EdmondLife and Leisure - July 21, 2022

July 21, 2022

Vol. 23, No. 10

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

Summer fun:

Learn about out of the way attractions 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.

Have yourself a good laugh!

See Comics

See page 18

FRIDAY, July 22

Partly Cloudy High 102° Low 80°

SATURDAY, July 23 Sunny High 104° Low 81°

SUNDAY, July 24

Sunny High 107° Low 81°

PHOTO BY PLAZA THEATER CLEBURNE, TEXAS

Summer may be the perfect time to try something unusual or go somewhere unusual.

EL&L travel correspondent Elaine Warner has done just that with a jaunt to Cleburne, Texas — just south of Fort Worth. Elaine says that the smaller towns, under 30,000, sometimes can have the most interesting exhibits, museums, restaurants and other features. Above, musical productions like Mary Poppins at the Plaza Theater Cleburne bring year-round theater experiences to Cleburne.

Please see Page 12 and read all about the interesting features offered in Cleburne.

And check out Elaine’s column, every other week, for more travel ideas.

Page 2 • July 21, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 21, 2022 • Page 3

The University of Central Oklahoma marketing, public relations, graphic design and communication professionals from across campus took home 21 awards. Pictured are those who attended the OCPRA annual conference. From left to right (back row) are KT King, instructional design I, Center for eLearning and Connected Environments; Horan; Kristen Merritt, annual giving programs coordinator, Office for Advancement; Chelsea Ratterman, director of marketing, Campus Enterprises; Nobles; Carter; Lauren Bieri, director of Photographic Services; (front row) Sydney Richardson, engagement and outreach coordinator, Office for Advancement; Michele Lewis, graphic designer, Campus Enterprises; and, Kandace Taylor, director of marketing and public relations, Office for Advancement.

UCO students rack up awards & recognition The University of Central Oklahoma marketing, public relations, graphic design and communication professionals from across campus took home 21 awards at the 2022 Oklahoma Collegiate Public Relations Association (OCPRA) awards ceremony July 11, during the OCPRA annual conference held at the Artesian Hotel in Sulphur, Oklahoma.

UCO’s winning entries included five Grand Awards, six Excellence Awards, seven Achievement Awards and three Honorable Mentions.

Awards went to projects submitted

by University Communications, Campus Enterprises, Photographic Services and the Office for Advancement.

Kyla Carter, communications and marketing coordinator, University Communications, and Hannah Horan, communication and engagement specialist, Office for Advancement, were both awarded scholarships to attend the conference. Adrienne Nobles, vice president for communications and public affairs, serves on the OCPRA board of directors.

OCPRA received more than 400 entries in 41 categories from 28 institutions across the state.

UCO’s winning entries are: Grand Awards (1st Place) Special Publications – “Designed for Impact” Craig Beuchaw, Sarah Ward, Lauren Bieri and KT King – University Communications Cover Design – “Old North Magazine Cover Spring 2022” Sarah Ward, Craig Beuchaw and Lauren Bieri – University Communications Digital Advertising – “UCO OSSAA State Esports Championship Advertisement” Michelle Lewis – Campus Enterprises Campaign – “Sock Campaign” Kristen Merritt, Hannah Horan, Kandace Taylor, Lauren Akins, Sydney Richardson and Twin City Knitting – Office for Advancement Shoe String – “’What’s Your Buddy Broncho Persona?’ Quiz” Brian Alexander, Craig Beuchaw, Kristen Merritt, Kandace Taylor and Sydney Richardson – University Communications and Office or Advancement Excellence Awards (2nd Place) Poster Design, Sports – “UCO Housing Hype Athletics Schedule” Michelle Lewis – Campus Enterprises

Magazine – “Old North Magazine Spring 2022” Sarah Ward, Craig Beuchaw and University Communications Staff – University Communications Cover Design – “Women Who Inspire” Brian Alexander – University Communications Logo Design – “UCO Housing Hype Logo” Michelle Lewis – Campus Enterprises Traditional Sports Photo – “Safe!”

Lauren Bieri – Photographic Services Bright Idea – “UCO Welcome Center Window/Mall Graphics” Michael Wallo – University Communications Achievement Awards (3rd Place) Direct Mail Piece – “Central’s FirstTime Donor Postcard” Brian Alexander, Craig Beuchaw, Kristen Merritt, Kandace Taylor, Sydney Richardson and Hannah Horan – Office for Advancement and University Communications Magazine – “Old North Magazine Fall 2021” Sarah Ward, Craig Beuchaw and University Communications Staff – University Communications Before and After – “UCO Esports Minor Brochure” Michelle Lewis and Chelsea Ratterman – Campus Enterprises Full Length Feature – Human Interest – “Lost and Found: Central Alumnus Reunites with Class Ring Missing for 50 Years” Kandace Taylor – Office of Advancement Sports Writing – “An Unmatched Duo” Kyla Carter – University Communications Bright Idea – “Bronze and Brew” University Communications Square Peg – “UCO Advancement Sticker Postcard” Brian Alexander, Craig Beuchaw, Kristen Merritt, Kandace Taylor, Sydney Richardson and Hannah Horan – University Communications and Office for Advancement Honorable Mention Viewbook – “UCO Mini Viewbook” Craig Beuchaw, Lauren Bieri, KT King and Sarah Ward – University Communications Traditional Photo – “Sister Act” KT King – Photographic Services Digitally Enhanced Photo – “Moon Rises over Old North”

Page 4 • July 21, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

From the Publisher

Well deserved retirement for Officer Jager Officer Jager may not be your typical Edmond police officer, but rest assured he is an important member of the force. Or at least he was until his retirement from the K-9 division. This Hungarian born seven-year-old K-9 has been with his handler Lt. Neil Martin since he was a little over a year old. Based on K-9 Jager’s age Ray Hibbard and personality, it was recommended to officially retire him from the service of the City of Edmond and donate him to his handler Lt. Neil Martin.

His retirement and the donation were held at a recent city council meeting and this brave K-9 showed no signs of slowing down. He was as alert as ever but a little confused over all the attention. I could be wrong, but it seemed like he was enjoying it to me. There was lots of praise for this handsome officer. I think every time he heard the words “beautiful dog” his ears went straight up. It was well deserved because when he was working it was all business.

K-9 Jager was a narcotics trained patrol K-9.

He specialized in narcotics detection, bite/apprehension work, tracking and handler protection.

He loved working narcotics and was exceptionally good at it with an extremely sensitive nose even for a dog. He was certified in narcotics detection through CLEET as well as the United States Canine Association.

Within a month, of Officer Jager being on the force, Jager tracked down a suspect’s movements from a robbery of a check cashing business in deep brush. They recovered $17,000 that the suspect hid in the weeds to be picked back up later which led to the arrest of the suspect.

Jager recovered the suspect’s backpack, gun, clothing and shoe. He was immensely proud of the shoe and carried it out of the area to show other patrol officers the shoe as he came out.

Word is that he is loving his retirement. I am told it was a bit of an adjustment at first. He was already bonded with Lt. Martin’s family but had bonded even more so since he is spending more time at home now. He loves tending to his new fleet of house toys and showing his 2 Belgian Malinois brothers his new treasures. He guards the yard from invading squirrels and birds. He is also good at pestering the family for extra pets and rubs. Mealtime has become particularly important to Jager as well.

Thank you to the city council and staff for allowing Jager to retire with his family. When I read stories from across the country of these service dogs being separated from their handler and family at retirement it breaks my heart.

These K-9 officers are fearless in conducting their mission. They are the first into dangerous situations with no regard for their own safety.

The least we can do for their years of service is to allow them a joyful retirement with the family they have come to love.

Thank you K-9 Jager for your service and thank you Lt. Martin for your continued service here in Edmond.

——Pelicans will be racing to the finish line.

At left, K-9 Office Jager poses for his official police welcome to the shift picture complete with shades to be official.

At right, Lt. Neil Martin gives K-9 Jager the good news after the Edmond City Council donates him back to the family that has raised him since joining the force.

It is always trouble when former Edmond mayor Dan O’Neal and Bob Edwards show up at my office. You can bet the big ask is coming but, in this case, it is for a great cause, and I am happy to share the information. In fact, it is one of the most fun events for fund raising we have here in Edmond.

Edmond Kiwanis Club’s 3rd Annual Pelican Race is to be held September 3rd. Miniature pelicans will be racing to the finish line. They release the pink plastic pelicans from the top of the big slide and let them race down into the pool. As they cross the finish line the numbers are collected for those that purchased those numbers. Race starts at 9 am at Edmond’s Pelican Bay Aquatic Center, 1034 South Bryant Avenue.

The winning pelican wins $500, and you do not need to be present to win.

All funds raised from the pelican race stay in Edmond to support elementary title 1school KKlosets K- Pantries and Little Libraries at Ida Freeman, Orvis Risner and Sunset . Club members purchase food and clothing to stock the closets and pantries and provide books during the school year for students.

The pelican tickets are $5 each and five for $20. The Edmond Kiwanis Club is also interested in race sponsors. If you are interested in purchasing tickets or being a race sponsor, please contact Kiwanis member Bob Edwards at 405/255-4028 or email at rledwards@cox.net. .The club meets at noon on Wednesdays at Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe. They welcome anyone to attend.

Chartered in 1926 Edmond Kiwanis dedicated to improving the community one child at a time.

For more information about the club, visit www.facebook.com/EdmondKiwanis.

—— City of Edmond reminds residents of mandatory regional water conservation plan

Like many of you, I am not looking forward to seeing my water bill this month. I saw one city council member joke that he was leaving town for the next two months while people open their water and electric bills. Of course, he takes it seriously, but I think both council and staff will need to keep a sense of humor for the next few months. After all folks, it has and is going to consistently be over one hundred degrees for days or weeks.

There is a plan in effect year-round, but residents are asked to be aware of impacts of extended period of hot weather As a reminder, the City of Edmond participates in a mandatory year-round regional water conservation plan with other Oklahoma City water customers in the metro area. Edmond is currently in Stage 1 of the plan, but water conservation stages can change at any time.

You can readily access and monitor the current stage at edmondwater.com/cu. Additionally, you can find lots of free resources there to help you conserve water and save money.

Edmond’s daily water use is typically 10 to 11 million gallons per day (MGD). During summer peak use, that amount can climb to more than 25 MGD. Along with the City of Edmond, other customer cities include Norman, Moore, Piedmont, El Reno, Yukon, Mustang, Blanchard, and the Deer Creek water district.

Water Conservation Plan Chart: http://edmondok.com/DocumentCenter/View/5789/Con servation-U--Water-Conservation-Chart Please keep you cool this summer especially over water issues. We are not different then any part of the country and there is a price for making sure Edmond has enough water for the future.

(Ray Hibbard may be reached by e-mail at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside!

---- Police report ..............................................................................Page 6.

---- Weekend calendar of Events ......................................................Page 6.

---- Senior news ......................................................................Pages 8 & 9.

---- Columnist urges safety during heat ..........................................Page 10.

---- Scenes from Heard on Hurd street party ................................Page 11.

---- George Gust reviews Minion movie ........................................Page 14.

---- Crossword puzzle ....................................................................Page 14.

---- Business news ..........................................................................Page 17.

---- Comics ....................................................................................Page 18.

This and so much more in this week’s edition

See if you can find ‘Four Seasons’ “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.

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York Advertising Director Business Editor Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Patty Miller, Rose Drebes, and George Gust.

Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2022 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved.

Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 21, 2022 • Page 5

City’s suggestions on handling the heat News flash: It’s hot outside. Really hot.

As more are cranking up the AC to stay cool amid historically high temperatures, the increased electricity usage places an incredible demand on the infrastructure meeting and supporting those needs.

The increased demand adds up to broader “peak” periods – times when use energy usage by Edmond Electric customers is at its highest. Edmond Electric is committed to meeting that increased demand and working to ensure service is delivered during these “peak” hours.

Since electricity can’t be stored, it must be produced on demand.

“Peak” periods – which normally occur between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays – require additional energy resources that are more costly to operate and result in increased energy costs “This ‘peak load’ electricity then is usually more expensive and raises the cost of everyone’s electricity,” said Edmond Electric Director, Glenn Fisher. “If these peaks are reduced, we can more easily handle the demand and can save money.”

While homes today are using more energy than ever before -- partially due to reliance on modern technology and electronic devices -- there are ways consumers can manage their demand during peak hours and re-

duce their costs: ◦ Run the dishwasher early in the morning or late at night. ◦ Cooling costs are typically 60 percent of your total utility bill. For every degree you set the thermostat below 78 degrees, you use 2 to 5 percent more electricity. ◦ Turn off lights in any room you’re not using or consider installing timers or sensors to reduce the amount of time your lights are on. ◦ Remember to clean the coils on your refrigerator. ◦ Clear outdoor air conditioning units and heat pumps of debris and shrubbery so they can work more efficiently. ◦ You will conserve energy by turning off or using sleep mode for any computer not in use for two hours or more. ◦ Lower the temperature on your water heater. A setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit provides comfortable, hot water for most uses. And installing an insulating blanket on your electric water heater should pay for itself in less than a year.

For more information about energy use in Edmond and more specifically, in your home, call Edmond Electric today and schedule a FREE home energy audit which could save you money with the energy saving tips custom to your home, (405) 2167608.

Local news?

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Share the good news with your neighbors and the community through Edmond Life & Leisure newspaper.

Simply e-mail the items to news@edmondpaper.com There is no charge.

Engagement, Wedding notices Do you have a wedding or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com. We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form.The cost is $35, which includes a photograph.

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

Page 6 • July 21, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

(The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department.

Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.)

July 5 Jeramy Michael Mann, 34 of Edmond. Possess of marijuana and public intoxication.

Ryan Kerri Sadeghy, 34 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Talmadge Larmar Smith, 41 of Edmond. Domestic abuse assault (strangulation.)

James Nicholas Charping, 41 of Edmond. (Fel. second or more offense) domestic abuse assault (in the presence of a minor child.)

July 6 Shakil Fields, 29 of Edmond. Possess firearm after conviction of a felony and failure to appear.

Laura Kathleen Johnson, 45 of Edmond. (Drug related) possession of contraband in a penal institution, expired license plate and driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked.

Fredrick Leroyce Ridgel 58 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Meghan Leigh Ann Russell, 30 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and speeding (16-20 MPH over.)

Gage Marshall Langley, 26 homeless. Resisting arrest, obstruction of police officer and two counts of possession of CDS. Jennifer Joy Todd, 43 homeless. Eighteen counts of failing to appear.

Jeffrey David Frederick Jr. 33 of Midwest City.

Public intoxication.

Jimmy Dale Selanders, 44 of Arcadia, Felony DUI/APC.

July 7 Levi Dillon Asher, 29 of Oklahoma City. Possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Stephanie Jo Merkey, 36 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Jeb Gipson Jenkins, 21 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or above.

Luis Fernando Ampuero, 23 of Edmond. No proof of insurance, driving without proper/valid driver’s license and improper lane usage.

Keith Ray Garland Wheeler, 38 of Norman. Driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

Garard Larue Garrett, 28 of Oklahoma City. Malicious injury or destruction of property (M = under $1,000 and F over $1,000, possession of CDS, obstruction of police officer and grand larceny over $1,000.

Cyvilla Marine McClain, 38 of Oklahoma City.

Obstruction of police officer, possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS and misdemeanor warrant.

Eric Carnall Hall-Lawrence, 30 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant, failure to appear, nonassault resisting officer, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

July 8 Deborah Bonnie Marie McElroy, 42 of Edmond.

Failure to appear.

Sabriyah Hadiah Perkins, 22 of Edmond. Trespassing after being warned.

Michael Angelo Smith, 33, homeless. Public intoxication.

Deyone Donyell Miller 25 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Lydia Opal Curtis, 38 of Edmond. Possession of

marijuana and public intoxication.

July 9 Ashley Gayle Jeffrey, 37 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Elsie Diane Glazebrook, 47 of Guthrie. Possession of CDS, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, misdemeanor warrant and false personation of another.

Jennifer Joy Todd, 43 homeless. Trespassing.

Travis Don Horton, 28 homeless. Trespassing and public intoxication.

Yan-Amont Billy Darianssen, 49 homeless. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and public intoxication.

Joe Hardy Shaddix IV, 39 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Sergio Merla Montoya, 30 of Oklahoma City.

Larceny from building, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, transporting open container of intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

July 10 Justice Whispers Wise Talamasey, 25 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Demonta Ryshun Felix 29 of Oklahoma City.

Transport open container of an intoxicating beverage or beer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Tonya Jean Lesseg, 49 of Edmond. Trespassing.

Austin Hunter McClendon, 27 of Edmond. No proof of insurance, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and trespassing.

Jonathan Rodriguez, 30 of Kingston N.C. Failure to appear.

Weekend calendar of events, July 21-24 What’s Happening Weekend July 21-24 ---- In the Gallery ---- Board Game Night with Parks & Recreation ---- Farmer’s Market ---- Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors ---- LibertyFest Exhibit ---- Edmond Bike Night ---- Concert in the Park ---- Brad Fielder ---- Hatch Chile Roast ---- National Day of the Cowboy ---- Signature Tour ---- Youth National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show ---- Oklahoma International Dance Festival ---- Lyric Theatre presents: Kinky Boots ---- James Taylor in Concert ---- Thunder Youth Basketball Camp – Edmond ---- Ham Holiday ---- Sunday Twilight Concert Series Extra Information In the Gallery Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute Extra Info: Thu, July 7 – Sun, July 31; 5 – 8 p.m.; Free; Dana Lombardo Gallery; edmondfinearts.com; facebook.com

Brad Fielder Location: The Patriarch Craft Beer House Extra Info: Sat, July 23; Free; 7 p.m.; facebook.com Hatch Chile Roast Location: Conscious Community Cate and Co-op Extra Info: Sat, July 23; Free; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; facebook.com National Day of the Cowboy Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Fri, July 23; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Signature Tour Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Extra Info: Sat, July 23 & Sun, July 24; 1 ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org Youth National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park Extra Info: Thu, July 14 – Sat, July 23; arabianhorses.org Oklahoma International Dance Festival

Location: University of Central Oklahoma Extra Info: Sun, July 17 – Sun, July 31; okdancefest.org Lyric Theatre presents: Kinky Boots Location: Civic Center Music Hall Extra Info: Tue, July 19 – Sun, July 24; Tue – Thu: 7:30 p.m.; Fri & Sat: 8 p.m.; Sat & Sun: 2 p.m.; lyrictheatreokc.com James Taylor in Concert Location: Paycom Center Extra Info: Thu, July 21; 8 p.m.; paycomcenter.com Thunder Youth Basketball Camp – Edmond Location: Acts 2 United Methodist Church Extra Info: Thu, July 21; Session one (ages 6-9): 8 – 11 a.m.; Session two (ages 10-14): 12 -3 p.m.; nba.com Ham Holiday Location: Oklahoma City Community College Extra Info: Fri, July 22 – Sat, July 23; hamholiday.com Sunday Twilight Concert Series Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens Extra Info: Sun, July 24; 7:30 ---- 9 p.m.; artscouncilokc.com

Board Game Night with Parks & Recreation Location: MAC in Mitch Park Extra Info: Sun, May 1 – Sat, Aug 6; 6 – 10 p.m.; Free; edmondok.civicrec.com Farmer’s Market Location: Festival Market Place Extra Info: Sat, Apr 16 – Wed, Oct 19; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.gov Kyle Dillingham & Horseshoe Road: American Musical Ambassadors Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Sun, May 1 – Sat, Dec 1; edmondhistory.org LibertyFest Exhibit Location: Edmond Historical Society & Museum Extra Info: Fri, July 1 – Sat, Sept. 3; edmondhistory.org Edmond Bike Night Location: Edmond Railyard Extra Info: Tue nights through Tue, Oct 18; Free; 6 – 9 p.m.; edmondbikenight.com Concert in the Park Location: Hafer Park Extra Info: Thu, July 21; 6:15---- 9 p.m.; Free; edmondok.com

FILE PHOTO/MELINDA INFANTE

Gov. Kevin Stitt was part of the 50th celebration of LibertyFest, earlier this month. A special exhibit at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum is on display now and pays tribute to LibertyFest.

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 21, 2022 • Page 7

The city is busy with new construction designed to improve Edmond’s water system.

City’s building projects Several construction improvements for Edmond’s water system are underway. These different projects are necessary to meet Edmond’s current and future water needs, as well as provide increased system reliability.

Edmond’s Ward 2 City Council Member, Josh Moore, explains, “We provide a lot of water for the citizens of Edmond. And that’s part of our responsibility. We take that seriously and we try to stay ahead of the curve in order to do that and be able to create enough for the needs of the citizens of Edmond and as we grow.”

The process to deliver water to Edmond customers can be divided into three steps: source, treatment, and distribution.

The first step includes three sources of water. The largest of these sources is Arcadia Lake. The Garber-Wellington aquifer is another source of water collected by 52 water wells throughout Edmond. The third source is purchasing water from Oklahoma City during periods of high usage in the summer.

Water collected from the wells is ready to drink and goes directly to the distribution stage. Water from Arcadia Lake, however, must go through the additional step of treatment. This occurs at the Water Treatment Plant, where water pumped from the lake undergoes several sophisticated processes to treat the water and make it drinkable. The plant was built in 1987, alongside the construction of Arcadia Lake. It can treat up to 12 million gallons of water each day.

The final step is distribution, which includes the water towers, water lines, storage tanks and pumping mechanisms necessary to deliver water to Edmond homes and businesses.

Making major improvements to only one of these steps is not practical. An upgrade to one step of the system also requires upgrades to the other steps to increase system capacity.

With its current infrastructure of wells and the treatment plant, Water Resources can produce 22 million gallons of water each day. This amount is not enough to sustain the increasing water needs of Edmond’s growing community. For more than a decade, City Council and City staff have studied and discussed strategies to increase water production. A master plan for water and wastewater was developed to identify several significant upgrades to the water system.

Moore said, “This will be the most expensive Public Works projects that’s ever happened in the City of Edmond and in the history of Edmond. When you have a project that big, we don’t make that decision lightly or quickly. When a project is that big, that important, and that costly, it takes years of studies for consultants and experts that we rely on to give us information to make good decisions. And then we implement that information and those decisions into the future and in new projects.”

Kris Neifing, the Director of Water Resources, said, “Our City Council has been very forward-thinking for years

and years while we’ve talked about this master plan going back to 2009 with the Water Supply Plan, the Yield Study in 2012, and then our Master Plan that was ultimately presented to the Council. We’ve had very tough conversations about what this looks like for the future. But we’ve also planned for over a decade just to set us up to be able to afford these projects and to be able to implement them.”

In 2012, the City conducted an Arcadia Lake Yield Study, which determined the lake could supply 60 percent more water than was first calculated in the 1980s. Instead of providing for an average 11 million gallons per day, the new study determined Arcadia Lake could provide, on average, 17.6 million gallons each day. Making the adjustment to collect extra water from Arcadia Lake is not a simple matter, though.

The problem was that we could not take more water from the current intake structure out of the lake,” Neifing explained. “And so that resulted in us, in 2013, undertaking a Water and Wastewater Master Plan to see how we could make these improvements in the most economical manner possible.”

In 2022, the City Council approved the construction of a new intake structure that can pump 30 million gallons of water each day, and ultimately 65 million gallons per day in the future. A new pump station will be constructed as part of the project to push the lake water to the new treatment plant.

The current treatment plant doesn’t have the capability to expand. As a result, a new Water Treatment Plant is being constructed just to the south of the current facility. When the new Water Treatment Plant is complete, it will be capable of producing 30 million gallons of water per day, nearly triple what the plant currently produces. The project is also designed for possible expansion to meet the City’s needs for the next 50 to 100 years. The estimated completion date for the Water Treatment Plant is 2028.

As construction on a new plant occurs, the City is also drilling more water wells throughout Edmond. When completed, they will produce an additional 4 to 5 million gallons per day.

These large projects do come with a hefty price tag, not only because of their size and scope, but because of the specialized construction they require.

Neifing said, “We’ve got thousands of tons of steel going into a structure, thousands of yards of concrete and, you know, walls can be two to three to four feet thick just to hold themselves up and hold the water inside of them and keep the water inside of them. We’ve got a specific set of qualifications and any of our bid documents that we’re looking for people with experience.”

Moore said, “We’re convinced that this is the best decision at this time, and for the greatest reasons, that we need it. The faster we make this decision and invest in this new infrastructure, the faster we can start paying this off and be ahead of the curve, as far as creating new infrastructure for our growth.”

Page 8 • July 21, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Man wins a hearing aid Hearing, donated Hearing Loss the fitting fee as Association of well as consultaAmerica Central tions. Pro Hearing Oklahoma Chaptreats a variety of ter (HLAA COC) adult patients with announces the services such as ear 2022 winner of cleanings, hearing Hearing Aids! testing, hearing Kelly Miles, who aids, hearing aid reis a retired physipair, tinnitus supcian and lives in port, and more Oklahoma City, from one of their is the winner of two Oklahoma City ReSound Hearing locations. Keep an Aids. eye out because Kelly attributes you might see Dr. his hearing loss to Pam on the pickle three possible facball court. tors: he was a preKelly Miles with HLAA official ShelHLAA COC holds mature baby and ley Gladden. an educational semthe fact that as a inar each month young child his September through May at Will parents took him to the airport beRogers Garden Exhibition Hall, 11:30 cause he loved to listen to the roar of the prop airplanes as they started their - 1:00. For additional information see our website: engines. One other factor is that he oklahomahearingloss.org. has taken a medicine that is ototoxic.

The Hearing Loss Association of Kelly reminds us all that the loss of America Central Oklahoma Chapter hearing can multiply loneliness many is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. times. He shared a quote from SenaOut Chapter is run entirely by voluntor Ben Sasse of Nebraska, who says there is a new epidemic in the world: teer, there are no paid positions. [the HLAA hopes to open the world of Loneliness. People need to stay concommunication to people who have nected and Hearing Loss Association a hearing loss by providing informais a wonderful place to meet people tion, education, support and advoand make friends. cacy.]

Dr. Pam Matthews, owner of Pro

What to look for in long-term care Finding a long-term care facility can be a daunting and stressful task. If you are looking for placement for yourself or a loved one, consider the following tips and resources.

First determine the level of care needed.

• Assisted Living – Highly independent individuals who are for the most part healthy and need some assistance with daily living tasks.

• Nursing home – Individuals who require 24hour nursing care, next level down from a hospital.

• Memory Care – Specialized care for older adults with memory disorders including Dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Next determine the area or facility you are interested in. You can search by type of facility and location here. (medicare.gov/care-compare) Visit each facility you are interested in. Speak with staff, residents, and other family or visitors.

Take note of the following.

• Cleanliness of the building. The facility should be void of any unpleasant odors.

• Staff talking directly with residents, not just talking with other staff, or ignoring residents.

• Social dining atmosphere. Staff should be sharing the dining experience. (Not standing over residents to assist) • Language and routines that can impact dignity and/or function. Ex: High percentage of residents wearing institution socks or gowns and not their own clothes, appropriate for the time of day.

• Attempts to “quiet” residents or prevent them from moving around instead of walking and or talking with residents.

• Respecting residents’ private space and property. Ex: Knocking and requesting entrance to resident rooms.

• Speaking respectfully to and about residents.

Ex: Addressing residents by name.

• Maintaining resident privacy including sufficiently covering residents’ body, keeping urinary catheter bags covered.

• Look at most recent surveys from Oklahoma State Department of Health here (sureys.health.ok.gov).

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 21, 2022 • Page 9

‘Elderoscopy’ gives families a chance to plan future Many people, especially those 65 and older, postponed routine doctor appointments during the pandemic.

As older adults are reconnecting with their communities, including addressing those overdue medical check-ups, aging experts are encouraging they add another “probing” exam to their to-do list: the Elderoscopy. Rather than a physical examination, this is a discussion. An Elderoscopy is a critical conversation between older adults and their loved ones, examining wants and needs, and setting intentions for topics such as end-of-life plans, finances, relationships and more. Unfortunately, for some, making these tough decisions and documenting wishes can be just as uncomfortable as a medical procedure.

Research from Home Instead, Inc. and The Marist College Poll shows that 1 in 6 Americans would rather have a colonoscopy than simply talk to their loved ones about end-of-life plans. When factoring in age, nearly one-third of Americans over the age of 70 (29%) would prefer or are undecided when having to choose between a colonoscopy and discussing end-of-life plans.

“We see these conversations between loved ones happening every day, and rarely does someone say they wish they put it off longer,” Robert Morris, owner of the Home Instead office in Oklahoma City. “To support families, our local office has resources available to ensure a smooth transition of care – regardless

of whether it is needed now or in a few years.”

While these conversations can be daunting, there is good news coming out of the pandemic. The survey also revealed that while 45% of Americans report that they have not talked with their loved ones about how they would like to spend their final years, the pandemic has increased the likelihood of having these conversations.

Nearly half (48%) of all adults report the coronavirus pandemic has made them more likely to talk about endof-life plans.

To assist in navigating this process, Home Instead developed Elderoscopy, an educational program with tools to start the conversation between aging parents and loved ones about preparing for their later years. While an Elderoscopy is not an official medical procedure, it is an important step for older adults and their loved ones. Resources include conversation starters and guides.

Home Instead Care Professionals also are available to facilitate uncomfortable talks between families.

An Elderoscopy can help families track their progress in planning for the future. Areas covered in the examination include: where you would like to live out your later years, what lifestyle you desire as you age, how you plan to stay healthy as you age, what to do if you find yourself single, what to do if you can no longer drive and what you want your final years to look like for you and your family.

Loved ones can start the conversa-

tion simply by asking a question such as “what things would you never want to give up in your forever home?” Or, “how would you feel if you had to give up driving?” As you move beyond the conversation, you will begin to map out a plan that works best for you and your family.

For example, if an older loved one desires to age in their own home, you may consider aging pitfalls and updates needed such as adding a stair lift or upgrading lighting fix-

tures. If giving up driving will be difficult for an older adult, you should be prepared with other solutions like rideshare apps or family members willing to step in as a driver.

To help plan your own Elderoscopy, families can find resources at www.HomeInstead.com/Elderoscopy. For more information on personalized care provided by local Home Instead offices, visit www.homeinstead.com/state/ to find an office near you.

Page 10 • July 21, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

A tad toasty out there

By Steve Gust It’s been a few years since we’ve had heat like this.

It’s interesting when the temps dip into the low 90s after several 100-degree days. People welcome the 90s as if it’s a cold front.

Yet if it hits 90 degrees in May then Steve Gust everyone thinks we’re dealing with a global warming apocalypse. It’s all a matter of perspective, I guess.

When I was growing up, my dad bought a new Buick. It was a good car, but it was painted dark black.

When temperatures were like this, that car got super hot.

After my family went to church, we had to open the doors and wait to get into the thing. That black car absorbed so much heat.

The bottom line is to be careful out there, folks.

I really feel for the people on social media who write about their AC going down. Not the time of year for

that kind of misfortune.

—I kind of wanted to avoid politics this week. But liberal hypocrisy drives me crazy.

Would someone please tell the Democrats it’s as wrong to threaten and harass Supreme Court justices as it is to illegally enter the Capitol? Maybe even worse.

And would someone tell the administration they’re required to obey the law also.

It amazes, and sickens me, that we waste so much time on investigating Trump when Biden has legitimate legal problems. You can not leave the southern border open. A president takes an oath to defend the nation. Open borders are wrong. And why did we leave behind $85 billion in military equipment in Afghanistan?

What an absolute disgrace.

I will credit Biden with one thing.

Once and for all, he has clearly shown to the world that liberalism fails. That is a public service.

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

Lawmaker wants Biden sued over southern border Rep. Justin JJ Humphrey, R-Lane, has presented Oklahoma Attorney General John O'Connor with a proposed lawsuit against the Biden Administration for what he calls an utter failure to protect the nation's borders.

"Article 4, Section 4 of the United States Constitution plainly outlines that protecting our nation's border is one of the basic functions of government," Humphrey said. "Biden's inept Administration is sanctioning millions of undocumented people who are entering our country illegally to overrun our nation.

Biden's dereliction of defending the border has indisputably resulted in an enormous increase in drugs, human trafficking and illegal immigrants harming all U.S. citizens and all Oklahomans."

Humphrey said that while Oklahoma is engaged in a battle against drugs, human trafficking and illegal immigrants, simultaneously the United States has broken supply chains, food production disruptions,

storage and warehouses that are being systematically destroyed, and the depletion of fuel reserves. At the same time, the United States is attempting to recover from COVID. "These mutual collective acts could conceivably lead a person to conclude that our nation is unknowingly in a state of war," Humphrey said.

"The U.S. border is a catastrophe and an unimaginable humanitarian disaster. This heartbreaking tragedy and the impending danger to our nation should compel all Americans to action. Unknown numbers are invading our nation, and the intent of these invaders is uncertain. It is exceedingly conceivable that an ample number of the illegal transients may have hostile intentions toward our nation. Texas has declared the current border crisis an invasion. I am asking Oklahoma to join Texas authorities in declaring to the Biden Administration that the current border debacle is an illegal and unwarranted invasion of the United States."

Budget point clarified EDITOR: I've always appreciated your heart for local journalism, meaningful discussion, and community service on your own part for all of the committees that you've served on. You've made many friends in Edmond for good reason. Thank you!!

I would also like to show how we can disagree and continue to be respectful to one another. Although I'll go one step further and show that council members are always willing to explain our reasoning if we're asked. We seldom have the time to share all of our thoughts during the meeting but I'm not aware of any of us that won't return an email or phone call related to something we're voting on.

Regarding road closures and the cost being transferred to the event, you left out that our budget includes $40,000 in grant assistance which is enough money to do a lot of good. Staff researched the cost to cover our main events and budgeted accordingly. If a new event were to meet the requirements for size and impact, I'd love to see it grow. I also need to mention that most events are on weekends, evenings, or holidays. These are schedules better suited for the private sector and comparable cities have already made the move to this program. We're grateful for the multiple impacts that events like Heard on Hurd, Edmond Turkey Trot and LibertyFest have on our community and I'm thankful that staff took the time to research a creative solution. Take care.

Thank You Josh Moore Edmond City Councilman

Lankford fighting ‘abortion’ tourism

By Sen. Lankford Senator James Lankford (R-OK) last week objected on the Senate floor to a bill proposed by the Democrats to promote traveling across state lines to obtain an abortion – from a state that protects life to a state that neglects it and create workarounds for state laws to shield the abortion indusLankford try and abortionists from laws that protect life. Currently, no state has banned interstate travel for adult women seeking to obtain an abortion.

Lankford remains a leading pro-life and pro-parent advocate, as he has been for his entire career, ensuring that babies, mothers, and parents are supported.

Lankford has fought to protect life at every stage, make adoption more affordable, expand the child tax credit and child support for the unborn, provide food assistance and healthcare to needy families, fund maternal and infant health programs, and incentivize giving so that local nonprofits can more easily assist those in need.

Last week, Lankford introduced the Unborn Child Support Act, which gives moms the option to receive

child support payments from the moment of their child’s conception. Lankford introduced the Prohibiting Federal Emergencies for Abortion Act to prohibit the Biden Administration and any future Administration from declaring a federal emergency to expand abortion services, following reports the Biden Administration may declare a public-health emergency to protect access to abortion services nationwide.

Lankford celebrated the biggest win for life in a generation when the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v.

Casey to allow decisions about abortions to return to elected representatives.

Transcript This is my first time to be able to stand and speak since the Court made this decision in Dobbs. I've been on this floor — I actually don't know how many times — talking about the value of every single child.

The conversation today is not just about the right to travel and the right to health care. It's deeper than that. It's the right to live.

The conversation today is not just about women.

There are two people in this conversation—a child with ten fingers and ten toes and a beating heart and DNA that is uniquely different than mom's DNA or the dad's DNA. They have a nervous system. They feel pain. This is a child in this conversation as well.

And my conversation when I’ve come to the floor

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Send mail to Letter to the Editor, Edmond Life & Leisure, 107 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034, or fax to 340-3384 or e-mail to news@edmondpaper.com.

over and over again has been to say at some point our nation should look at basic science and to say when you have DNA when you have a functioning nervous system, and you have cell division, in every health book everywhere in the country, they call that life. But for some reason on this floor, it's just tissue.

I actually come to be able to thank millions of women and millions of men who for five decades have not written off children, who have walked out, who have marched, who have silently prayed, who have gathered in places and said, ‘When are we going to recognize what is self-evident — that child in the womb is a child. And that child may be inconvenient, but that's a child.’ When are we going to recognize that basic thing?”

It's been interesting to be able to hear all the misinformation in the past couple of weeks. I've read story after story and seen all these breathless news reports about women with an ectopic pregnancy will not be able to get care. They’ll be doomed to die, except, there is no state law that will prohibit someone from getting treatment that is lifesaving from an ectopic pregnancy in any state. I've seen all of these breathless reports that there will be miscarriages and you won't be able to get care, except that's not true in a single place—not one.

This over and over riling people up. What I have seen are 50 churches that have been attacked. What I have seen are 57 crisis resource centers for pregnancy that have been attacked and firebombed. I have seen that. Now, we don't seem to discuss that here on the floor. No one is actually saying, all of this conversation, all of this misinformation, all this noise is actually leading to actual violence across the country. Everyone’s, like, ‘No, no, no, that's not related.’ Oh, really?

So, when a pregnancy resource center is firebombed and spray painted on the side of it, ‘If abortions aren't safe in America, neither are you,’ we should probably just ignore that. Because that's what's actually going on across the country right now as well.

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 21, 2022 • Page 11

The temps hoovered around the century mark most of the day Saturday, but that didn’t stop the crowds from coming out to enjoy the food, music and fun. Heard on Hurd is held on the third Saturday evening of each warm weathered month.

Heat doesn’t stop Heard on Hurd crowds

Heard on Hurd is sponsored by Citizens Bank of Edmond.

Photographs by Melinda Infante Allison Bunnell, age 6, enjoys a great pizza on a very hot evening at Heard on Hurd.

Page 12 • July 21, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Small town yet some big attractions

By Elaine Warner ‘Burbs have it rough. Edmond and Norman both have tourist attractions, but Oklahoma City is the central state star. Texas towns around the DFW Metroplex have the same challenges.

Cleburne, thirty miles south of Fort Worth isn’t exactly a subElaine urb, but shares the dilemma. But for anyone looking for small town (population: 30,000) delights and relief from the congestion of the big cities to the north, Cleburne has treats in store.

Arriving late in the afternoon, our first Cleburne outing was dinner at La Cima Mexican Cuisine, a roomy eatery with an extensive menu. If you’re not in the mood for Mexican food – skip this spot.

There are a couple of salads you could choose, but authentic Mexican food is their specialty.

I ordered camarones con guajillo – shrimp with a chile sauce – accompanied by sautéed vegetables and cilantro lime rice. Of course we binged on tortilla chips – hot, thin, and crisp – and a salsa with a moderate heat level and guacamole, which was exactly to my taste.

My shrimp platter came out still sizzling and steaming – wonderful. Jack always orders a burrito – this time with brisket – and rated it great. La Cima has a number of margaritas from the traditional to prickly pear, cucumber, and jalapeno pineapple. We were too stuffed to try dessert.

It was still in the high 90s when we got to The Depot at Cleburne Station, home of the Cleburne Railroaders, which plays in the American Association of Professional Baseball, an official partner league of the MLB. The stadium plays up the history of railroading in the town –Cleburne was once home to the Santa Fe Railroad machine shops – and displays several train cars on the grounds. The stadium can accommodate 3,750 enthusiastic fans. This is a perfect park for families with lots of on-field antics during lulls in the game – and margarita’s from Fort Worth’s famous Joe T. Garcia’s.

The night was hot – the Railroaders were not.

Their best pitcher had just been picked up by the New York Mets. We were hoping the Winnipeg Goldeyes would be defeated by the heat – but, alas, the Canadians were made of stern stuff. Still, baseball is always fun – and the faithful fans stuck in with the hometown team.

I’m a Southern breakfast junkie and the R and K II Café on Main Street was the perfect spot – a gathering place for lots of locals. I thoroughly enjoyed my artery-hardening egg, grits, and biscuit and gravy. I have very high standards for my overmedium eggs – no runny white, runny yellow and no frizzle around the edge from cooking it too high or too fast. Sated, I gave my breakfast a definite thumbs-up.

This was the week where Texas was over 100 for the whole week, so we started our explorations at the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum and Big Bear Native American Museum as early as possible. A long string of metal silhouettes (the largest in the nation) makes the museum hard to miss.

The 66 figures, longhorn cattle and mounted cowboys, recall the area’s position on the Chisholm Trail.

Among the buildings on the property is the oldest, log courthouse in Texas. Built in 1854, this rustic, 14 x14-foot building first stood in Wardville, the first county seat in Johnson County. Subsequent moves and subsequent buildings replaced it.

Reconstructed, it is now listed as a Texas Historical

Of the approximately 650 GWTW dolls on display, the oldest are rare Madame Alexander dolls produced before the movie was made.

A visit to Trovato Street isn’t just a shopping stop, it’s an experience.

Landmark.

Other historic buildings include a mid-19th-century mule barn used by the Johnson Stage Line.

Fun fact: Mules were often used to pull stagecoaches – less likely to be stolen than horses. The Nolan River School served students from 1855 to 1877; contemporary students come today to experience an old-fashioned school day.

The Terry Building, also a historic structure, is headquarters for Terry’s Texas Rangers. The Rangers, a re-enactment group, relives Civil War history on weekends. The building also houses collections of Civil War artifacts and law enforcement history.

A real little gem on the grounds is the Big Bear Native American Museum. Most of the artifacts were collected by Leonard “Big Bear” Beal and range from prehistoric items to more contempo-

The first Johnson County Courthouse now is part of the collection at the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum.

rary pieces.

Open days are limited so check the web site, www.chisholmtrailoutdoormuseum.com, or Facebook page. Live demonstrations, concerts, and other activities – including a bird-watching stand – make this a Cleburne “must see.”

Our next stop was Gone with the Wind Remembered, the private collection of Vicky Lynn Rogers.

Collected over 30 years, this is possibly the most extensive museum on the subject. Beautifully displayed and well-labeled, the assemblage includes over 600 GWTW dolls, all sorts of souvenirs and memorabilia, displays on Margaret Mitchell, the international reach of the book and film, and sections on the cast.

Among the many costume displays are a surprising number of items original to the film – Scarlett’s mourning bonnet, one of Bonnie Blue’s outfits, Belle Watlings fur-trimmed jacket and more. Be sure and take time to sit in the small theater and see a video about the making of the movie.

There are several other museums in town, including one in the County Courthouse. It closed just before we arrived, but seeing the gorgeous interior of the building was worth the walk.

Because of the extreme heat, our stroll was limited. We spotted a number of antique stores but headed for Trovato Street, a candy store and root beer bar.

Here was a tasting room I could get excited about. We bellied up to the bar for a flight of root beers. We were treated to four of the approximately four dozen root beers available. In a beautifully restored historic building, this one-of-a-kind shop is a worthy destination.

We topped off our Texas stay in style with live theater at the Plaza at Dudley Hall. The facility is first-class – an intimate, in-the-round theatre with fantastic production values. We saw Mary Poppins – costumes and moveable set pieces as professional as anything I’ve seen in major venues.

All in all, Cleburne exceeded my expectations.

It’s a lovely little city with enough attractions to tempt tourists. We had to cut our visit short – a minor medical emergency – and I discovered Cleburne’s greatest asset – the people. I was amazed at the number of people who offered assistance – even offering very personal help. Fortunately, we didn’t need it. But it restored my faith in the kindness of strangers. Thanks, Cleburne, for a great experience.

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 21, 2022 • Page 13

Democrats call on immediate inflation relief House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, held a press conference Thursday morning to call for immediate inflation relief for Oklahoma families.

Democrats expressed the need for financial relief for Oklahoma families before the 2022 legislative session began. A month and a half past the conclusion of the legislative session, the Republican supermajority has failed to follow through.

“We have had opportunities recently to provide relief,” Virgin said. “House Republicans and Governor Stitt joined House Democrats to call for an end to the state grocery tax. Democrats called for an end to the fuel tax, but Republicans tabled that measure.”

The Democratic Caucus renewed the call for immediate inflation relief in the wake of Panasonic rejecting a more than $700 million tax incentive.

“With yesterday’s announcement that Panasonic would locate to Kansas and not Oklahoma, House Democrats think it is appropriate to discuss shifting our focus from attracting this billion-dollar company to using that money to provide relief to Oklahoma families,” Virgin said. “We now have an opportunity to provide Oklahomans relief at the grocery store and the gas pump.”

Now that Panasonic decided not to locate here, Democrats believe it’s necessary to understand what kept the company from choosing Oklahoma.

“We heard yesterday that proximity to Texas was a reason the company chose Kansas, but anyone with a basic understanding of geography knows that Oklahoma is closer to Texas,” Virgin said. “It seems that there is probably more to the story.”

Considering Panasonic's commitment to an inclusive work environment, House Democrats feel that questions are needed about whether or not Oklahoma’s extremist laws against abortion and the 2SLGBTQ+ community contributed to the decision.

“You have to wonder if our lack of investment in things like education, teachers, students, does that play a role?” Virgin said. “Does extreme anti-choice and anti-LGBTQ legislation play a role? Do these laws create a climate where businesses can’t move to Oklahoma regardless of tax incentives?

“Democrats say ‘yes’ those things affect our business climate. To attract companies to locate in Oklahoma, we must stop attacking the people we want to relocate here - their employees and their families.

You can’t get businesses to come here with a culture of bigotry and hate.”

Page 14 • July 21, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

New ‘Minions’ movie definitely for kiddos

By George Gust When the minions stole the show in the first “Despicable Me” movie they seemed like the cutesy creatures that would come and go like a passing fad, but over the years and multiple movies they’ve shown real staying power becoming something of a mascot for Illumination akin to Bugs Bunny for WB or Mickey Mouse for Disney. Now “Minions: The Rise of Gru” has been the subject of a viral internet meme where young people would dress up in suits and treat this movie as “the movie event of the summer,” calling themselves ‘Gentleminions.’ It appears that these inexplicable zany creatures are here to stay.

“Minions: The Rise of Gru” takes place in the heart of the 1970s and finds Gru (Steve Carell) the would-be super-villain, growing up in the quiet suburbs. A fanboy of a supervillain supergroup known as the Vicious 6, Gru hatches a plan to become evil enough to join them with help from his loyal followers, the Minions. Together, Kevin, Stuart, and Bob deploy their skills as they and Gru build their first lair, experiment with their first weapons and pull off their first missions.

“Minions: The Rise of Gru” is a kids’ movie through and through, with broad comedic slapstick humor that you’ve come to expect from our little yellow friends and a gonzo storyline that emulates the action movies of old for a younger audience. And as far as a kids’ comedy goes it delivers the wacky fun you’d like to see from this kind of movie, but if you’re expecting anything more you’ll be disappointed. The “Despicable Me” movies always had a sense of heart at its core, with a simply sweet family message, but “Minions: The Rise of Gru” is pure unadulterated children’s comedy. As a parent there is little to hang onto in this movie outside of the silly

slapstick, the 1970s patina of the story brings a few fun gags like a secretive message being hidden in an 8-track cassette, but these touches only bely the hodgepodge of story ideas.

The voice cast of this movie is star-studded for sure, but the overall use of the cast is lacking in any substance. The real standouts are Carrell who is once again locked in as the younger version of the villainous yet harmless Gru and in a new addition to the Despicable Me universe Alan Arkin is having loads of fun playing the old hippie villain Wild Knuckles. The rest of the nonminion cast is strangely underutilized, with a cavalcade of stars like Michelle Yeoh, Taraji P. Henson, and Russell Brand being largely lost in the shuffle of the minion comic insanity.

Overall, “Minions: The Rise of Gru” has a lot of ideas to keep the tried and true comedy stylings of the minions fresh, but ends up feeling overstuffed and lacking in heart which won’t be a drawback for the 1st graders in the audience, but will leave the parents in attendance holding the popcorn checking their watch.

“Minions: The Rise of Gru” is rated PG for some action/violence and rude humor.

3.2 out of 5 Bananas.

PHOTO PROVIDED

‘Despicable Me’ worlds collide as Steve Carell returns to voice an elementary aged Gru in the early days of villainy in ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru.’

Answers appearing on Page 19

Edmond resident on school’s Dean’s list Named to the Dean's List at Saint Michael's College for the Spring 2022 semester was David Nelson, a May 2022 graduate and environmental science major from Edmond and a graduate of Casady School.

About Saint Michael's College Saint Michael's College, founded on principles of social justice and leading lives of purpose and consequence, is a selective, Catholic college just outside Burlington, Vermont, one of the country's best college towns. Located between the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain, our closely connected community guarantees housing all four years and delivers internationally respected liberal arts together with an innovative Purposeful Learning Program, preparing students for fulfilling careers and meaningful lives. Young adults here grow intellectually, socially, and morally, learning to be responsible for themselves, each other, and their world.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: Summer Days ACROSS 1. Candy bar Baby 5. New York baseball player 8. *____ days of summer 11. Southern cuisine pod 12. Austin Powers' charm 13. Phlegms 15. Finish with plaster 16. Balanced 17. Shy 18. *Usually June 21 20. Wood sorrels 21. Between septet and nonet 22. Stir fry pan 23. *"Out" for most kids in summer 26. Popular white fish 30. ___ Tsu 31. Pavlov's conditioned ____ 34. Part of cathedral 35. Dwelling 37. *It's often hot and muggy in summer 38. Be in accord 39. Physicist Niels ____ 40. Like some wedding cakes 42. A Bobbsey twin 43. Comparative of staid 45. *Like waterskier's dream lake surface 47. Jean-Claude ____ Damme 48. Not our 50. *Dangle them in the pool?

52. *Tossing around, pl.

55. Drunkard 56. Falling out 57. Like one deserving of a Christmas gift 59. On and on (2 words) 60. Black tropical cuckoos 61. Bob ____ of boxing industry 62. JFK's brother 63. "Owner of a Lonely Heart" band 64. Typically 5 of

these in a men's tennis match DOWN 1. "Arabian Nights" bird 2. Luau strings 3. Crosby, Stills and Nash, e.g.

4. Attention-grabbing shout 5. *Summer blockbuster 6. DVD player button 7. Muscle quality 8. Russian parliament 9. "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay" singer 10. Cowboy's heel prod 12. Courage to carry on 13. Counter seat 14. *Summer activity: berry ____ 19. Game status 22. Car wash option 23. Granite store units 24. Explorer John ____, a.k.a.

Giovanni Caboto 25. Commotion 26. German mister

27. Farm structure, pl.

28. Part of an eye, pl.

29. *Adjective for bikini?

32. *County event 33. Tall tale 36. *#5 Down venue 38. Improvise 40. Sophomore's grade 41. Antonym of ingests 44. Old hat 46. NBA venues 48. Threesome 49. No-distortion sound reproduction, pl.

50. Arctic floater 51. Augmented 52. Brawl 53. Republic of Ireland 54. Hare's tail 55. *Uninvited picnic guest 58. Ambulance squad, acr.

Answers on Page 19

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 21, 2022 • Page 15

Edgar Cruz

Edgar Cruz in concert July 24 ARCADIA – Classical and fingerstyle guitarist Edgar Cruz will present an Elm Tree Concert on Sunday, July 24, at the Arcadia Round Barn.

Cruz will be joined by Indianapolis musician Michael Kelsey, whose performances are described as “bringing a free-flowing improvisational style to the guitar that involves every inch of his instrument.”

Cruz has recorded 19 CDs in styles ranging from classical to flamenco to pop to jazz. He is a headliner every year at the prestigious Chet Atkins Guitar Festival in Nashville and has performed throughout the United States, Europe and South America. He holds a bachelor’s of music degree in guitar performance from Oklahoma City University.

Elm Tree Concerts are from 1 to 3 p.m. beneath the shade of the giant elm tree on the north side of the barn. Guests can bring lawn chairs or sit at the picnic tables. Admission is free but donations are accepted for the maintenance of the barn.

The Round Barn is six miles east of Interstate 35 on historic Roue 66. For more information about live music at the barn, call Joe Baxter at 405-8331350.

Recounts complete Recounts in the Oklahoma County District Attorney, District 7 Republican Primary, McIntosh County Commissioner, District 3 Democratic Primary, and the Nowata County Assessor Republican Primary have each confirmed the outcomes of those elections.

Last week’s recounts in McIntosh and Nowata counties exactly matched the election results.

The Oklahoma County recount was completed last week and confirmed that the Republican Primary for District Attorney is headed to the August 23 Runoff.

Out of nearly 58,000 ballots that were recounted by hand in Oklahoma County, only six changes occurred from the original count: Robert W. Gray (+2), Gayland Gieger (+2) and Kevin Calvey (+2).

“Recounts are an important part of the election process, and these recounts proved once again that Oklahoma has one of the most accurate and secure voting systems in the entire world. That is something that every Oklahoman can be proud of,” said Paul Ziriax, Secretary of the State Election Board.

“We appreciate the candidates who requested these three recounts because they provide clear evidence of the accuracy Oklahoma’s voting system. We have free, fair, safe and secure elections in the State of Oklahoma,” he stated.

Ziriax hopes the recounts will help dispel some of the misinformation that Oklahoma election officials have been hearing since 2020.

“These hand recounts are the latest proof that Oklahoma’s eScan voting devices accurately tabulate ballots. Voters should avoid misinformation that claims otherwise,” he said.

Last week, the Oklahoma County Election Board was scheduled to certify the post-recount election results for the Oklahoma County District Attorney, District 7 Republican Primary. The State Election Board will meet on Friday to certify those results.

Final election results for the June 28 Primary Election can be found on the State Election Board website at https://oklahoma.gov/elections.html. The Runoff Primary is Tuesday, August 23.

Page 16 • July 21, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Obituary Beverly Terry 1938 – 2022

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Another Masterpiece listing by the Brad Reeser Team 3124 SAINT FERGUS DRIVE, Edmond, OK 73034 $420,000

Beverly was born on July 20, 1938 in Maud, OK to Buddie Harold and Esther Lucille (Gifford) Jones. She died July 14, 2022. Beverly’s father was in the oil business which caused the family to move frequently allowing Bev to live in 13 different cities during her childhood. The summer before her junior year of High School the family landed in Edmond, OK where she became a graduate of Edmond High School. It was during this time she met Sidney Charles Terry and they married a year after graduation in September 1957.

Sid and Bev had 3 children, Janice Lynn, Sidney Ross and Angela Lynn (who passed away at childbirth). Because Sid was in the Air Force, the family moved around the country and finally landed back in Edmond, OK in 1967 where she continued to live in a house they purchased near family for 55 years.

Beverly in the early years worked at Southwestern Bell in Edmond, OK later to return to that job upon returning to Edmond. In 1978 Sid and Bev divorced. In order to maintain and raise two kids at home Bev decided she had to move in to sales.

Being told many times woman could not make it in sales/marketing this only drove her to excel. While working full time and raising a family, she received her B.S. degree in Business Administration from Central State University. Bev took a job at Southwestern Bell in Oklahoma City and moved into Sales. While the Bell companies took various names she tended to later call that the AT&T years where she worked for 40 years.

Bev became an Account Manager

selling telephone systems to many hospitals, universities, state department offices and later larger global accounts like Hertz.

After retirement Beverly became a volunteer at hospitals, state and local government events, and later found her love for history. She became Secretary of the Edmond Historic Preservation Trust and became heavily involved in the restoration of the first public schoolhouse built in Oklahoma Territory known today as the 1889 Territorial School.

Bev was passionate about this project sending numerous letters, speaking with many groups as well as writing many grants to collect and raise money for not only this restoration but several other Edmond historic projects. Bev loved to share history and worked with the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and many other groups teaching them the about early days of Edmond.

Beverly went to be with the Lord on July 14, 2022 and was preceded in death by both parents, two sisters, and two daughters. She is survived by her son, Sidney Ross Terry and wife Carol. Five grandchildren, Amy Ramsey, husband Derik and their daughter Dahlia, Melissa Ramsey and her son Owen, Sydney Benjamin, husband Roger and their sons, Gavin, Leo and Henry, Spencer Terry, and Lauren Pettit, husband Michael and their children Eli and Emma along with several nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.

Public visitation was held Tuesday, July 19th, 2022, at Matthews Funeral Home.

Services were held Wednesday, July 20th, 2022 at First Christian Church of Edmond. Interment followed at Memorial Park Cemetery.

U.S. Amateur qualifying results

By Steve Steele Oak Tree CC East Course hosted the USGA Amateur Qualifying tournament Monday July 11th.

Seventy-six golfers were attempting to Steele secure one of the three qualifying and two alternate spots up for grabs. The golfers played 36 holes and walked the course, there were light breezes 5 to 9 mph and the temperature reached 99 degrees. OU golfer Jake Holbrook of Granbury secured the medalist medallion with rounds of 69-66-135(-5). Holbrook will be a senior this upcoming school year for the Holbrook Sooners and coach Ryan Hybl.

Qualifying and tying for second were Hazen Newman and Charlie Jackson. Newman is from Las Vegas he fired rounds of 69-67-136(-4).

Newman attends OSU and will be a senior this fall for coach Alan Bratton. Jackson is from Norman, he shot rounds of 68-68-136(-4). Jackson attends Abilene Christian University and will be a junior in the fall. Securing the first alternate position was Conrad Walcher of Edmond. Walcher shot 72-65-137(-3), Walcher was a 2013 Putnam City North grad and played golf at Wichita State from 2013-2018, he is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. Claiming the 2nd Alternate spot was Brad Mason of Dallas, TX. He fired 71-68-139(-1), Mason is 31 years old and formerly played college golf at Mississippi State and UT Arlington.

Just missing were OSU's Rayhan Thomas at 139, Oklahoma Christian golfer Mateo Pulcini at 140, Edmond's Jordan Wilson, a sophomore to be at OSU at 141 and Edmond's Jaxon Dowell at 142, who will be a redshirt sophomore at OU. The 122nd U.S. Amateur golf cahampionship will be contested at Ridgewood Country Club and Arcola Country Club in Paramus, New Jersey Aug. 15-21.

New mental health call line The new 988 Mental Health Lifeline is now available across the state of Oklahoma. The three-digit number offers immediate response during mental health crises by a local trained behavioral health specialist. Any person can call or text 988 if experiencing a mental health emergency, seeking guidance for a mental health situation or looking to gain insight on how to navigate concerns for a friend or loved one.

“We must improve our health outcomes in Oklahoma as they drive everything from our economy to our employment,” Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges said. “We are so proud of the hard work done by everyone involved to bring this lifesaving resource to our state and change the way Oklahomans talk about and access treatment services.”

The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) is coordinating the statewide rollout of the mental

health lifeline as part of its comprehensive crisis response system. 988 is the number approved by the Federal Communications Commission to replace the 11-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number. The change comes after mental health and suicide prevention advocates asked Congress for a shorter, easier-to-remember number for individuals in crisis.

Each time an individual contacts 988, there is free and confidential help on the other end of the line.

Operators of this lifeline are trained to provide conversational support or dispatch mobile crisis teams if the situation requires in-person assistance.

Oklahomans will be connected to a mental health professional to talk and get the resources needed for either themselves or loved ones. About 80% of the time, situations can be resolved with the first conversation. If more help is needed, dispatchers or mobile crisis teams can set up appointments at nearby Urgent Care and Crisis Centers. I

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 21, 2022 • Page 17

Biden’s oil sales to China irk senators Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and their colleagues to introduce the No Emergency Crude Oil for Foreign Adversaries Act to ensure that reserves sold from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) are not exported to adversarial nations like China. Joining Lankford and Cruz in the bill’s introduction were Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Jim Inhofe (R-OK).

“While Oklahomans are forced by this Administration’s bad policies to pay more for gas and diesel, Biden continues to block US energy production. Now he’s outrageously selling our emergency oil supplies from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to nations like China. This is absolutely unacceptable. We should help American families afford gas and groceries by increasing domestic production, rather than handing over our emergency reserves to bad-actor nations,” said Lankford.

“At a time of skyrocketing inflation and record

gas prices, and with SPR drained to its lowest level since 1986, it is reckless and inexplicable that President Biden would allow oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to be exported to China. This practice poses a direct threat to American national security, not least of all because the Chinese Communist Party is currently stockpiling oil for strategic use, and the Biden administration is aiding their effort,” said Cruz.

“America’s strategic petroleum reserve protects our country during national emergencies. Selling off American oil to countries that hate us undermines the security that the oil reserve is supposed to deliver, and we can’t let it happen again,” said Kennedy.

“I am continually disappointed with President Biden’s inability to lead and his plan to allow the export of Strategic Petroleum Reserve oil to China is yet another irresponsible decision on his part.

According to the 2022 National Defense Strategy, China is our greatest threat. We should be holding

the Chinese Communist Party accountable for their actions, not assisting them in their efforts to stockpile oil as another means to challenge the United States and our allies. That’s why I am glad to introduce the No Emergency Crude Oil for Foreign Adversaries Act alongside Sen. Cruz to help ensure our SPR reserves are not sold to our adversaries and that we prioritize our energy needs here at home first and foremost,” said Inhofe.

“Under no circumstances should Joe Biden be selling American oil to our adversaries. Instead of making deals to prop up the Chinese Communist Party, Joe Biden needs to put America first. It’s time for him to stop doing everything in his power to undermine our country and instead kickstart an Operation Warp Speed for energy independence,” said Blackburn.

“President Biden crushed American energy production and then sold our strategic oil reserves to China, all while claiming to care about the high prices Americans were paying at the pump.”

Integris names Jones to leadership team INTEGRIS Health introduces its new Chief Transformation Officer, Brian Jones, a proven health care executive with a solid track record of innovation and development of population health, payor and clinical strategies. He brings expert insight into health care delivery transformation, including accountable care, health plan development, exchanges and capitation.

Jones comes to INTEGRIS Health from UnityPoint Health where he’s most recently served as their Chief Operating Officer for Accountable Care and their Vice President of Payor Innovation.

In his most recent role, he provided strategic leadership and operational oversight for UnityPoint Accountable Care,

Howell

Longwell

which is comprised of more than 8,000 network providers and represents more than 670,000 lives in value-based contracts. Additionally, he provided system leadership and strategic direction for $4.6B multi-state payor strategies, relationships and practices to support UnityPoint Health’s value-based care model.

Some of Jones’ previous roles include Senior Vice President of Business Development, Health to You, LLC and Senior Vice President of Clinic Operations and Sales, Health to You, LLC for Hospital Corporation of America and Chief Executive Officer of Medbasics, Inc. Jones will be responsible for leading and growing the Physician Enterprise, building

Mastbrook

Bank promotes trio Quail Creek Bank has announced the promotions of three professionals to its staff.

They include: Adam Howell was promoted to assistant vice president and consumer lender in June 2022 by the bank’s board of directors. Howell began his career with the bank in 2013 as an operations specialist, working in various areas of the bank. Adam quickly proved himself and was promoted to the audit department. From there, he was promoted to the credit department serving as a credit analyst, then promoted to credit officer with supervisory responsibilities. Howell is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma with a major in Public Relations and has been involved in the bank’s financial literacy program in the community.

—— Chris Longwell was promoted to Credit Officer in June 2022 by the bank’s board of directors. Longwell first came to the bank as a summer teller intern while he was pursuing his

degree in finance and accounting.

The next summer, Longwell was eligible for the Oklahoma Banker’s Association internship program where he continued learning about banking.

The bank hired Longwell full time upon his graduation from the University of Oklahoma as a credit analyst.

Longwell is currently pursing his MBA at LSU-Shreveport.

—— Kathleen Mastbrook was promoted to loan operations officer in June 2022 by the bank’s board of directors. Mastbrook joined the bank in 2013 as a part time teller and was later promoted to the loan operations department. I n addition to her role in loan operations, Kathleen has an instrumental role cultivating the culture of the bank. She plans and coordinates many events for employees and customers, and is a leader in both the Entertainment Committee and the Financial Literacy program. Mastbrook graduated in 2016 from the University of Central Oklahoma with a major in Business Management.

Your cost for inflation? $7,198 Senator James Lankford (R-OK) called out the Biden Administration and Democrat policies for last week’s updated inflation rate of 9.1 percent, a new 40-year high, as well as record-high gas and food prices Oklahomans are paying.

Lankford said the inflation will cost Oklahoma familes almost $7,200 more this year.

and partnering to create the Ambulatory Enterprise, which includes urgent care, surgical and imaging centers, expanding and developing our virtual capabilities and digital front door strategies, and developing INTEGRIS Health’s population health capabilities.

Additionally, he brings expansive experience in overseeing payor relationships. And as such, will be responsible for leading INTEGRIS Health’s Payor Strategies.

Jones has a Bachelor of Science-Business Administration from St. Louis University and a Master of Business Administration Healthcare Services from the University of Dallas. His first day in his new role will be Aug. 22.

Brian Jones

Page 18 • July 21, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure

OSU fundraiser nets over $50m Oklahoma State University officials announced last week that OSU surpassed the $50 million fundraising goal for the New Frontiers Agricultural Hall with the generosity of more than 600 donors. The milestone comes two and a half years after publicly launching the campaign, which will help build a state-of-the-art teaching, research and Extension facility for OSU Agriculture.

OSU President Kayse Shrum, Thomas G. Coon, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture, and Blaire Atkinson, OSU Foundation president, announced reaching the fundraising milestone during a special video announcement broadcast on Inside OSU. “This new facility will transform and modernize OSU Agriculture,” Shrum said. “It will also strengthen OSU’s position as a leader in innovation and continue our tradition of recruiting talented students and faculty.

The New Frontiers project embodies our land-grant mission and supports the important role OSU plays in the lives of Oklahomans and the state’s economy.”

To celebrate reaching the $50 mil-

Family Circus

Beetle Baily

Hi and Lois

Blondie

Shoe

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Zits

lion New Frontiers goal, a Sweet Success Celebration will be held at 10 a.m. July 26 on the north side of Agricultural Hall on the OSU-Stillwater campus.

“We hope you can join us to celebrate this momentous occasion and witness the raising of the OSU Agriculture flag on the construction site,” Coon said. “Just as cornerstone donors Kayleen and Larry Ferguson envisioned, this project is advancing OSU Agriculture and its programs by fostering innovation to help feed the world.”

The Fergusons announced a historic gift in January 2020, launching the public phase of the New Frontiers campaign and renaming the college to the Ferguson College of Agriculture.

A little more than a year later, OSU Agriculture, alongside campaign donors, celebrated a groundbreaking event for the transformational project, which will strengthen the three pillars of the land-grant mission: teaching, research and Extension.

Construction for the new building began in May 2021, and the site is currently booming with activity.

Edmond Life & Leisure • July 21, 2022 • Page 19

State leading the way in aviation education While commercial runways were nearly vacant during the early days of the pandemic of 20202021, staff from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission were knocking on the doors of high school superintendents and school counselors across Oklahoma’s 77 counties, asking if they could visit about an emerging aviation curriculum available to their students.

Oklahoma Aeronautics has advocated for and implemented this curriculum to support Oklahoma’s commitment to solving workforce challenges and to ensure that the state’s second-largest industry, aviation and aerospace, will continue to be a major economic driver for the state. The fouryear “You Can Fly” High School Curriculum developed by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is being adopted by independent school districts at a record pace throughout the state.

Earlier this month during a four-day training conference, teachers and industry leaders met at OU’s National Weather Center to celebrate the growth of aviation and aerospace education in the state, and to discuss ways to partner in the building of programs that will ensure the growth of Oklahoma’s aviation, aerospace and defense industry workforce.

Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell announced that Oklahoma is first in the nation for the number of schools approved to teach the AOPA high school aviation curriculum starting this fall.

With AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker and the State Director of Aeronautics Grayson Ardies flanking the stage, AOPA and Oklahoma Aeronautics confirmed that the 57 school districts across the state signed onto the program

moved the Sooner State into first place in the United States.

“I want to make Oklahoma a Top Ten state in every category and I am so proud that Oklahoma is ranked first in the nation for high schools teaching the AOPA curriculum,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “Thanks to innovative leadership and the work of Oklahoma Aeronautics, we are helping young people find a passion for aviation and aerospace. As a pilot, I am excited to see what the future brings for the Oklahoma Aeronautics

Commission and the aerospace industry in our state.”

Many of the school districts are geographically located in rural areas and are readying themselves to implement the curriculum next fall. AOPA’s You Can Fly initiative is all about building the aviation community, getting more people into the skies, and keeping them there. The centerpiece of You Can Fly is the unique and free High School STEM Curriculum, ensuring that all of aviation has a bright future.

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Page 20 • July 21, 2022 • Edmond Life & Leisure