In This Issue
A look at state funding See page 17
One last look at Images 2024
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10
SATURDAY, JANUARY 11
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12
Before we forget all about the holidays, we thought it might be nice to take one last look at 2024. In the last edition, we had a few photos, which chronicled some of the happenings around town.This week we again look at the news, including the arrival of Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park and the addition of new lawmaker Erick Harris in district 39. Happy New Year and farewell 2024!
From the Publisher
EPS superintendent to retire
Parents received an email from Edmond Public Schools Superintendent, Angela Grunewald, last week announcing her retirement. We are devastated by this news in that she has been a great asset to our school system and had to fill some big shoes. Below is the letter that was sent to us:
Edmond Families,
As we prepare to return to school next week, I am writing today to share some personal news. After deep, personal reflection over Winter Break, I have decided to retire at the end of this school year.
I love this district, and our students and staff members deeply. I have enjoyed my 17 years in Edmond immensely. My love and devotion for our district has fueled my desire to lead EPS. Serving as your superintendent has been the highlight of my career. I continue to have so many dreams for this district to help us better serve students. I have no doubt that many of those dreams will come to fruition, just under the next leader.
The Edmond School Board will begin their superintendent search immediately. I’m confident that a leader equally or even more passionate about education and Edmond Schools will be found. EPS has a strong, dedicated district leadership team and the site administrators who are in place. This district will be in good hands.
I cannot wait to see our students back in the classroom next Tuesday, and I look forward to the second semester. It has been my pleasure and honor to serve as the Superintendent of Edmond Public Schools.
Thank you all for your continued support and partnership.
Angela
Grunewald,
Ed.D. Superintendent
While this is sad news for many of us, it is easy to understand her decision to retire. Many of us consider our lives and what retirement might bring in the way of personal fulfillment. Grunewald has put in many years of devotion to school children coming from her passion for this mission. As with our teachers, she certainly did not do it for the money. It is a tough job, and we appreciate her service to our children.
My editor, Steve Gust, and I have often discussed what a CEO of a company the size and impact of a school system would be compensated compared to a superintendent of a school system. Or even a city manager with a corporation the size of the City of Edmond. A corporate CEO with that much responsibility would be paid in millions of dollars. If a company that size had all the success and awards that EPS has received over the years it would warrant big bonuses for the top leadership.
Edmond schools have had an extensive line of successful and incredibly qualified superintendents. They took on this challenging task because
of their love for the students and not because of the high pay. While they could have sold their skill set to the highest bidder in the corporate world, they instead stayed with our kids and made it all about the students.
We will have more in later issues as Grunewald gets closer to retirement but thank you Superintendent for your hard work and love of education. We wish you much happiness in your retirement.
Scottsdale makes for a great short vacation Lisa and I just returned from Scottsdale, Arizona. We are invited each year to a New Year’s Eve party by some friends of ours that now live there. We cannot make it every year but decided to attend this year. In addition to it being a great party, we love the community. It was so warm with highs either 72 or 73 degrees every day. We did pool time folks, and it was a terrific warm weather break after Christmas.
I have always liked Scottsdale as a getaway. It is close and easy to get to with warm weather. Summer is hot and our friends move to the mountains when it arrives, but they certainly enjoy some beautiful weather in the cold months here. With the weather turning into the teens, I want to get on a plane to go back.
American has easy flights and some nonstop flights to Scottsdale. Southwest airlines also runs regular routes to this sunny paradise. Scottsdale is a desert city in Arizona east of the state capital Phoenix. It is known for its spa resorts and golf courses, including TPC Scottsdale. Farther north, trails wind through McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a desertscape of hills, rock formations and cacti. Nearby is Taliesin West, architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s former home and studio which we have toured. Downtown's Old Town Scottsdale has 1920s buildings and 19th-century olive trees.
We usually stay at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa Montelucia and this time was no exception. There are much more expensive and some less expensive places that you can stay but this one fits the budget but is extremely nice. The staff is wonderful. The Omni training process must be extensive. Helpful and always greeting you with a smile is how I would describe them. They have three excellent restaurants along with some very different room choices. We stay in a regular room, but they have villas with private pools and more. It is such a great outdoor experience in Scottsdale that we are not in our room much. The reasons we go is first to see all our friends but secondly to be outside and not in the room. I guess the private pool would be nice, but we are pretty social and do not mind sharing one of their two pools. They have one that is just for adults, and you can get your tiki drinks there as well.
Frank’s Italian restaurant is a favorite but happened to be closed on the days we had open and were not with friends. It has a great history of ownership but is still owned and operated by the original family. The food is fantastic. We opted instead for Dominick’s Steakhouse on our open night. It was great as well and a favorite of ours. The upstairs dining has a pool in the middle of the room. I know there is a history to it,
but I could not find anyone who knew it. It is not deep enough to swim in, and it is too big to be a fountain. My guess is that a guest or two has managed to fall in when alcohol might have been involved. All good on the night we were there.
We did find a new place for us that is worth a try if you visit Scottsdale. We went to a place called LON’s at the Hermosa Inn up in the mountains that surround the town. Being a beautiful day, we enjoyed the patio outside. The food was incredible. The inn where it is located interested us and they were glad to show us around. We may be staying there next time we like it so much.
The only thing that went wrong was the bird that dropped a small load on top of my head. Thank goodness it was a tiny bird, but I did go back to the Omni and shower, again. Lisa, who could not stop laughing, got a great photo of it for me to share with my family. I was worried that it might be a sign of bad luck for the new year but my brother, Professor Hibbard, told me that somewhere in the world there was a tribe of people that considered it good luck. I hope he is right.
(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure, may be reached at
Ray Hibbard
Grunewald
A view from the Omni Scottsdale Resort. Scotts-
weather getaway
$1 million grant to OMRF will study muscle loss
A new five-year National Institutes of Health grant will help an Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist study muscle loss. With the $1,017,000 grant, Jordan Fuqua, Ph.D., hopes to better understand the normal muscle loss that occurs with aging and the accelerated atrophy that follows hospitalization or prolonged bedrest in older people.
Ultimately, he hopes to find new therapeutic treatments to delay these conditions.
Fuqua received a Pathway to Independence Award, which supports promising early career researchers. It provides $234,000 for a two-year mentored phase at OMRF, followed by $783,000 for three additional years once Fuqua establishes an independent lab.
By our 50s, most of us have begun losing muscle mass. This biological process, called sarcopenia, typically becomes more pronounced in our 60s.
It can be delayed through strength training and other exercise, but no one escapes it. Over time, sarcopenia increases frailty in older people. Prolonged disuse, often the result of bedrest, magni-
fies the effects.
Interestingly, the lab in which Fuqua works at OMRF discovered that proteins are actually produced at a higher rate in older muscles than in younger muscles.
“These discoveries and others lead us to think some of those extra proteins being produced are becoming dysfunctional,” said Fuqua, who has trained in the lab of OMRF’s Benjamin Miller, Ph.D. “So, our focus has shifted from trying to produce more proteins to preserving the existing ones.”
In studies involving aging, inactive mice, Fuqua will test a theory involving a molecule called TFEB, which plays a critical role in preserving protein health in skeletal muscle. He hopes to show that increasing TFEB activity helps maintain muscle function in these mice.
“TFEB controls a process that is a like a garbage disposal for getting rid of damaged proteins,” Miller said.
“By getting rid of the damaged proteins, we hope that this cleans the slate for making new proteins that aid muscle recovery.”
The grant, No. 1K99AG08652401A1, was awarded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the NIH
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Jordan Fuqua, Ph.D.
Images of 2024
Early in 2024, the Oklahoma House of Representatives swore in a new Edmond lawmaker in 2024. Erick Harris took the oath of office at the State Capitol. Harris represents District 39. Witnessing the event was his wife, Melissa.
Road work starts in downtown
Work on the $1.85 million Broadway-Downtown ADA/Traffic Signal Improvement Project begins this week, when traffic for two blocks along Broadway will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
To accommodate work at the Hurd Street intersection, northbound lanes – beginning just south of Main Street and extending to just south of Campbell Street – will be closed. Southbound lanes along that same stretch will be converted into two-way traffic so that traffic in both directions can be accommodated.
This closure is expected to be in place until work is completed the second week of February, with cooperative weather.
This is the first in six intersection and sidewalk improvements that will create wider, safer curb ramps, put in place more prominent crosswalk markings, replace existing traffic signal cabinets and provide new audible pedestrian push buttons. The intersections scheduled for improvements include First Street, Main Street, Hurd Street, Campbell Street, Edwards Street and Ayers Street.
Work will take place one intersection at a time and construction will not close traffic on cross streets. Traffic signal work will occur only on Sundays, and project work will be scheduled so it will not impact planned events like Heard on Hurd or the Arts Festival.
The project was approved by City Council in September 2024 and will be paid for by funds awarded through the American Rescue Plan Act.
Baha’is marking World Religion Day on
Jan. 19
Edmond Baha’is invite community to join in Jan. 19 World Religion Day event, series of interfaith presentations
Edmond Baha’i Faith invites the public to several upcoming events centered around the annual observance of World Religion Day.
World Religion Day was initiated by the Baha’i Faith community in 1950 and serves as a platform for people of various faiths to come together, learn about one another’s beliefs and foster mutual respect and understanding. This celebration will be at 11 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Edmond Baha’i Center, 321 E. Campbell Dr., in downtown Edmond. It will feature interfaith prayers, readings and music led by Baha’i youth. A breakfast will be offered at 10 a.m. Jan. 19 prior to the program.
Additionally, the Edmond Baha’i Faith has invited a series of guest speakers from across the Oklahoma City metro interfaith community to present during its weekly 11 a.m. Sunday program in January and February. Each guest speaker will speak about their faith as part of a two-month effort to open more interfaith dialogue in the community. Speakers will represent various religions such as Sikhism, Latter Day Saints, Buddhism, Native American views on religion and more. Check @edmondbahaifaith on Facebook for each week’s featured program.
All events are open to the public; however, no donations are accepted. Additional information: Baha’is view the world's major religions as part of a single, progressive process through which God reveals His will to humanity. Other major Baha’i tenets include the oneness of humanity, equality of men and women, eradication of prejudice, harmony of science and religion and universal education. To learn more about the Baha’i Faith in America, visit www.bahai.us. For more information about Edmond Baha’i Faith, please call the Edmond Baha’i Center at 405-348-9992 or email edmond@edmondbahai.org.
Picky about potatoes? Then discover the real spud dud
By Carol Smaglinski
In the middle of the night, the new bride, not known especially for her skills in the kitchen, tries to wake her husband up by whispering that she thinks there could be an intruder in their kitchen eating the leftovers from dinner.
“Go back to sleep,” he says. “I’ll call the undertaker in the morning.”
Moods will melt quickly if the Meat and Potato man offers to help out and might slow-bake, boil or microwave a sweet potato.
But are sweet potatoes really the same as yams?
Nope, no cousins or no kinship! They are both separate root plants. The sweet potato, the ubiquitous vegetable of the South, is the root of the morning glory and technically is not even a potato.
Higher in starch, sugar and more nutritious than a while potato, the sweet potato is native to Peru and was cultivated before the time of the Incas. Its sweetness is intensified by slow cooking. Deep piercing before cooking also helps, if you are baking them.
Surprisingly, they are very popular in China where in winter months, my late husband there on business, saw vendors selling roasted sweet potatoes as snacks on streets. The sweet potato is also loved in Japan and Africa.
A Thanksgiving dinner here minus a sweet potato casserole with marshmallows melted on top would keep guests guessing as to its whereabouts. After being picked, sweet potatoes are put through a curing process, which keeps them from spoiling during transportation to our supermarkets. Before that, they are placed in a high humidity-high heat environment for about seven days.
In general, with sweet potatoes, the darker the skin, the sweeter the potato and it will contain more moisture. They are fairly perishable, so keep them out of the refrigerator. Under correct conditions, they could last for 3 to 4 weeks.
Yams are tubers with a bark-like skin, a starchy edible root that grows beneath the soil at the heart of a tropical vine.
They are a diet staple of tropical countries and at one time could only be found in Latin American markets, but now are popping up in local supermarkets. Yams can grow up to 100 lbs. each and can stretch out about 8 ft. long. Their “jackets” are dark rose brown.
Unfortunately, they are not usually as sweet as the orange root and not as nutritious. Americans eat more potatoes than any other vegetable, with tomatoes coming in second. But most potatoes are processed into french fries.
Rumors tell us that years ago potatoes were ignored by people because they were not mentioned in the Bible, or thought to be poisonous, or aphrodisiacal.
Here’s a quick and easy recipe and you can sprinkle about ⅔ cup of Gruyere or Swiss cheese at the very end.
Sweet Potato and Russet Potato
Gratin
1 tsp. olive oil to grease a 13-by-9inch pan
3 medium-sized Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
3 small sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
Heat oven to 450 degrees.
Layer the sliced potatoes, overlapping them slightly, creating a pattern of alternate rows of sweet and white potatoes, seasoning each layer.
Heat the milk and cream in a small pan and bring to a boil, which will stop the cream from curdling later.
Pour mixture over potatoes and sprinkle on the garlic and nutmeg. Bake for 35-40 minutes until they are browned. Penetrate with the tip of a knife and check for doneness. If the cream is boiling too hard, turn the heat down by 50 degrees. Cut into squares and serve immediately.
(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.)
Dec. 16
Patrick Lloyd Akerman, 42 of Edmond. Purchase, procure or possess obscene material. (Felony) publication, distribution or participation of obscene material or child pornography – unsolicited mailings.
Maximus Alexander Arnold, 23 of Edmond. Felony warrant.
Scott A. Lacks, 56 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
Dayshanara Lochelle Rayvon Weatherton, 22 of Oklahoma City. Failure to appear and non-assault resisting officer.
Say’on Amari Reeves, 22 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
Kenneth Lee Server, 39 of Tulsa. Three felony warrants and a misdemeanor warrant.
Dec. 17
Jason Bryan Santiago, 41 of Jones. Failure to appear.
Daniyar Zhumabayev, 27 of Oklahoma City. Engage/solicit prostitution.
Oskar Kinat, 32 of Edmond. Shoplifting – petit larceny.
Dec. 18
Andrew Ian Lynch, 31 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Dec. 19
Eugino Jose Sunico Lizcano, 41 of Edmond. Shoplifting – petit larceny.
Brianna Ashton Wiley, 30 of Edmond. Driving without proper/valid driver’s license.
Morgan Harley Glenn II, 41 of Oklahoma City. Three felony warrants.
Dec. 20
Connie Mae Littlejohn, 33 of Oklahoma City. Shoplifting – petit larceny.
Stephanie Jade Crawford, 48 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
John Wesley Prince III, 41 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
Dec. 21
John Wesley Woodfin, 45 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.
Zachary Thomas Larimore, 27 of Edmond. Domestic abuse with a prior pattern of physical abuse.
Kevin James Schrimsher, 40 of Luther. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked and
felony DUI/APC.
Jessy Daltyn Yeaquo, 31 of Crescent. Shoplifting – petit larceny. ‘
Thomas David Wilkins, 60 of Oklahoma City. Shoplifting – petit larceny.
Dec. 21
Thomas Dale Ingram, 40 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
Dec. 22
Zachary Spencer Matthews, 26 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Jordyn Alese Johnson, 21 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Denver Lynn Williams, 45 homeless. Indecent exposure.
Deceveon Maurice Brice, 22 of Edmond. Larceny from building – grand larceny - over $1,000.
Mohammed Imad Alkalani, 26 of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear.
Michael Brandon Goff, 51 of Oklahoma City. (Misdemeanor) possession of a debit card, destroying evidence, possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.
Stephan Pokun, 51 of Aurora, Colo. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Dec. 23
Auston Wayne Claborn, 33 of Ada. Operatee (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Christopher Eugene Taylor, 50 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant and possess CDS.
Dec. 24
Mary Elizabeth Lenzi Colbert, 41 of Edmond. Shoplifting – petit larceny.
Bryant Oneal Warner, 52 homeless. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession marijuana and four counts of failure to appear.
Lydia Opal Justis, 41 homeless. Possession of drug paraphernalia, non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.
Jason Clay Paulk, 40 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Dec. 25
Colton Stone Jones, 21 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.
Joshua Wayne Pace, 50 homeless. Public intoxication.
David Jason Pemberton, 36 homeless. Public intoxication.
James Roscoe Swing, 33 of Oklahoma City. Two counts of failure to appear.
Grant Antonio Holiday, 43 of Oklahoma City. Stop sign violation, no proof of insurance, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or
revoked and failure to appear.
Sean Wesley Edwards, 40 of Oklahoma City. Failure to appear.
Dec. 26
Edward Ahad Marand, 69 of Edmond. Felony warrant.
Edgerrin Lee McGee, 19 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer.
Joseph-Edward Rendon Basurto, 28 of Norman. Operate (DUI or APC ) a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
Dec. 27
Steven Lee Lamer, 48 of Edmond. Expired tag – over three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Raven Lashae Bridgewater, 27 of Edmond. (Felony) Publication, possession or distribution of obscene material or child pornography – unsolicited mailings and purchase, procure or possession of obscene material.
Joe Torres, 65 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.
Nichole Renee Montoya, 54 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.
Chelsea Marie Jackson, 28 of Edmond. Disorderly conduct and public intoxication.
Chelsea Renae McPheeters, 29 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.
Dec. 28
Adrian Jerron Hinds, 33 homeless. Possess firearm after felony conviction and a misdemeanor warrant.
Erin Elizabeth Stevens, 41 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.
Star Monique Howard, 30 homeless. Public intoxication.
Jason Lee Stanford, 37 of Edmond. Shoplifting – petit larceny.
Curtis Blake Collins, 56 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Christopher Alan Rogers, 46 of Edmond. Four counts of failure to appear.
Danielle Renee Jones, 38 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Dec. 29
Anat Wonda, 29 of Oklahoma City. Operating (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Eulalio Balenton, 50 homeless. Possession of marijauna and public intoxication.
Judianne Mae L. de Vera, 34 of Edmond. Shoplifting - petit larceny.
Cedric Dewayne Caldwell, 45 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant.
Shiloh Wayne Haddock, 27 homeless. Nine counts of failure to appear.
Remember DO NOT DRINK & DRIVE
Weekend Calendar of events Jan. 9-12
Weekend Calendar of Events Jan. 9-12
---- In the Gallery
---- Indoor Edmond Farmer’s Market
---- Board Game Night
---- Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered
---- Edmond Ice Rink
---- Devon Ice Rink
---- Downtown in December
---- Karaoke Thursdays
---- Acoustic Nights
---- Beer + Yoga
---- UCO Jazz Lab
---- Celtic Throne II – Psalter of Ireland
---- Cattlemen’s Congress
---- Oklahoma City Boat & RV Show
---- Oklahoma High Performance Racing Auction Trade Show & Swap Meet
---- OKC Philharmonic presents: Dichter Plays Grieg
Extra Information
In the Gallery
Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute
Extra Info: Gallery is open Mon – Thu; 9 a.m. –5 p.m.; Free; Featuring local artists Natalie Biggs and Eric Lyons; edmondfinearts.com
Indoor Edmond Farmer’s Market
Location: Festival Market Place and Farmers Market
Extra Info: Sat, Nov 9 – Sat, Mar 22; 9 a.m. –12 p.m.; Free; edmondok.com
Board Game Night
Location: MAC in Mitch Park
Extra Info: recurring monthly on the 1st Saturday through Sat, Dec 6, 2025; edmondokcivicrec.com
Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered
Location: Armstrong Auditorium
Extra Info: Mon, Feb 26 – Fri, Jan 17, 2025; Free; Mon – Thu: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Fri & Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; closed Saturdays; armstrongauditorium.org
Edmond Ice Rink
Location: Mitch Park
Extra Info: Fri, Nov 8 – Mon, Jan 20; edmondicerink.com
Devon Ice Rink
Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens
Extra Info: Fri, Nov 8 – Sun, Feb 2; Mon – Wed: 3 – 9 p.m.; Fri: 3 – 11 p.m.; Sat: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sun: 12 – 7 p.m.; myriadgardens.org
Downtown in December
Location: Downtown OKC
Extra Info: Thu, Nov 14 – Tue, Feb 4; downtownindecember.com
Karaoke Thursdays
Location: The Frosted Mug, 1333 N Santa Fe Ave, Suite 107, Edmond, OK
Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Thursday; Free; 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.; frostedmugedmond.com
Acoustic Nights
Location: The Frosted Mug, 1333 N Santa Fe Ave, Suite 107, Edmond, OK
Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Friday; 8 p.m. –1 a.m.; Free; frostedmugedmond.com
Beer + Yoga
Location: American Solera – Icehouse Project
Extra Info: Recurring monthly on the 2nd Sunday; Free 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.; americansolera.com
UCO Jazz Lab
Location: University of Central Oklahoma ---Jazz Lab
Extra Info: Fri, Jan 10: Mitch Bell Quartet @ 8 p.m.; $15; Sat, Jan 11: Claire Piersol @ 8 p.m.; $15; calendar.uco.edu
Celtic Throne II – Psalter of Ireland
Location: Armstrong Auditorium
Extra Info: Sun, Jan 12; Adults: $35; Youth: from $25; 2 – 4:15 p.m.; celticthrone.com
Cattlemen’s Congress
Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds
Extra Info: Sat, Jan 4 – Wed, Jan 16; cattlemenscongress.com
Oklahoma City Boat & RV Show
Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park
Extra Info: Fri, Jan 10 – Sun, Jan 12; Fri: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; okcboatandrvshow.com
Images of 2024
The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park started to become a reality for the Edmond community in 2024. The 62-acre park, at Coltrane and Second Street should be ready by 2026. In addition to many splendid art displays, such as above, The Edmond Fine Arts organization will expand some of its operations to the park.
Images of 2024
It was another good year for the University of Central Oklahoma — one of Edmond’s largest employers and the third largest college in Oklahoma. Last year also marked the first full year under the leadership of Todd Lamb, the new president of the school and former Lt. Governor of Oklahoma. Above is a scene from the school’s May graduation.
Celtic Throne II world premiere Jan. 12
A spectacular new Irish dance production from Oklahoma-based Irish composer Brian Byrne and Armstrong Dance will make its world premiere at Armstrong Auditorium in Edmond at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12 and Sunday, Jan. 19. Celtic Throne II—Psalter of Ireland presents an epic story from the mysterious Irish annals: The incredible history of Ollav Fola, an ancient sage and legislator who brought the legacy of King David from Jerusalem to the emerald isle.
“Celtic Throne II—Psalter of Ireland is guaranteed to be unlike any show you’ve ever seen!” said Brad Macdonald, one of the show’s co-directors. “This new show represents a substantial step up from the original Celtic Throne, with new choreography, advances in set design, costumes, lighting and special effects, and state-of-the-art visual technology.”
Like the original show, Celtic Throne—The Royal Journey of Irish Dance, the new score was written by Oklahoma-based, Golden Globe-nominated, award-winning composer and producer Brian Byrne. Macdonald called the new score “a tour de force of cinematic sounds merged with the uplifting rhythms and melodies of classic Irish music.”
Jude Flurry, principal dancer and lead choreographer, said cast members trained with a U.S. Olympic Taekwondo coach for some of the dramatic dance sequences. “We are pushing the boundaries of traditional Irish dance shows and blending rock-solid fundamentals with innovations that give a more theatrical flair and storytelling to match Brian Byrne’s score,” he said. Macdonald said these innovations are “revolutionary and guaranteed to give audiences an unforgettable experience.”
Francis Tuttle program helping family members find employment
It’s common for family members to gravitate toward a job or industry.
The Claytons have taken that to a new level.
Jonathan Clayton is in his first year of the Advanced Manufacturing training program at Francis Tuttle Technology Center but is already somewhat familiar with it. His dad, Michael, brother, Steven, and sister, Teresa graduated from the class and now have jobs using the skills they learned and the recognized industry certifications they received.
“I’m the fourth Clayton to be taking this class,” Jonathan said. “It’s worked out well for everyone so far.” Jonathan had a job in IT, but he wanted to do something different. He knew Advanced Manufacturing would open up opportunities for him because his family now works in diverse careers.
For example, his brother Steven is in industrial maintenance at Kimray. He works on machines that create
and maintain vital oil field equipment.
“I work on the CNC (computer numerical control) machines and all of the technology they have here,” Steven said. “Every day is something different.”
Teresa works within the medical industry. Her job is to maintain the machines and tools that doctors use daily to treat patients.
“I do repair and preventative maintenance on medical devices,” she said. “We do blood pressure monitors, patient monitoring, fetal monitoring; anything in the hospital will come through my hands, but some of the higher-level equipment will be shipped off to the manufacturer.”
Their father, Michael, works for OG&E and performs maintenance work on substations. Jonathan said he could see himself doing similar work, but he’s keeping his options open.
Celtic Throne II’s state-of-the-art technical package includes a new 46-foot wide cinematic LED screen.
Armstrong Dance consists of more than 30 Irish dancers, ranging in age from 24 to just 5 years old. The troupe is comprised mostly of students from the Carey Academy, some of whom have placed highly in Worlds, All\ Irelands, Great Britain and North American Nationals, and other top Irish dance competitions.
The original Celtic Throne toured 22 U.S. cities with 67 shows between 2020 and 2024.
Tickets to Celtic Throne II—Psalter of Ireland are now on sale, from $35 and up for adults and $25 for youth ages 6-17. Discounted group rates are available. For more information, please visit CelticThrone.com or call (405) 285-1010.
Jonathan Clayton trains on setting up an industrial electrical process during class at the Francis Tuttle Technology Center Advanced Manufacturing program. He is the fourth member of his family to enroll in the program.
Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side
A few EL&L milestones
By Steve Gust
The new year, 2025, means we are making our 25th anniversary at Edmond Life & Leisure.
Not only that, but this month marks my 20th year of being the editor here. It’s very gratifying to have reached that milestone. Actually, I’ve been writing here at Life & Leisure since issue No. 1
This column appeared in that initial 2000 issue – which featured the Ogle brothers on the cover. In January 2005 I started the task of gathering news and photographs and having an edition published on a weekly basis.
Local journalism is great and it’s sad that some small towns no longer have a regular newspaper. Local folks truly love seeing photos of their kids and other people they know. And there’s one other little secret. Adults like seeing their photograph in the newspaper as well.
I’m pretty sure we have a large and faithful following. If you own a business, it’s not a bad idea to advertise in this publication. Not only will you help your business and profits, but advertising is a great investment in community journalism. And we have advertisers who have been with us for years.
We’ve covered a lot of ground in these past 20 years. That comes to
well over 20,000 pages. And that doesn’t include the special sections we do such as At Home Edmond or LibertyFest.
Also, I’ve never denied that at times I’m a critic of our government – especially this outgoing inept national administration.
But I must salute the government for one thing. During COVID, we were deemed a necessary business and we did not miss any editions. It’s important that the public gets information –for the people who were starved for news during the COVID time.
Newspapers can keep an eye on governments also. I’m a big believer in transparency - especially when it comes to taxpayer money. For some reason, many (not all) in the government do not handle funds as carefully as they should.
But I digress. The mission of Edmond Life & Leisure is ongoing. Over the years, I advocated for some features – such as a crossword puzzle and comics.
Don’t forget folks, if you have a good idea for a story, or a photograph with local interest, go ahead and send it to me.
It’s been a great 20 years. Let’s keep it going.
Concerning mental health
Gov. Stitt alleges Biden overreach
Governor Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma State Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Allie Friesen released the following statements regarding a report released by the Biden administration's Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service's treatment of those struggling with mental health conditions.
"This is another Biden administration overreach on their way out the door," said Gov. Stitt. "Allie Friesen and her team are working hard to reform our mental health system, but they can't do that if they're burdened with heavy handed, out of touch mandates from the federal government."
“Oklahoma continues to lead the way in mental health care, guided by evidence-based practices and national standards. Through programs like 988, statewide Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), crisis stabilization centers (CSUs), transportation initiatives, and telehealth innovations, we are delivering high-quality, accessible
care across our state," said Commissioner Friessen. "While tragic stories exist, as in any health system, the DOJ focuses on a select few cases to overshadow what it acknowledges are the State's laudable efforts to build out its crisis system in recent years. We disagree with the report's adverse findings as well as the DOJ's subjective recommendations on how we should run our mental health system. As the report itself notes, the DOJ's recommended remedial measures are consistent with the priority areas the State already identified in the comprehensive 60-page action plan we previously provided to DOJ. Our priority remains working with community partners to deliver the best care in the most appropriate settings. There is always room for improvement, and we are committed to continuous progress — not because of investigations, but because it’s the right thing to do. Mental health policy should be shaped by professionals, not litigation. We will be committed to protecting tax dollars for our most vulnerable.”
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Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, filed legislation on Monday to include school supplies and athletic equipment among the items exempted from sales taxes during Oklahoma’s tax-free weekend in August.
Senate Bill 231 would exempt common school supplies — such as backpacks, binders, pens, pencils, markers and notebooks — from state and local sales taxes during the state’s annual sales tax holiday, the first weekend in August. Recreational equipment, including cleats, gloves, mouthguards, shoulder pads and goggles, would also be tax-exempt under this bill.
“Expanding the items discounted during Oklahoma’s tax-free weekend is a common-sense way to give families additional tax relief while simultaneously boosting business at local retailers,” Thompson said. “Back-to-school shopping can add up, and many Oklahomans don’t realize that these classroom essentials aren’t already exempt from sales taxes during this key shopping weekend. This simple change will ease the financial burden on parents and ensure every child has the tools they need to excel in the classroom and on the field."
More transparency sought for government
In a far-reaching, and transformative effort to modernize the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, has sponsored a reform package – House Resolution 1001 – designed to distribute power, promote transparency and reinvigorate the legislative process. His reforms aim to end the culture of opacity and concentration of authority that he says has hindered the chamber's effectiveness for far too long.
“The time has come to ensure the House of Representatives becomes an institution of laws, not of one man,” Gann said. “For years, our legislative process has stagnated, with decisions made behind closed doors and power centralized into the hands of one individual, the House speaker, who is elected by a single House district and not the people of Oklahoma as a whole. In recent years, at best, the House has simply marked time, failing to embrace new transparency measures. At worst, it has regressed, relying on secretive processes controlled by a single person.”
“No one individual should hold the power to appoint committee members, designate chairs, assign legislation, block legislation approved by committees, control the multi-million-dollar House budget, withhold resources from other members, or introduce legislation outside the normal guidelines that apply to
everyone else. This reform fundamentally changes that dynamic, redistributing authority to ensure fairness, transparency and member-driven governance.”
Gann's proposal is a comprehensive effort to decentralize authority, empower individual members, and ensure legislative operations are conducted openly and accountably. Key highlights include delegating certain speaker powers, creating new transparency safeguards and improving member-driven processes.
The package's proposed reforms include:
Delegating Speaker’s Powers
Many of the speaker’s powers would be delegated to a newly proposed Governance Committee, which would operate transparently making its decisions by recorded vote and would be reflective of the composition of the House membership.
Floor consideration powers would be transferred to a floor leader elected by the House and limited to a single term.
Member-Driven Process
The proposal would establish an actual open general appropriations process through which the general appropriations document is built and debated in open committee by all House members, is advanced early in the session, and removed from the current,
Letters to the Editor policy
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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.
behind-closed-doors process.
Members would be empowered to designate two priority bills annually. These bills must be heard in committee and, if passed, must also be considered on the House floor. This ensures the voice of all Oklahomans is heard and a vote is taken on these proposals.
Members could enter motions without needing prior approval from the floor leader.
The proposal would restore the authority of the House to consider issues, even those bottled up in committee, if the will of the committee is out of sync with the will of the full House.
House Transparency Committee
The proposal would establish a five-member Transparency Committee composed of the newest members of the House. This would ensure the newest House members are aware of the need for new transparencies and openness while providing the committee and the House with the services of those who are least likely to have been impacted by the current culture of opaqueness.
The committee would be charged with auditing compliance with House rules, recommending transparency improvements, and promoting best practices to make the Oklahoma House the most transparent legislative body in the nation.
Restoring Legislative Order
The proposal would eliminate the ability of powerful House members to create new bills out of thin air and/or to bypass committees prior to House consideration of substantive legislation.
It would restore the requirement for titles and enacting clauses to remain intact on House-approved bills. “This package represents a seismic shift in how the House operates,” Gann said. “It would distribute power among the members, foster a culture of transparency, remove the influence of special-interest money and the few politicians who seek to broker their closed-door power to channel that money, and ensure the legislative process reflects the will of the people rather than the control of one person.”
With much colder temperatures and possible winter storms in the forecast this winter season, OG&E is offering customers tips to stay safe and warm.
“When extreme cold and winter weather hit, we want our customers to have a safety plan in place,” said OG&E Manager of Corporate Communications Aaron Cooper. “Ahead of the colder temperatures, customers can take a few steps like preparing their homes, making a plan for themselves and loved ones, and staying weather aware to ensure they keep safe and warm.”
OG&E WINTER WEATHER SAFETY TIPS
Stay weather aware. Watch local news or monitor weather apps. Make sure you’re signed up for myOGEalerts. Check road conditions before traveling.
Make plans for you and your loved ones. Have a safety plan and build a support network for elderly or homebound loved ones or neighbors. Know
your options if you or a loved one have a lifethreatening condition and need electricity to power a medical device. Include pets and their needs in your plan.
Weatherize your home to combat the cold. For example, customers can:
Clean or replace filters on furnaces.
Clean warm-air registers and baseboard heaters. Make sure they're not blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes.
Caulk expansion joints and minor wall cracks. Check windows and doors for air leaks and apply putty, caulk or weather stripping as needed.
Insulate water heaters that are in an unconditioned space.
Check your emergency kits. Ensure your kits have everything you need; keep one in your home and one in your car.
Fully charge your devices. Charge your cell phone ahead of winter weather.
Dress for the weather. If you need to be outside
in extreme cold, wear layers, waterproof insulated boots, mittens or gloves, and a hat. At least half of a body’s heat is lost if the head is not covered. Never wear wet clothing, as this results in much faster heat loss.
If you do find yourself without power during a winter storm, these tips will help to conserve energy, minimize heat loss and stay safe:
Open your curtains and blinds during the day. This allows the sun to naturally warm the space. Cover windows at night to minimize heat loss. Place heaters on a hard, non-combustible surface.
If the indoor temperature drops to 55°F, open faucets slightly so they drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
Never use a gas range or charcoal for indoor heating.
Some advice on staying safe & warm Program
“There’s a lot of companies that are looking for this type of skill set,” Jonathan said. “So, I’m going to wait and see what the best opportunity is.”
Advanced Manufacturing trains students on various industrial processes to prepare them for the jobs they want. Depending on their chosen track, they learn about control systems, instrumentation, industrial electronics, fluid power, robotics, and programmable applications.
“We started out by learning industrial mechanics, which is more the nuts-and-bolts stuff,” Jonathan said. “Then we learned industrial electric-
ity, which focused on safety and learning the correct processes.”
Much of what students learn in Advanced Manufacturing applies across many industries. Teresa said there was a learning curve when it came to some of the medical machinery she works on, but the hands-on nature of the program helped her settle in quickly.
“Just getting your hands on so many different things taught me a lot,” she said. “So, when I got to the hospital, it wasn’t as big of a deal.”
Jonathan said while he has always enjoyed
For more ways to stay safe, visit oge.com/safetytips.
From Page 9
working with his hands, knowing his family members had succeeded in their jobs motivated him to enroll in Advanced Manufacturing. Many students end up with job offers before they finish, he said.
“I think my dad had done it four years prior to me starting, and he told me to go and do that,” Steven said. “I definitely prefer working with machines and technology, so it pretty well suited me. A representative from Kimray came and talked to our class about positions that were opening up. It all lined up for me.”
Images of 2024
In November, Edmond voters shot down a 15-mill property tax increase that would have funded the first general obligation bond proposal the city has put forward in decades and leaving Edmond as one of the largest municipalities in Oklahoma not to have an active GO bond. The refurbishing of Mitch
ball fields, above, was one of the 22 projects that had been considered.
Park’s
Edmond is also known as a great entertainment town. The tribute band, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, performed the big band sound of the 1940s at Armstrong Auditorium.
Oklahoma Film Critics Circle
How local critics rate the best in movies
By George Gust
Now with the holidays in the rear view and a dearth of new offerings in the theaters in the early days of 2025, we look forward to another hotly contested film award season.
Of course, there are the big awards spectacles in the Golden Globes and the big prize of the Academy Awards, but if you’re looking for opinions a little closer to home, we in the Oklahoma Film Critics Circle have released our winners for the best in film 2024.
From blockbuster films like Dune: Part Two and Wicked to films that strike at the heart of the human experience like The Brutalist and The Substance, 2024 provided a film calendar that kept audiences engaged.
While conversations coalesced later in the year around critical favorites, surprises at the box office proved a demand by audiences for a wider range of stories to immerse themselves in.
Below are some of the highlights of OFCC award winners for 2024:
Best Film: Conclave OFCC Top 10 Films of 2024 1. Conclave 2. Anora 3. The Brutalist 4. Challengers 5. Wicked 6. Sing Sing
7. Dune: Part Two 8. The Substance 9. I Saw the TV Glow 10.Memoir of a Snail
Best Actor
Winner: Ralph Fiennes, Conclave Runner-Up: Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
Best Actress
Winner: Mikey Madison, Anora Runner-Up: Demi Moore, The Substance
Best Supporting Actor Winner: Clarence Maclin, Sing Sing Runner-Up: Edward Norton, A Complete Unknown
Best Supporting Actress Winner: Ariana Grande, Wicked Runner-Up: Isabella Rossellini, Conclave
Best Original Screenplay Winner: The Brutalist Runner-Up: Anora
Best Adapted Screenplay Winner: Conclave Runner-Up: Sing Sing
Best Director
Winner: Edward Berger, Conclave Runner-Up: Brady Corbet, The Brutalist
Best Documentary
Winner: Sugarcane
Runner-Up: Will & Harper
Best Animated Feature
Winner: The Wild Robot Runner-Up: Flow
Best Foreign Language Film Winner: Emilia Pérez
Runner-Up: The Seed of the Sacred Fig
Best Cinematography Winner: Nosferatu
Runner-Up: The Brutalist
Best Score Winner: Challengers Runner-Up: Conclave
Best Ensemble Winner: Conclave
Runner-Up: Sing Sing
Best First Feature
Winner: Fancy Dance, dir. Erica Tremblay
Runner-Up: The First Omen, dir. Arkasha Stevenson
Best Body of Work
Winner: Nicholas Hoult (Nosferatu, The Order, Juror #2, Garfield)
Runner-Up: Luca Guadagnino (Challengers, Queer)
Best Stunt Coordination Winner: The Fall Guy Runner-Up: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Best Indigenous Film Winner: Sugarcane Runner-Up: Fancy Dance
Best Performance By an Animal Actor Winner: Peggy (a.k.a. Dogpool), Deadpool & Wolverine
Runner-Up: Jean Claude (dog), The Fall Guy
The full list of voting members can be found at: http://www.oklahomafilmcritics.com
(Contact George Gust for comment about these awards,, or any other motion pictures at gust.george@gmail.com)
Tribute to late-banker
Crossword Puzzle
Senator Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, last week released the following statement following the passing of Gene Rainbolt.
“I am heartbroken by the loss of Gene Rainbolt,” Sen. Rosino said.
“Gene was not just a banker, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He was a visionary who reshaped the state’s banking industry and a transformative force in the state of Oklahoma. He prioritized community, especially small, rural communities and underprivileged families and children. Gene lived by his passion and championed opportunities for those who needed help. The impact he leaves behind is profound including for me personally. When I lost my son Gregory, the Rainbolt family was among the many who were there during one of the most trying times of my life, including making a financial donation to a charity in Gregory’s name. I will never forget the generosity, encouragement and love they showed to me and my family. To my friend David and the entire Rainbolt family, I hope they know my wife Donna and I continue to pray for them during their time.”
Images of 2024
Edmond’s Ogle brothers, and renown broadcasters, were selected in 2024 to receive a lifetime recognition ifrom the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. They will be inducted this May, along with their late father, Jack, who was also a well known broadcaster. From left are Kevin, Kent and Kelly.
Downtown Edmond is the place to be during the warmer months. Not only does VIBES feature talented musicians, but concerts are held for Heard on Hurd — the third Saturday of warm months. Heard on Hurd is sponsored by Citizens Bank of Edmond.
It may be a sign of the timesas the City of Edmond began to offer electric car charging stations.
Older adults must weight lift
By Brian Attebery
Getting older is not for the weak. It is tough. Aches and pains can sneak up on us. We don’t recover as well as we used to, and our muscle tone and strength are not what they used to be. Ironically, it is some of the same age groups that still linger on myths and fears of what weightlifting does to and for us.
First off, let’s understand that “weightlifting” is not literally just free weight dumbbells. It is more defined as “resistance training” and that can be with free weights, machines, bands, your body weight and any combination of those types of resistance. There is no “one way” to do this. As a matter of fact, unless you are limited by equipment, I would make a point to do a variety of types of exercises for strength training and toning. Why is this all so important for aging adults? You say, “I don’t want to be Mr. Olympia.” (That is my favorite one.) Well, just because you lift weights 2-4 days per week, doesn’t mean you are going to become a bodybuilding champion. You only wish it were that easy.
Typically, muscle mass and strength increase steadily from birth and reach their peak at around 30 to 35 years of age. After that, muscle power and performance decline slowly and linearly at first, and then faster after age 65 for women and
70 for men. Those findings come from NIA’s Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). You must think along the lines of, “if I am not going ahead, I am going behind.” You need to try to build muscle just to maintain as you get older.
Poor nutrition and lack of exercise can increase the odds of developing sarcopenia, which is age-related muscle loss that can contribute to risk of falls, fractures, injuries, and premature mortality. You need to lift weightsbut you also need to approach weightlifting differently as you get older in many cases. Here are some tips.
You must warm up more than normal. You shouldn’t just jump right into a workout and start lifting heavy. Get your body temperature up by doing some light cardio first. At a minimum, start with very light weights and do 1 or 2 or even 3 sets of 10-20 reps to really get the blood flowing. When you are younger, a warm-up set may be one set and then you get into it. You may need much more for a warm-up now. There is no set way to warm-up. Listen to your body. Your blood flow is like the lubrication in your pistons of your car. Motion is lotion.
It is important to be consistent, but it is also important to mix up your routine. My personal training clients get worked out differently every workout. If I design a program for them to do on their own, I recommend not doing a routine longer than 4-6 weeks before changing it up. You need to change up angles, types of exercises, rep ranges,
and potentially what body parts you isolate in a give day. This keeps the mind and body from getting bored and reduces risk of repetitive injuries. Your body’s adaptations to exercise need challenges to improve. You can get stronger as an older adults but for some of us that never have quit, you are most likely not going to use the same amount of weights at 50 then when you did at 25 years of age. Consequently, I will do more over all sets and volume with less weights and shorter rest intervals to challenge my body that way versus when I was younger, I may have done less volume and super heavy weights. At the same time, some days I may feel just as strong as I did when I was 25. Eb and flow. Mix up your workouts and listen to your body.
If you are not weightlifting, you need to start. You need to hire a professional and get the correct information that is appropriate for you, your situation, your schedule, and your health concerns and goals. Your quality of life will only get better, and you are protecting your future self from limitations that a weak body will give you.
It is time to hang up those reservations about weightlifting and start improving your health. It is time to get strong!
(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer. He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.com)
Beware of Medicare Fraud
By Michelle Schaefer
There has been an alarming increase in fraudulent calls regarding Medicare plans. Here are a few tips to avoid being scammed:
DON’T believe anyone who says they are calling from your doctor’s office because you need to change Medicare plans.
DON’T talk to anyone who says they are calling from Medicare to “verify” your Medicare number.
DON’T give out your Medicare number or Social Security number.
DON’T sign up for free things in exchange for your Medicare or Social Security number.
DON’T respond to offers in the mail telling you a deadline is approaching
DON’T call numbers promising you $0 premium plans, Part B givebacks or free money for groceries or utility bills. Those are usually special plans just for Medicaid recipients.
DON’T talk to people who knock on your door to discuss Medicare. It is illegal for a Medicare agent to come to your house without an appointment.-
DO work with a local, licensed Medicare agent. They are not allowed to charge for their services and they can answer questions and ana-
lyze your current policy to see if you need to make a change now.
DO register your number on the Do Not Call list. Call 888-382-1222 from each phone you wish to register. You can also go to www.donotcall.gov. It will send you a confirmation email you have to click on in order to submit your registration. Your enrollment in the Do Not Call registration NEVER EXPIRES!
DO make a note of the name of the company that called you and the time and date, and file a complaint at www.donotcall.gov. It will ask for your phone number, the type of service they were calling about, the time and date, and the phone number they were calling from.
I’m not sure that does a ton of good, although the penalty for violating the Do Not Call regulation is $50,000 per call. It know it’s very satisfying to hang up the in their ear, but I figure the longer I keep them on the phone the less time they have to bother someone else.
If you’re on the Do Not Call list, what calls ARE allowed?
Calls from your existing Medicare agent to service your policy.
Calls from your existing Medicare insurance
company regarding your policy. (But beware, often these companies have call centers who try to get you to switch to a different plan.)
Calls from a company where you signed a form giving them permission to call you.
Calls from a company where you submitted an online inquiry. (Note: Don’t do this! These web sites are often “aggregators who sell your information over and over again to agents.)
Calls from a political organization.
Calls regarding a survey.
Charities. Debt collectors.
So be very choosy who you give permission to call you. It is within your rights to ask what they are going to do with your information.
Michelle Schaefer is a local insurance agent specializing in helping people make decisions about their Medicare plans.
She is an Edmond resident with 30 years of insurance experience AND a card-carrying Medicare client. If you have Medicare questions you’d like answered in a future column, contact Michelle at agency@michelleschaefer.com or 405-254-7727. For further information, go to www.medicare.gov, call 800-MEDICARE, or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Attebery
Schaefer
A slight dip reported with state revenues
Receipts for the last 12 months through December total $16.87B, a decrease of $79.89M, or 0.5%, when comparing revenue from the previous year. However, month-over-month comparisons show an increase of 17%. While the state’s revenue trends may seem wobbly, this is typical for the current economic conditions caused by Fed adjustments.
Gross Production Tax or “GPT” totals equal $1B, down $286.1M or 22.2% over the previous year. Tax sources for the same time period show total income tax increased 4.4%, total sales and use tax decreased 1.7%, motor vehicle tax decreased 5.5% and other sources increased 0.9%.
OK Unemployment for November — 3.3% seasonally adjusted rate, remaining the same from October.
US Unemployment for November — 4.2% seasonally adjusted rate, increasing 0.1% from October.
Consumer Price Index — Up 0.3% in November on a seasonally adjusted basis, after increasing 0.2% in October.
The index for shelter rose 0.3% in November, accounting for nearly forty percent of the monthly all items increase. The food index also increased over the month, rising 0.4% as the food at home index increased 0.5% and the food away from home index rose 0.3%. The energy index rose 0.2% over the month, after being unchanged in October.
The all items index rose 2.7% for the 12 months ending November, after rising 2.6% over the 12 months ending October. The all items less food and energy index rose 3.3% over the last 12 months. The energy index decreased 3.2% for the 12 months ending November. The food index increased 2.4% over the last year.
12-Month Period End Comparison
Gross receipts total $16.87 billion, down $79.89
$123.3 million or 1.7 percent. Sales tax of $5.8 billion, down $181.2 million or 3 percent. Use tax, received on out-of-state and Internet purchases, of $1.2 billion, up $57.9 million or 5 percent.
State employment office looks back on 2024 progress
With 2024 behind us, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) looks back on a year marked by meaningful progress in workforce development, employer support, and technological enhancements.
From helping Oklahomans impacted by severe weather events to empowering businesses through its Employer Outreach Seminar series, OESC has remained committed to meeting the evolving needs of Oklahoma’s workforce.
The State’s workforce development operations took significant steps forward in 2024. OESC was at the center of that progress, building strong partnerships across private and public sectors to form a more unified workforce delivery system. OESC’s new partnerships spanned State and Federal agencies, private businesses, lawmakers, chambers of commerce, local elected officials, and local workforce boards. Together this group has found common aim at improving funding effectiveness for and access to training programs, job placement services, and skills development initiatives for jobseekers.
“Workforce is a team sport,” said OESC CEO Trae Rahill when asked about his focus on working with partners, “and we’re honored to be on such an important team.”
One partnership between Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education (CareerTech) and OESC has enabled more advanced services and expanded training opportunities, using less funding than prior years. “There is so much opportunity to improve the way we educate and train people,” Rahill said, “and we need to be great at both to ensure Oklahoma’s workforce is ready for job market demands, particularly in high-growth industries.”
One impactful initiative of the year was the launch of OESC’s Employer Outreach Seminar series. These interactive seminars helped employers navigate the regulatory complexities of unemployment insurance, through
FAQ presentations and open Q&A for employers to ask questions about their businesses. Held in more than a dozen cities across the state, these seminars provided valuable insights to employers by covering topics like workforce retention, compliance, and strategies for navigating unemployment taxation.
“The Employer Outreach series is critical to educating and hearing from Oklahoma employers. These relationships give us the data we need to better support their efforts to find great people in a competitive labor market," said Rahill. "The better we serve our business community, the better we can serve people needing employment at large, and these efforts often are opportunities to strengthen operations and build a more resilient workforce."
Additional improvements the agency made in 2024 were in the severe weather response space. OESC was called upon to assist employers and employees affected by natural disasters across dozens of counties. The team made impactful strides in strengthening its response through improved communication channels, streamlined unemployment insurance claim processes, and quicker disbursements of benefits. The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) remarked after an audit that OESC’s preparedness efforts had improved a great deal since the pandemic and directly ensured that businesses could recover more rapidly from disruptions, minimizing impacts to the state’s citizens and economy.
Another employer-focused initiative that launched in 2024 was the Oklahoma Employer Alliance.
This collaborative group of employers and workforce partners launched in the spring and continued to expand throughout the year, becoming an essential platform for sharing best practices, discussing challenges, and formulating solutions to state workforce issues. Guest speakers added a
Office, Page 19
The chart, releaed by the State Treasurer’s office, shows the growth of state government.
Images of 2024
Hi and Lois
Shoe
Zits
Family Circus
Beetle Baily
Blondie
Hägar the Horrible
Everyone loves a plant sale in the spring. At least that’s the way the Iris Club sees it. If your club has news — please share.
History museum will discuss Holocaust
On Monday, Jan. 27, from 1-3 p.m., the Oklahoma History Center Museum will host a panel discussion for International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
More than six million Jews in Europe were murdered by Nazi Germany between 1941 and 1945. Other victims include those deemed undesirable. The genocide victims were taken to concentration and extermination camps, where they experienced forced labor, starvation, torture and mass execution at the hands of Nazi Germany. In all, approximately 11 million people died in concentration camps during the Holocaust.
The panelists will include Dr. Denise Neal, executive director of the Oklahoma National Guard Museum; Rachel Johnson, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Okla-
From Page 17
myriad of value with expert legal insights, cultural development consulting, and federal compliance deep dives. The Alliance will continue to meet the second Tuesday of every month at Central Technology Center in Sapulpa and broadcast to a statewide audience online.
Lastly, the agency continued its work to modernize its technology footprint through enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency. One example being its improvement to the unemployment insurance system. This key initiative allows for quicker processing of claims, improved user experience, and better fraud detection.
homa City; and Michael Korenbilt, author and member of the OHS Multicultural Office advisory board. The panel discussion will highlight the role and involvement of Oklahomans during the Holocaust.
This event is intended for adults and is included with paid admission to the museum. It will be held in the Musser Learning Lab inside the John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick Research Center at the Oklahoma History Center. Registration is available online through the Museum Store. The program is limited to the first 50 people who register. Registration is preferred but not required.
The Oklahoma History Center Museum is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. It is open to the public Monday through Satur-
day from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Please call 405-5220765 or visit okhistory.org/historycenter for admission costs and group rates.
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about
