OKC FRIDAY
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Serving affluent far north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills and The Village for 51 years
B UBBLES & B LOOMS
Police nab burglary suspects in minutes
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
Police in Nichols Hills nabbed two separate burglars who broke into homes within two days of each other while the homeowners slept in their beds. Nichols Hills police were on the scene within minutes on both calls.
“It’s unusual for us to have two first degree burglaries just days apart,” said Nichols Hills Police Chief Steven Cox. “These calls were not related in any nature other than the type of crime.”
In both instances the police apprehended the suspect quickly.
The first incident happened at 1:30 p.m. on March 24 when officers received a report of someone breaking into a residence in the 1700 block of NW 63. The homeowner was home at the time of the break-in, but was confined to bed.
The second break-in occurred at 4:41 a.m. on March 26 when an intruder entered a home in the 6900 block of Avondale through an unlocked door.
“The victim of the March 24 incident reported he was sleep-
Anoatubby to receive Hope Award
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby has been named Upward Transitions’ 2025 centennial Inspiring Hope Award recipient.
The award presentation takes place May 9, during the organization’s annual fundraising event, American Tourist: A Centennial Celebration, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City.
Bill Anoatubby’s leadership as governor of the Chickasaw Nation has been a beacon of compassion, particularly in his commitment to serving the less fortunate. Under his tenure, the Chickasaw Nation
ing and woke up after hearing a noise to find an unknown male standing in his bedroom,” the police report said. “He yelled at the person to leave and fortunately he complied and left the residence.”
The report says the suspect kicked the front door several times before he was able to defeat the locks. Officers received a description of the suspect, and began to canvass the area looking for the suspect, witnesses, and surveillance cameras.
See NHILLS, Page 7
Terror in America’s heartland: 30 years ago
A look back, look forward
By Charles H. Van Rysselberge, CCE, IOM Special to OKC FRIDAY
April 19, 2025, the 30th anniversary of a terrorist's bomb that killed 168 people in America's Heartland. However, the bombing did not kill the spirit of the citizens of Oklahoma City who impressed the world with their courage and resiliency — and the Oklahoma Standard was born!
The fourth floor of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce building is where I was, when the explosion went off with such force, that I thought it was an earthquake. It wasn’t an earthquake, as all the world would soon know, but it was a terrorist bomb that destroyed half of OKC’s Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, four blocks away, where 550 people worked and 20 small children attended day care.
As head of the Oklahoma City Chamber, at that particular time, one of my first thoughts was to get to the site of the explosion. But police stopped me less than a block from the federal building and when I returned to my office, I was told we would have to evacuate because of possible gas leaks downtown.
None of us knew how high the death toll would ultimately climb. But judging from the severity of the explosion, the news was sure to be bad. To make matters worse, scores of businesses were crippled and journalists from all over the world were about to descend on Oklahoma City, making it clear that at a time when we were hurting, with our infrastructure at its worst, we somehow needed to be at our best.
What is amazing, judging from what I saw and heard, at that time, is that I think we were definitely at our best! In fact, the term, the Oklahoma Standard, was coined as a result of that period!
The bomb went off at 9:02 a.m. on the morning of April 19, 1995, and within 24 hours our Chamber of Commerce had set up a news
See OKC, Page 10
FRIDAY’s
has focused on providing essential services to those in need, including expanding healthcare, offering educational scholarships, and creating economic opportunities for marginalized communities. His administration placed a strong emphasis on uplifting individuals and families facing hardships, fostering an environment where hope and support are readily accessible.
The Chickasaw Nation’s generosity has been especially transformative for organizations like Upward Transitions, which works to preserve housing for families
See AWARD, Page 7
Dog of the Week
This is Jasmine. She just turned 11years-old but still acts like she is three. She spends most of her days snoozing and cuddling with her humans (Sara, Brad and sisters Abby, Hannah and Lydia Cage) when she can. With the warmer weather, she has been taking lots of walks with one of her human sisters and playing ball everyday after school.
Email Pet of the Week submissions with complete descriptions to: rose@okcfriday.com.
Amy and Roy Bankhead are greeted by a car trunk of flowers as they arrive at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s Bubbles & Blooms cocktail party supporting the museum’s Art in Bloom exhibit. OKCMOA’s sixth annual Art in Bloom featured floral sculpture interpretations of works from our permanent collection, all crafted by designers from across the state.
- Photo by Rose Lane
Distinguished Service Awards honor those who help improve environment
The Oklahoma City Beautiful Distinguished Service Awards recognize businesses, organizations and individuals who have helped improve the beauty and environmental health of Oklahoma City. The individuals and groups being honored represent those in Oklahoma City working to create a more beautiful and sustainable community.
Science Museum Oklahoma received the Mayor’s Award for its sustainability features, including grounds’ pollinator areas, composting program, water reuse system, recycling efforts and more. Museum President and CEO Sherrie Marshall, center, accepts the award from Mayor’s Chief of Staff Bailey Siber and OKC Beautiful Board President Marla Freeman.
Above: Linda Horn is the recipient of the Morrison Graham Tucker Award. She is presented with the honor by Suzanne Tucker. At left: Lisa Synar presents Christian Keesee with the Pendleton Woods Lifetime Achieve Award. As chairman of the Kirkpatrick Foundation and president of the Kirkpatrick Family Fund, Keesee has been instrumental in supporting a wide range of community service efforts in Oklahoma.
Leslie Caldwell and Kelli VanderMass accept the President’s Special Recognition Award from Trinity Norwood on behalf of International Interior Design Association (IIDA) & Scott Rice. Concerned about the amount of waste created in the interior design industry, the IIDA launched an annual Zero Landfill event, where they collect discarded samples from the year and provide for free back to the community.
Above: Bailey Siber and Dr. Mucki Wright accept the Community Spirit Award on behalf of OKC’s Sister Cities Chapter for the art piece “Connections: Oklahoma City’s Global Family” at OKC Will Rogers International Airport. This three-dimensional multimedia installation not only beautifies the airport, but also shows the connection to OKC’s Sister Cities around the globe.
Allen Parleir is presented the Visionary Award by Fenton Rood. Allen has been an incredible champion of environmental stewardship, waste reduction, production of organic produce and creation of pollinator habitat in Oklahoma City.
Jordon Davis and Steve Petty receive the Aubrey McClendon Corporate Award for the Lynn Institute Community Garden at Expand Energy. Launched in 2023, this garden is intended to provide a fresh produce source for neighbors in need of access to healthy foods.
Receiving the Rookie Award is Allen Parleir. He is the vice president of the board of OKC Beautiful.
- Photos by Carl Shortt
Winning Entries
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Coloring above by Brynn Baumann, age 10
SOCCER ROUNDUP
Knights roll to sweep of Kingfisher
Jumping out to early leads, both Crossings Christian boys and girl soccer teams cruised to a sweep over Kingfisher last Friday night.
Gracie Mazza paced the Knight girls (7-2) with 5 goals and goalkeeper Olivia Taylor recorded 6 saves in a 50 shutout victory.
The Knight boys (63) also cruised to an 8-3 win over the Yellowjackets.
Kaden Laisle has netted a team-best 19 goals and 14 assists so
far this season. Harrison Daniels recorded 7 goals and 5 assists, while Charlie Cook added 5 goals and 10 assists.
On Tuesday, Layni Kositzky scored 2 goals in helping the Crossings girls to a 9-0 triumph at Crooked Oak. The boys squad, however, endured a 3-1 loss to the Ruffnex.
Crossings Christian hosts Fridayland rival Mount St. Mary this Tuesday.
OKLAHOMA CITY FRIDAY
Publication No. (USPS 893-600)
PHONE 405-755-3311 • 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, P.O. 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 $35. elsewhere in Oklahoma $45, elsewhere U.S. $45. Newsstand price $1.
Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: FRIDAY, P.O. Box 20340, Okla. City, OK 73156.
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CHARGERS DOWN ELK CITY
Three different players scored at least two goals each, as the Heritage Hall boys rolled to a 9-3 victory at Elk City last week.
Alex Alspaugh, Jonathan Carter and David Griffin netted 2 goals for the Chargers (4-0). Caysen Argo chipped in a goal and team-high 3 assists, while Noah Ragozzino had a goal and 2 assists.
The Charger girls (31) also secured a 7-2 triumph against the Elks.
Heritage Hall hosts Newcastle this Tuesday and visits Harding Charter Prep on Thursday.
ANTLERS GET PAST MOORE
Deer Creek swept both games last week, including victories over Moore and at Friday-
land rival PC North. Luke Sullvan scored 3 goals and goalkeeper Declan Brewer recorded 6 saves in a 2-0 win against the Lions.
Sullivan also collected 2 goals, with Connor Stephens and Cade Lorenz adding the others for the Antlers (7-2) in a 4-0 decision over the Panthers (2-8).
The Antler girls (5-1) also won twice, including 2-0 against Moore and 10-0 at the Panthers (2-8).
Both squads entertain Edmond North this Tuesday.
IRISH SHUT OUT CARL ALBERT
The McGuinnes boys enjoyed a big week, as the Irish didn’t allow a goal in a pair of shutout wins over Carl Albert and Western Heights.
Beckett Crandall and Joseph Coats netted 2
GOLF ROUNDUP
Crossings Christian’s Kaden Laisle boasts a teambest 19 goals and 14 assists in helping the Knights to a 6-3 record after an 8-3 win over Kingfisher.
goals each for McGuinness (6-2) in a 6-0 win over the Titans.
Bernard Jones and Cristian Escobar also found the back of the net.
Cesar Fierro scored
twice and Crandall added a goal in 3-0 triumph against the Jets. The Irish host Elk City this Tuesday. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Irish’s McClanahan take title at Carl Albert
In cool, blustery conditions, McGuinness’ Ryan McClanahan carded a 1-under par round of 71 at John Conrad in Midwest City to claim the individual championship last Monday at the Carl Albert Invitational.
McClanahan’s victory also helped the Irish boys to third place in the team standings. Harris Greene was the only other player inside the top 25 as he recorded a round of 80 to finish in a tie for 23rd place.
Meanwhile, the Casady boys finished in a tie for 11th place as Michael FitzSimons carded an 81 in a tie for 27th place.
CHARGERS TAKE 3RD AT PLAINVIEW
Keyed by three players in the top 25, the Heritage Hall boys placed third at the Plainview Invitational.
Ben Lathrop recorded a 36-hole total of 145 (73-72) at Dornick Hills in Ardmore to tie for third in the individual standings.
Teammates Nate Seres and
Everett Strickland carded identical rounds of 153 (79-74) in a tie for 11th place for the Chargers.
Crossings Christian took sixth place in the team standings, as William Bishop joined Seres and Strickland in 11th place with a 153 (79-74) and Jackson Magness tied for 23rd place at 5 shots back.
CHARGERS’ GROSS 2ND AT 4A STATE PREVIEW
Battling windy conditions and a tough course, Heritage Hall’s Gabriella Gross carded a round of 80 at Shawnee Country Club to claim runner-up for individual medalist honors at the Class 4A Girls State Preview tournament.
Leah Smith finished just outside the top 25 in 26th place for the Charger girls, who finished eighth as a team.
In other preview action, the McGuinness girls also placed eighth at the 5A Regional Preview. Taylor French shot 94 at Oak Hills in Ada to tie for 19th place.
- Photo by Caleb Williams, photosbycaleb.com
Rockets take down Sulphur
Lifted by a barrage of 3 home runs, the Mount St. Mary baseball team ran away with a 9-5 triumph at Sulphur last Monday afternoon.
Cord Brown belted a 3-run home run in the fifth inning and Harry Tesio added a solo home run in the sixth inning to lead the Rockets (17-7). Jefferson Hodge rounded out the trio with another solo round-tripper in the third inning.
Will Grayson also provided a double and drove in a run.
Pitcher Parker Hayes allowed 4 runs on six hits and struck out 6 over 4 innings.
Mount St. Mary hosts OCS this Monday and visits the Saints on
Tuesday.
ANTLERS EDGE CHOCTAW
Deer Creek scored a pair of runs without a hit in the bottom of the fifth inning to secure a 2-0 triumph over Choctaw on Monday.
Jake Ervin and Ryan Hubble accounted for both hits as Ervin and Joseph Bertsch scored runs for the Antlers (11-10).
Pitcher Connor Atkinson surrendered just 3 hits and recorded 5 strikeouts in the complete-game victory.
Deer Creek entertains Lawton Eisenhower this Monday and makes the return trip on Tuesday.
CYCLONES SHUT OUT ANADARKO
Erupting for 17 hits, Casady jumped out to an early lead and
cruised to a 19-0 victory at Anadarko last Monday afternoon.
Henry Lewis batted 4-for-4 with a double, triple and 2 runs scored to go along with 4 RBIs for the Cyclones (8-6).
Cade Vesta and Josef Pikula collected 3 hits and 3 RBIs each, as Vesta scored twice and Pikula recorded a double and scored 3 more runs.
Lewis also picked up the pitching victory, striking out 6 and allowing just a hit over 3 innings.
Casady hosts Lindsay this Monday and makes the return trip to Lindsay on Tuesday.
KNIGHTS GET PAST PERRY
Crossings Christian plated a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame to escape with a 5-3 win over the Maroons.
Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Antlers girls net 1st at Santa Fe
Taking at least third place or better in all four divisions, the Deer Cree girls tennis team captured the Jon Hanson Invitational championship at Edmond Santa Fe.
Claire Hopkins recorded a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Stillwater’s Kate Beck to win the No. 1 singles title.
Rowan Ochs and Addison Pairesis claimed a runner-up finish in No. 1 doubles for the Antlers.
Aubrey King outlasted Santa Fe’s Paul Godina in straight sets for third place in No. 2 singles, while Emma Evans and Cambelle Harris also had a straight set win over Yukon to take third in No. 2 doubles.
The Antler boys also boasted a fourth-place finish or better in all four positions at Santa Fe.
Nate Woody delivered a 6-3, 6-0 triumph over Piedmont’s Nathan Allen to capture the No. 2 singles title.
Both doubles teams grabbed third place, with Haaris Sattar and Evan Rollins in No. 1 doubles and Evan
Norman and Jack Shipley in No. 2 doubles.
Jett Sewell finished fourth in No. 1 singles for Deer Creek.
CHARGER GIRLS WIN AT ADA INVITATIONAL
The Heritage Hall girls boasted victories in No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles on the way to the team title at the Ada Invitational.
Jasmine Crain posted a 6-4, 6-3 win over Bixby’s Caelle Cox for the No. 1 singles title.
Tokara Henderson and Hattie Bradford teamed up for the No. 1 doubles crown over Bixby.
Ellie Nasr suffered a straight set loss to Ava Slater of Bixby to take second in No. 2 singles.
Avery Shouse and Ainsley Trice brought home a third-place trophy on No. 2 doubles.
Owen Fellrath led the Charger boys with a No. 1 singles title.
Cyclones boys claim 3rd at Chisholm Invitational
Keyed by a trio of event champions, along with a strong showing in the relays, the Casady boys track team finished third and the girls took fourth at the Chisholm Invitational last week.
Jude Dunlevy and Helen Olszewski collected two gold medals each to lead the way.
Dunlevy swept the hurdle events for the Cyclone boys, capturing the 110-meter hurdles in 15.88 seconds and the 300 hurdles in 42.56 seconds. He also claimed third place in the 100 meters and fifth in the 200 meters.
Olszewski earned a pair of gold medals the sprint events, winning the 100 meters in 12.39 seconds and the 200 meters in 25.08 seconds.
Hope Fahler rounded out the group with the 1600-meter title in 5:38.12.
Ayden Kerr picked up a silver medal in the 800 meters missing first by just over twoand-a-half seconds in 2:06.96 with teammate Beckham Kerr crossing in third place.
Sam Rhoades and Mason McCallister also claimed bronze medals, as Rhoades finished third in the 1600 meters and McCallister in the 3200 meters.
For the Cyclone girls, Eva Scheer placed third in the 3200 meters and Helen Olszewski garnered fourth in the 400 meters.
In addition, the Casady girls won the 4-by-400 relay in
4:08.81 and were third in the 4-by-100 relay. The boys captured second in the 4-by-800 and third in the 4-by400 relays.
IRISH TAKE 4TH AT BRISTOW
Both McGuinness squads boasted nearly two dozen athletes in the top 5 as they finished fourth at the Darold Ritchie Invitational last week in Bristow.
Five different athletes, including AceLynn Tucker, Oliver Gumerson, Kinsley Brown, Anna Willis and Nick House, earned silver medals for the Irish.
Tucker led the way with a runner-up finish in the 400 meters, following by Gumerson in the 3200 meters, Brown in the 100meter hurdles, Willis in the 300 hurdles, and House in the shot put.
London Tietsort became one of a quartet to pick up bronze medals, taking third in the 800 meters.
Vincent Desrochers also finished third in the 800 meters, with Preston Sullivan in the 300 hurdles and Luke Doley in the high jump.
In addition, both boys and girls teams claimed third place in the 4-by-800 relay.
Others in the top 5 included: 400 meters –Luke Worthington, 5th; 800 meters –Aaron Vorghese, 5th; 1600 meters – Joseph Hoch, 4th; 3200 meters – Franny Santos, 4th; James Schulz, 4th; Luke Bryan, 5th; Cam-
ryn Kanaly, 5th; Pole vault – Kendall Brown, 4th; Cameron Maberry, 4th; Kennedy Brown, 5th; Shot put – Tom Watts, 4th.
CHARGER
GIRLS 5TH AT CARL ALBERT
Thanks to a trio of athletes in the top 5, the Heritage Hall girls claimed fifth and the boys tied for eighth at the 53rd Annual Titan Invitational last week at Carl Albert in Midwest City.
Addy Washington earned a pair of medals to lead the Chargers, finishing second in the high jump and third in the 100-meter hurdles.
Teammate Graham Murphy and John Mashall’s James Allen collected gold medals at Carl Albert.
Murphy cleared 6foot-6 to win the high jump title and took fifth in the long jump.
Allen escaped with a tenth-second victory in the 100 meters in 10.69 seconds and grabbed third in the 200 meters for the Bears.
In addition, Heritage Hall’s Sloane Travis placed fourth in the 1600 meters and fifth in the 800 meters, and Coral Grimmett garnered fourth in the 3200 meters.
Harrison Murphy claimed fourth in the 300 hurdles and Landon Gaske tied for fourth in the pole vault, while John Marshall’s Zuo Kpogba tied for fifth in the high jump.
CALENDAR
CONCERTS
May 9 • Katy Perry Global pop icon Katy Perry is bringing THE LIFETIMES TOUR to the Paycom Center. Experience her most iconic hits LIVE in the 405 for the first time ever, paycomcenter. com.
May 15 •
Crescendo! Canterbury Voices is wrapping up an extraordinary season with a night to remember! Join Canterbury for CRESCENDO! — an elegant and energetic celebration on Thursday, May 15 at 6:30 pm in the stunning Meinders Hall of Mirrors at the Civic Center Music Hall. The evening begins with a festive cocktail hour at 6:30 pm, featuring an open bar, delicious fare from Kam’s Kookery, and the smooth sounds of a jazz trio. Then at 7:30 pm, the spotlight turns to the Canterbury Chamber Voices, offering a oneof-a-kind performance that brings out the intimate, expressive side of Canterbury’s choral artistry. Tickets to this fun and festive evening are available now at CanterburyOKC.com or call (405) 232-7464.
May 16 •
Lil Wayne Lil’ Weezyana presents hip-hop legend Lil Wayne at the Paycom Center with special guests Hot Boys. Featuring performances
April 21-27 • Barrel Races World Finals
Better Barrel Races brings their World Finals competition to the Oklahoma State Fair Park for four days of hard-hi tti ng barrel racing ac ti on. The compe titi on is fi erce as each rider/horse pairing attempts to be as precise, fast and perfect as possible to win prize money. A champion will be named in categories from 1D to 5D. Come see amateurs and professionals put it all on the line at the Better Barrel Races World Finals, betterbarrelraces.com/finals.
by
Lil Wayne, Juvenile, B.G., and Turk, 8 pm.
FESTIVALS
May 3 • Steamroller Print Festival
The Steamroller Print Festival at ARTSPACE at Untitled! Is a day filled with creativity, collaboration, and hands-on experiences with an industrial steamroller as a printing press, local and regional artists create stunning oversized prints right before your eyes. These bold and intricate works of art transform the traditional printmaking process into a captivating public performance, merging artistry with ingenuity from 9 am to 5 pm.
THIS WEEKEND
April 18-19 • Eggstravaganza Hop on over for an unforgettable Easter adventure this spring for the Orr Family Farm Easter Eggstravaganza. Get egg-cited for Easter egg hunts, Easter Bunny, spring photo ops, specialty shakes, 25+ attractions and so much more.
April 19 •
Remembrance
Ceremony
The 30th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony is planned to be outside on the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial (weather permitting) at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Following the Ceremony, the Memorial Museum will be open free of charge thanks to Cox Community Day. Ceremony is from 8:3010:30 am.
April 19 • OKC Philharmonic
The OKC Phil continues its Oklahoma Stories with a historic first: an American Indian Symphony with composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate, a citizen of the unconquered and unconquerable Chickasaw Nation. His American Indian Symphony is structured in six sections, each representing one of the six regions of Native Americans in North America and sung in six different Native American languages. World Premiere! is at 8 pm, Civic Center.
Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com
Paycom Center Events/Shows:
Katy Perry - May 9
Lil Wayne - May 16
Stevie Nicks - Oct. 15
Nate Bargatze - Oct.
The 48th Annual Paseo Arts Festival is nearly one month away. This year’s festival will be May 24-26 in the historic Paseo Arts District. The festival is a popular favorite in Oklahoma City and brings thousands of visitors every year. This year’s festival features 87 artists from across the country, along with delicious food and live entertainment. Proceeds from the festival will be used by the Paseo Arts Association to fund your favorite Paseo programs and events, such as FEAST, professional development for artists, art classes and First Friday Gallery Walk. Besides the staff and volunteer crew, this event relies heavily on the community to volunteer. Volunteers have the choice of helping with bever-
age tents, music stages, the children’s area, festival information, artist hospitality, festival merchandise, parking attendants and recycle rangers. More information for volunteering can be found at thepaaok.org/festival.
Selections for the festival were made through a competitive juried process and features artwork from local and national artists. Artwork includes painting, ceramics, jewelry, glass, sculpture and more. Performers for this year include local favorites like Uncle Zep, Original Flow and Cheyenne Marie. Concessions will be provided from 20 different food and drink vendors, with something for everyone. Food choices include returning favorites Barbells & BBQ, Big Biang Theory, Let’s Do Greek,
deadCenter Kickoff Party
The deadCenter Film Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer. To kick things off, deadCenter is hosting a Silver Screen Kickoff party on Thursday, May 1, from 6:30 – 10:00 pm, at Riversport OKC. Tickets for the event are $50 for VIP, which can be purchased until April 25 on the deadcenterfilm.org website, or $25 for general admission, which can be purchased online or in person at the event.
The primary purpose of the Silver Screen Kickoff is for deadCenter to announce the slate of films that will be screening at the film festival in June. Now that deadCenter is an Oscar qualifier in three categories (live action short, documentary short, and animated short), the competition for getting a film accepted is stiffer than ever. Luckily, all the Oklahoma filmmakers who are accepted to deadCenter 2025 are invited to the kickoff party. As a guest, you are encouraged to mix and mingle with the filmmakers and actors, hear about their films, and put their screenings in your calendar.
The filmmaker mixer starts at 6:30 pm and runs until the flashback film starts at
8:00 pm. If it is anything like past deadCenter events, the conversations will continue at the bar inside while the screening fires up outside. Tony Tee, who performs as DJ Nymasis at the Oklahoma City Thunder games, will be the featured DJ at the event. Riversport OKC will provide a BBQ Slider buffet, movie popcorn, and a full bar.
Following the reception, deadCenter is offering a surprise screening of a favorite film from the deadCenter vault. With 25 years to choose from, it could be anything from a Flaming Lips concert film to a Megan Mullally/ Nick Offerman comedy to a CGI dinosaur movie made right here in Oklahoma City. You will have to show up to find out. The screening will start at 8:00 pm with seats available along the shore or floating on rafts. This surprise screening is shaping up to be the coolest movie experience in Oklahoma until deadCenter arrives in June.
along with new vendors like Teekay Foods and Happy Camper Bakery. The complete list of artists, performers and food vendors can be found at thepaaok.org/festival.
The 2025 festival artwork was designed by Oklahoma artist Matt Goad. Goad is known for his signature modern style of creating compositions with geometric shapes and analogous coloring. Goad’s design will be used on the festival’s posters and t-shirts. “We are thrilled to have Matt’s work as our featured art this year as it truly lends itself to a design as he expresses through line and color,” says Amanda Bleakley, executive director of the Paseo Arts Association.
For more information, call the
deadCenter is Oklahoma’s largest and only Oscar qualifying film festival. For the past 25 years, deadCenter has served as the fulcrum for the constantly growing and evolving Oklahoma film industry. deadCenter has provided a nationally recognized platform for Oklahoma filmmakers to share their films with the world. And, deadCenter has created a link between the Oklahoma film industry and Hollywood through its distribution forums, film panel series, and Oklahoma Film Icon awards program that continues to this day. The deadCenter Film Festival is coming up June 11-15 in downtown Oklahoma City. It is the largest celebration of film in the state and the largest networking event for the Oklahoma film industry. I encourage you to attend the deadCenter Kickoff party on May 1, meet the Oklahoma filmmakers, and purchase passes for the 25th anniversary film festival in June. Or, even better, sponsor the festival and bring along your family, friends, and co-workers. Tickets, passes, and information can be found at deadcenterfilm.org. I’ll see you at the river.
Paseo Arts Association at (405) 5252688 or email amanda@thepaseo.org Visit thepaseo.org/join for membership information.
AWARD
From Page 1
and seniors and provides support services to people experiencing homelessness.
The Chickasaw Nation’s financial contributions and collaborative efforts have allowed Upward Transitions to expand its reach and better serve those in crisis, providing them with the resources to rebuild their lives.
“Governor Anoatubby’s vision for the Chickasaw Nation as a force for good has helped create lasting change for vulnerable communities. His dedication to lifting others up through acts of kindness and sustained support continues to inspire hope and
NHILLS
From Page 1
Several shoe prints found on the door led Nichols Hills police to learn that a person matching the description was transported from the area by Oklahoma City Police shortly after the burglary. Police obtained body camera footage from OCPD and the shoes were a match for the suspect.
Police charged Keith Ferris with first degree burglary for the March 24 incident.
Two days later, in the wee hours of March 26, a homeowner called 911 and reported they woke to an unknown man standing in their bathroom. Officers were on the scene in less than two minutes.
“Our response times are generally less than two minutes on priority calls,” said Cox. “The first officer on the 26th call was on scene in 1 minute and 35 seconds. That’s why prompt reporting to 911 is critical.”
As Nichols Hills officers searched the interior of the hom,e they requested aid from The Village Police Department to canvass the area.
“The victim informed dispatch the suspect was wearing a shirt that displayed ‘SECURITY’ in white letters,” the police report said. “As NHPD officers were clearing
transformation across the region,” said Periann Pulliam, CEO of Upward Transitions. “For these reasons, Upward Transitions’ board of directors and staff are excited to honor Governor Bill Anoatubby as our 2025 Inspiring Hope Award recipient.”
The Inspiring Hope Award recipient embodies a phrase from the Upward Transitions’ mission statement - “inspiring hope with our neighbors,” especially those experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
The event supports Upward Transitions’ programs to serve the most vulnerable in Central Oklahoma. The organization’s ultimate goal is to serve individuals
the home VPD reported they had a suspect detained that matched the suspect’s description.
“We are always work side by side with both the Village and Oklahoma City police departments,” said Cox. “Both active calls and investigations sometimes require cooperation to have successful outcomes.
Police determined the suspect walked around the home for several minutes before finding an unlocked door.
Jimmy Tryon was placed under arrest for first degree burglary.
“We say over and over to lock your doors, remove valuables from
and families during times of financial devastation, so they remain or can return to being productive contributors to their community.
Tickets, sponsorships, and reserved tables for “American Tourist: A Centennial Celebration,” are currently being sold. Guests are to enjoy live jazz by the Justin Echols Trio, dancing, dinner, and a cash bar. Wine and jewelry pulls, live and silent auctions, and a raffle is be held as well.
For more information about the American Tourist centennial celebration, visit upwardtransitions.org /AmericanTourist or contact Conna Dewart, development and public relations manager at (405) 232-5507 or cdewart @upwardtransitions.org.
sight, set alarms, turn on exterior lights and make it a habit to check all doors before going to sleep,” said Cox. “I would recommend to always be aware of what’s happening around you. Don’t become complacent just because you see patrol cars passing by does not mean criminals aren’t nearby.”
Cox said if you should awake to find an intruder in your home to, “Hide in an area where you can secure or barricade a door, call 911 immediately while getting into your hiding place and take whatever means necessary to protect yourself and family.”
OKC FRIDAY in Egypt and Jordan
On a recent trip to Egypt and Jordan, OKC FRIDAY hid in the suitcase until was time for it to make an appearance at the Pyramids. From left: Scott Parman, Larry Parman. Kirk Hammons, Ann Felton Gilliland, Darlene Parman and Alecia George. Be sure to pack your newspaper when you travel. Email photos to rose@okcfriday.com.
RIVERSIDE, IMPULSE, PRESTIGE LABELS
All
Many
WARREN, Court Clerk
By: /s/Bryan Glenn, Deputy Clerk
Case No. PB-2024-1538 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE ) OF JOANN LOUISE COWDEN, ) DECEASED. ) COMBINED NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE OF HEARING FOR FINAL ACCOUNT AND ORDER OF DISTRIBUTION TO: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATES OF JOANN LOUISE COWDEN, deceased:
You are hereby notified that the hearing of the Final Account of the administration of said estate, distribution of said estate, and for final discharge Raeann Herndon, Personal Representative, has been fixed by the Judge of said Court for the 21 day of May, 2025, at 1:30 o’clock p.m. at the Oklahoma County Courthouse, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and all persons interested in said estate are notified then and there to appear and show cause, if any they have, why the said account should not be settled and allowed, the heirs JOANN LOUISE COWDEN, Deceased, determined, said estate distributed, and the Personal Representative discharged. In an Order for Combined Notice entered herein, the Court found that it should dispense with the regular estate proceedings prescribed by law and order notice to creditors combined with Notice of Hearing for Final Account and Order of Distribution. Pursuant to the Order for Combined Notice, all persons having claims against JOANN LOUISE COWDEN, deceased, are required to present the same with necessary vouchers, to the Personal Representative, Raeann Herndon, c/o Reese Allen, Attorney at Law, 10300 Greenbriar Place, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73159, on or before the 10 day of May, 2025 or the same will be forever barred. Dated this 11 day of April, 2025.
MARTHA OAKES
JUDGE OF THE DISTRICT COURT RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/ WTS Deputy (SEAL)
AND
DEVISEES AND
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to
in
of
Haggy, Deceased, that on the 9 day of April, 2025, Janna Michelle Vear produced in the District Court of the County of Oklahoma, State of Oklahoma, an instrument in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testaments of Raymond Edward Haggy, Deceased, and has also filed a Petition
/s/ Reese Allen OBA 215 Attorney at Law 10300 Greenbriar Place Oklahoma City, OK 73159 405-691-2555 ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, April 18, 2025)
DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2025-887
IN RE: The Name of: ) Dana Lynn Rutledge ) NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Dana Lynn Rutledge has petitioned to change his/her name to Dana Lynn Coleman. A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 29 day of May, 2025, before Judge Ogden in his/her courtroom in the Oklahoma County Courthouse room 325. 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/Bryan Glenn BY DEPUTY (SEAL)
(Published
’29 F ORD ROADSTER
Chevy
$35,000
Richard
Mannford, Okla.
City of NiChols hills
ORDINANCE NO. 1278
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 1203 SHERWOOD LANE FROM THE U-4 CHURCH DISTRICT TO THE R1-60 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT AND ADOPTING AND APPROVING THE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT FOR 1203 SHERWOOD LANE; 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 50-26 of the Nichols Hills City Code and the Official Zoning District Map referred to therein are hereby amended to rezone and redistrict 1203 Sherwood Lane, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma from the U-4 Church District to the R-160 Single-Family Residential District, the legal description of such property being:
A tract of land being a part of the Southeast Quarter (SE/4) of Section Five (5), Township Twelve (12) North, Range Three (3) West of the Indian Meridian, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, being all of Lots 23 through 27 Block 28 and Block F and a portion of the platted street The Strand in BUSI-
ORDINANCE NO. 1281
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 50-741 OF THE NICHOLS HILLS CITY CODE REGARDING THE EXTENSION OF CERTIFICATES OF APPROVAL; 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 50-741 of the Nichols Hills City Code is hereby amended, with new language underlined, to wit: Sec. 50-741. Expiration and extension of Certificates of Approval.
(a) Expiration. Certificates of Approval issued pursuant to this Article expire two Years from the date of issuance.
(b) Extension. For construction of Buildings subject to this Article, if construction has commenced, the Building Commission, the City Manager or the Manager’s Designee may grant one two-Year extension prior to the expiration date of the Certificate of Approval. Thereafter, the City Manager or the Manager’s Designee may grant one subsequent two-Year extension where the circumstances related to the Owner warrant such an extension, such as an extraordinary illness causing extreme disability anticipated to likely result in death or complete disability or an emergency declared by the City. Extensions shall not be granted if there are any Additions, revisions or deletions of any element of the project.
Section 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are, to the extent of such conflict, hereby 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, 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 8th day of April, 2025.
APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 8th day of April, 2025.
ATTEST: E. Peter Hoffman Jr. Mayor Amanda Copeland City Clerk Reviewed as to Form and Legality: John Michael Williams City Attorney
ORDINANCE NO. 1279
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 6501 AVONDALE DRIVE FROM THE C-1 OFFICE ZONING DISTRICT TO THE C-2 RETAIL BUSINESS ZONING DISTRICT; 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 50-26 of
NESS SECTION OF NICHOLS HILLS, being more particularly described as follows:
Beginning at the Northeast (NE) Corner of said Lot 27, said point being the POINT OF BEGINNING;
THENCE South 11°19’22” West (South 20°59’ West record), along and with the East line of said Lot 27 extended, a distance of 135.11 feet to the extended South line of said Block F;
THENCE North 90°00’00” West, along and with the South line of said Block F extended, a distance of 472.52 feet;
THENCE along and with the Westerly lines of said Block F the following four (4) calls:
1. on a curve to the right having a radius of 20.00 feet, a chord bearing of North 43°05’30” West, a chord length of 29.21 feet and an arc length of 32.75 feet;
2. North 03°49’00” East, a distance of 167.18 feet;
3. on a curve to the left having a radius of 1,159.00 feet, a chord bearing of North 00°30’47” East, a chord length of 133.58 feet and an arc length of 133.65 feet;
4. on a reverse curve to the right having a radius of 10.00 feet, a chord bearing of North 30°06’45” East, a chord length of 10.86 feet and an arc length of 11.49 feet;
THENCE North 63°00’54” East, departing said Westerly line, a distance of 31.43 feet to a point 21.5 feet West of the Westerly line of Lot 22 of said Block 28;
THENCE parallel with and 21.5 feet West of the Westerly line of said Lot 22 on a non-tangent curve to the left having a radius of 640.31 feet, a chord bearing of South 29°50’28” East, a chord length of 63.81 feet and an arc length of 63.84 feet to the extended Northwesterly line of said Lot 23;
THENCE North 57°12’38” East (North 66°56’ East record), along and with the Northwesterly line of said Lot 23 extended, a distance of 301.56 feet to the Northernmost Corner of said Lot 23;
THENCE South 30°21’43” East (South 30°19’ East record), along and with the Northeasterly line of said Lots 23 through 27, a distance of 371.85 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING.
Such property has a street address of 1203 Sherwood Lane, Nichols Hills, Oklahoma and is comprised of 3.9039 acres.
Section 2. The Planned Unit Development for 1203 Sherwood Lane, named “PUD10,” is hereby adopted and approved as a Planned Unit Development as provided for in Section 50-112 of the Nichols Hills City Code. PUD-10 is composed of its: (1) PUD Master Design Statement for 1203 Sherwood Lane dated February 4, 2025; and (2) the Preliminary Plat of Sherwood Estates; each of which will, after approval, be marked as approved by the City Clerk and initialed by the Mayor or Vice Mayor. For purposes of interpretation of PUD-10, the phrase “this PUD proposes” or similar words or phrases contained in it will be interpreted as mandatory requirements.
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 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 8th day of April, 2025.
APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 8th day of April, 2025
ATTEST: E. Peter Hoffman Jr. Mayor
Amanda Copeland City Clerk
Reviewed as to Form and Legality:
John Michael Williams City Attorney
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 11521 North MacArthur Blvd. Okla. City, OK 73162 (405) 720-7779 Fri. 1-5 pm, Sat. 10-5 pm, Sun. 2-5 pm FB. Strebel Creek
Navigating Medicare 2232 W. Hefner Road Suite A. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 842-0494 navigatingmedicare.com
Locally-owned business listings are only $25 a month. Email rose@ okcfriday.com for more information.
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.
mind about OKC!”
From Page 1
media center, dealt with conventions that had to be canceled, and organized an emergency business assistance center with a relief fund that early on generated, from unsolicited contributions, nearly $250,000 to help business owners restore service. Included was a very generous $500 check from a very small Chamber in Three Rivers, Texas (pop. 3,000, chamber staff: of one). One of our roles, we felt, was to minimize the disruption of payrolls, for impacted businesses.
In addition to the cash, phone calls made from our emergency business assistance center generated inkind contributions of furniture, equipment and temporary office space which totaled over $400,000 in value. So, we became a clearing house for needed business resources.
I don't know how many cups of coffee or dozens of doughnuts we served, beginning at 5 a.m. every day in the makeshift media center we set up in the lobby of the Medallion Hotel. However, it had to be a lot, considering that everyone from Geraldo to the Swedish News Service came to Oklahoma City to cover the worst terrorist act committed on American soil in history, at that time. We recorded that our chamber staff dealt with 800 of the 2,000 news media folks who came to town the fol -
lowing weeks.
For example: ABC sent in seven private planes and 100 people to produce “segments for “Good Morning America,” “World News Tonight,” 20/20, and “Nightline.” CNN, sent in more than 100 people from six bureaus all over the country, was still there weeks later and was still there months later.
Fire fighters and federal rescue teams came there from New York, Virginia, Florida, Arizona, Washington, California and Maryland, and team members said their experiences there were most unusual. They recalled that at the scene of disasters in other parts of the country, they had to buy their own coffee and the price of bottled water tripled on them. Whereas, in Oklahoma City, our goal was to prevent rescue workers from spending any of their own money. This culture and attitude is what caused us to be known as the Oklahoma Standard! Long distance calls to their families were free. When combing through the wreckage of the federal building depleted their supply of work gloves, droves of people went to hardware stores and bought batches at a time. The same was true for knee pads, underwear and portable heaters. When rescue workers’ clothes got dirty, they were washed; when they ripped, they were bought new ones, etc. When the rescue teams left OKC, they gave Governor Keating $1 they signed, and said
that “this is the dollar we never had to spend here!”
For inspiration, they were given thank you notes from school children. And when they laid their tired heads down for the night on cots set up in our convention center, they found a mint or a rose on their pillow. Exhibitors from the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, whose convention had just been cancelled, stayed on to cook meals for the rescue workers! It may sound corny to some, but we wanted these rescue workers to know how much we appreciated them risking their lives to save some of ours.
The final death toll from the federal building bombing was 168, including 15 children at the day care center. In addition, nearly 600 were injured by a bomb made from fertilizer and fuel that weighed nearly 5,000 pounds. One very generous rescue worker was killed in the recovery, and therefore, the final toll was 169 people who lost their lives in this tragedy. Over 300 buildings and 2,000 cars sustained some kind of damage. One thousand fire personnel were rotated through the disaster area over 15 plus days, and it was reported that it would have taken a typical fire fighter 15 years to generate that volume of experience, from the degree of exposure
they received.
With a catastrophe of this magnitude, everyone at the OKC Chamber knew someone who was killed or injured in the blast, or who was related in some way to someone who was. As the death toll continued to mount, we were particularly concerned with the fate of a 21-monthold infant who was one of five children in the day care center who survived the blast. His mother worked for the chamber, and he spent three weeks in intensive care before he was allowed to go home. His mother decided not to return to work, because she felt her day-to-day interaction with him was critical to his continued recovery.
Our chamber board chairman that year, Dr. Bill Thurman, who was a medical doctor, former head of the OU Medical School and current head at that time of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, ended up on the front lines! He pitched in to help with the triage units that were quickly established.
On 4-19-1995, and the following days, I am proud of how OKC reacted. Consider these testimonials:
• Dan McGraw, U.S. News and World Report: "I never thought too much about the place, but after seeing 300+ people standing in line for hours to give blood, I quickly changed my
• Peter D'Oench, WPLG-TV in Miami: "Before now, I only knew Oklahoma City from a distance. I passed it on my way to my first TV job. I should have stopped.”
• President Clinton: “If anybody thinks that Americans have lost the capacity for love, caring, and courage, they ought to come to Oklahoma.”
Further testimony to Oklahoma City's resiliency is the fact that not even a terrorist bomb could derail Oklahoma City’s $350+ million public infrastructure building program, which was started 15 months earlier, with the passage of a temporary one cent sales tax. This vision resulted in a new 12,000-seat baseball park for the AAA franchise Oklahoma Redhawks, a 20,000-seat indoor sports arena that was designed and did attract an NBA franchise, with the team from Seattle: the OKC Thunder!
In addition, it went on to build a new library, a riverwalk/canal similar to San Antonio's, remodeling the civic center music hall and the expansion of the convention center where rescue teams were once housed. Also, the Oklahoma River was transformed into a chain of river lakes, approximately seven miles long, that has attracted numerous boat houses and has
become a US Olympic Team training site, to complement local University Rowing Teams. Just a few of the original projects, all have come to life.
Since 1995, this public infrastructure vision which received citizen approval in December 1993, has led to more than $7 Billion dollars of public and private funds being spent in downtown OKC alone. Known as MAPS No. 1 (Metropolitan Area Projects), it is a national model for public/private partnerships! MAPS #2 was for education, with a sales tax and bond referendum for public schools.
Years later, the expanded convention center became so successful, that it was out grown and in 2009, it triggered citizen support for MAPS #3 which included a brand new convention center and 600+ room hotel, a 70 acre downtown park (think NYC’s Central Park), and five others. In December 2019, citizens approved MAPS No. 4 (by 72%) for 16 new projects, with a new one cent sales tax for 8 years that will generate an estimated $978 million.Downtown hotels have grown from one in 1993 to 30+. In late 2023, citizens again passed a special tax to build a $900+ million OKC Thunder sports arena. For more, visit okcfriday.com
Crossings freshmen tour universities as they begin to think about college
On April 9, I joined the rest of the freshman class at Crossings Christian School embarked on a road trip that changed each of our perspectives on college.
First, we went to Oklahoma State University and then to Oklahoma Christian University. It truly opened my eyes to what the world of college is like. The trip was put together by our college counselors, Kiffany Pestinger and Keri Shields, and was
by Emory King
one to remember. I think I can speak for all the freshmen when I say I haven’t thought too much about college yet. That is, until this college road trip. We first toured OSU. We saw all five colleges housed under OSU—arts & sci-
ences, business, agriculture, engineering, and education and human sciences.
As we toured OSU, I imagined what it would be like if I was there—if I slept in the dorms and studied in the library. It was a fantastic experience.
Then, we headed to OC. OC has three main colleges—nursing, business and engineering—and we got to tour each. Nursing was my personal favorite—I thought it was so cool how the nurses have
animatronics they can practice on—but the business and engineering colleges were awesome too.
I also really enjoyed OC’s campus—it was a bit of walking from building-to-building, but I didn’t mind because of the beauty all around me!
All in all, it was an incredible day.
I really hope that Pestinger and Shields will do this again, because it was an amazing first freshmen college road tour!
Crossings Christian School freshmen tour Oklahoma State University. They later headed to Oklahoma Christian.
CROSSINGS CORNER
And He rose again
From Luke 23:32-24:12:
Two others — criminals — were also led away to be executed with him. When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided his clothes and cast lots.
The people stood watching, and even the leaders kept scoffing: “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is God's Messiah, the Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked Him. They came offering Him sour wine and said, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!”An inscription was above Him: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: “Aren't You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!”
But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don't you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we're getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”
And He said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.”
The Death of Jesus
It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three, because the sun's light failed. The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle. And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I entrust My spirit.” Saying this, he breathed his last.
When the centurion saw what happened, he began to glorify God, saying, “This man really was righteous!”All the crowds that had gathered for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, went home, striking their chests. But all who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
The Burial of Jesus There was a good and righteous man named Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin, who had not agreed with their plan and action. He was from Arimathea, a Judean town, and was looking forward to the kingdom of God. He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus's body. Taking it down, he wrapped it in fine linen and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever been placed. It was preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come with Him from Galilee followed along and observed the tomb and how His body was placed. Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment. Resurrection morning
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.
“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?’ asked the men. “He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day'?’” And they remembered his words.
Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went away, amazed at what had happened.
Above: Sarah Rahhal, LCSW, Sunbeam CEO, presents the Aspire Award to Marny Dunlap, M.D. Dr. Dunlap is a professor of pediatrics and section chief for the Section of General and Community Pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Established in 1907, Sunbeam is one of Oklahoma’s longest-serving nonprofits. Sunbeam helps over 6,200 Central Oklahoma children and families learn, grow, and thrive each year through early childcare and education, with specialized wraparound support for entire family systems, including mental health services, and programming for foster families and grandparents raising their grandchildren.
Shine a Light honors Marny Dunlap, M.D.
Above: Gail and Gary Huneryager serve as co-chairman of Sunbeam Family Services’ Shine a Light gala. Gary’s illustrious career spans over four decades in the financial sector. Gail Huneryager brings over 30 years of expertise in marketing, business development, and public relations. At right: Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits President and CEO Marnie Taylor with Paula Gates.
Alzheimer’s Association to host luncheon
The Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter is set to host its 13th annual AWARE Luncheon on Tuesday, April 29 at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1
p.m. The luncheon is cochaired by Christy Holland and Lezlie Hudiburg, with Lou Morris serving as the honorary chair. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Sarah Ocañas, assistant professor of genes and human disease research program at Oklahoma Medical Research Founda-
tion. She is to share the latest in her research focused on genetic and hormonal differences between men and women and how they contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
To learn more about the luncheon, visit awareok.org.
At left: Chase Rankin, Madelaine Hawkins and Gina and Marty Wimmer. At right: OKCPHIL Executive Director Brent Hart and Jenni Shrum, marketing and public relations director.
Hudiburg, Lou Morris and Christy Holland prepare for the Alzheimer's Association Oklahoma Chapter’s 13th annual AWARE Luncheon on Tuesday, April 29.
Lezlie
- Photos by Rose Lane
