FOUR SEASONS
Four Seasons, by Kevin Box, in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. For more information, see page 4.
Back to School Elementary Edition
See pages 12-15
FRIDAY, August 4
Partly Cloudy High 103° Low 78°
SATURDAY, August 5 Mostly Sunny High 100° Low 73°
When you think of creativity in Edmond, what comes to mind?
You may say public art, pottery and painting classes at Edmond Parks & Recreation, UpStage Theater performances, and others. Film also brings a growing creative energy in Edmond.
SUNDAY, August 6 AM Thunderstorms High 93° Low 70°
The Oklahoma Film + Music Office recognizes Edmond as “Film Friendly.” This means Edmond makes it easy for filmmakers to find locations and do business here. Several restaurants, retail shops, hiking and biking trails and historic sites, like the 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse and the University of
Central Oklahoma’s Old North have proven to be attractive sites for filmmakers. The City of Edmond has welcomed many recent film productions, including “Dotty and Soul”, “A Country Romance”, “Deadly Misconduct”, “Family Camp” and “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story.” When films come to Edmond, actors and their support teams dine, shop and stay the night which generates sales tax and lodging tax dollars. Additionally, these new visitors see Edmond first-hand and often return to vacation and even live here!
If you are interested in sharing
your location for a future film, go to https://okfilmmusic.org/filmfriendly.
Edmond’s film scene recently lost a favorite. Simply Indie began in 2019 by long-time Edmond residents- Lynzi and Marisa Carlson. They are passionate about building community through film. The Simply Indie Film Fest ran for four years and attracted short and feature-length indie films, screenwriters, and artists from across the nation. They are heading off to a new adventure in New York and will be greatly missed!
Film education classes will continue at Edmond Fine Arts Institute. Sign up at https://www.edmondfinarts.com. If you are interested in continuing to help grow indie film in Edmond, please contact info@ edmondfinearts.com
Dear Oklahoma friends and neighbors:
It's the start of August—that means backto-school time is almost here! Even if you don’t have young kids in school, everyone can help the families around you through the many nonprofits assisting with school supplies, backpacks, school clean-up projects and more. Back to school is a great time of year (especially for parents).
In the end of the summer heat, don’t forget to keep checking on elderly or vulnerable neighbors to make sure they have what they need in the dog days of summer. If you find yourself in need, feel free to dial 2-1-1 to find out about local options for help in the heat.
Thank you for always doing what Oklahomans do: take care of one another.
August is the one month of the year that the Senate does not meet, which allows me to spend more time around Oklahoma listening. I am looking forward to connecting with many Oklahomans in the coming weeks as I drive around the state (with my air conditioner on).
——-
Supporting Oklahoma Military Installations in the Defense Bill
Thankfully, the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, known as the defense bill or the NDAA. This bill sets our defense policy for every military mission and training for the next fiscal year.
Many of my amendments were included in this year’s NDAA, which were designed to make sure our warfighters, their families, and Oklahoma’s military and National Guard installations have what they need. We provided another pay raise to our military as they face Biden’s inflation. I worked to hold military contractors accountable for dilapidated or dangerous military housing in Oklahoma. I fought for and won the additional funding and authority needed to
rebuild L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School on Altus Air Force Base, which is in desperate need of repairs to provide a safe learning environment for children on the base.
Some of my specific amendments updated the anti-competitive procurement processes in DOD contracting, created a process for military spouses to have and build a career working remotely with federal agencies as they move around the country with their spouse, and I increased access to critical minerals from friendly nations instead of China. I even won an overtime pay increase for our Border Patrol since they work every day for our national security as well.
The Oklahoman had a great article in last Sunday’s paper about building a new stadium for the OKC Thunder. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt has articulated the need and is getting support except for a few in leadership roles including a couple of the council members. I think he has the majority support of the council including our friend and fellow Heritage Hall graduate, Councilman Mark Stonecipher.
Why build a new center?
The Paycom center is the smallest by square footage in the NBA. This puts us at risk of losing the Thunder to another city. If you remember, that is how we ended up with the former Seattle Sonics in the first place. It was Seattle’s unwillingness to build an up-to-date stadium that caused the team to move. Actually, it was their unwillingness to make a decision one way or the other. They let a few folks in leadership roles there drag the process down.
Sound familiar to us in Edmond?
We just lost a giant donation of a sculpture park because the city council and city staff were dragging their feet. Waiting to get a “better” deal or some kind of special twist. It was not a negotiation folks. It was a gift and all we had to do was find the best way to help the project get done. Instead, we decided to be tough negotiators and just be cute about the whole thing which delayed processing.
The results:
The generous donor said forget it and dropped the entire donation of the project. It is gone and not coming back friends. The same thing could happen to the OKC Thunder if OKC decides to get cute and add on to the package to fund individuals’ selfish programs. There is talk of adding a “community benefits” package to the cost and more. Stop. Do this about the stadium and nothing more. Attempts to do such things will drag out the process and could cause the team to decide to move on just as it did in Seattle. As Holt said, “that would be hard to come back from.”
Actually, that would be an understatement.
Some have argued that to extend the MAPS 4 tax to cover the cost of building a new arena there needs to be more input from the folks that are
complaining about the project. First, it is their ego’s talking because what do any of us really know about building a first-class NBA stadium? This is nothing but a delay tactic. Secondly, the NBA dictates most of the standards for a new stadium which are out of our control.
According to the article, “Since the Thunder's arrival in 2008, the city has added about 150,000 to its population, an explosion Holt says is no coincidence.
The estimated annual economic impact of the NBA in OKC is over $600 million and 3,000 jobs, according to a 2019 study commissioned by the Thunder. The direct impact comes from things like team payroll, hospitality, hotel stays and pregame meals during the 40 to 60 nights the team plays in Oklahoma City per year.”
Holt was quoted in the story as saying, “Any proposed course of action that would obviously end our status as a big-league city would clearly be in direct opposition to the wishes of our residents, and I’m not elected to work against our city’s interests," Holt said. "As such, I will secure an agreement to keep the Thunder here long-term and will only support proposals that accomplish that.”
Here is a small amount of the Q&A that Holt did with readers of the Oklahoman:
Q: I'm a "Yes," but what is the process for this? For the usual three city council votes it's going to have to start soon.
Holt: Thanks, Randall. What you are referencing about three council meetings has to do with ordinance changes and other specific items and
---- Police report..............................................................................Page 6.
---- Weekend Calendar............................................................Pages 6 & 7.
---- George Gust’s latest movie review............................................Page 8.
---- Crossword puzzle........................................................................Page 8.
---- Attorney General took the proper action..................................
is not applicable here. Generally, items for council consideration only appear on one council agenda with the exception of zoning cases, ordinance changes, economic development incentives, real estate sales and maybe something else I'm forgetting.
But election calls and agreements are only one council meeting. So, to answer your question, once we have a joint proposal that works for all parties concerned and secures a longterm relationship with major league sports while also keeping our facilities modern for all its many uses, whatever is related to that issue, including the call for an election, will go to the council.
For the actual calling of the election, the council is ultimately just being asked if they will allow the people of Oklahoma City to make the decision, which I think is a wonderful aspect of every Oklahoma City process. The people get to make the choice. That vote to formally allow the voters to decide has to occur by early to mid-October.
Q: The largest arena by capacity is United Center in Chicago at 20,917. Will the new arena break 20,000 capacity?
Holt: Seating capacity is actually not that big of an issue in modern arena planning. The real issue for teams is square footage because the real revenue drivers for users are happening outside of the bowl.
That's why it is so damaging for sports and concerts that our arena is dead-last of all NBA arenas in square footage. Some arenas are literally twice our size and most are 40-50 percent larger. I can't tell you what the seating capacity of a new arena will be, but the current capacity is
not really an issue and hasn't really come up. What I do know will be different in the new arena is the square footage, which has to dramatically increase.
Here is a small amount of the Q&A that Holt did with readers of The Oklahoman:
Q: What's the estimated total price for the new arena, and how is the payment broken down?
Holt: If I knew the project cost, I would have stated it last week. That's among the topics still getting worked out.
Q: Will this new facility be capable of handling NHL, too? Since the Thunder's arrival, has any other Big League sports team expressed interest in the Paycom Center?
Holt: As far as functionality, I can't imagine why not. Residents recently messaged me when the Arizona NHL team seemed to be in a state of flux, and of course the only answer was to remind them that our arena is not something I can sell to anyone, unfortunately. For us to have that opportunity, we have to build a new arena, and then we'll see what suitors present themselves.
But they're not knocking on the door of our current arena. And so, to answer your second question more directly, no is the answer. Maybe this is a good place to again point out that our arena is way down at the lower end of U.S. arenas and our market ranks in the 40s in a world where every league generally only has 30 teams. As much as we have grown and are rightfully proud of that, major league professional sports is an extremely exclusive club and we are at its fringes. We have to work harder than other markets to overcome our size, and building a new arena is certainly a necessary part of that.
I would encourage you to go to The Oklahoman and read the entire Q&A on the issues. Readers ask some great questions.
How does this affect Edmond?
In a big way folks. Having an NBA team just down the street is a big draw for all the communities and yes, we will be contributing when we do shop in OKC on occasions. Go for it Mayor Holt and do not let our Thunder slip aways as we did our sculpture park!
(Ray Hibbard may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)
“Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper.
Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing.
Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011.
Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable.
For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.
Editor’s Note: The following letter was submitted to the Editor following publisher Ray Hibbard’s column July 20 on turning 65 .
EDITOR
I was invited to speak to a group of middle managers at an insurance company by a friend who was VP of that company following a dinner conversation she and I had. Here is what I told them:
Most of you in this room will probably agree that when you finished school and/or your military service you were probably about 25 years of age. When you enter a business at that age as a young professional you find yourself in an internship and that internship lasts about ten years. But at the end of ten years you are a pretty high performing, well paid professional and you are about 35 years of age.
In the 1930’s Franklin Roosevelt introduced the idea of Social Security to the American people. It was a political move that helped get him elected. He said, “If you are a worker and live to age 65 and retire, the government will pay you $30 a month for as long as you live.” A Ponzi scheme for sure.
That was a pretty good political bet because the average life span of an American male at that time was 62 years and few women were in the workforce. Our society was mainly agrarian, so most people worked until they dropped in the
Letter to the Editor
field while behind a mule plowing the field.
But what happened is that “Age 65” became implanted in our society as “Retirement Age”. Now everyone thinks, “When I reach 65 I’m going to retire and rest on my laurels.”
Nowadays the average life span of Americans is more like 74 years, but if you take reasonable care of yourself and with medical advances what they are it is very likely you could live to be 95.
So now here you are at age 65 having worked as a highly paid professional for 30 years and you step off the train. No more paychecks. No more paid vacations. No more company paid health benefits.
But if the above is true and you live to be 95 years old, THAT IS ANOTHER 30 YEARS!
So, think of what a new car cost you 30 years ago when you were just out of school and what they cost now. Everything else has gone up just as much!
But worst of all, what are you going to do with 30 years of time on your hands? During that first 30 years you raised your family, you did PTA, you may have bought a boat or lake cabin, your children married, and you went to parties
See Letter, Page 7
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.
(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 17
Gage Marshall Langley, 27, homeless. Public intoxication, two counts of possess CDS, trespassing after being warned and possess drug paraphernalia.
Shianne Renee Bullard, 33 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor first offense) domestic assault (in the presence of a minor child.)
Chayce Coursey, 27 of Edmond. Simple – child abuse by injury.
Syeda Masooma Abedi, 42 homeless. Trespassing. Serena Jean Waddle, 50 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.
Tommy Lionel Acosta, 60 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Kierro Markese Thompson, 34 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.
Kirk Estes Skaggs, 48 homeless. Public intoxication.
Billie Ruth McGivney, 83 homeless. Public intoxication.
July 18
David Lee Daniels, 64 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants and two felony warrants.
Amanda Marie Ray, 41 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Evdin Gamaliel Gomez Perez, 21 of Edmond. Careless driving and operating a motor vehicle with no valid driver’s license.
Dakota Gene Kappus, 27 of Edmond. Shoplifting.
Adriana Camacho, 19 of Edmond. Shoplifting.
Dusty Cole Collier, 40 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.
Sabrina Lynette Lawson, 26 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant,
Precious Lajune Rowe, 37 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
July 19
John Bryar Phillips, 43 of Newalla. A felony warrant.
Kasey Jordan Friedl, 32 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.
Dominique Olajuwon Harris, 32 of Oklahoma City. Obstruction of officer, kidnapping, domestic abuse with prior pattern of physical abuse, interruption/disruption interference with emergency phone call and burglary in the first degree
Madeline Michelle McGowan, 27 of Edmond. Failure to appear.
Carl Thomas Niblet, 37 of Durant. Misdemeanor warrant.
Belinda Leanm Hood, 60 of Jet, Okla. Two misdemeanor warrants.
July 20
Shelena Lanell McCain, 41 of Edmond. Possess CDS and public intoxication.
Avery Logan Tawater 19, of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Barrett Christopher Haemker, 21 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Catrina Lanay McCain, 42 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Sergio Junior de Luna, 33 of Oklahoma City. Expired tag – over three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.
Kade Ryan Lynch, 27 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant.
Conner James Dryden, 30 of Edmond. Trespassing.
July 21
Matthew Brian Brumbaugh, 43 of Wellston. Public intoxication.
Callie Christina Kerr, 50 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.
Jason Edward Baker, 41 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Isiah Lamar Coulter, 32 homeless. Trespassing.
Logan Bryce Conner, 26 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Justin Hunter Christian, 25 of Julesburg, Colo. (Felony) create sell display identification card – illegal acts, two counts false personation of another, (possession of a stolen vehicle) unauthorized use of vehicle or implement of husbandry, (felony) false or bogus check (evidence of intent to defraud and knowledge of insufficient funds,) felony warrant and obstruction of police officer.
Albert Teanes, 38 of Garland, Texas. (Felony value) possess incomplete credit cards or tools to produce card and (possession of a stolen vehicle) unauthorized use of vehicle or implement of husbandry,
George Pernel Galbreath, 60 of Oklahoma City. Petty larceny and failure to appear.
Aldo Emanuel Vazques, 33 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Erica Danielle Colbert, 39 of Edmond. Petty larceny.
July 22
Derek Edwin Conatser, 43 homeless. Possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS and grand larceny.
Angela Yvonne Frazier, 51 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Cleopatra Zunye Deere, 20 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.
Nathan Steven Hutchison, 32 of Midwest City. Possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS and public intoxication.
Nathaniel Michael Tucker, 27 of McLoud. Failure to appear, Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, resisting arrest, eluding police officer (misdemeanor), registration violation and operating motor vehicle with defective/improper equipment.
Mason Wayne Russell, 23 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Max Christian Coyle, 35 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant and public intoxication.
Joshua Allen Smith, 36 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Lorissa Raquel Mashburn, 25 of Oklahoma City. Assault & battery/battery (felony) on police officer or correctional staff, failure to stop – accidents involving damage to vehicle, (misdemeanor) personal injury while under the influence, transporting
open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
July 23 Jacob Nicholas Givens, 29 homeless. Public intoxication.
Alyssa Anne Stark, 35 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Regina Sue Dixon, 29 of Edmond. Public intoxication and indecent exposure.
Kaitlin Marie Wooden, 22 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.
Riley Bryce Payne, 21 of Edmond. Two felony warrants, a misdemeanor warrant and possess CDS.
Ian Mitchell Shelton, 19 of Edmond. Under 21operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under alcohol or other intoxicating substance.
Princess Jacklon Nichole Spencer, 21 homeless. Trespassing.
Matthew Steven Corcoran, 44 of Edmond. Failure to appear.
Robert Benjamin Georinger, 54 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Joe Benjamin Rosenhamer, 46 of Edmond. Public intoxication.
Craig William Buckhamon, 35 of Chandler. Driving with license canceled, suspended or denied, possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS and two counts of failure to appear.
Sabrina Ann Kaupumai Bell, 30 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia, (misdemeanor value) receiving stolen property, (misdemeanor) possession of another’s debit card and failure to appear.
Jayla Brianna Gray, 21 of Edmond. Three counts of failure to appear.
July 24
Scott Hill, 52 of Edmond. Unlawful for registered sex offender to reside within 200 feet of a school, playground, park, child care facilties and other locations, failure to comply with sex offender registry act, outraging public decency and a felony warrant.
Michael Dewayne Bowker, 64 of Edmond. Felony warrant.
Christopher Curtis Roberts, 39 of Yukon. Possession CDS, possess drug paraphernalia, operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or a combination of schedule 1 chemical or controlled substance and a misdemeanor warrant.
Cathalyn Mae Samani, 55 of Enid. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or a combination of schedule 1 chemical or controlled substance
Katherine Christine Lefforge, 44 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.
July 25
Nathan Eugene Walton, 35 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants and failure to appear.
Dawan Rashad Brooks, 45 of Oklahoma City. Eight felony warrants and one misdemeanor warrant.
Bridget Michelle Ratliff, 38 of Wynnewood. Trespassing and larceny from building.
Tristen Ford Woods, 27 of Wynnewood. Trespassing.
What’s Happening This Weekend Aug. 3 -6
---- In the Gallery ---- Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit
---- Unveiled: Edmond’s Bridal Fashion 1875 ---2020 ---- Beginners Pickleball Club ---- Farmer’s Market
---- Concerts at Silver Leaf Gems ---- Edmond Bike Night ---- Concert in the Park ---- VIBES: Downtown Edmond’s Art Experience ---- Edmond Jr. Rodeo
---- Back To School Bash
---- Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Gold Rush ---- Oklahoma City Renovation & Landscaping
Show ---- AQHYA World Championship Show
---- Horror Con
---- Red Brick Nights ---- Solely Fitted
Extra Information
In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute
Extra Info: Gallery Opening Thu, Aug 3; 5 – 8
p.m.; Featuring Artist Katherine Sanders; free; Gallery is open Mon – Thu ; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; edmondfinearts.com
Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit
Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum
Extra Info: Wed, Oct 5 – Thu, Aug 31, 2023; edmondhistory.org
Unveiled: Edmond’s Bridal Fashion 1875 – 2020
Location: Edmond History Museum
Extra Info: Sat, Jul 1 – Sun, Dec 31; visitedmondok.com
Beginners Pickleball Club
Location: Kickingbird Pickleball Center
Extra Info: Sat, May 6 – Sat, Dec 30; 8 – 10:30 a.m.; Free; edmondok.com
Farmer’s Market
Location: Festival Market Place and Farmers Market
Extra Info: Sat, Apr 15 – Sat, Oct 28; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.gov
Concerts at Silver Leaf Gems
Location: Silver Leaf Gems
Extra Info: Thu, Aug 3; Free; Josh Roberts @ 7 p.m.; silverleafgems.com
Concert in the Park
Location: Hafer Park
Extra Info: Thu, Aug 3; 6:15 – 9 p.m.; Free; Champaign Jam and STARS; Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets; Bug spray is highly encouraged; edmondok.gov
VIBES: Downtown Edmond’s Art Experience
Location: Downtown Edmond
Extra Info: Thu, Aug 3; Free; 6 – 9 p.m.; edmondvibes.org
Edmond Jr. Rodeo
Location: Edmond Round-Up Club
Extra Info: Fri, Aug 4 – Sat, Aug 5; $1 ---- $5; 6:30 – 11 p.m.; edmondroundupclub.com
Back To School Bash
Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Extra Info: Thu, Aug 3; 5 – 7 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org
From Page 5 and on vacations. You lived an active, productive life.
Are you now going to sit and watch TV? Maybe do a little gardening? Watch the money drain out of your savings account as health issues arise? Yet your mental capacity remains!
Thirty years is a LONG time to do nothing but maybe visit your grandkids and go to the Grand Canyon once a year. And with nothing to challenge your mind, it will begin to decline; dramatically.
My personal physician is my age. When he/we became 65 I asked him when he would retire. He said, “Not until I start making mistakes with my practice, only then. I have had patients who could hardly wait to retire; they spoke of it con-
Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Gold Rush
Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Extra Info: Sat, Aug 5; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org
Oklahoma City Renovation & Landscaping Show
Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds
Extra Info: Fri, Aug 4 – Sun, Aug 6; Fri: 2 – 7 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sun: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; homeshowcenter.com
AQHYA World Championship
Show Location: Oklahoma State Fairgrounds
Extra Info: Fri, Jul 28 – Sun, Aug 6; aqha.com
stantly. Once retired they became sedentary and allowed TV programming to think for them. And within five years I am treating them for old age diseases and soon they are dead. Others who remain employed and active live twenty or more years.”
As my father said when he was 75 and retired for two years, “You can only play so much golf and eat so much chocolate ice cream. I am bored to death!” He went back to work at a minimum wage job at the golf club where he was Senior Amateur Golf Champion, just to be busy at something. Of course, the money helped. He lived to be 89, a few months short of 90…… which is my point!
CHARLES A. BROWNFrom Page 6
Horror Con Location: Remington Park
Extra Info: Sat, Aug 5 – Sun Aug 6; Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun: 11 a.m. –5 p.m.; horrorconokc.com
Red Brick Nights
Location: Oklahoma Ave & Wentz Ave, Guthrie, OK
Extra Info: Sat, Aug 5; 5 – 11 p.m.; Facebook.com
Solely Fitted
Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds
Extra Info: Sun, Aug 6; 3 – 8 p.m.; propergangtm.comens.org
(E-mail items for calendar to infante318@cox.net)
By George Gust
“Oppenheimer” is the latest f ilm from writer/director Christopher Nolan telling the story of American scientist, J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy), and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.
In moder Hollywood filmmaking it’s rare to have the director and his oeuvre be the main attraction of the general movie-going audience, but with a string of undeniable hits in his filmography Nolan gets the benefit of the doubt, even when his movie is a three-hour long contemplation of the implications of creating the most powerful weapon known to man.
As with most of his films Nolan likes to play with perspective in his storytelling (see the reversed time editing in “Memento” and the three perspectives presented in “Dunkirk”) , and “Oppenheimer” is no different.
However, “Oppenheimer” avoids the practically indiscernible convolution of “Tenet” and instead uses the subjective and objective points of view to great effect here. Instead, the breakneck pace of the film is broken up by slower moments that can be jarring as the film plays out like a 3-
hour long montage as it packs more and more story into its running time.
The cast of “Oppenheimer” is a veritable who’s who of familiar faces of character actors. Matt Damon brings a fun and almost over-thetop energy to the proceedings which feels like a counterbalance to the heavy tone and performance that Murphy is being asked to give. Murphy is fantastic throughout the film while never having a moment of true catharsis or breakthrough memorable scene, but the ability to hold onto his character throughout the constant changes in the
Oppenheimer’s life was brilliant. And in a supporting role that will surely see Oscar attention, Robert Downey Jr. puts on dazzling and effective supporting performance as Lewis Strauss who intents to hold Oppenheimer to account and does so in a compelling way that is a far cry from his role in the Avengers movies.
Overall, “Oppenheimer” is a marvel of cinematic filmmaking that is best taken in on the largest screen you can find.
The sound, visuals and performances all add up to a movie that could be seen as one of Nolan’s best amidst a catalogue of crowd-pleasing blockbusters. “Oppenheimer” is the kind of contemplative movie for grown ups that have been missing from the landscape of the modern movie box office and will likely be remembered as one of the best films of 2023.
“Oppenheimer” is rated R for some sexuality, nudity and language.
4.6 out of 5 stars
To reach George for comment on this review or any others, please e-mail gust.george@gmail.com
Answers on Page 19
ARCADIA — Singersongwriters Rachel Lynch and Griffin Wade will present an Elm Tree concert at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6, at the Arcadia Round Barn.
The couple were married in March and live in Oklahoma City. She is from El Reno and he hails from San Marcos, Texas.
The Elm Tree Concert Series presents professional musicians performing beneath the shade of the giant elm tree on the north side of the Round Barn. Admission is free, but donations are accepted for the maintenance of the barn, which was built in 1898 and is owned and operated by the nonprofit Arcadia Historical and Preservation Society.
Guests can bring lawn chairs or sit at the picnic tables. Cold bottled water is available inside the museum.
The Round Barn is located six miles east of Interstate 35 on historical Route 66.
For more information about live music at the barn, call Joe Baxter at 405-8331350.
Last month there was some good news. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond decided to file lawsuits against some of the natural gas suppliers from the 2021 arctic blast.
Steve Gust
In case you forgot,the suppliers jacked up the cost of natural gas.
Three cheers for Drummond.
When this news was announced, it was noted the utility companies would not be held responsible. That’s probably the right decision. Having said that, I still believe the utilities were not prepared for such a scenario of sub zero weather. They should have obtained some kind of assurance from the suppliers that the rates wouldn’t be so outrageous.
I’ve said it before, but when lives are on the line, it isn’t right for the suppliers to take advantage of that situation in such a hideous fashion.
Again I salute Drummond for his action, but what the heck took so long?
Shouldn’t Drummond’s predecessors Mike Hunter or John O’Connor have filed the lawsuits?
Why couldn’t the utilities companies have sued the suppliers? Why couldn’t the Oklahoma Legislature have passed a few resolutions demanding justice in this manner? Why didn’t the Corporation Commission have their attorneys go after the suppliers?
Let’s face it, folks. These suppliers engaged in obscene price gouging. We’re told that that’s illegal during emergencies. Yet the suppliers were allowed to do it.
Gov. Stitt should have been yelling about it for the past two and a half years.
It should make everyone unhappy.
Hopefully, Drummond wins against the suppliers and the normal citizens might get some of their money back and not have to pay for the next 30 years. Let’s hope the utility suppliers get the message. Don’t price gouge! And especially don’t price gouge when human lives are on the line!
(Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com)
Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, last week released the following statement after Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed an entry of appearance in the litigation between the state and tribal nations over gaming compacts that have been ongoing since 2020.
“I appreciate Attorney General Drummond’s dedication to the rule of law and his willingness to intervene in this case,” Pro Tem Treat said. “His involvement is our best and most expeditious path forward. The governor has wasted untold amounts of taxpayer money on these lawsuits that have been an abject failure. Continuing them does nothing but alienate our tribal partners and undermine the very goals that the governor says he’s trying to achieve. The McGirt and Hooper cases are deeply troubling but our actions to mitigate their potential negative impact need to be lawful, strategic, effective, and respectful of the tribal leaders that are also fellow Oklahomans. Heretofore, his actions fail on all four metrics. I am hopeful that with the attorney general war-
ranted intervention and recent legislative action that Oklahoma can start to move down a more effective pathway.
“The Oklahoma Supreme Court has already ruled twice in favor of lawsuits filed by the legislature, determining the governor acted illegally. He then doubled down and has been trying to get a federal court to invalidate state sovereignty and the rule of law to get his way. It cannot continue, which is why the attorney general’s entry of appearance is a welcome development.”
The news of the attorney general’s involvement comes a week after the pro tem responded to a different letter encouraging his involvement.
The letter outlines past issues surrounding Governor Stitt’s conflicts with the tribes, including the lawsuits he previously lost that were brought by the legislature when he tried to usurp his power by going around the legislature to negotiate gaming compacts.
“Nobody – not even the Governor –is above the law,” Pro Tem Treat wrote regarding the legislative intervention and subsequent lawsuits.
The letter continues by providing examples of where the governor chose to hire out of state attorneys from coastal cities, seeking federal intrusion on state matters.
“In short, the Governor has used the Federal Lawsuit to argue that Oklahoma law can be ignored because he believes federal law endows him with the singular authority to unilaterally bind the state to illegal gaming compacts— an argument that is in clear violation of the separation of powers and deeply at odds with the very notion of federalism,” the letter states. “He clearly is in no position to represent the state's interest in this matter.
“As a proud supporter and advocate of federalism, I can no longer stand by and watch Oklahoma taxpayer dollars be spent on high-dollar east coast law firms in pursuit of Governor Stitt's personal agenda at the expense of the state's interests.”
This letter pertains to a of a group of senior golfers who have played at Kickingbird Golf Course since 1990, who have been effectively denied the opportunity to play on the reopened Kickingbird course. Edmond Life & Leisure ran an extensive article concerning the long-awaited reopening of the Kickingbird Golf Course.
The actions of the staff of Kickingbird Golf Course speak louder than their words that were set out in the article. Unfortunately, their actions bely their words in the recent article concerning the reopening of Edmond’s public golf course in which it is stated: “We have had for years – and continue to have - some of the most loyal players in the area, if not the region,” Soerensen said. “And, for that reason, when it came time to give our clubhouse, our course and our facilities a fresh look, we were committee to raising the bar.
He continues. “We want KickingBird to redefine what people envision when they think of a municipal course. We focus strongly on the relational aspect of our business and our customers’ overall experience, and we hope our new facilities will help us attain these initiatives.” Later in the article, Soerensen is further quoted: “Eco-
nomic development is one of our strategic initiatives,” he said. “It was sales tax revenue that built this new facility and we look forward to creating a successful business operation that will generate high levels of sales tax revenue for many years to come. But, mostly, we want KickingBird Golf to be the place where everyone in Edmond can find a way to come and enjoy themselves.”
I am a resident of Edmond who plays golf on Tuesdays with a group in their 80s, who have been playing at Kickingbird on Tuesdays since 1990. After Kickingbird reopened this July, we learned that tee times were not available until after 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays, because the course would be closed for maintenance, each Tuesday morning.
It would not be prudent for the members of our group to attempt to play in the Oklahoma July afternoon heat. The course of action of the Kickingbird staff has effectively closed the Kickingbird course for our group, requiring that we continue to travel to Oklahoma City each Tuesday to play on an “open” public course. To the
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best of my knowledge, Kickingbird is the only public course on the Oklahoma City metro area which is not fully open for play seven days a week.
In an effort to remedy this situation, I along with some of my playing partners, met with the Kickingbird Golf Advisory Board and members of the Kickingbird staff and proposed a reasonable alternative on how maintenance could be performed in a manner that would allow play on Tuesdays to commence at the regular early morning starting time. No response or reason why maintenance could not be performed in the manner that was proposed was received from any Kickingbird staff member.
I am very disappointed that in fact the Kickingbird Golf Course, built with sales tax dollars, remains effectively closed to a group of Edmond senior golfers who have been playing at Kickingbird since 1990, a group that would be considered “among some of the most loyal players in the area, if not the region.”
The responsible parties should require that Kickingbird Golf Course be open for play at the start of each day, seven days a week.
William C. McAlister
This was the day the cruise was made for – the 41.63-mile stretch Middle Rhine Valley designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site of “outstanding universal value.” Of the approximately 40 castles (or ruins of castles) in the designation, at least half were visible from our ship.
The day was chilly but sunny with a brilliant blue sky when we left Rudesheim. Ehrenfels, our first castle, stood out against the green hillside. Like most of the castles we would see, this ruined palace was constructed in the 13th century. Used by nobles and Archbishops of Mainz, it stood until destroyed by the forces of Louis XIV, France’s bellicose Sun King. All that remains are parts of the outer walls and towers.
Across the river, on a small island, is the Mouse Tower – part of the Ehrenfels holding – a toll tower used to demand fees from those who passed. Collecting tolls from river travelers was a lucrative enterprise for the castle owners.
There are two stories about the origin of the name of this tower. One concerns a greedy archbishop who occupied the castle and treated those under his purview harshly. As famine overcame the land, he tricked the hungry peasants and townspeople into coming to a large barn where, he promised, they would find food. Instead, he trapped them in the barn and set it on fire.
That night, hungry mice invaded his castle. He fled to the tower, barricading himself in. The hungry rodents gnawed their way inside and ultimately feasted on the archbishop.
The more likely explanation is that the German “maut,” which means “toll” was corrupted into “maus,” which means “mouse.” (While we’re at it – you’ll find a number of German words incorporated in castle names. “Burg” means “castle”; “berg” means “mountain”; and “stein” means rock.”)
During the period when most of the Rhine castles were constructed, the time of the Holy Roman Empire, the politics and hierarchy were complicated. There were the pope, the emperor, the electors who chose the emperor (nobles and archbishops), and oxymoronically, common nobles. The frequent disagreements between members of each level were often settled by wars resulting in the destruction of many of the castles.
Rheinstein Castle, built in the 12th or 13th century, met its destruction during war in the 1600s. In the early 19th century, it was purchased by Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia, who rebuilt the castle in Ro-
mantic-style. Today it is a tourist attraction featuring a restaurant and museum – and a 500-year-old grapevine which is still producing grapes.
Two more of the Rhine castles, Soonek and Stolzenfels, also received royal restoration by Prince Friedrich Wilhelm. His fascination with the Romantic-style is obvious in all three of the castles. He was the first Prussian prince with a university education and liberal ideas. He actually served as King of Prussia and German Emperor for 99 days before his death in 1888.
The sun played hide-and-seek with the clouds as we cruised and the crisp, cool we had experienced when we left Rudesheim became cold. The view from inside the ship was great –but those of us who wanted good photos needed to be out on deck to
avoid window glare and to get quickly from one side of the ship to the other. Stewards brought out blankets and hot chocolate which helped, especially with a little added schnapps.
Photo hint: most of you may know this. I didn’t until my son clued me in. I shoot with my iPhone which has a telephoto lens. But I never use it. I find shots from that lens do not enlarge well – they quickly pixelate. I shoot everything with my regular lens then enlarge the images when I get home.
Twelfth-century Burg Stahlek was one of the strongest complexes on the Middle Rhine. It was damaged in the 30 Years’ War, which ended in 1648, rebuilt, then destroyed by the French in 1689. It stood in ruins until 1925 when it was once again rebuilt
and turned into a youth hostel. Still serving in that capacity, it also has family rooms with private showers and toilets for those, maybe not so young, who want to stay in a castle.
Pfalzgrafenstein is one of the most photographed castles on the river. A structure smaller than most, it also served as a toll station. It stands on a little island in the river and was – and is – only accessed by boat. The part of the river between the island and the eastern shore provided safer passage than the swift currents on the western side. Castle owners guaranteed that no one could slip by without paying the toll by installing a large chain across the narrower channel.
Up the mountainside above Pfalzgrafenstein, Gutenfels Castle is touted as a fine example of castle construction. Like other castles it was damaged, repaired, expanded, and rebuilt several times. Now a hotel, it offers a very few rooms – guaranteeing an intimate experience.
Another victim of French forces in 1689, Schonburg Castle remained ruined for 200 years. A German-American family, the Rhinelanders, purchased the property from the town of Oberwesel in the late 19th century. In 1950 the town bought it back. It is now a hotel and restaurant.
Burg Katz, originally named Burg Neu-Katzenelnbogen, was built in the 14th century by Count WilhelmII of Katzenelnbogen. (No wonder that got shortened.) It was only a short distance from an earlier castle. Arguments between the two castles over control over the river tolls are said to be the source for the name of the other castle, Burg Maus, for the cat and mouse game played by the two factions.
Probably my favorite of all the castles is Marksburg. It stands proudly 295 feet above the little town of Braubach. It is one of few castles which was never conquered or destroyed, suffering only minor damage in World War II. It is also one of the best medieval castles to tour.
The cruise ended in Koblenz with the last castle, Ehrenbreitstein, looming over the Rhine near its confluence with the Moselle.
You have to go to the castle itself to recognize it as such. By the 19th century, it had expanded into one of the largest fortresses in Europe. What you see from the river are the walls.
We were docked at the tip of the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) where the two rivers meet. A monumental equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I overlooks the two rivers. There was more to explore in Koblenz, but after several hours of castles, I felt more like Sleeping Beauty than Cinderella. Thankful for my 21st century bed and my medieval memories, I called it a day.
After a summer of relaxation, the start of a new school year generates mixed emotions among students. Many children look forward to being back on campus with their friends but may not revel in the idea of waking up early or doing homework each night.
While summer break is a much needed-respite from the rigors of school, it doesn’t mean school should be forgotten entirely. In fact, doing some preparatory steps before a new school year begins can make the year go much more smoothly. Here’s how students and parents can direct their focus during the final countdown.
Keep reading
According to Scholastic, summer slide is a concept that was first acknowledged by researchers in 1996. Many comprehensive studies have come out since then and indicated that kids lose significant knowledge in reading and math over summer break, which can have a cumulative effect and lead to skill loss each year. Some research says up to 20 percent of school year gains in reading and 27 percent in math are
lost during summer break. Children should be encouraged to read as much as possible during summer break, particularly since many schools require summer reading and subsequent essays or book reports upon returning to the classroom. Let kids read what they want, whether it’s comics, magazines, the newspaper, or even books they’ve read before.
Accumulate supplies
School may not be on the radar early in summer, but it’s wise to purchase supplies early. Right before school starts there is a mad dash to grab notebooks, pens, clothing, and more, which can make for a stressful shopping experience for all involved. Shopping early helps families avoid that outcome.
Brush up on math skills
It can’t hurt for students to do a few math problems over the summer. Practice keeps skills fresh and any mathematical formulas prominent in their minds. All it takes is one or two problems per day to stay on top of math skills.
Visit educational attractions
Families can include museums, art exhibits, animal sanctuaries, libraries, science centers, and similar attractions in the list of places they visit over the summer. This way students can learn and be entertained simultaneously.
Start enforcing bedtimes
School-aged children (six to 13 years) need nine to 12 hours of sleep every night, according to KidsHealth.org. During the summer, late nights can easily be rectified by sleeping in the next day. But when school resumes, the alarm clock will be ringing earlier than expected. Parents can gradually implement earlier bedtimes as summer winds down so that kids are getting the rest they will need.
Get in the know
Parents can begin to pay closer attention to emails and social media posts from schools as they’ll likely contain information about upcoming school calendars, bus routes (or transportation registration), changes in personnel, or any additional updates. This will help alleviate any surprises on the first day of school.
or fidget, talk too much, and be incapable of playing quietly. Children with impulsivity may frequently act and speak without thinking, run into a street without first looking for oncoming traffic, be incapable of waiting, and frequently interrupt others.
It’s important for parents to recognize that children with ADHD will not necessarily have all the symptoms. Symptoms are classified by the type of ADHD a child has, and a physician will indicate that upon diagnosis. ADHD cases are usually determined to be inattentive only, hyperactive/ impulsive or combined ADHD, which includes symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
When should I alert a physician?
The AAP notes that all children exhibit the symptoms noted above from time to time. However, a physician should be alerted when children exhibit those symptoms on a regular basis for more than six months.
ADHD can affect children both academically and socially. More information can be found at healthychildren.org.
September marks the beginning of a new school year for millions of children. A new school year contains a host of challenges for every student, but some, particularly those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), may face steeper challenges than others.
ADHD is common in both the United States and Canada. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that ADHD affects between 4 and 12 percent of school-aged children, while the Center for ADHD Awareness, Canada indicates between 5 and 7 percent of Canadian youngsters have the condition. Such figures are disconcerting, particularly when considering the adverse effects of ADHD on academic performance. In fact, a 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that ADHD was associated with substantially lower performance in school independent of socioeconomic background factors.
The stakes are high regarding ADHD and academics, so as a new school year begins, students and their families can familiarize themselves with the condition to ensure it does not interfere with their efforts to do their best in the classroom in the year ahead.
What
The AAP describes ADHD as “a chronic condition of the brain that makes it difficult for children to control their behavior.” Such characterization explains why the link between ADHD and poor academic performance is so strong. The AAP notes that children with ADHD often have trouble getting along with other children and, if they have issues with attention, they can have difficulty learning.
The AAP notes that ADHD includes three distinct groups of symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Children with inattention may daydream and have a hard time paying attention, often do not seem to listen, may be easily distracted from work or play, and may not follow through on instructions or finish tasks. Children with hyperactivity may be in constant motion, exhibit difficulty staying seated, frequently squirm
Students looking to expand their extracurricular horizons need look no further than the arts. Art-related extracurricular activities can enhance lessons learned in the classroom and provide a way to explore creative pursuits to help relieve stress and improve focus.
Art-based extracurricular activities are easy to find. Consider these ideas to get started.
Visit an art museum
Those lucky enough to live close to an art museum can wander through the past or get artists’ interpretations of the future. Many museums sponsor extracurricular activities for young artists, but even periodic visits using a student pass can provide all the inspiration creative young people need. Museums showcase everything from paintings to sculptures to historical artifacts, so it’s possible to find a
specially curated collection that appeals to any artist’s interests.
Enroll in an art course
Students who enjoy art can improve their skills by taking art classes and courses that extend lessons learned during the school day. Perhaps a student wants to hone his or her skills in a particular medium? An art class can do that and even expand on lessons learned in the classroom.
Attend arts-related camps
Summer camps come in all shapes and sizes, including ones geared around artistic endeavors. When school lets out for the summer or other breaks during the year, students can hang around with like-minded peers in specialty art camps.
Try other artistic activities
The arts include everything from music instruction to acting in a play or musical to participating in a choral ensemble. Some children like to experience art through culinary endeavors. Students should not limit themselves to one activity. Dabbling in all sorts of activities may inspire students to pursue new interests.
Find art in daily life
One does not need to be enrolled in a regimented program to enjoy art. Children can engage in art-related hobbies on their own at home or in the community. Find art in collecting leaves and flowers, building sand castles, taking photographs, or just about any other creative endeavor.
Arts-related extracurricular activities can be the perfect way to pass time outside the classroom.
Whether it’s gesturing, shouting, threatening or worse anger behind the wheel is becoming far too common on America’s roadways. Aggressive behaviors, ranging from speeding to acts of violence, pose a threat not only to other drivers but to passengers and pedestrians as well.
“Road rage is the term we use to describe extreme anger and aggression behind the wheel,” says Rylie Mansuetti, public affairs manager, AAA Oklahoma. “Not only are these displays of hostility unsafe for those on and near the roadway, but a growing number of these incidents are turning deadly.”
Aggressive driving versus road rage
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the term “aggressive driving” first began to emerge in the 1990s to describe a category of unsafe driving behaviors, such as weaving through traffic, running traffic lights, tailgating and driving at excessive speeds.
Road rage occurs when aggressive driving behaviors become extreme or violent. Examples range from angry gesturing and cursing to confronting, sideswiping and brandishing of weapons and other violent actions or threats.
While aggressive driving behaviors are traffic violations, road rage behaviors other than gesturing and shouting are criminal offenses.
Earlier this year, Everytown for Gun
Safety Support Fund released its latest analysis of road rage shootings in the U.S., finding that such incidents have continued to increase every year since 2018.
In 2022, 554 people were shot during road rage incidents nationwide, resulting in 413 injuries and 141 deaths twice the numbers from 2018. The incidence of road rage shootings last year equates to one person being wounded or killed in a road rage incident every 16 hours.
The same data revealed there were 3.8 people shot per 1 million residents during road rage incidents last year in Oklahoma, putting it third among five states with the highest rate of people shot in road range incidents. These states New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Wisconsin make up 8% of the U.S. population, but 20% of road rage shooting victims. In 2023 to date, one victim has been killed and another three injured during road rage shootings.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), some people are more prone to road rage than others. These high-anger drivers are more impulsive, engage in hostile thinking and are more likely to seek revenge over a purported wrong. While these drivers may behave appropriately on a quiet country road, the APA points to research indicating traffic congestion and other environmental factors can more easily set off road rage.
More and more drivers are interested in electric vehicles, and some are ‘taking one for a spin’ while on vacation, thanks to them being readily available as rental cars.
AAA’s rental car partner Hertz has been investing heavily in electric vehicles for its fleet with purchases from Tesla, Polestar, and GM. The company now has tens of thousands of EVs for rent at more than 1,600 locations in 44 states. Hertz hopes to provide nearly two million EV rentals by the end of this yearabout five times the number of EV rentals it did in 2022.
Inspired in part by record breaking gas prices, consumers purchased more than 760,000 EVs in 2022, a 65% increase from 2021. Drivers regularly say that cost, range anxiety and availability of charging stations are some of their biggest concerns they have about giving up their traditional internal combustion vehicle for an EV.
A recent survey by Verra Mobility found:
78% of Americans would consider renting an EV as a way to get more familiar with the car before making a purchase.
A AAA survey released in 2020 found that driving an EV was the best way to alleviate concerns about them. Of the EV owners surveyed:
77% said they were less or no longer concerned about range after buying an EV.
96% said they would buy or lease another electric vehicle the next time they were in the market for a new car.
OriginalJpeg_hertz-ev-offer.jpgMany of those who are on the fence, or considering purchasing
an electric vehicle, have been renting EVs to ‘kick the tires.’ It may be ‘test driving’ one for the weekend in town, or planning ahead and requesting an EV for a trip.
“Trying before buying has been around for generations, this is a bit of a new twist on it” says Rylie Mansuetti, spokesperson for AAA Oklahoma. “Renting an EV for the first time while on vacation, if you’re up for it, could be a great way to experience this new technology and get a real world feel for what it’s like to own one."
Things for First Time EV Drivers to Consider:
Understand the Driving Range-The rental car agent should explain to you how far you can expect to go on a charge and how that changes depending on how many passengers you have and how much luggage and gear you are taking with you. It’s very important for drivers to pay close attention to the charge they have and to know how far they have to go to find a place to re-charge the vehicle.
S&P Global Ratings has issued a revised outlook for the State of Oklahoma, elevating its status from stable to positive, and affirmed the state’s ‘AA’ long-term issuer credit rating, State Treasurer Todd Russ announced . The upgraded outlook from stable to positive applies to the appropriation-backed outstanding debt of the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority (ODFA) and the Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority (OCIA), including ODFA’s $3.88 million master real property lease revenue
Dianna Pritchett was recently promoted to senior vice president by the board of directors.
Pritchett joined the bank in 2014 to serve both in the new accounts department as well as community outreach coordinator.
Pritchett is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma majoring in education. She has been in banking for 24 years, primarily in management. Pritchett’s primary responsibility at Quail Creek Bank is managing the new accounts department, including supervising the department and working with customers. As a leader in the bank’s financial literacy program, she embraces the opportunity to teach bank related topics in area schools and has participated in many school sponsorships including college fairs, basketball games and more. Pritchett is also involved in the Quail Creek HOA and creates and delivers welcome baskets to new residents as well as participating in various neighborhood activities throughout the year.
In addition to supervising the new accounts department and community outreach, Pritchett remains quite busy outside of the bank as well. She and her husband, P.R., have been married 15 years and have three beautiful children. They spend their evenings and weekends at the baseball field, dance class, and any other activities their children are involved in. Dianna says that “Next to marrying my husband, joining the Quail Creek Bank family is the best decision I’ve ever made!”
bonds from series 2023A. These particular bonds are issued by the Legislature on behalf of the Oklahoma State System for Higher Education, with sale proceeds being used to finance capital enhancement.
According to S&P, “The outlook reflects our expectation that Oklahoma will continue its practice of tight expenditure management, and its accumulation of large reserve balances should provide the state with a substantial financial buffer to navigate potential near-term cyclical pressures.”
The Edmond Public Schools Foundation is thrilled to announce the inaugural EDIEE Awards for the 2023-2024 school year. The EDIEE Awards, which stands for "Educators and Donors providing Innovative Education in Edmond," will be an annual event likened to the Oscars, designed to honor and recognize outstanding educators and community donors who have made exceptional contributions to education for Edmond Public Schools.
The EDIEE Awards will be presented in two esteemed categories: Educators and Community.
Community awards will focus on the Hall of Fame Education Champion and the Shining Star Volunteer of the Year Award. These awards will replace the former Hall of Fame awards and will specifically recognize outstanding community donors and volunteers. The Education Champion Awards embody the spirit of dedication and support from individuals and organizations that are pivotal in shaping the educational landscape in Edmond.
The educator awards will include endowed awards including the Rees ELA Award, which acknowledges excellence in English Language Arts teaching, the Lucile Peters Excellence in Teaching in Math Award, which honors exceptional math educators, and the Rookie Teacher of the Year Award, which commends an outstanding new educator. These endowed awards aim to highlight the invaluable contributions of educators and their tireless efforts in inspiring and
guiding students.
The grand finale of the evening will feature the highly anticipated announcements of Edmond Public Schools’ 2024 Support Personnel of the Year and 2024 Teacher of the Year. These endowed awards will recognize the invaluable contributions made by support staff and showcase the exemplary skills and dedication of a deserving teacher who has gone above and beyond to inspire and empower students.
The 2024 EDIEE Awards offers a range of sponsorship opportunities, ranging from $1,500 to $20,000. Sponsors have the opportunity to attend or the unique privilege of sponsoring tables for
each of the 31 school sites within Edmond Public Schools, demonstrating\ their commitment to supporting education in the community. This sponsorship grants educators from these schools an invitation to attend the event.
To find out more about the EDIEE Awards, including sponsorship details and how to get involved, please visit our website atwww.edmondpsf.org/EDIEE.
The Edmond Public Schools Foundation invites the entire community to participate in this momentous occasion, as we celebrate the remarkable educators and generous donors who are shaping the future through innovative education.
