www.okcfriday.com facebook.com/okcfriday OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving affluent far north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills and The Village for 51 years Vol. 58 No. 42 • One Section • 16 pages • March 21, 2025 $1 per copy
Mercy Health Foundation is set to host its highly anticipated 2025 gala, themed “La Vie En Rose,” on Saturday, April 12, at the Oklahoma City Convention Center, bringing a touch of the French Riviera to Oklahoma City.
The vibrant evening, featuring live entertainment, exquisite cuisine, and lively dancing, takes place at 6 p.m.,
beginning with hors d’oeuvres and pré fête fun, followed by a formal dinner program and an after-party with music by DJ
LiTEBRiTE.
This year’s gala aims to raise funds for a groundbreaking women’s behavioral health program housed
at Mercy’s new Love Family Women’s Center, focusing on improving perinatal
See MERCY, Page 7
Antler boys, Panther girls net 6A titles
The Deer Creek boys and Putnam City girls captured Class 6A state basketball championships last weekend at State Fair Arena. See Sports, Page 4-5
Village vice mayor alludes to racism in police department
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
During the March Village City Council meeting Vice Mayor and Ward 3 council member Melodie Moore alluded to racism in The Village Police Department drawing surprise from her contemporaries on the council.
Her statements were made during the Councilmember Comments item listed on the March agenda.
During her comments, Councilmember Moore said she recently attended municipal court and observed that most of those in court for traffic offenses were people with “melaninated” skin. Judge Danny White oversees Municipal Court on the second and fourth Tuesday evening of each month at Village City Hall, 2304 Manchester Dr.
When questioned about the term “melaninated” by Ward 2 councilman Bubba Symes
See VILLAGE, Page 15
NewView to celebrate 75th anniversary
Seventy-five years ago, a bold vision took shape in Oklahoma to empower people with vision loss to live independently and thrive.
Founded in 1949 as the Oklahoma League for the Blind, NewView Oklahoma has become the state’s leader in employment, rehabilitation and advocacy for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Today, NewView continues to break barriers in accessibility and workforce development, operating low vision clinics in Oklahoma City and Tulsa and providing essential services such
as occupational therapy, assistive technology training, and mobility instruction. At its manufacturing facility, individuals with vision loss produce fire hoses for the U.S. Forest Service, wheel chocks for the U.S. military and first aid kits — demonstrating that meaningful careers are possible regardless of vision impairment.
To celebrate this milestone, NewView Oklahoma is hosting a sold-out 75th Anniversary Celebration on March 28, at The Yale Theater in Oklahoma City. The event is to honor the
Alaska, Frontier Airlines to offer nonstop flights to Seattle, Atlanta
OKC Will Rogers International Airport (OKC) travelers now have more direct flight options this summer thanks to Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
Alaska Airlines is set to begin a second nonstop service to Seattle, Wash., (SEA) from July 16 to Aug. 19. Both flights are to operate with B-737 planes, which typically hold 175 seats.
Frontier Airlines announced it plans to fly nonstop to Atlanta, Georgia, (ATL) from May 22 to Aug. 17. This nonstop service operates three times a week. With
the addition of Atlanta, Frontier’s nonstop destinations from OKC include Denver, Las Vegas and Orlando.
“This is great news for Oklahoma City,” Airports Director Jeff Mulder said. “Seattle is a busy market for OKC, and we are happy to see this service grow. Adding Atlanta with Frontier gives our passengers more options with our low-fare carriers. We appreciate Alaska and Frontier’s commitment to our community.”
Flights are on sale now at flyfrontier.com and alaskaair.com.
FRIDAY’s
Dog of the Week
Princess would like to wish her dad (Dr. Karl Boatman) a Happy 100th Birthday!! Email Pet of the Week submissions with complete descriptions to: rose@okcfriday.com.
Honorable George and Donna Nigh with the Durward K. McDaniel Award for their dedication to expanding opportunities for Oklahomans with disabilities. Serving as honorary chairmen are Annie Bohanon and Henry Browne, both personally connected to NewView’s mission. Browne, who faces macular degeneration, was deeply moved by NewView’s life-changing services.
“We were so impressed with See NEWVIEW, Page 7
Annie Bohanon and Henry Browne are serving as the honorary chairman for NewView’s soldout 75th anniversary gala.
Dr. Laurie Orme, primary care physician at Mercy Hospital, and Dr. John Stanley, maternal-fetal medicine specialist, are the co-chairmen of the 2025 gala.
Casady faculty and staff at the event included Primary Division teachers Caroline Dent and Maegen Beam with Operations Assistant Joella Pearson. For more photos, see Page 15
Dueling piano show benefits Casady
Casady Parents’ Organization hosted a spectacular evening at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, drawing a
crowd of 600 attendees for an unforgettable night of music, entertainment, and philanthropy.
The highlight of the event was a high-energy dueling piano show that kept the audience engaged and singing along. Guests also participated in an exciting silent and live auction, featuring exclusive items such as private plane experiences, a restored 1973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, luxurious vacations and unique teacher-led experiences.
“We are beyond grateful for the incredible support from our Casady Community,” CPO Fundraising Chairman Merrick Fitzgerald said. “This event was not only a fantastic celebration but also a meaningful way to give back to our students and teachers.”
CPO has a rich history of supporting the mission of Casady School and fostering a close-knit school community. CPO has raised and gifted more than $3 million to Casady. This money purchases items requested by the teachers to enhance their classrooms, to support faculty professional development, to donate to the Annual Fund and more.
Above: The highlight of the event was a high-energy dueling piano show that kept the audience engaged and singing along. At left: Michael and Kristin Richards.
Elemental Ball gives grown-ups the opportunity to experience science
Above: Guests after enjoying a plated dinner at Elemental Ball benefitting Science Museum Oklahoma. From left: Cameron Enteshary, Lauren Dennison, Phi Nguyen, Heather Norris, Seth Lewis and Robert Norris. At left: Science Museum Oklahoma’s John E. Kirkpatrick President/CEO Sherry Marshall and the Elemental Ball Committee co-chairmen Peggy Kates and Sally Starling perform an experiment for the attendees and talk about the importance of STEAM education.
Above: Erin Hennessy holds fire in the palm of their hand using a special solution (don’t worry –it’s safe!) At left: Adults play like kids in an oversized ball pit at Elemental Ball, Science Museum Oklahoma’s annual fundraiser. At right: Guests, including Tuesday Faye, raced around the custom Speed Lap in a mini go-kart and to see who could get the fastest time.
Dillard skies for a layup during the Class 6A quarter fi nals against Sapulpa last Tuesday
OKLAHOMA CITY FRIDAY
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BASKETBALL | STATE TOURNAMENT ROUNDUP
Panther girls, Antler boys sweep 6A championships
Holding just a slim 3-point lead as the third quarter began, the PC North girls pulled away in the second half for a 65-48 victory over Mustang in the Class 6A championship to claim the first title in school history last Saturday afternoon at State Fairgrounds Arena.
Nykaiya Dillard made the most of her 22 minutes of action as she scored 13 of her 18 points in the second half to help seal the game for the Panthers (29-1).
Meanwhile, Brandie Harrod – an Auburn signee – dominated most of the game with 18 points and 10 rebounds in being selected the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Raya Shawareb and Amnesty Hawkins rounded out the scoring with 6 and 3 points, respectively.
The Panthers jumped out to a great start and led 15-7 at the end of the first quarter, before Mustang responded and kept the game close heading into halftime.
Saturday’s contest also marked the first time PC North has ever played in a state title game.
In addition to their big win over Mustang, the Panthers won their other two tournament games by more than 10 points.
They dominated Broken Arrow in a 6447 victory in Friday’s semifinals at Yukon and opened with a 7449 triumph over Sapulpa on Tuesday at State Fair Arena.
– By Jason Jewell
Antlers down Tulsa Union for 1st state title since 1974
Leading nearly wireto-wire, the Deer Creek boys basketball team secured a 78-69 victory over Tulsa Union to capture the Class 6A state championship last Saturday night in the next-to-last game at State Fairgrounds Arena.
The Antlers (25-5), who won their first state title since 1974, took control within the first 30 seconds of regulation as Tulsa Union opened an early lead.
Clyde Davis exploded for 20 of his gamehigh 29 points in the first half as Deer Creek boasted a 13-point halftime advantage aided by several timely 3-
pointers from Mason Smith. Davis was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Kaden Leache, a transfer from Casady, collected 19 points and 5 assists, as Phoenix Woodson grabbed 13 points and 7 rebounds. Smith had 11 points and Caison Robinson contributed 6 points.
The Antlers escaped with a pair of close wins on the way to the state title game, beating Moore by a 51-47 mark in Friday’s semifinal at Yukon and edging defending state champion Owasso, 53-51, in the opener on Tuesday.
– By Jason Jewell
Knights fall to Weatherford in 4A final
By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
Nearly opposite of what happened four seasons ago, the Crossings Christian boys basketball team found itself on the other end of a last-second loss as Weatherford’s C.J. Nickson hit a jumper at the buzzer to hand the Knights a 46-44 loss last Saturday in the Class 4A championship game at State Fairgrounds Arena.
“It was really tough being on the wrong end,” coach Shawn Schenk said. “We were down at halftime but we found a way to fight back.”
In 2021, Crossings guard Reid Lovelace hit a shot at the buzzer
to help the Knights win a state title. The championship matchup was a tense, See KNIGHTS, Page 5
PC North’s Nykaiya
at State Fairgrounds Arena.
- Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com
Crossings Christian’s Braden Buckingham splits the Fort Gibson defense for an easy basket during their Class 4A quarterfinal game at State Fair Arena.
- Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com
Rockets cruise past Rockets
Scoring two runs each in the fifth and sixth innings, the Mount St. Mary baseball team pulled away to secure a 5-1 victory over Fridayland rival Crossings Christian last Saturday.
Jefferson Hodge battled 3-for-4 with a run and Sam Grayson went 3-for-3 to lead the undefeated Rockets (60).
Will Grayson recorded two hits and scored twice, while Harry Tesio belted a 2-run double and Rylan Kuklinski drove in another run.
Pitcher Jackson Miller went the distance on the mound, recording 10 strikeouts and allowing just a run on 9 hits over seven innings.
Carson Baugh paced Crossings Christian
with a 3-for-4 performance at the plate and drove in a run. Eli Channel collected 2 hits and Brayden Ayala contributed a double for the Knights (2-5).
Pitcher Kaden Winstroer surrendered 3 runs on 7 hits and struck out 5 over 5 innings in the setback.
Following spring break, Mount St. Mary is set to host Plainview this Monday and Crossings Christian entertains Jones.
ANTLERS RUN OVER ENID
Capitalizing on 6 errors, Deer Creek cruised to a 10-2 win at Enid last Thursday in the final game before spring break.
Jake Ludlam and Tristan Tomlin led the way with 2 hits each, as both doubled and Tomlin scored twice for the Antlers (3-2).
Connor Atkinson singled and scored a run, while Drew Lykes
Cyclones swing to title at Ardmore
With four players in the top 10, including the individual champion, the Casady boys golf team captured the Ardmore Spring Shootout title last week.
Jack Lee carded a 4-over par round of 75 at Lakeview Golf Club to claim individual medalist honors by three strokes for the Cyclones.
Teammates Ethan Evans and Jack Barber tied for fourth with rounds of 80, and Michael FitzSimons was 2 shots back in seventh place.
IRISH CLAIM 3RD AT BULLDOG INV.
Keyed by a trio of players in the top 10, the McGuinness boys finished third and Deer Creek took 13th at the Edmond Memorial Bulldog Invitational.
belted a double and scored twice and Mason Phillips drove in 2 runs.
Pitcher Grant Adams allowed two runs on five hits and struck out two over 6 winnings for the victory.
Deer Creek hosts Piedmont this Monday and visits the Wildcats on Tuesday.
CHARGERS SHUT OUT KINGFISHER
Plating 5 runs in the third inning, Heritage Hall dominated Kingfisher in a 9-0 shutout victory last Thursday afternoon.
Rhett Davis batted 2for-2 and drove in a run, as Whit Thomas belted a triple and Andrick Golden added a double for the Chargers (3-1).
Pitcher Matthew Kalcich tossed a 2-hit shutout over 4 innings and recorded 7 strikeouts in the win.
Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Ryan McClanahan fired a 36-hole total of 145 (73-72) at River Oaks Golf Club in OKC to place fourth in the standings for the Irish.
Aiden Lozano (81-71) and Ben Jones (72-80) recorded rounds of 152 in a tie for ninth place.
Deer Creek’s Will Allen recorded a 165 (82-83) to lead the Antlers in 39th place.
IRISH GIRLS TAKE 3RD AT 5A STATE PREVIEW
The McGuinness girls boasted four athletes in the top 25 on the way to a third-place finish at the Class 5A State Preview tournament.
Caroline Regier fired a round of 85 at Lincoln Park in OKC to take eighth place. Taylor French finished three shots back in a tie for 12th, while Grace McDaniel claimed 15th with a 90 and Brianna Rivera tied for 21st at 94.
Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Irish, Panthers, Rockets end seasons in quarters
The McGuinness, PC North and Mount St. Mary boys basketball teams saw their seasons end in state tournament quarterfinal games last week at State Fair Arena.
The Irish fell behind early and never recovered in a 68-39 loss to No. 2-seed Douglass last Wednesday in a 4A quarterfinal.
Cooper Bradley scored a team-best 14 points in the setback, as McGuinness finished the season with a 20-10 record.
Hudson McCormick collected 9 points, while Brody Parks grabbed 7 points and Timothy Ososanya chipped in 4 points.
PC North endured a 52-49 setback against Broken Arrow in a 6A quarterfinal on Tuesday at State Fair Arena. The Panthers ended their season with a 19-
KNIGHTS
From Page 4
back-and-forth battle from start to finish.
Weatherford initially jumped out to a ninepoint lead at halftime, but Crossings Christian answered with an 11-4 run in the third quarter, narrowing the gap and setting up a thrilling final period.
Senior guard Cal Furnish paced Crossings with 17 points and Braden Buckingham added 12 points as the Knights finished with a 27-4 record.
Rylen Sykes contributed 9 points, while
10 record.
Meanwhile, Mount St. Mary drew a tough first-round opponent in the 4A tournament.
The Rockets (21-11), which had won six
Cam Parker and Coleman Ridley had 3 points each.
Furnish and Buckingham were named to the All-Tournament team.
Crossings Christian earned its eighth trip to state in 10 seasons over three different classifications (3A, 4A and 5A).
On Friday, the Knights dominated second-ranked Douglass in a 73-54 victory after battling through six power outage delays and a nearly 4-hour game time.
Their win broke a string of losing in the state semifinals for three straight seasons.
straight playoff games through consolation rounds to make state, fell 73-49 to eventual state champion Weatherford in Wednesday’s quarterfinal.
“It was exhausting,” Schenk told FRIDAY “We had to sustain momentum through all the delays and we were on the court for nearly 4 hours.”
Buckingham led a quartet in double figures with 25 points, followed by Furnish with 19 points, Sykes with 14 points and Parker with 10 points. Crossings Christian opened the state tournament with a 62-46 win against Fort Gibson on Wednesday, led by Buckingham with 17 points.
Sykes grabbed 14 points, as Sykes scored 9 points and Furnish added 7 points.
McGuinness’ Hudson McCormick sets up the Irish offense during a Class 4A quarterfinal game against Douglass last Wednesday at State Fair Arena.
- Photo by Richard Clifton,
CALENDAR
FESTIVALS
March 29 • K9 Veterans Day
Southern Nazarene University (SNU), in conjunction with the NW OKC Chamber, is hosting this year’s National K9 Veterans Day Celebration on Saturday, March 29. K9 Veterans Day is a national holiday designed to honor all dogs who have served in our nation’s military. The event is free to the public and is scheduled from 10 am to 2 pm at the new Ron Clark Dog Park, located on McMillan Ave. in Bethany. Enjoy various vendors and activities, including sponsor Hefner Road Animal Hospital. The event will also feature Veteran resources, support, and career services, Bethany Animal Shelter Adopta
Dog, a dog demonstra
tion, and a K
9 Veter
ans Day Ceremony. Bring your dog to enjoy Bethany's new dog park and help us honor our nation’s fourlegged heroes!
CONCERTS
March 25 • Color Spectrum Brightmusic Chamber Ensemble presents its Mae Ruth Swanson Memorial Concert, 7:30 pm at the First Baptist Church of OKC. Visit brightmusic.org for details.
FUNDRAISERS
April 12 • BBQ, Boots & Brew DDENT’s 2nd Annual
March 29 • Best In Ten Carpenter Square Theatre announces “Best In Ten” an annual event that presents theatre, music, and community celebration. The play festival and fundraiser will take place on Saturday, March 29, at 7:10 pm at 1009 W Reno Ave. Free valet parking will be provided. Local actors will perform in the staged readings of the win
ning plays, including one of the guests of honor. In addition to the plays, there will be live musical performances by Lisa Reagan Love, Amanda Lee, and Jeremy Small. There will also be a silent auction, and food from some of OKC’s local restaurants. A cash bar will also be available to guests throughout the night. Tickets for Best In Ten are priced at $50 per person and can be purchased online at carpentersquare.com or by calling 4052326500. Proceeds from the event will directly support Carpenter Square Theatre’s ongoing efforts to bring highquality, thoughtprovoking theatre to Oklahoma City audiences.
BBQ, Boots & Brew fundraising competitions are happening again on April 12 at The Barn at the Woods, 4375 NW 178th St. in Edmond from 5 – 8:30 pm. Tickets are $60 each. Enjoy BBQ, beer, entertainment, live auction and a 50/50 raffle. DDENT will be honoring many great dental professionals for their generosity in 2024. Put on your jeans and boots for a great “boot scootin” event. Visit ddentok. org for tickets and info.
THIS WEEKEND
March 2123 • Red Earth Festival Join Red Earth for their 39th Annual Red Earth Festival, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Experience the artistic creations of celebrated Native artists, with special presentations of tribal dance,
demonstrations, and lectures throughout the weekend. General admission is $15 per person, and includes entrance to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Red Earth Festival activities. Visit RedEarth.org to purchase tickets and for additional information about scheduled events and activities
OKC THUNDER
HOME GAMES
Paycom Center
100 West Reno Ave.
Wed., March 19 • Philadelphia 76ers
7:00 pm
Friday, March 21 • Charlotte Hornets
7:00 pm Thurs., March 27 • Memphis Grizzlies
7:00 pm Sat., March 29 • Indiana Pacers
7:00 pm Monday, March 31 • Chicago Bulls
Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com
TheOklahoma Cine Latino
Oklahoma Cine
Latino Film Festival returns to Historic Capitol Hill this weekend to celebrate its 11th anniversary. Cine Latino is Oklahoma’s only film festival dedicated to Latino culture and Spanish language films. The festival lasts two days and features films from across Latin America and right here in Oklahoma. It is a true celebration of film infused with great music, delicious food, and a little dancing.
Cine Latino kicks-off this Friday night at the Yale Theater (227 SW 25th) with an Opening Night Party and several short film premieres. Doors open at 5:00 pm and the show starts at 6:00 pm, but people continue to arrive throughout the evening until 11:00 pm. Since the films are shown separately, with interviews and music between, it is easy for audience members to arrive and depart at their convenience.
The vibe on Opening Night is casual and fun, but the attire is a little dressy. Latino filmmakers travel from around the world to show their films, mingle with guests, and network with Oklahoma filmmakers, producers, investors, and actors. They usually dress for success on the Red Carpet.
Cine Latino will premiere fourteen short films on Friday night,
all 5 – 20 minutes long. Several of those filmmakers will attend the screenings and offer a quick hosted discussion after their film.
Saturday, March 22, the festival moves to the Capitol Hill Library (327 SW 27th) for a free afternoon of short film screenings from 12:00 –5:00 pm. Nine films will be featured and the dress is casual.
The festival continues Saturday night from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at the recently revamped venue Resonant Head (400 SW 25th) with a filmmakers panel and two closing night films. The filmmakers panel is presented by the Oklahoma City Film and Creative Industries. The films include Actos Por Partes, a 16minute comedy that has won audience awards at several international festivals, and February, a 49-minute comedy about a Mexican immigrant learning to ice fish in Wisconsin.
Oklahoma Cine Latino Film Festival was founded by award-winning filmmaker and Army combat veteran Rogelio Almeida. Almeida won Best Oklahoma
Film at deadCenter in 2010 and participated in several Oklahoma film festivals. Eventually, he recognized the need for Latino filmmakers to have their own platform, where they can create Spanish language films and share their stories with Spanish speaking audiences. Almeida launched Cine Latino Film Festival in 2015. He then created the OKCINE Film Institute, a free, 6week film education program for local high school students that teaches them the basics of filmmaking. He cohosts the session with local universities like OCU and OCCC to introduce the high school students to local film programs. Almeida continues to serve as the festival director for Cine Latino while working full time at the University of Central Oklahoma.
On Opening Night, I will serve as the English-speaking emcee alongside my Spanishspeaking co-host, Catalina Beltran. Beltran is an actress, producer, and entrepreneur, originally from Colombia, who won the “Hero” Award for her work with the Latino Community Development Agency. Beltran was also the Spanish-language narrator for the Edith Head exhibition at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
Calm Waters Under the Big Top Event promises to inspire and delight
April 11, at 6:00 pm the Oklahoma City Farmers Public Market will be transformed into an adults-only carnival benefitting Calm Waters. Under the Big Top, presented by Heartland, takes center stage with circus acts, carnival games, elevated carnival fare and an open bar. Tickets are on sale now at calmwaters.org.
Guests are encouraged to embrace their inner child while raising critical operating funds to support Calm Waters, a member agency of the United Way of Central Oklahoma. Calm Waters provides support to children and families in their grief journey caused by death, divorce or other significant loss. The funds raised are essential for the Calm Waters’ programs impacting over 8,000 children and their families each year through grief and divorce support groups at Calm Waters Center; support groups in 17 school districts for children learning to cope with death, divorce, deployment, deportation, incarceration and foster/adoptive care; and through the counseling and consultation clinic, coparenting seminars and grief support groups for incarcerated Oklahomans.
delight and inspire every guest with high-flying entertainment and stories of hope,” said Linda Maisch, Calm Waters CEO.
“Under the Big Top is every adult’s dream fundraiser! Where else can you watch aerialists and stilt walkers, be mesmerized by a magician and win prizes at carnival games while enjoying cocktails and raising critical funds for a good cause? Our goal is to
When looking for the perfect emcee for the event, Calm Waters turned to KOCO-TV’s Jordan Ryan. Jordan is a devoted mother, wife, and proudly considers herself an adopted Okie. Jordan feels deeply called to work in local television because of its significance and potential impact. She believes it’s essential to keep Oklahomans informed about what’s happening in their communities, while also asking tough questions and holding people accountable. But perhaps most importantly, she considers it a privilege to highlight the incredible
achievements of people throughout the state.
“Jordan’s passion both for our community and Calm Waters’ mission paired with her jubilant personality made her the perfect choice as emcee. We couldn’t be more delighted that she’s joining us and know it will be an evening to remember,” said Maisch.
Tickets to Under the Big Top are available starting at $100 and include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Visit calmwaters.org or call (405)841-4800 for more information or to purchase tickets. A limited number of sponsorships starting at $500 are still available. Contact Linda Maisch at linda@calmwaters.org for more information.
NEWVIEW
From Page 1
everything they offer to people with vision loss,” Bohanon shared.
Adding to the evening’s extraordinary lineup, world-renowned jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker, who has been blind since birth, performs. The night before, Whitaker will lead a master class at the University of Central Oklahoma, inspiring young musicians from the Oklahoma School for the Blind.
While the event is sold out, the campaign has raised nearly $300,000 toward its $500,000 goal to sustain NewView’s essential programs. In 2024, NewView’s clinical services and community programming costs totaled $2.8 million, with only $408,000 covered by insurance— leaving a significant funding gap covered by generous donors.
To support NewView Oklahoma’s vision, go to nvoklahoma.org/donate.
MERCY
From Page 1
and postpartum mental health care. The event is co-chaired by Dr. John Stanley, maternal-fetal medicine specialist, and Dr. Laurie Orme, primary care physician at Mercy Hospital.
Oklahoma currently ranks 47th in maternal mental health, with one in five women experiencing mental health concerns during pregnancy and after childbirth—many of which go undiagnosed and untreated. Mental health remains the leading preventable cause of maternal mortality in the United States.
“As a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, I estimate that nearly 80% of the women I treat are experiencing anxiety or depression,” said Dr. Stan -
ley. “Yet, so many of them suffer in silence without adequate access to care.”
Mercy seeks to address these alarming statistics through a new maternal mental health program designed to support women during and after pregnancy. The program will be implemented in two phases:
• Phase I introduces perinatal and postpartum behavioral health care, as well as outpatient care for substance use disorder.
• Phase II, once additional funding is secured, expands to include an intensive acute care program with on-site childcare, ensuring mothers can receive treatment without barriers.
“Many new mothers struggle with feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, often without realizing that help is
NewView Oklahoma has become the state’s leader in employment, rehabilitation and advocacy for individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Juarez earns masters
Johan Juarez, of Oklahoma City, graduated from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, in fall 2024 with a masters degree in exercise physiology.
Midwestern State University had 472 undergraduate and graduate students in Fall 2024 with the provision that they meet all requirements as prescribed by the faculty and administration. Honor graduates receiving bachelor degrees included 52 summa cum laude, 48 magna cum laude, and 45 cum laude. Honor requirements are a grade point average of 3.94.0 for summa cum laude, 3.7-3.89 for magna cum laude, and 3.5-3.69 for cum laude.
available,” Dr. Orme emphasized. “This silent suffering doesn’t just affect moms in a vacuum. Maternal mental health conditions can have farreaching effects on children, families, and society, including increased healthcare costs and reduced economic productivity.”
With many women in Oklahoma living in both maternal healthcare and mental health deserts, Mercy’s new program also includes virtual care services to bridge these gaps and improve access to essential treatment statewide.
The 2025 Mercy Gala promises to be an enchanting evening filled with purpose, uniting the community to support a critical cause. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available through Mercy Health Foundation’s website.
MARCH MADNESS
in the County Courthouse, room 315, located at 321 Park Ave. before Judge Dishman on the 17 day of April, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for the hearing by mailing said protest to: /s/ Rosa Maria Anaya Perez as next of friend to Julio Cesar Fuerte Jr.
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, March 21, 2025) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2025-549
In the Matter of the Application ) of Jennifer Sriver ) as next of friend of (child) ) Aurora Mae Sriver ) to Change Her/His Name )
NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME
To Whom It May Concern: Take notice that (a) Jennifer Sriver, as next of friend of Aurora Mae Sriver has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a) Aurora Mae Sriver to (b) Avery Mae Sriver; and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Bonner of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 1 day of May, 2025 at 1:30 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 By /s/J. Salas Deputy (SEAL) CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, March 21, 2025)
DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
CV-2025-540
IN RE: The Name of: ) Angelica Michelle Lopez )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Angelica Michelle Lopez has petitioned to change his/her name to Angelica Michelle Serrano. A Hearing on said petition is set for 11:00 o’clock A.M. on the 29 day of May, 2025, before Judge Palumbo in his/her courtroom in the Oklahoma County Courthouse room 809. 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.
RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/Teresa Becker BY DEPUTY (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, March 21, 2025)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
Case NO: PG-2024-997
In the matter of the Guardianship of ) Aalejiah Cooper ) - Canaby ) A Minor Child(ren) )
NOTICE FOR HEARING PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN
You are hereby notified that Brandi Joyner has petitioned this Court to be appointed guardian of the person of the above-named minor(s) and that said Petition will be heard in the court room of Judge Green, Room 315 in the Oklahoma County Courthouse at 321 Park Avenue on the 12 day of May, 2025, at 1:45 o’clock P.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 6 day of March, 2025.
LYDIA Y. GREEN JUDGE OF THE DISTRICT COURT LPXLP
RIVERSIDE, IMPULSE, PRESTIGE LABELS
All pre-1970 Vinyl Many hard-to-find labels, artists and 1st pressing ID catalog numbers 630-852-1110
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, March 14, 2025; Friday, March 21, 2025) OKLAHOMA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LAWS ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE
In accordance with Title 37, Section 522 and Title 37A, Section 2-141 Bella’s Restaurants
County, Oklahoma, 73054 under the
Restaurant.
Dated this 5 day of March, 2025. /s/ Maria E. Garcia Alvarez County of Payne, State of Oklahoma.
Before
and deed.
/s/Anna Harnly, Notary Public (SEAL) State of Oklahoma #24013536 My commission expires 10/29/2028
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, March 21, 2025) NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the City of Nichols Hills will receive sealed bids in the Office of the City Clerk, located at CITY HALL 6407 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, until 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 7th, 2025 for the construction of:
WESTMINSTER PARK PROJECT NO. FC-2501 1800 BLOCK OF WESTMINSTER PLACE
Bids will be publicly opened at 10:00 am on April 7, 2025 at Nichols Hills City Hall. Bidders shall be pre-qualified in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. Bids shall be made in accordance with the Notice to Bidders, Requirements for Bidders, Plans, Specifications, and Bidder’s Proposal, which are on file and available for examination at the Office of the City Clerk in the Municipal Building and are made a part of this notice as fully set forth herein and copy of which may be obtained on a Flash Drive from HFSD, Inc. 3100 NW 149 th St., OKC, OK. 73134 upon a non-refundable payment of $10.00 per Flash Drive. All bids shall remain on file at least forty-eight (48) hours thereafter before a contract shall be made and entered into thereon.
A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held at Nichols Hills Public Works, located at 1009 N.W. 75 th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73116, at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (See INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS for mandatory pre-bid conference requirements.)
Additional information is contained in the Bidding Documents. Bidders must carefully read the Bidding Documents (and addenda, if any) prior to bidding this project.
Dated this 11th day of March, 2025.
Amanda Copeland CITY CLERK
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Name ChaNge
Section 3. Chapter 3 of the Nichols Hills Code, City Fee Schedule, Section 3-3, Fee Schedule, is hereby amended, with the addition of the following fee, with new language underlined, to wit:
Sec. 3-46-18. Meter tampering fee.
……$200.00
Sec. 3-46-18 19—3-46.22. Reserved.
Section 4. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are, to the extent of such conflict, hereby repealed.
Section 5. 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.
Section 6. 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 11th day of March, 2025.
APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 11th day of March, 2025.
ATTEST: E. Peter Hoffman Jr. Mayor Amanda Copeland
Reviewed as to Form and Legality: John Michael Williams City Attorney
ORDINANCE NO. 1276
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 8-58 OF THE NICHOLS HILLS CITY CODE TO ADOPT THE 2023 NATIONAL ELECTIRCAL CODE; REPEALING ALL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. EMERGENCY ORDINANCE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS,
OKLAHOMA:
Section 1. Section 8-58 of the Nichols Hills City Code is hereby amended, with deleted language stricken through and new language underlined, to wit: Sec. 8-58. Adoption of construction-related Codes by reference. The following construction-related codes, as modified and adopted by the State pursuant to the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission, and as further modified by the City by local amendments and Additions as provided in this Chapter, are adopted as though fully set forth in this Chapter. One copy
repealed.
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.
Section 4. EMERGENCY SECTION. WHEREAS,
PASSED by the Council of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 11th day of March, 2025.
APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 11th day of March, 2025.
ATTEST: E. Peter Hoffman Jr. Mayor Amanda Copeland City Clerk
Reviewed as to Form and Legality:
John Michael Williams City Attorney
ORDINANCE NO. 1277
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE NICHOLS HILLS CITY CODE ESTAB-
LISHING A FINE FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ORDINANCE MAKING IT UNLAWFUL TO PERMIT DOGS TO DEFECATE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY OR ON CERTAIN PRIVATE PROPERTY; REPEALING ALL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ORDINANCE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NICHOLS HILLS, OKLAHOMA:
Section 1. Section 6-127 of the Nichols Hills City Code is hereby amended as follows, with new language underlined, to wit: Sec. 6-127. Permitting dogs to defecate on public or certain private Property prohibited; fine
It is unlawful for the Owner, keeper, or Person having control of any dog to permit such dog to defecate upon any Sidewalk, public park, Street, Alley, or other place open to the public, or on private Property without permission of the Owner thereof.
In the event that the Owner, keeper, or Person having control of a dog is unable to prevent the deposit of waste material in violation of this Section, it shall be the duty of such Person to properly dispose of such waste material. Persons in Violation of this Section may be punished by the fine established in the City Fine Schedule.
Section 2. Chapter 14, Courts, Fines and Bonds of the Nichols Hills Code, Section 14-106, Amount and schedule of fines, is hereby amended, with new language underlined, to wit:
Sec. 14-106. Amount and schedule of fines.
Unless directed otherwise by the presiding Municipal Judge, for citations for Violations of this Code, the amount of the fine (inclusive of court costs imposed by Section 14-103 of this Chapter and State-mandated penalty assessments as provided in Title 20 O.S. §§ 1313.2, 1313.3, 1313.4 and other applicable State Law), which may be accepted by the Court Clerk in satisfaction of certain Violations shall be as follows:
Section 3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are, to the extent of such conflict, hereby repealed.
Section 4. 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.
Section 5. EMERGENCY SECTION. WHEREAS, in the
Dated
Deadline
The
Dated this 14th day of March 2025.
Amanda Copeland CITY CLERK
Locally-owned Business Directory
Debbie South Metro First Realty @ Lake Hefner
3232 W Britton Rd, 277 Oklahoma City, OK.73120 (405) 706-9077
Full Circle Bookstore
1900 NW Expressway
Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 842-2900 (800) 683-READ
Junior’s Supper Club
2601 NW Expressway Oil Center Building (405) 848-5597 juniorsokc.com
Boutique One
7636 N. Western
Wilshire Village
Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 888-9822
boutiqueone.store
The Learning Tree 7638 N. Western Wilshire Village (405) 848-1415 learningtreeokc.com
Nancy Farha’s 9205 N. Pennsylvania
Casady Square
The Village, OK 73120 (405) 775-0404 nancyfarha.com
23rd Street Antiques 3023 NW 23rd. (405) 947-3800 Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Antiques23.com
Coyle Law Firm 125 Park Ave. No.100 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 583-3909 coylelaw.com
Gulfport Seafood Market 8016 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-3468 Gulfportseafoods.com
Moorman's Distinctive Carpets and Area Rugs 3835 NW 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4888 moormanscarpetsoklahoma city.com
Naifeh Fine Jewelry 6471 Avondale Dr,. Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 607-4323 Naifehfinejewelry.com
Retirement Investment Advisors 2925 United Founders Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-3443 theretirementpath.com
Thrifty Pharmacy 10904 N. May Ave. L Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 751-2852 230 S. Santa Fe Ave. Edmond OK 73003 thriftypharmacyedmond.com
BancFirst 6200 Waterford Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 270-1622 Bancfirst.bank
First National Bank of Oklahoma 10900 Hefner Pointe Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 848-2001 fnbok.com
CK & Co. 6429 Avondale Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 843-7636 ckandcompany.com
Quail Creek Bank 12201 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-1000 quailcreek.bank
Covenant Brothers 5900 Mosteller Dr. No. 7 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-4671 covbros.com
Justin Beasley, DDS 4600 W Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73142 (405) 755-5400 drbeasley.com
Cindi Shelby, Stylist
Lela Rose & Pearl by Lela Rose 333 W. Wilshire Blvd., Ste. F Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 830-1138
Quail Plaza Barber Shop 10940 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (495) 751-2126
All About Travel, Ltd. 6104 Northwest 63 Oklahoma City, OK 73132 (405) 384-3880 www.allabout-travel.com
Papa Dios 10712 N May, Suite D Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-2255 papadiosokc.com
First Fidelity Bank 6404 Avondale, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 416-2222 Website: ffb.com
Denner Roofing Co. LLC 6608 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4411 dennerroofing.com
First Source Real Estate
Residential Sales 12020 N. Penn Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747 Michael Biddinger Real Estate
Commercial Sales, Management 12020 N. Penn Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 236-4747
The Adult Clinic at Hearts for Hearing 11500 N. Portland Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 548-4335
Christian Science Reading Room 6490 Avondale Drive (Nichols Hills Plaza North) Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 843-5334 christianscienceokc.org
Steam It Klean It LLC Carpet Cleaning PO Box 20232 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 602-4960 Steamitkleanit@gmail.com
Krista Anne’s Boutique 7602 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 310-5500
Paul Seikel Pearls Oyster Bar 5641 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 848-8008 pearlsokc.com
Basey's Roofing Gary Basey 2700 S. May Ave. Okla City, OK 73109 (405)755-8717 baseysroofingjs@gmail.com
Niroula Law 511 Couch Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 496-9250 niroulalaw.com
OKC FRIDAY P.O. Box 20340 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 755-3311 okcfriday.com
Strebel Creek Vineyard & Gift Shop
OPINION OPINION O O UR UR S S TAND TAND
“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.
EMAIL YOUR OPINION to: vicki@okcfriday.com
Technology keeps VillagesOKC members connected
Icy weather did not slow down staff at VillagesOKC. Because of familiarity with digital technology, they didn’t miss a beat.
“Our office was closed,” said VillagesOKC Office Manager Britni Bergman. “But, our technology-savvy seniors made it happen with a Zoom meeting. That’s just one example of how learning and using technology helps keep older adults connected.”
In addition to the use of Zoom and Google Meet to share information virtually, VOKC members have free access to workshops for both Apple and Android mobile devices so they
can make the most of their phones and tablets.
Steve McMaster, a retired senior engineer who led software development projects at Lucent Technologies and the FAA, hosts a monthly Android class. The 90minute class is usually the second Tuesday of the month.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow Android enthusiasts, share your
knowledge, and collaborate on what we’d like to explore in future meetings,” McMaster said. “Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned Android user, you'll leave with new insights, tips, and tricks.”
Jeff Albright, owner of iCan Help, an on-site and in-home Apple Training service, is in his third year of offering iPhone classes at VillagesOKC. Albright is an expert with over 17 years of experience. The class is usually the third Wednesday of the month.
It’s 90 minutes of training and troubleshooting with an expert on any and all Apple devices. Participants are encour-
aged to bring their iPhones or iPads and all their questions. Members may attend this class as many times as they like for free. Non-members are welcome to attend for $20 each class.
“The main reason I love teaching older adults is what I learned at the Apple store when I first got there,” Albright said. “They called them ‘Wow
Dear Wise Elder: I live alone like 41% of all Oklahomans who are 50+. I still enjoy my job and have learned to appreciate my solo freedoms. I loved preparing meals when my husband was living and the children were at home, but my challenge is buying and preparing nutritious food for ONE. Either I fix a meatloaf and get tired of eating on it all week, or I put half in the freezer and forget I have it. Either way, it is a waste. And the frozen prepared options either have too much sodium or are tasteless. Is there a solution? Dear Needing a Solution:
Moments.’ It’s whenever I would teach someone how to do something they had not experienced before or had no clue where to begin. I would enjoy walking them through that in a way that draws them along by their own intuition.”
That’s the experience VOKC member Jim Olson had in the iPhone classes he attended.
You are not the only one, so get together to eat. Get together with friends and each cook your favorite dish and share. Approach a local culinary school requesting a class on tips for buying and Cooking For One. Consider fresh delivered single meals from Factor75 or Mom’s Meals. The key is solving the problem together. Dr. Wendy Suzuki says, “The strongest predictor of quality longevity is the number of daily interactions with people.”
During icy weather earlier this year, VillagesOKC kept in touch using technology.
“He has lots of helpful hints to help use the iPhone better,” Olson said about Albright. “One of the benefits I received from the class is how to save the battery on my phone, which is one of my issues.” Check the VOKC calendar at LoveYourAge.org or call (405) 9906637 for upcoming class dates.
Taking part in the park bench dedication, are, from left: Linda Moore, Mary Blunt, Carri Bell, Michelle Patterson, Pat Rains, Marcia Yanish, Carla Newton, Karla Killinger, Jeffiee Tayar, Susan Howard, Carole Mobley, Deloris Bradford and Dennis Bradford.
DAR dedicates park bench
Members of Colonel John Starke, Sr., local Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter, dedicated an America 250 bench which they donated to The Village in celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary in 2026.
Chapter members braved the chilly, windy weather to gather in remembrance of patriots who sacrificed their lives and fortunes to fight for America’s
independence. Chapter Regent Susan Howard led the dedication ceremony.
The bench now resides in Duffner Park located near the southeast corner of Hefner and North May. The bench was manufactured by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Industries. It’s laser design reads: Daughters of the American Revolution; America 250,
1776-2026, Colonel John Starke, Sr. Chapter.
Colonel John Starke, Sr. is part of Oklahoma Society Daughters of the American and National Society Daughters of the American Revolution which is a 135-year-old national nonpolitical women’s lineage service organization that promotes historic preservation, patriotism and education.
and Ward 4 councilman Braxton Banks Moore clarified to say people with pigmented skin.
During her comments , Moore mentioned the practice of stacking traffic tickets.
City Manager Dave Slezickey said he understands ticket stacking to, “refer to an officer looking for additional violations above and beyond what initiated the contact.”
Moore also said that as a teenage driver she was advised by her parents to avoid driving on Britton Road and Hefner Road in The Village because of the color of her skin. Moore, a 29-year resident of The Village, is the first black person to run for and be elected to a City Council seat in The Village.
“I just wanted to make these statements publicly to get them on the record,” Moore told the council and those in attendance.
Councilwoman Moore did not respond to email questions for this story. She did not file to run for reelection to her Ward 3 seat.
Village Police Chief Russ Landon responded, “I did not attend the meeting and don’t know exactly what was said or discussed,” he said. “I do know that any accusation that our officers’ police with race in mind is false. We hire and train the most capable, community-minded prob -
It’s teens night out at Science Museum
lem-solving men and women we can find and give them the discretions to serve our city.
“I was disappointed that councilwoman Moore chose to speak publicly and in an open meeting before coming to me with any concerns about our personnel or methods,” said Chief Landon. “I believe the public has a right to expect equal policing for all people, regardless of race and I demand competence and professionalism from our members.
“Are we perfect? No. We are moms and dads, brothers and sisters doing our best to protect and serve our citizens,” he said. “I can tell you that we are transparent and open to feedback from the public.”
Chief Landon noted the
Science Museum
Oklahoma is hosting a special teen-only event, SMOTeens on March 29, 7-10 p.m.
The event, created by Teens for Teens, offers a night of independence and
countless meetings, tours, Citizen’s Police Academies and other engagements and interactions the department has with residents.
“As one of the few fullaccredited police departments in the state we have a robust policy manual,” he added. “Our manual includes a Bias-Based Policing Policy that we receive regular training on.
“Our officers read and agree to abide by that policy and our supervisors agree to monitor those under their command for compliance with the policy,” he said. “Additionally, all our members participate in regular diversity training and protect with equity as part of their duties and have for many years. We do our best to make it clear that bias-
science exploration. Organized by participants in the museum’s Teen Apprentice Program, the evening is designed to allow teenagers to experience the museum
based policing is strictly prohibited.”
Chief Landon noted that nearly 80,000 motorists drive through The Village every day and said, “We encourage our officers to educate the public and enforce traffic laws to protect people that commute through our city. We conduct approximately 600 traffic stops every month and issue more warnings than we do citations.
“I’m unclear what Ms. Moore meant by ‘stacking’ violations,” he said. “If she is inferring that we would issue a driver citations for speeding, having an expired tag, cracked windshield, darkly tinted windows, broken taillight or a variety of other semi-meaningless violations in order to ‘stack’ multiple citations that would be incorrect.
“It makes me sad that councilwoman Moore was told to avoid driving on Britton and Hefner Roads in The Village because of the color of her skin,” he added. “I began working as a police officer in The Village in 1991 and was never told to stop a vehicle or person or enforce traffic laws based on the color of a person’s skin.
“Does racism exist in this world? Yes. It is 2025 and I would hope that there has never been less of it,” he said.
“I believe all lives matter and Black lives are as valuable, worthy and precious as any other life we encounter.
“I am sorry that councilwoman Moore heard any -
thing to the contrary and I’m glad she still chose to live and raise a family in The Village,” he added. “I’m also grateful for her service on our council and wish her the best in her future service to the public.”
City Manager Dave Slezickey said he has attended many sessions of municipal court during his more than 20 years of local government. He said there are primarily three types of individuals who appear at court. The first are those who want to argue their case against the citation or plead not guilty. The second are those who want to set up a payment plan and the third are those who seek the mercy of the court or a reduction in charges or fines or fees.
“I took Melodie’s comment as an observation that she made while attending court on that occasion and I did not take it as a comment that reflects the activity of TVPD, nor the responses or contacts, or warnings or citations issued,” said Slezickey. “My observations of Judge Danny White are that he is fair and applies common sense at every opportunity.
“I would really need more information regarding Ms. Moore’s comment on her parents telling her to avoid The Village when she started driving,” he said. “They may have had a traumatic experience that impacted them and influenced their advice to her. I did not take her comments from decades ago to be aligned with current operations of TVPD.”
after hours with their peers. While a designated lounge is to be available for parents who choose to stay, teens will have the opportunity to explore the museum without parents or younger siblings.
Tickets are just $15 for members and $20 for non-members and can be purchased online at SMO.org/smoteens.
The event coincides with the muse -
um’s Teen Apprentice Program application period, which runs from March 15 to April 15. Applicants for the special program can visit SMO.org /apprentices to apply.
MELODIE MOORE Village Vice Mayor
RUSS LANDON Village Police Chief
Gala benefits Casady School
Pictured with the 1973 VW Karmann Ghia up for auction is the Casady Parents’ Organization Piano Lounge Committee, from left: CPO President Kelsey Jennings, CPO President-Elect Paula Thomas, Andrea Pennoyer, Ivy Pierce, Macy Davis, Polly Kranz, Piano Lounge Co-Chairman Katharine Regens, Amy Whitaker, Kenzie Keyes, Hooria Suhaib, Piano Lounge Chairman Merrick Fitzgerald, Emmi Kobs, Taylor Orndorff, Natalie Fowler and Lauren Orthwein. Committee member not pictured is Melissa Smith-Johnson.
Urvashi Saha, Dr. Ruchi Sachdev, Hooria Suhaib, Shay Jafri-Rizvi and Laura Blakewell-Jordan.
Above: Sumbai Nabi and Aamir Nawaz. At left: Leslie and Lance Griffin.
