Record snowfall blankets Fridayland A record snowfall of about 8-10 inches covered Fridayland over last weekend and residents wasted no time in enjoying it. At left, Jessica Teak stands next to a snow drift. Gracie the dog, right, watches the snow fall with her human T.J. Jordan. Far right, Cody and Maddox Dale measure the record snow in their back yard.
OKC FRIDAY Vol. 54 No. 41 • One Section • 12 pages • February 19, 2021
www.okcfriday.com facebook.com/okcfriday OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills, The Village, Quail Creek, The Greens and Gaillardia for 47 years
Ed Ruscha: OKLA
NW Classen grad brings exhibit to his home state for the first time
- Photo by Aubrey Mayer
Ed Ruscha’s exhibition at Oklahoma Contemporary explores his relationship to his home state.
Ed Ruscha: OKLA — the artist’s first solo exhibition in his home state — opens this week at the Oklahoma Contemporary. Ed Ruscha graduated from Northwest Classen. “Old’ Classen seniors were allowed to transfer and graduate from the “new school,” Northwest. Mason Williams (composer of Classical Gas) was also in the Class of ‘56 and one classmate said, “Everyone knew they were special.” Ruscha has a huge following worldwide, but expecially from his Northwest classmates. He has been extremely generous donating his works for local charities. The exhibit features objects spanning the artist’s 60-plus year career that explores his relationship to Oklahoma. Ruscha presents iconic pieces such as Twentysix Gasoline Stations and Chocolate Room alongside newer, lesser-known bodies of work, including two recent Drum Skins paintings. The exhibition will include more than 70 works across media, ranging from paintings and a large-scale installation to drawings, prints, books, photos and film. Ed Ruscha: OKLA is both the first solo exhibition of the artist’s work presented in the city of his childhood and the first
Insets are examples of the Ruscha’s work that are included in his exhibition at Oklahoma Contemporary.
See RUSCHA, Page 7
NHills employees receive praise during challenging year By Eric Oesch Staff Writer There was plenty of praise for city employees during the recent Nichols Hills City Council meeting as city manager Shane Pate gave his annual report to the council.
FRIDAY’s
His report emphasized the trials city employees faced during the COVID pandemic. “This past year has been challenging for everybody, but our staff and council came together as a team to solve the COVID issues facing the city in addition to our
normal jobs to provide quality of life for our residents,” said Pate. “Personally, I’m very proud and so appreciative.” Pate said the volunteer City Council members “practically worked full time jobs” to meet the special circum-
Dog of the Week
This is Finn. He is 8years-old and a gentlemen. His humans are Brad & Matt Kirouac. Recently, they traveled the U.S. for two years together visiting National Parks and it was a barking good time. Send Dog, Baby and Cat of the Week nominations with complete descriptions to rose@okcfriday.com. Submissions are used in the order they are received.
Sponsored by Paulette and Leo Kingston of WePayFast.com
stances caused by the pandemic. “I also want to give special recognition to our Public Works Department, as they often get overlooked,” he said. “Their work to remove the debris from the October ice storm was above and
beyond. They rose to the occasion.” The city reported spending $1.1 million in clean-up costs due to the October 2020 ice storm. Pate said an application for reimbursement has See NHILLS, Page 7
Henderson is CTK’s top alumni Missy Henderson, a 1989 graduate of Christ the King School, was recognized at Christ the King Church mass as the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. This special mass at Christ the King began the celebration of Celebrate Catholic Schools Week, an annual, national celebration of Catholic education in the United States. Missy served the school in many different volunteer capacities, including PTO president, PTO auction chairman, CK track coordinator from 2010 to 2019 and, with Dr.
Jenny Richard, started CK’s mile run club, a program encouraging CK students to build a love for running and an appreciation of an active lifestyle. Combining her professional career as a nurse with her personal commitment to the community, Missy continues to volunteer at Christ the King School on health and wellness initiatives and concerns. Missy’s volunteer efforts go beyond Christ the King School as she shares her talents with the parish, too. Currently an See CTK, Page 2
From Page One
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 19, 2021, Page 2
CCS From Page 1
After winning districts and coming in
second at regionals, coach Katie Klossner talked about the team’s growth. “They were determined to get better each tournament,
learning and studying to fill in any gaps or weaknesses in different subject areas,” Klossner said. “And, clearly, that hard work paid off!" Team captain Garret Baumert, CCS junior, agreed. "It was a good
season, and I'm really proud of everybody on the team,” she said. “We have all improved dramatically since the first tournament.” Coach Helen Denman said that these young Knights have “exemplified hard
work, perseverance, and integrity.” “And with a record of earning first place for half of their state appearances, look to see more from the CCS Academic program in 2022,” she said. The team
includes: Team captain Garrett Baumert, Coleman Bixler, Allison Hickey, Garrett Hunt, Lucas Lindsey, Jacob Mash, Abbey Steelhammer and Reagan Tollefson. The coaches are Katie Klossner and Helen Denman.
Christ the King Catholic School Principal Amy Feighny, Distinguished Alumni Missy Henderson and Christ the King Catholic Church Father Rick Stansberry.
CTK From Page 1 extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, Missy and her husband Robin also serve as a sponsor couple for the marriage preparation ministry. In 2016, Missy was elected by parish membership to represent it
for a 3-year term on Christ the King’s Parish Council. She also brought her creative energy to parish youth as Vacation Bible School chairman. Missy is a graduate of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, where since 2013 she has played an encouraging role as assistant volunteer coach for the Lady Irish cross country program, training alongside the girls on
early morning runs and cheering them on at their competitions. Missy has also served on McGuinness’s PTO board. Her dedication to healthy a lifestyle and to voluntarism even extend outside of Oklahoma. Since 2012, Missy enjoys an annual summer term as a volunteer nurse for Kanakuk Kamps in Branson, Mo. “Through her con-
tinued commitment and support of this community, Missy shows every day that Catholic education is important to her as an individual, as a mother, and as a member of our parish,” the church’s Jim Merrill said. “Her involvement and contributions have made a positive impact and we are blessed that she is part of the Christ the King family.”
The Cowboy
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 19, 2021, Page 3
The Cowboy exhibits ancient artifacts from Spiro Mounds By Vicki Gourley Publisher Oklahoma’s Spiro Mounds is one of America’s most important ancient cultural and religious centers. Now an exhibition at The Cowboy and Western Heritage Hall of Fame brings this to life. “American history should not be just who the Europeans encountered. This culture goes back thousands of years,” Dr. Eric Singleton, Curator of Ethnology, said. However, what makes Spiro Mounds genuinely unique, is that it contained the largest assemblage of engraved, embossed, and carved objects of any presently known Mississippian site. Containing 12 mounds and a population of several thousand, it was physically unremarkable. But the contents, thousands of objects, created in various mediums, bear images of people, deities, deity impersonators, familiar animals and mysterious composite creatures. Until 1400 AD, the Mississippian culture spread throughout the southeastern area of the United States, from the Florida Keys to Oklahoma. Then the beginning of a new ice age brought the Mississippians together
at Spiro. They believed by a “recreating” action; they could restart the weather. In 1350, they built the Spiro Spirit Lodge, an earthen lodge built on a mound. They had different languages and architecture but shared a common religious ideology. The ice age continued to worsen, and in 1400 the Spirit Lodge dwellers broke off into smaller groups. These groups became separate tribes and are the probably the forerunners of the tribes we know today, including the Five Civilized Tribes. “The quality, quantity, and variety of works found at Spiro are staggering,” Singleton said. The site started to be looted, and, in 1933, the WPA took it over. The Gilcrease
Museum is the largest lender to the exhibition. “The largest holder of Spiro Mounds artifacts is the University of Oklahoma likely,” said Singleton, the former Historical Curator of Anthropology at Gilcrease. This exhibition is the first time these Spiroan artifacts have come together. Singleton received grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and several big-name private national endowments. All known engraved shell and ritual artifacts come from this single site; specifically, Craig Mound, believes James Brown. “We are incredibly pleased to announce this unparalleled exhibition, which will give proper honor and representation to the culture
and historical impact of the Spiro people,” said Natalie Shirley, The Cowboy president and CEO. “Our staff has worked for years to create a world-class, exciting and collaborative presentation of a people who have been overlooked for too long.”
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 19, 2021, Page 4
OKC FRIDAY
Sports Weekly BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS
2020-21 winter season in photos
3A, 4A districts set for Saturday
A major winter storm hit Fridayland last weekend, wiping out several basketball games and forcing wrestling regional tournaments to be rescheduled to Feb. 18 and 19. So OKC FRIDAY is looking back at the winter season so far.
Five Fridayland schools open the basketball playoffs with district tournaments scheduled to start this Saturday. Four teams host their district matchups in Classes 3A and 4A. All girls’ games start at 6 p.m. with the boys to follow at 8 p.m. John Marshall is slated to entertain Harding Charter Prep in an Area 1, District 6, tournament and Heritage Hall hosts Tecumseh in Area 3, District 2. Mount St. Mary rounds out the games in 4A when Plainview comes to town for an Area 3, District 5 doubleheader. Meanwhile, Crossings Christian plays host to Chandler in Area 1, District 2 in 3A.
- Photo by Kimberly Richelle, kimberlyrichelle.myportfolio.com - Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com
OKLAHOMA CITY
FRIDAY
Publication No. (USPS 893-600) PHONE 755-3311 • www.okcfriday.com Official Legal Newspaper For OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA CITY and OKLAHOMA COUNTY, Including NICHOLS HILLS and THE VILLAGE Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Office of publication, 10801 N. Quail Plaza Drive, PO Box 20340, Oklahoma City, OK 73156. FRIDAY is published each Friday by Nichols Hills Publishing Co., Inc. It is an official, legal newspaper, under Oklahoma law, published in Oklahoma County, primarily serving Oklahoma City but also The Village and Nichols Hills. Mail subscription price in county $30. elsewhere in Oklahoma $40, elsewhere U.S. $40. Newsstand price $1. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: FRIDAY, PO Box 20340, Okla City, OK 73156. MEMBER: Oklahoma Press Association, National Newspaper Association, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Northwest OKC Chamber of Commerce. Represented nationally by USSPI, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Detroit, Dallas. Represented regionally by Central Oklahoma Newspaper Group (CONG), OKC. Phone 752-2664
Harding Charter Prep’s MaLik Hearn (32) skies for a rebound during a game earlier this season.
Heritage Hall’s Owen Flynn won two gold medals in the 100-yard breaststroke and 200 individual medley at the Class 5A West regional in Edmond.
- Photo by Kimberly Richelle, kimberlyrichelle.myportfolio.com
Mount St. Mary’s Caramia Alexander competes in the breaststroke at the Casady-McGuinnes Invitational.
- Photo by Kimberly Richelle, kimberlyrichelle.myportfolio.com
Above, Heritage Hall’s Michael McCracken, right, gains position over Crossings Christian’s Sam Iverson during their duel.
At left, McGuinness’ Presley Parker readies for a free throw during a game earlier this season. - Photo by Dewayne Jones, dewayne-jones.smugmug.com
PC North’s Tiana Frantz, right, finished inside the top 25 in the 50- and 100-yard freestyles at the Class 6A regional. - Photo by Kimberly Richelle, kimberlyrichelle.myportfolio.com
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 19, 2021, Page 5
Booster
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 19, 2021, Page 6
CALENDAR EXHIBITS Through July 5 • Ed Ruscha: OKLA This month, Oklahoma Contemporary will present Ed Ruscha: OKLA, the first solo exhibition of work by Ed Ruscha in the artist’s home state and home town, and the second major exhibition in Oklahoma Contemporary’s new building. The exhibition will run from Feb. 18 through July 5. March 5 • Opening Reception The Paseo Arts and Creativity Center (PACC) is pleased to feature two exhibits in March - in Gallery One, a group exhibit by Studio Gallery OKC, and in Gallery Two, the Paseo Arts Association’s inaugural March Show. An opening reception will be held on Friday, March 5, 5-8 pm. The PACC will limit capacity and require masks and social distancing. Both exhibits will be on display March 527 in the PACC at 3024 Paseo. For more information, go to thepaseo.org.
LIVE, DRIVEIN CONCERT • MARCH 28 Grammy winning multiplatinum group Cast ing Crowns is heading to the OKC Fairgrounds for “A Night Under The Stars,” a live drivein concert in the North Parking Lot on Sunday, March 28 at 7 pm. This live concert will fol low all COVID19 guidelines and protocols at the time of the event. Tickets are on sale at okcfairgrounds.com Because the current pandemic has presented unique challenges to touring musicians, Casting Crowns’ “A Night Under The Stars” will be performed in parking lot settings across the country. Audio will not only be live but will also be transmit ted to vehicles through FM radio. The prolific and charttopping CCM group Casting Crowns, who hold the position as Billboard’s top selling act in Christian music since 2007, have achieved sales milestones with more than 12 million albums sold. For more infor mation, visit CastingCrowns.com. the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in a perform ance by Rodeo Opry. This virtual program teaches Oklahoma his tory through music and culture with an emphasis on Women in the West. This will be a virtual live event on Feb. 19 from 10 am – 5 pm, with the video available from Feb. 19 – March 5. Suitable for older ele mentary through high school students. To register go to national cowboymuseum.org or call (405) 4782250 ext. 241.
RODEO OPRY Feb. 19 • Oklahoma Heritage Concert – Women in the West Watch Oklahoma his tory come to life from
Film Festival Bonanza
BLACK HISTORY MONTH Celebrate Black History Month and paint Harlem Chalkboard at
N EW D ATES /C ANCELLATIONS Chesapeake Events/Shows: Jeff Dunham April 9 Maroon 5 – Aug. 14 Backstreet Boys – Sept. 12 Michael Buble Sept. 19 MercyMe – Oct. 28 Lyric Theatre: Distant Thunder March 31April 18 Matilda June 2227 Grease July 611 Kinky Boots July 2025 Head Over Heels Sept. 22Oct. 10
Kamp's 1910 Cafe on Saturday, Feb. 27, 122pm. The Wine & Palette artists will guide you step by step, from blank canvas to finished painting, while you sip and socialize. Harlem Chalkboard is a rendition of Jacob Lawrence's The Migration Series, Panel 58. In these works, Lawrence focuses on the Great Migration, the exodus of African Americans from the rural South to northern and western cities beginning during World War I. View the full Series at lawrencemigration.phi llipscollection.org/themigration-series. Kamp's 1910 Café is located at 10 NE 10th St.
2021 Other Events/Shows/Awards: Western Heritage Awards April 910 Sunbeam Shine a Light May 13 Chuck Wagon Festival May 2930 Wes Welker Golf Tourney June 21 Prix de West June 2526 Paseo Arts Festival Sept. 46 Redbud Classic Sept. 1112 Memorial Marathon Oct. 23 Rodeo Hall of Fame Nov. 1112 Beaux Arts Ball Nov. 27
A few weeks ago, the Sundance Film Festival ventured out from its Park City home to host its legendary festival at twenty art house theaters around the country. Each of the partner theaters were given a selection of official films to play, which they paired with filmmaker discussions, industry panels, local content, and special events. Even though the bulk of films were screened online via their virtual cinema, the use of outposts allowed Sundance to provide customized in-person experiences reminiscent of their festival in Utah. I attended Sundance at Circle Cinema in Tulsa. As expected, COVID requirements kept all guests separate throughout the evening, from the line to the movie to the exit. But, inside the theater, the pre-movie entertainment proved to be the perfect way to connect the guests with Sundance. A gorgeous animated trailer introduced the 2021 festival. Bird Runningwater, a University of Oklahoma graduate and Director of Sundance Indigenous Programs, provided a land blessing for all of the host sites. And, the director of the movie, Jakub Piatek, was zoomed in live
from Poland to introduce the film and talk about the process of getting it made. The movie I watched, Prime Time, is a Polish thriller about a young man who invades the national television lottery broadcast and holds the on-air host hostage. It is exciting, unexpectedly poignant, and beautifully shot. The only reason I knew about it is because of Sundance. That’s the beauty of film festivals. They curate content. Like great curators at museums and art galleries, festival programmers search through thousands of movies to find interesting, original films and filmmakers that are doing something different. Those programmers know you have a million different films at your disposal and work hard to create a slate of films that is unique to their festival and audience. This spring, several rural Oklahoma film festivals will follow Sundance’s lead and offer a mix of online films, virtual film discussions, and in-person event screenings.
The Red Dirt Film Festival in Stillwater kicks things off March 12-14; followed by the Sunny Side Up Film Festival in Miami, March 1921; the Clean Shorts Film Festival in Choctaw, March 2627; Twister Alley Film Festival in Woodward, April 29; and the Tonkawa Film Festival, May 2122. Each of the festivals has its own website and Facebook page with more details about the selected films. Bigger regional film festivals, like deadCenter, are taking the idea of curation even farther, providing films yearround via their online virtual cinema. deadCenter recently programmed the hilarious comedy Shiva Baby for Valentine’s Day. In celebration of Black History Month, they are offering Birdie, a film from Gregory Alan Williams produced in Tulsa. If you are tired of watching the same thing over and over, please check out one of these local film festivals this spring. You are guaranteed to see films from people you do not know and discover stories you have never heard. And, you will witness first-hand the exciting diversity of films coming out of Oklahoma.
Send your calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com
Course for Change program seeks mentors Course for Change, a mentoring and running program which uses long distance running as a vehicle for change with at-risk youth, seeks adult runners to take kids through a 12-week training regimen. Training begins this February and culminates at the Red Coyote half-marathon in May. Adult mentors will be training 3 days a week for 12 weeks with youth participants. All Course for Change training runs and the final halfmarathon will be held on the
RIVERSPORT campus in the Boathouse District. With mentoring, runners can give back to their community and endow youth participants with valuable life lessons. Being a coach both in running and life, mentors will guide the youth participants toward completion of the final half-marathon. The aim of Course for Change is to “challenge at-risk youth to experience the benefits of goal-setting, character development, adult mentoring and improved health by pro-
viding them with a life changing experience” through running. Steve Buck, formerly the executive director of Oklahoma’s Office of Juvenile Affairs, was inspired to create Course for Change after he saw teens and their mentors running in a Bartlesville, Okla. half-marathon. They were part of the Run the Streets program in Washington County, which was founded by former juvenile probation officer Bob Williams in 2009. Youth referrals for Course
for Change OKC can be made through the juvenile justice system, mental health agencies, DHS, local law enforcement and other community partners. There is no charge for mentors or youth participants. All adult participants will need to pass a background check. Anyone interested in becoming a mentor should contact Dana Hill, Course for Change Program Manager, at Danahill405@gmail.com or (405)514-9624.
T HIS M ESSAGE S PONSORED B Y T HESE L OCAL B USINESSES :
From Page One
RUSCHA From Page 1 ever to explore the influence Oklahoma has had in forming the artist’s aesthetic sensibility. “The mythos of Ed Ruscha is tied to Americana and the open road, both of which are rooted in his childhood here,” said Artistic Director Jeremiah Matthew Davis. “We’re excited to share this landmark exhibition with our visitors, and hope the programs created by our incredible educational and curatorial teams can leverage Ruscha’s work to inspire the next generation of artists in Oklahoma. We are thrilled to be working closely with Ed Ruscha and his studio to bring this important facet of his work to light, and to do so in the state’s first survey of his iconic artworks. “Hopefully, the exhibit will help to broaden the public’s awareness of Oklahoma’s significant influence on Ruscha’s work throughout his storied career.” Oklahoma looms large in Ruscha’s work, as a source of inspiration and as a foundation on which his unique perspective on America was first formed.
NHILLS From Page 1 been sent to FEMA. Mayor Sody Clements also had praise for the city staff. “I’m just blown away this year by how our team
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 19, 2021, Page 7
After graduating in 1956, he embarked on the first of many road trips — to which he would frequently make reference in his art — from Oklahoma to Los Angeles to begin his artistic career. Ruscha has repeatedly been quoted in the years since saying everything he’s done was already part of him when he left Oklahoma at 18. The Oklahoma Contemporary is the first exhibition to examine the ways in which the visual culture and language of his upbringing provided ongoing inspiration throughout his artistic career. The exhibition will be structured around five themes that are central to Ruscha’s life and work, and signify his connection to Oklahoma. The first theme, Oklahoma OK, showcases his many direct references to Oklahoma itself, both textual and otherwise, and includes a number of works including the letters “OK,” which takes a double meaning as both “okay” and as a reference to his childhood home. Made in U.S.A. looks at Ruscha’s perspective as an American more broadly, from his depictions of the decline of American manufacturing to more direct engagements with politics.
has responded to the weirdest year ever and yet kept up regular business. I think we have a really great team here.” Mayor Clements recognized city manager Shane Pate for his leadership and said, “You set the tone for the excellence we have here in our city.”
Exploring an important facet of the artist’s childhood, 51% Angel, 49% Devil demonstrates the continuing influence of growing up Catholic. Pop Origins traces Ruscha’s frequent references to the popular culture of his 1940s childhood, including movies, comics and advertising. Looking at his fascination with cars and life on the road, Route 66 examines the vistas and mythology of the route west, driven by Ruscha many times as he returned, over and over, from his home in LA to his roots in Oklahoma City. The exhibition is co-curated by Alexandra Schwartz, a New Yorkbased independent curator who has written extensively about Ruscha's work, and Oklahoma Contemporary in close coordination with the artist and his studio. Ed Ruscha: OKLA is the first exhibition to examine Ruscha’s work within the context of his formative years in Oklahoma, “While historically his work has always been closely associated with Los Angeles, his artistic sensibility was shaped by his midwestern upbringing,” Schwartz said. “This exhibition traces the roots of his art in Oklahoma and the American heartland.”
Other business: • The city welcomed new firefighter Josh Gray as a fulltime employee of the Fire Department. The department has 14 fulltime employees. • City Manager Shane Pate reported a 3 percent increase in city sales tax, and a 54 percent increase
in online sales tax over last year. • Police department reported a decrease in auto burglaries over last year. • Municipal Judge Kevin Krahl reported 70 percent of all fines issued by the city were paid in full.
February 19 Otis Danielson Karen Gallagher-Reed Genevieve Lienke Matha Pat Upp Donnie Webb February 20 Aimee Baysinger Barbara Jett Blake Keeton David Kennedy Donald L. Miller Michael Romero February 21 Toni Conrady Mary Ann Harroz Clark Hibbard Wallace Latham Lance McCasland Parker Sturm Sean Turpen Jennifer Witherby Scott Witherby February 22 Andrew Cook Willie Gauthier Jason Lepak Kambi Madd Susan Martin Christy Theisen Dr. Bob Van House Stevanna Wolfard February 23 Mallory Black Jane Helms J.D. Helms Peggy Horinek William Hunzicker Lisa Morgan Kelly Stiles Kevin Stiles David Thomas Angela D. Thorson
Marguerite Vogt February 24 Sharon Barton Lisa Boston Deana Carver Danny Gandara Kevin Gunter Janelle Hamby Honda Sue Huster Ginger Johnson Betty Kenney McKenzie Manoles Rob McAuley Stephanie McCurdy Shelby Organ Ashly Robinson Jill Roper Lyn Seely Eric Starns February 25 Joan Davidoff Steve Dunford Wally Kamp Jamie Manoles Mac Maquire Frances Oney Sylvia Shirley Ann Walker Fletcher Williams N. Bradley Wolgamott February 26 Daisy Baker Linda Beebe Matt Beebe Gwen Hughes Bell Erica Blaschke Margaret Collins Jodi Dodson Cindy Homsey Peter Kierl Robyn Satterfield Katy Small Whitney Ward
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 19, 2021, Page 8
okcFRIDAY
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RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/illegible signature By: DEPUTY (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 19, 2021)
FOR MORE INFO CALL
1-888-815-2672
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
WANT TO BUY OLD GUITAR$ WANTED! LARRY BRING$ CA$H for vintage USA guitars, tube amps, banjos, mandolins, etc. Fender, Gibson, Martin, Gretsch, others. Call or text 918-288-2222. www.stringswest.com
CV-2021-261 In re: Change of Name of Minor From: Chloe Sylvia Nephew To: Alexander Lee Nephew Name of Petitioner: Alissa Nephew Robert Nephew
FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com
) ) ) ) ) )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO: All interested parties: Take notice that Alissa Nephew and Robert Nephew have filed a Petition seeking to change their minor child’s name, and to reflect such changes on the minor’s birth certificate, driver’s license, social security card, and other identifying documentation. A hearing on said Petition is set for 2:00 o’clock P.M. on the 18 day of March, 2021, before Judge Truong in said Judge’s courtroom in the Oklahoma County Courthouse, located at 320 Robert S. Kerr Avenue. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause with the clerk of this court prior to the above date. Should you fail to do so, the Petition will be granted as prayed.
CATTLE SALE McALESTER STOCKYARDS SPECIAL COW & BULL SALE, Saturday, Feb. 20th, at Noon! Quality Bred Cows, Heifers, Pairs, & Bulls. 918-423-2834 www.mcalesterstockyards.com
ADVERTISE STATEWIDE Put your message where it matters most – IN OKLAHOMA NEWSPAPERS. We can place your ad in 148 newspapers. For more information or to place an ad, contact Landon Cobb at (405) 499-0022 or toll-free in OK at 1-888-815-2672.
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/illegible signature By: DEPUTY
GUARDIANSHIP (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 19, 2021)
PG-2021-53 ) ) )
EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY LETTERS
/s/illegible signature Allen J. Welch Special Judge (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 19, 2021) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CASE NO: PG-2021-98 IN THE MATTER OF THE GUARDIANSHIP OF Bobby Chapman, Julie Aragon, Joshua Aragon, minors
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NOTICE OF PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN
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To Whom It May Concern: Take notice that (a) Johnetta Shelton, as next of friend of Baby Boy Shelton has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a) Baby Boy Shelton to (b) Jaxson DeWayne Brewster and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Mai of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 2 day of March, 2021 at 1:00 o’clock p.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for hearing. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/Diane Watson CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 19, 2021) DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2021-253 IN RE: The name of: Drake Daniel Hallmark Foster
You are hereby notified that Marie Yvette Tutor has petitioned this Court to be appointed guardian of the person of the above-named minors Bobby Chapman, Julie Aragon, Joshua Aragon, and that said Petition will be heard in the court room of Judge ____ Room __ in the Oklahoma County Courthouse at 321 Park Avenue on the 23 day of February, 2021, at 9:00 o’clock A.M. at which time you may appear and show cause if any, why said Petition should not be granted. WITNESS my hand and seal of said Court this 3 day of February, 2021. ALLEN WELCH Judge of the District Court RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/illegible signature, Deputy
NAME CHANGE (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 19, 2021) DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2021-262 IN RE: The name of: Miguel Herrera Melendez
In the Matter of the Application of Johnetta Shelton as next of friend of (child) Baby Boy Shelton to Change Her/His Name NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME
LaTasha L. Rogers was appointed Temporary Guardian herein on the 21 day of January, 2021. Temporary letters were granted at that time. The Temporary Letters, Temporary Guardianship, and the statutory authority thereby granted, are hereby extended until further review set herein at 9:00 a.m., on the 16 day of March, 2021. The Temporary Guardian remains bound by the oath taken previously on January 21, 2021. SO ORDERED this 9 day of February, 2021.
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NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Miguel Herrera Melendez has petitioned to change his/her name to August Herrera Melendez. A Hearing on said petition is set for 2:30 o’clock P.M. on the 22 day of April, 2021, before Judge Stallings at 2:30 o’clock in his/her courtroom in the Room 800, Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.
PUBLIC NOTICE A public notice is information intended to inform citizens of government activities. The notice should be published in a forum independent of the government, readily available to the public, capable of being securely archived and verified by the publisher. This newspaper carries public notices and is proud to serve the public in this way.
www.oklahomanotices.com for free access to public notices in Oklahoma newspapers
Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/illegible signature By: DEPUTY (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 19, 2021) DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2021-230 IN RE: The name of: Twila Renee Dillard
Case No. CV-2020-479
IN THE MATTER OF THE GUARDIANSHIP OF: Jaedin Beard
Landscape design and installation, flowers, clean-ups and landscape renovations. Degree in Landscape Architecture and Horticulture, 30 yrs exp, References, Free Consultation and Estimates. Call Charlene: 405-517-1665 Garden Design
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 19, 2021) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
Deadline: Friday 3:00 p.m. the week before publication 405-755-3311
NOTICE BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA TO: Faustino Sanchez Garcia You are hereby notified that the Petitioner in the above styled action has sued you for a Dissolution of Marriage, alleging incompatibility and or ___. You must Answer the Petition on or before the 8 day of April, 2021, or the Petition will be taken as true and a divorce and other relief sought will be granted to the Petitioner. WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL this 29 day of January, 2021. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/Shawna McKay Deputy
) )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 19, 2021; Friday, February 26, 2021; Friday, March 5, 2021)
TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Twila Renee Dillard has petitioned to change his/her name to Twila Renee Cheatham. A Hearing on said petition is set for 11:00 o’clock A.M. on the 3 day of March, 2021, before Judge Timmons at 11:00 o’clock in his/her courtroom in the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/Jessica Rutledge By: DEPUTY (SEAL)
DIVORCE (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 19, 2021; Friday, February 26, 2021; Friday, March 5, 2021) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
Case Number FD-2020-2638 IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: Lidia V. Suarez Padilla, Petitioner, and Perla C. Dominguez Suarez, Respondent.
) ) ) ) ) )
NOTICE BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA TO: Perla C. Dominguez Suarez You are hereby notified that the Petitioner in the above styled action has sued you for a Dissolution of Marriage, alleging incompatibility and or abandonment. You must Answer the Petition on or before the 25 day of March, 2021, or the Petition will be taken as true and divorce and other relief sought will be granted to the Petitioner. WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL this 8 day of February, 2021. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/illegible signature
CITY
OF
TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Drake Daniel Hallmark Foster has petitioned to change his/her name to Drake Daniel Alexander. A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 6 day of April, 2021, before Judge Mai at 1:30 o’clock in his/her courtroom in the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 50-26 OF THE NICHOLS HILLS CITY CODE AND THE OFFICIAL ZONING DISTRICT MAP TO REZONE AND REDISTRICT THE PROPERTY LOCATED IN NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA AT 6820 N.W. GRAND BOULEVARD FROM THE E-2 “URBAN ESTATE” RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT TO THE E-1 “ESTATE” RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT; REPEALING ALL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
ORDINANCE NO. 1190
EMERGENCY ORDINANCE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA: Section 1. Section 50-26 of the Nichols Hills City Code and the Official Zoning District Map referred to therein are hereby amended to rezone and redistrict 6820 N.W. Grand Boulevard, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma from the E-2 “Urban Estate” Residential Zoning District to the E-1 “Estate” Residential Zoning District, the legal description of such property being: All of Lots Five (5) and Six (6) in Block Forty (40), City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, according to the recorded plat thereof
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 19, 2021)
Section 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are, to the extent of such conflict, hereby repealed.
DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
Section 3. The provisions of this ordinance are severable and if any part or provision hereof shall be adjudged invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such adjudication shall not affect or impair any of the remaining parts or provisions hereof.
CV-2021-241
TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Emily Elizabeth Martin has petitioned to change his/her name to Emily Elizabeth Eischen Martin. A Hearing on said petition is set for 2:00 o’clock P.M. on the 4 day of March, 2021, before Judge Truong at 2:00 o’clock in his/her courtroom in the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this
Sudoku
NICHOLS HILLS
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, February 19, 2021)
NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
print replica • sports • photos articles • and more!
In Re the Marriage of: ) Patricia Marie Sanchez, ) Petitioner, ) and ) Faustino Sanchez Garcia,) Respondent. )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
IN RE: The name of: ) Emily Elizabeth Martin )
okcfriday.com
Case Number FD-2020-2516
) )
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/illegible signature By: DEPUTY
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Section 4. EMERGENCY SECTION. WHEREAS, in the judgment of the Council it is necessary for the preservation of the peace, health, welfare and safety of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, and of the inhabitants thereof that the provisions of this ordinance be put into full force and effect immediately, and therefore an emergency is hereby declared to exist by reason whereof this ordinance shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage as provided by law. PASSED by the Council of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 9th day of February, 2021. APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 9th day of February, 2021. ATTEST:
Sody Clements Mayor
Amanda Copeland City Clerk Reviewed as to Form and Legality: John Michael Williams City Attorney
LPXLP
Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! Answers
MOVING? Take FRIDAY with you Call 4057553311, x301, Email jennifer@okcfriday.com, or visit www.okcfriday.com
News/Business Directory
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 19, 2021, Page 9
deadCenter Film Festival announces inaugural award for Best Indigenous Short Film deadCenter Film, the state’s largest film festival, announced a partnership with the Cherokee Nation Film Office to recognize Indigenous filmmakers with the Festival’s inaugural award for Best Indigenous Short Film. The award is bolstered by a $1,000 cash prize provided through the generosity of the Cherokee Nation and the winner will be announced during the 21st annual deadCenter Film Festival Award Ceremony on Sunday, June 13. As part of an ongoing commitment to represent a diverse slate of storytelling across annual programming, deadCenter Film is not only thrilled for the opportunity to highlight Indigenous films at the festival, but to also heighten visibility of Indigenous filmmakers around the world. The new category joins 18 existing award categories announced throughout the festival, but stands out as the first category in over a decade with a cash prize, a direction deadCenter is trending for more of the juried awards. “We’re excited to expand our competitive categories. It's been an honor to recognize the hard work and talent of our Oklahoma Indigenous filmmakers over the years, and it just feels right to deepen our sup-
port and shine a spotlight on Indigenous work,” says Sara Thompson, deadCenter’s Director of Programming. “I can't wait to see the films that come in, and am beyond thrilled to provide a cash prize as part of this award. It just feels very right and very deadCenter." “We are glad to see deadCenter recognize the importance of Indigenous film and filmmakers here in Oklahoma,” said Jennifer Loren, Director of Cherokee Nation Film Office and Original Content. “It is an honor and privilege for our film office to sponsor this award and provide a cash prize. We hope it helps to inspire those doing the important work of indigenous storytelling through film.” Category eligibility: Films eligible for this category will be under 50 minutes and directed by an Indigenous artist(s). Films must also adhere to the eligibility criteria for other short film categories. Film submissions for the 2021 deadCenter Film Festival will close on Feb. 21. The 21st annual festival will be June 10-20 and virtual passes are now available. For more information on the Festival and deadCenter Film, visit deadcenterfilm.org.
Oklahoma Heritage Concert – Women in the West Watch Oklahoma history come to life from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in a performance by Rodeo Opry. This virtual program teaches Oklahoma history through music and culture with an emphasis on Women in the West. This will be a virtual live event on Feb. 19 from 10 am – 5 pm, with the video available from Feb. 19–March 5. Suitable for older elementary through high school students. To register go to nationalcowboymuseum.org or call (405) 478-2250 ext. 241.
Locally-owned business directory A&T Mechanical Heat & Air Services INC 1015 Waterwood Parkway Suite I-100 Edmond, OK 73034 (405) 810-8891
Route 66 Tire and Automotive 1815 E. 2nd St. Edmond, Ok. 73034 (405) 503-4707
Ketch Design Centre 4416 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 525-7757
Keedo Clothes 12100 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 607-0887
Swiss Cleaners @ Laundry 3737 NW 50th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 946-0629
Junior’s Supper Club 2601 NW Expressway Oil Center Building (405) 848-5597 juniorsokc.com
Denner Roofing Co, LLC 6608 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4411
Dr. Kenneth Plank, O.D., Visual-Eyes 9648 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 749-2002
Full Circle Bookstore 1900 NW Expressway OKC 73116 (405) 842-2900
LEAP COFFEE ROASTERS 44 NE 51st St. Oklahoma City, OK 73105 (405) 602-5800
Kathryn Vaught Interiors 1807 Guilford Lane, by appointment only Nichols Hills, OK 73120 (405) 843-1410 Cheek Ranch Black Label Beef CheekRanch.com (405) 236-5175 Chiki Chiki Boom, LLC Habanero Vodka Hot Sauce 6608 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116
The Beef Jerky Emporium and Gourmet Foods 810 W. Danforth Edmond, OK 73003 (405) 359-8200 FA Highly Countertops 3800 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 943-1988
Boutique One 6474 Avondale Dr. Nichols Hill Plaza 405-888-9822 boutiqueone.store The Learning Tree 7638 N. Western Wilshire Village 405-848-1415 learningtreeokc.com Carwin’s Shave Shop 6411 Avondale Dr. Nichols Plaza 405-607-1197 carwinsshaveshop.com Winter House 6411 Avondale Dr Nichols Hills Plaza 405-607-1199 winterhouseinteriors.com To be included, email your business name, address and phone number to rose@okcfriday.com.
SHOP LOCAL!
Oklahoma Restaurant Association announces 2021 Board of Directors The Oklahoma Restaurant Associa‐ tion (ORA) announced its 2021 Board of Directors at its annual meeting on February 10, 2021. The meeting opened with guest speaker Mike What‐ ley, Vice President of State and Local Affairs at the National Restaurant Associa‐ tion (NRA) who pre‐ sented an insightful keynote address high‐
lighting issues facing the restaurant indus‐ try and where ORA members from around the state par‐ ticipated in this virtu‐ al meeting. Following the NRA presentation, the ORA Annual Meeting and Board of Directors meetings were held. The meetings consist‐ ed of reports on asso‐ ciation business in the areas of member
services, financials, governmental affairs objectives for 2021, and other information pertinent to the asso‐ ciation and restaurant industry. A portion of the meeting included election of ORA Offi‐ cers and the announcement of the previously elected Board of Directors. See the full list of directors at okrestau‐ rants.com.
Editorial Page
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 19, 2021, Page 10
OPINION OUR STAND “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 (quoting Jesus). The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” – Edmund Burke paraphrase, 1767. If you want it in the paper, it’s advertising. If you don’t want it in the paper, it’s news.” – Ancient Chinese Proverb. “Without, or with, offense to friends or foes, We sketch your world exactly as it goes.” – Byron, 1818. “Every violation of truth is a stab at the health of human society.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1878. “We must always stand – alone if necessary – as the conscience of this community.” – J. Leland Gourley, 1959.
MEMBER OF We urge courtesy in disagreement. We view with favor wise public choices and view with alarm flawed public choices. We give good advice to public officials at federal, state and local levels, and society in general, on what to do right. So, if they don’t take our advice, it’s not our fault. EMAIL YOUR OPINION to: vicki@okcfriday.com
We’re ONE Country: Time To Stop Political Gamesmanship Reprinted from OKC Friday, Friday, July 15, 2011
B
Y THE TIME YOU READ THIS, Democrats and Republicans, at the highest levels of our government, may have reached a compromise on what to do about raising, or not raising, the national debt limit before Aug. 2. We hope they have, because failure to do so could throw our country into a national whirlwind that would be disastrous to everybody. Up to now, the primary goal of each political party, at the very highest level, has been to overpower the other, to hell with the welfare of the country. Just get ‘em in a box and whip ‘em at the next election. Even if an agreement has been – or will
The Best of J. Leland Gourley Reprinted from OKC FRIDAY
be – reached, it will not lessen the hostility of remaining high party officials, and nationwide allies, toward their opposing political party, the good of the country be damned. If you blame your political leaders for caving in to compromise then you are part of the problem. This blatant philosophy of party over country must be stopped! So, here in Oklahoma, let us resolve to
lower the temperature of political party hostility. Political parties, per se, are a good thing to help keep a sound and productive government at city, county, state and national levels. But the partisanship we’re experiencing now is, in and of itself, more serious than the legitimate problems facing our country, like the horrible unemployment rates for millions of Americans. We have to get together and pull together to get our country’s economy back on track. Meanwhile. if we have to compromise to accomplish this, and other, important goals, so be it. Smile and say howdy to the next guy you meet on the street. It’ll make you feel better.
Facebook Funnies DURING THE MIDDLE AGES THEY CELEBRATED THE END OF THE PLAGUE WITH WINE AND ORGIES. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THEY HAVE ANYTHING LIKE THAT PLANNED WHEN THIS ONE ENDS? (ASKING FOR A FRIEND)
Your Fridayland Caucus OKC FRIDAY OKC FRIDAY Nichols Hills Publishing Company PHONE 405-755-3311 www.okcfriday.com 10801 N. Quail Plaza Drive, OKC PO Box 20340 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 VICKI CLARK GOURLEY, CEO & Publisher ROSE LANE, Editor & Deputy Publisher MARY McCUTCHEON, Publisher’s Assistant LOVINA MORGAN, Senior Advertising Account Exec. JASON JEWELL, Production Mgr., Web & Sports Editor JENNIFER CLARK, Legals Mgr./Circulation/Classifieds JOY RICHARDSON, Social and Travel Contributor -------------------------KELLY CLARK, CIO/CISO --------------------------JAY L. GOURLEY, Vice Chairman Emeritus JANNA L. GOURLEY ROUSEY, Secretary Emerita J. LELAND GOURLEY, FOUNDER
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 19, 2021, Page 11
Students
HCP senior earns Best Award Harding Charter Preparatory High School senior Katie Hillemeyer was awarded the Best of School Newspapers online award for her most recent article. Her story was titled, '”No One Even Batted an Eye” which shed light on domestic abuse within the school community. The school newspaper staff has now received three Best of
KATIE HILLEMEYER
SNO awards this school year, which has earned the publication a special place with
some of the top programs in the country, journalism advisor Kelli Taylor said.
OSSM is accepting applications The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (OSSM) announced today that it is accepting applications for the 2021-22 academic year. OSSM, which enrolls high school juniors and seniors from all 77 counties in Oklahoma, anticipates a class of about 85 students and expects to receive more than 130 applications. Admission criteria for high school sophomores includes high school grades/transcripts and academic goals, teacher and counselor recommendations, and ACT scores. Students also interview with faculty, staff and alumni.Typically, applicants are encouraged to visit campus; however, that part of the admission process was eliminated for the 2021-
22 year due to COVID-19 restrictions. For the 2020-21 school year, OSSM enrolled 66 new juniors, 31 males and 35 females. The median grade point average (GPA) was 3.951. Because OSSM is an Oklahoma state agency, tuition, room and board are free for state residents. “For 30 years, the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics has been committed to providing the finest preparation to Oklahoma’s high-achieving high school juniors and seniors,” said Bill Kuehl, dean of admissions. For more information, call (405) 521-6436 or visit the website at www.ossm.edu.
Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Friday, February 19, 2021, Page 12
Tips to steer clear of Medicare fraud Restrictions implemented to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 have saved untold numbers of lives. The world has adjusted to such restrictions, and many parts of the
world have relaxed measures as case numbers have declined. As communities begin returning to some semblance of normalcy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has
warned people against letting their guard down. While many of those warnings pertain to the importance of continuing to practice social distancing as economies reopen, advisories also include
notices about fraud schemes related to COVID-19. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General has advised the general public about scams involving Medicare fraud. Such schemes are targeting Medicare beneficiaries in an assortment of ways, including through text messages, social media, telemarketing calls, and even door-to-door visits. When perpetrating such frauds, scammers seek beneficiaries' personal information, which they then use to fraudulently bill federal health care programs, potentially leaving their victims on the hook for costly unapproved tests related to COVID-19. The CDC notes the importance of being aware of such schemes. Awareness can help consumers
avoid being victimized by scammers, and the following are some additional measures people can take to protect themselves from COVID-19-related fraud. • Do not share personal account information. Scammers need their victims' personal information to perpetrate their fraudulent schemes. The CDC cautions beneficiaries to be suspicious of unsolicited requests for their Medicare or Medicaid numbers. • Do not take callers or visitors at face value. Unsolicited callers or visitors requesting Medicare or Medicaid information should be met with extreme caution. Be suspicious of any unexpected calls or visitors offering COVID-19 tests or supplies. Compromised personal information may be used in other fraud schemes.
• Never click on links in emails or text messages. Do not respond to, or open hyperlinks in, text messages or emails about COVID-19 from unknown individuals. • Ignore offers or advertisements for COVID-19 testing or treatments on social media sites. Offers or ads for testing are one of the ways scammers are accessing personal information. Only a physician or other trusted healthcare provider should assess your condition and approve any requests for COVID-19 testing. The COVID-19 outbreak has made it easy for criminals to exploit consumers concerned about their health. Consumers who suspect COVID-19 fraud can contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or visit Justice.gov/ DisasterComplaintForm to file a complaint.