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.
UCO and the OKC Police enter into partnership
See page 5
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
Partly Cloudy High 91° Low 69°
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
Partly Cloudy High 90° Low 69°
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11
Partly Cloudy High 89° Low 70°
Hats off over the weekend to a small army of volunteers who played a huge role in getting hundreds of Edmond schoolchildren, from grades pre-k to 12th, ready for the classroom next week.
Project 66 was in full force over the weekend at First Christian Church. Project 66 is a partner agency with the Regional Food Bank. Playing major roles Saturday were the City of Edmond and First Christian Church.
Volunteers put together for each student a backpack full of supplies.
The groups were ready to assist up to 1,000 students.
Also helping were Edmond Schools, Title 1, Ministries of Jesus, Mental Health Association of Oklahoma, Hope Pregnancy, Girl Scouts, Edmond library, True Dads, Regional Food Bank and Snap, Breakfast on Boulevard and Edmond Schools Foundation.
Edmond Life & Leisure’s second week of our Back to School feature is in this week’s edition, Pages 7 to 10.
Edmond Schools get under way next week on Aug. 15.
It is now official. Edmond Mayor Darrell A Davis will not seek another term when this one is up in the spring of 2025. It is sad news but totally understandable that he would like to spend more time with his family and truly be retired. This man, in his quiet polite manner has given so much service to Edmond and certainly deserves recognition. Davis does not really like the spotlight but prefers to just do the work but too bad, we are going to honor him anyway.
Darrell A. Davis is the 55th Mayor of Edmond, Oklahoma. Mayor Davis served on the Edmond City Council representing Ward 3 from 2011-2021 before being elected Mayor on April 6, 2021, and reelected for a second term on April 4, 2023. In 2021, he retired as Chief of the Installation Contracting Division at Tinker Air Force Base with a combined 35 years of Federal contracting experience.
Mayor Davis has always believed in giving back to his community and considers it an honor to hold a variety of responsibilities in the Edmond and greater Oklahoma City communities. He currently serves on the Edmond Public Schools Foundation Advisory Board, University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) President’s Council of Advisors, and the UCO Master of Public Administration Advisory Board. Mayor Davis also served on the Edmond Chamber Diversity & Inclusion Board and was the Chairperson of the Edmond Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for over 12 years. He was also an adjunct professor for South-eastern Oklahoma State University Teaching Contract Management and Business Communication from 20072023.
Mayor Davis is a proud Leadership Edmond Graduate Class XIV and was recognized in 2020 as the Leadership Edmond Alumni of the Year. His other accolades include the Outstanding Citizen Award from the Boys Scout of America Eagle District, the 2022 Teacher Appreciation Foundation Public Sector Hero Dignitary Award, the “John A. Reed Jr. Spirit of the Community Award” from Fairview Missionary Baptist Church, 2023 Art Star Award from Oklahoma Alliance for Arts Education and 2024 Black History recipient for Public Service from St. John Missionary Baptist Church.
Mayor Davis holds a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College, a Master of Arts from Webster University, and is a graduate of the Air Force Air War College.
Davis has quietly given much to his community. We promised to let our readers know as soon as he made his decision official.
Do he and I always agree? No, we do not but that is the way it should be folks. He has served this community with the best interests of all the citizens and refuses to pander to any specific crowd. This is to be admired in my book. He has suffered tremendous abuse, along with other council members, during his years in office as a council member and as mayor. This really needs to stop. We need good people to run for office and this is no way to treat people willing to serve even if we do not agree with them.
Mayor Davis, we thank you for all your service, the sacrifice of being away from your family and making hard decisions on behalf of the City of Edmond. We
wish you the best in your time away from public office and that you get that time to go fishing. Just be sure and stop by the office to pick me up to go with you occasionally.
Here is his official letter:
Today, I am announcing that I will not seek reelection as the Mayor of Edmond. Oklahoma in 2025.
I have served the citizens of Edmond on the City Council for the past 13 years: serving 2 1/2 terms as the Councilperson for Ward 3 and am now completing my 2nd term as mayor. I am humbled to have had this opportunity to serve this great community. It has been an honor and privilege.
I am grateful for the strong support I have received from the community during this journey. In my life, it has been observed that time and time again it takes a village. My family is my village. They have supported me from the day I walked into the house and asked them, “Are we going to run for mayor?” Some people may not understand the important role a strong family plays in public service. It comes with great sacrifice, but I have been blessed to have them by my side every day. They love this community as much as I do.
I have served the citizens of Edmond, and now it is time for me to devote all my time to my family.
Over the past 13 years, with the help of numerous people, the city has seen positive growth in many areas. Here are some that have been accomplished:
• Our second Crest family-owned grocery store
• Public-private partnerships:
o Edmond Schools, YMCA, City of Edmond for Senior Center & YMCA Complex at Mitch Park
o City of Edmond & Edmond Schools - Edmond Center Court
• Edmond 66 Ballpark
• KickingBird Golf Course Renovation
• Stephenson Park Renovation
• Barnet Field & Ted Anderson Splash Pads
• Edmond Community Behavioral Health Assessment
• Urban Land Institute (ULI) Advisory Panel Report
• Housing Assessment
• Public Safety Center
• Relocation Fire Station No. 2
• City Center Complex
• Ten Police Academies - 92 Officers
• Six Fire Academies - 67 Firefighters
• Park 17
• The Icehouse Project
• The Lark
• Hurd on Hurd
• Vibes
• Cycle 66
• Intelligent Transportation Systems - ITS
• EdmondShift
• East Edmond 2050 Plan
• Covell Road Enhancements
• Intersection enhancements:
o 2nd and Bryant
o Covell & Santa Fe
o Covell & Kelly
o Covell & Bryant
o Covell & I-35
• Increased number of Trails
• Water Treatment Enhancement
• Hilton Garden Inn
• Edmond Conference Center
• Show Biz Cinema
These are not all the projects that have been accomplished, but the exciting part is all the future projects in the planning stages.
Commercial development means job creation for all of Edmond. Increasing residential development shows there is a desire for new residents and families to move into the area. Why is this happening? Because we have created and sustained the three pillars that I truly believe in - Quality of Life, Safety, & Excellent Schools.
I encourage the next mayor and council to continue the strategic momentum the city has accomplished.
For example, we must continue the support of the Rapid Transit Authority (RTA). The benefits for downtown egress, Amtrack expansion, and overall citizens’ safety are tremendous.
Our strategic investments in the water treatment and sewer service capabilities for our expanding city will take advantage of the opportunities to increase our rate payer base and protect our investment in our treatment plant facilities.
Continue to create economic opportunities to attract business and an environment where everyone feels welcome with opportunities to work, grow, and play along our economic generators of I-35, Route 66, and US-77.
Our Congressional, Legislative, and County Commissioner relationships continue to grow. We are fortunate to have elected officials who are engaged with Edmond and the opportunities it provides.
We must not forget the part of the village that works continually to keep our city functioning. We have over 850 employees providing customer service, first responders, police, and fire support. I want to thank you all for your selfless service. You keep Edmond running safely every day for our residents, businesses, and visitors.
I have met so many great people during my time serving Edmond. It is humbling to have a birds-eye view as the city continues to grow. I cannot wait to see the next chapter for Edmond as our friends and neighbors step up to continue Edmond's success.
The announcement that I am not running for reelection comes now so that, perhaps, there is someone in Edmond who wants to step up like I did and continue to make Edmond a better place to live. I will continue to work hard to serve the people of Edmond until my term ends and will forever champion that this is the best place to grow.
Mayor Darrell A. Davis (Ray Hibbard may be reached for comment at ray@edmondpaper.com.)
“Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper.
Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.
Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011.
Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable.
For more information on Edmond public art, please visit
The Edmond Farmers Market joins markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week, August 4-10, 2024.
Edmond Mayor Darrell Davis recognized the celebration during the July 8 City Council meeting with a proclamation marking it as National Farmers Market Week in Edmond, and Aug. 10, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Edmond market will hold a celebration during the regular Saturday market in Downtown Edmond. Shoppers will be able to pick up a flexible cutting board, jar scraper spatula, magnetic notepads, chip clips, and bubbles from market staff. There will be free face painting, live music, food trucks, and more!
“The growth the market has experienced in 2024 has been a blessing for all our vendors, staff, and the community. I am excited to celebrate National Farmers Market Week with the community on August 10th,” said Emily Harmon, Farmers Market Manager. “The market is a place for the entire community to come, hang out, do some shopping, and just spend a relaxing Saturday morning with friends and family.”
Conveniently located in downtown Edmond, the Edmond Farmers Market is a popular shopping destination for the community. With the addition of new vendors each season, the market is a true one-stop-shop experience for locally sourced, healthy, and fresh food.
The Edmond Farmers Market began in 1988 and became a part of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department in 2004. The market currently hosts an average of 70 vendors selling a wide variety of products, in-
cluding Oklahoma Grown fruits and vegetables, eggs, dairy products, meat, baked goods, specialty food items, international food items, and handmade crafts.
This year, the market expanded its community outreach efforts to include partnerships with Edmond Urban Forestry, Edmond Animal Services, and the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments. The Edmond community has supported these initiatives, and thanks to these partnerships several dogs have found their forever home because of their presence at the weekly farmers market.
Farmers markets foster shared values between community members and farmers which can work to create a more fair and sustainable food system. This community focus has been most visible during recent times of crisis and uncertainty as market managers innovate to continue essential operations for the farmers and shoppers who depend on them.
National Farmers Market Week is an annual celebration of farmers markets proclaimed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and coordinated by the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC), a membership-based nonprofit organization that supports farmers markets nationwide through training, technical assistance, and network-building. Each year, FMC’s National Farmers Market Week Campaign highlights the vital role farmers markets play within our nation’s local food systems. For more than 50 years, farmers markets have influenced the way Americans eat, shop, and connect to their food, their farmers, and one another. Farmers mar-
kets are more than marketplaces, they are places where neighbors learn, grow, and work together.
“Across the country, farmers markets are defining their role in our communities,” said Willa Sheikh, Executive Director of the Farmers Market Coalition. “Markets are designed in partnership with the people they serve and are a place where market operators, farmers, shoppers, and neighbors can collaborate to meet the evolving needs of their community. As we look to the future, farmers markets will play a key part, as they always have, in leading efforts to adapt, respond, innovate, and ad-
vocate for our local food systems. National Farmers Market Week is a chance to celebrate all the ways farmers markets show up for us!”
The Edmond Farmers Market is a registered market with The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry and meets all licensure requirements with the Oklahoma Department of Health. The Edmond Farmer’s Market is proud to be a 100% Oklahoma Grown, Made, and Manufactured market.
Learn more about the Edmond Farmers Market at www.EdmondOK.gov/365/Farmers-Market.
(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.)
July 22
Raymond Troy Anthis, 42 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Grant Garrison Link, 29 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Quinshod Kayla Shaw, 34 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and no proof of insurance.
Gregory Steede Ferguson, 44 of Edmond. Felony warrant.
Samy Smith Gonzalez-Bolivar, 32 of Edmond. No proof of insurance, failure to devote full time attention to driving and driving without proper/valid ID.
Kelly Beth Lorance, 42 of Ada. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Ryan Thomas Junge, 45 of Oklahoma City. Possess drugs/paraphernalia and possess CDS.
Joseph David Keiffer, 55 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.
July 23
Kristopher Edward Grizzard, 23 of Norman. Public intoxication and failure to appear.
Dwight Clayton Steele, 21 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant, possession of marijuana and failure to appear.
Alfred Kanagwa, 28 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Steven Michael Shockley, 59 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia, unlawful carrying of weapon, possess CDS and misdemeanor warrant. Casey Morgan Thomas, 37 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
July 24
Laura June Young, 60 of Edmond. Contributing to the delinquency of minors and (misdemeanor 1st & 2nd offense) larceny of merchandise from retailer.
Myracle Denise Whitehead, 26 of Edmond.
Shoplifting.
Tracie Jane Barnes, 37 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
July 25
Justin DeWayne Terry, 29 homeless. Failure to appear.
Jezreil Sanchez Leslie, 27 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant.
Patrick James Broccolo, 29 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked, failure to wear seatbelt and misdemeanor warrant.
Leshawn Dwayne Russell, 45 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
July 26
Yiemer Delahoz-Lara, 23 of Wichita, Kan. Public intoxication.
Adonis Noel Colindres, 48 homeless. Public intoxication.
Yohard Ariel Colindres-Irias, 28 of Wichita. Operating a motor vehicle without a driver’s license and driving while impaired by consumption of alcohol (DWI.)
Ronal Colindres, 39 of Wichita. Public intoxication.
Jonathan Ryan Young, 39 of Edmond. Use firearm while committing a felony, possess firearm after conviction of felony and domestic abuse assault (dangerous weapon.)
Quinten Anthony Vann-Vazquez, 32 of Yukon. Possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear and non-assault resisting officer.
Oracio Velasco, Jr., 19 of Piedmont. Shoplifting. Earl Taulbee, 62 of Norman. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.
July 27
Jessica Dawn Ellenburg, 39 of Edmond. Possession marijuana and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Nicholas Malik Johnson, 28 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant.
Lajuan Derell Hughes, 25 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Juan Diego Ramirez-Munoz, 42 of Norman. No proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Heidi Ann Darling, 45 of Oklahoma City. Shoplifting and false representation to an officer.
Lavern Lee Riley, 42 of Jameston, New York. Misdemeanor warrant.
Armand Hernandez-Gaitan, 34 of Edmond. Trespassing after being warned.
Blake Andrew Castillo, 32 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant, operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and obstruction of police officer.
Jace Sherrell Chandler, 41 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
July 28
Trinity Lorelei Coburn, 23 of Oklahoma City. False representation to an officer.
Cora Rosa Elliott, 25 of Edmond. Felony warrant.
Brett Nelson Hail, 34 of Edmond. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs and felony DUI/APC.
Kylan Rossi Collins, 22 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.
Lacey Renee Battles, 39 homeless. Two counts of failure to appear.
Elizabeth Ann Rodriquez, 44 of Edmond. Nonassault resisting officer and public intoxication.
Michael Angelo Smith, 35 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.
Susan Ellen Flatt, 72 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.
Darius Rashad Finnie, 27 of Lawton. Two misdemeanor warrants, no proof of insurance, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and expired tag — over three months.
Natasha Rena Renfrow, 40 of Oklahoma City. Violation of trademark anti-counterfeiting act, possess CDS and driving while license canceled, suspended or revoked.
Samy Smith Gonzalez-Bolivar, 32 of Edmond. Fail to carry security verification form in vehicle, operating a a motor vehicle while driver’s license is suspended/revoked and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Josue Andres Molina Montano, 25 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Nadine Nicole Nichols, 24 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.
Weekend Calendar of Events Aug 8-11
---- In the Gallery
---- Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered
---- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market
---- Frenzy August Event
---- CoComelon Party
---- Gallery Game Day
---- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Events
---- Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park Presents: Macbeth
---- American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show & AQHA Youth World Championship
---- All Star Team Roping Finals
---- USA Softball All-American Games
---- Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show
---- Totally Rad Vintage Fest
---- Round Barn Rendezvous
---- OKC Painting Palooza
Extra Information
In the Gallery
Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute
Extra Info: Featuring three Oklahoma artists: Tracey Brauer, David Padgett and Susie Varner; 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
Frenzy August Events
Location: Frenzy Brewing Company
Extra Info: Thu, Aug 8: The Brave Amigos @ 7 p.m.; Fri, Aug 9: Brandon Birdwell @ 7:30 p.m.; Sat, Aug 10: One Man Band Music @ 7:30 p.m.; Facebook.com
CoComelon Party
Location: Edmond Conference Center
Extra Info: Fri, Aug 9 – Sun, Aug 11; 10:30 a.m. –5:30 p.m. daily; starting at $25 for children and adults over 1 yr old; cocomelonpartytime.com
Gallery Game Day
Location: Edmond History Museum
Extra Info: Fri, Aug 9; Free; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; edmondhistory.org
National Cowboy & Western
Heritage Museum Events
Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Extra Info: Thu, Aug 8 – Sun, Aug 11: Choose Your Adventure!; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat, Aug 10 – Sun, Aug 11: Signature Tour @ 1 – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org
Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park Presents: Macbeth
Location: Indoor Black Box Theatre, 2920 Paseo, OKC
Extra Info: Thu, Aug 8 – Sun, Aug 11; Thu: 7:30 p.m.; Fri: 8 p.m.; Sat: 8 p.m.; Sun: 2 p.m.; $26 ---$36; okshakes.org
American Quarter Horse Association
World Championship Show & AQHA Youth World Championship
Location: Oklahoma State Fairgrounds
Extra Info: Fri, Aug 2 – Sun, Aug 11; starts at 8 a.m. daily; aqha.com
All Star Team Roping Finals
Location: Lazy E Arena
Extra Info: Tue, Aug 6 – Sun, Aug 11; facebook.com USA Softball All-American Games
Location: USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex
Extra Info: Thu, Aug 8 – Sun, Aug 11; usasoftballallamericangames.com
Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show
Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park
Extra Info: Sat, Aug 10 – Sun, Aug 11; Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; okcgun.show
Totally Rad Vintage Fest
Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park
Extra Info: Sat, Aug 10; Early bird hours: 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.; Show hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; okcfairgrounds.com
Round Barn Rendezvous
Location: Round Barn
Extra Info: Sun, Aug 11; 12 – 4 p.m.; arcadiaroundbarn.com
OKC Painting Palooza
Location: Champion Convention Center, I-40 & S
Meridian
Extra Info: Sun, Aug 11 – Sat, Aug 17; okcpaintingpalooza.com
The University of Central Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD) are working together to meet critical workforce needs, providing an innovative pathway to a college degree and employment with OKCPD.
Through a new partnership, individuals who successfully complete the Oklahoma City Police Academy can receive 15 academic prior learning credit hours from UCO toward a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
The partnership also allows UCO criminal justice students to be admitted to the Oklahoma City Police Academy while they pursue their bachelor’s degree. Upon successful completion of the academy training, they earn 15 prior learning credit hours and an offer of employment as a peace officer with OKCPD.
UCO and OKCPD made the partnership official with the signing of a memorandum of understanding July 31 at UCO’s historic Old North with UCO President Todd G. Lamb and OKCPD Police Chief Wade Gourley.
“As the state’s only public metropolitan university, the University of
Central Oklahoma is uniquely positioned to work closely with Oklahoma’s largest police department. We set the standard as the accessible university of choice for students from all walks of life, meeting them where they are and helping them achieve their goals through higher education,” President Lamb said.
“This partnership with OKCPD is all the more rewarding in that we are supporting the work of those who serve and commit to putting their lives on the line each day for our safety.”
OKCPD is excited for the partnership’s potential to enhance their recruitment efforts in attracting candidates from diverse higher education backgrounds. Having more officers with bachelor’s degrees ensures a higher number of officers are prepared for advancement within the department.
“The UCO partnership will help us recruit and retain quality individuals for our police force. We strongly encourage our officers to pursue higher education and do what we can to help them get a degree, grow within
the department and become better officers in their service to the city,” Chief Gourley said.
UCO students must meet qualifications for admission to the Oklahoma City Police Academy and pass a background check, as well as maintain physical fitness standards, meet
regularly with an OKCPD mentor and maintain eligibility to work on the OKC police force while participating in the academy.
To learn more about the UCO School of Criminal Justice, visit www.uco.edu/cj or email criminaljustice@uco.edu.
By Steve Gust
I read something a little alarming the other day.
They think the vote counting in Pennsylvannia this fall will once again take days.
That’s just unacceptable.
Steve Gust
Eight years ago, they had 99 percent of the vote counted before midnight. We knew which presidential candidate won the state.
I guess the technology has gotten worse in eight years. Think about it. We live in a fast paced information technology world. The people with Facebook and Instgram can do all kinds of algorithms in a blink of an eye.
Yet when it comes to voting, it’s apparently too hard to tabulate the actual votes in a timely fashion. Or is it?
I don’t trust late vote counting or recounts, for that matter. I’ve never seen a recount, or a late vote, that went the GOP’s way. Never.
We should have standardized voting in Amerfica — with results known
by midnight at the latest. Photo ID needs to be required for every voter. Some people say that’s racist. They’re wrong.
People are smart enough in our society to figure out how to get an ID. To suggest otherwise is just flat out wrong.
Oklahoma can figure out how to count votes and do it before midnight. There is also a paper trail of ballots, in case there are any questions.
The rest of the nation needs to do the same thing.
—-
Who says there isn’t humor in politicis.
Not Nancy Pelosi. I can tell you that much. The former House Speaker over the weekend made news when she went on CBS and requested Biden be on Mount Rushmore..
So Uncle Joe will be up there with Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington and Teddy Roosevelt.
I don’t see it.
If there.was a Hall of Fame for the most inept president. maybe, (Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com)
Members of the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus commented on a new study from the Institution on Taxation and Economic Policy that reports around 89,000 undocumented immigrants in Oklahoma paid $227.5 million in state and local taxes in fiscal year 2022.
“Numbers don’t lie,” said Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City. “This study reinforces what most Oklahomans can plainly see with their own eyes; that our undocumented neighbors contribute toward the betterment of our state. Whether it is by paying taxes, buying homes, paying rent, making charitable contributions or by workforce contributions, the immigrant community plays a critical role in Oklahoma’s economy, and we are glad that there are available figures to substantiate that fact.”
Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, says supporting undocumented Oklahomans brings in revenue.
"A common misconception is that immigrants place substantial burdens on state governments and school districts,”
Alonso-Sandoval said. “Many of these claims aren't based on facts; rather, they're political talking points used to divide Oklahomans from their migrant neighbors. The reality is that undocumented immigrants pay into state and federal programs they aren't eligible for, which actually benefits U.S. citizens by increasing funding for those services. This study proves it: more money is going into our system, supporting programs that serve our communities."
Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, says mass deportations would cost the state millions.
“These are families, workers, and folks who have lived in the U.S. for longer than sixteen years,” Menz said. “When you look at these facts, and the narratives being spun up by certain politicians, there is an obvious disconnect here. Someone’s lyin’ and numbers don’t lie. I understand the cultural stress some folks feel when it comes to immigration, I really do. But the next time someone talks about mass deportations from Oklahoma, they should ask themselves if they have $227.5 million to pay for it. I’m sure they can cut a check to the Oklahoma Tax Commission.”
The full study can be found at itep.org
Honoring softball team
Senator James Lankford (R-OK) along with Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) announced unanimous passage of a resolution congratulating the University of Oklahoma softball team for winning the 2024 Women's College World Series, the eighth national title and fourth in a row for these amazing athletes.
“Four in a row—that’s a big deal for this talented and disciplined OU women’s softball program,” said Lankford. “Oklahomans are incredibly proud of these tremendous athletes who, year after year, continue to shine on and off the field. Senator Mullin and I are delighted to once again be able to recognize the OU Women’s softball team for four-straight national championships. Boomer Sooner.” “Congratulations remain in order for OU softball on their historic four-peat and for defeating Texas in the most-watched NCAA Women’s College World Series in history," said Sen. Mullin.
Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Chairman of the Senate Values Action Team and Co-Chair of the Senate Olympic and Paralympic Caucus, sent a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach following the vulgar depiction of the Last Supper during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Lankford called out the blatantly offensive depiction.
Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jim Risch (RID), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Kevin Cramer (RND), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Barrasso (R-WY), Katie Britt (R-AL), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Todd Young (R-IN), Ted Budd (R-NC), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), and Tim Scott (R-SC) joined Lankford in sending the letter.
“We write in response to the vulgar mockery of the Christian faith on display at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The Games should unite people of every country, race, and creed. There is no place for antiChristian bigotry at an event designed to bring the world together. The Games should celebrate
the athletes, not denigrate anyone’s faith. We urge you to take immediate action by amending Rule 55 of the Olympic Charter to ensure that no faiths are the subject of mockery as part of the opening or closing ceremonies ever again,” wrote the Members.
“The International Olympic Committee (IOC) should formally condemn the mockery that occurred in Paris of one of the most sacred moments of the Christian faith. Then, the IOC should make formal changes to ensure this kind of divisive display is not repeated to ensure that Coubertin’s vision for the Games may continue to thrive. Every person, from every nation and every faith, should be encouraged to enjoy the Olympics without being belittled or mocked. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” the Members continued.
This year, Lankford introduced a resolution to express support for international religious freedom as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of US foreign policy amid concern over increased attacks on religious freedom worldwide.
Dear President Bach:
We write in response to the vulgar mockery of the Christian faith on display at the Opening
Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The Games should unite people of every country, race, and creed. There is no place for antiChristian bigotry at an event designed to bring the world together. The Games should celebrate the athletes, not denigrate anyone’s faith. We urge you to take immediate action by amending Rule 55 of the Olympic Charter to ensure that no faiths are the subject of mockery as part of the opening or closing ceremonies ever again.
There are more than 2.5 billion Christians globally. Africa is the region with the highest population of Christians with more than 700 million believers, followed by Latin America, and then Europe. 157 countries in our world are majority Christian nations, which is why your remarks following the mocking of the Christian faith rang hollow. ‘We do not only respect each other, we live in solidarity with each other.’ You went on to say that, ‘In a world torn apart by wars and conflicts, it is thanks to this solidarity that we can all come together tonight, uniting the athletes from the territories of all 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team.’ How can we say we are in solidarity while bigotry and derision are part of the opening ceremonies?
The father of the modern Olympics, Pierre de Coubertin, once said: ‘May joy and good fellowship reign, and in this manner, may the Olympic Torch pursue its way through ages, increasing friendly understanding among nations, for the good of a humanity always more enthusiastic, more courageous and more pure.’ The International Olympic Committee (IOC) should formally condemn the mockery that occurred in Paris of one of the most sacred moments of the Christian faith. Then, the IOC should make formal changes to ensure this kind of divisive display is not repeated to ensure that Coubertin’s vision for the Games may continue to thrive.
Children will soon be trading in the chimes of neighborhood ice cream trucks for the bells of school as summer vacation gives way to the start of a new academic year. August through September is prime back-to-school season, with children all across the country stocking their backpacks and shopping for new school wardrobes.
There is more to getting ready for the start of school than making sure pencils are sharpened and tablets are charged. Parents and children can work together to ensure the transition back to the classroom is as seamless as possible.
Adjust sleep and wake times
Summer vacation often means letting loose of schedules for a while, and that may translate into later-than-normal bedtimes and rising a little later in the morning. Everyone in the household will have to reacquaint themselves with schedules that ensure kids get to school on time. A few weeks before the first day of school, start incrementally going to bed at an earlier time and start waking up earlier each morning. Try to plan out the increments so that by the time the last few days of summer vacation wind down, the family is on target with a waking schedule that mirrors the school schedule.
Acclimate to being around people
Although summer vacation may involve trips that bring children in contact with other people, it may have been some time since they’ve spent five or more hours per day around 20 to 30 people their age. It may take a transition period to get used to being around a bunch of peers, so families can visit places where there tend to be crowds of kids, such as zoos, aquariums, parks, and trampoline centers. These can be low-pressure locations to dust off social skills.
Know the route or plan for school transportation
Students may be driven independently, ride the school bus, walk or bike, or carpool with others to and from school. Families can establish plans so that getting to and from school is not something kids need to worry about. Practice routes and timing, taking into consideration that when schools open there will be much more traffic. Parents can reassure children that there will be a learning curve, but all of the kinks generally get worked out during the first week.
Most students don’t want to think about studying, homework and testing while on summer break, but it can be beneficial to stay current on some lessons. Summer slide refers to the loss of some of the learning achieved during the previous school year over the summer break. Some experts say summer slide is overstated, but it can’t hurt for students to refresh their memories on some math, science and language arts concepts over break so that they will be ready to hit the books when the new school year begins.
Prep for school lunches
Children and adults can work together to map out healthy eating options for school lunch. Many school districts have lunch plans that can be purchased through an online account. Participating students simply enter a number or swipe a code at checkout. School lunches are built to be nutritionally diverse and have options that even picky eaters will like.
School is right around the corner, and families should get ready for the routine and needs that go with the academic year as the first day draws closer.
Music courses can have a profound impact on students, potentially helping them perform better in other subjects. A recent study from the American Psychological Association found that high school students who take music courses score significantly better on exams in subjects like math and science than their nonmusical peers. The improved academic performance was more pronounced among students who learned to play an instrument rather than vocal music. The researchers behind the study examined the records of more than 112,000 students in British Columbia. Among the students whose records were studied, 13 percent had participated in at least one music course in grade 10, 11 or 12. Researchers discovered that, on average, children who learned to play a musical instrument for many years and ultimately played in a high school band or orchestra were the equivalent of roughly one academic year ahead of their peers in regard to their English, mathematics and science skills.
Success in school can carry over to successful experiences later in life. That underscores the benefits of developing skills in the classroom. Students learn in their own way, and at times there may need to overcome various obstacles.
The job of education does not fully fall on educators and administrators. Education begins at home. Research has found that kids benefit significantly when parents and other caregivers are strongly involved in a child’s education. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community found that parental involvement in a child’s education is associated with improved academic performance. Specifically, children whose parents are more involved in their educations have higher levels of academic performance than children whose parents were not as involved.
A 2005 study from researchers at the Johns Hopkins University Center of School, Family and Community Partnerships showed that school practices that encourage families to support their students’ math learning at home led to higher percentages of students scoring at or above proficiency on standardized math tests. Additional research indicates the benefits also extend to other subjects and areas of learning, including language comprehension and expressive language skills.
With so much to gain from parental involvement in students’ educations, parents can embrace these strategies to get more involved.
• Develop a partnership with the teacher. Open communication with the teacher(s) can help parents stay up-to-date on what is going on in the classroom and learn early on where a student may need extra support. Then parents can offer extra guidance if it is feasible, or look into an experienced tutor.
• Be firm but supportive. Too much academic pressure may cause a child to pull back or even test boundaries, and that can lead to students falling behind in school. Parents must find the right level of involvement and guide their kids without sounding like good grades are “make or break” the relationship.
• Attend school functions. Parents can go to open houses, back-toschool nights, conferences, and other events held at school to show support and interest in their children’s education. Involved parents also build school-based networks this way, which can be called upon if their student needs additional support in the future.
• Establish a schedule at home. Students can benefit from a schedule, with regular bedtime, homework time and opportunities to relax. Knowing what to expect and when to expect it can take some of the stress out of learning and studying, according to Nemours health.
Bullying affects children from all walks of life. Whether the student is on the receiving end of bullying or is the aggressor, parents and other adults will oftentimes need to step in to provide assistance. Although there is no magic formula to preventing bullying, parents can do their part to put a stop to such behaviors.
• Positive parenting: According to developmental psychologists a positive style of parenting offers high levels of warmth, love and closeness, while at the same time providing clear limits and high expectations. Children who are raised with this type of parenting often fare the best with better mental health and stronger relationship skills. Children who are parented harshly may be more likely to become bullies or be bullied themselves.
• Be knowledgeable and observant: Parents, teachers and administrators should keep their eyes peeled for bullying behaviors and reactions. Various signs indicate bullying is taking place, and these include being introverted, commonly reporting illness, withdrawing from daily activities, or having trouble sleeping.
• Nurture a positive household climate: Parents and other family members can work together at home to create an organized and predictable environment. Parents should model the type of behavior they want their children to express. Make your home “bully free.” Children learn behavior through their parents. Being exposed to aggressive behavior or an overly strict environment at home makes kids more prone to bully at school.
• Teach children coping skills: Practice scenarios at home where a child learns how to ignore a bully or develop assertive strategies for coping with bullying. Share who children can go to for help, apart from you, such as teachers, administrators,or a therapist if they’re worried about being bullied.
• Set technology boundaries: Bullying can take place on social media, and by monitoring online activity, parents may be able to head off potential bullying problems. Teach your children not to respond or forward threatening emails. As a parent, you can insist that phones are stored in a public area, such as the kitchen, by a certain time at night to eliminate nighttime bullying and inappropriate messaging. Document online bullying so it can be addressed with administrators or law enforcement.
Getting the entire family together can take a little effort. There is no shortage of activities that pull family members apart most days of the week, from work obligations to sports practices to school events. The United Kingdom-based media provider Independent reported in 2023 on a study of 2,000 parents with children at home. The study found families are only spending six hours a week together, which is less than an hour each day. Furthermore, they only eat meals as a household four days out of seven. Eking out more time for family may be as easy as scheduling activities that everyone can rally behind. Family game nights give everyone an excuse to gather at least once a week. These tips can make family game night a can’tmiss activity.
• Start with simple games and branch out. The first step to a successful family game night is choosing the right game to engage all participants. This can be challenging when there are young children, teenagers, middle-aged adults, and even seniors participating. Visit an independently owned toy and games store and pick the brain of the proprietor. He or she will likely have some suggestions to get you started. As participants become more comfortable, you can branch out with games.
• Make it a recurring event. Set a firm day of the week for the game night. This way participants will block out that date and time and make every attempt to attend. Treat game night like any other important appointment.
• Consider games with movement. Game night doesn’t have to mean sitting around a board game, which young children who have trouble sitting still may characterize as a “bored” game. Games that get people moving, whether it’s charades, drawing games or a game such as Twister™ can be more engaging. Game night also can take activities to a golf driving range or an arcade.
• Gather for the right reasons. Game night should focus on having the entire family together laughing and competing in a good-natured way. It should not be a strict competition where winning is the only goal. Avoid the potential for sore losers who can sour game nights in a flash by letting everyone know that fun is the foremost priority of the night.
• Offer prizes. Encourage participation with the lure of prizes at the end. Prizes will not just go to the overall winner. There can be humorous awards, such as the player who messed up trivia questions the most, or the one who rolled matching pairs of the dice most frequently. You can customize the winning categories depending on the game played so everyone gets a fighting chance at a prize. Keep awards simple, like candy bars or other appealing treats.
• Identify a “game master.” Every game night should feature a game master who presides over the rules of the game. The rules can be the ones strictly off of the information sheet, or the ones you customize for your own fun. The game master’s job is to make sure the rules are enforced, but also to determine when it’s alright to let things slide.
Family game nights are a vital way to bring everyone together at least once a week in a manner that is entertaining and fosters solid family relationships.
By Carol Smaglinski
While plowing through my stacks of well-used cookbooks, I discovered that on each Christmas Eve before an Italian grandmother made pasta, she would quickly measure the width of her grandchildren’s mouths. That way she knew exactly just how wide to make the noodles for lasagna.
She wouldn’t have to do that with orzo, a pasta that looks like rice, just one of the many variations of pasta and not used much in America.
Pasta is based on grain, usually wheat, and when mixed with a liquid and perhaps some eggs, it is kneaded to make a smooth dough and then put through a pasta machine.
Good both in salads and soups, orzo fits in so well, as pasta in Italy is usually served as a first course, and it is rare to find pasta as a main course.
Pasta in Italian means “paste.” Orzo is the Italian name for barley, the wheat from ancient times eaten before people began eating meat.
During a famine, rather than rely on potatoes, they turned to rye and barley for fiber. Barley is also used in the production of whiskey and even malt, the basis for its beloved beer Barley is a farmer’s dream come true. With a short growing season, barley grows where other grains will not, and can stand the cold and tolerate subtropical climates.
The Scots grow an abundance of barley, not only for their fine whiskey exported world-wide, but for its use in cereals.
Orzo, which is rich in magnesium to keep bones strong, can be added to chicken soup with a
lemon base. It partners perfectly when mixed with cooked mushrooms and onions for a nice side, or even in an impromptu stir-fry using up the stillgood vegetables, When buying pasta of any variety, realize that the cheaper it is, it could probably be produced with a lesser type of flour and dried eggs, rather than fresh. The flavor won’t be there and during the cooking process the less expensive pasta tends to break up easily and might be sticky and soft.
Mango chutney in the following recipe is an intensely flavored Indian relish always made fresh and served like jam in very small quantities.
Chutneys, ubiquitous in Indian restaurants all over the globe, comes from the Sanskrit word, chatni, which means “lickin’ good.”
Mango Chutney Salad
4 Servings
Mango Chutney
3 Tbsp. minced garlic
3 Tbsp. minced ginger root
½ cup red onion, finely diced
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
⅓ cup golden raisins
3 cups mangos, diced
3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
¼ tsp. salt, a pinch of red pepper flakes
Heat a medium-sized saucepan and add ingredients. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes. Save leftovers in a sealed container.
Pasta: 2 and ½ half cups of cooked orzo (½ of a 16 oz. pkg.)
Dressing:
¾ cup mango chutney
¼ cup canola oil
2 Tbsp. lemon juice and 2 Tbsp. red wine vine-
gar
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. crushed garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
///////////////
Salad ingredients:
1 cup shredded carrots,
1 cup chopped apple
1 cup cashews
½ cup raisins
⅓ cup finely chopped red onion
¼ cup finely chopped mint
Cook the orzo, drain, rinse, let cool and drain and cool once more.
Mix dressing ingredients. Put all the other ingredients in a large bowl, then add the orzo and the dressing. Garnish with mint sprigs for added color.
A new tourism website, VisitEdmondOK.com, has recently launched to welcome and inform visitors. For the past couple of years, Visit Edmond has been utilizing a Content Resource Management (CRM) software to input information and photos for Edmond restaurants, retail, attractions, sports facilities, meeting spaces, hotels, vacation homes, partners and other information important to visitors. The CRM connects to the new website, so updates are seamless.
By Jennifer Thornton Tourism Director
Visit Edmond welcomes visitors, newcomers and informs residents about things to do, upcoming events, where to eat and places to stay overnight. Most people reach for their phone and google “What to do in Edmond.” Now, a new tourism website will greet them: VisitEdmondOK.com.
For the past couple of years, Visit Edmond has been utilizing a Content Resource Management (CRM) software to input information and photos on restaurants, retail, attractions, sports facilities, meeting spaces, hotels, vacation homes, partners and other places for visitors. Once the CRM was loaded, a new website was designed to connect to it so updates
are seamless. New stores and restaurants are constantly opening in Edmond. This website is a one-stop for the best local advice. Additionally, Visit Edmond can create landing pages for meeting planners, sports tournaments and city-wide events like the U.S. Senior Open at Oat Tree National in 2027.
Website features include: new branding focus on how to enjoy Edmond and where to stay overnight resources for sports planners and meeting planners collect email newsletter subscriptions and visitor requests online forms for event and marketing sponsorships online forms for submitting events blog about local hot spots
Another step closer to ‘locking the clock’
Senate Bill 1200 by Sen. Blake Cowboy Stephens, R-Tahlequah, was ceremonially signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt Wednesday. The measure provides that the State of Oklahoma shall adopt permanent Daylight Saving Time (DST) upon approval of federal legislation to allow states to choose whether or not they change their clocks twice a year.
“This day has been many years in the making as I have tirelessly advocated for our state to lock our clock on permanent Daylight Saving Time. Oklahomans, businesses, and the state as a whole will greatly benefit from an extra hour of daylight in the evenings throughout the winter months. I truly appreciate everyone who helped us get this legislation across the finish line and those who joined us for today’s ceremonial bill signing to recognize this forward-thinking measure. I look forward to further collaboration with our federal delegation to support the passage of the Sunshine Protection Act and officially lock Oklahoma’s clock,” Stephens said.
Speaker Charles McCall served as the House author of SB 1200.
Sen. Mary Boren issued a statement last week saying the State Board of Education has continued to ignore state law allowing her to observe executive sessions and questioning whether the superintendent and board members also violated open meetings law.
“It’s disturbing that the superintendent and Board continue to ignore the law that clearly allows legislators to observe their executive sessions, even after Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s office has stated they must. In addition, they did not follow their published agenda. I believe a violation of the Open Meetings Act has occurred, nullifying those votes.
“Following the law is not optional. They can certainly go to court, but they cannot simply choose to ignore the attorney general, as well as the Open Meetings Act, which is aimed at ensuring transparency and integrity in governmental proceedings.” – Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman.
wins $1 million
Jennifer, a resident of Gage, Okla., claimed a Grand Fortune Scratcher top prize worth $1,000,000 last week at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center. The winning ticket was purchased at Tom’s Quick Stop at 523 S. Main St. in Shattuck. Jennifer says she plans to put the winnings toward a college fund for her children as well as buying a new house.
This winning ticket was the second top prize to be awarded from this game, Grand Fortune, and there is one top prize still remaining in the game. With this win, Jennifer becomes the Oklahoma Lottery’s 83rd millionaire.
About the Oklahoma Lottery
Last fiscal year, the Oklahoma Lottery paid out more than $208 million in prizes to players, helping to drive both the local and state economy and bolster retail revenue throughout Oklahoma.
Since its launch, the Lottery has generated more than $1.31 billion in funds that have been given to the Oklahoma Education Lottery Trust Fund. As sales continue to grow, the Oklahoma Lottery is able to increase the contributions that benefit students and teachers across the State of Oklahoma.
In an impressive display of skill and determination, 20-year-old Evy Leibfarth from North Carolina made history by winning the bronze medal in the women's canoe singles (C1) event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This marks her first Olympic medal and the first time a U.S. woman has medaled in Olympic C1 canoe slalom.
Leibfarth qualified for the Paris Olympic Games during Olympic Trials hosted by RIVERSPORT OKC in April of this year.
Leibfarth’s journey to the podium was not easy. She almost did not qualify for the women's canoe singles final, starting 12th in the lineup. Despite the odds, she delivered an extraordinary performance, hanging on for a medal as the top names in the sport struggled. The tension peaked when the final paddler, Czech Gabriela Satkova, incurred numerous penalties, sealing Leibfarth’s place on the podium.
"Evy's performance was nothing short of spectacular," said Mike Knopp, executive director of RIVERSPORT, who is in Paris to witness the event. "Her dedication and perseverance have paid off in an incredible way. This is an historic moment for U.S. canoe slalom."
“We’ve watched her win so many medals at the national championships and Olympic Trials we’ve hosted at RIVERSPORT through the years and it’s amazing to see her finding such success on the world’s biggest stageall while still being so young,” Knopp said. “It’s very exciting to see her positioned to build so much excitement for the sport as we begin to focus on the LA 28!”
Canoe slalom is planned to be hosted at RIVERSPORT, Oklahoma City’s whitewater center, during the 2028 Los Angeles. The final decision is pending approval by the Los Angeles City Council.
Do you have a wedding or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com. We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form.The cost is $35, which includes a photograph. Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.
By George Gust
As far as writer/director’s careers go, M. Night Shyamalan is in a class all by himself. With the cultural phenomenon of “The Sixth Sense” and subsequent string of box office success, followed by a string of flops that turned his name into a punchline in theaters across America. Now in a new phase of his career, he’s stripped down a lot of the frills and grandeur that got him into trouble with audiences. His newest film “Trap” continues this trend of smaller scale and opts for the thrills over the frills.
“Trap” follows a father (Josh Hartnett) and his teen daughter (Ariel Donoghue) as they attend a pop concert only to realize they've entered the center of a dark and sinister event.
“Trap” is the kind of original thriller that critics and general audiences alike have been crying for in the past few years. A small scale fast-paced thriller that isn’t asking the audience to have seen the most recent streaming TV show in the franchise plus the last three blockbuster films that are tangentially related. Shyamalan has created a high concept film that puts the audience in a world
that is mostly believable and heightened it with paranoia and tension. However, some of the Shyamalan issues are present in “Trap” with some stilted dialogue and a third act that loses much of the momentum built up by the first parts of the film.
In terms of performance, “Trap” lives and dies with Hartnett’s performance as the sinister protagonist the film follows throughout. From his days as the teen heartthrob in movies like “Pearl Harbor” and “O” to his resurgence in last year’s “Oppenheimer” Hartnett has grown into a more
dynamic performer and his sharply edged charm works wonderfully in this movie. The narrative follows him as the premise begins to become clearer to him and the audience and his charming performance was able to make the character someone you revile and root for at the same time.
Overall, “Trap” is a throwback tension filled thriller that find Shyamalan in fine form. As with these kinds of straight thrillers, there are several escapes and plot points that strain your sense of disbelief. However, for certain fans of the genre, finding these plot inconsistencies is half the fun of this kind ‘what would you do in this situation?’ movie. If you’re in the mood for a tense thriller with a believable atmosphere and fast pace, look no further than this week’s new release “Trap.” “Trap” is rated PG-13 for some violent content and brief strong language.
3.7 out of 5 stars.
(Contact George Gust for comment about this film, or any other motion pictures at gust.george@gmail.com)
As temperatures and heat indexes continue to rise, your readers will undoubtedly be looking for ways to manage the extreme heat and the higher electric bills that come along with it.
OG&E is sharing their top 5 ways to help customers beat the heat while saving on energy costs this summer.
OG&E’s 5 Ways to Beat the Heat and Save
Set your thermostat at the highest comfortable temperature. Each degree a thermostat is raised can save up to 3% on energy costs.
Keep air moving in the house by using fans. A ceiling fan uses about as much electricity as a light bulb – and far less energy than an A/C unit. Close the drapes and window blinds on the sunny side of the house.
Use a slow cooker or outdoor grill. These are great low energy alternatives to using an oven. Run the clothes dryer during the cooler hours of the day.
BONUS TIP: Find a Cool Zone in your area if you are outdoors and need to escape the heat. A list of local municipal and non-profit locations that are air conditioned and open to the
can be found at oge.com/CoolZones.
By Lisa Kadavy Edmond Family Counseling
Finding peace in chaos can be a challenge for all of us. Very quickly circumstances can spin out of control leaving us in a state of anxiety and restlessness. Developing the ability to find peace in chaos is about maintaining inner balance and clarity regardless of what may be going on in your life. It is not the absence of emotion, but rather the ability to manage emotions.
Lisa
Inner peace is a state of tranquility where you feel at ease within yourself, others, and the world around you. It is a state of calm, acceptance and contentment. It is knowing who you are in your own skin. Inner peace is something you cultivate within yourself. It is not always possible to get rid of the stress and chaos in life, but there are healthy ways we can learn to manage stress and focus our energy on the things that matter most to find our inner peace.
Perhaps you had a stressful day at work or had an argument with a loved one. Instead of reacting impulsively or letting anxiety take over, take a very deep breath, acknowledge your emotions, and approach the situation calmly and objectively. The ability to maintain a state of calm and balance, even in difficult circumstances, is an example of inner peace. Peace isn’t something you wish for. It’s something you make, something you do and something you are.
Stress and chaos may impact our physical and mental health. Below are a few ways to manage the chaos in your life:
-Identify what is causing chaos in your life,
and it will be easier to deal with the situation. Some things are out of our control, and we cannot change them. Accept the things you cannot change and focus on the things that are within your control.
-Try to practice non-judgment. By practicing non-judgment, you create space for inner peace.
-Practice gratitude. When you find yourself caught up in the chaos, pause and focus on three things in which you are thankful.
-Connect with family and friends. Having others to talk to can help manage your stress. Showing interest in others broadens our horizons and gives us new things to think about. When possible, spend time with others in person and connect.
-Eliminate Clutter. Being surrounded by clutter may cause you to feel overwhelmed. Organizing your space will help you feel more in control.
-Be attuned to your emotions. Music can change your mood in seconds. Listening to music that energizes us can be uplifting. Laughter releases chemicals that naturally make us feel better. Crying also has a physiological effect that releases stress and tension.
-Enjoy nature. Get outside and enjoy the fresh air and world around you.
Last week, Governor Kevin Stitt held a ceremonial signing of HB3936, which updates current law with clear and concise language that will help prosecute crimes related to child sexual abuse.
The term “child sexual abuse material” more accurately captures the nature of the material and the sexual exploitation of minors and better encompasses multiple media formats such as images, videos, and other digital content.
The bill was authored by Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa and Senator Darrell Weaver, R-Moore.
“With this new law, we are moving away from the ‘you know it when you see it’ mindset and embedding clear and concise language into law that helps prosecute child predators,” Provenzano said. “The words ‘child pornography’ imply a child is able to consent. We know that a child cannot consent, and this law puts the emphasis on the crime committed against the child, not the child themselves.
The ceremonial signing of this bill comes at an apt time, a day after July 30, which is ‘World Day Against Human Trafficking.’”
The bill was originally suggested by The Demand Project, a nonprofit or-
ganization that works to eradicate human trafficking, online enticement, child sexual abuse material, and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Child sexual abuse material has significant impact on child trafficking demand.
"Changing 'Child Pornography' to 'Child Sexual Abuse Material' is vital as it eliminates any implication of consent and underscores the severity of these crimes,” said The Demand Project CEO and Co-Founder Kristin Weis. “This bill ensures our laws reflect the true nature of these heinous acts and prioritize the protection of children."
Rep. Provenzano worked with Senator Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, on the bill.
“This bill marks a significant shift in our legal terminology, one that reflects the gravity and true nature of the crimes we're combatting,” Weaver said. “During my time as director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, we continually worked to take action against those who commit sexual crimes and partake in human trafficking. I am adamantly opposed to such exploitation and abuse and was proud to have a role in sending this bill to the governor’s desk.”
INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) has named local accounting firm Arledge to its IPA 500 firm list and as an IPA 500 Fastest-Growing firm. IPA is a peer organization dedicated to practice management resources. According to the organization, IPA 500 firms are ranked according to their U.S. net revenue and compiled by analyzing responses received each year in its annual survey.
“We are honored to rank among the top-performing firms nationwide
in our field. A commitment to excellence is the driving force behind all we do in service to our clients,” said Jake Winkler, partner with Arledge & Associates.
This is the 34th year IPA has issued rankings of the largest accounting firms in the nation.
Arledge is a recognized leader in the accounting industry offering practical solutions in the areas of tax preparation and planning, auditing, consulting, accounting advisory services and client accounting.
There is a lot to learn when you begin to research your family, and that includes more than finding information on that third great grandparent.
Knowing where to look, what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to record what you find so you can locate them again are just a few of the skills that a genealogist needs to develop.
The Oklahoma Home and Community Education (OHCE) Genealogy Group will host session 2 in the series “An Introduction to Genealogy”
featuring Professor John Philip Colleta in his Great Courses DVD on Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. at the Oklahoma County Extension Center, 2500 N.E. 63rd St., Oklahoma City.
The OHCE Genealogy Group meets the third Wednesday of every month to learn and encourage each other in the pursuit of our family lineage and heritage.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend. For more information please check our website: https://ohcegenealogy.com and on Facebook: OHCE Genealogy Group.
-Try to focus on one thing at a time. Multitasking can create more stress. Slow down and complete a project before taking on another.
-Practice random acts of kindness. By focusing on others, we remind ourselves of the goodness all around us. Doing a random act of kindness will bring joy to you and the other person.
-Engage in self-care. If you feel tired, change your pace. Get adequate rest, nutrition and exercise. Sometimes you just need time alone or a good night’s sleep. Taking care of yourself will give you more energy.
-Set realistic goals and expectations. Often stress comes from our expectations of what should be done and how it should be done. It is okay to let others help you from time to time. Make the commitment to give yourself a break, knowing and accepting ahead of time things may be done a bit differently.
-Edmond Family Counseling is a non-profit organization. We may be reached at 405-341-3554 to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed professional counselors. Donations may be made to Edmond Family Counseling, 1251 N. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73-34 or online @www.edmondfamily.org by clicking the yellow DONATE button.
Childhood hunger can keep kids from reaching their full potential. Through Sept. 30, every donation to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma's Food for Kids Programs is matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $315,000 thanks to the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, Chesapeake Energy, Mark and Beth Brewer, Marathon Oil, Dolese Bros. Corp., Energy Transfer, David Gorham and David and Lezlie Hudiburg.
Food Bank. "That's why we are so grateful for the Food for Kids match sponsors who have stepped up to help provide nutritious meals for Oklahoma's children. Double the impact of your donations by making a gift today."
The Food for Kids Programs are the School Pantry Program, the Summer Feeding Program, Kids Cafés and the Backpack Program.
“The Regional Food Bank’s Food for Kids Programs support children and their communities,” said John Logan, executive director of the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma. “We are proud to work together to help provide this important match to ensure sure Oklahoma children have enough food on the table.”
KOCO 5 News returns as the official television sponsor of the Food for Kids Match and will highlight the impact of the Regional Food Bank's four Food for Kids Programs. Through the Food for Kids Programs, the Regional Food Bank provided more than 2 million meals last school year.
"We know that children who don't get enough food are at risk for increased health and development problems," said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional
The School Pantry Program provides chronically hungry middle and high school students with food to sustain them after school and over weekends. The Summer Feeding Program provides free meals and snacks to children up to the age of 18 throughout the summer months when school is not in session. Many children in Oklahoma lack access to proper nutritious meals outside of school, so these programs are essential for their well-being.
Kids Cafés are afterschool and school break programs that provide meals and snacks as well as tutoring and mentor services to children.
The Backpack Program provides kid-friendly, nutritious food to elementary school children who have been identified as being food insecure.
A $100 donation to the Food for Kids match will support two children in one of the Food for Kids Programs for an entire school year. Make a donation today at foodforkids.us.
Dear Oklahoma friends and neighbors:
It’s almost time for school to start up, which is an exciting time for our families, teachers, staff, and occasionally kids as they prepare for another school year. This weekend is Oklahoma’s “Sales Tax Holiday” weekend for families making qualifying purchases to get ready for back-to-school and much more. This event provides an incentive to families to shop local and encourages commerce at Oklahoma businesses. CLICK HERE for a flyer with details provided by the State of Oklahoma on how to participate and which purchases qualify. I also encourage us to look for and give to local nonprofits that have programs to help families who need school supplies, coats, and more. (Yes, we will need coats soon).
The 2024 Summer Olympic Games are in full swing in Paris with Americans, including Oklahoma and Yukon native, Vernon Turner, who is representing our state in the high jump, and Edmond native Micha Hancock, who was just added to the Women’s Volleyball Olympic Team! Congratulations to these and all of our American athletes who train so hard for so many years to make it to this level.
US Secret Service Failures in Trump Assassination Attempt
The American people need to have confidence in the US Secret Service (USSS) as they keep our current and past presidents and their families safe. On July 13, there were multiple epic failures of the Secret Service as a 20year old shooter came within a half
inch of assassinating President Trump. A local volunteer firefighter, protecting his family, while attending a political rally—a very American thing to do— was murdered that day and several others were injured.
I have met multiple times with US Secret Service senior leadership and the FBI since the attempted assassination. I confronted and called for the then-current USSS Director, Kimberly Cheatle, to resign, until she did resign. This week, my committee held a hearing with the new leadership of Secret Service and the current leadership of the FBI to get more answers and outline a plan to make sure this never happens again. I will not stop pushing until we get total transparency and accountability. I still have many unanswered questions about the pre-planning, the failure to use a drone to observe the field, the failure of counter-drone technology, the failure to communicate to the agents near the President that a shooter was identified on the roof 30 seconds before the first shot, and ultimately why Secret Service failed to cover that rooftop at all. We have many dedicated and remarkable Secret Service agents across the country, including Oklahoma, but this type of failure is inexcusable.
Preserving Our National Security
For the last seven months, we have worked to lay the groundwork for the National Defense Authorization Act, otherwise known as the defense bill. For the last 63 years, the defense bill
See Lankford, Page 19
Cancer patients, survivors, family and friends are invited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the INTEGRIS Health Hispanic Cancer Support Group on Saturday, Aug. 10.
INTEGRIS Health was the first health care organization in the state to offer a cancer support group in Spanish. Participants meet monthly at INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center. The support group sessions, led by cancer patients and care partners, are designed to respond to the informational needs of cancer patients and their families as well as provide emotional support.
The unique cancer support group sponsored by the INTEGRIS Health Hispanic Initiative, provides Spanish
speakers the opportunity to share their thoughts, concerns and fears with other cancer patients and survivors. All program materials will be provided in Spanish.
Sessions are offered free of charge to anyone in the community affected by cancer as a patient or family member. The anniversary celebration will be held from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center Medical Office Building, 4200 S. Douglas Ave., basement level. Join the community celebration honoring the support group members and their experiences throughout the years. For more information or to register, call 405-636-7549 or 405-6367458.
By Alexx Reger Business Editor
Care+ Pediatrics Urgent Care is now open in Edmond. They provide urgent care services for pediatric patients like diagnostics, injury management, illness treatment and physicals.
Owner, Dr. Justin Pespisa, MD, says it was his time working at a large pediatric emergency department that motivated him to open a pediatric urgent care clinic. “During that time, I witnessed emergency department overcrowding and realized that a large portion of the children in the emergency could have easily been managed in an urgent care clinic,” says Pespisa. “This inspired me to provide a quicker, less expensive option for families seeking after-hours care for their children.”
The age range that Care+ Pediatrics serves is newborns all the way up to 21 years old. Other services that they provide are basic lab tests like urinalysis, rapid strep, flu, COVID, and RSV tests.
“We have on-site x-rays so we can diagnose a broken bone, apply a splint, and help arrange an appropriate follow-up plan,” says Pespisa. “We also perform other procedures such as stitches, drain abscesses, and remove foreign bodies from noses and ears. Most importantly, we pride ourselves on providing excellent care to all children.”
Care+ Pediatrics is different from traditional urgent care clinics in that their providers are trained specifically in pediatrics. Pespisa says this ensures that children are receiving the most up-to-date, evidence-based pediatric treatments. “Additionally, we have designed our clinic to be kid-friendly and welcoming in order to make children feel comfortable during their visit,” adds Pespisa.
According to Pespisa, the best part about being a business owner is being able to build an organi-
U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) recently introduced legislation to decrease the size and scope of the authority of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to protect small businesses from big labor union special interests. Mullin’s Small Businesses Before Bureaucrats Act will update outdated revenue thresholds and release many small businesses from the purview of the NLRB. Though the NLRB was designed to be a balanced, impartial adjudicator, the Biden-Harris administration has weaponized the agency to undermine workers and job creators by bending the knee to big labor unions.
“Oklahoma is the proud home of nearly 400,000 small businesses,” said Sen. Mullin. “Our job creators
have been burdened for too long by the Biden-Harris administration’s failed economic policies, increased regulations, and now – subversion of the NLRB to advance big union priorities at the expense of small businesses across America. This bill will rein in federal bureaucracy and ensure our entrepreneurs in Oklahoma and across the country can operate their businesses as they see fit.”
NLRB is an independent federal agency that oversees unionization proceedings and enforcement of the National Labor Relations Act.
The NLRB currently has jurisdiction over any retail business who has annual revenue over $500,000 and any non-retail business with annual revenue over $50,000.
zation from the ground up and implement the values that he feels are important to run a successful healthcare organization. “It has been especially rewarding to grow the company with some really incredible team members,” says Pespisa. “It wouldn’t be possible without a whole team effort.”
Care+ Pediatrics’ team plans to continue providing top-notch pediatric urgent care to the families of Edmond and OKC metro for many years to come. Pespisa and his team look forward to serving Edmond and its fast-growing, vibrant community. “Over the last year and a half, many families have driven from Edmond to our first clinic in The Village,” says Pespisa. “I’m pleased that these families and others will now have a more convenient option for excellent pediatric urgent care services.”
Care+ Pediatrics is located at 1221 N. Kelly Avenue. Call them at 405-876-7876 or visit www.carepluspediatrics.com for more information.
Homes by Taber recently held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 933 Hydrangea Way,
Homes by Taber is proudly launching its newest staged model home in one of the newest, but already most coveted communities, Wild Rose Ranch. The model home is the Wesley floor plan with 5 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a bonus room, a 3-car garage, and 3,285 sq ft to spread out. Located off N Sorghum Mill Rd between N Broadway and N Bryant Ave in Edmond, Wild Rose Ranch, this Edmond community boasts a meticulously designed lifestyle.
From serene nature escapes to vibrant spaces for entertainment, you don’t have to go far to create unforgettable moments when you call Wild Rose Ranch home.
To learn more about Homes by Taber check out their website, https://www.homesbytaber.com/communities/oklahoma-city-area/edmond/wild-rose-ranch or give them a call at (405) 645-5865.
Harding Fine Arts Academy is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jason Brown as the new superintendent. With an extensive background in education, encompassing roles as a classroom teacher, school administrator, and district administrator, Mr. Brown brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to our institution. His leadership and expertise will be invaluable in continuing the mission and vision of Harding Fine Arts Academy.
Jason Brown has dedicated nearly 30 years to the field of education. He began his career as a teacher at Midwest City High School, where he taught Honors World History and A.P. Government, and initiated a Competitive Academics Class. Concurrently, he taught at the alternative school in the
evenings. During this period, Jason founded Test Wizards, a consulting firm focused on preparing students for the ACT and other standardized exams required for college entrance. His journey with Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) began as part of the GEAR UP program, aimed at ensuring college and career readiness for students. Over three years, Jason was promoted several times, ultimately serving as Interim Director of Curriculum Services.
Jason’s passion for direct interaction with teachers and students led him to the role of school administrator. As principal of Del Crest, he achieved remarkable gains on their Academic Performance Index. He then took on the role of principal at Santa Fe High School in Edmond Public Schools, where the school achieved the highest Academic Performance Index of any 6A high school in Oklahoma under his leadership. In June 2011, Jason was
See Brown, Page 18 Brown
appointed Executive Director of Secondary Education for Edmond Public Schools, becoming the first person of color to serve on the Superintendent’s Cabinet in Edmond. In 2013, he joined Norman Public Schools as Assistant Superintendent. He was soon promoted to Deputy Superintendent, leading strategic planning and transforming accountability practices. In 2019, Jason returned to Oklahoma City Public Schools, where he has most recently served as Deputy Superintendent, leading the academic and instructional wing of the district. In this role, he has been responsible for all aspects of teaching and learning, demonstrating his commitment to educational excellence.
Mr. Brown holds a B.S. in Education from Oklahoma Christian University, an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Southern Nazarene University, and is currently pursuing an E.D. in Educational Leadership at Southern Nazarene University, with an expected completion in 2025. In addition, he is actively involved in various organiza-
tions, including the Board of Directors of OSSAA, the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma County, and as a Trustee at Northeast Missionary Baptist Church. He is a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA), and the Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame.
"We are excited to have Jason Brown as our new superintendent because of his extensive experience and passion for improving the lives of students and their families." Camal Pennington, Harding Fine Arts Academy Board Chair
About Harding Fine Arts Academy:
Harding Fine Arts Academy is a public charter high school in Oklahoma City, dedicated to providing a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with the arts. Our mission is to prepare students for college and career success through a unique blend of academic and artistic
has ensured we adequately fund our nation’s defense to preserve the freedoms generations before us fought to secure. The proposed 64th annual defense bill bolsters our national defense, improves the important programs in Oklahoma, cares for our military families, deters our nation’s adversaries, and directly counters the aggressive tactics of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Here are some of the highlights from the defense bill currently being considered:
Provides a 4.5% pay raise for military members and a 2% pay raise for Department of Defense (DOD) civilian employees
Supports US-Israel cooperation and deters the Iranian regime as Israel fights against terrorism
Requires a report on the military cooperation between the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation, and the implications of such cooperation for US national security
Requires a strategy for countering drone technologies, referring drone offenses for investigation and prosecution, and responding to drone incursions
Extends congressional oversight over southwest border security
Requires an assessment of DOD's chaotic implementation of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 Authorizes DOD to identify poor-performing contractors and require approval for additional contracts
Requires the Deputy Secretary of Defense to notify specific congressional committees when the Secretary is unable to perform the functions and duties of the Office of the Secretary of Defense
I’m working to include several priorities that will
support Oklahoma installations and our service members. So far, the Senate version of the defense bill includes provisions that fully fund the capabilities maintained, flown, and manufactured at our Oklahoma installations, which include the B-21, T-7, T-1, and KC-46, munitions procurement across all service branches, including ammunition produced at McAlester, general purpose bombs, long-range precision fires, air and missile defense, and THAAD just to name a few.
The defense bill supports counter-UAS measures that will enhance Fort Sill’s ability to equip and lead all of the services in this area, and supports and di-
rects DOD to find innovative ways to continue keeping America several steps ahead of our adversaries.
McAlester
McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (MCAAP) is one of the fortunate installations to possess natural gas reserves under their installation. As DOD seeks to make all installations energy resilient by 2030, DOD and the Department of Interior should capitalizes on these energy rich resources in order to bolster the security of the base. I have worked for years to make sure MCAAP has the authority to extract natural gas from the installation to provide the essential power for their operations.
