Edmond Life and Leisure - February 29, 2024

In This Issue

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.

North girls win state in bowling

See Page 8

New Representative takes oath

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 Partly Cloudy High 70° Low 50°

SATURDAY, MARCH 2 Sunny High 80° Low 57°

SUNDAY, MARCH 3

Rep. Erick Harris, right, R-Edmond, was greeted by many well-wishers last week at the State Capitol. He was sworn into the Oklahoma House of Representatives, to represent House District 39. He won a special election earlier in the month. District No. 39, is mostly western Edmond and runs from Santa Fe and Kelly all the way up north to Waterloo. He was sworn in with his wife Melissa at his side. The seat had been vacant since Ryan Martinez stepped down last year. See photograph and article, on Page 3.

Oklahoma District 39 Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, is sworn in last week by Vice Chief Justice Dustin P. Rowe as his wife, Melissa Harris, looks on. Earlier in the month, Harris defeated two other candidates to win the seat in a special election. The election was held after former Rep. Ryan Martinez resigned his seat last year.

Harris takes oath of office

Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, was sworn into the Oklahoma House of Representatives last week, to represent House District 39. Vice Chief Justice Dustin P. Rowe administered the oath of office.

Harris won a February 13 special general election to fill a vacancy in the west Edmond district.

"It is an honor for me to represent the people of House District 39," Harris said. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass legislation that will benefit our schools, enhance public safety, support small businesses, and provide other services to my district and the state."

Harris graduated from Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and was student

body president. Afterward, he earned a law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law, where he was editor-in-chief of the Oklahoma Journal of Law and Technology. He also earned a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma.

Harris serves as Vice President for Legal Services for a family-owned trucking company headquartered in Oklahoma City. Before entering private practice, he worked as an Assistant Attorney General for the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office where he prosecuted elder and caretaker abuse and Medicaid fraud. Harris is licensed to practice law in all Oklahoma state and federal district courts.

PHOTO PROVODED/LEGISLATIVE SERVICES BUREAU

Our year is one day longer. Thursday, Feb. 29 is leap day, the day inserted into the calendar every four years to keep our calendar operating smoothly. This extra day makes the year 366 days long, instead of 365 days like regular years. It also gave your locally owned paper an extra week of revenue, which is very welcome these days. We tried to calculate if that has happened before in 24 years of publishing, and we do not think it has. Our figures show it would happen to us once in every 28 years so reset that clock.

been born and died on February 29 was Sir James Wilson (1812–1880), Premier of Tasmania.

The odds of being born on a leap day are 1 in 1500

Ray Hibbard

Curious about why we have one extra day stuck to the end of February every four years? Here are several fun facts about leap years and leap days.

Why add a leap day? Leap days are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth’s revolutions around the Sun.

It takes the Earth approximately 365.242189 days - or 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 45 seconds - to circle once around the Sun. This is called a tropical year. Without an extra day on Feb. 29 nearly every four years, we would lose almost six hours every year. After only one hundred years, our calendar would be off by approximately 24 days.

Hail Caesar: Julius Caesar introduced the first leap year around 46 B.C., but his Julian calendar had only one rule: Any year evenly divisible by four would be a leap year. That created too many leap years, but the math was not tweaked until Pope Gregory XIII introduced his Gregorian calendar more than 1,500 years later.

There is a leap year every year that is divisible by four, except for years that are both divisible by 100 and not divisible by 400. The year 2000 was a leap year, but the years 1700, 1800 and 1900 were not. The added rule about centuries (versus just every four years) was an additional fix to make up for the fact that an extra day every four years is too much of a correction, according to Science World.

But the Egyptians did it too: Julius Caesar may have gotten the idea for leap days from the Egyptians. By the third-century BCE, Egyptians followed a solar calendar that spanned 365 days with a leap year every four years.

Leap months in other countries: A whole leap month is added to the Chinese calendar every three years. The leap month’s place in the Chinese calendar varies from year to year, and 2015 was a leap year in the Chinese calendar.

A leap year in the Ethiopian calendar occurs when an extra day is added to the last month of the year every four years.

Leap year babies: People born on leap day are often called “leaplings” or “leapers.” Most celebrate their birthday on Feb. 28 or March 1 on non-leap years.

Amy Adams and Matthew Goode starred in the 2010 romcom “Leap Year.” It is about a woman who travels to Ireland to ask her boyfriend to accept her wedding proposal on leap day, when tradition says that men cannot refuse a woman’s marriage proposal. Goode, the

British film star said he knew the movie would be remembered as the "worst film of 2011" but wanted to be "close to home and able to visit his girlfriend and newborn daughter."

The twin cities of Anthony, Texas, and Anthony, New Mexico, are the self-proclaimed Leap Year Capital of the World. They hold a four-day leap year festival each leap year that includes a huge birthday party for all leap year babies.

If you were born on leap day, you share a birthday with the composer Gioacchino Rossini, motivational speaker Tony Robbins, jazz musician Jimmy Dorsey, actors Dennis Farina and Antonio Sabato Jr., and rapper/actor Ja Rule.

During leap years, George Armstrong Custer fought the Battle of the Little Bighorn (1876), the Titanic sank (1912), Benjamin Franklin proved that lightning is electricity (1752), and gold was discovered in California (1848).

Leap into the future: The next leap years will be in 2028, 2032 and 2036.

Some cultures consider Feb. 29 an unlucky day. In Italy, people say, “Anno bisesto, anno funesto,” which translates as, “leap year, doom year.” In some countries, like Greece, people warn against planning weddings during leap years.

Feb. 29 is not really a legal day. Many companies do not recognize Leap Day as a “valid day.” They make leapers choose Feb. 28 or March 1 as their birthday instead.

Lots of people work for free on Feb. 29. Most employees who are paid fixed monthly incomes will work for free on Feb. 29 because their wages are likely not calculated to include the extra day.

If we are looking at history a bit closer to home, then we should focus on Massachusetts. The Salem witch trials were not a fun time in Colonial America, and there was a particularly negative connection with leap day. The first warrants for arrest in the Salem witch trials went out on Feb. 29, 1692.

One in five engaged couples in Greece will plan to avoid getting married in a leap year. They believe it is bad luck.

The Honor Society of Leap Year Babies is a club for people born on Feb. 29. More than 10,000 people worldwide are members.

Astrologers believe people born on February 29 have unusual talents, such as the ability to burp the alphabet or paint like Picasso.

The only notable person known to have both

Karin Henriksen of Norway gave birth to three children on consecutive February 29ths – a daughter in 1960 and two sons in 1964 and 1968.

In Hong Kong, the legal birthday of a leapling is March 1 in common years, while in New Zealand it is February 28. If you timed it right, flying from one country to the other you could enjoy the world’s longest birthday.

In Russia it is believed a leap year is likely to bring more freak weather patterns and a greater risk of death all round. Farming folklore says beans and peas planted in a leap year “grow the wrong way.”

In Taiwan, married daughters traditionally return home during the leap month as it is believed the lunar month can bring bad health to parents. The daughters are told to bring pig trotter noodles to wish them good health and good fortune.

The Leap Day Cocktail! This colorful cousin of the martini was invented by pioneering bartender Harry Craddock at London’s Savoy Hotel in 1928. According to the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, “It is said to have been responsible for more proposals than any other cocktail ever mixed.” Whether or not you are in the market for a freshly soused spouse, you can make your own leap day cocktail with Craddock’s original recipe:

1 dash lemon juice

2/3 gin

1/6 Grand Marnier

1/6 sweet vermouth

Shake, serve, garnish with a lemon peel and enjoy the flood of bittersweet flavors. It’s like a marriage in your mouth!

There you have it folks. More than you probably wanted to know about leap year. Enjoy your extra day!

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

During leap years, George Armstrong Custer fought the Battle of the Little Bighorn (1876), the Titanic sank (1912), Benjamin Franklin proved that lightning is electricity (1752), and gold was discovered in California (1848).

“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,

by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and

March 24, 2011.

For

(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.)

Feb. 12

Carteair Laquen Gaffney, 32 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Crina Calin, 35 of Edmond. Shoplifting. Vaduva Clara, 20 of Edmond. Shoplifting.

Feb. 13

Jeremy Allan Wood, 46 of Moore. Possess CDS.

Stacy Dawn Gescat, 37 of Edmond. Four counts of failure to appear, misdemeanor warrant, (misdemeanor) possession of another’s debit card and three felony warrants.

Rodney Travis Price, 49 of Wagner. Trespassing.

Vince Franklin Nethery, 38 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant and two counts of failure to appear.

Feb. 14

Michael Wayne Smith, 46 of El Reno. Misdemeanor warrant

Clisjain Conyvette Hall, 38 of Marlin, Texas. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked, no proof of insurance, expired tag – over three months and changing lanes unsafely.

Venkata Satya Sai Dinesh Yedavelly, 31 of Edmond. Public intoxication and loitering, injuring, molesting, joy riding a motor vehicle.

Jessica Renee Davis, 27 of Oklahoma City. Expired tag – over three months, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Jamie Carole Hunt, 64 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Jonathan Michael Tracy, 35 of Wellston. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and disregard signal light.

Jeanna Nichole Hunter, 40 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Feb. 15

Brady Garvin Whisenhunt, 48 of Edmond. Possess CDS, proceeds derived from illegal drug activ-

ity, possess drug paraphernalia, possess with intent to distribute CDS and trafficking in illegal drugs.

James Courter, 41 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Amanda Michele Stafford, 44 of Edmond. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, possess drug paraphernalia and possess with intent to distribute CDS.

David Jason Stover, 50 of Edmond. Access to computers, computer systems and computer networks prohibited for certain purposes-penalty, purchase, procure, possess obscene material and (felony) publication, distribution or participation of obscene material or child pornography, unsolicited mailings.

Aaron Zachary Peterson, 52 of Kingston, Okla. Felony warrant.

Michael Anthony Hall, 45 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Feb. 16

Gregory Nnmadi Ekkeh, 21 of Austin, Texas. Failure to appear.

Brandon Lee Austin, 35 of Choctaw. Grand larceny.

Kenneth Leonard Schmidt, 55 of Guthrie. Failure to appear and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

Tan Binh Huynh, 45 of Shawnee. Public intoxication.

Christian Grant Taylor, 40 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Kimberly Renee Winsby, 48 of Guthrie. Three misdemeanor warrants.

Feb. 17

Estan Demario Fuller, 29 of Edmond. Driving without proper valid driver’s license

Amanda Lenore Farmer, 42 of Choctaw Failure to maintain compulsory insurance, leaving scene of accident damaged fixtures and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Jamerson Duke Ring, 49 homeless. Public intoxication.

Derek Shane Burton, 52 of Meeker, Okla. Mis-

Weekend Calendar of Events

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Events

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Thu, Feb 29 – Sun, Mar 3: Choose Your Adventure & Explore the Code: Bill Pickett; Beginning Fri, Mar1: Explore the Code: Annie Oakley; @ 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat, Feb 29 – Sun, Mar 3: Signature Tour @ 1 – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

OKC Broadway presents: Wicked

Location: Civic Center Music Hall

Extra Info: Wed, Feb 21 – Sun, Mar 10; Tue & Wed: 7:30 p.m.; Thu & Sat: 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Fri: 8p.m.; Sun: 1:30 & 7 p.m.; okcbroadway.com

demeanor warrant

John Henery Snyder, 39 of Edmond. Possess CDS and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Patrick Lee Clayton, 42 of Las Vegas, Nevada. Public intoxication (Lake only).

Feb. 18

Javier de Jesus Cruz, 33 of Waxahachie, Texas. Felony DUI/APC.

Cody Cyle Goggans, 33 of Newcastle, Texas. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

William Albert Fisher, 70 homeless. Five counts of failure to appear.

Dezmon Dontez Parker, 28 of Edmond. Assault – resisting officer and public intoxication.

Travis Don Horton, 29 homeless. Trespassing after being warned and public intoxication.

Kathleen Diane Carter, 35 of Guthrie. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Colton Stone Jones, 21 of Edmond. Public intoxication

James Curtis Ingram, 42 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Jonathan James Burgandine, 34 homeless. Public intoxication.

Ryan James Berggren, 18 of Edmond. Possess drug paraphernalia, proceeds derived from illegal drug activity, contributing to the delinquency of minors, possess with intent to distribute CDS and trafficking in illegal drugs.

Feb. 19

Vincent Ryan Mitchell, 18 of Edmond. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Evaristo Angel Garcia, 47 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Donna Jean Hinton, 50 of Edmond. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

Michael Angel Navarro, 64 of Edmond. Possess CDS and possess drug paraphernalia.

Dakota Gene Kappus, 28 of Edmond. Possess CDS and possess drug paraphernalia.

Dequan Raeshawn Seamster, 27 of Oklahoma City. Shoplifting.

Extra Information

In the Gallery

Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute

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

Edmond’s Social Fabric

Location: Edmond History Museum

Extra Info: Fri, Dec 1 – Sun, Mar 31; free; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; edmondhistory.org

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 & Sat: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; closed Saturdays; armstrongauditorium.org

Cinch Timed Event Championship

Location: Lazy E Arena

Extra Info: Thu, Feb 29 – Sat, Mar 2; 5 – 7 p.m.; $10---- $60; etix.com

Indoor Edmond Farmer’s Market

Location: MAC in Mitch Park

Extra Info: through Sat, Mar 16; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; edmondparks.com

Oklahoma Shakespeare on the Paseo presents: Twelfth Night

Location: 2920 Paseo

Extra Info: Thu, Feb 22 – Sun, Mar 10; Thu: 7:30 p.m.; Fri & Sat: 8 p.m.; Sun: 2 p.m.; okshakes.org

Oklahoma City International Auto Show

Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 1 – Sun, Mar 3; Fri & Sat: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; okcautoshow.org

Backwoods Hunting & Fishing Expo

Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 1 – Sun, Mar 3; Fri: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; backwoodsshow.com

First Friday Gallery Walk

Location: Paseo Arts District

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 1; 6 – 9 p.m.; thepaseo.org

Oklahoma Gun Show

Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds

Extra Info: Sat, Mar 2 – Sun, Mar 3; Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; oklahomagunshows.com

Senator in Edmond

Jan Moran, AT&T, greets United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford at the Edmond Chamber membership luncheon held last week at the Kickingbird Golf event center. AT & T were the presenting sponsors for the event.

Museum, Mobile Meals to have joint benefit April 5

Edmond Mobile Meals and the Edmond History Museum invite the community to join them at the “Meals and Memories” oral history exhibit opening reception at the Edmond History Museum. Tickets for the event are $50 each, and all funds will be split between the two organizations.

The happy-hour style (come-and-go event is scheduled for Friday, April 5,, from 5-7pm. Attendees can enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres and cocktails prepared by Edmond Mobile Meals Chefs, Toni Washington & Matthew Rodriguez.

This event kicks off a month-long celebration of Edmond Mobile Meals’ 50th Anniversary of service in Edmond. Founded in 1974, the nonprofit organization has served over 1.2 million meals to homebound elderly and disabled residents in Edmond.

The oral history exhibit will feature several video interviews with Edmond residents about how living in Edmond has shaped their lives. Cristi Twenter, Executive Director of Edmond Mobile Meals describes how the oral history exhibit ties in with their anniversary celebrations. “Over the years, our organization has learned so much from our daily interactions with Edmond’s seniors. These residents have such a rich history, with interesting stories spanning over five decades of living in Edmond. We are honored to be of service to Edmond’s seniors who helped build our community to be the thriving place it is today, and so we wanted to preserve local seniors’ personal stories as part of Edmond’s historical record with an exhibit at the Edmond History Museum. We hope to continue to add to the collection in the coming years.” She adds, “It is fun to collaborate with other organizations in Edmond to share in the collective impact of making Edmond a wonderful place to live.”

“I’m always surprised how every oral history we receive at the museum provides new insight into

Edmond history or connects to other research in our collection,” said Derek Lee, Curator of Collections. “I’m looking forward to hearing these and learning new information.”

“Hearing peoples’ life stories is the best way to learn about the past and connect different generations,” said Amy Stephens, Museum Director. “We applaud Edmond Mobile Meals for capturing and sharing these oral histories!”

For more information about this event or Edmond Mobile Meals, please contact Cristi Twenter at 405-341-3111, or email info@edmondmobilemeals.org. For information about the Edmond History Museum and the oral history exhibit, please contact Derek Lee at dlee@edmondhistory.org.

Tickets for the reception can be purchased at: www.edmondhistory.org/product/meals-memo-

ries/. About Edmond Mobile Meals:

Edmond Mobile Meals in Edmond, Oklahoma is a non-profit charitable organization celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Each weekday they provide over 275 nourishing meals, wellness checks and social visits to Edmond’s homebound residents. Edmond Mobile Meals has delivered over 1.2 million meals since being founded in 1974. The meals and daily contact by caring volunteers allow frail, homebound people to remain independent and in their own homes. Edmond Mobile Meals is a team effort of approximately 400 volunteers of all ages, from retired to young adults. Edmond Mobile Meals delivered over 73,000 in 2023. Please visit www.edmondmobilemeals.org for more information on volunteering or donating.

UCO to host cheer and dance competition

The University of Central Oklahoma will host the 28th annual Cheer and Dance competition at 8 p.m., March 8, in Hamilton Field House, located on Central’s campus.

Now in its 28th year, Cheer and Dance allows UCO students to showcase their athletic abilities and talents through stunts, jumps, cheers and dances. What originally started as a one-night, homecoming event has now turned into a stand-alone event to amplify the university’s school spirit.

“Cheer and Dance is an event that is steeped in UCO tradition and is a student favorite every year,” said Esther DeClerck, assistant director of new student and family programs at UCO.

“This event encourages healthy competition between different student organizations, large and small, to use their imagination to wow an audience with their performance including dancing, stunting and cheering.”

UCO will host the 28th annual Cheer and Dance Competition on Central’s campus March 8. Cheer and Dance allows UCO students to showcase their athletic abilities and talents while fundraising for BronchoThon, a yearlong, philanthropic student organization benefiting the Children’s Health Foundation. Pictured, a group of students at a previous Cheer and Dance competition.

Four million road deaths since 1899

U.S. expected to mark a tragic milestone

This year, the United States will mark a grim and tragic milestone: Four million roadway deaths since 1899. Every single one of these people left behind countless family members, friends, colleagues and neighbors. It’s impossible to fully comprehend the grief and tragedy caused by a single death, let alone four million. Something must change.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy provides a roadmap for preventing crashes, injuries and deaths by using a holistic approach of interconnected countermeasures. While roadway fatalities have declined slightly in the past year, this modest progress pales in comparison to the large increases we saw at the start of and during the height of the pandemic. The road to zero traffic deaths is long, but we know how to get there – doubling down on the strategies that improve safety. We need more equitable enforcement focused on dangerous driving behaviors, infrastructure that slows down speeding drivers and protects people outside of vehicles, community outreach and engagement programs, improved vehicle technology and better

post-crash care. We also must renew our sense of urgency in addressing this safety crisis. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been without a confirmed leader for much of the past seven years. Since January 2017 – a span of more than 2,500 days – the agency has had a Senate-confirmed Administrator for a total of only 96 days. GHSA continues to call for the swift confirmation of a proven safety leader to help guide the agency during this critical time for roadway safety.

GHSA continues to prioritize equity in traffic safety and the need to address the risky driving behaviors that kill people on our roads every day.

Over the past year, GHSA has:

Updated the association’s Policies and Priorities to reflect GHSA’s support for lower state Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limits for impaired drivers, commitment to advancing equity in every aspect of traffic safety and dedication to the Safe System approach. Last year, GHSA formed an Equity and Engagement Committee to address key barriers to greater equity, promote outreach and engagement in underserved communities, and guide efforts to

prioritize equity in all association initiatives.

Raised public awareness of the pedestrian safety crisis and how to make roads safer for people on foot. Drivers struck and killed more than 7,500 people walking in 2022 – the most since 1981 and an average of 20 deaths every day – according to GHSA’s data analysis. GHSA will release a preliminary look at pedestrian fatality data for the first half of 2023 later this month.

Offered competitive grants to State Highway Safety Offices to support access to safe, equitable mobility and youth active transportation safety projects in underserved areas, prevent alcohol and drug-impaired driving during the holidays (when DUI rates rise) and throughout the year, and combat the widespread but preventable problem of distracted driving.

Highlighted the benefits of traffic safety cameras that detect speeding, red-light running and school bus stop-arm violations, and made recommendations to states and traffic safety partners considering implementing this proven technology.

North Girls Are State Bowling Champions

The Edmond North girls won the state championship in bowling on Saturday. They competed against nine other teams that advanced from the regionals from the week prior. They first bowled for seeding in the morning and started the afternoon as the #3 seed. They knocked off the #6 seed then the #2 seed in the semifinals and then the #1 seed in the finals. Each time it was best of five games.

UCO designated a Purple Heart University

The University of Central Oklahoma was designated a Purple Heart University by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Monday, Feb. 19, in a ceremony held on UCO’s campus. Central was awarded this honor for its longstanding commitment to serving military-connected faculty, staff and students, specifically those who were wounded in combat.

“It is an extreme honor for the University of Central Oklahoma to receive this designation as a Purple Heart University,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.

“This designation represents the dedication of UCO to serving those who have served. We are grateful to our military-connected students, faculty and staff for their service and sacrifice and are honored to help them as they pursue their next steps.”

To become a Purple Heart University, institutions must develop a purposeful approach to supporting not only those who are military affiliated, but also those who have sacrificed themselves in some way to defend our nation and earned a Purple Heart. Institutions must also meet and exceed standards in providing aid and programming to support Purple

Heart recipients' academic endeavors.

“UCO is honored to receive this recognition of our Purple Heart recipients and military-connected students,” said Tom McShane, director of TRIO Student Support Services – Veterans at UCO.

“We are grateful to the Military Order of the Purple Heart for this designation, which acknowledges our veteran and military-connected students, and the services UCO provides to them.”

The Military Order of the Purple Heart is chartered by Congress for combat-wounded veterans and is composed of military men and women who received the Purple Heart medal for wounds suffered in combat or by an act of international terrorism.

“We are honored to have UCO as a Purple Heart University,” said James Battles, Oklahoma State Department junior vice Purple Heart commander and Purple Heart chapter 820 commander.

“Having UCO support the military and those who have sacrificed for our freedoms humbles me and my fellow veterans. Having UCO support their military students and staff shows the military community that they are not alone in their service and

sacrifice for their nation.”

UCO prides itself on our commitment to militaryconnected students, which is evident in our multiple national rankings and awards.

UCO ranks as a top 100 institution nationwide for providing services and support for military-connected students for the eighth consecutive year on the 2023 Military Times “Best for Vets: Colleges” list. Central was also named a gold-level Military Friendly School in the public universities category with more than 10,000 students by Viqtory Media’s 2023-24 Military Friendly Schools list. In 2023, Central was awarded a grant from the Boeing Foundation to address the emotional, physical and educational needs of military-connected students.

Central provides services and support for veterans and military-connected students through the Veterans Higher Education Resource and Opportunity Center (VetHERO) and federally funded programs. These programs provide services such as assistance with educational benefits certification, enrollment services, mentoring and campus and community engagement opportunities.

The University of Central Oklahoma was designated a Purple Heart University by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Monday, Feb. 19, in a ceremony held on UCO’s campus. Pictured, back row from left to right: Major Joel Dickson, Lieutenant Colonel Lukas L. Toth, James Battles, Joe Story, Gary Lewis and Michael Manning. Bottom row: UCO President Todd G. Lamb and Larry Van Schuyver.

... We’re on YOUR Side

96 teams are too many

By Steve Gust

Not sure why, but sports seems to get a lot of attention this time of year.

Next month high school and college basketball wrap up their seasons with their championship runs. Last weekend everyone got a taste of that with OU men’s last-second overtime win over OSU in Stillwater.

That reminds me about a proposal the NCAA president is floating. They are toying with the idea of increasing the number of teams from 68 to 96. It’s kind of a crazy idea. With 96 teams, a great deal of the colleges would qualify. Many believe that would really downgrade the regular season for colleges.

Maybe the president has crunched some numbers and sees where the NCAA could pocket a few million more dollars. I don’t think it’s a good idea. Nonetheless, March Madness will be here soon. Your friends here at Edmond Life & Leisure have a fun competition with March Madness — featuring local businesses and advertisers. It’s always interesting to see who wins.

I also like it when the high schools go

after the Gold Ball state championship.

Edmond North has had some experience with that recently.

For small towns, it’s pretty exciting when their team makes state. Most of the town makes the trip to the State Fairgrounds arena to watch their players. Over the years there have been some legendary games played. The last-second shots live on forever.

I remember years ago Edmond Memorial’s boys playing Norman for all the marbles. Memorial was edged out. The game was played at Lloyd Noble in Norman. I recall a Norman player shooting a free throw. The Edmond contingent made an incredible amount of noise. And kudos to those who swim and wrestle as well. Great sports.

The games can be fun and nobody has to shell out Super Bowl prices for tickets and concessions. And sadly sometimes the sportsmanship with fans is just terrible – my opinion. The sport is fun, but some folks take it a bit too seriously. And once the basketball season ends, then the spring sports get roaring. There’s soccer, tennis, golf, track & field and baseball. Officials just pray that there can be one or two weeks of dry weather in May to get all the games in and crown the champions.

Yes. It’s a great time of year.

Grocery state sales tax repeal called ‘historic day’

Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, today issued a statement following the final passage of House Bill 1955, by McCall, which eliminates the state's portion of the grocery tax, through the Oklahoma Senate by a vote of 42-2. The bill was passed by the House 11 months ago, and has been awaiting a vote in the Senate along with an income tax cut.

"This is a truly historic day. With the passage of House Bill 1955, the Legislature has managed to give Oklahomans the largest single year tax cut in state history, returning $411 million to our citizens at a time when they need it the most," McCall said. "I would like to give a tremendous amount of credit to my colleagues in the House who have fought through both regular and special sessions over the past three years to cut taxes and provide relief to the citizens of Oklahoma. Their persistence and willingness to come in on weekends, holidays and during the interim to do the work of the people has led to a policy that will help all Oklahomans."

McCall said that the legislation's passage also would not have been possi-

ble without the support of Gov. Kevin Stitt and the House's colleagues in the Oklahoma Senate.

"I would like to thank Gov. Stitt for his leadership throughout this process and his unwavering support in cutting taxes. He has been an ally and vocal proponent of getting tax relief legislation to his desk, and I am glad the Senate is finally delivering to him a bill that will help all Oklahomans," McCall said.

"I would also like to thank President Pro Temp Greg Treat and our colleagues in the Senate for finally voting this legislation through to the governor's desk. The delay in the vote cost Oklahomans an estimated additional $374 million in taxes, and the lack of an emergency to immediately put the cuts in place will cost our citizens another $200M, but Senate leadership did their best to at least secure passage. The House has sent several tax cuts to the Senate over the last three years only to have them stall and not be heard. Thankfully this legislation has finally passed after 332 days of waiting. Oklahomans are currently facing some of the worst inflation of the last three decades, and the Senate's vote today means that help is finally on the way."

McCall added that while passage of the grocery tax cut is a good first step, it is not the final step needed to truly help Oklahomans.

"There is continued work to be done to give Oklahomans back more of their hard-earned money. While the grocery tax is a good first step, it is not the only action needed to accomplish that goal. The House always knew this legislation would pass if put up for a vote, and we feel the same way about the .25% income tax cut. The House would still like to see a vote taken on the income tax cut legislation that was passed to the Senate in special session, and will continue to explore every opportunity to lower the tax burden for all Oklahomans."

——Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, released a statement regarding the Oklahoma Senate’s decision to pass HB 1955, which cuts the state portion of the grocery sales tax.

“I am pleased the Oklahoma State Senate has finally taken action on what we already know will help so many Oklahoma families.”

Lankford wants Biden to halt EV edicts

Senators James Lankford (ROK) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) along with Representative Randy Feenstra (R-IA) sent a letter to President Joe Biden and Director of the Office of Management and Budget Shalanda Young urging the Biden Administration to withdraw the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rule entitled “Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles,” which would require 67 percent of new light-duty vehicles and 46 percent of medium-duty vehicles to be electric by 2032. This rule amounts to a de facto mandate for EVs and phase out of the internal combustion engine vehicle.

Nearly 140 of their Senate and House colleagues signed this letter.

In their letter, the Members wrote, “The reality is that most Americans still prefer the internal combustion engine vehicle, and EPA’s proposed rule unnecessarily restricts consumer choice and

forces expensive EVs onto Americans at a time when they can least afford it… Therefore, we strongly urge you to halt and reject the implementation of the EPA’s proposed tailpipe rule. These last few weeks, with EVs leaving people stranded, have underscored the reason why an EV-only approach is wrong. The EPA’s proposed rule is burdensome and inconsistent with the reality of the industry and needs to be rejected for the good of American families and businesses.”

Read the full letter below.

Dear President Biden and Director Young,

We write today to urge you to immediately halt and reject the implementation of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule entitled “Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles” that was sent to the Office of Management and Budget on Thursday, January 18, 2024. Additionally, we write to highlight the failures of this Administration’s hasty and costly transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

This proposed rule, which would require 67 per-

Editor policy

Edmond, OK 73034. or fax to 340-3384 or e-mail to news@edmondpaper.com.

cent of new light-duty vehicles and 46 percent of medium-duty vehicles to be electric by 2032, amounts to a de facto mandate for EVs and phase out of the internal combustion engine vehicle. The US House of Representatives, in a bipartisan manner, voted to overturn this burdensome rule in December (H.R. 4468), and similar efforts are currently being pursued in the Senate.

Additionally, this rule is contradictory to all conventional predictions about where the automobile industry is headed in the coming years, including this Administration’s own Department of Energy. As reported in the US Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook in 2021, 4 of 5 new vehicles will still run on liquid fuels in 2050, making this rule not just absurd to the average citizen, but to your own agencies as well. In fact, recent reporting from sources inside your Administration indicates that EPA now intends to ease the rule’s requirements through 2030 to give automakers more time to comply. This again shows that even your own agencies know this mandate is absurd and unrealistic, and threatens to harm both industry and consumers.

The reality is that most Americans still prefer the internal combustion engine vehicle, and EPA’s proposed rule unnecessarily restricts consumer choice and forces expensive EVs onto Americans at a time when they can least afford it. Major US automakers have recently lowered their targets and pulled back planned investments in EVs due to low consumer demand and struggling EV units. Further, automobile dealers across the country have said EVs continue to sit unpurchased on dealership lots, despite automakers accepting massive losses and unsustainable government incentives.

Over the past few weeks, parts of the country experienced temperatures below zero with wind chills of nearly 40 below. This cold snap has once again highlighted that this Administration’s mandates will not work when EVs are unreliable, especially during the harsh winter months.

Steve Gust

Lankford

For trait of ‘positivity’

Edmond Realtor honored as Champion of

Edmond’s newest Champion of Character, Amanda Jenson, received the award presented by the Character Council of Edmond for her character trait of positivity. Amanda’s husband, Joshua, along with OklaHome Real Estate owner, Jennifer Hodgens and fellow team members attended the informal ceremony at Vault 405 on February 21.

Amanda was born in Chickasha, Oklahoma and raised by her grandparents, Tommy & Carol Brewer. Amanda said, “I'm not just a resident; I'm a proud Red Dirt Okie, and there's no other place I'd want to call home.”

Amanda and Joshua married last June. Between the two of them, they have five “amazing” children, Karlye, Shane, Nicholas, Chloe and Cooper.

Amanda moved away from Chickasha after graduating from Chickasha High School. While her children were young, she went back to school and achieved her master’s degree from East Central University in Ada.

A sunny disposition doesn’t come naturally for Amanda. So, her pursuit is ongoing. To maintain a cheerful attitude, she exercises gratefulness. She also keeps negative thoughts in check by choosing to see from the vantage point of optimism.

Amanda moved to Edmond in 2018 and ventured into the world of social media management. The pandemic changed her world.

When she encountered challenging times, like the pandemic, Amanda said, “Instead of viewing it solely as a setback, I approached it as a chance for adaptation.”

She moved forward pursuing a real estate license and became a realtor for OklaHome Real Estate.

Jennifer said, “She jumped into the real estate world at a tough time in the market, but never once has she acted discouraged. With higher interest rates last year, the market slowed down but instead of letting that intimidate her, as a new realtor, she has taken this time to invest in her community and build a network of future referral partners.”

People questioned the timing of her career decision. As a newcomer to real estate and with around 8,000 realtors in the Edmond/OKC metro area, Amanda admitted it wasn’t optimal. However, she saw it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Amanda said, “I made a conscious effort to focus on the silver linings

Character

and opportunities that arose. I sought out creative solutions and alternative strategies to stay ahead in the evolving market.”

As a part of her game plan, Amanda put Instagram to work and created amandaj_realtor to help her build business and referrals.

Jennifer said, “By posting funny creative Instagram reels she's grown her following to almost 2000. She has also gotten involved with the Downtown Edmond Business Association delivering fun gifts to local businesses faithfully every month.”

Amanda hand delivers about 150 gifts to downtown Edmond businesses each month. It’s her way of supporting small businesses and developing relationships.

Amanda said, “I've found that inten-

tionally fostering positivity has greatly contributed to my overall well-being and resilience in the face of adversity.

Jennifer said, “She always has a smile on her face, never says a bad thing about others and truly wants to see everyone succeed.”

In addition to DEBA, Amanda serves on several committee boards with the Edmond Board of Realtors. She has written two books, How to be a Potato, which is about social media, and Your Happiness Matters, a book about happiness.

On behalf of the City of Edmond and the Character Council of Edmond, Amanda Jenson was honored as a Champion of Character for exemplifying the character trait of positivity, defined by Character First as “maintaining a good attitude, even

when faced with difficulty.”

The Character Council is a grassroots, nonprofit organization committed to creating a citywide initiative to build Edmond into a "Community of Character."

The group believes that the character of a nation can only be strengthened one person at a time, one community at a time. Toward that end, the Character Council of Edmond seeks to recognize residents who demonstrate character, as witnessed by those who have been affected and influenced.

To nominate a citizen as a “Champion of Character,” one who exemplifies these character traits, visit www.edmondcharacter.org or write: Champions of Character, PO Box 392, Edmond OK 73083-0392.

Gloria Baumann, left, of the Council of Character, awards a Certificate of Recognition to Amanda Jensen. Amanda was honored for her character trait of ‘Positivity.’

UCO Students in National Invention Competition

Youth advocates for health have visit to State Capitol

Eighteen high school students from across Oklahoma met with 33 state legislators to advocate for a healthier Oklahoma at their annual Day at the Capitol.

As members of the Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) program, which is funded by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), the youth promote a healthier Oklahoma through nutrition education and active living that is free from the harmful effects of tobacco addiction and obesity.

“It was really educational to talk to these legislators and learn about their thoughts and opinions and it was great to educate them and advocate for issues that are really important to me,” said Lacey Laymon, a Senior at Keys High School.

At the YAHL Day at the Capitol, high school students from Adair, Chelsea, Hennessey, Keys, Luther, Marlow, Muskogee, Oklahoma City, Purcell, Stilwell, Valliant and Westville represented over 1,200 YAHL members from around the state.

Youth in Oklahoma face increasing threats to health as rates of vaping use rise. More than one out of five Oklahoma youth report using some form of tobacco product. Oklahoma

is one of 17 states without retail licensure for e-cigarettes, and state law in Oklahoma prohibits cities and towns from regulating tobacco and vape licensure, tobacco advertising or smoke-free indoor air.

Oklahoma also continues to have one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in the nation. While weight does not equal health, children with obesity are more likely to develop chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, lower selfesteem and self-reported lower quality of life.

The students met with 32 legislators including Senators Carri Hicks, Chuck Hall, Dana Prieto, Dewayne Pemberton, George Young, John Haste, Julia Kirt, Julie Daniels, Kay Floyd, Paul Rosino, and Tom Woods as well as Representatives Amanda Swope, Bob Culver, Carl Newton, Clay Staires, Chris Sneed, Cynthia Roe, Collin Duel, David Hardin, Ellyn Hefner, Jeff Boatman, John George, Kevin McDugle, Kevin Wallace, Kyle Hilbert, Melissa Provenzano, Meloyde Blancett, Neil Hays, Randy Randleman, Rusty Cornwell, Scott Fetgatter and Trish Ranson.

Students from across Oklahoma, members of Youth Action for Health Leadership, met with lawmakers. The teens advocated against tobacco, addiction and obesity.

University of Central Oklahoma strategic communications students received an honorable mention in the Invent2Prevent competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the McCain Institute. The students, part of the Department of Mass Communication’s strategic campaigns class, placed in the top eight with a unique campaign focusing on combatting targeted violence. Pictured, Pictured front row, Megan Cox, Ph.D.; second row from left to right, Brooklynn Hoehne, from Oklahoma City; Hunter Beck, from Kingston, Oklahoma; Promise Hill, from Oklahoma City,; Bailey Poage, from Piedmont; Sarah Hamilton, from Perry; Jennifer Meadows, from Oklahoma City; Brianna Jones, from Oklahoma City; Levanna Facen from Lawton, Oklahoma; back row from left to right, Abby Boyer, from Choctaw; Lauren Summers, from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Evan Siefke, from Piedmont; Emad Khan, from Edmond; and, Domingo Ward from Lawton.

Review of ‘Drive-Away Dolls’

Film has a fun B-Movie energy

By George Gust

“Drive-Away Dolls” follows Jamie (Margaret Qualley), an uninhibited free spirit bemoaning yet another breakup with a girlfriend, and her demure friend Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan) who desperately needs to loosen up. In search of a fresh start, the two embark on an impromptu road trip to Tallahassee, but things go quickly awry when they cross paths with a group of inept criminals along the way.

Written and directed by Ethan Coen, one half of the famed Coen Brothers writer/director team, “Drive Away Dolls” feels like a strange child of a ‘Coen Brothers’ movie, for better and worse. This film finds Ethan teaming up in the writers room with his wife Tricia Cooke, and while this new creative force comes with a unique flavor, “Drive Away Dolls” features a more zany and off-the-wall style than prior Coen Brothers movies. Much like “Lisa Frankenstein” from our recent early 2024 smaller film releases, “Drive Away Dolls” will play best to a smaller section of audiences than the big budget tentpole films yet to come this year.

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“Drive Away Dolls” has a fun B-Movie energy that the performances and the direction leans all the way into. Qualley, in particular, goes for it with both her onscreen energy as well as her very particular southern accent that is wildly distracting or entertaining depending on your mood and buy-in into the screwball tone of the film. And in contrast to Qualley’s performance Viswanathan brings a more steady presence and a performance that feels like a hallmark of the Gen-Z angst, even

though the movie takes place in a simpler and quaint time of … 1999.

Overall, “Drive Away Dolls” is a mixed bag of a film from a talented writer/director that feels like a half baked film that is missing several elements that you could assume would have come from the other half of the ‘Coen Brothers’ directing team. The road element of the movie and the dedication to B-movie level of stakes makes this 84 minute crime comedy an easy watch for people who have a penchant for Coen Brothers movies and enjoy a whacky movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously. “Drive Away Dolls won’t make your end of the year lists and will likely be a footnote in a legendary filmmaking career, but can be a fun ride if you’re in the right mood.

“Drive Away Dolls” is rated R for crude sexual content, full nudity, language and some violent content.

2.6 out of 5 stars

Written

Vietnam vets will be honored

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The Oklahoma History Center, in association with VillagesOKC, the local offices of Humana, Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight, Navigating Medicare and the Force 50 Foundation, is proud to host a pinning ceremony honoring all the servicemen and servicewomen, active or reservists, who served anywhere in the world during the Vietnam Warera. Family members of any veteran unable to be present may also receive this pin. The event will be held in the Devon Great Hall of the Oklahoma History Center on Friday, March 29, from 10 a.m.noon, with doors opening at 9 a.m. This event is free and open to the public.

March 29 was designated as Vietnam Veterans Day by the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, to be commemorated with annual nationwide events. Guided by the stipulations in that act, only Vietnam War veterans and their families are recognized. However, the Vietnam War Commemoration organization is providing recognition pins to honor any US veteran who served . For more information about the OHS, please visit okhistory.org.

Free seminar to focus on healthcare & aging

The free local seminar series focused on educating and equipping senior adults to live empowered lives focuses its attention this month on better understanding what questions we should ask and who we should be asking when it comes to our health.

“The Quest for Truth: Medicine, Healthcare, and Aging” will be Thursday, March 14, at 10 a.m. in the ATRIUM at Crossings Community Church, 14600 N Portland. While Senior Living Truth Series is not a Crossings organized program, they offer the use of their atrium venue for monthly Truth Series programs. Everyone is welcome.

“With every stage of life comes new and different requirements for maintaining our health,” said series organizer Dr. Nikki Buckelew, PhD. “It can be hard to determine what is right for us today versus what was right for us yesterday, much less, what will be right for us tomorrow. New information is coming at us daily. New research. New advice that may conflict with our previous knowledge. It can be overwhelming.”

The March seminar will have a panel of local experts in their fields to present and to answer questions. Panelists are Norman K. Imes, M.D.; Richard Vertrees Smith, M.D., and Melissa Powers, Ph.D.

“Our panelists were chosen not only for their depth of knowledge, years of practical experience, ability to articulate complex information, and willingness to share truths many people may be reluctant to hear,” said Buckelew. “Their resumes are extensive, yet they are easy to understand and truly want to see people live healthy lives.”

Some of the questions to be addressed: What is the difference between chronological age and biological age? What is the evidence that biological aging can be altered at any stage of life? How do some people avoid disease in old age? Are there things we can do to slow the biological aging process? Can physical exercise and the food we eat prevent frailty later in life?

“In this seminar we discuss better questions to ask physicians and healthier ways to approach the extra years we’ve been given,” Buckelew said. “And, while we have no control over our birthdate (chronological age), we can influence our health span by focusing on key behaviors. Learn what those key behaviors are in this seminar.”

A sleep medicine specialist, Dr. Imes is Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine at OU Health Sciences Center, a Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine, Sleep Medicine, Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease; and Fellow, American College of Chest Physicians.

A neurosurgeon, Dr. Smith is Medical Director Emeritus of the Mercy NeuroScience Institute and Physician Liaison with the Mercy Health Foundation.

An exercise science instructor, Dr. Powers is a professor in the Dr. Virginia Peters Department of Kinesiology & Health Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma. She is a member of the Gerontological Society of America - Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education.

Seminar pre-registration is requested by calling (405) 563-7501 or going online at www.seniorlivingtruthseries.com.

Nikki and Chris Buckelew, co-founders of Senior Living Truth Series seminars.

Latest health push by TSET

Shape Your Future, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), is offering resources on nutrition and health to Oklahomans ahead of National Nutrition Month in March. The observance is an opportunity to recommit to a healthy lifestyle by creating small habits that foster significant transformations.

Shape Your Future recognizes common barriers to a healthier lifestyle, such as a lack of time, money or accessibility, and provides practical solutions for overcoming those barriers and building healthy habits around nutrition, physical activity, hydration and living smokefree.

"Choosing a healthier lifestyle can feel overwhelming, but it is a journey of small, achievable goals,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “Little steps add up and ultimately make a significant and positive impact on Oklahomans’ wellbeing."

Shape Your Future offers three tips to kickstart a

healthier lifestyle:

Balance Your Plate: When building a well-balanced plate, start with veggies, add protein and complete with a whole grain.

Ditch Sugary Drinks: Choose water to properly hydrate and leave sugar-sweetened beverages in the past. Drinks like soda, sports drinks, energy drinks and juice boxes are packed with sugar.

Move More: Adults need at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity, while kids need 60. Visit ShapeYourFutureOK.com to discover easy ways to add movement into daily routines. Try walking while talking on the phone, parking farther away from stores or simply taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

With a little help, achieving healthy goals can be easier than anticipated. For more free programs and resources to improve your health and that of your family and community, visit Oklahoma.gov/TSET.

Amazon founder makes $3.5 million an hour

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), has consistently maintained a prominent global influence for the past two decades, primarily owing to his status as one of the wealthiest individuals. With numerous ventures under his name and propelling him to the position of the third-richest person globally, it is intriguing to ascertain the extent of Bezos’ earnings within a specific timeframe.

Particularly, data acquired by Finbold indicates that as of February 19, 2024, Jeff Bezos, from his three main ventures, has given him a net worth of $190.7 billion. Bezos has mainly amassed his wealth through an 11.5% stake in e-commerce giant Amazon, which boasts a $270.046 billion gross profit as of 2023.

As the sole owner of Blue Origin, a private aerospace company, and The Washington Post through Nash Holdings, he benefits from undisclosed space exploration and journalism profits.

To determine Bezos' income from key ventures in 2023, Finbold used reported figures for Amazon but lacked specific profit data for Blue Origin and The Washington Post as they are private entities.

In 2023, Bezos' share of profits was approximately $31.06 billion (11.5% of Amazon's $270.046 billion gross profit). This equates to about $985 per second from Amazon alone. Consequently, Bezos earns $59,100 per minute, $3,546,000 per hour, $85,104,000 per day, and $595,728,000 per week.

Digitized deception drawing attention from lawmakers

Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, secured passage of a bill designed to prevent the unauthorized sharing of digitized depictions of individuals.

House Bill 3073 would criminalize publishing or distributing digitized representations of someone else's name, image, voice, or likeness without their written consent and with the intent to harm.

"This bill aims to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence as a weapon against individuals," Hays said. "Our goal is not to control AI, but rather to create a responsible environment for its development and utilization by adapting to technological advancements and establishing regulatory frameworks."

As an example, Hays cited the case of Lainey Wilson being targeted by deep fakes produced by artificial intelligence. Wilson revealed in her testimony to Congress that an AI-generated likeness of herself was used to promote weight loss products despite never endorsing them.

The measure introduces misdemeanor and felony charges for sharing and publishing specific digitized content. A first offense is a misdemeanor, while a second offense becomes a felony, punishable by at least one year in jail and a $5,000 fine. Failure to disclose that an image is digitized will result in a misdemeanor.

HB3073 passed the House 81-15.

Tooth Fairy giving also affected by inflation

In honor of National Tooth Fairy Day on February 28, Delta Dental of Oklahoma released new findings from its 2024 Original Tooth Fairy Poll® revealing the average value of a single lost tooth during the past year declined by 6% from $6.23 to $5.84. This represents the first year-over-year decline in Tooth Fairy giving in five years. Regional results that include Oklahoma show the average value is $5.51, dropping below the national average after leading last year with $6.59 for a lost tooth.

While the loss of a first tooth typically commands a premium, the poll also found the Tooth Fairy is minding her pennies in celebration of this milestone with the average value dropping from $7.29 to $7.09 over the past year.

“Following last year’s record high, it’s no surprise to see the Tooth Fairy is tightening her purse strings,” said John Gladden, chairman, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Oklahoma. “While the average regional value of a lost tooth may have declined this past year, the Tooth Fairy still serves the important

purpose of encouraging good oral hygiene habits among Oklahoma youth, no matter how much she gives.”

Historically, the Original Tooth Fairy Poll® has typically mirrored the economy's overall direction, tracking with the trends of Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500). However, in 2023, the value of a lost tooth went in a different direction, and it continues in 2024. The average value of a single lost tooth decreased 6% over the past year, while the S&P 500 experienced a 20% increase during the same period.

U.S. regional ranking for the average value of a lost tooth

West ($8.54): Surged ahead of the pack to lead U.S. regions with the highest monetary gift for a lost tooth, marking a 37% increase since last year’s results.

Northeast ($6.87): Increased 12% and surpassed the national average by more than $1.00. South, inclusive of Oklahoma ($5.51): Dropped below the national average, after leading last year with $6.59 for a lost tooth.

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‘Lauria & Ashley’s’ law passes the House

Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, today earned passage of a bill that would add accessory to murder in the first or second degree to the list of crimes that would require an offender to serve 85% of their prison sentence before being eligible for consideration for parole. Those convicted also would not be eligible to earn any type of credits that would reduce the sentence to below 85% of what was imposed.

House Bill 2946 is named Lauria and Ashley's Law after 16-year-olds Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman, of Welch, who were kidnapped, tortured, raped and killed on New Year's Eve in 1999. It is presumed their bodies were dumped in a Pitcher mine pit. Ashley's parents, Danny and Kathy Freeman, were shot to death in the crime. Their remains were found in their mobile home that had been set on fire.

Lauria Bible's mother, Lorene Bible; her cousin, Lisa Bible-Brodrick; and Melissa Dixon, another family member, watched from the House gallery as the bill passed on the House floor on a vote of 8513.

The act addresses the reduced prison sentence of a man charged with accessory to felony murder in the case. Ronnie Busick was sentenced in 2020 to 10 years prison sentence with five years' probation, but only one year supervised. Because of good-days earned while incarcerated as well time credited while in a county jail, Busick was released after just three years in prison. He's now back in the community where the crimes were committed, in close proximity to where family members of the victims still live.

It is reported that Busick received a lessened sentence in exchange for information leading to the discovery of the teens' bodies. They still have not been found.

"While I can't rewind the clock and re-prosecute this horrible crime, I can do the only thing I know to do to try to bring some measure of peace to this family that has suffered so much," Bashore said. "I've authored legislation to ensure going forward that anyone connected with a felony murder such as this will not be released prematurely from prison and will not receive any type of credits for time served."

For more than 24 years, the family members of

Lauria and Ashley have lived with the unimaginable pain of not knowing the full details of the crime or where their loved ones' bodies are located. They've endured the long, arduous process of court cases and agonizing searches for the bodies of the missing girls fore more than two decades.

"For twenty-four years we've searched and searched and searched for the girls, always asking what do we do next. What haven't we done," Lorene Bible said. "We were never told that accessory to felony murder was not an 85% crime. We would never have agreed to that had we known."