head and responsible for all personnel actions and missions.

In Butler, PA there was a tragic assassination attempt of President Trump. Also, a dedicated father and husband, Cory Comperatore, a former firefighter, lost his life by a coward’s bullet.

First, let me be very clear that the boots on the ground, Secret Service agents, who are assigned to the intercircle protection detail, performed like clockwork on the protection of President Trump. From the human shield to the evacuation to medical care, it was executed and successful.

However, we need immediate and clear explanations of relevant questions:

How can a 20-year-old with no known military or paramilitary training, equipped with a high-powered rifle, low crawling on a roof, come within 130 yards of the President without detection, or without pene-

trating any level of security?

How can a “would-be assassin” be allowed to be on high ground in such a strategic shooting position and that position not be eliminated and sterilized by the Secret Service forward detail?

There were multiple buildings and structures surrounding the rally area. Why wasn’t a “rear security” perimeter set-up including elevated positions to see over the possible threats?

There are better temporary elevated security positions and posts at the local mall parking lots than what appeared at the rally in Butler.

Are adequate resources being made available through the US Secret Service to protect the former President and current presumptive Republican presidential nominee and the most visible public official in my lifetime?

Any law enforcement officer I know with a minimum of six months experience would realize how their apparent security plan was inadequate and almost inviting for an assassination attempt.

It does not add up, and pass the common sense, Oklahoma smell test. The American people should demand answers and accountability.

Even if it means layers of leadership at the U.S. Secret Service are removed immediately and replaced with competent law enforcement profession-

als.

Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, issued the following statement after the failed attempted assassination of President Donald Trump at a political rally in Pennsylvania yesterday:

"Both I, and my family, are praying for President Donald Trump, his family and those who were in attendance after the failed assassination attempt at his Pennsylvania rally yesterday. Political differences are never a justification for violence. My heart goes out to the family of the individual who lost his life at the rally and those others who were injured. We must continue to pray for our Nation, and find a path forward together. May God continue to bless America."

–—

Joe Dorman, chief executive officer of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA), released the following statement following the shooting at the rally for former President Donald Trump:

“We at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy are horrified at the shooting at the rally for former President Trump. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the former president, and to the family of the spectator whose life was lost as well as those who were injured during this ghastly attack.

Governor signs bill to prepare schools in state for cardiac events

Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday ceremonially signed a bill to ensure Oklahoma's schools are well-prepared for cardiac emergencies.

Rep. Bob Ed Culver, R-Tahlequah, is the House author of Senate Bill 1921, which requires all public schools statewide to formulate a sudden cardiac emergency response plan.

"Safety for students and staff is a top concern in Oklahoma schools, and Senate Bill 1921 reinforces this commitment," Culver said. "Through statewide cardiac emergency plans, schools have the tools and training needed to save lives. As a result, every school can respond quickly and effectively during cardiac emergencies, giving everyone peace of mind."

Under the legislation, the State Department of Health requires school nurses, athletic trainers, and athletic coaches to complete annual training focused on emergency cardiovascular care.

SB 1921 has support from various national sports organizations, the American Heart Association, and many families and individuals who have experienced cardiac emergencies.

According to the American Heart Association, about 23,000 children under 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year. About 40% of these events are sports-related. CPR, if performed immediately, can double or triple a person's chance of survival. In schools with automated external defibrillators, about 70% of children survive cardiac arrest –seven times the overall survival rate for children.

Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, is the Senate author of the bill.

"Today's ceremonial bill signing serves as yet another reminder of the critical nature of cardiac emergencies and the need for school staff to receive training so they can recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and respond with immediate and proper care," Rosino said. "I'm incredibly appreciative of everyone who has supported this critical legislation throughout the process and the individuals and organizations who promoted the implementation of cardiac emergency response plans in Oklahoma schools."

The legislation took effect July 1.

SB 1921 was formally signed into law in June. The governor frequently holds ceremonial bill signings to allow people outside the Legislature involved in the bill's drafting to participate in the process.

OG&E helps Houston

Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E) deployed crews to south Texas today to assist with power restoration following widespread damage caused by Hurricane Beryl. More than 100 OG&E employees and contractors are traveling to help with power restoration.

“Our line crews are heading to south Texas to help repair equipment and restore power impacted by Hurricane Beryl that left more than two million residents without electricity,” said Chris Bristol, OG&E Distribution Construction Manager. “South Texas is expecting dangerously high heat this week making OG&E’s mutual assistance support more important than ever. Our crews are stepping up to help our neighbors as quickly and safely as possible.”

CenterPoint Energy in Houston requested support from OG&E as nearly 1.4 million customers remain without electricity today.

“Mutual assistance is a core part of our industry, and we are grateful for our personnel who are willing to take time away from their families to help a community get back on its feet,” said Andrea Dennis, OG&E Vice President of Transmission & Distribution Operations.

Advice on finding a home health aide

A desire to live independently seems to be part of human nature. Though that desire may continue to burn as individuals approach retirement age, unforeseen circumstances like medical issues or the death of a partner may result in a need to work with a professional caregiver.

Home health aides (HHAs) can help aging individuals or those with certain physical or cognitive limitations live full lives without requiring them to move into assisted living facilities or seek alternative housing arrangements.

HHAs provide a host of services, and individuals living in well-populated areas may have no shortage of options as they seek to hire a professional to help themselves or a loved one with the tasks of daily life. Individuals or families beginning their search for a home health aide can keep these tips in mind.

• Identify the services required. The Family Caregiver Alliance notes there are several main areas to assess when identifying which services individuals may need help with. Personal care consists of bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, and grooming. Household care involves cooking, cleaning, laundry, and shopping. HHAs who provide medical care may help clients man-

age medications, provide physical therapy and help clients get to their doctor’s appointments. Companionship is a component of emotional care, which also may entail engaging clients in meaningful activities and conversation. Identifying the services required can help individuals and their families zero in on the professionals who can help them.

• Seek recommendations from trusted doctors and confidantes . An individual who needs daily assistance at home can ask his or her physician for recommendations (family members can ask as well). Physicians undoubtedly have had previous patients who have benefited from the services of HHAs, so they can likely recommend local professionals. Trusted confidantes, such as neighbors, relatives and friends, who have been in similar situations, or have family members who have required HHAs, also can be an invaluable resource.

• Contact a local agency . The FCA notes that contacting a local Home Care Agency is a formal way to find an HHA for yourself or a loved one. Various agencies are likely in operation within a reasonable distance of a person’s home, though the FCA notes far fewer agencies

serve rural areas. Contacting a local Home Care Agency can put individuals and their families in contact with professionals who can help match people with particular needs with HHAs who specialize in such care or have extensive experience providing a range of home care services.

• Look into a direct-hire group. AARP® notes that direct-hire agencies maintain networks of independent caregivers and facilitate connections between those professionals and individuals and families seeking help. When working with a direct-hire group, inquire about their fees and ask if they can share any information regarding how to pay independent contactors who can be found through their agencies. It’s also important to ask if direct-hire groups formally vet professionals that can be found through them or if individuals and families must conduct their own background checks.

Individuals who need some assistance with daily living can employ various strategies to find home health aides who can provide such services.

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Debate or fiery rhetoric? Okla. lawmaker not happy with changes

Like most of you, the assassination attempt over the weekend was a stunning event. It was tragic and it could have been a lot worse although even one person hurt is unacceptable.

Steve Gust

One thing I kept hearing over and over, was that Americans “need to tone down the political rhetoric.” (If I heard that once, I heard it a few dozen times)

To be fair, I can see the wisdom of “toning down the rhetoric.” I do have questions though. Who gets to decide what kind of statement crosses the line? And who gets to decide where that line is set?

Some people get very offended if someone dares to say “Make America Great Again.” It might interest people to know that that slogan was used briefly by both Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.

Americans have freedom of speech – especially when it comes to political issues.

The president wants us to unite. I

do believe we can unite on shunning political violence.

I have no problem with that and I doubt any sane person does. But let’s face it. We have political differences.

For the most part, I’m from a family which leans to the left. I realized a long time ago they didn’t hold my beliefs. But so what? I still get along with them and they’re family. I wish them no ill will. And I wish no ill will to anyone who doesn’t agree with me.

All people have disagreements. Do we really want a country where hundreds of millions of people march in lockstep and never disagree with one another? I don’t think that’s going to make us a strong nation. They do that in North Korea and it hasn’t worked out too well.

I want to go on the record that I’m against violence – especially when it comes to politics.

But the simple fact is we’re always going to have spirited debates. And that’s the way it should be. But just because we have a debate doesn’t mean there has to be malice or violence.

That’s the way I see it.

The Republican National Committee's (RNC) platform committee adopted their 2024 platform earlier this month, with their recommendations set to go before the full convention in the coming days. Notably, the opposition to abortion and support for a Christian definition of marriage present in previous platforms were removed. Senator Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, issued the following statement condemning the committee and calling on RNC delegates to amend the committee’s recommendations at the convention next week.

“As a Republican State Senator, my intention is to represent my people well and be faithful to the King of kings, Jesus Christ. These two things are never in conflict. Rather, they necessarily go together. I represent my people best when I champion the integrity and moral values taught in God’s Word.

“The RNC platform committee’s decision to remove from the platform Christian values regarding abortion and marriage is a reprehensible attack on God’s Word, preborn children, and the Christians who have shed blood, sweat,

State chamber lauds efforts of state lawmaker

Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa, was named one of the Oklahoma State Chamber’s five Legislators of the Year. Schreiber elevated the childcare crisis within the State Capitol during her first term in office and authored several bills addressing the issue. Strengthening the childcare industry has been a priority for both the State Chamber and Schreiber since being sworn in two years ago.

“The State Chamber is a leader for Oklahoma’s workforce development, recruitment and retention, and they understand affordable, accessible, quality childcare is fundamental to that work. I am honored to be recognized by them,” Schreiber said. “They have been a powerful partner advocating for this critical need for employers and businesses throughout the state. I am grateful for our work together and know we will

continue to push important legislation so that families have the childcare they need and employers have access to the workforce they need.”

One of Schreiber’s childcare bills was signed into law in 2023. The law has streamlined regulations pertaining to the licensing of family home childcare facilities across the state ensuring these small businesses can operate efficiently and safely without unnecessary red tape.

Schreiber has also pushed to establish tax credits for employers who share in the cost of childcare with their employees and for recruitment and retention incentives for childcare professionals. “Both the State Chamber and I know this remains a critical need for employers and families across the State,” Schreiber said. She will continue to work with her colleagues and stakeholders to bring solutions to the State Capitol.

Letters to the Editor policy

especially mail from Edmond Life & Leisure readers with complaints, compliments or comments about what they read here. The rules, even for e-mail letters: 1) You must tell us your full name; 2) You must give us your complete address and phone numbers (but we will identify you only by name); and

3) We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity and taste (our taste). Send mail to Letter to the Editor, Edmond Life & Leisure, 107 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034. or fax to 340-3384 or e-mail to news@edmondpaper.com.

and tears for the party because they believed it would fight for their values. Nothing is done that is not before the face of God and He will hold accountable those responsible for conspiring to secularize the Republican Party.

“Contrary to the short-sighted calculations of establishment consultants in the beltway who have given us nothing but perpetual failure, Republicans will not benefit from abandoning the moral values that make our party attractive to Christians. Across the pond, the Tories found out last week what happens when an ostensibly conservative party refuses to conserve anything as they were utterly wiped out in the elections because of demoralized voters staying home or joining right-wing third parties. That is likely our fate if we do not correct our course as Republicans and rediscover our backbones.

“While big money interests and bought-and-paid-for politicians would love for Republicans to concede the culture war to the left so that children will be murdered, mutilated, and debauched, the grassroots–those who make up the party, who faithfully show up to county meetings, who petition their representatives, who knock doors, who vote Republican–will always stand against abortion and for marriage as God defines it.

“I would be remiss if I did not mention the pitiful response to the proposed new platform from the Pro-Life Establishment. SBA Pro-Life America celebrated the new GOP platform, saying, “The platform allows us to provide the winning message to 10 million voters.” What kind of activist organization watches their cause be completely disregarded by the GOP establishment and responds, "Thank you"? If you do not think your efforts were of much value, at least show some respect to all the fixed-income, pro-life grandparents donating to the cause you ostensibly are fighting for.

“Those steering the RNC appear content to concede to the left on the most important moral issues of our day, but Oklahoma Republicans stand firm for the abolition of abortion. Our platform calls for ‘the abolition of abortion [to] be brought to a full floor vote in the Oklahoma Legislature,’ and ‘a U.S. Constitutional Amendment.”

Senators James Lankford (ROK), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), and every member of the Senate supported passage last week of Lankford and Mullin’s Senate resolution to honor the life, legacy, and memory of Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe, after his passing on July 9. ‘

The Senators were joined by their colleagues to honor Inhofe, Oklahoma’s longest-serving US Senator, and his long career in public service in which he served Oklahomans, fought for our military and veterans, protected our nation’s infrastructure, provided support and recognition to African nations and the humanitarian and strategic defense relationships we share, worked to support aviation, and much more. Lankford led numerous Senate colleagues in remembering Inhofe on the Senate floor last week.

“Senator Inhofe was a remarkable father, husband, brother, friend, mentor, and an accomplished United States Senator with an exemplary record of service to the state of Oklahoma,” said Lankford. “Our resolution cements his legacy into the written history of the Senate to ensure future generations know his many contributions to our state and nation, particularly for our military and veterans. Cindy and I join Senator Inhofe’s family, friends, former staff, and the entire Senate to officially recognize the many debts our state and nation owe to the service of James Mountain Inhofe.”

“Senator Jim Inhofe was a mountain of a man and someone we could all learn from,” said Mullin. “His legacy will be long lasting in Oklahoma and in the halls of Congress. May we always strive to serve our state with the tenacity and values of God and Country that Senator Inhofe held so dear. It’s an honor to join my colleagues in officially recognizing Senator Inhofe’s life of service and his contributions to our great state.”

Senate honors

Inhofe

Inhofe

By Elaine Warner

The wooden derrick stood out against the blue sky. Suddenly there was a rushing sound and liquid blew 100-feet into the air. The wind-carried spray covered the area around the structure. Fortunately, it was just water, but in 1901, it was oil that covered the ground and all the men around it.

Named Spindletop, the gusher continued to spew for nine days, blowing the equivalent of 100,000 barrels of liquid gold a day.

Beaumont, Texas, founded in 1838, had an economy based primarily on agriculture, cattle ranching and lumber. The discovery of a massive oil field changed the future of the town as the population grew rapidly with oil seekers and entrepreneurs.

To get a glimpse of those early days, visit Spindletop Boomtown Museum on the campus of Lamar University. You’ll see 15 replica buildings filled with items from the late 19th and early 20th centuries in a reconstructed oil town, Gladys City. If you’re fortunate (or if you want to pay $50 to fill the water tank) you may see the replica derrick do its gusher imitation.

In complete contrast to the rough, ramshackle buildings in Gladys City, you won’t want to miss the city’s showplace, the McFaddin-Ward House, a 12,800-square-foot mansion built in 1906. In 1907 William Perry Herring McFaddin, grandson of one of the area’s first settlers, and his wife, Ida, purchased the home.

The McFaddin’s daughter Mamie and her husband, Carroll Ward, moved into the family home in 1919. Ida and Mamie delighted in shopping for items to decorate the mansion. After the deaths of her parents and her husband, Mamie continued to live in the house. She made few changes to the décor she and her mother had chosen so furnishings reflect purchases through the ‘50s.

The house was named a Texas Historical Landmark in 1976. Mamie died in 1982, leaving the house to a foundation established to maintain the property. A tour of the house and grounds is definitely worth your while.

Built just a year after the McFaddin-Ward House, the Chambers House, owned by a well-todo lumberman, has been preserved with its 1920’s décor. Unlike the lavish, and updated McFaddinWard House, this is a glimpse of middle-class life in an earlier era.

To travel further back in time, check out the oldest house in Beaumont, the 1845 John Jay French House. One of the first two-story houses, the painted, wooden structure is furnished in pre-Civil War style.

Whatever your interest – from architecture and art to Edison and energy – you’ll find lots to see in one or more of Beaumont’s 19 museums. Other museums include the Fire Museum – you can’t miss the 24-foot-tall, Dalmatian-spotted fire plug –and the tiny museum dedicated to golfer Babe Didrikson Zaharias. With all of these museums, always check the web sites for hours and admissions.

Several of Beaumont’s attractions are out-ofdoors. One of my favorite spots is Cattail Marsh. In a brilliant melding of the city’s water filtration system and a nature preserve, Cattail Marsh’s wetlands provide a birdwatcher’s dream. Between the Central and the Mississippi Flyway, of all the bird species spotted in Texas (596), half have been spotted here.

Very near Cattail Marsh, you’ll find the Beaumont Botanical Gardens, 23 acres of camellias, contemporary and antique roses, bromeliads and native plants. Don’t miss the second-largest conservatory in a Texas public garden.

About a half-hour’s drive takes you to Big Thicket National Preserve, an area of amazing biodiversity. This is nature at its most diverse – an area where Northeast, Southeast and Southwest and Central biomes meet. The 100,000 acre preserve encompasses forest, swamp, desert and plains. So far 1,220 plants have been identified –including a number of carnivorous plants. The wide variety of animal life has given the area the nickname “the American ark.” Although there are roads leading into some parts of the Big Thicket, the best way to see the area is by hiking or pad-

dling the waterways.

Like neighboring Louisiana, this part of Texas has a fair share of alligators. To see lots of them, visit Gator Country. All in all, the collection includes 450 American alligators, crocodiles and other reptiles. Gator Country is more than a tourist attraction – it is an official rescue operation and the only sanctuary for nuisance alligators in the state of Texas. The rock star of the collection is Big Tex, the largest alligator ever caught alive. At 13feet, 11 inches, he’s a whopper.

Beaumont celebrates the arts with an annual Mural Fest, adding more color to the many mural already scattered across town. An architectural tour of the Downtown Historic District showcases examples of architectural excellence from Classic Revival and Art Deco to the Spanish/Renaissance Revival Jefferson Theatre. This restored theater boasts one the few remaining Robert Morgan pipe organs. And then there’s the food. I will never visit Beaumont without stopping at Rao’s Bakery Coffee Cafe– and it has to be the original location on Calder. Much of the interior is vintage 1941. The pastries are phenomenal. And if I get to see the owner, Jake Tortorice, my trip is complete. He’s as busy as a one-armed paper-hanger, but if you can catch him, you’ll learn some fascinating Texas history.

Pine Tree Lodge on Taylor’s Bayou combines great food with great scenery – we watched alligators and turtles swimming below the deck hoping for a dropped French fry or two. I had some spicy shrimp gumbo and half a shrimp po’boy. I love that the shrimp are wild-caught, not farm raised. My last night’s meal was at The Grill, an elegant eatery with superb food and service. I’d already been fed so well that day that I felt like a goose ready to surrender my foie gras. My host and I started with the smoked redfish dip with lump crab and croustades. By the time I’d finished dipping, all I could eat was a salad – an excellent shrimp and avocado dish. Then I bravely tackled the crème brûlée. Ah, what I do for my job.

There are no oil gushers in Beaumont today. But visitors will find much to gush about with a visit to this cool, southeast Texas town.

The imposing Beaux-Arts Colonial McFaddin-Ward House was built in 1906 and was fully wired for electricity and modern plumbing Beaumont, Texas & its rich boom town heritage

At Gator Country, a boa makes a cool fashion statement. This one is named Bonnie, a Dumeril’s Boa.

Jake Tortorice, owner of Rao’s Bakery Coffee Café, offers tasty pastries and other items at several locations in Beaumont.

As opposed to the formal dining room, this is actually the more casual family dining room in the McFaddin-Ward mansion.

Elaine

Shrimp gumbo and half of a po’boy make a tasty lunch at Pine Tree Lodge.

AXIS connects Edmond businesses to success

By Cara Evans

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) Awards lunch was a great way to start the summer for AXIS.

It was fulfilling for me, as I was recognized for my time as chair of the statewide organization. Additionally, two of our incubator clients won awards, and Allison Watkins, founder of our client Watkins Conti Products, was approved as a new board member.

Lindsey Miller, founder of Content Journey – a content creation and digital marketing company –was named Oklahoma Incubator Tenant of the Year for her spinoff company, My Marketing Assistant. Miller has been in the AXIS incubator since 2021 and has co-founded or invested in several startups that are making a difference. This includes Vida Bars – which makes shampoo and conditioner bars for curly hair while focusing on environmental and social impact – and All Counseling, a platform

that connects people to mental health professionals.

Oliver Shafaat, the founder of AXIS client Sci-Lume Labs, placed third in Most Promising New Venture at the OVF awards. Sci-Lume, an innovative company that is working on a biodegradable synthetic clothing fiber, has participated in multiple accelerators now and was recently featured in the International Fiber Journal. It also shared its latest Bylon fiber samples at the Global Fashion Agenda Summit in Copenhagen.

ing the incubator program. These “graduates” include Ninja Technologies, Rivers and Roads, Productive Technologies, ERA Solutions, Dolce Vita ITS, Content Journey, and Critical Fault.

We also celebrated the services and impact that AXIS has in the Francis Tuttle school district and in the Oklahoma startup community. Past clients like Standards IT, which continues to make waves in its field, is an incredible example of how these companies can mature in communities like Edmond.

Additional AXIS client successes include the awarding of research grants, many pitch opportunities, participation in programs like i2E’s E3 and Bridge2, selection as Gener8tor cohort members, and successful capital raises. Perhaps one of the most exciting client successes was the FDA 510(K) clearance of a medical device. Watkins Conti Products’ Yoni Fit Bladder Support is now available to female patients suffering from Stress Urinary Incontinence that are looking for a non-surgical solution. It has been so exciting to see Allison take the national stage and make such a difference in so many women’s lives.

Founders and small businesses interested in utilizing the resources available through AXIS are invited to tour the incubator located on the Francis Tuttle Danforth Campus. It becomes clear while touring the facility that our Danforth Campus was designed to foster innovation, as it is not only the home of AXIS but also hosts spaces for prototyping, brainstorming, collaboration, and education with a focus on entrepreneurship.

The success of AXIS is based on its ability to connect the business community to all of these physical spaces and resources. The connections between industry and the classroom truly facilitate opportunity beyond imagination.

Relationships born through the entrepreneurial ecosystem have lasting impact. AXIS will continue to serve as the connection point that allows startups, small businesses, and business professionals to thrive.

And while these successes certainly demonstrate the value of these ventures and reflect well on AXIS, they also show the value of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Edmond and the OKC metro. Francis Tuttle Technology Center – where AXIS is based – is proud to partner and collaborate with so many resource providers that contribute to client and student success.

It is this combined effort that provided the pathway for 38 companies to launch from the AXIS small business incubator over its 10-year existence. AXIS recently celebrated seven companies complet-

Cara Evans serves as director of AXIS, Francis Tuttle Technology Center's business incubator program.

AXIS is a multi-faceted startup and small-business support system that provides a pathway to success for thriving entrepreneurs.

Pro-lifers

Lankford among those irked by Army’s depiction of groups

Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Ted Budd (R-NC), along with Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) and their colleagues, sent a letter to Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth demanding answers after an anti-terrorism training conducted at Fort Liberty, North Carolina depicted Pro-Life Americans as terrorists.

“We write regarding social media reports that anti-terrorism training conducted at Ft. Liberty, North Carolina depicts Pro-Life Americans as terrorists. Specifically, the slides identify National Right to Life, ‘Choose Life’ license plate holders, and anyone who opposes the Supreme Court’s rightfully overturned decision in Roe v. Wade, which was rightfully overturned by the Supreme Court, as members of terrorist groups. Smearing Pro-Life Americans is despicable and emblematic of the ongoing politicization of the military under the Biden-Harris Administration,” the Members wrote.

“It is no wonder that the Army is struggling to recruit young men and women to join its ranks when it appears the service attacks their values and promotes a woke agenda rather than improving readiness and lethality…The American people deserve to be assured that these slides truly do not reflect the Army’s views, that a full investigation will be conducted, and that any offending employees will be properly held accountable. Finally, we must be assured that similar materials are not being utilized at other installations across the Army,” the Members continued.

Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Barrasso (R-WY), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tom Cotton (RAR), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mike Lee (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Todd Young (R-IN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Eric Schmitt (RMO), Mike Braun (R-IN), Jim Risch (RID), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) also signed the letter.

The letter is supported by Catholic Vote, National Right to Life Committee, Family Research Council, Americans United for Life, Concerned Women for America, Students for Life Action, SBA Pro-Life America,

Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, and ACLJ Action.

As the Senate’s most pro-life member, Lankford has been a leading voice for the protection of life. Lankford led the fight to protect Oklahoma’s health care funding from the Biden Administration’s pro-abortion agenda. He sounded the alarm on a rule that targets funding for pregnancy centers and the Administration’s push to impose an abortion mandate on employers.

(Portion of letter drafted) Dear Secretary Wormuth, We write regarding social media reports that anti-terrorism training conducted at Ft. Liberty, North Carolina depicts Pro-Life Americans as terrorists. Specifically, the slides identify National Right to Life, “Choose Life” license plate holders, and anyone who opposes the Supreme Court’s rightfully overturned decision in Roe v. Wade, which was rightfully overturned by the Supreme Court, as members of terrorist groups. Smearing Pro-Life Americans is despicable and emblematic of the ongoing politicization of the military under the Biden-Harris Administration.

The American public expects the Department of Defense and its personnel to defend the homeland from actual terrorists, not Americans who seek protections for children in the womb. Labeling Pro-Life organizations as threats challenges servicemembers’ moral obligation to defend and protect even the smallest among us. In fact, around half of all Americans identify as Pro-Life. It is no wonder that the Army is struggling to recruit young men and women to join its ranks when it appears the service attacks their values and promotes a woke agenda rather than improving readiness and lethality.

We understand that the anti-terrorism slide was in fact briefed to a group of soldiers as recently as July 10th. What is unclear is how long these slides have been utilized at Ft. Liberty and whether similar briefings have been used at other installations. We also understand from a statement released by Ft. Liberty that these slides were not vetted by appropriate approval authorities.

Cara Evans

Willa White (left) and Dr. Mautra Staley Jones at the dedication of the Oklahoma City Community College Reverend James R. White Recreation Center

Oklahoma City Community College dedicates Rev. James R. White Recreation Center

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) wellness center has been renamed to honor the legacy and memory of former OCCC Regent Jim White.

The Reverend James R. White Recreation Center was dedicated at a July 9 ceremony attended by White's family and friends, along with current OCCC regents, faculty, staff and students.

White, an OCCC regent from 2005-22, regularly frequented the college's wellness center for early morning workouts with his wife, Willa.

"Regent White and Mrs. White were known as champions for education and wellness," said Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, president of OCCC. "The Whites regularly worked out on campus together. We are excited for this opportunity to emphasize Regent White's contributions to our campus community."

A Capitol Hill High School track athlete his senior year, White was a state champion who earned an athletic scholarship to Oklahoma Baptist University, where he was a four-year letterman.

In 2013, he was inducted into the Capitol Hill High School Athletic and Activities Hall of Fame.

After serving at several Oklahoma churches, White was called in 1973 to pastor Capitol Hill Baptist Church,

where he stayed for 31 years. After his retirement in 2005, he assisted nine different churches as interim pastor while they searched for permanent ones.

"It was a privilege to serve OCCC with Rev. Jim White on the Board of Regents," said David Echols, OCCC Board of Regents chair. "His dedication to the college and commitment to the campus community is commendable. It is an honor to preserve his legacy by naming the wellness center after him."

The Board of Regents is the governing board for Oklahoma City Community College. Members are appointed by the governor of Oklahoma for a seven-year term or as designated. Current members of the OCCC Board of Regents include David Echols (chair), Jalal Farzaneh (vice chair), Christie Burgin (secretary), Ana Garcia, Mandy Hinkle, Larry Wayne Houk Jr., and Dominic Williams.

Relatives and well wishers on hand for the dedication last week.

Review of ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel

F’

Part of old Murphy charm seen in sequel

By George Gust

In “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) returns to Beverly Hills after his daughter's (Taylour Paige) life is threatened, and works with old pals John Taggart (John Ashton) and Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) to uncover a conspiracy.

In recent years there’s been seemingly no end to the nostalgia train, whether it be movies or TV there’s almost an instantaneous temptation for filmmakers and studios to cash in on a sure thing “remember this?!” kind of movie. The best of these both critically and commercially was “Top Gun: Maverick” which was able to incorporate the elements we loved from the first and weave in just enough new characters and story beats to keep us excited. And while “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” didn’t reach the excitement and spectacle of “Maverick” it does manage to capture the 80s filmmaking style and a glimpse of the old Murphy charm.

“Axel F” features plenty of the cheap ‘remember this?’ moments like several musical callbacks to the first two movies (the third movie is practically ignored as the weakest entry) and familiar story beats. However it’s this homage to 80s action filmmaking that gives the film a fun energy. The grittier cinematography and color pallet help this movie stand

Answers on Page 19

out from other Netflix exclusive releases that appear to be created to be viewed on your smartphone. The action is thankfully street level low stakes and utilizes that 80s/90s style where the car chase that runs through a busy side walk, and instead of choppy modern editing you get shots of the bystander stunt people jumping out of the way and landing in a fountain or spilling the tray of lunch dishes in the sidewalk cafe.

Murphy is no stranger to these 40 years later nostalgia streaming releases with the recent “Coming 2 America.” And while his performance in that movie felt more paycheck driven, his performance in “Axel F” is clearly more engaged and entertaining. He’s able to bring out the loud and confident character,

while still adding in the element that he’s getting too old for this. He has decent chemistry with his daughter co-star Paige, but the way in which the story progresses takes the wind out of the momentum they were building. And in this 80s pastiche the supporting roles all have their own flavor. Even characters who only get one scene like Luis Guzman as a karaoke singing gangster all bring an interesting energy to their quick scenes.

Overall, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” is a much better legacy sequel than you might have imagined the straight to Netflix production could have been. Murphy and the original cast feel like they’re from the same timeline as the original film which isn’t a lock with these kinds of years later sequels. The movie does end up feeling overstuffed at over 2 hours and the pace dragged a bit towards the end as a result. For fans of the original series, “Axel F” delivers the nostalgia kick in a way that shows the filmmakers had love for what made the original movies such 80s/90s action comedy classics of cable television.

“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” is rated R for language throughout, violence and brief drug use.

3.9 out of 5 stars

(Contact George Gust for comment at gust.george@gmail.com)

Exhibit covers 75 yrs. of TV

A new exhibit, “75 Years of Television in Oklahoma,” opens on Thursday, July 25, at the Oklahoma History Center Museum in Oklahoma City. The exhibit will feature images showcasing WKY-TV, Oklahoma’s first television station.

E.K. Gaylord submitted a permit application in 1948. Two months later, he was granted the first station in Oklahoma. WKY-TV went on the air for the first time on June 6, 1949. At the time, television was a new medium, touted as a “modern miracle” by The Daily Oklahoman.

As Oklahoma began the new venture, the invention of television became a real turning point in American culture, effectively improving the economy and creating a paradigm shift in how people experienced entertainment and shared information.

When television was in its infancy in the state, programming sometimes ended at 7 p.m. due to the limited programming. The new trend brought entertainSee TV, Page 15

Eddie Murphy is back as Axel Foley in the fourth installment of the Beverly Hills Cop movies.

Benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Dream Home now open to tour

The 2024 Oklahoma City St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway house will be showcased during a free open house hosted by Shaw Homes and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Located in The Preserve at Covell Vally in Edmond, 2333 Ridge Pine Road, Shaw Homes constructed the beautiful home that features an estimated 2,900 square feet and an estimated value of $565,000. The house has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and large kitchen/great room with cathedral ceilings.

After previewing the house to see its custom designs, guests can reserve a $100 ticket for a chance to win the home and register FREE to win a $5,000 Mathis Home shopping spree.

Proceeds from the 2024 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway ticket sales will help ensure that families never

TV

ment to life in people’s living rooms with moving pictures. Singers, entertainers, and performances were suddenly brought to life on the small screen that could only previously be seen in an auditorium or heard on the radio.

Technicians, engineers, programmers, writers, art directors, and costume designers collaborated to popularize locally generated personalities of the 1950s and 60s, such as Foreman Scotty, 3-D Danny, The Tom Paxton Show, the Bud Wilkinson Football show and many other local favorites.

The public is invited to a free reception to celebrate the exhibit’s opening on Thursday, July 25, from

receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all they should worry about is helping their child live.

The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway has become one of the largest single-event fundraisers for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital nationwide.

To date, 540 houses have been given away and the program has raised more than $550 million for St. Jude. Because a majority of St. Jude funding comes from individual contributors through programs like this, St. Jude has the freedom to focus on what matters most – saving kids regardless of their financial situation.

Open for tours every Saturday 9 am -5 pm and Sunday noon- 5 pm through August 18.

For more information, call 1-800592.1596 or visit dreamhome.org.

From Page 14

5-7 p.m. No RSVP is needed. Light refreshments will be served. Gene Allen, author of “The Vision and the Dream: WKY-TV Comes to Oklahoma,” will be in attendance to sign copies of his book, which will also be available for purchase from the Museum Store. The new exhibit will be the only one open for viewing during the event.

The Oklahoma History Center Museum is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Please call 405-522-0765 or visit www.okhistory.org/historycenter for admission costs and group rates.

This is the St. Jude Dream Home at 2333 Ridge Pine Road. Open Tours of the home are offered on the weekend. A chance to win this home is available for $100. The home benefits the work done at St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Regular eye exams touted

Having good vision is a must for schoolchildren. One state medical group is recommending regular tests for students before they enter school in the fall.

Good vision linked to classroom success

The Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians (OAOP) is reminding parents that good vision is critical for many classroom tasksfrom reading books or seeing a whiteboard to viewing a computer screen. Without healthy vision, students can face unnecessary challenges not only in the classroom, but also to their mental, physical, social and emotional well being.

A comprehensive eye examination for students is one of the most important “to-dos” as children head back to school, and yet it is often overlooked. Without an eye exam, many children will suffer from undetected vision problems, and some may even be misdiagnosed as having a learning disorder.

“Millions of school children in America have vision conditions that can negatively affect learning,” said OAOP President Jeff Edwards, OD. “Many parents rely on vision screenings in school to check for eye problems, but that isn’t enough. Comprehensive eye exams are necessary to detect problems that a simple screening can miss, such as eye coordination, moderate amounts of farsightedness and astigmatism.”

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), vision screenings are not diagnostic, and therefore, typically identify only a small portion of the vision problems in children. During a comprehensive eye exam, a doctor of optometry will also check not just the child’s visual acuity, but how well the eyes work together as a team, focusing ability, visual alignment, eye tracking skills, and color vision, as well as the over-

all health of the eyes.

The AOA recommends the following schedule for eye examinations for children:

Infants should receive a comprehensive baseline eye exam between the ages of 6 and 12 months, immediately after the critical period when the eye undergoes rapid and profound changes and is therefore most vulnerable to interference with normal development;

Preschoolers should receive at least one in-person, comprehensive eye exam between the ages of 3 and 5 to prevent or diagnose any condition that may have long-term effects;

School-aged children (6 to 18 years) should receive a comprehensive exam prior to entering the first grade and annually thereafter.

Dr. Edwards, who owns Vision Source of Hugo as well as serving as OAOP President, says he regularly reminds local parents to make a comprehensive vision exam part of their “back-to-school checklist.”

“Early detection and treatment provide the very best opportunity to treat and correct vision problems to help children see clearly,” said Dr. Edwards. “The longer a vision problem goes undiagnosed and untreated, the more a child's brain has to overcompensate to live with the vision problem, instead of developing and learning normally.”

About OAOP

The Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians exists to to lead optometric physicians through education and opportunities to improve vision, eye care, and health care.

County assessor releases the numbers

Since 2000, home values have tripled

By Richard Mize Okahoman.com

It's no secret that home prices are up way up but crunching the numbers over time shows how shockingly high they've gone, especially during the past few years with relatively low supplies of houses on the market.

They've more than tripled in value since 2000, from an average of $74,715 to an average of $264,844 in 2023, an increase of 254% Oklahoma County Assessor Larry Stein reported last week.

Oklahoma County home value increase slows

Rising home values have been kicking up inflation. Stein said that in Oklahoma County, home values:

Increased 6.8% this year, from $247,990 to $264,844.

Increased 16.55% in 2023, from $212,755 to $247,990.

Increased 14% in 2022, from $186,861 to $212,755.

Home sale prices are higher than the county assessor's estimated values

The assessor tracks estimated market values, not actual prices paid for

homes, which are higher because most are newer than the housing stock as a whole. According to the Oklahoma City Metro Association of Realtors, sale price increases are moderating:

The average sale price in May, the most recent statistics available, was $326,184, up 1.6% from a year ago, and up 3.9% from April, the Realtors reported.

The median price, considered a better gauge because it ignores extremes, was $285,000, up 2.5% from a year ago, and up 3.6% from April, according to the Realtors.

“Higher home prices appear to be leveling off for those ‘average priced’ homes," Stein said, but, "the combination of a reduced supply of homes for sale under $200,000 and higher interest rates are making it more difficult for those first-time home buyers."

Changes in Oklahoma County

Median

home value 2000: $59,900; $74,715

$63,100; $80,147

$64,021; $82,825

$76,666; $97,695

$102,718; $133,600

$106,639; $138,041

$111,734; $149,523

$117,500; $157,301

$123,000; $163,234

$124,000; $162,269

$133,000; $171,671

$148,000; $186,861

Watching mortgage rates closely while house hunting

If you’re hesitant to buy a home right now due to high interest rates, you can use this time to learn how interest rates work, and to take steps to secure a lower interest rate when you are ready to buy.

Defining Mortgage Rates

A mortgage rate is the interest rate you pay on the money you borrow to buy your house, and a lower rate increases your purchasing power. Even a

small difference in your interest rate can make a big difference in your payments over the life of your loan. That’s why it’s important to watch mortgage rates closely when house hunting.

Lenders set a mortgage rate for each individual based on several factors, including current market rates and individual credit history. You can determine how much your monthly payments would be at different rates using Freddie Mac’s Fixed-Rate Mortgage Calculator at

Oklahoma CareerTech receives renewed accreditation approval

Oklahoma CareerTech recently received renewed recognition as the agency responsible for approving public postsecondary vocational education in Oklahoma.

The approval came from the U.S. Department of Education and allows the Oklahoma State Board of Career and Technology Education to continue to be the accrediting body for Oklahoma’s technology centers.

“The Oklahoma CareerTech board accredits the tech centers to ensure that they are compliant with federal and state laws and regulations, committed to continuous improvement and contributing to a world-class workforce,” said Jessica Ventris, Oklahoma CareerTech director of academic affairs. “The process assesses the quality of programs and services offered.”

The renewed recognition comes at the end of a two-year process during which Oklahoma CareerTech worked with the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity. The state agency submitted examples of everything it

does to accredit schools, and a NACIQI representative attended an accreditation visit and watched an Oklahoma State Board of Career and Technology Education meeting.

NACIQI recommended approval to the U.S. Education Department.

Each technology center in the Oklahoma CareerTech system undergoes the accreditation process every five years. The process starts with the tech center conducting a self-assessment and includes site visits and interviews from an accreditation team composed of trained examiners from the agency and other tech centers.

Each accreditation report is presented to the CareerTech board with a recommendation from the Oklahoma CareerTech’s accreditation division.

After board approval, each tech center submits a plan for improvements based on the report.

For more information about Oklahoma CareerTech’s accreditation division, visit https://oklahoma.gov/careertech/technology-c enters/accreditation.html.

No tuition raise at OCCC

Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) tuition will remain the same for the seventh consecutive year.

OCCC is one of the lowest-cost institutions for higher education in the state at $135.29 per credit hour for in-state tuition and fees ($100.84 tuition, $34.45 mandatory fees).

"Oklahoma City Community College is keeping tuition rates the same for the seventh consecutive year," said Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, president of OCCC. "Affordability is a priority for OCCC. While we are the most cost-effective institution in the state, affordability still remains a challenge for many of our students. We aim to remove barriers to educa-

tion so anyone who desires to attain a degree can achieve that dream."

OCCC serves more than 18,000 students in credit-earning courses and another 5,000 in non-credit-earning programs annually.

The college is the state's largest provider of micro-credentials, offering nearly 60 options and awarding more than 13,300 to individuals in the last year.

OCCC is an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Through a partnership with the Mexican Consulate in Oklahoma City, OCCC operates an Educational Guidance Window (Ventanilla de Orientación Educativa) within the Consulate, which welcomes over 200 daily visitors.

myhome.freddiemac.com/resources/calculators/fix ed-rate-mortgages.

Improving Your Loan Application

Boosting your credit score is one of the best ways to improve your chances of qualifying for a loan and lowering the interest rate you are offered. Some proactive steps you can take to build and maintain your credit include: (See Ratees Page 18)

Larry Stein

Mortgage

• Making payments on time.

• Using as little of your credit limit as possible.

• Paying the full amount due, or at least more than the minimum amount due, on your credit cards.

• Opening and maintaining credit accounts in your own name.

• Keeping only a few credit cards or credit accounts open.

• Paying down debts.

• Reviewing your credit reports annually.

• Disputing inaccuracies in your credit report.

• Trying to have credit inquiries made strategically within a limited time period when comparison shopping for mortgages and loans.

Lenders will also look at your debtto-income (DTI) ratio when making a decision about your loan application, as it is an important marker of your overall financial health. As a guideline, your monthly debt-to-income ratio should be 33% to 36% or less. Representing how much of your monthly income you are using to pay your debt, this handy calculator can

help you determine your DTI: myhome.freddiemac.com/resources/calculators/debt-to-income-ratio-calculat or. To learn more about smart credit management, use Freddie Mac’s CreditSmart online courses found at creditsmart.freddiemac.com.

Shopping Around In addition to improving your credit and reducing your DTI, you can also potentially get a lower interest rate and avoid certain lender fees by shopping around. Freddie Mac research shows that similar borrowers may receive notably different rates based on the lender, and that homebuyers can potentially save $600 to $1,200 annually by applying for mortgages from multiple lenders. It’s generally a good idea to get three to five quotes. During this process, you can use this Mortgage Worksheet to identify the best lender and mortgage option for you: myhome.freddiemac.com/resources/mortgage-co mparison.

From StatePoint News

Hi and Lois

Shoe

Zits

Family Circus

Beetle Baily

Blondie

Hägar the Horrible

Pay doubled for precinct officials

A bill passed in 2023 to increase precinct official pay went into effect July 1 – doubling the pay precinct officials receive for a workday. State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said he is confident the increase in pay will support recruitment efforts across the state.

“Precinct officials are vital to the success of elections. We are extremely grateful to our state leaders for passing legislation that not only shows our current poll workers how much we appreciate them – but also supports recruitment and retention efforts across the state,” Ziriax said.

State law requires each precinct to have a minimum of three precinct officials – an inspector, judge, and clerk. On July 1, inspector pay increased from $110 a day to $225 a day. Pay for judges and clerks increased from $100 a day to $200 a day.

No experience is necessary to serve as a precinct official, but you must be willing and able to work long hours and have reliable transportation. You must also work in the county where you are registered to vote. Training is mandatory and will be provided.

Voters interested in serving as a precinct official should contact their county election board directly for more information. General information about becoming a poll worker is available on the State Election Board website.

City Rescue Mission gets grant

City Rescue Mission is pleased to announce it has received a two–year grant of $1,034,903 from the Arnall Community Fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and its Criminal Justice Re-

Local briefs

form grant program. The grant will fund the Hope Lives Here Housing Program.

Erin Goodin, President and CEO of City Rescue Mission, said, "The Arnall Community Fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation grant is a critical lifeline for City Rescue Mission and the community we serve. This vital support enhances our rapid re-housing program, which is specifically designed to assist individuals with criminal justice involvement. By addressing the unique barriers, they face in securing stable housing, we can provide essential resources and support to help them transition from homelessness to stability. We are profoundly grateful for the Foundation's partner-

ship in our mission to end homelessness and empower these individuals to rebuild their lives."

City Rescue Mission’s rapid re-housing program is designed to quickly move individuals and families, especially those with criminal justice involvement, from homelessness to stable housing. By addressing barriers such as prior criminal histories and financial instability, the program helps participants secure and maintain stable housing. Participants also achieve greater self-sufficiency, demonstrating their ability to manage finances, access community resources, and maintain housing independently. This program exemplifies our commitment to providing sustainable solutions to homelessness and fostering long-term stability for those we serve.