Edmond Life and Leisure - March 30, 2023

FOUR SEASONS

VIBES returning

Downtown event resumes April 6

Ex-Edmond

See page 15

There’s always something interesting to see at VIBES.

The first event of the season will be April 6 in down town Edmond.

VIBES Edmond’s First Thursday’s 2023 Season kicks off on Thursday, April 6th, from 6pm to 9pm in Downtown Edmond.

Join us for the 2023 season opener featuring an alltime high number of participating Visual Artists, exhilarating performances, and long-time Edmond businesses staples + new downtown neighbors.

To start off the season with a spark, first, catch the Oklahoma City Ballet performing at 6:00pm and again at 6:30pm at the entrance of Festival Marketplace, don’t go far because in the same location, Fire Juggler & Breather Extraordinaire from Inspyral Circus will be lighting up creativity from 7:00-9:00pm! Enjoy visual art from 59 exceptional artists who create work in all mediums ranging from acrylic and oil painting, to scratchboard, leatherworking, soap molding, ceramics, textile, and more. Catch live music performances inside local businesses like The Patriarch, Frenzy, The Icehouse Project, The Edmond Railyard, and Commonplace Books,

and see performers talents out on the sidewalks of Downtown. Favorite musicians appearing include Edgar Cruz, A Perfect Body Band, Vearl T, and 9 other talents. There is truly something for everyone at this free, family-friendly event. We can’t wait to experience the magic in Downtown Edmond with you! Stay up to date on all the monthly features by following @Edmond_Vibes on Instagram or the www.edmondvibes.org website. VIBES, Edmond’s First Thursdays is a program of the Fine Arts Institute, Edmond’s nonprofit community arts organization providing visual and performing art classes for children and adults year-round, and the 3rd and 4th grade Art in Schools Program in Edmond Public Schools. For more information, visit EdmondFineArts.com or call 405-340-4481. The 2023 VIBES Season is made possible by Citizens Bank of Edmond, Mercy, Edmond Electric, Broadway Development Group, Empire Slice House, and other businesses that believe in the importance of access to creativity.

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.

prep golfer wins on the PGA

PHOTO PROVIDED

Edmond Rotary Club & their acts of kindness

Not long ago, someone at an Edmond grocery store discovered a five-dollar bill behind a can of vegetables. A business card accompanied it with a message: “Rotary Loves Edmond – This act of kindness brought to you by Rotary Club of Edmond – Service Above Self.”

Throughout the city, residents are discovering other surprises, from one member giving his ice scraper to a stranger in need to another Rotarian giving his shopping cart to a person struggling to get two carts unstuck. Though simple and random, they are deliberate acts of kindness encouraged by the club’s president, Beth Case.

“This idea is not new to our club,” Case said. “We have done this effort in the past. But with an economy posing challenges and the world coming out of COVID, we just feel people need to know there are other people who care. You never know what the person standing next to you is going through. We can be the people whose kindness encourages someone to not give up.”

So, not long ago, Case encouraged her club to take the acts of kindness cards and get busy performing five acts of kindness in a campaign called Give Me 5.

Edmond residents are finding kindness across the area. Whether it was a woman whose dollar store purchase was picked up by a club member standing in line behind her, or it was The Genesis Project who benefitted when a

Healthy personal habits start at young age, TSET states

The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is partnering with the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) to improve the health of Oklahoma’s youth and reduce rates of chronic illness, now and for future generations.

TSET’s Board of Directors awarded $150,938 in the current fiscal year and just over $1.15 million through 2026 to OSDH to implement a pilot FitnessGram model in 100 schools. FitnessGram is an annual fitness assessment that helps students and caregivers develop personal goals that promote lifelong fitness. It is the most widely used children’s physical activity assessment and has been successfully implemented in several states, including Texas.

“Assessment is a crucial step in creating lasting change. We can’t know if we are being effective if we don’t track outcomes. FitnessGram will help students in setting personal goal and help the state assess and adjust our health education curriculum to be the most effective it can be.”

Currently, one in three Oklahoma children are overweight or obese. Childhood obesity is linked with poor academic performance, chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and lifetime costs. Addressing childhood obesity is one of the top health priorities of state leadership and part of the State Obesity Plan released July 2022.

club member gathered friends from her sorority to purchase items from the treatment center’s wish list. Boys at the facility receiving therapies and care for child abuse were showered with gifts, arts and crafts, shoes, and clothes.

Case is encouraging club members to share their stories of kindness and there are many being added to the Give Me 5 collection.

From another member helping Case unload soil for Scissortail Elementary School’s garden or rounding up a Girl Scout cookie purchase well beyond the retail price, the club is being energized to live out its motto: Service Above Self.

“This is a way our club can be encouraged, too,” Case said. “When we see how our club is impacting our community in real, personal ways, we are inspired to do more.”

The club effort coincides with Random Acts of Kindness Day by Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. You can find a full list of acts of kindness by club members and ways you can join the effort on The Rotary Club of Edmond’s website.

FitnessGram will enable Oklahoma to have in-depth data on obesity in school children. The program is in-line with goals established by Governor Stitt and the state’s health cabinet to reduce childhood obesity.

“Healthy habits start young,” said Julie Bisbee, executive director of TSET.

By investing in the prevention of obesity during childhood, Oklahoma can lower the fiscal burden obesity places on the state. Oklahoma spends approximately $1.1 billion on obesityrelated health costs. Obesity can also lead to lost workdays and absenteeism, lost wages, higher insurance expenses by employers.

Members of The Rotary Club of Edmond join staff at Scissortail Elementary School to unload a trailer full of soil to build a student garden.

Election is this Tuesday, April 4

Voters will see more than one ballot when they go to the polls this coming Tuesday. Most of our focus has been on Edmond city elections but there are two other races to consider. Because of the quirky way Edmond regulates their city elections, Ward 1 and Ward 2 council seats will be voted on citywide and not just in those wards. The office 3 Edmond School board seat will only be voted on in the particular area to elect their representative.

Ray Hibbard

Here is what you could be facing if you vote in Edmond city limits:

Special Election for Oklahoma County Clerk:

This is the seat vacated by the current Oklahoma County Clerk. You will have a choice between Republican Maressa Treat and Democrat Derrick Scobey.

Edmond Public Schools Office #3

The choices in this race are incumbent Jamie Underwood and challenger Jerry Childs. Like the city races, these are nonpartisan elected positions.

City of Edmond council seats, there are two:

Ward 1 seat is open due to the incumbent choosing not to run again so both are newcomers to the council. One is Tom Robins and the other running is Ashley Bradley.

Ward 2 also did not have the incumbent decide to run again. The choices you will have are Judy Rau and Barry Moore. Both council seats are fouryear terms

City of Edmond Mayor

In this case, incumbent Darrell Davis is running to keep his seat in that office. It is for a two-year term. His challenger is Brian Shellem.

The Edmond Chamber of Commerce has an excellent page that lists each city candidates web site but also has a list of questions and the answers from each candidate running. It is a good way to familiarize yourself with how each candidate stands on the issues.

To get to that page first go to www.edmondchamber.com. Once you reach that page look for the committees and programs tab at the top. Once you hover over it you will see a tab for Government Relations. Just move your cursor down and over that tab. A tab that says Mayoral & City council Candidates will show and just click on it. It is available to the public and you do not have to be a member of the chamber to access the page.

Councilmen Josh Moore and David Chapman decided not to run again for their council seat. They were part of our city government that helped us navigate the pandemic and I believe have done an excellent job as council members. It is a fouryear term and a little unusual for a member not to run for a second term. I believe you can blame that on the abuse they suffered during their time as council members. Disagreements are good in city government but they do not have to rise to

toxic levels as one group of protesters brought them.

It was brutal and nobody deserves to be treated the way our council members and mayor have been treated over the past four years. It is a wonder we had anybody agree to run for office. Civility and kindness went out the window with a group of protesters. They brought constitutional issues into the fight which the council had no control over, including what was going on national wide.

Two facts are important to remember when you head to the polls. The first is that this is a CITY election and not a referendum on our current president. The council and mayor oversee making sure the “trains run on time.” Each member is one vote only on the council. We have a city management form of government. That means the city council hires the city manager and the city manager runs the city including personnel. No council member or mayor can step in and make sweeping changes the day they take office. They set the direction of many issues but changing the U.S. Constitution is not one of them.

Beware of candidates that promise they will make such sweeping changes because, one person, one council vote and the city manager runs the business of the city. Any change of direction will take some time, getting along with the rest of the leadership and there is a learning curve folks. Federal funding has much to do with road projects for example and knowing how that gets requested and flows can make a big difference in what the Edmond has to spend and when. The scope of influence for a member of the council or mayor is limited.

With all of that said, here are my endorsements for the offices on the ballot. Please remember it is just one man’s opinion as by mentor in the newspaper business, Leland Gourley, used to say. It is also not a prediction, just my opinion.

First, I need to thank all of those who are running. It is a hard job to campaign and if you win, the work really begins. I have high hopes that this

next four year term will be a civil one where we can all speak and treat each other kindly. This newspaper will not hesitate to point out when groups are doing otherwise.

Maressa Treat is our pick for the special election for Oklahoma County Clerk. It has been my privilege to have met her on several occasions. She is incredibly intelligent and articulate. The county clerk position is important but honestly most of us don’t understand what goes on there. Treat has the organizational skills to clean up what her predecessor might have left behind and make sure the office is run smoothly.

We would encourage you to return Jamie Underwood to the Edmond Public Schools Board. She has done a great job in that office and we are lucky to have her willing to return to the board. Underwood helped navigate our school system through a difficult period of the pandemic. Parents get pretty passionate about their kids as they should be but it can also make it difficult for folks in the school system. Once again, the standard of civility in some parent groups was uncalled for and we hope it returns to a much higher standard.

Tom Robins is our pick for Ward 1 Edmond City Council. He has been in my office a few times and I am impressed. This is a guy who gets it and understands the need for better communication with the public. He believes in transparency and will do an excellent job representing his ward and the entire city. We like his experience.

Barry Moore is our pick for Ward 2 Edmond City Council. We have known Moore for over 20 years, and he has served a number of years on the planning commission. There is not a candidate better prepared to handle difficult challenges that our city faces. Budgeting, planning, communication and having a clear vision are all part of the reasons to elect Moore. We may not agree with everything Moore has to say but he is willing to listen to other view points and is candid about what he is thinking. Lots of transparency with Moore and that is why we endorse him for this office.

Finally, is the Edmond Mayor’s race. We have a history of endorsement of the incumbent and that is the case again in Edmond Mayor Darrell Davis. He is another example of a person we might not agree with all the time, but he does listen to what we have to say. We like his decades of experience in serving on city committees and commissions. It would be easier to list what committees he has not served on than the ones he has, including a long service with the Edmond Parks and Recreation advisory board. Davis can hit the ground running based on his time as mayor and experience with other city boards and commissions. With two new council members taking office it is time for a steady hand and experience in our city government.

We have had many good visits with his challenger, Brian Shellem. He has some great ideas, but we would like him to get some experience as a volunteer on some Edmond boards and commissions before he seeks office. If elected, it would be baptism under fire for Shellem, but we pledge to help that process as much as possible.

(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.

Bill would bump up pay for educators

A bill to provide an across-theboard pay increase for Oklahoma’s teachers and certified school personnel received overwhelming support in the Senate Tuesday. Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, the chairman of the Education Committee and Education Appropriation Subcommittee, authored Senate Bill 482 to provide a scaled pay increase ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 based on years of service.

“As our state works to further improve teacher retention and recruitment, it’s imperative that we stay competitive with other states. While our teachers and other school employees have some of the best benefits in the region, we must also reward these public servants by increasing their pay to keep pace with regional trends,” Pugh said. “This will boost the minimum salary schedule for new teachers by $3,000 and the salaries of those who have dedicated their careers to the classroom by up to $6,000—that experience, knowledge and expertise must be recognized and rewarded.”

SB 482 would increase the minimum salary schedule as follows:

• $3,000 for teachers with 0-4 years of experience

• $4,000 for teachers with 5-9

years of experience

• $5,000 for teachers with 10-14 years of experience

• $6,000 for teachers with 15-25 years of experience

“This will not only boost the teacher minimum salary schedule but will also provide a pay raise to all of Oklahoma’s hardworking teachers and other instructional certified staff across-the-board to keep pace with other states,” Pugh said. “I’ve worked with thousands of teachers, administrators, and others over the past year to figure out the best ways to attract more people into this rewarding profession, as well as recognize the dedication of those who have made this their life’s career. Increasing pay is just one of many ways the Senate is working to accomplish these goals this session. Given that other states like Arkansas and Texas are raising teacher pay, it’s vital that we respond to the marketplace and improve compensation to keep and attract education’s finest.”

There are 546 traditional and charter public schools in Oklahoma with approximately 52,006 certified personnel.

The measure will now move to the House where Rep. Mark McBride, RMoore, is the principal House author.

Weekend calendar, March 30-April 2

What’s Happening This Weekend March 30-April 2

---- In the Gallery

---- Tiny, But Mighty! Exhibit

---- Live Music at Round Midnight ---- March Events at Frenzy

---- March at the UCO Jazz Lab

---- The Feist & BFI Week

---- Female First Responders Panel

---- UCO Design – The ADDY Winners Gallery

Board Game Night ---- Walk to End Epilepsy ---- Yoga + Beer

---- Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Game On!

---- Heritage Table: Autism Awareness Month

---- Signature Tour

---- Pollard Theatre presents: Clue ----

The Musical

---- OKC Broadway presents: Frozen ---- Just Between Friends Consignment Sale ---- Junior Botball Challenge

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

The Feist & BFI Week

Location: Lazy E Arena

Extra Info: Wed, Mar 29 – Tue, Apr 4; $25 ---- $35; lazye.com

Live Music at Round Midnight

Location: Round Midnight

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 30: Vintage

Vinyl; Fri, Mar 31: Kendrick McKinney; Sat, Apr 1: Keely McGough Duo; 7 – 10 p.m.; facebook.com

March Events at Frenzy

Location: Frenzy Brewing Company

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 30: Carter Combs; 8 p.m.; Fri, Mar 31: John the Franklin; 8 p.m.; Sat, Apr 1: Stan Carrier; 7:30 p.m.; frenzybrewing.com

March at the UCO Jazz Lab

Location: University of Central Oklahoma – UCO Jazz Lab

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 1: Stan Carrier; 7:30 p.m.; ucojazzlab.com

Female First Responders Panel

Location: University of Central Oklahoma Liberal Arts Lecture Hall

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 30; 6:30 – 7:30

p.m.; Free

UCO Design –The ADDY Winners Gallery

Location: University of Central Oklahoma – UCO Nigh Center

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 30 – Fri, May 12; free; calendar.uco.edu

Board Game Night

Location: MAC in Mitch Park

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 1; 6 – 10 p.m.; free; okboardgame.com

Walk to End Epilepsy

Location: Hafer Park

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 1; 9 – 10:45 a.m.; free registration; edmondok.com

Yoga + Beer

Location: American Solera – Icehouse

Project

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 1; Free; 11 a.m. –12 p.m.; americansolera.com

Kids Take Over the Cowboy: Game On!

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 1; 10 a.m. ---- 12 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 1 – Sun, Mar 26; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Heritage Table: Autism Awareness Month

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 1 – Sun, Apr 2; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

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

OKC Broadway presents: Frozen

Location: Civic Center Music Hall

Extra Info: Wed, Mar 22 – Sun, Apr 2; Tue – Thu: 7:30 p.m.; Fri & Sat: 8 p.m.; Sun: 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.; Tue & Sat: 2 p.m.; okcbroadway.com

Just Between Friends Consignment Sale

Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds

Extra Info: Sat, Mar 25 – Sat, Apr 1; okc.jbfsale.com

Junior Botball Challenge

Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 1; 8:30 a.m. –5:30 p.m.; kipr.org

Send calendar inems

infante318@cox.net

City handing out free trees

Edmond Electric and Edmond Urban Forestry are teaming up with The Arbor Day Foundation to bring our community the Energy-Saving Trees Program.

This program offers free trees along with an easy-to-use online mapping tool to take the guesswork out of tree planting.

By entering simple information about your home and yard, the tool calculates where to strategically plant trees for the greatest energy and money-saving benefits. To date, Edmond Electric has given out 2,130 free trees to residents which the Arbor Day Foundation estimates results in a 2.8 million kWh reduction.

“Edmond Electric recognizes the importance of trees for health and quality of life, and they can also help lower energy costs,” said Program Coordinator

Hannah Stewart. “Strategically planting trees will not only lower energy costs but will provide comfort and benefits to families for years to come.”

There will be 270 5-gallon trees available to Edmond residents. Residents will be able to reserve a free tree beginning April 3 by visiting www.arborday.org/edmondelectric.

Trees will be available for pickup at Bickham-Rudkin Park located at 33rd & Rankin from 2 to 6 p.m. on April 6 and April 7.

The pickup event will be set up to where residents will stay in their vehicles and staff will load their tree. Residents picking up a tree are encouraged to bring a large trash bag to protect their cars from soil. These trees will be 5-gallon trees, so a small SUV or truck is recommended for pickup.

Wind Players from UK’s Top Chamber Orchestra to perform at Armstrong

The Wind Ensemble of the famed Academy of St. Martin in the Fields will perform at Armstrong Auditorium on Tuesday, Apr. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Making its U.S. debut, the ensemble will be joined by British pianist Caroline Palmer in a program featuring two quintets for winds and piano by Mozart and Beethoven and trios by Romantic Era composers Carl Reinecke and Erwin Schulhoff.

“The Academy’s name is one of the most prestigious in classical music,” said Ryan Malone, program director for Armstrong. “To host the principal wind players from this orchestra is a tremendous honor, and the evening is sure to be a special ex-

perience for our audience.”

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields was founded by Sir Neville Marriner in 1958 and is currently led by Music Director Joshua Bell. The Academy’s Chamber Ensemble performs in multiple configurations, including the Academy Wind Ensemble, which consists of four players: John Roberts on oboe, James Burke on clarinet, Julie Price on bassoon and Stephen Stirling on horn.

Tickets start at $35 for adults and youth aged 6 and up (under 6 not recommended). For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit ArmstrongAuditorium.org or call the Box Office at (405) 285-1010.

The Wind Ensemble of the famed Academy of St. Martin in the Fields

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FAI to have gallery opening April 6

James Coplin, an accomplished local artist, is set to showcase his latest work in a gallery opening at the Edmond Fine Arts Institute on April 6, 2023, from 5-8pm.

The event promises to be an exciting opportunity for art enthusiasts and the community to enjoy and appreciate the creative work of a seasoned artist. The gallery opening will showcase a diverse range of James Coplin's latest work in oils, including landscapes, still life, portraits, wildlife, and more. James Coplin's art is renowned for the life-like manner that captivates the viewer's imagination.

"We are thrilled to host James Coplin's gallery opening," said Shannon Price, Executive Director of the Edmond Fine Arts Institute. "His art is truly one-of-a-kind, and we can't wait for the community to come and experience his latest creations."

James serves as an art teacher at Santa Fe High School in Edmond and is regarded as a favorite teacher by many current and past students.

The gallery opening is open to the public, and everyone is invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet James Coplin and discuss his work.

The Edmond Fine Arts Institute Gallery is open daily for public viewing Monday – Thursday or by appointment. Monthly gallery exhibits are a program of the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, with support from presenting sponsor, BancFirst. FAI is Edmond’s nonprofit community arts organization providing year-round visual and performing art classes for children and adults and the Art in Schools Program for 3rd and 4th-grade students in Edmond Public Schools. For more information, visit EdmondFineArts.com or call 405-340-4481.

The work of artist James Coplin to be on display at the FAI.

Humanity & biases

By Steve Gust

There’s a lot of talk these days about prejudice and how to correct the problem.

I think most people want to see everyone get a fair shake in life, I know that I do.

Steve Gust

But, like it or not, people seem to form opinions in their head.

For instance, folks will hold one opinion on seeing someone dressed in a tux and another person who is homeless.

That’s just the way people react to a situation.

And a lot of folks will swear up and down that they aren’t prejudiced.

Here’s a good question for them.

How do they feel about people who are prejudiced?

And how do they know, for sure, that all those people;e they think discriminate, actually do?

It seems to me that people are quick to fall into one camp or another. If you’re a liberal you might be tempted to not want to have anything to do with a conservative and vice versa.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying

there’s anything wrong in condemning someone who is an outright bigot.

But it might be helpful to want to try to realize how that person got that way. Perhaps it can be prevented.

And it never hurts to want to pray for them as well.

In terms of political discourse, it’s not a bad idea to try to be reasonable with someone who disagrees with you.

And I’ll be the first to admit that I need to take that advice as well.

Seems to be a challenge for lots of folks.

—— I understand that President Biden and AG Merrick Garland may want to prosecute another 1,000 people from the Jan. 6 riot.

I said this at the time, but yes prosecute those who committed vandalism or an assault.

But if it’s just a simple trespassing charge, ticket them and move on.

And then maybe the Justice Department can give others matters attention and possibly prosecute those who trespass over our borders.

Now there’s a good idea.

(Steve Gust, may be reached for comment at news@edmondpaper.com.)

Pugh leads charge to pay state educators more

A bill to provide an across-theboard pay increase for Oklahoma’s teachers and certified school personnel received overwhelming support in the Senate Tuesday. Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, the chairman of the Education Committee and Education Appropriation Subcommittee, authored Senate Bill 482 to provide a scaled pay increase ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 based on years of service.

“As our state works to further improve teacher retention and recruitment, it’s imperative that we stay competitive with other states. While our teachers and other school employees have some of the best benefits in the region, we must also reward these public servants by increasing their pay to keep pace with regional trends,” Pugh said. “This will boost the minimum salary schedule for new teachers by $3,000 and the salaries of those who have dedicated their careers to the classroom by up to $6,000—that experience, knowledge and expertise must be recognized and rewarded.”

SB 482 would increase the minimum salary schedule as follows:

• $3,000 for teachers with 0-4 years of experience

• $4,000 for teachers with 5-9 years of experience

• $5,000 for teachers with 10-14 years of experience

• $6,000 for teachers with 15-25 years of experience

“This will not only boost the teacher minimum salary schedule but will also provide a pay raise to all of Oklahoma’s hardworking teachers and other instructional certified staff across-the-board to keep pace with other states,” Pugh said. “I’ve worked with thousands of teachers, administrators, and others over the past year to figure out the best ways to attract more people into this rewarding profession, as well as recognize the dedication of those who have made this their life’s career. Increasing pay is just one of many ways the Senate is working to accomplish these goals this session. Given that other states like Arkansas and Texas are raising teacher pay, it’s vital that we respond to the marketplace and improve compensation to keep and attract education’s finest.”

There are 546 traditional and charter public schools in Oklahoma with approximately 52,006 certified personnel.

Bill would prohbiit corporal punishment for the disabled

The Oklahoma House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved bipartisan legislation prohibiting the use of corporal punishment on students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.

The bill's author, Rep. John Talley, R-Stillwater, filed House Bill 1028 after learning that, despite an Oklahoma State Dept. of Education (SDE) administrative rule prohibiting the use of corporal punishment on students with disabilities who are entitled to special education services, SDE found multiple instances in the 2021-2022 school year where students with cognitive disabilities were subject to corporal punishment.

"I was saddened to learn that students with intellectual disabilities are still facing corporal punishment in many school districts across the state," Talley said. "I fought for this legislation to add more teeth to SDE's prohibition and end corporal punishment on students who may not understand what is going on or why it is happening.”

Voter to cast ballot for Underwood

EDITOR:

This is a letter of support to re-elect Jamie Underwood to the Edmond Public School Board, District 3, in the April 4th election.

Ms. Underwood’s extensive experience on the Edmond School Board will enable her to continue to provide the best possible outcome for students as well as address issues facing the Board. Her demonstrated ability to communicate well with her colleagues, parents, and staff are all key to successfully managing one of the top districts in the state.

The District has continued to grow rapidly during Ms. Underwood’s years of service, passing over $853 million in bond issues without increas-

Letter to the Editor

ing taxes.  These votes alone speak to the confidence our residents have for Ms. Underwood, her colleagues, and EPS.

Class sizes have been maintained during this time by building new schools, all the while maintaining academic excellence.  Indeed, all three Edmond High Schools are currently ranked in the Top 10 of public high schools in Oklahoma.

Ms. Underwood is also the only Edmond School Board member to be chosen as an honorary member of the Oklahoma State School Board Association!

Like so many communities, the school system is the heart of our community.  Ms. Underwood’s proven experience, dedication, and commitment to Edmond Public Schools has been a large part of making EPS the school district it is today.  I hope the residents of EPS District 3 will join me in re-electing Ms. Underwood so that she may continue to provide the very best for Edmond’s students, and keep EPS one of the best school districts in Oklahoma.

For additional information, kindly check out Jamieforeps.com.

Sincerely,

ELIZABETH WANER

Candidate lists reasons for wanting to be mayor

Editor’s Note; Brian Shellem of Edmond has announced his candidacy for Mayor of Edmond. The following is a letter from him, outlining his reasons for entering the race.

“After a lot of thought, prayer and love for our community, I decided to run for mayor because the City of Edmond needs a change in leadership.

I have the knowledge, experience, drive and determination needed to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Edmond.  My bachelor’s degree is in finance and I have over 30 years experience in the auto collision industry.

The thing that makes Edmond special are the people, and they deserve a clear vision to ensure a brighter tomorrow.

I have been a small business owner in Oklahoma for over 20 years. I’m a skilled problem solver, and as Edmond’s Mayor I will bring my ex-

perience in business to our municipal government and I will be the servant of the people.

The City of Edmond is at a crossroads.  We must make the changes necessary for our community’s healthy growth.  Our Traffic Crisis, for example, is by far and away the number one issue facing Edmond residents -- and it has been for years.  If we don’t act now, Edmond streets will be in gridlock for decades to come.

Edmond taxpayers have been forced to spend enormous resources on referendums in an attempt to fix what government broke.  No more.

As Edmond’s mayor, I will correct our infrastructure and public safety concerns.

Edmond has some of the finest police officers and firefighters in the country. We should all be very proud of the work they do to keep us safe. I am fully committed to supporting them with the

best technology available to ensure public safety.

I will restore the voice of the people to be heard and return our city government back to our citizens.

For more information or to make a donation please visit the Brian Shellem for Mayor 2023 Campaign website: shellemformayor.com or contact 405-657-5373  BRIAN SHELLEM

Edmond courts get USTA’s highest honor

By Jennifer Seaton

Edmond Tourism Director

Edmond Center Court was one of 33 honorees in the United States Tennis Association (USTA) annual Outstanding Facility Awards program, which recognizes excellence in the construction and/or renovation of tennis facilities and programming throughout the country. Out of that pool, USTA chooses one facility to highlight as the premier facility. Edmond Center Court was honored on Sunday, March 5 as the 2022 Facility of the Year.

Edmond Center Court has 24 lighted outdoor courts, six climatecontrolled indoor courts, and a stateof-the-art clubhouse. David and Lisa Minihan operate the facility which was built as a partnership with the City of Edmond and Edmond Public Schools in 2020. “Edmond Center Court is proud to serve as home to Edmond high school players as well as a teaching and recreation facility. We also host dozens of major events each year, including 1,000 USTA League matches, OSSAA, NCAA and ITA championship events, as well as USTA national tournaments,” said David.

Weekly junior programming at Edmond Center Court features approximately 500 players, and it is also home to Play It Forward Tennis, a USTA Foundation NJTL chapter that provides free instruction and equipment to players from underserved communities as well as special needs

players. “Great tennis facilities like Edmond Center Court help us to grow the game at the grassroots level and we are proud to recognize them for their ongoing impact on the sport of tennis,” said Craig Morris, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA.

Josh Moore, Edmond City Council and Tourism Advisory Board Member said, “Edmond Center Court tournaments attract players from around the world and elevate Edmond as a

tennis community.” Most recently, professional players competed for $15,000 at the USTA Men’s Pro Circuit Tournament Jan. 23-29.

To be considered for an USTA award, facilities must be under the jurisdiction of a park and recreation department, an educational institution, a nonprofit corporation or be a private or commercially owned and-operated facility that offers both USTA and public programming designed to

help grow tennis. Nominated facilities were voted on in the following categories: public courts that are either small tennis centers with 2-10 courts or large tennis centers with 11 or more courts; private facilities that support the USTA and other “growth of the game” programs open to the public; and educational institutions such as colleges, universities, public and private grade schools, middle schools or high schools.

On hand for the recognition, were, from left, Josh Moore, Edmond City Council Member Ward 2; Jennifer Seaton, Edmond Tourism Director; Lew Sherr, Chief Executive Officer, Community Tennis, USTA; David Minihan, Co-Director of Edmond Center Court; and Lisa Minihan, Co-Director of Edmond Center Court.

Plants are a big temptation for cats.

Keep plants safe from cats

By Melinda Myers

Growing houseplants

when curious cats are in the house can be challenging.  We want our cats to be safe and happy while keeping our houseplants intact. You can accomplish both with a few simple strategies.

Boost indoor gardening success by selecting plants suited to your home’s growing conditions and gardening style. Then be sure to remove any toxic plants to ensure your pet’s

safety. Consult with your veterinarian and visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website for a list of pet-safe and toxic plants.

Create a list of all the plants you are growing. Include both common and botanical names for accurate identification. Do a bit of research on the care they need and their toxicity to your pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, you’ll have the proper plant name when contacting your veterinarian.

Match the petfriendly plants you select to their preferred light conditions.  An east- or west-facing window provides enough light for most indoor plants.  Keep those that need brighter light within two feet of a window. Those that prefer lower light can be grown near a north-facing window or up to six feet back or off to the side of an east- or westfacing window.

Keep toxic plants out of the reach of curious cats.  This can be challenging if your cat is skilled at jumping and climbing. There are so many beautiful houseplants it may be safer to simply avoid those that

are toxic.

Make your houseplants less appealing to your cat with the smell of citrus. Spray a mixture of lemon, lime, or orange juice diluted with some water on the leaves of your plant.  Or purchase one of the commercial mixes. If you don’t want to spray your plants, place citrus peels in the pot.

Give your cat a pot of grass to nibble on and enjoy instead of your houseplants. Most cat grass kits contain wheatgrass, oat grass, ryegrass, or a mixture of these. A pot of cat grass can help entertain your cat, provide fiber and some micronutrients, and aid in digestion.

There are several theories as to cats’ attraction to greenery. One theory suggests plants were used to help them regurgitate undigested parts of their prey. Many cat owners find it also works for hairballs. Another theory suggests that greens provide vitamins and minerals, may promote health, and aid in digestion.

Busy and new gardeners can successfully grow a pot of cat grass. Look for an easy-care growing kit like True Leaf Market’s Organic

Self-Watering Cat Grass Kit (trueleafmarket.com).

You’ll only need to fill the water reservoir twice a week and the container helps eliminate messes and spills that often happen with traditional pots.

Prevent curious cats from knocking over any of your plant containers with the help of mounting putty. A couple of pieces on the bottom of the pot will help reduce the risk of toppling.

Prevent cats from using indoor plants as litter boxes. Cover the soil surface with coarse mulch, like cork or large nugget mulch.  If this is not an option, spray the soil surface with the citrus and water mix to help discourage digging.

Regular play can entertain your cat, help reduce stress, and even reduce plant nibbling. This is also good for your well-being and the beauty of your indoor plants.

Implement these strategies and you’ll be able to help your cats and plants coexist in your home.

Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening and Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition.

UCO Forensic Science Program gets accredited for grad degrees

The University of Central Oklahoma’s W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute (FSI) received full, five-year accreditation through the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), the forensic science accrediting body for the U.S. and Canada.

The degrees include the Master of Science in molecular biology, chemistry and digital forensics. UCO’s FSI program is only one of two institutions in Oklahoma with graduate-level FEPAC accreditation of any kind.

The institute has overseen the undergraduate and graduate forensic science programs at Central since 2009. Under the direction of Dwight Adams, Ph.D., former director of the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, UCO FSI has seen significant growth from its inception— from fewer than 100 students in 2009, to nearly 1,000 forensic science majors. It is the largest forensic science education program in the country.

“I work with an incredible group of individuals in the Forensic Science Institute,” Adams said.

“Each is very talented and very experienced in their specific discipline and duties. However, this group is more than just an assembly of individuals. They make a difference for students each day. The recognition and accreditation by FEPAC are yet another example of why the UCO Forensic Science Institute is the finest program in the country, as we are accredited in every

possible discipline now at both the master’s and bachelor’s degree level.”

In 2022, UCO’s FSI received full, five-year accreditation from FEPAC for all its undergraduate programs, including the Bachelor of Science in molecular biology, chemistry, digital forensics and crime scene investigations (forensic investigation) — making Central the only institution in Oklahoma with undergraduate-level FEPAC accreditation of any kind.

UCO forensic science graduate students obtain the ability to apply the scientific method to forensic science problems, critically review and interpret forensic science literature, develop wellreasoned, scientifically sound hypotheses, design experiments, analyze data, as well as communicate forensic science information clearly, logically and accurately to the public. Students must complete 36 hours of graduate-level work, including core courses, elective and six hours of thesis research in their major area.

Central FSI alumni can be found in numerous local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the Federal Aviation Administration Forensic Laboratory, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Forensic Science Center, the Missouri State Highway Patrol Laboratory, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratory, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office, among others.

The University of Central Oklahoma’s W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute (FSI), pictured, received full, five-year accreditation through the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), the forensic science accrediting body for the U.S. and Canada.

New release a non-stop thrill ride

By George Gust

“John Wick: Chapter 4” continues the story of John Wick (Keanu Reeves) who uncovers a path to defeating The High Table. However, before he can earn his freedom, he must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.

They say that you should never use clichés in your writing, as they are overused and dull, but in the case of “John Wick: Chapter 4” -- cliché’s are cliches for a reason, as its hard to describe this movie as anything other than a ‘non-stop thrill ride.’

The “John Wick” series has always been at the forefront of Hollywood action filmmaking, but “John Wick: Chapter 4” somehow manages to add to the heights of action that were reached in previous entries. With a phenomenal combination of cinematography, lighting and fight choreography, this film has an engaging and entertaining visual style that is wholly unique.

Clocking in with an epic run time of nearly three hours, “John Wick: Chapter 4” is the kind of R rated blockbuster movie that shouldn’t work. With

that amount of time you would think that the film would be bloated with more of the complex world building of the previous two films, but in practice the break neck pacing of this film makes the time fly by. Towards the end of the film the non-stop action sequence leading into another action sequence can feel tiresome, but there are plenty of quiet moments of gravitas peppered in to give audiences a breather.

The cast brings the knowing solemness that the series has been known for, but it is of course

Answers on Page 19

Reeves who carries the movie. In “John Wick: Chapter 4” however Reeves brings the haggard aging action hero persona to another level with a brutal physicality and effortless movie star charm. And the newcomer to the series Donnie Yen as the appropriately named Caine, has the right background and tone for this film that matches perfectly for this entry.

Overall, “John Wick: Chapter 4” fulfills the promise of the impeccable action sequences featured in the first entry in the unlikely blockbuster action series. With an engaged cast and undeniable expertise in action, this is the kind of movie best taken in at the movie theater with a packed crowd, as the little moments of action garner the “Did you just see that?” reaction to the friends on you left and right.

“John Wick: Chapter 4” is rated R for pervasive strong violence and some language. 4 out of 5 stars

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

Teens focus on health

Recently, several schools and other youth organizations held the first ever statewide day of action focusing on youth obesity prevention with the help of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET).

The TSET Healthy Youth Program partnered with groups from every region of the state to host Swap Up Day, which invited youth to engage in interactive games while learning how the foods and drinks they consume affect how they think, act and feel.

One third of Oklahoma children ages 1017 are overweight or obese. The latest state data shows more than 20 percent of students don’t eat fruit, while more than half don’t eat green salad.

“In the teen years, children are starting to make some of their own decisions on what to eat and drink, so it’s important that we give them the tools to make healthy choices,” said Julie Bisbee, executive director of TSET. “If we encourage teens to make healthy changes now, we can avoid more serious issues like obesity and heart disease in the future.”

Swap Up is an educational campaign funded by TSET.

Crossword Puzzle

Keanu Reeves returns to dish out brutal justice in the action movie opus ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’

Ex-Bulldog Taylor Moore wins his first PGA event

First place worth $1.45 million

By Steve Steele 2012 Edmond Memorial graduate

Taylor Moore

snatched up his first PGA Tour win at the Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor, FL March 19th.

PGA Tour victory, his wife had flown in to see the final round and the couple is expecting their first child next month.

Stee;e

He was clutch down the stretch in carding a final round 4 under par 67 and played the last 10 holes 4 under par with four clutch birdies and several clutch pars with no bogeys in that stretch. He had to wait around and prepare for a possible playoff but his pursuers made costly mistakes the last few holes on the difficult Copperhead course at Innisbrook.

Jordan Spieth and Adam Schenk were trying to match Moore’s -10 total. Spieth was the first to falter off of the tee on the difficult 16th hole pushing his 3 metal tee shot into the middle of the pond on the right. Spieth made a miraculous bogey on the hole, getting down in two shots from 163 yards. On the par 3 17th, Spieth hit his 4 iron tee shot to 6 feet, but missed the birdie try.

Spieth had to birdie number 18 to get back to -10 to tie Moore but ran his first putt by 4 feet andmissed the comebacker to card a bogey and finish at -8. Schenk just needed a par on 18 to force a playoff but his tee ball went a little left into the gallery and nestled up 3 inches from a pine tree.

He was forced to hit a toe down left handed wedge, which he was able to advance all the way across the fairway into the right rough. His third shot did not make it up the ridge near the hole and rolled back to 40 feet, just on the fringe. Schenk hit the putt firmly up the slope and it was heading straight for the cup, but it was carrying too much speed, missed the pin, hit the back right of the cup and hopped out. Schenk was also gunning for his first

Moore was able to hug his caddie and then his fiance’ who had flown that morning with her father to witness the final round. Taylor was unaware they were in the gallery until he spotted them near the 18th green when he was finishing. Moore played clutch down the stretch. He finished the front nine with a birdie. On the most difficult hole of the day, the par 4 12th, he stiffed his approach shot to 2 feet, the closest shot of the day and tapped in his birdie to go to -8 to get within one shot of the lead, which was shared by Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood and Schenk who were part of the two groups playing behind Moore. Then on the par 4 15th hole Moore again hit the closest shot of the day into the green with his approach shot stopping 5 feet 11 inches away. He rolled that putt in to tie Spieth and Fleetwood at -9 and trail the leader, Schenk, who had gotten to -10 after making a 70 foot bomb of a putt on No. 12.

On the 16th, the first of three holes nicknamed “The Snake Pit” due to their difficulty, Moore hit his approach shot from the left rough to 28 feet, his putt dropped into the center of the cup and the crowd cheered loudly. That birdie got him into a tie with Spieth and Schenk at10 after they had just completed the 14th hole. On the difficult par 3 17th Taylor hit his tee shot into the front right bunker and had about 20 yards to the pin. Not taking much time, he got in there and splashed his bunker shot to a foot away, to convert a clutch par save. The 18th is a tight driving hole and he pulled it a little left on the same line Schenk’s ball would take a few moments later, however Moore’s ball stopped short of the tree

See Golf, Page 16

Christian Duvall Owen

It is with the utmost sadness that we wish to inform you of the passing of our son, Christian Duvall Owen. He experienced a sudden medical event while kayaking in Lake LBJ in Marble Falls, Texas on March 16th, 2023 and went to the Lord for eternity. Christian had not been feeling well for some months with multiple doctors unable to diagnose the illness.  He leaves behind his parents Steve and Kelly Owen, sisters Kaitlin Owen and Amanda Owen, grandmother Lina Owen, grandfather Kent Carlisle, grandparents Gigi and Aubrey Linne, great uncle and aunt, Rick and DeeAnn Carlisle, great aunt Shirley O’Neil, uncle and aunt, Kent and Heather Carlisle, cousins Melanie and Baylee Carlisle, uncle Randy Owen and cousin Gavin Owen, aunt Jami Owen, cousin Aurora Owen Carter and husband Clayton, cousins Cashford Owen and wife Katie Owen and their children Sophia and Shepherd Owen, in addition to 6 step aunts and uncles and 16 step cousins.

Christian was born in Midland, Texas on May 14th, 2001. He attended Midland Christian School from kindergarten to 3rd grade. His heart’s call to baptism came in the 1st grade and he was baptized that year at Stonegate Fellowship Church. The family moved to Oklahoma in 2010 where Christian attended Emmanuel Baptist School in Enid for the remainder of 3rd grade and then moved to Edmond. He attended Casady School from 4th through 12th grade and was a member of Crossings Community Church.

Christian had a tremendous love for everyone. His spirit walk was a testimony to all. He loved going to church whenever he could. He was a student Chaplin during his time at Casady School. He was such a giver and loved so deeply. He was a humble servant. He was always there whenever anyone needed him. He noticed and valued everyone. One of his greatest joys in life was spending time with friends and family. Hosting friends for barbecues, movie nights, swimming pool parties, poker, pool and game parties, all brought him immense joy. He loved bringing people together.

Christian played football and baseball, ran track, wrestled and was active in various clubs and organizations. Christian received numerous awards for leadership, character and athleticism. He participated as a lawyer and judge in the Youth and Government organization. He and a best friend, Ford, competed and placed in the National finals in Chicago. Christian was a volunteer for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of College Station, Texas and was a big brother to a young adolescent. He poured his heart, soul and commitment into making a difference in his young life. Christian was a Junior at Texas A&M University majoring in Environmental Studies in the College of Geosciences and was on the Dean’s Honor roll. He was a member of the Iron Spikes - a Social, Spirit and Service Men’s Organization at the University. Christian also loved the outdoors and spending time at his ranch. He loved hiking, camping, exploring nature, fishing and hunting. He even became a “Fourteener” successfully ascending Torrey’s Peak, a difficult 14,000’ mountain peak in Colorado. Christian was also a master woodworker (he would deny master) making wonderful furniture and everyday items for family and friends. Christian loved photography, drone flight and music. He was a self-taught guitarist and wrote his own songs.

Christian was a kind, sincere, loving, generous, hardworking, thoughtful, protective, dependable, courageous, committed, creative, intelligent, sensitive, witty/funny, honest, loyal, Christian young man. He was light and love and joy to us.  Christian’s final earthly gift was as a tissue and organ donor to 100+ recipients.

We are shattered and broken by his loss from our lives, but we will continually thank and praise God for the 21 years of pure joy he brought, and the faith inspired difference he made in our lives.

Services were held Saturday the 25th day of March in the Casady School Chapel

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

The Christian Owen Scholarship Fund at Casady School – 9500 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, OKC, OK  73120 and/or

National Parks -National Park Service, Accounting Operations Center, c/o RDMT Deposits, 13461 Sunrise Valley Drive, Herndon, VA 20171 and/or Big Brothers Big Sisters - 315 Tauber St, College Station, TX 77840

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Taylor Moore

trunks and he had an unobstructed swing but had to maneuver his second shot around some tree limbs, he was 167 yards away and was able to land the ball on the front of the green, the ball scooted to the right and down a slight slope coming to a stop on the fringe and leaving him a 65 foot uphill putt, a difficult putt to get down in two, as mentioned by golf commentator Paul Azinger. He smashed his first putt up the hill and the ball stopped 5 feet short, he stroked the 5 footer into the right center of the cup. His 67 was the lowest score coming out of the final 11 groups of the day, 22 players.

The victory was worth $1,458,000 to take his career earnings

to $4,506,976, in just his second season on the PGA Tour. He moved up 38 spots to No. 9 in this year’s FedEx Cup standings. The win also earned him an invite to the 87th Masters this April 6-9, the 105th PGA Championship May 15-21, The Sentry Tournament of Champions next January in Hawaii and a two year exemption on the PGA Tour.

Taylor Moore attended Arkansas University where he was a two time All-American for the Razorbacks (2015-2016). He currently makes Carrollton, TX his home base and practices at Maridoe Golf Club. In his post round interview he credited his short game coach, Josh Gregory,

who he has been working with since Covid started. Gregory is the former National Champion coach at Augusta State and later at SMU and the past five years has been coaching many PGA Tour, college and elite junior golfers. Taylor grew up taking lessons from Brian Soerensen at KickingBird and he won a couple of 6A State High School Individual championships while he was a Bulldog.

He reached No. 3 in the world junior rankings. The last several years he has given back to junior golf by being the title sponsor for the Oklahoma Golf Association State Junior Championships being held at KickingBird. During the redo of KickingBird the tournament has moved to Lincoln Park and will be back at KickingBird in 2024.

He was an accomplished baseball player as a youth, his father, Rod Moore, is a former high school baseball coach. His parents met at the U of A, his father played baseball for the Razorbacks and his mother, Melinda Moore, was a cheerleader. His father has been in the oil and gas business for several years and his mother was a longtime counselor at Edmond Memorial High School.

Downtown location a perfect fit for Frenzy Brewing Co.

Edmond’s first brewery marks nearly three years in business

By Alexx Reger

EL&L Business Editor

Spring is officially here and you may be wanting to get out and about more with friends and family. Downtown Edmond is a marvelous place to come hang out and enjoy the fresh, Spring air.

Frenzy Brewing Company in Downtown Edmond is a fun gathering place that has now been in business for two years and nine months. They are Edmond’s first brewery and have a wide variety of tasty beers brewed right at their location. Beth and Matt Conner are owners along with Jeremy Estle.

“When we first started our business planning we envisioned Frenzy’s tap room as a central place in the Downtown Edmond area for people to gather for meetings, parties, date nights, discussions with friends, discussions with strangers, weddings, celebrations of life, charity events and more,” says Conner. “We love that we have become more than we ever hoped and are excited for what the future will bring.”

They all have experience with home brewing, something they did for many years before open-

ing the business. “When alcohol laws started changing in Oklahoma, the brewery with taproom model became feasible,” says Conner. “We realized we could turn our passion for beer into a place for the community to gather and enjoy each other’s company.”

Frenzy Brewing Company offers various, delicious beers including the Yeah, Yeah, Yeah which is a Belgian Style Blonde, Unspeakable Things which is a New England IPA and even unique flavors such as the Pink Thing which is a Cherry Milkshake IPA. There is something for everyone including various lagers, wheats, stouts and more!

“We produce and sell beer for both wholesale and retail customers,” says Conner. “We

State hires new Broadband leader

have an onsite taproom where we sell beer, wine, cider and soda. We also have some snack options plus we allow outside food.”

Frenzy Brewing Company also has events like trivia and Singo during the weekdays. They have live music on the weekends and host other events throughout the year.

The thing that the owners of Frenzy most love is being involved with so many people and organizations in Edmond from city offices, the Mayor and City Council, the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Edmond Business Association, Visit Edmond, Fine Arts Institute of Edmond and more. They love supporting local businesses and organizations that drive Edmond’s economy and feel supported by them too. “We feel a part of a huge family of people that truly love and care about Edmond,” says Conner.

For more information on Frenzy Brewing Company located at 15 S. Broadway in Downtown Edmond visit www.frenzybrewing.com or call 405-562-5350. Follow them on Instagram at Facebook as well for event updates!

Measure would help protect some renters

Legislation updating the Landlord Tenant Act to protect renters living in unsafe living conditions was approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Wednesday.

House Bill 2109, authored by Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, protects tenants from retaliatory actions taken by landlords and allows courts to require landlords to make needed repairs for health and safety.

"The vast majority of Oklahoma's landlords work hard to keep their rental property in good shape, but unfortunately, tenants whose landlords are not maintaining a healthy, safe living environment have very little protection in our current statute,"

Pae said. "House Bill 2109 provides tenants with the tools necessary to ensure their housing conditions are restored to a safe baseline."

HB2109, which applies to landlords renting more than 10 units, protects tenants from common types of landlord retaliation, including raising rent, threatening eviction, or decreasing services.It also gives courts the authority to require a landlord to make a repair needed to ensure a rental property is safe and habitable when they refuse to make the repair otherwise.

The measure passed the House 7123. It is authored in the Senate by Sen. John Michael Montgomery, RLawton.

UCO students win ad awards

The University of Central Oklahoma School of Design brought home 100 student awards—29 gold, 50 silver and 21 bronze—at the 2023 Oklahoma City American Advertising Awards (ADDYs).

Central Design student Youser Kassim won the Best of University category for her integrated brand identity campaign “Up Route.”

In the professional category, Cynthia Luong, graphic designer for the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design, earned a gold award for “T Minus X” and a silver award for “The Golden Ratio” as a part of the special event materials category.

UCO Design also received the BRAGGY Award for the 13th consecutive year, which is awarded to the university with the most

winners. Gold ADDY winners move forward to compete in the district 10 competition, followed by the National American Advertising Federation (AAF) Awards.

“Once again, UCO graphic design students made an impressive showing at the local ADDYs this year,” said Valerie Settles, Ph.D., director of the UCO School of Design.

“The award-winning work they produce in the program translates into award-winning work they produce in the design community as they move into the profession. We are so proud of the confident, skilled designers they are becoming.”

The ADDYs is the largest competition in the U.S. for advertising design.

After considering more than 40 candidates from across the nation, the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board has voted unanimously to hire former Oklahoma State Representative Mike Sanders as executive director of the Oklahoma Broadband Office.

“I’m honored to be asked to serve in such an important role to benefit the state of Oklahoma,” Sanders said. “This effort builds on previous work to connect the entire state with the economy of the 21st Century. The benefit to families, farms, businesses, and communities is this generation’s equivalent to the impact of rural electrification of the 1930s and the interstate system of the 1950s.”

Governor Kevin Stitt praised the board’s decision to hire Sanders.

“Mike’s extensive work at the state House and his time serving in the George W. Bush administration give him the unique ability to understand this process and how to best navigate the complicated DC bureaucracy to make sure these federal dollars are distributed fairly and align with our vision to deliver high-speed internet access to 95% of the state by 2028,” Stitt said.

Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, who serves on the governing board, expressed his confidence in Sanders.

“Mike has the experience to lead the effort to bring high-speed internet to every corner of our state. From his time with the USDA to serving on utility and transportation committees in the State House, he has the relevant background for this job. Just as important, Mike has a passion for and knowledge of Oklahoma that’s needed in this role. I trust him to make sure these dollars are invested fairly across the state. I look forward to working with him,” Pinnell said.

The chair of the governing board, Mike Fina, said Oklahoma will be well served by Sanders.

“The board has great confidence in Mike’s ability to build out our highly qualified staff and oversee the most important infrastructure improvement project of our generation,” Fina said.

State senator’s contest will bring light to childhood literacy

Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, announced last week that he is hosting an art and writing contest for elementary students in Edmond Public Schools to help shine a light on the importance of early childhood literacy.

The contest will consist of gradeappropriate drawing and writing opportunities for students K-3rd grade, focusing on Oklahoma’s state symbols.

“Reading is the foundation of learning. If students can’t read, they’ll fall behind in school and not reach their full potential and we must prevent that at all costs. This contest is a fun way to let children use their imaginations and learn more about our state symbols while also helping bring awareness to the importance of ensuring all of Oklahoma’s students can read at grade level,” Pugh said. “We must take a proactive approach - teachers, parents, and the community at large - to encourage and help our

youth as they expand their reading skills. This competition is just one way our local community can rally around these students and show them our support as they grow their minds.”

Submissions must be turned into the student’s classroom teacher by April 21, and winners will be announced on May 1.

The winners will have their work prominently displayed at the Capitol, and Pugh will host a pizza party for the winners’ classes at their school.

“This idea came to me while collaborating with early childhood advocates and educators from around the state this past year, and I’m extremely grateful for their expertise and passion to help improve literacy in our schools,” Pugh said. “This continues our work in the Senate, focusing on early childhood literacy, supporting our educators and improving education for all Oklahoma students.”

Hi and Lois

Shoe

Zits

Family Circus

Beetle Baily

Blondie

Hägar the Horrible

State may tweak seat belt law

The Senate approved Senate Bill 681 last week, which requires any backseat passenger that is 16 years old or younger to wear a properly fastened seat belt. Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, authored the measure that aims to reduce the number of injuries and deaths of youth involved in car accidents.

“Oklahoma is the only state that does not require children over the age of 8 to wear seat belts in the backseat,” Pederson said. “It is time for us to make this change and put protections in place for children in our state. You may think it won’t happen to you or anyone you know, but there are countless crashes every year. This bill was re-

quested by a group of FCCLA members from my district that lost a friend who was not wearing a seat belt in the back seat.”

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for children. The National Highway Safety Office reported that in 2020, 38% of children under 12 who were killed in crashes were not buckled.

“While car crashes are inevitable, I hope this bill will help reduce the number of children that are killed or hurt when accidents do occur,” Pederson said.

SB 681 now moves to the House of Representatives, where Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, is the principal author.