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Online petition calls for ouster of principal at Classen SAS

By Eric Oesch Staff Writer

Earlier this month Classen School of Advanced Studies at Northeast, 3100 N. Kelley Ave., was named Oklahoma’s Best High School by U.S. News and World Report, but a Change.org petition signed by over 961 individuals is requesting the removal of the school’s principal Dr. Misti Tope.

The petition and community comments on the Change.org petition express concerns about Dr. Tope’s decisions and behavior as a leader at Oklahoma City Public Schools.

The petition cites concerns that Dr. Tope is leading the school in the wrong direction, racism, cuts to athletic programs, firing teachers indiscriminately and the discontinuation of the JROTC pro-

Barbershoppers earn trip to internationals

By Rose Lane Editor

Two Oklahoma City barbershoppers, Greg Rogers and Mark Winn, attended the Southwestern District Spring Convention in Dallas, Texas, to qualify for international competition. Rogers and Winn co-direct the award-winning Vocal Sounds of Oklahoma, a men’s barbershop chorus of the Oklahoma City Chapter. Rogers sings with his quartet, OverDrive,

See QUARTETS, Page 3

OKC FRIDAY: Fabulous at 50

gram among many others.

This school year Classen SAS at Northeast had an enrollment of 743 students in grades 9-12. The school is an application school, meaning students are not zoned for this school with student attendees from throughout the Oklahoma City metro area including other school districts.

Students apply to attend the school and are selected

using test scores, interviews and/or auditions. Numerous Fridayland students attend the prestigious school.

“District leaders have been made aware of a petition circulating in the CSAS@NE community,” said Kendall Still, Instructional Leadership Director and Dr. Melanie Mouse, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education for OKCPS in a message sent to faculty and

staff. “With misinformation being shared, we wanted to provide some clarity related to programs at CSAS@NE.

“There will not be any cuts to athletic programs for the 2023-2024 school year and that decision is not dependent upon the site principal,” the message said. “The school will continue to offer softball, football, cross-country

See CLASSEN, Page 3

NHills approves Coyote Management Plan

By Eric Oesch Staff Writer

Officials in Nichols Hills have approved a Coyote Management Plan in case residents have issues with coyotes wandering into the city and their neighborhood.

The nine-page document was developed using information obtained from the Humane Society of the United States and covers reasons coyotes are attracted to urban areas including food, water, access to shelter.

The management plan was

Former news editor: ‘Not a typical paper’

By Mike Ray

Former OKC FRIDAY

News Editor

One of the highlights of my so-far 55-year career in journalism occurred three and a half decades ago when Leland Gourley hired me to be his news editor at OKC FRIDAY. At the time I was between jobs (a euphemism for “out of work”).

Oklahoma City scheduled a general obligation bond issue in 1989 that included a multitude of projects. I asked Mr. Gourley if we could print the entire list of proposed projects, along with a story relating the

typical details (the date of the election, the amount of the bonds, the payoff period, the cost per thousand dollars of assessed valuation, etc.). As I recall, Leland had a three word reply: “Go for it.”

The story and the laundry list of projects filled an entire broadsheet page of OKC FRIDAY. Ultimately we produced more coverage of that bond issue than The Oklahoman did. The proposal passed.

One day I asked Mr. Gourley why he founded OKC FRIDAY. It was

See 50, Page 3

requested by council member Steve Goetzinger following reports of coyotes in the city.

The document encourages residents to never hand-feed or intentionally feed a coyote, never feed pets outdoors, store all pet food securely indoors, secure all trash containers with locking lids, clean up fallen fruit around trees and remove bird feeders or clean fallen seed to reduce the presence of small mammals that coyotes prefer to eat.

“I don’t believe we’ve had many complaints about coyotes recently,” said City Manager

FRIDAY’s

Hershey is a one-year-old brindle French Bulldog who belongs to Nadia Johnson. He loves to run and play with any ball in his vast collection. He's still learning the puppy Do's and Don'ts and is not fond of dog parks yet.

Email Dog of the Week, Baby of the Week and Cat of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.

Shane Pate during the May 14 city council meeting. “We had a complaint filed a year or two ago, and then seasonally we would receive notice of a coyote.”

The document says most coyotes weigh 25-235 pounds, although their long legs and thick fur make them appear larger. Since coyotes are naturally very skittish and afraid of humans, they are rarely seen. Thus, their signs including prints, scat and vocalizations may be a better indicator of their presence.

See COYOTE, Page 3

Heritage Hall Lifers attend a final Charger Shine assembly at the Lower School, from left: Front row, Madi Williams, Leah Hughes, Elise Douglas, Katerina Chrysant, Natalie Beams, Chloe Counts and Katherine Cook; second row, Zane Watters, Ben Showalter, Gray Keller, Kaeden Woods, Grayson Hume, Cole Spence, Roger Smith and Ethan LaGere; and back row, Carter Counts, Emerson Ritenour, Callahan Lowry, Daniel Drozd, Carson Beam, Sam Fowler, Holden Williams and Gray Ferguson.

take

Above,

Fridaylanders celebrate Derby Day

-

ChapelWood Financial’s Victoria Woods threw her annual Derby Soiree to benefit Allied Arts. The day included extensive raffles, food and of course, Mint Juleps. Above: Best of Show winners in the hat contest, from left, Debbie South, Dayna Senechal, Marie Walker and Kanela Huff. At right: Victoria and Allied Arts President and CEO Sunny Cearley.

For more derby fun, see Page 12.

Jordan von Netzer and Paul Steinke hosted the Second Annual Jockeys and Juleps Kentucky Derby party at their Nichols Hills residence. Attendees sipped Mint Juleps and ate pecan pie while watching Mystik Dan

home the top prize.

from left: Brian Washa, Jana Busey, Christy Blankenship, Bryan Blankenship, hosts Jordan von Netzer and Paul Steinke, Mary Katherine Blakley and Chris Saxon. At left: Bonnie von Netzer and Kay Miller Lee with jockeys. Below: Hanieh Pace, Bailey Benham, Carly Moratto, Jordan von Netzer, Laura Young, Susan Espinoza and Sarah McCombs.

Photos by Fran Kozakowski

Joe Krones (bass), Greg Rogers (lead), and Tyler Wilson (tenor).

QUARTET

From Page 1

the 2023 Southwestern District Overall Quartet Champion and 2023 Men’s Quartet Champion. OverDrive scored an 82.0 and qualified for the 2024 Barbershop Harmony Society International Convention quartet competition in Cleveland, Ohio, this July.

This marked the first time since 1971 that an Oklahoma City based quartet qualified for international competition, the last OKC-based quartet to do so was 53 years

CLASSEN

From Page 1

ago by OK-4.

OverDrive quartet members include Rogers (lead), Joe Krones (bass), Philip Sense (bari), and Tyler Wilson (tenor). OverDrive is OKCbased.

Winn sings with his quartet called Red River Runners, a top-10 finalist at the 2023 Southwestern District quartet competition.

Red River Runners won the 2024 Senior Quartet Championship and became an International Senior Quartet Qualifier for the 2025 Barbershop Harmony Society Mid-Winter International Convention quartet competi-

tion to be held in San Antonio, Texas, in January 2025.

Red River Runners quartet members include Winn (tenor), Mark Holdeman (bari), Rick Robertson (bass), and Larry Thomason (lead). Red River Runners is OKC/DFW-based.

“The reigning Southwestern District overall quartet champion Southwestern District men’s quartet champion, and Southwestern District senior quartet champion are all connected to the Oklahoma City Chapter and we are so very proud of both OverDrive and Red River Runners representing not only Okla-

homa City, but also Oklahoma as they prepare for these upcoming international events,” stated Lester Claravall, president of the Vocal Sounds of Oklahoma. “In 2022, under the direction of Rogers and Winn, the Vocal Sounds of Oklahoma won the Southwestern District Men’s Chorus Championship.”

What a lot of people in Oklahoma do not realize is that the barbershop quartet, a four-part harmony in a cappella, originated in Tulsa, leading to the formation of the Barbershop Harmony Society on April 11, 1938, Claravall said. From Tulsa,

the art form took a life of its own leading to barbershop chapters being chartered across the United States and around the world.

The Oklahoma City Chapter (Vocal Sounds of Oklahoma) was chartered on July 6, 1938 and became the third oldest chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. The Oklahoma City Chapter, a 501c3 organization with an 86-year history, currently has a membership of 40-plus men of all ages and all walks of life who enjoy singing barbershop whether as a men’s barbershop chorus or as barbershop quartets.

they said. “OKCPS used the funds to do just that as we implemented new programs, brought on additional staff, and stabilized an underfunded budget for the last three years. Unfortunately, the funds will be depleted and must be spent by June 30 of this year.”

Administrators did say there will be a change for the school’s JROTC program, citing the Department of Defense requirement that host schools maintain participation levels of 10 percent of the student body, or 100 students whichever is less.

CSAS@NE would need at least 80 students enrolled to receive funding for instruction administered by the military department. The school has 47 students enrolled for the 2024-25 school year.

“There are multiple layers at play, including the requirements of the Department of Defense for a funded (JROTC) program,” the message continued. “At this time

COYOTE

From Page 1

Coyote prints are similar to those of a domestic dogs but are usually observed in a straight line as opposed to the meandering path of domestic dog tracks. More commonly, coyote howling, or other vocalizations may be heard.

district officials have evaluated the impact of this decision on students, staff and families and believe it is in the best interest to allocate the necessary staffing to provide a high-quality experience. Therefore, we will continue to offer JROTC in the same, full-time fashion that has existed in the past on site.”

The district also had issues with teacher funding saying, “Prior to the pandemic, our district, like many other public school districts, worked in creative ways to provide instruction and resources for our students. We were all doing this while operating on school budgets that were less than sufficient to meet the varied and complex needs of our students.

“The pandemic brought new and unexpected challenges but was accompanied by federal stimulus dollars. The funds were intended to address the new challenges schools were facing while stabilizing their budgets”

The document further states coyotes are naturally diurnal (most active at dawn and dusk), but often shift to more nocturnal activity in urban and suburban areas in an effort to avoid people.

Coyotes prefer open space and natural preserve areas over human-dominated landscapes but are extremely adept at living in proximity to people. Coyotes thrive

The district has implemented “difficult but necessary” steps to continue funding teacher pay but say, “It’s important to note that none of these steps involve terminating or reducing the pay of any employee.”

A parent of a disgruntled student said that on May 5 some students “cornered Tope in her office due to her overall behavior and the school had to call in backup resource officers.’

The parent also said, “A post in the GroupMe chat was calling for students to host a violent protest and walkout on Monday, May 6.”

“District leaders are aware of a planned student led walkout related to concerns with

in these areas because food, water and shelter are abundant.

“We encourage residents to call our animal welfare department if they have a coyote sighting to report,” said Pate. “Or call WildCare Oklahoma if after the city’s business

school leadership,” Kendall Still and Dr. Melanie Mouse said in their message. “While OKCPS supports our students’ right to peacefully assemble, this issue is not a social or political issue. A student walkout to address concerns with a principal or any employee is inappropriate and unacceptable.

“Students who participate could face disciplinary actions,” they continued. “The appropriate way to express and voice concerns with school and district issues is by following our ‘Steps to Resolution’ protocol.”

OKCPS Administrators did not respond to racism accusations.

Dr. Misti Tope has been employed with Oklahoma City Public Schools since 2015 and has served as a Drama Teacher and Instructional Coach at Taft Middle School, Assistant Principal at Classen School of Advanced Studies at Northeast from 2020-2023 and Principal from 2023.

hours. The Coyote Management Plan also has a form you can fill out to help us track and manage their whereabouts.”

The Nichols Hills Coyote Management Plan is available to view on the city’s website, nicholshills-ok.gov.

The school has one principal and two assistant principals. School officials contend the individuals behind the petition have not been able to provide evidence of any of the claims being made and that everything reported to the school and district has been investigated.

From Page 1 (boys and girls), volleyball, basketball (boys and girls), cheer, pom, esports, baseball, soccer, (boys and girls), tennis (boys and girls), golf (boys and girls) and track (boys and girls).”

•

•

• About Classen SAS: Classen School of Advanced Studies High School at Northeast (CSASNE) is the premier school of its kind in the state of Oklahoma. CSAS offers eligible qualified students of OKC Public Schools in grades 9-12 a rare and dynamic educational opportunity. Classen SAS is accredited by the North Central Association of Schools and adheres to a college preparatory curriculum.

not, and still is not, a “typical” newspaper. Instead, it is packed primarily with stories and photos about activities of “the beautiful people” of Nichols Hills. Leland replied, “Rich people like to see their names and photographs in print, too.” Until then, a point I had never considered.

Leland Gourley was an award-winning, seasoned journalist. But he was also a shrewd businessman, as demonstrated by OKC FRIDAY’S recent celebration of its welldeserved 50th anniversary.

OverDrive, from left: Philip Sense (bari),

Red River Runners, from left: Mark Winn (tenor), Larry Thomason (lead), Rick Robertson (bass), and Mark Holdeman (bari).

Casady boys volleyball grabs OKBVA state crown

Casady outlasted 24 other teams to come away with the Oklahoma Boys Volleyball Association (OKBVA) state championship earlier this month in Shawnee.

The young Cyclones, coached by Casady

alumnus Will Corbyn, defeated the reigning state champs Storm in a 5-set battle to cap the tournament at Oklahoma Baptist University. They also beat out Edmond North and Jenks I on their path to the championship.

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.

MEMBER: Oklahoma Press Association, National Newspaper Association, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Northwest OKC Chamber of Commerce. Represented nationally by USSPI, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Detroit, Dallas.

Senior setter Krish Vasan led Casady, with notable performances by sophomore hitters Evan Halleran and Jonah Landis, as well as libero Marcus Budd. Other players to watch include freshman David Reed and Gabe Doughty.

As Kit Harold, OKBVA board member described, “what this team did is nothing less than remarkable. Going 5 sets back to back to back with 3 of the best teams in the state is one of the most impressive things I have seen in men’s high school vol-

leyball and maybe just volleyball at any level.

“These young men fought through cramps,

pain and mental anguish to play 15 straight sets over 6 hours with only a 20-

Chargers, Cyclones celebrate titles

At

season

full OSSAA member, the Casady girls soccer team

runner-up trophy in Class 3A after losing to Community Christian in the state championship game at Taft Stadium. The head coach is Marc Howard, far right.

- Photo by Johnny Holland, jhollandphotography.com

- Photo by Johnny Holland, jhollandphotography.com

minute break. What an impressive display that those of us there got to witness.”

Members of the state champion Casady boys volleyball team include, from left, Bobby Lowe, David Reed, Parker Johnstone, Gabe Doughty, Krish Vasan, Jonah Landis, Marcus Budd, Evan Halleran, Suhaas Komarina and coach Will Corbyn.

Krish Vasan and Evan Halleran were also named to the All State Team.

- Photo by Kimberly Richelle, kimberlyrichelle.myportfolio.com

Above, Casady’s Suleiman Mansoor heads the ball to a teammate against Crooked Oak.

right, Heritage Hall’s Cal Welker (12) fights off Clinton’s Anthony Valasquez for a loose ball.

CALENDAR

FUNDRAISERS

June 4 • Homestead Social

The Homestead Social Sponsorship Party is June 4, 6:30­8:30 pm at the Woodworks Distilling Company, 912 W. Britton Rd. Please RSVP to nicole@ epiceventsok.com, 405­706­7484. The Harn Homestead fundraiser, A Night on the Prairie, is Thursday, Sept. 19 honoring Dr. David Kallenberger.

June 21 • D­DENT Golf Tourney

Dentists for the Disabled & Elderly in Need of Treatment’s 25th Annual Golf Tournament is Friday, June 21, 7 am at the Firelake Golf Course, 1901 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. in Shawnee. Entry includes 18 holes, golf cart, breakfast and lunch. Reserve your spot and call 405­4248092 or email healthysmiles@ddentok.org.

July 27 • Heroes Ball Celebrate Indigenous super heroes and Oklahoma’s heroes for children. The OICA holds its fundraiser and awards event at the FAM and honors the Choctaw Nation, Barry Switzer, Kris Steele, Steve Lewis and other individuals and organizations. For tickets and sponsorships go to OICA.org.

May 28 – Aug. 9 •

Cinema Production Courses

Oklahoma City Community College is offering digital cinema production non­credit "Intensive" courses this summer to provide participants with career­ready training in a workforce development­focused format. Four different course options will be offered via the Gray Frederickson Digital Cinema Department at OCCC starting May 28. These directto­industry Intensives will be taught by top filmmaking professionals. The Intensives will run daily from 8 am to 5 pm throughout the summer during the dates listed:

Set Construction: May 28­June 14

Scenic Painting: June 12­21

Set Dressing: June 17­28

Grip and Electric: July 8­August 9

For additional information, contact OCCC Professor of Digital Cinema Production Sean Lynch at sean.m.lynch@occc.edu.

THIS WEEKEND

May 24 • Free Concert Scissortail Park’s annual FREE Summer Concert Series continues at 8 pm with soul­filled national recording artist Jon Muq from Uganda and Casii Stephan. Guests are invited to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to the Love’s Travel Stops Stage & Great Lawn to enjoy all of the concerts from May through October 2024. Catch Jon Muq before he hits the road opening for the Black Keys this summer!

May 24­26 • GalaxyCon GalaxyCon is a threeday Festival of Fandom with celebrities, artists, writers, voice

actors, cosplayers, entertainers, creators, wrestlers and fan groups, panelists. Celebrate Comic Books, Pop Culture, Sci­Fi, Fantasy, Anime, Gaming, Cosplay and more at the OKC Convention Center, 100 Mick Cornett Dr. Go to galaxycon.com for details and tickets.

May 24 • Wampum Oklahoma Contemporary would like to invite you to Wampum / ᎠᏕᎳ

, an ongoing project by Indigenous artist Elisa Harkins, who sings in a combination of Cherokee, English and Muscogee (Creek) to electronic dance music at 7 pm. The performance combines disco and Indigenous language.

Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com

deadCenter’s Celebration of Movies

The 24th annual deadCenter Film Festival is coming up in two weeks, June 6-9. As Oklahoma’s only Oscar qualifying film festival, deadCenter presents the greatest short films from around the world and the best features, documentaries, shorts, and music videos from across the country and right here in Oklahoma. With a new homebase at The Fordson Hotel, screenings at the Museum of Art and Harkins Bricktown Cinemas, and events at the Jones Assembly and Mary Eddy’s, deadCenter promises to be the most exciting weekend of the summer.

Actor Paul Sparks from Lawton and Producer Dylan Brodie from Ramona will be honored with the prestigious Oklahoma Film & TV Icon Award this year. Sparks is a prolific actor best known as gangster Mickey Doyle in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, Thomas Yates in Netflix’s House of Cards, and John Breem in Apple TV’s Physical Brodie is a producer of the award-winning Reservation Dogs, Oscarwinner Minari, and the independent film Fancy Dance, which was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. Both icons will be in town for the festival and feted at various events.

On opening night, Thursday, June 6, the

Oklahoma City Museum of Art will host the kick-off party on their rooftop from 5 – 8 pm. deadCenter will offer three world premieres and a flamenco documentary from Spain as the opening night films. Then, the Jones Assembly will close the evening with a passholder after-party from 9 pm – midnight.

Opening night films at Harkins include Cricket, a musical drama starring child actor Skye Dakota Turner and directed by Richard Janes, cofounder and CEO of Filmmaker Ranch; Saucedo, an emotional documentary about Oklahoma boxing champion Alex Saucedo from director Emmett Berg; and Hailey’s Game, a supernatural queer romance from former Boathouse rowing coach turned filmmaker Katie Hightower-Duffy La Singla, the riveting documentary about flamenco dancer Antonia Singla, will screen opening night at the museum.

As always, deadCenter will screen insightful documentaries and thought-provoking narrative features. But, this year, I plan to see as

many short films as possible. deadCenter is an Oscar qualifier for short films and they are fabulous. Short films are organized into themed programs like comedy, horror, animated, coming of age, etc. Each of the programs lasts 90 minutes and is followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers.

Stephen Tyler from Mostly Harmless Media and I are back as guest curators for deadCenter’s virtual reality program. Hunter-Gatherers VR, the first Croatian virtual reality film from director Davor Rostuhar, will host its U.S. premiere at deadCenter. Rostuhar lived with and filmed the Hadza Tribe in Tanzania, one of the last hunter-gatherer tribes in the world. The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation will present their 360-degree experience, allowing viewers to step into the OMRF labs and meet their award-winning scientists. deadCenter’s virtual reality program runs Friday, June 7, through Sunday, June 9, 11 am to 6 pm, at the Fordson Hotel. deadCenter is the best place to experience the communal joy of watching movies, meet the filmmakers, and go to film related parties and events. Get your passes and make your schedule today at www.deadcenterfilm. org. See you there!

Making Tracks connects students to wildlife

New initiative aims to provide learning experiences for all Oklahoma third grade classes by 2026 to engage with the Zoo’s new Expedition Africa.

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is proud to partner with Bob Moore Subaru to inspire Oklahoma’s youth to care about the natural world around them through the new initiative, Making Tracks. Making Tracks has a bold mission to provide unique learning experiences for all Oklahoma third grade classes by experiencing the Zoo’s latest habitat expansion, Expedition Africa. With a focus on third grade science standards, this program aims to intro-

duce students to the diverse wildlife and habitats of the African continent through program curriculum and educator-led fieldtrips through Expedition Africa. Making Tracks is currently in the pilot stage with a few select public schools in Oklahoma County participating. Feedback collected during this initial phase will help the OKC Zoo refine educational and logistical components for an expanded schedule. Plans are to grow the program statewide by 2026 and provide a

virtual experience by 2025 for classes unable to visit the Zoo in-person. Making Tracks participants will embark on a learning safari as they discover Expedition Africa using customized workbooks to complete lessons focused on wildlife and natural sciences. At more than 12 acres in size, Expedition Africa presented by Inasmuch Foundation is the OKC Zoo’s largest ever expansion and includes new habitats, building renovations and an elevated guest experience for all ages. Located in

the heart of the Zoo, the expansion is home to more than sixty species native to the African continent, including hyenas, wildebeests, the fan-favorite giraffe herd and more, and habitats such as the savanna that replicate the diverse bioregions of Africa.

For program updates and to learn more about Making Tracks, visit okczoo.org/makingtracks. Stay connected with the Zoo on  Facebook, X, Instagram, Linktree  and TikTok.

City FRIDAY, Friday, May 24, 2024, Page 6

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 24, 2024) ORDINANCE NO. 1250 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE NICHOLS HILLS CITY CODE REGARDING THE APPOINTMENT OF AT-LARGE MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONER AND THE PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION; 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 34-19 is hereby amended with deleted language stricken through and new language underlined, to wit: Sec. 34-19. Created; members; organization.

(a) A Board of Park Commissioners, hereinafter called the “Board,” is hereby created and established for the City. The Board shall consist of nine members, each of whom shall be a resident of the City. There shall be at least two members of the Board from each Ward and they shall be appointed by the Councilman who represents the Ward, with the approval of the City Council. There shall be three at large members of the Board who shall be appointed by the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council. The members of the Board from each Ward shall serve for a term of three years. The at-large members shall serve for a term of two years Present members of the existing Board shall continue to serve until their terms have expired. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term of any member whose office becomes vacant. Members of the Board shall serve without compensation. *****

Section 2. Section 34-163 is hereby amended, with deleted language stricken through and new language underlined, to wit:

Sec. 34-163. Appointment of members; term of office; vacancies.

(a) Members. The Public Arts Commission shall consist of five members, each of whom shall be a resident of the City. There shall be one member of the Commission from each Ward, to be appointed by the Councilman who represents the Ward, with the approval of the City Council. There shall be two at large members who shall be appointed by the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council The members shall each have knowledge or expertise in the area of public art.

(b) Terms. In order to stagger the expiration of terms, the appointments of the initial members representing Wards shall be for one, two or three years for each position. Thereafter such appointments shall be for three years. The at large members shall serve for a term of two years. Notwithstanding anything herein provided, the members of the Public Arts Commission may be removed at any time by majority vote of the City Council. *****

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 14th day of May, 2024.

APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 14th day of May, 2024.

new language underlined, to wit: Sec. 50-50. R-1-60 Single-Family Residential District. *****

(c) Conditional uses. *****

(2)Accessory Buildings, Accessory Structures, and Accessory Uses are subject to Division 6 of this Article and the following:

c.Accessory Buildings, Accessory Structures, and Accessory Uses shall be included in the Building Lot Coverage calculations, unless expressly excluded by Division 6 of this Article, and are subject to the development regulations of this District.

(e) Development regulations.

(7) Building Lot Coverage and Floor Area Ratio. Maximum size and bulk of all permitted Structures shall be based on the following two criteria, neither of which shall be exceeded: a. Building Lot Coverage. Defined Structures shall cover no more than 65 percent of the Lot Area within

Section 6. Section 50-51 of the Nichols Hills City Code is amended as follows, with new language underlined, to wit: Sec. 50-51. R-2

ATTEST:E.

Reviewed

HILLS CITY CODE REGARDING THE TC TOWN CENTER OVERLAY DISTRICT AND BUILDING COMMISSION REVIEW OF CERTAIN ACTIVITIES IN THAT DISTRICT; REPEALING ALL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES;

BE

ORDINANCE NO. 1251

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE NICHOLS HILLS CITY CODE TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF “LOT COVERAGE” TO “BUILDING LOT COVERAGE;” 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 50-3 of the Nichols Hills City Code is amended

(e) Development regulations.

(7) Building Lot Coverage and Floor Area Ratio. Maximum size and bulk of all permitted Structures shall be based on the following two criteria, neither of which shall be exceeded:

a. Building Lot Coverage. Defined Structures shall cover no more than 80 percent of the Lot Area within the Setback Lines established in this District. b. Floor Area Ratio. Shall not exceed 0.8. *****

Section 7. Section 50-65 of the Nichols Hills City Code is amended as follows, with new language underlined, to wit: Sec. 50-65. R-3 Multiple-Family Residential District.

*****

(c) Conditional Uses.

(1) Accessory Buildings, Accessory Structures, and Accessory Uses which are subject to Division 6 of this Article and the following:

*****

c. Accessory Buildings, Accessory Structures, and Accessory Uses shall be included in the Building Lot Coverage calculations, unless expressly excluded by Division 6 of this Article, and are subject to the Development Regulations of this District. *****

Section 8. Section 50-89 of the Nichols Hills City Code is amended as follows, with new language underlined, to wit:

Sec. 50-89. U-4 Church District.

(c) Conditional Uses.

*****

(1.) Accessory Buildings, Accessory Structures, and Accessory Uses which are subject to Division 6 of this Article and the following:

*****

a. Accessory Buildings, Accessory Structures, and Accessory Uses shall be included in the Building Lot Coverage calculations, unless expressly excluded by Division 6 of this Article, and are subject to the Development Regulations of this District.

*****

Section 9. Section 50-175 of the Nichols Hills City Code is amended as follows, with new language underlined, to wit: Sec. 50-175. Accessory Buildings, Accessory Structures, and Accessory Uses in general.

Except as otherwise set out in this Division, all Accessory Buildings, Accessory Structures, and Accessory Uses are subject to the following:

*****

(9) Building Lot Coverage implications. Accessory Buildings, Accessory Structures, and Accessory Uses are included in the Building Lot Coverage calculations except the following when located outdoors and uncovered by a permanent roof structure: a. In-ground swimming pools and above-ground swimming pools that do not exceed five feet in height above ground; b. Decks or hard surfaced terraces at or within five feet of grade; and c. Sports Courts. *****

Section 10. Section 50-413 of the Nichols Hills City Code is amended as follows, with new language underlined, to wit: Sec. 50-413. Additional standards and requirements for Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems. In addition to meeting the applicable standards and requirements set out in Section 50-411, all Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems must meet the following standards and requirements:

(5.) Building Lot Coverage calculation. The area covered by the system is not included in the calculations for Building Lot Coverage.

Section 11.

(c) District purpose. This Section is intended to facilitate orderly growth and redevelopment in a manner that will protect and enhance the

of

in the community. The Town Center Overlay District is intended:

(1)To utilize physical, social, and economic resources within the TC District that are worthy of conservation, enhancement, or redevelopment that will be compatible with the character of the existing community.

(2)To maintain community character and integrity by focusing special attention on the maintenance of the physical environment, the enhancement of physical, social, and economic resources, and the accommodation of desirable change.

(3)To prevent economic obsolescence and to promote re-investment by fostering stable property values, by promoting a high level of economic activity, and by maintaining or improving essential urban services.

(4)To promote the use of urban lands, including the encouragement of compatible mixed-use development on economically obsolete parcels.

(5)To encourage and to support rehabilitation of the physical environment including community infrastructure.

(6)To foster the harmonious, orderly, and efficient growth, development, and redevelopment of this area.

(d) General provisions.

(1)The overlay district requirements shall be in addition to the provisions of the underlying Zoning District applicable to the subject parcel.

(2)The TC designation shall be placed on every parcel of land in this Overlay Zoning District as described herein. All property owners within the Overlay TC District shall be subject to these regulations and guidelines regardless of property size or use.

(3)Zoning district classification of areas, tracts, or sites within the TC District shall be identified on the City Zoning Map and in other official writings by the suffix TC.

(4)When a conflicting requirement exists in the underlying Zoning District, the requirements created under this Section and the ordinance creating the TC District shall apply.

(5)An individual Zoning District change within an established the TC District shall not alter the TC zoning classification or overlay requirements.

(6)Amendments to the TC District boundaries or requirements shall only be permitted through appropriate city zoning ordinance amendment procedures.

(7)The public review requirements of this the TC District shall not be applied to properties requiring

(2)

(1)

imum:

1.Commitments for specific improvements, including sidewalks or pedestrian ways, along the entirety of both frontages, and commitment to appropriate landscaping, to be installed by the developer at time of new construction, addition or alteration; 2.Access points to the TC District, including streets and driveways;

3.Proposed

c. Approach to residential areas. Buildings and activities should be designed to be scaled down in intensity of use, building height, and traffic impacts as the development approaches the residential area bordering the TC Overlay District.

(2) Interior considerations.

a. Landscaping. General landscape concepts for the development area shall be submitted at time of initial consideration of the PUD, and specific Landscape Plans as contemplated by Division 8, Article II, Chapter 50 shall be submitted for approval

adjacent to Buildings that are separated from a street by a parking lot or structure.

c. Front yard setbacks. Adjustment of front yard setback from the standard 25 feet will be considered to encourage creative parking solutions and increase the pedestrian scale of the area.

d. Building height. The PUD may provide for an increase in building heights from the C-2 Retail Business District maximum height of 40 feet, based on a design that provides for added setback for that part of the Structure exceeding 40 feet, when the parcel on which the Structure is located is abutting or separated by a public street, alley, right-of-way or easement from any R-1 or R-2 Residential Zoning Districts.

e. Interior traffic circulation. The PUD Master Development Plan shall establish a basic traffic circulation system including access points by street and driveway from the exterior. The plan must minimize the potential for nonresidential traffic to use local residential streets to enter or leave the TC Overlay District. When individual areas are submitted for development after adoption of a PUD, the required Site Development Plans may have to be expanded to reflect relationship to off-site streets.

h. Building Commission review required. After a redevelopment or new development proposal is approved by the City Council as required by this Section, the applicant must then obtain a Certificate of Approval from the Building Commission (as provided for in Article V, Chapter 50) as to the construction of any Main Building, Secondary Building, and/or Addition that are part of the project before the City will issue any Building Permits or related permits for 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 14th day of May, 2024.

APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 14th day of May, 2024.

ATTEST:E. Peter Hoffman Jr. Mayor Amanda Copeland City Clerk

Reviewed as to Form and Legality: John Michael Williams City Attorney

ORDINANCE NO. 1253

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE NICHOLS HILLS CITY CODE REGARDING COMBINED LOTS AND SIDE YARD SETBACKS IN THE R-1-75 SINGLEFAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT AND THE R-1-60 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 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 4.5.6 is added to Division 5, Combining Lots, Article IV, Deed Approval, of the Nichols Hills Subdivision Regulations (which are adopted by reference in Section 40.1 of the Nichols Hills City Code) as follows,

Section

Section

Section

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 14th day of May, 2024.

APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 14th day of May 2024.

ATTEST:E. Peter Hoffman Jr. Mayor Amanda Copeland City Clerk

Reviewed as to Form and Legality:

John Michael Williams City Attorney

ORDINANCE NO. 1254

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 34-122 OF THE NICHOLS HILLS CITY CODE REGARDING DONATIONS TO PARKS; 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 34-122 of the Nichols Hills City Code is hereby amended, with new language underlined, to wit:

Sec. 34-122. Process for donations to Parks

(a) Application. Persons wishing to make a donation to a Park pursuant to this Article shall file a written application with the City on an application form supplied by the City Clerk.

(b) Donations of Park Amenities valued at $5,000.00 $10,000.00 or less with insignificant associated costs. For donations of Park Amenities valued at $5,000.00 $10,000.00 or less and that would not require the City to incur significant installation or long-term and/or significant maintenance costs, the City Manager, or a designee chosen by the City Council, shall determine whether to approve or disapprove the application. The City Manager, or a designee chosen by the City Council, shall provide a decision to the applicant within 90 calendar days.

(c) Donations of Park Amenities valued at $5,000.00 $10,000.00 or less with significant associated costs and donations of Park Amenities valued at more than $5,000.00 $10,000.00

(1) Transmittal to the City Manager. For donations of Park Amenities valued at $5,000.00 $10,000.00 or less that the City Manager, or a designee chosen by City Council, concludes would require the City to incur significant installation or long-term and/or significant maintenance costs and donations of Park Amenities valued at more than $$5,000.00 $10,000.00 the City Manager, or a designee chosen by City Council, shall assess the application and determine the projected installation, maintenance, and associated administrative costs, if any.

(2) City Manager review. The City Manager shall assess the application and determine the projected installation, maintenance, and associated administrative costs to the City, if any. The City Manager shall then transmit to the Board the application, his recommendation whether to approve or disapprove it, and his assessment of the projected installation, maintenance, and associated administrative costs, if any.

(3) Board review. The Board shall consider the application and the recommendations of the City Manager at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board shall provide a recommendation to the City Council within 90 calendar days, recommending approval or disapproval of the application. The Board may condition its approval of an application based on a requirement that the applicant be required to pay in advance the City’s projected installation, maintenance, and associated administrative costs for a stated period of time.

(4) City Council determination. The City Council shall hold a public hearing regarding the application at its next regularly scheduled meeting (or a special meeting at the City Council’s sole discretion) following receipt of the Board’s recommendation, subject to the City Council’s right to continue such hearing. The City Council shall thereafter review the application and the recommendations of the City Manager, the Board, and any recommendations from officials or other Municipal Departments, and testimony and exhibits submitted at the public hearing. The City Council shall approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the application by resolution within 90 calendar days from the date of the public hearing. The City Council has absolute discretion to override the recommendation of the City Manager and the Board in approving, conditionally approving, or disapproving the application. If the City Council disapproves the application, the grounds for such disapproval must be stated in its decision. If the City Council conditionally approves the application, the conditions that must be satisfied for full approval must be stated in the Resolution. If the City Council requires the applicant to pay in advance the City’s projected installation and maintenance costs for a stated period of time and the City’s associated administrative costs, such requirement will be stated in the Resolution and the applicant must do so before the City will be required to accept the donation. (5) Acceptance of dedication. Upon completion of the installation for donations of Park Amenities, the City shall accept dedication of the improvements by Resolution.

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 14th day of May, 2024.

APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, on the 14th day of May 2024.

ATTEST:E. Peter Hoffman Jr. Mayor Amanda Copeland City Clerk

Reviewed as to Form and Legality: John Michael Williams City Attorney

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 24, 2024) NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Notice is hereby given that the City of Nichols Hills will receive sealed bids in the Office of the City Clerk,

20 feet in width, and except where the City Manager has approved a Deed for Combined Lot pursuant to the Nichols Hills Subdivision Regulations

Section 3. Section 50-50 of the Nichols Hills City Code is amended as follows, with new language underlined, to wit: Sec. 50-50.

be granted to the Petitioner. WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL this 17 day of May, 2024. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/Teresa Becker Deputy (SEAL)

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 24, 2024) IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY, STATE OF OKLAHOMA IN THE MATTER OF THE) ESTATE OF) Deanna K. LaRue) DECEASED

DISTRICT COURT NO: PB-2024-549 STATE OF OKLAHOMA } } ss. COUNTY OF OKLAHOMA }

NOTICE OF HEARING OF PETITION FOR LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION

Notice is hereby given that on the 26 day of April, 2024, Brett K. Owen Filed in the District Court of the County of Oklahoma and State of Oklahoma, a petition praying for Letters of Administration to be issued to Brett K. Owen, upon the Estate of Deanna K. LaRue, deceased, late of the County of Oklahoma and State of Oklahoma. And pursuant to an order of said Court, the 28 day of May, 2024 at the hour of 9:00 o’clock a.m. of said day has been appointed as the time for hearing said application, before Judge Riesen, Judge of the District Court in the District Court Room Probate Division Room 313, Oklahoma County Courthouse, 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County when and where any person interested in said estate may appear and contest said petition by filing written opposition thereto on the ground of incompetence of the applicant, or may assert his/her own right to the administration and pray for Letters to be issued to Brett K. Owen.

Dated this 26 day of April, 2024. THOMAS C. RIESEN Judge of the District Court Rick Warren Court Clerk Oklahoma County, Oklahoma By: /s/illegible signature Deputy (SEAL)

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 24, 2024) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA Case No. CV-2024-1235

Kandice Kaye Woods,) Petitioner,)

NOTICE OF HEARING

Please take notice, that the undersigned will bring the above petition on for hearing before the Court at Room 712, Oklahoma County Courthouse, City of Oklahoma, on the 13 day of June, 2024 at 1:30 o’clock p.m. of that day or as soon thereafter as counsel can be heard. /s/ Kandice Woods

(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, May 24, 2024)

DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2024-1317

IN RE: The Name of:) Jose Alexis Hernandez)

NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME

TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Jose Alexis Hernandez has petitioned to change his/her name to Jose Alexis Misquez. A Hearing on said petition is set for 2:00 o’clock P.M. on the 13 day of June, 2024, before Judge Dishman in his/her courtroom in the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.

RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/illegible signature

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.

OPINION to: vicki@okcfriday.com

Time to call lawmakers to support childcare

By Joe Dorman President & CEO

Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy

The Oklahoma Legislature is approaching the constitutionally binding end of the annual session which must occur by 5 p.m. on the final Friday of May. Each year, lawmakers come to the State Capitol in Oklahoma City to debate policy ideas for improving conditions for certain Oklahomans, and to pass an annual budget to keep state government operating.

In the work done by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA), much of our mission is driven to provide greater opportunities for young people often receiving delivery of services by the state. That can be for children in foster care, those who are in the care of the Office of Juvenile Affairs, or the hundreds of thousands of children who receive subsidized health insurance or delivery of meal services, or care for those who are facing long term care needs for the devel-

opmentally disabled.

Another category is the accessibility of services for childcare support for working families. Our state poverty rates show that more than one-fifth of Oklahoma’s children, about 200,000 kids, come from families who suffer intense poverty. Those guardians struggle with decisions on whether to feed their family, pay monthly bills, or cover medical costs. Some families must even decide if they can keep their low-wage job and pay for childcare, or if they must make the tough decision to quit their job to stay home with the children as childcare costs more than most low-wage jobs pay.

As reported last month by the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (OPSR), the

average price for infant care for one year at a childcare center in Oklahoma County is $11,080. That is a steep price considering the median household income in the county is $58,239. While the price drops slightly for services in the rural areas, unfortunately so does the income ratio for Oklahomans, making it more difficult to afford childcare. Additionally, there is a critical shortage of available childcare services. In their 2023 childcare summary, OPSR found that 55% of Oklahomans live in a “childcare desert,” with either no providers within their zip code or too few available slots. The problem is even worse in rural areas, where 68% of Oklahomans have no access to childcare.

There are some ideas

Dear Wise Elder: I’m a recent widow. After having a career and then caring for my husband for five years, I’m so lonely and a little fearful about investments and life in general.

Dear Lonely & Fearful: It’s understandable that you would need a time of transition to adjust not only going from “we” to “me” but also making all the decisions on your own. Creating a regular schedule, choosing to meet new friends at church or investment club will be helpful. Initiate eating with friends at least twice a week. But the most important choice will

being considered which will hopefully make it across the finish line before the Legislature adjourns for the year.

One of the best options is House Bill 4147 by Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa and Sen. Adam Pugh, REdmond. A wide array of organizations, ranging from us at OICA to The State Chamber, have been working to raise awareness about the needs addressed by this legislation.

The bill would incentivize businesses to share in the cost of childcare for their employees by providing a tax credit to businesses which provide employees with money to help pay for and find childcare or operate their own childcare service for employees.

This concept also helps businesses with

be to join VillagesOKC where their robust calendar gives you many options. Every week, drive home a new way, learn something new and look for volunteer opportunities through VillagesOKC where you can serve alongside a new friend. Go to the school and register to read to children. If you raise flowers, take a bouquet to a household on your street. As the song says, “Make new friends and keep the old. One is silver and the other is gold.”

- Courtesy VillagesOKC, www.VillagesOKC.org (405) 990 6637

employee retention so they can keep qualified, trained employees who they have already spent time and money on for training. This is the time for you to contact lawmakers to help push this and other good ideas across the finish line. Please go to oica.org under “Advocacy” to find your state senator and representative. Then call and ask them to support childcare services and to adequately fund the services in this budget cycle. Finally, a sad note this week. We at OICA just learned of the passing of Ray Potts. The Potts family was our lifetime achievement in child advocacy award recipient last year. Join us in expressing our deepest sympathy to Pat Potts and their entire family.

Two Casady students selected for Youth Leadership Oklahoma

Fridayland Youth Leadership Oklahoma Class 24 students are: Robert Evans and Lilly Ross.

YLOK Class 24 members plan to travel the state during a weeklong trip at the begin-

Two Casady School students are among 52 rising high school seniors selected by Leadership Oklahoma through a competitive process based on proven leadership, geographic, ethnic and cultural diversity to participate in its annual Youth Leadership Oklahoma (YLOK) class program.

ning of June to learn about Oklahoma’s history, culture, issues and leaders and begin to develop a greater understanding and appreciation for our state. YLOK was created in 2001 with the mission to develop in young leaders a feeling of

hope, pride and a responsibility for Oklahoma’s future.

Over 1,000 students have participated in this one-of-a-kind program.

The all-expense paid weeklong program begins and ends in Oklahoma City. Other cities visited throughout

Serving as pages in Oklahoma Legislature

Three named to President’s List at SNHU

Christopher Lawton, Travis Copas and Colin Thornton, all of Oklahoma City have been named to the Winter 2024 President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU.

The winter terms run from January to May. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the report-

ing term are named to the President's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring and summer.

the week include Norman, Lawton, Sulphur, Tulsa, Stillwater, and Enid. In each community, YLOK Class 24 will learn about Oklahoma’s resources, issues and treasures, meet with state leaders and further develop their own leadership skills.

“Leadership Oklahoma is very excited about the 52 young people chosen for this year’s program. YLOK Class 24 is an outstanding blend of student leadership from across the state.” said Jodi Lewis, Leadership Oklahoma’s president and CEO.

May

Sandra

Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, with Putnam City North High School senior Taylor Snyder, who served as a page for the Senate during the ninth week of the legislative session from April 1-4.

Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, with Bishop McGuinness High School senior Charlotte Waldo, who served as a page for the Senate during the 13th week of the legislative session from April 29-May 2.

Racing ducks

Jo Rowan Chair in Dance is established at OCU

Oklahoma City University has received a $1.2 million gift to establish an endowed chair in its dance and entertainment school, university officials announced.

The gift from the estate of longtime Oklahoma City University supporter Ann Lacy is to be used to create the Jo Rowan Chair in Dance.

Lacy, who passed away in August, is the namesake of the university’s Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment. Rowan was the chair and founder of the school. She retired in June 2022 after a 42-year tenure that put OCU dance on the national and global map.

Current Dance and Entertainment Dean Melanie Shelley announced that the endowed chair will be awarded to ballet professor and Ballet Department Chair Jessica Fay.

“Jessica is a more-than-deserving recipient,” Shelley said. “It was Ann’s wish that this endowed position be created in Jo’s name, and Jessica was mentored by Jo in ballet for many years.

“This is a fitting way to pay tribute to the legacies of both Ann and Jo, while recognizing Jessica’s impact on the school and our ballet students.”

The gift continues a long tradition of support for OCU by Lacy. A trustee emerita and recipient of an honorary doctor of humane letters from OCU, Lacy was one of the lead donors to the university’s centennial campaign, “Lighting the World – One Star at a Time.” Her love and support for the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment was unmatched.

Lacy’s grandson, Chris Lawson, said his grandmother “would be as thrilled as I am to see Jo remembered in such a significant way.”

“Jo Rowan is one of the most accomplished and revered dance instructors in the world,” said Lawson, who is president and chief executive officer of The Ann Lacy Foundation. “The impact her philosophy and teaching style has had is immeasurable – not just on students but everyone around her. The high-quality work Dean Shelley and the entire school continues to produce is proof.”

Rowan said she was surprised and honored to learn of the estate gift.

“Ann Lacy inspired and encouraged me. She was a unique philanthropist,” Rowan said. “She complimented our productions and the success of our graduates, but most importantly to me, she understood the creative process and the effort that went into making the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment one of the best in the nation.”

Rowan added that the gift is an example of Lacy’s commitment to the university’s mission to support and encourage gifted faculty members.

Jo Rowan Chair Jessica Fay, Jo Rowan and Dance and Entertainment Dean Melanie Shelley.

The OKC Philharmonic and the OKC Orchestra League hosted a Kenducky Derby party at this year’s Symphony Show House. Attendees received ducks which were blown across the pool to determine the winner. Above: Joni and Skip Cunningham. At right: Susie Calonkie and Judy Austin, long-time PHIL supporter and several time Show House chairman, who traveled back from Texas to attend.

- Photos by Rose Lane

Above: Show House Chairman Mark Taylor in the room he designed with artist Kimberly Morgan who created 46 pieces of art for the Show House, which was the old Dolese Mansion. At left: Sally Dasovick, OKCPHIL Music Director and Conductor Alexander Mickelthwate and Meg Salyer.

At right: Dr. Kari Lopez and Renae Brady.