Edmond Life and Leisure - March 9, 2023

High schools helping Out the community

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.

See page 9

Edmond’s three public high schools are in the middle of yet another season of giving back to the community.

For many years the youth, at Edmond North, Edmond Santa Fe and Memorial High School, select a non-profit to help. Several activities are held to help raise funds for the various charities.

The giving started in February at North with its annual Bring a Light to Others event or BALTO.

Student Kate Abney, a co-chair of the drive, said $251,441 was raised for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Part of the funds also are earmarked by each school in an effort called common thread. This year the common thread is City Care.

Edmond Public Schools spokesperson, Susan Parks-Schlepp, said that seven percent of the benefits at each school go toward City Care, which serves homeless families in Edmond.

She added that the Edmond School District has 217 homeless students.

The giving back continued last week with Santa Fe High School having its annual Double Wolf Dare Week. The cause there was Not Your Average Joe, a non-profit

coffee shop that aims to provide inclusive employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In an assembly there last Friday, it was announced that just over $202,000 was raised.

This week Memorial is having Swine Week. Memorial first started Swine Week in 1986. They are looking to help Hope House OKC. The nonprofit helps homeless with clothes, transition homes and life skills.

Swine Week’s grand total will be announced at an assembly Friday.

Remembering Russell Dougherty

OKC Philharmonic will perform ‘Texas Tenors’

It was a brisk February afternoon when Alexander Mickelthwate arrived at Edmond’s Cross Creek Stables.

As Music Director for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, it’s typically more customary to see him in a tuxedo than Wranglers and boots.

But on this day, the Maestro was fulfilling yet another of his goals since moving to Oklahoma five years ago. That goal? Riding a horse.

“Growing up in Germany, I idolized America,” Mickelthwate said. “When I moved to the United States, I had the opportunity to experience living on both coasts--conducting the New York City Philharmonic, as well as the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Then for 14 seasons I was in Winnipeg. Now Oklahoma City is my home, and I don’t want to be anywhere else. Oklahoma has such a colorful heritage, and I want to experience it all.”

On this day at Cross Creek Stables, Mickelthwate is thinking about the next OKCPHIL Pops concert, “The Texas Tenors.” As part of the Chickasaw Nation Pops Series, the concert

brings the Emmy Award-winning vocal trio to the Civic Center Music Hall for two performances, March 17 & 18.

“The Texas Tenors have a repertoire ranging from country to classical to Big Band,” Mickelthwate said. “Last summer, the OKCPHIL accompanied Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli during his Oklahoma City concert. It was fantastic. And with the Texas Tenors, it will be that times three! I am not conducting this concert, but I will be there. I just got a new cowboy outfit from Tener’s—hat to boots! I'm looking forward to wearing it for this concert! It will be so much fun!”

The Texas Tenors landed as finalists in the popular show “America’s Got Talent,” and have gone on to become one of the most sought-after musical acts.

“They truly have a mass appeal,” Mickelthwate said. “This will be a fun change of pace, and I hope our OKCPHIL family of friends will join us.”

Tickets for all OKCPHIL performances are on sale at okcphil.org or by phone at 405-TICKETS.

Bring a Light to Others

On Feb. 17, youth at Edmond North held their final assembly for BALTO 2023. The teens raised just over $250,000 to help the Make -A-Wish Foundation. See article, Page 1.

AT&T, FirstNet connects more first responders

During last week’s Edmond Chamber luncheon, AT&T made a presentation on FirstNet and its mission in Oklahoma. The FirstNet mission is to deploy, operate, maintain, and improve the first high-speed, nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety. AT &T is their national partner to accomplish this mission. This dependable, highly secure, interoperable, and innovative public safety communications platform will bring 21st century tools to public safety agencies and first responders, allowing them to get more information quickly and helping them to make faster and better decisions.

The last thing we need in a crisis is for first responders to not be able to communicate. Minutes can mean the difference between life and death. AT&T is America’s public safety communications partner. It’s been more than 5 years since they were selected by the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) to build and operate FirstNet, and it has moved quickly to bring more coverage, boost capacity and drive new capabilities for Oklahoma first responders and the communities they serve – rural, urban and tribal.

Today, they cover the entire state with FirstNet, Built with AT&T helping to connect public safety agencies and organizations in more than 210 communities across Oklahoma. That’s why they are focused on increasing network capacity for Oklahoma public safety by deploying Band 14 spectrum – nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the federal government specifically for FirstNet.

They have rolled out Band 14 on over 1,000 sites across Oklahoma to provide public safety with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it. Areas currently benefiting from Band 14 include the Oklahoma City area, Tulsa, Lawton, Enid, Cimarron, Harper, Grant, Nowata, Roger Mills, Seminole, Beckham, Jackson, Garvin, and Haskell.

And more Oklahoma first responders are gaining access to a one-of-a-kind 5G experience on FirstNet. 5G connectivity on FirstNet is now available in the Oklahoma City area. Public safety also has access to 5G+ spectrum in the arena in downtown Oklahoma City. And they are continuing to roll out additional 5G connectivity for FirstNet in more communities nationwide.

Steve Hahn, President, AT&T Oklahoma, said, “Keeping our first responders connected and Oklahomans protected during emergencies is a priority and mission for FirstNet, Built with AT&T. Our year-after-year network expansion in the state is a testament to our support for a dedicated platform that first responders can access 24/7.”

But they are not stopping there. The FCC estimates that over 10,000 lives could be saved each year if public safety were able to reach callers just 1 minute faster. And since 80% of wireless calls take place indoors, in-building dedicated public safety connectivity is essential to

public safety operations and overall safety. That’s why they are collaborating with Safer Building Coalition, the nation’s leading industry advocacy group focused on advancing policies, ideas, and technologies that ensure effective inbuilding communications capabilities for public safety personnel and the people they serve.

No connection is more important than one that could help save a life. Today, FirstNet is solving common and long-standing communications challenges that first responders face –things like interoperability, network congestion and commercial network providers slowing public safety’s data connection. It is giving them superior coverage for day-to-day response and life-saving missions. While commercial wireless offerings remain available to public safety, FirstNet continues to grow because it offers distinct advantages from those commercial offerings. FirstNet comes with unique features, functionality and dedicated spectrum when needed for the public safety community. That’s why public safety fought for their own, separate, dedicated platform, championing the vision that led to the creation of FirstNet.

The FirstNet network expansion is one way they are helping ensure all of public safety – and the communities they serve – have access to critical connectivity to help meet the urgent challenges of today and tomorrow. It already covers more than 99% of the U.S. population today, but FirstNet is built for all public safety. That means every first responder – career or volunteer; federal, tribal, state or local; urban, suburban or rural.

They are also working closely with local telecom providers in Oklahoma to more quickly address rural coverage needs and expand the reach of FirstNet for the public safety community in Eufaula, Tahlequah, Sallisaw, Noble, and other areas.

And with FirstNet, it’s about where first responders need connectivity. That’s why the build

is being done with direct feedback from public safety and local stakeholders. This feedback has been instrumental in deploying Band 14 spectrum across Oklahoma. And it’s helped to launch new purpose-built FirstNet sites in rural, remote and tribal areas so far – including areas where emergency responses have been previously challenged. 13 counties are currently benefiting from this new infrastructure, which will help improve the overall coverage and network capacity experience for public safety on FirstNet and AT&T wireless customers in the area. Residents, visitors and businesses can take advantage of the AT&T commercial spectrum bands, as well as Band 14 when additional capacity is available.

FirstNet is not a commercial network. And that means the approach to 5G for public safety must be different from the way your friends and family experience 5G. With FirstNet, they are taking the right steps for public safety in a way that meets their unique mission needs.

While 5G connectivity will ultimately bring a combination of benefits like ultra-low latency and ultra-high speeds to support all kinds of users, it’s essential to approach 5G in a different way for first responders.

That’s why first responders maintain voice communications with priority and preemption on LTE, while the FirstNet network determines the best route for data traffic, whether that’s 5G or LTE spectrum.

FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. Shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, FirstNet stands above commercial offerings. It is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government. With more than 21,800 agencies and organizations –accounting for more than 3.7 million connections nationwide1 – the FirstNet network is providing public safety with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it, unique benefits like always-on priority and preemption, and high-quality Band 14 spectrum. These advanced capabilities enable FirstNet to help fire, EMS, law enforcement and more save lives and protect their communities.

Lisa Casias, Acting CEO, FirstNet Authority, added, “FirstNet is a dedicated broadband platform for public safety, by public safety. We worked hand-in-hand with the Oklahoma public safety community to understand their needs for the network. And this new infrastructure is a prime example of how that input and feedback is becoming reality. We look forward to supporting Oklahoma first responders’ use of FirstNet to help them save lives and protect our communities.”

The Oklahoma Standard is hard at work here in Oklahoma and FirstNet enhances that effort. For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com.

(Ray Hibbard may be reached by e-mail 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.

Ray Hibbard

AT&T representative, Jan Moran, joined Edmond Fire Chief Chris Goodwin, left, and Edmond Police Chief J.D. Younger, right, at the last Edmond chamber membership luncheon to talk about FirstNet.

Senate OKs pay raise for those on jury duty

The full Senate approved legislation last week to increase compensation for citizens serving jury duty.

Senate Bill 713, by Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, would increase pay for jurors in non-federal courts from $20 to $30 per day.

“Serving as a juror is a civic duty we’re all called upon to do at some point but it’s important that we ensure citizens are fairly compensated for their time,” Hicks said. “Juror reimbursement hasn’t been increased in at least 20 years, while the cost of living has gone up exponentially. We need to raise juror pay to better reimburse Oklahomans for their service.”

Hicks noted that juror reimbursement in Arkansas and New Mexico is

$50 a day while others allow for a pay range for courts anywhere from $6 to $50.

“This is an opportunity to become one of the top states in the region for jury duty reimbursement - a civic duty that should be open to individuals who may otherwise not be able to afford missing work,” Hicks said.

Trial jurors for federal court cases receive $50 a day. While the majority of jury trials last less than a week, jurors can receive up to $60 a day after serving ten days on a trial. Federal Grand jurors are also paid $50 a day but can receive up to $60 a day after serving 45 days or more.

SB 713 will now be sent to the House for further consideration.

Sales tax exemption working its way through the House

The Oklahoma House of Representatives Appropriations & Budget Committee has approved legislation to exempt 501(c)3 nonprofits from sales tax.

Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, said making Oklahoma's 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organizations sales tax exempt has been one of her top priorities for years and House Bill 1568 is the culmination of several sessions spent learning, tweaking and working with agencies and committees. Under the bill, 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations established in the state who receive $3 million or less in annual gross revenue would be exempt from sales tax.

"Historically, a dollar in the hands of a nonprofit yields about $5 in as-

sistance to their clients," said Stark, who held an interim study on sales tax exemptions for nonprofits in October 2022. "Nonprofit entities are passionate about what they do and most of them do it very well. The government shouldn't be limiting people who are passionate about caring for others; instead, we should be empowering those who help lessen the reliance on government, and exempting our nonprofits is a fantastic step in the right direction."

The measure stipulates that alc’ohol and tobacco purchases are not considered exempt purchases.

HB1568 passed the House A&B Committee 33-0 last week and now moves to the House floor.

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.

(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. 21

Nailah Elaine Clincy, 31 of Midwest City. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess of CDS.

Aurianna Lynn Trolinger, 22 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and speeding (16-20 mph over)

Rodrigo Ramirez, 40 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Arman Allah Chowdhury, 20 of Edmond. Breaking and entering, reach or gain control of firearm — assault & battery (felony) on police officer or correctional staff, assault and battery, public intoxication an obstruction of a police officer.

Feb. 22

Trevor Sebastian Drake Heiskill, 21 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Scott Anthony Lehman Jr., 38 of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear.

Brett Michael Gaunt, 41 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Bruce Franklin Redman, 59 homeless. Trespassing and four counts of failure to appear.

David Arnaze Chandler III, 42 of Oklahoma City. (Drug related) possession of contraband in a penal institution and a felony warrant.

Joshua Marquiss Vann, 34 of Tulsa. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Amanda Renae Lay, 36 of Edmond. A felony warrant and seven misdemeanor warrants.

Jeremy Antwon Parker, 30 of Oklahoma City. Failure to appear.

Elijah Tee Gill, 31 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Feb. 23

Khoryon Demond Hornbeak, 20 of Edmond. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs and carrying firearms where liquor is consumed.

Peyton Scott Mitchell, 22 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Amanda Annette Jurries, 42 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

David Scott Robinson, 32 of Edmond. Speeding (11 to 14 mph over) and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Stephanie Dawn Wheeler, 35 of Edmond. Disregard signal light, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Yan-Amont Billy Darianssen, 49 homeless. Public intoxication, possession of drug paraphernalia and See Arrests, Page 7

Weekend calendar, March 9-12

What’s Happening This Weekend Mar 9 - 12

---- In the Gallery

---- Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit ---- Indoor Winter Market ---- As, Not For Art Gallery ---- Live Music at Round Midnight ---- March Events at Frenzy ---- TMS Lazy E Classic CMSA

Mounted Shooting ---- Grown-Up Arts & Crafts ---- Second Friday Film Night ---- Brown Bag Lunch Series: Wild West

Toys ---- Writing the West ---- Signature Tour

---- Lyric Theatre presents: Huckleberry

Finn’s Big River ---- Oklahoma Youth Expo

---- Oklahoma City Ballet presents: Fu-

ture Voices ---- Jurassic Quest ---- Pollard Theatre presents: Clue ----

The Musical ---- Stockyards City St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Extra Information

In the Gallery

Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute

Extra Info: Featuring the art of Marie Kash Weltzheimer;

edmondfinearts.com

Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit

Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum

Extra Info: Wed, Oct 5 – Thu, Aug 31, 2023; edmondhistory.org

Indoor Winter Market

Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: through Sat, Mar 18; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Free; edmondok.gov

As, Not For Art Gallery

Location: University of Central Oklahoma

– UCO Nigh Center

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 2 – Mon, Mar 27; Free; calendar.uco.edu

TMS Lazy E Classic CMSA

Mounted Shooting

Location: Lazy E Arena

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 9 – Sat, Mar 11; lazye.com

Live Music at Round Midnight

Location: Round Midnight

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 9: Vintage Vinyl; Fri, Mar 10: Garrett Jacobson; Sat, Mar 11: Keely McGough; facebook.com

March Events at Frenzy

Location: Frenzy Brewing Company

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 9: The Brave Amigos; 7 p.m.; Sat, Mar 11: Brandon Birdwell; 8 p.m.; frenzybrewing.com

Grown-Up Arts & Crafts

Location: MAC in Mitch Park

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 10; 6 – 8 p.m.; $15; edmondparks.com

Second Friday Film Night

Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 10; 7 – 9 p.m.; Free; eventbrite.com

Brown Bag Lunch Series: Wild West Toys

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 9; 12 — 1 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Writing the West

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 10; 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Mar 11 – Sun, Mar 12; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Lyric Theatre presents: Huckleberry Finn’s Big River

Location: Lyric at the Plaza

Extra Info: Thu, Feb 16 – Sat, Mar 11; lyrictheatreokc.com

Oklahoma Youth Expo

Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park

Extra Info: Wed, Mar 8 – Fri, Mar 17; 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.; okyouthexpo.com

Oklahoma City Ballet presents: Future Voices Location: Susan E Brackett Dance Center

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 9 – Sun, Mar 12; okcballet.org

Jurassic Quest

Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 10 – Sun, Mar 12; 9 – 8 p.m.; jurassicquest.com

Pollard Theatre Presents: Clue – The Musical Location: Pollard Theatre, Guthrie

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 10 – Sat, Apr 1; Fri and Sat nights only; 8 – 9:30 p.m.; thepollard.org

Stockyards St. Patrick’s Parade

Location: 2303 Exchange Ave, OKC

Extra Info: Sat, Mar 11; 10 a.m.;

Arrests

From Page 6 possession of marijuana.

Christian Camilo Reyes-Castillo, 30 of Edmond. Speeding (16-20 mph over) and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

Michael Jay Clapper, 45 of Oneonta, NY. Unlawful use of license of identification card, false personation of another and (felony value) possess incomplete credit cards or tools to reproduce card.

Noor Muneer M. Algallaf, 33 of Edmond. Operating motor vehicle with improper equipment, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and four counts of failure to appear.

Wesley Allen Mauk, 39 of Oklahoma City. Two counts possession of CDS.

Feb. 24

Crystal Dawn Fletcher, 39 homeless. (Drug related) possession of contraband in a penal institution, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of CDS.

Eric Dawayne Harrison, 30 of Cushing. Operating a motor vehicle while driver’s license is suspended/revoked, leaving the scene of accident unattended vehicle and felony DUI/APC.

Brandon Tyler Gage, 36 of Edmond. Obstruction of police officer and misdemeanor warrant.

Morris Maurice Williams, 25 of Midwest City. Driving without proper/valid driver’s license, expired tag — over three months, no proof of Insurance and speeding (11 to 14 mph over.)

Ryan Alexandra Karle, 37 of Edmond. Transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and felony DUI/APC.

Feb. 25

Christopher Blaine Stiles, 34 of Edmond. No proof of insurance by owner, expired tag — over three months, speeding (11-20 mph over) and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Wesley Bryan Jackson, 28 of Oklahoma City. Loitering, injuring, molesting joy riding a motor vehicle, indecent exposure and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Brian Jay Guffey, 37 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Johnathon Elijah Lawrence, 20 of Oklahoma City. Possess CDS, transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer, minor intoxicating beverage - possession by person under 21, carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Ariya Janai Smithers, 21 of Oklahoma City. Possess of CDS, obstruction of police officer and public intoxication.

Ivan Pacheco Chavez, 33 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and speeding (16-20 mph over).

Tristan Iman Stoner, 20 of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear.

Dolph Henri Grolock, 64 of Luther. Non-assault resisting officer and trespassing after being warned

Elizabeth Ann Radtke, 35 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

James Robert Northcutt Jr., 50 of Yukon. Failure to stop — accidents involving damage to vehicle and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.

Feb. 26

Jayden Michael Ingram, 19 of Oklahoma City. (Misdemeanor) purchase/ display/ possess identification card — illegal acts, operate (DUI or APC) in motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more and expired tag.

Crocket Creek Helms, 19 of Coalgate. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol

content level of .08 or more.

Emmalee Rachel Barnes, 29 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Kaleb Patrick Nelson, 20 of Yukon. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Elias Armando Puac Macario, 27 of Oklahoma City. Driving without proper/valid driver’s license. Ricky Dean Spaulding Jr., 27 of Edmond. Possess CDS.

Steve Edward Shores, 53 homeless. Two misdemeanor warrant.

Feb. 27

Jennifer Leann Butts, 40 of Harrah. Possession of marijuana and three counts of failure to appear.

Marcus Levario Ramos, 41 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Jeremy Scott Kirk, 33 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Abdirashid Abdullahi Ali, 28 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor value) receiving stolen property, indecent exposure, public intoxication and three counts of failure to appear.

Mark Lewis Tribble, 63 homeless. Four counts of failure to appear.

Feb. 28

Elizabeth Ann Rodriquez, 43 of Edmond. Kidnapping and (felony) domestic abuse assault and battery.

Noah Wesley Bachhofer, 22 of Luther. Public intoxication.

Spenser Wayne Elliott, 35 of Edmond. Two felony warrants.

Michael William Bailey, 40 of Edmond. A misdemeanor warrant and a felony warrant.

March 1

Stanley Shawn McDonald, 56 of Oklahoma City. No proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Eric J. Hoefer, 46 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer, expire — over three months and disregard signal light.

Candace Renae Hamilton, 37 of Oklahoma City. Shoplifting.

Anthony Thomas Milligan, 28 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Anthony Dewayne Knowles, 35 homeless. (Misdemeanor) possession of another’s debit card, (misdemeanor value) receiving stolen property, pattern of criminal offense, failure to appear, felony warrant and obstruction of police officer.

Christopher Lee Pope, 30 homeless. Loitering, insuring, molesting, joy riding a motor vehicle and obstruction of police officer.

Edward Alexander Nuncio, 28 homeless. Felony warrant and a misdemeanor warrant.

Cari Dee Collins, 61 of Moore. Three misdemeanor warrants, two felony warrants and public intoxication.

March 2

Anthony Devon Polley, 46 of Edmond. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked and felony DUI/APC.

Brenda Kay Bensinger, 64 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC.

Please do not Drink & Drive

Irish Coffee reigns supreme for celebrants of St. Patrick’s Day

By Carol Smaglinski

With its mild climate, a centuries old practice in Ireland is to plant potatoes on St. Patrick’s Day. Spuds were as important as Irish Coffee loved and consumed throughout a great part of Western Europe.

Years ago, Paul, my late husband, and I got to sample the real thing, made with cream as rich as an Irish brogue in Ireland. No, we did not see any leprechauns, but we had our share of Irish potatoes and Guinness stout. Irish Coffee is made with authentic Irish Whiskey, somewhat simi-

lar to Scotch.

One night, in a restaurant, the doors suddenly shot open and a band of troublemakers ran in and grabbed all the bread off of our tables and quickly disappeared. We were there during the time of the “Troubles” and were often advised by people we had met to leave Belfast if we valued our limbs.

We were fortunate enough to secure a hotel room, but it was also the night of an important championship football (soccer) game. Walking swiftly back to our hotel dodging the

hooligans after the game, the hotel owner squeezed us in quickly through the door that was kept locked.

In Dublin, we stayed at a B&B, where we discovered the mattress was made of chicken wire. Paul, a 6 ft. 4 inch former Marine, curled up and got comfortable on the floor.

Unfortunately we left before St. Patrick’s Day, but people shared stories with us about their most revered patron saint of Ireland who was born in A.D.386 and died in A.D.461 and was a slave. He came to Ireland at only 16 and through his life, he taught the people of Ireland all the fundamentals of civilization.

So, although we did not see people dancing Irish jigs, green sprigs of shamrocks, or parades, we enjoyed the delightful singing in the Irish pubs.

I won't ever forget the bartender trying to shoo everyone out of one pub. At exactly 2 a.m. he started banging on the bar with a huge gavel warning everyone at the top of his lungs that the pub was now closed and shouting “Everyone Please Leave!” And, it was a weeknight.

Then we stood outside in the dark trying to hail a cab. I am quite sure we did not have Irish Coffee in that pub, but since then, I discovered why cream whips up and milk does not. It mainly has to do with the fat content. Whole milk is only 3.3% fat, while heavy cream is 38% fat. During the process of whipping, fat globules break open causing them to stick together in clumps. And too, air is trapped between the globules (like a drop of water or a “bead” of sweat).

This exceptional recipe makes use of both Irish cream liqueur and Irish

whiskey and might become your next best friend.

Irish Coffee (4 mugs)

½ cup chilled whipping cream

2 Tbsp. Cointreau or other orange liqueur

1 Tbsp. confectioner’s sugar

½ cup Irish cream liqueur

¼ cup Irish whiskey

¼ cup brandy

3 cups strong hot coffee

1 tsp. grated orange peel

Combine cream, Cointreau, and sugar in a medium bowl. Beat until medium peaks start to form. This part can be done up to four hours ahead and kept in the refrigerator, covered.

Pour 2 Tbsp. Irish cream liqueur, whiskey, and a Tbsp. of brandy into each of 4 (8-to-10 oz.) coffee mugs and gently add coffee. Top off with a dollop of cream and sprinkle with orange peel. Drink to your health and wealth!

School, with his name, now 75

Family reflects on legacy of pilot Russell Dougherty

By Patty Miller

“Once an eagle always an eagle” remains true today for students passing through the doors of Russell Dougherty Elementary School.

The school was named for the first Edmond fatality during World War II, Russell Dougherty.

Late last year his family, including his sister Jo Ann Dougherty Compton, 93, from Bedford, Texas, and her friend since elementary school, Barbara Walker, attended celebratory ceremonies marking the 75th birthday of the school and the man for whom the school was named.

Many of Russell’s family were also in attendance for the celebration including his grandson, Chris Dougherty, and his four children, Kyra Dougherty, Julia Dougherty, Ian Dougherty, and Michael Dougherty.

Russell’s parents, Martha Suenram and Joe Dougherty, were married Feb 3, 1915, and raised their family of four children on farm land located at the corner of Pennsylvania and 150th streets where Epworth Villa is now located.

“When I was born, Margaret was 13, Russell was 11, and Hazel was 9,” Jo Ann said. “I was reared more as an only child. I remember being a bit envious of my older brother and sisters good times and neighbor friends.”

An uncle made a big wooden sleigh that was pulled by one of their farm horses. In the fall, they had neighborhood hay rides.  Regular Saturday night entertainment was dances at a neighbor’s farm.

“We went to these regularly because my dad was a square dance caller and Margaret was the party planner,” Jo Ann said.

“We had card parties, tacky parties, kid parties, taffy pulls, and holiday dinners with Dougherty and Suenram families.”

Margaret was the family writer and poet as well as Jo Ann’s kindergarten teacher.

Hazel was the family artist, baker, candy maker and seamstress.

After two years of college Russell decided to go to diesel school in Oklahoma City. He bought a Harley Davidson motorcycle for cheap transportation.

“He would take it apart, work on it, and put it back together,” Jo Ann said.

She added the kitchen porch was strewn with his pans of oil, grease cans, rags and various parts that needed to be worked on in his spare time.

“He wanted to know how things worked and how they were assembled,” Jo Ann said.

Russell and the two older children helped with the farm chores growing up, Jo Ann added, while she remembers playing with paper dolls.

She said Russell did not like doing chores, especially milking the cows.

“ I tagged along with him when he

had to milk the cows,” Jo Ann said. “I knew he did not like this chore, so I thought by my going with him it would make the time go faster.”

Russell liked playing with his Erector set and Tinkertoys he got one Christmas, and he made a Merry-goround and Ferris wheel for Jo-Ann’s dolls.

“He taught me how to play cards and other games,” Jo Ann said, “and one Christmas he got me a woodburning set and made sure I could use it without burning myself.”

As Russell grew older he was also known for playing pranks according to one of the stories shared by the Edmond School District.

Russell and a friend would go to Oklahoma City and stand on a street corner looking up to the tops of buildings. Soon others would stop and look up at nothing. The boys would then be on their way laughing.

When Russell started his last semester at Central in the fall of 1941, Jo Ann and her mother moved to Edmond to take care of her Grandfather Suenram.   Russell joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in February 1941 and received his wings July 1942 in Lubbock.

At that time he married Winifred Hoffman. She was with him in the places where he did overseas flight training. He was stationed in Hawaii first and later went to Guadalcanal. Russell was killed April 19, 1943.  Their son, Russell Chris Dougherty, was born June 28, 1943.

Jo Ann met her husband Charles Compton at Central. Both Jo Ann and Charles chose teaching as their career paths. Together they had four children Charles, Carol, Curtis and Connie.

Jo Ann was a stay at home mom but also served as the church secretary.

“This day is such a wonderful tribute for Russell and his family,” JoAnn said.

A look back at the famed late pilot

The elementary school located at 16th and N. Broadway first opened its doors in as a junior high. and in 1947 it was dedicated and named Russell Dougherty Elementary School.

The school bears his name to honor the first graduate of Edmond High School to be killed during World War II, and it was dedicated to him three and a half years after his death.

The school’s namesake was a native

of Edmond and an Air Corps bomber pilot. He was awarded the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters for missions in the Pacific during World War II. His unit was the 307th Bomb Group known as the “Lone Rangers.” He was stationed in Guadalcanal when he and 11 crewmen crashed with a heavy bomb load in the B-24 over the Solomon Islands in April of 1943. Dougherty was 24.

Jo Ann Dougherty Compton

Issue worth revisiting

By Steve Gust

Some of the things making news lately:

I liked The Oklahoman article last week about the state “revisiting” the outrageous utilty charges for the arctic blast of 2021.

Steve Gust

I’ve reprinted some of that article on page 17, If you’ll recall, we’re now on the hook for 28 years of payments over the massive rates charged in 2021 to keep people from freezing.

I still think it’s outrageous have to pay so much for a few days of heat.

I believe it’s nothing but price gouging. So yes. Lets keep revisiting that issue as much as possible. Maybe our new Attorney General and Gov. Stitt can keep weighing in on it.

——I hope everyone gets a chance to look below at the editorial cartoon.

It’s truly stunning how many things the mainstream media gets wrong.

And I don’t remember any of the

network anchors, such as Nora O’Donnell, coming on the air and apologizing for getting so much wrong.

——

Do you get a lot of requests in the mail to help non-profits?

I know that I do.

At times I think I’m the Steve Gust Foundation, with so many pieces of mail.

Some of them I do help, which undoubtedly gets my name and address on other mailing lists. But that’s OK.

I get a lot of requests to help people at Indian Reservations.

I know that our government funds them, but apparently not enough at some reservations.

One reservation said, about a third of the homes there did not have access to electricity.

That’s just incredible and sad.

One of the reservations in the Dakotas had serious trouble with getting food during a blizzard this year.

I hope, and pray, the situations improve at reservations. If we can send $130 billion to Ukraine for weapons, maybe we can feed people at home.

(Steve Gust, Life & Leisure editor, may be reached for comment at news@edmondpaper.com.

State lawmakers want felonies for attacks on pregnant women

The full Senate has approved a bill to make domestic violence against a pregnant woman a felony upon the first conviction. Senate Bill 1046, by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, was approved unanimously last week after previously winning support in two separate Senate committees.

Weaver met with domestic violence victims advocates during the interim, and said he was shocked to find out that under current law, a first conviction for attacking an expecting mother was only a misdemeanor. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), homicide is the leading cause of death among pregnant women in this country.

“As a society, we’ve made tremendous progress in how we view domestic violence, and we’ve updated and improved our laws accordingly, but this is one in our state that’s been overlooked,” Weaver said. “We’re talking about cases where the attacker knew the woman was preg-

nant at the time, and we know these crimes tend to escalate. I believe strengthening the penalties can help us save lives of mothers and their unborn children.”

Under SB 1046, anyone convicted of domestic abuse against someone they knew was pregnant at the time would be guilty of a felony on the very first offense. Currently, the punishment is up to a year in the county jail, but if Weaver’s bill becomes law, a first offense would carry a punishment of up to five years in prison.

“Again, murder is the number one cause of death for expecting mothers, more than illnesses like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes,” Weaver said. “This is pro-life legislation, and I thank my fellow members for helping get this bill one step closer to becoming law.”

SB 1046 now moves to the House of Representatives. The House principal author is Rep. Robert Manger, ROklahoma City.

Bill now moves to the House

Lankford wants DST year round

Ahead of Daylight Saving Time, Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act of 2023 for the 118th Congress. The legislation would end the antiquated practice of changing clocks twice a year.

“Twice a year Oklahomans ask themselves—why do we still have to change our clocks? Last year, the Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act, but the House never even voted on the bill. Every mom of young children hates this time of year when alarm clocks change, but baby’s clocks don’t. It is past time to get this bill to the President’s desk so we can take the stress, headaches, and annoying twice-a-year reset of the clocks out of our lives. It’s time to lock the clocks,” said Lankford.

“This ritual of changing time twice a year is stupid. Locking the clock has overwhelming bipartisan and popular support. This Congress, I hope that we can finally get this done,” said Rubio.

Get feds out of state’s waterways

By Senator Markwayne Mullin

As a small business owner, I know firsthand how bureaucratic overregulation and red tape can threaten or even destroy a business.

Eleven years ago, the Obama administration’s burdensome and ever-changing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations put my wife and me out of business in a matter of days—and we weren’t alone. Heavy handed government bureaucracy is a constant challenge for Oklahoma business owners, and it’s why I ran for office in the first place.

One thing is clear, Oklahomans know that one-sizefits-all big government policies from Washington do not work. Take the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, for example.

In 2015, the Obama administration finalized a rule to greatly expand the definition of “waters of the United States,” allowing Washington bureaucrats to regulate the streams and creeks in Oklahomans’ backyards. As a rancher, I know how aggressively they’ve tried to reach into our properties to take control of our streams.

When President Trump entered office, he repealed this deeply flawed rule, and replaced it with the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR). The NWPR ef-

fectively limited the federal government's regulatory authority, allowed states to care for their own natural resources, and established clear and reasonable definitions for what qualifies as “waters of the United States.”

Unsurprisingly, on day one, President Biden signed an executive order to roll back the NWPR. Then, this past December, the EPA and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers issued a new proposed rule repealing NWPR and replacing it with similar definitions to the Obama-era rule, all to expand the Biden administration’s federal regulatory authority.

Keep in mind, the Biden administration made this big government power grab while awaiting the final

Letters to the Editor policy

ruling of Sackett v. EPA, a U.S. Supreme Court case to determine whether wetlands fall under WOTUS jurisdiction.

WOTUS has been a headache for many Oklahomans for decades. The idea that a drainage ditch in Oklahoma is now a federally regulated, navigable waterway is absurd. This overregulation is detrimental to our rural communities, making it hard for farmers and ranchers to do their jobs.

Under WOTUS, the EPA can fine farmers and ranchers thousands of dollars if they simply rotate from one crop to another without first gaining permission from the federal government.

This rule hurts small businesses and family farms –two entities that embody the Oklahoma economy the most.

Our producers cannot afford this costly revision, especially during a time when farmers and ranchers are already struggling under increased energy costs, supply chain shortages, and skyrocketing inflation.

I’m glad to see Oklahoma officials in the fight to challenge this most recent rule. Our governor and members of the state congressional delegation are working to halt the rule’s implementation until after the Supreme Court weighs in on Sackett v. EPA. Our attorney general is also joining with other attorney generals to file a lawsuit to challenge the rule altogether.

A $1.5 million donation to OMRF From the Stark Family Foundation

OKLAHOMA CITY, March 1, 2023 — Oklahoma City’s Stark Family Foundation on Tuesday announced a $1.5 million challenge grant to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. The gift will fund patient care and research at the OMRF Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence.

The grant requires the foundation to raise a matching $1.5 million. OMRF will use the funds from the $3 million campaign to recruit a new physician-scientist to the MS Center, expand psychosocial care for its patients and grow the center’s technological infrastructure.

“The Stark family is making an indelible mark on the future of MS care in Oklahoma and on research worldwide,” said Gabriel Pardo, M.D., a neurologist and neuro-ophthalmologist who has led OMRF’s MS Center since it opened in 2011. “Their generous gift will not only improve the lives of our patients, but it will also help us achieve our ultimate goal of stopping this terrible disease.”

MS is an autoimmune condition that affects nearly 1 million Americans. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the insulating layer that protects nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The resulting inflammation can cause vision issues, muscle spasms, tremors and paralysis. In its most common form, the disease includes periods of stability and relapse.

Stark Family Foundation founders Jack and Mary Stark made the challenge grant in honor of their daughter, Kelsey D’Emilio, who was diagnosed with MS in 2013 at age 24. Despite aggressive treatments, D’Emilio experienced rapid disease progression until finding OMRF’s MS Center of Excellence in 2017.

D’Emilio, an opera singer and chair of the Division of Music at Oklahoma Baptist University, credits Pardo with stopping her disease progression and enabling her to have a career and a family. “Without Dr. Pardo, I would not have been able to pursue my doctorate, serve as a college professor or become a mother,” said D’Emilio.

Pardo, OMRF physician-scientist Chelsea Berkley, M.D., and their team at the MS Center care for more than 3,000 patients from Oklahoma and surrounding states. In addition to receiving comprehensive MS care, patients may participate in clinical trials or join cohorts that allow OMRF scientists studying MS to advance the global understanding of the disease.

“Dr. Pardo and his outstanding team gave Kelsey her life back. There can be no greater gift,” said Mary Stark. “We want everyone facing MS to have access to the same life-saving care and treatment our daughter found at OMRF.” Jack Stark added, “These funds will allow Dr. Pardo to expand his resources to meet the needs of his growing patient base. We are honored to help and we encourage others to join us so more stories of success like Kelsey’s can be told.”

The gift was announced during OMRF’s MS Advocate Award Dinner, which raised more than $410,000 for MS care and research at the foundation. The Chickasaw Nation and Stark Family Foundation were lead sponsors of the event chaired by

Lou and Jim Morris.

Also during the dinner, OMRF honored Burns Hargis with the foundation’s MS Advocate Award. Hargis, a member of OMRF’s Board of Directors, is the former president of Oklahoma State University. He has been an OMRF supporter for nearly 40 years.

“Dr. Pardo and his team are remarkable, but it’s clear that the demand for MS patient care and research exceeds the current capacity to provide it,” Hargis said. “You solve that by raising awareness of the need for additional medical and scientific resources, and I’m honored to be a part of that.”

To learn more about MS care at OMRF or to donate, visit www.omrf.org/ms.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Stark Family Foundation cofounders Jack and Mary Stark (center) with Gabriel Pardo, M.D., (left), director of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation's Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence, and OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D. (right). The Stark Family Foundation on Tuesday announced a $1.5 million challenge grant to OMRF for MS patient care and research at the foundation.

Topping Out Ceremony held at Integris in OKC

NTEGRIS Health held a topping out ceremony last week to celebrate another significant milestone towards the completion of the new INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital, currently being built on the INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center campus in the metro.

A topping out ceremony is a longstanding construction tradition that typically occurs when the final or highest structural beam is raised into place.

Before the beam was ceremoniously placed using a crane - donors, hospital leaders, cardiovascular physicians, construction team members and other dignitaries were invited to sign the beam for posterity.

"We are excited to mark this meaningful moment in the construction of the INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital," said Tim Pehrson, president and chief executive officer of INTEGRIS Health. “Many of those who played an integral part in making this facility possible, will now be forever memorialized

within the hospital’s future walls.”

INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center has long been known as the only hospital in Oklahoma to offer a full spectrum of advanced cardiac care, and the new heart hospital will allow us to continue to offer the best heart care available anywhere in the world.

The 209,000 square foot building will include 64 ICU beds, multiple cardiac catheterization labs, cardiovascular operating rooms, hybrid operating rooms, electrophysiology heart låabs, and cardiac diagnostic testing areas - all conveniently located in one easy to navigate location.

We remain committed to Oklahomans who rely upon INTEGRIS Health to care for them in their greatest time of need. We are a forever organization with a mission of partnering with people to live healthier lives!

The anticipated completion date for the new INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital is 2024.

On hand for the ceremony, were, from left, Timothy Pehrson, President and CEO, INTEGRIS Health; Christopher Turner, Board of Directors Past Chair, INTEGRIS Health; Mel Clark, M.D., President, INTEGRIS Health Cardiovascular Physicians President, INTEGRIS Health Cardiovascular Physicians and Skip Leonard, Vice President, INTEGRIS Health Foundation.

Local bank provides GIFT workshop for employees

A metro area bank has partnered with VillagesOKC to offer a special version of VillagesOKC’s GIFT (Gathering Information for Transitions) workshop for its employees. First Bethany Bank & Trust provided the workshop as a benefit to employees, and VillagesOKC tailored the normal 6-hour workshop into two 2-hour evening sessions.

The GIFT is an interactive workshop in which participants talk through difficult questions, learn about options and write solutions for the “what if’s” in the future. Normally, the workshop consists of 90minute sessions held once a week for four weeks.

Participants document their own personal, legal, medical, financial, real estate, passwords, personal preferences, emergency contacts and crisis plan. Everyone is encouraged to hold a family meeting afterwards. A binder is provided for participants to keep all their information.

“We think it’s valuable information that every family should consider, but often doesn’t go to the great lengths that the workshop does,” said Priscilla Cude, First Bethany President

& CEO. “That includes our First Bethany family.

“We thought it would be beneficial to them and that they could also share what they’ve learned with our customers when it’s appropriate in conversations. We also thought it would be a good way for our employees to share the VillagesOKC story if they participated in one of their workshops.”

Fourteen employees and five spouses signed up for the workshop. Cude said attendees ranged in age from 28 to 69 years old.

“Although the material was compressed for time's sake, we still covered all high points,” said Dana Bellows, VillagesOKC project manager. “Many of the participants had an 'aha' moment where they realized there were some steps they needed to take – a form they needed to sign, a person they needed to appoint.”

Cude said she highly recommends other companies look at providing this benefit to employees. “When employees are in personal crisis, it naturally spills over to the workplace. This is a way to assist our employees when facing those times.”

Lankford opposes CRT

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) to introduce the Stop CRT Act and the Combatting Racist Training in the Military Act. The Stop CRT Act would prevent federal funding from going to schools that teach Critical Race Theory.

The Combatting Racist Training in the Military Act would prevent similar woke ideology from being taught in any Department of Defense institution, including service academies. Congressman Dan Bishop (NC-08) introduced companion legislation in the House.

“Our military should focus on preserving our national security, not leftist propaganda. The United States military is the best trained, most diverse, and most moral fighting force in the world. It should not be in the business of promoting ‘woke’ culture. This has to stop,” said Lankford.

“Radical activism should have no place in our military’s training. Ameri-

can soldiers should learn how to kill our enemies, not anti-American ideology. This legislation will prevent Department of Defense bureaucrats from teaching woke ideology,” said Cotton.

Lankford remains a strong schoolchoice and parental rights advocate that puts parents at the helm of their kids’ education. He urged the Department of Education to reconsider proposed rules redefining the Charter School Program, and supported a resolution of disapproval of the rules. He stood firmly for parental rights and school choice when he called for the Senate to immediately pass his resolution to support parents having the freedom to choose the best educational environment for their kids and remain in control of whether or not they want their children exposed to “woke” ideologies at school, including Critical Race Theory and others. Democrats blocked the Senate from unanimously standing up for American parents.

Marilyn Olson moderates the special GIFT workshop for First Bethany Bank & Trust employees.

Emotional drama drawing Oscar buzz

By George Gust

With the Oscars this weekend, we’ can (finally) put the films of 2022 to rest. Much of the leadup to the Academy Awards ceremony reads like a horse race of public opinion, and throughout the year there have been no more bigger swings in opinion than with this year’s Oscar front-runner “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.” During its original theatrical run, it was the odd independent film could- showed strong numbers for a movie that has a high concept premise and wholly original cast of characters. Now it has gone from an anomaly of box office to success to critically praised to critically re-evaluated and now to Oscar front-runner, but is this film worthy of Oscars’ top honor?

“Everything, Everywhere, All at Once” follows a middle-aged Chinese immigrant (Michelle Yeoh) who is swept up into an insane adventure in which she alone can save existence by exploring other universes and connecting with the lives she could have led.

“Everything, Everywhere, All at Once” is a movie that eludes categorization. There are plenty of recognizable elements in the film, but the overall experience of this movie feels completely original. And this balance between the familiar and the extraordinary is

where this movie succeeds the most. At its heart the story is a grounded emotional family drama that features complex and layered characters, but the all the trappings surrounding the heart are heighted to an extreme degree with mind-bending ideas and quirky visual representations of those ideas.

Holding the proceedings together for this off-thewall bonkers movie is the fantastic performances all around. Centered on Yeoh as the linchpin, she’s continuing to show that she’s capable of delivering on the full spectrum between action super-star and emotional matriarch who is thrust into an unthinkable po-

sition of saving the universe. In support, Jamie Lee Curtis is phenomenal as the tax auditor who’s putting pressure on Yeoh’s business and Ke Huy Quan turns in a particularly emotional and connected performance as Yeoh’s husband who has stumbled into this off kilter existence.

Overall, “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once” is a movie that is not exactly a crowd-pleaser in the traditional sense but does deliver a surprisingly emotional drama with the trappings of a fun and wild multiverse story. The uniqueness, yet dramatic accessibility of “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once” make it the award season’s darling and deservedly so. It’s not likely to be recreated and some of the visual style and tone may not match the taste of general audiences, but the completely original and fun exploration of the world created by “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once” is an experience that shouldn’t be missed by film lovers with a strong stomach for the bizarre.

“Everything, Everywhere, All at Once” is rated R for some violence, sexual material and language.

4.5 out of 5 stars

To reach George Gust for a comment on this review, please e-mail gust.george@gmail.com

Answers on Page 19

Officials recommend healthy diet

Shape Your Future, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), encourages Oklahomans to participate in National Nutrition Month this month and start, or recommit, to healthy goals in 2023.

Shape Your Future is celebrating the monthlong observance by sharing tips and advice to make healthy eating easier.

“Healthy eating is vital to good health, and encouraging kids to develop that habit early can help them maintain good health throughout their lives,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director.

“Small changes like filling half your plate with fruits and veggies or getting children involved in preparing meals can help to improve the health of the whole family.”

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics created National Nutrition Month to promote nutrition education and information.

One way Oklahomans can find nutritious food is by shopping at a local farmers market, and Shape Your Future can help. Try the Farmers Market Locator to find a market near you.

Another great way to get fresh produce, and some physical activity, is to grow your own garden.

Crossword Puzzle

Answers on Page 19

Michelle Yoeh leads the unlikely Oscar darling “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once” which is poised to bring home several awards this weekend.

Layla Oliver, 7, and her brother Maurick Oliver, 8, played the scavenger hunt during a Feb. 25 visit to the Arcadia Round Barn. Their parents are Tim and Sarah Oliver.

Round Barn invites kids to a scavenger hunt

No matter what week your school district observes spring break or Easter break, the Arcadia Round Barn will be open for business with enrichment activities for students and their parents.

Prize bags are filled and waiting to reward young people who test their skills during the scavenger hunt. The search for 10 items to be found in and near the Round Barn was created about a year ago by volunteer Colleen Walker and has been wildly popular with the kids and the older folks who bring them to the historic Route 66 attraction.

“The scavenger hunt is a fun way to learn about Oklahoma pioneer history,” Walker said.

As with all activities at the Round Barn, the scavenger hunt is free but a suggested donation of $2 per person will be accepted for the maintenance of the structure, which was built in 1898.

Parents are invited to accompany their children on the scavenger hunts, and all young people will receive a prize bag for their efforts.

Children who do not want to participate in the scavenger hunt can ask for a coloring page of the barn to take home. They can also explore the vintage exhibits outside and around the inside perimeter of the downstairs museum, marvel at the architecture in the loft, hone their photography and video skills and browse the brochures rack for information, People who visit the barn during weekends in March, and any other month, can catch a concert by the Round Barn Ramblers from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays. The monthly Round Barn Rendezvous jam session is set for noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 12, and a concert by Edgar Cruz and Antsy McClain will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 19.

(Photo by KIMBERLY BURK, Round Barn publicist)

Locally Owned and Locally operated

Are GoFundMe contributions considered tax deductible?

By Sarah Heath

GoFundMe has become the largest crowdfunding platform that exists. Crowdfunding allows projects to be funded through contributions from the public. There are two types of donations you can make on GoFundMe- donations to a personal fundraiser, such as for medical bills or funeral expenses for an individual, and donations to a charity fundraiser such as churches, animal welfare agencies and educational organizations. With the rise of contributions to GoFundMe campaigns, many taxpayers have questions about the deductibility of such donations.

Are donations to GoFundMe tax deductible?

Yes, but only donations made to a GoFundMe charity fundraiser. Donations made to a personal fundraiser are not tax deductible. To be sure that you are donating to a charity fundraiser, verify who is organizing the fundraiser and where the funds are

going. If the funds are going to a charitable organization, look for a green check mark next to the organization’s name. It will also be noted that the organization is a registered nonprofit and that donations are typically 100% tax deductible.

Will I receive a tax document from GoFundMe?

If the donation is made to a charity fundraiser, you will receive a tax receipt from GoFundMe’s charity partner, PayPal Giving Fund. If you donated to a personal fundraiser, you would not receive a tax receipt as this donation is not deductible. If you do receive a tax document, it is good practice to keep it for your personal records. Your tax preparer will likely ask for this documentation when it comes time to file your annual tax return.

How does this affect my tax return?

For tax years 2020 and 2021, taxpayers utilizing the standard deduction were eligible to receive a $300 deduction on their tax returns for charitable contributions. However, this is not the case for 2022 and no $300 deduction is available when utilizing the standard deduction. You may still deduct charitable contributions of up to 60% of your adjusted gross income (AGI), as an itemized deduction on Schedule A of your tax return. AGI can be found on page 1, line 11 of the 2022 Form 1040. However, taxpayers often will only use itemized deductions if it exceeds their standard deduction for 2022- $25,900 for married filing jointly, $19,400 for head of household and $12,950 for single taxpayers. The average taxpayer utilizes the standard deduction.

What are some examples of charitable organizations where my donation is deductible?

Some examples include United Way, American Red Cross, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Donations to local charities like the Homeless Alliance, Oklahoma Humane Society, the Regional Food Bank and Oklahoma Arts Institute are also deductible. These are just a few of the many charities that qualify as deductible charitable contributions. You can search for an organization’s eligibility to receive tax-deductible charitable donations on the IRS website at apps.irs.gov/app/eos.

Sarah Heath is a tax associate at Arledge, the largest locally owned accounting firm in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Arledge is a recognized leader in the accounting industry offering practical solutions in the areas of tax planning, auditing, consulting, accounting advisory services and client accounting.

This article contains general information only and does not constitute tax advice or any other professional services. Before making any decisions or taking any action that might affect your income taxes, you should consult a professional tax advisor. This article is not intended for and cannot be used to avoid future penalties that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.

Genealogy meeting set for March 15

Getting your DNA done is very popular right now. Not only can you find your ethnicity, but it can connect you to family past and present.

But how do you know where they belong in your family? What is your relationship to the son of the daughter of the second son of your grandfather’s brother? Knowing how you are related to people that you share DNA with is important in finding common ancestors and connecting all those matches to you.

Glenn Clure Sr., a member of the Oklahoma Home and Community Education Genealogy Group, will help you figure out those relationships on March 15th, when he presents “How to Calculate Family Relations.”

The group meets at 10 a.m. at the Oklahoma County Extension Office, 2500 NE 63rd Street. If you are interested in genealogy or want to figure out how you are related to all those at your next family reunion this summer, please join us. For more information you can check out our website at https://www.ohcegenealogy.com or our Facebook page: ohcegenealogy

Glenn Clure Sr.

Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Tennis Center Honored

State will revisit high utility charge

Oklahoma’s top law enforcement official and the state's utility regulating agency are revisiting the circumstances that led to high natural gas prices during a 2021 winter storm, putting Oklahomans on the hook for billions in higher gas and electric bills.

Kansas, like Oklahoma, experienced freezing temperatures during winter storm Uri and saw natural gas prices spike as demand rapidly increased. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach said this week he is suing a national energy company for market manipulation after it sold natural gas at an inflated rate to local utility companies.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond's office said it was aware of the Kansas lawsuit and the situation in Oklahoma is being investigated.

“We are reviewing the matter in Oklahoma to see if there were similar circumstances here,” said Phil Bacharach, a spokesperson for Drummond's office.

More:Oklahoma utility companies will collect millions in fees from 2021 winter storm recovery

Following the 2021 winter storm, the state agreed to let Oklahoma utility companies use state bonds to pay off the nearly $3 billion in costs and recoup that money from customers over the next two decades.

Jennifer Seaton, Josh Moore and David Minihan traveled to Phoenix last weekend to the United States Tennis Association (USTA) annual meeting & conference to accept the “Facility of the Year” award for Edmond Center Court. Nominated facilities must be under the jurisdiction of a park and recreation department, an educational institution, a nonprofit corporation or be a private or commerciallyowned-and-operated facility that offers both USTA and public programming designed to help grow tennis. Facilities were judged on overall layout and adaptation to site; excellence of court surface and lights; ease of maintenance; accommodations for players, spectators and press/officials; aesthetics; graphics (including the use of signs and landscaping); amenities such as casual seating for spectators, food services and social areas; and the facilities’ participation in USTA programs. I will share a video and photos soon!

Free tuition bill clears Senate

The full Senate gave unanimous approval last week to a measure to help more of Oklahoma’s students qualify for the state’s free tuition scholarship program, known as the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP), or Oklahoma’s Promise. Currently, one of the qualification requirements is completing the college preparatory curriculum in high school. Senate Bill 27, by Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee, would allow those wanting to attend a CareerTech to complete the basic core curriculum to qualify for the program.

“Our state and nation need more licensed professionals like electricians, plumbers, truckers, and healthcare professionals. These high-paying, licensed careers can be obtained through our CareerTech system, and expanding Oklahoma’s Promise to students who complete the less stringent core curriculum will help fill this workforce pipeline by providing them with this much-needed financial assistance,” Pemberton said. “We need to do all we can to support and encourage our students in whatever path

they choose after high school to become successful, productive citizens. I’m grateful to my Senate colleagues for their support of this important workforce ready bill.”

SB 27 further modifies the state scholarship program by adding a qualifying composite SAT score of 1110 or higher, which is the equivalent to the current ACT score requirement of 22 or higher.

Currently, to qualify for OHLAP, students must be an Oklahoma resident; enroll in the scholarship program in the 8th-11th grade; meet the family income requirements; maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA; complete the college preparatory curriculum; and be an upstanding citizen. Recipients get 100% of their tuition covered by the state to Oklahoma public two- and four-year institutions of higher education or a percentage of tuition to CareerTechs or private colleges or universities. The state provided more than $64 million in tuition payments to 14,852 Oklahoma students during the 20202021 school year.

Consumer measure passes

Sen. Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, has won unanimous Senate approval for legislation strengthening protections for consumers. Senate Bill 871 would make it a violation of the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act to pose as a state agency representative in a letter or advertisement to scam citizens.

“It’s called an imposter scam. A citizen will get a letter that looks like it’s from a state agency or state official telling them they need to file certain documents and requiring a fee in order for the paperwork to be filed. In reality, those documents can often be filed online by the consumer for free, or at least at a lower cost,” Floyd said. “This legislation is aimed at stopping those types of scammers.”

Floyd said imposter scams are the most common form of fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Nearly 985,000 complaints about imposter scams were filed in 2021 alone. Floyd said it’s a problem that’s only getting worse.

“Nationwide, consumers were ripped off for more than $2.3 billion in 2021, nearly double the 2020 total,” Floyd said. “Adding this crime to our consumer protection statutes gives us one more tool for fighting these scammers.”

SB 871 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. The House principal author is Rep. Meloyde Blancett, D-Tulsa.

State officials have claimed it was the best option for paying off the high costs, but some have continued to question why Oklahomans were on the hook for billions, especially as utility rates have recently increased.

Earlier last week, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission also voted to hire an outside official to reexamine some of the fuel purchases made by companies during in 2021.

The measure approved by the commission instructs the agency's public utilities division and the attorney general to work together to hire an outside firm.

Commission Chairman Todd Hiett said he proposed the measure to assure the public, not because he had concerns.

From The Oklahoman

Arctic blast 2021

UCO’s Gonzalez receives broadcast excellence award

University of Central Oklahoma student Kaleb Gonzalez, (pictured) a junior professional media major from Blair, Oklahoma, recently received an Award of Excellence at the 2023 Broadcast Education Association (BEA) Festival of Media Arts in the short-form documentary category.

The BEA Festival of Media Arts is an international, digital media and broadcast competition for faculty and students, with more than 300 participating schools. This year’s competition received more than 1,650 submissions, making this a remarkable achievement for Gonzalez and a testament to his skills and talent in filmmaking.

His short documentary film titled “Val the Boxer” portrays the life and career of an up-and-coming amateur boxer, with a complicated father-son relationship that became a source of inspiration and shaped his life.

“The UCO Department of Mass Communication is beaming with pride over

Kaleb’s success, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg for ‘Val the Boxer’ as he prepares to conquer the film festival circuit,” said Milos Ajdinovic, assistant professor of mass communication at Central.

“Our students have worked hard, making breathtaking films that are finally getting their moment in the limelight, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see them shared with the world.”

Gonzalez’s accolades stretch beyond his recent award. Through UCO, he has been involved in student-led documentary projects, supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant, which centers on the history of boarding schools in Oklahoma.

BEA Festival Award winners will be celebrated at the BEA Best of Festival Awards April 17, in Las Vegas, which includes networking events, workshops, media pedagogy sessions and more.

To view a complete list of BEA Festival Award winners, visit beaweb.org/festival/.

Hi and Lois

Shoe

Zits

Family Circus

Beetle Baily

Blondie

Hägar the Horrible

City taking entries for Touch-a-Truck event

Edmond Electric is accepting entries for their annual Touch-a-Truck event set for Saturday, June 3, 2023, on the University of Central Oklahoma campus.

Touch-A-Truck is a fundraising event benefiting The Hope Center of Edmond, allowing kids of all ages to experience life-size vehicles and interact with community support leaders like police officers, firefighters, construction workers, and many more.

Edmond’s own fire trucks and police cars, an Edmond Electric bucket truck, a solid waste truck, plus much more from the community like tow trucks and storm tracker vehicles will be available for hands-on exploration.

Admission for the Touch-A-Truck event is a suggested $2 donation with all proceeds going to The Hope Center of Edmond to benefit residents in need.

The last event displayed over 30 different vehicles, a helicopter, kid-friendly characters, and face painting for kids to enjoy and raised $6,500 for The Hope Center of Edmond.

This event is free for companies/organizations willing to bring out their unique vehicles for display and interaction. Due to the interactive style of this event, entries will NOT be accepted that only

To know more, call 405-216-7462

have a booth-type setup.

Continuing in 2023, we will have a quiet hour from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. to accommodate those sensitive to loud noises. During this time, no horns or loud music will be allowed.

If your group or organization would like to participate in this kid-friendly event, sign-up information can be found at edmondelectric.com/touchatruck, or you may contact Hannah Stewart at 405-216-7462 or hannah.stewart@edmondok.gov. Sign-up forms are due by May 25, 2023, and a Certificate of Insurance will need to be provided with the City of Edmond listed as the additional insured.