Edmond Life and Leisure - August 28, 2025

In This Issue

17 more years of paying

Uri

See Page 10

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29 Cloudy

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30

AM Showers/PM Sun

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31

AM Showers

The community is invited to experience Two Views, One Story, a solo exhibition by Oklahoma artist Jay Holobach, opening Thursday, September 4, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m at Edmond Fine Arts. Admission is always free, and guests can enjoy the show, engage with the community, hear a brief artist talk, and meet the artist at the 1st Thursday Gallery Opening.

This body of work explores the dynamic tension between spontaneity and reflection by pairing intimate plein air paintings with their larger, studio-rendered counterparts. Each plein air piece was created on location, capturing a fleeting moment in nature. A moment that can never be exactly repeated due to the shifting light, weather, and atmosphere.

In contrast, the studio versions offer Holobach the opportunity to revisit the same scene with deeper intention, expanding the narrative through careful observation, additional detail, and layered expression.

“By having both interpretations side by side, viewers are invited to experience the pure energy of plein air painting alongside the more expansive, contemplative nature of studio work,” says Holobach. “Though similar, each pair is not identical, they’re two distinct takes on the same story.”

The differences between the two approaches are subtle yet profound. Details omitted in the plein air works due to time constraints or environmental conditions are reimagined and refined in the studio versions, resulting in compositions that feel both connected and independent, like two sides of the same coin.

Two Views, One Story invites viewers to see how immediacy and reflection can coexist in contemporary impressionist landscape art. The smaller plein air works offer snapshots of time, while the larger pieces provide a more nuanced and meditative view of the landscape. Together, they form a cohesive visual dialogue that is as varied as it is unified.

About the Artist:

Jay Holobach is a contemporary landscape impressionist residing in Edmond, OK, whose bold color, expressive gesture, and sense of place reflect a deep connection to the American landscape. Originally from Michigan, Jay trained at the Romeo Art Studio, Holobach and has exhibited extensively throughout the Midwest, with solo and group exhibitions including the Franklin Art Crawl (TN), Carriage Factory Gallery (KS), Gallery Grazioso (OK), Wildfire Gallery (OK), and Edmond Fine Arts (OK).

Also, please see Page 5 for a look at an art partnership between the Edmond Public Schools and Edmond Fine Arts. And if you’re looking for something to do this weekend, please check out Page 6 for Weekend Calendar of Events. And have a great Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1.

New food & drinks at State Fair 2025

Fair organizers are thrilled to announce the list of new food and drink items fairgoers can indulge in at the 2025 event. All food vendor information, including booth locations, will be available on okstatefair.com. all I can say is each to his or her own.

Mangonada Palmer, A Latte Love – Mango lemonade layered with brown sugar sweet tea, Chamoy, and a Tamarindo candy stick.

Dubai Chocolate Mexican Funnel Cake, Gringo’s – Churro funnel cake topped with strawberries, whipped cream, pistachio cream, shredded phyllo dough, milk chocolate, and powdered sugar.

Straight Butter, Wondervan Pops – Cookie butter ice cream dipped in chocolate, topped with Biscoff cookies, and drizzled with white chocolate.

The Hot Chick, FryDay Concessions – Giant yeast-raised donut topped with southern fried chicken, thick-cut dill pickles, coleslaw, and fiery Nashville hot sauce.

Maple Cheesecake Bacon Burger, Granny’s Cheesecake –Thick beef patty topped with bacon, a cheesecake slice, and drizzled with maple sauce, all stacked within a soft bun.

Deep-Fried Pecan Pie, Taste of OKC – Classic pecan pie slice dipped in light, fluffy batter, deep-fried, and drizzled with a salted bourbon caramel sauce.

Pickle Bacon Ranch Pizza, Pizza On A Stick – Freshly made pizza dough topped with award-winning pickle ranch sauce, loaded with crisp dill pickles and bacon.

Peach Cobbler in a Cone, Huston Concessions – Sweet, warm peach cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with bourbon caramel sauce.

Iced Coffee with Ube Milk Foam, Chan’s Eatery – Vietnamese iced coffee topped with mildly sweet, nutty, vanilla ube (purple yam) milk foam.

Caramel Popcorn Pie, Cutie Pies – Graham cracker crust filled with caramel popcorn pie filling, topped with whipped cream, caramel syrup, and caramel popcorn.

Watermelon Salad, Rush Springs Watermelons – Juicy watermelon chunks combined with feta, basil, and a balsamic vinaigrette.

Viet Sausage on Sugarcane, Yum Yum Bites – Savory and smokey Vietnamese sausage wrapped around a sweet, juicy sugarcane stick.

Suya Goat Meat, Afrikan Delights – Tender goat marinated in a rich peanut spice blend called yaji, grilled to smoky perfection, served with fresh onions and tomatoes.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Brandon Concessions – Gooey, buttery grilled cheese sandwich filled with flavorful pizza elements.

Spam Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Brandon Concessions –Grilled cheese sandwich featuring hearty and flavorful Spam.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Brandon Concessions – Grilled chicken, smoky bacon, and gooey melted cheese drizzled with ranch dressing, all tucked inside buttery, toasted bread.

Dill Dawg Doritos Bombs, Diventuri – Hotdog stuffed pickle, sliced, battered, and rolled in Cool Ranch Doritos, sprinkled with ranch seasoning. Maccin Cowboy, Gilty Pleasure – Waffle Fries loaded with pulled pork, mac n cheese, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, sour cream, Jalapeños, and chives.

Animal Style Cheese On-AStick, Brown's Concessions –Hand-dipped cheese on a stick topped with grilled onions, cheese, and a savory sauce.

Chocolate Carolina Reaper Fudge, Ghost Pepper Fudge, Jalapeño Fudge, The Nut Shack –Chocolate fudge made with 100% pure Carolina Reaper, Ghost Pepper, and Jalapeño peppers.

The Brunch Bomb, FryDay Concessions – Giant yeast-raised donut topped with Cajun fried chicken, maple whipped cream cheese, roasted pecans, and bacon crumbles.

Dubai Strawberries in a Cup, Granny’s Cheesecake – Layers of strawberries, kataifi dough, and pistachio cream, covered in melted chocolate.

Papa Loca, La Taqueria – Fluffy baked potato stuffed with steak, cilantro, onion, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese.

Lahmacun, Turkish Delights –Turkish flatbread topped with seasoned minced meat and vegetables.

Turkish Doner Sandwich, Turkish Delights – Thinly shaved beef or chicken served in a pita or flatbread with various toppings and sauces.

Oklahoma Sunrise Energy Drink, A Latte Love – Handcrafted clean energy drink featuring coffee berry and vitamin B12.

Biscoff Horchata, Agua Fresca – Refreshing horchata in a caramel drizzled cup, featuring a rim slathered with Biscoff cookie butter, then coated in Biscoff cookie crumbles.

Bacon Honey Bun, The Bacon Habit – Jumbo Honey Bun covered in real bacon with a dash of chipotle seasoning, smoked until the icing and bacon caramelize.

Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake, Wade Shows Funnel Cake – Traditional funnel cake with powdered sugar topped with pistachio cream and crispy kataifi, drizzled with chocolate, and garnished with pieces of pistachio.

Lobster Bites On-A-Stick, Yum Yum Bites – Tender chunks of sweet lobster, lightly battered and fried until golden, served on a stick.

Apple Lemonade, The Original Minneapple Pie – Refreshing lemonade melded with the sweet flavors of apple pie.

Cuties Taco Pie, Cutie Pies –Sweet hamburger bun topped with seasoned taco meat, shredded cheese, Jalapeños, diced onions, sour cream, and served with tortilla chips.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Caramel Apple, Rodney & Lisa’s Fancy Caramel Apples – Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel, drizzled with melted peanut butter and chocolate, topped with a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

Sour Watermelon Popsicle, Rush Springs Watermelons –Frozen treat made with real watermelon pieces, surrounded by a sour flavoring.

Candied Chamoy Pickle On A

Stick, Rush Springs Watermelons – Sour dill pickle wrapped in Fruit Roll-Ups, drenched in Chamoy, sprinkled with Tajín, served on a stick.

Cool Ranch Doritos Pickles, Diventuri – Pickle chips or spears breaded with Cool Ranch Doritos and deep-fried.

Shawarma Chicken Sandwich, Sweis’s – Chicken on thin pita bread with pickle and garlic dip, rolled, then grilled.

Honey Badger Corndog, Brown's Concessions – Handdipped corndog rolled in Cheetos seasoning, topped with hot honey sauce and spicy mayo.

Honey Badger Cheese On-AStick, Brown's Concessions –Cheese On-A-Stick rolled in Cheetos seasoning and topped with hot honey sauce and spicy mayo.

Extra Okie Corndog, Brown's Concessions – Hand-dipped corndog topped with chili, cheese, and optional additional seasoning.

Extra Okie Cheese On-A-Stick, Brown's Concessions – Cheese On-A-Stick topped with chili, cheese, and optional additional seasoning.

Birria Street Corn, Bad Boys BBQ – Mexican street corn topped with slow cooked birria, cilantro, onions, and a drizzle of homemade avocado-cilantro salsa.

Blueberry Crunch Ice Cream, Your Just Desserts – Soft-serve vanilla ice cream mixed with small, crunchy blueberry flavored candies.

Chocolate-Dipped Licorice Pieces, Licorice Ropes – Different flavors of licorice dipped in chocolate.

Loaded Cowboy Fries, Pioneer Wagon – Seasoned dipper fries covered in cheese and topped with real bacon.

Now that you know what the new foods will be at our state fair, here are some odd ones from around the country for 2025.

1. Insect Delicacies

In 2025, insect-based foods made a significant mark on the state fair scene. As the world embraces sustainable and eco-friendly food sources, insects have become a popular choice. Fairgoers can now enjoy cricket tacos, mealworm burgers, and chocolate-covered ants.

2. Pickle Popsicles

I love pickles but they have taken on a new, refreshing form. Pickle popsicles are the latest craze, offering a tangy and icy treat for sizzling summer days. Made from pickle juice and a hint of dill, these popsicles provide a unique combination of sour and savory flavors.

3. Spaghetti Donuts

Combining two beloved foods,

spaghetti donuts have become a quirky and delightful addition to state fairs. These donuts are made by shaping cooked spaghetti into a donut form, then frying them to golden perfection. They are often topped with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

4. Sushi Burritos

I am not so sure how these would do in Oklahoma heat, but sushi burritos have gained popularity in recent years, and in 2025, they have become a staple at state fairs. These oversized sushi rolls are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as fresh fish, avocado, cucumber, and spicy mayo, all wrapped in a seaweed sheet and rice.

5. Glow-in-the-Dark Cotton Candy

This cotton candy is infused with edible, non-toxic glow-in-the-dark ingredients, making it light up in the dark. I am thinking most modern-day parents would give this stuff with all the chemicals a giant thumbs down so it would be up to us grandparents to get for them.

6. Mac and Cheese Ice Cream

Mac and cheese are a classic comfort food comfort, but in 2025, it has taken on an unexpected form as ice cream. Mac and cheese ice cream combines the creamy, cheesy flavor of mac and cheese with the cold, smooth texture of ice cream.

7. Deep-Fried Bubblegum

Under the category of how you make something bad for you worse, deep-fried foods are a staple at state fairs, and in 2025, deep-fried bubblegum took the spotlight. This quirky treat involves wrapping bubblegum-flavored marshmallow in dough, then frying it to a crispy golden brown. The result is a sweet, chewy, and slightly gooey treat that captures the essence of bubblegum in a whole new way.

8. Flaming Hot Cheetos Corn on the Cob

I had to read about this one twice to understand it but here is the description in a nutshell. Corn on the cob is a classic fair food, but in 2025, it received a fiery upgrade. Flaming Hot Cheetos corn on the cob involves coating grilled corn with a layer of spicy, crushed Flaming Hot Cheetos. The result is a crunchy, spicy, and flavorful treat that adds a kick to the traditional corn on the cob. You will know who has just eaten this because the red stain will be all over their hands and mouth. My guess is you cannot wash it off.

(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure, may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)

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EPS expands partnership with Edmond Fine Arts

The youngest learners in Edmond are stepping into worlds where giraffes dance, music brings stories to life, and costumes spark confidence. They’re learning to speak up, listen closely, and imagine boldly thanks to an expanded program provided by Edmond Fine Arts (EFA), created in partnership with Edmond Public Schools (EPS).

This year, every pre-kindergarten student in the district will experience not one, but two powerful arts programs, Playful Dramatics and Musical Journeys, designed to unlock creativity, build confidence, and set the stage for a lifetime of learning. And while the impact is priceless, the program’s reach depends on the community’s support.

“These programs are more than just fun, they’re essential,” says Shannon Price, EFA Executive Director. “In pre-K, imagination is the foundation for learning. It’s how children develop problem-solving skills, empathy, focus, and the courage to share their ideas. The arts give them the tools they’ll carry for the rest of their lives.”

Filling a Gap at a Critical Time

Pre-kindergarten in Edmond is not mandatory or state funded, which means students don’t receive specials or enrichment opportunities outside their classroom. For many, these programs are their first and only exposure to professional arts education.

In 2023–24, EFA piloted Playful Dramatics in eight Title I schools after district leaders reported developmental delays in language, coordination, and social skills among young learners, delays worsened by the pandemic. Created and led by early childhood and theater educator Anna Wilcox, the program used imaginative play, storytelling, costumes, and movement to help students express themselves, work together, and discover the joy of performing.

Teachers saw an immediate difference: “My students loved getting to act out Giraffes Can’t Dance! Anna

was playful, professional, and amazing at keeping the kids’ attention. I love how she made sure every student felt included and helped the shy ones come out of their shells.” – EPS Pre-K Teacher

The program’s success led EPS to expand the program to all 17 elementary schools for the 2024–25 school year. Now entering its third year, it will grow again in 2025–26 to include Musical Journeys, a new music-based storytelling program created and led by Julie Atyia, offering a second creative pathway for students to explore rhythm, movement, and song.

A Partnership for Edmond’s Youngest Learners

EFA extends its heartfelt thanks to Edmond Public Schools for its partnership in making the Pre-K Arts in Schools Program possible. By opening every pre-K classroom to the arts, EPS has shown a remarkable commitment to nurturing creativity, imagination, and whole-child development from the very beginning of a student’s education.

The program is presented by ETS Enterprises and supported by The Arvest Foundation and Edmond Electric, whose generosity ensures hundreds of children can experience the joy and growth that comes from artistic exploration.

How the Community

Can Help

While these partnerships provide a strong foundation, additional supporters and sponsors are essential to sustain and expand the program’s reach. Donations cover everything from professional teaching artists to costumes, props, rhythm instruments, and lesson materials.

A gift of:

$50 provides costumes and props for one classroom.

$250 funds an entire Playful Dramatics or Musical Journeys session for a pre-K class.

$1,000 supports a full year of arts experiences for one school.

It’s been almost 25 years since Edmond Life & Leisure premiered with local photographs and articles.

We’re still publishing local feature and news articles.

Please send local stories and photos to news@edmondpaper.com For Advertising contact Alexx Reger at alexx@edmondpaper.com

“Every dollar goes directly toward helping children imagine, create, and believe in themselves,” says Price.

“When a child sees that their ideas have value—whether through a performance, a story they help tell, or a song they sing, they carry that confidence into everything they do.”

Join Us in Building a Creative Future

The expanded Pre-K Arts in Schools Program will reach hundreds of Edmond’s youngest students in

2025–26, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, begins school with the tools to imagine, create, and thrive.

About Edmond Fine Arts: Edmond Fine Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accessible arts education and fostering creativity in the Edmond community. Through classes, workshops, and community events, Edmond Fine Arts aims to inspire individuals of all ages to explore and embrace the arts. Learn more at edmondfinearts.com.

(Editor’s Note: The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law.

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

Aug. 11

Eddie Spoummonte Carr, 32 homeless. Felony warrant.

Micah James Hill, 21 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Donovan Cedric Pruitt, 41 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Stephen Jene Jennings, 47 of Del City. Operating a motor vehicle with defective equipment, failure to carry compulsory insurance, expired tag, possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

Javonnie Lebron Simms, 49 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Kari Arion Owens, 21 of Oklahoma City. Possession of marijuana, no proof of insurance, expired tag – over three months and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

Aug. 12

Felecia Angelena Campbell, 52 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Love Me Me Sam, 24 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Alexandra Danielle Shafer, 24 of Edmond. False reports of crime.

Billy Kalin Johnson, 40 of Edmond. Possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS with intention to distribute CDS.

Ryan Christopher Green, 39 homeless. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Dwight Clayton Steele, 22 of Edmond. Trespassing after being forbidden and public intoxication.

Stiven Ariel Caceres-Bonilla, 21 with home address unknown, Operating a motor vehicle with improper equipment and driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

Jackson Bo Blundell, 30 of Oklahoma City. Two counts of failure to appear.

Aug. 13

Michael Charles Kilkenny, 40 of Edmond. Purchase, procure or possession of obscene material and (felony) publication, distribution or participation of obscene material or child pornographyu — unsolicited mailings.

Logan William James Miles, 31 of Prague. Misdemeanor warrant.

Mark Edward Maples II, 39 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Matthew R. Bixler, 44 of Edmond. Expired tag –1 to 3 months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Mark Edward Maples II, 39 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Gregory Steele Ferguson, 45 of Edmond. Possess

Weekend Calendar of Events Aug 28-31

---- In the Gallery

---- Edmond’s Farmer’s Market

---- Saturday Farmer’s Market at Scissortail Park

---- Wheeler District Farmer’s Market ---- Board Game Night

---- Karaoke Thursdays

---- Karaoke Night

---- Beer + Yoga

---- Books + Board Games

---- Saturday Morning Music Sessions

---- Art and Design Faculty Exhibition

---- Grand Reopening: 3 Dachshunds Records

---- Live Music: Leif Nevender

---- Live Music: Heatwave ft. Da General

---- Open Mic Night

---- “Artfully Local: Creations by Dr. Bob Palmer & Holly McHughes” Exhibit

---- Brews, Bites & Bands Festival

---- Oklahoma Senior Games

---- Swiftwater Conference & Championship Games

---- Jon Batiste in Concert

---- WriterCon

---- Oklahoma Railway Museum Train Rides

---- Time Travelers Vintage Expo

---- Labor Day Weekend Pickleball Tournament

---- Parlor Jam at Horizon Hill

drug paraphernalia, possess CDS and a felony warrant.

Aug. 14

Esteban Fey Vazquez, 22 of Oklahoma City. Failure to appear and driving without a proper/valid driver’s license.

Taylor James West 31 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Quinn Alan Green 54 of De Queen, Ark. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Joseph Anthony Vick, 49 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Patrick James Rhodes, 47 homeless. Public intoxication.

Rodney Jerome Burton Jr., 32 of Oklahoma City. Two counts of failure to appear and public intoxication.

Aug. 15

Erin Elizabeth Rose, 45 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Daniel Scott Wendling, 37 of Edmond. Felony DUI/APC.

David James Bender, 25 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Dezmond Terrell Moore, 22 of Oklahoma City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Chelsea Leann Mathis, 34 of Oklahoma City. Trafficking in illegal drugs, possession of CDS and (From building) (Misdemeanor) Larceny of lost property.

Alexander Nowell Burchell, 33 of Oklahoma City. (From building) (Misdemeanor) larceny of lost property and trafficking in illegal drugs.

Jason Isaac Lombard, 25 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.

Jocelyn Michaela Brady, 38 of Yukon. Failure to appear.

John Matthew Vansant, 64 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Marissa Marie Medina, 41 of Tulsa. From building – petit larceny.

Aug. 16

Monique Patrice King, 26 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Benjamin Mtyos Kipsitet, 22 of Edmond. A misdemeanor warrant and failure to appear.

Cade Jameson Sanders, 25 of Moore. Two counts of failure to appear, operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, obstruction of officer and elude police officer endanger others (F)

Benjamin Todd Bagnall, 45 homeless. Public intoxication.

Adam Frog Steve, 23 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant, possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Vito Adam Evans, 25 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of

Extra Information

In the Gallery

Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute

Extra Info: First Thu of every month Gallery opening: 5 – 7 p.m.; Free; Gallery is open Mon – Thu; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Free; Featuring artists Charl Adair, Tracey Brauer, Janet Funk, Brooke Livingston, Deke Roberts, Steven Schmidt and Abby Stiglets; edmondfinearts.com

Edmond Farmer’s Market

Location: Festival Market Place

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 12 – Sat, Oct 25; Free; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; edmondok.gov

Saturday Farmer’s Market at Scissortail Park

Location: Scissortail Park

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 5 – Sat, Oct 25; 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; free parking: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.; scissortailpark.org

Wheelers District Farmer’s Market

Location: 1737 Spoke St, OKC, OK

Extra Info: Through Fri, Oct 24; 6 – 9 p.m.; (closed Jul 4); wheelerdistrict.com

Board Game Night

Location: MAC in Mitch Park

Extra Info: recurring monthly on the 1st Saturday through Sat, Dec 6, 2025; edmondokcivicrec.com

anything other than alcohol.

Dakota Cheyenne Jenkins 24 of Midwest City. Two counts of failure to appear and expired tag –over three months.

Elijah Claiborn Fields, 21 of Oklahoma City. Pointing a firearm.

Brooklynn Marie Thornhill, 24 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Angela Marie McCallister, 60 of Guthrie. Failure to appear.

Jamie Nichol McCallister, 35 of Guthrie. Driving with privilege canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and operating a motor vehicle with improper equipment.

Alan Lewis Craig, 63 homeless. Two counts of failure to appear.

Desmond Ty Larney, 30 of Holdenville. Obstruction of police officer and (misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault.

Henrik Calizaya Ponce, 22 of Oklahoma City. Improper lane usage, operating a motor vehicle with improper equipment, driving without proper/valid driver’s license, no proof of insurance and expired tag – over three months.

Molly Elizabeth Kaase, 31 homeless. Shoplifting – petit larceny.

Tyjanea Michelle Stevens, 24 of Oklahoma City. No proof of insurance, disregard red signal light and operating a motor vehicle with no driver’s license.

Aug. 17

Lee John Reichenberger, 40 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Samy Smith Gonzalez, 33 of Edmond. Operating a motor vehicle with no valid driver’s license.

Daquarius Rashawn Durham, 24 of Edmond. Domestic abuse assault (strangulation), (misdemeanor) possession of another’s debit card, kidnapping, obstruction of police officer and domestic abuse assault. (dangerous weapon) Dekwaune Jerray Reeves, 29 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Stephen Marshall Raney, 42 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana and public intoxication.

Charles Derek Hodges, 35 homeless. Trespassing after being forbidden, possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

Joshua Andrew Bailey, 38 of Edmond. Domestic abuse with a prior pattern of physical abuse.

Jamon Di’Antre Parker, 29 of Oklahoma City. Possession of marijuana, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and shoplifting – petit larceny.

Dante Malik Lewis, 32 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

John Edward Kaufman, 66 homeless. Felony warrant.

Andrew Matthew Duehning, 33 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Leslee Sue James, 53 of Oklahoma City. (Felony) larceny of merchandise from retailer and misdemeanor warrant.

A total of 64 bookings

Karaoke Thursdays

Location: The Frosted Mug, 1333 N Santa Fe Ave, Suite 107, Edmond, OK

Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Thursday; Free; 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.; frostedmugedmond.com

Karaoke Night

Location: The Gin

Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Thursday; 7 p.m.; theginok.com

Beer + Yoga

Location: American Solera – Icehouse Project

Extra Info: Recurring monthly on the 2nd Sunday; Free 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.; americansolera.com

Books + Board Games

Location: American Solera – Icehouse Project

Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Thursday; Free; 7 p.m.; americansolera.com

Saturday Morning Music Sessions

Location: Arcadia Round Barn

Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Saturday; 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; visitedmondok.com

Art and Design Faculty Exhibition

Location: University of Central Oklahoma –Melton Gallery

Extra Info: Thu, Aug 28; Free; 5 – 7 p.m.; See Calendar, Page 8

Tips for parents & children with school open

By Lisa Kadavy Edmond Family Counseling

Now is the time to begin thinking about setting routines at home for the 2025-2026 school year. Children thrive on structure. Positively communicating with your child about the upcoming school year may help ease the transition and set the tone for a successful year.

The following tips may be helpful for parents:

-Be Positive- Children need affirmation and support as they begin a new school year. Kids mirror your attitude and actions. Staying calm and positive will help them feel more confident in the journey ahead.

-Structured Schedule- Children feel safe when there is a schedule and predictability in their day. Begin setting up a routine at home gradually to help ease back into their school routine and schedule. Mealtimes are important too.

-Be Present- Communicating without a device in hand sends a very strong message to your child. Actively listening and being present to hear your child’s genuine concerns and responding keeps the conversations open and ongoing daily.

-Safety- Children need to have emergency contact numbers memorized without the prompting of a cell phone. Remind children of the importance of safety and who to contact in case of an emergency.

-Have Fun-The start of a brand-new school year brings many new fun and exciting opportunities for your child. Laughing together and making the start of a new year fun may help make the transition easier.

The following tips may be helpful for children:

-Sleep-Getting enough sleep is critical. A consistent sleep schedule helps with focus and mood. Proper nutrition for breakfast is essential. Your brain and grades will thank you!

-Organization- Plan your outfit the night before school. This saves time and will be less stressful before school each morning. Make sure you have

your backpack organized, supplies, and snacks ready to go.

-Be Kind-Be kind to yourself and others. A warm smile and a kind word to others may just make their day and yours!

-Use Your Words- It is normal to feel nervous, and it is okay to talk about it. If you feel worried or unsure about something, tell a parent or teacher.

-Fuel your Mind- Your brain needs nutritious

food and snacks to stay energized and alert during the day. Pack brain boosting snacks or lunches such as fruit, cheese, nuts and water.

-Set Goals- Setting goals for the 2025-2026 school year is important. Goal setting does not have to be complicated. Keep them short, simple and attainable. What would you like to improve this year? Write down a few short-term goals and move forward.

As the 2025-2026 school year begins, Edmond Family Counseling extends our best wishes to all students and families for a year filled with learning, growth and success!

(Edmond Family Counseling is a non-profit organization. We may be reached at 405-341-3554 to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed professional counselors.)

Lisa Kadavy, M.Ed., NBSC, is Elementary School Group Facilitator for Edmond Family Counseling.

Back to school time a great opportunity to catch up on any missed immunizations

By Dr. Steven Crawford

As students’ return to the classroom, making up for any missed immunizations is critical, especially with measles cases on the rise.

The nationwide measles outbreak is now at a 33-year high, with more than 1,300 cases so far in 2025 and the illness continues to spread due in part to lower immunization rates.

August is National Immunization Month, the perfect time to plan for preventing missed school days and sports practices. Call your doctor’s office, schedule with the Oklahoma State Department of Health or visit the Oklahoma City-County Health Department’s website at https://occhd.org/immunizations to find out about mobile van visits.

This school year, measles is likely to circulate among the school age population, as we have seen it spread through daycares and summer camps in other states, with parents forced to take off weeks to quarantine. The National Foundation for Infec-

Calendar

blogs.uco.edu

Grand Reopening: 3 Dachshunds Records

Location: 109 E 2nd St, Edmond

Extra Info: Fri, Aug 22 – Sun, Aug 31; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; 3dachshundsvinyl.com

Live Music: Leif Nevender

Location: The Gin

Extra Info: Fri, Aug 29; Free; 8:30 p.m.; Outdoor concert: Live Acoustic Show; All ages & pets on a leash; theginok.com

Live Music: Heatwave ft. Da General

Location: The Gin

Extra Info: Sat, Aug 30; $20+; 8 p.m.

Open Mic Night

Location: The Drip Coffee House

Extra Info: Sat, Aug 30; 7 – 9 p.m.; Free

Artfully Local: Creations by Dr. Bob Palmer & Holly McHughes” Exhibit

Location: Oklahoma Territorial Museum & Carnegie Library, Guthrie

Extra Info: Tue, Jun 3 – Fri, Sep 5; okhistory.org

Oklahoma Senior Games

Location: various locations around the state

Extra Info: Fri, Aug 22 – Sat, Nov 22; okseniorgames.com

tious Diseases reports nine out of 10 unvaccinated people exposed to the measles will get sick and one in five will require hospitalization. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued guidance recommending unimmunized passengers avoid air travel given its potential to spread in small spaces.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread quickly and have serious health outcomes for patients of all ages. Two children have died in Texas, with hundreds of hospitalizations in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and other states. Pneumonia and even brain swelling are possible with measles, which can also reappear decades after exposure.

The MMR immunization protects against measles, mumps and rubella. A first dose is usually given between 12 and 15 months of age, with a second dose between ages 4 and 6. If your child missed any well child checks before starting school, it is possible they may have missed a dose of the MMR vaccine, which offers 97% effectiveness with two doses. Check your child’s immunization records or have a conversation with your baby’s pediatrician to find out about early immu-

From Page 6

Swiftwater Conference & Championship

Games

Location: Riversport Rapids

Extra Info: Mon, Aug 25 – Fri, Aug 29; facebook.com

Jon Batiste in Concert

Location: Zoo Amphitheatre

Extra Info: Fri, Aug 29; 5:30 p.m.; okczooamp.com

WriterCon

Location: The Skirvin Hilton, OKC

Extra Info: Fri, Aug 29 – Mon, Sep 1; 9 a.m.; writercon.com

Oklahoma Railway Museum Train Rides

Location: Oklahoma Railway Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Aug 30; Train Times: 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m.; oklahomarailwaymuseum.org

Time Travelers Vintage Expo

Location: Oklahoma City Convention Center

Extra Info: Sat, Aug 30; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; timetravelersexpo.com

Labor Day Weekend Pickleball Tournament

Location: 8400 N Oklahoma Ave

Extra Info: Sat, Aug 30; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; eyetoeyemarriage.org

Send items to infante318@cox.net

nization options.

Immunizations are the single best way to protect children from illnesses like flu, chickenpox and the measles. Millions of lives are saved each year by immunizing children according to established scheduling guidelines. Getting immunized also protects other vulnerable individuals, including young babies and immunocompromised people.

To achieve herd immunity, an immunization rate of at least 92% is needed. According to Oklahoma County’s latest available data, kindergartners for the 2023-2024 school year showed an immunization rate of 87%. Overall, only 17 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties showed herd immunity, with an average MMR immunization rate in the high 80s.

If you have questions, talk with a healthcare provider you trust. As an Oklahoma family physician for more than 40 years, I have seen firsthand the value of immunizations and the opportunity to explain how they work to concerned parents. Start the new school year off right by getting answers on immunizations before your child heads back to class.

Dr. Steven Crawford is chairman of the Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families.

Vet hiring event on Sept. 4

The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA), in partnership with the Oklahoma Military Connection and the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, will host a Veteran Hiring Event on Thursday, September 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MetroTech, 1900 Springlake Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73111.

The event will feature open interviews with employers from a wide range of industries who are seeking to fill immediate openings. Military-connected job seekers – including veterans, transitioning service members, Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses – are strongly encouraged to attend.

“This event connects employers directly with the veteran community and their families, offering onthe-spot interviews and the chance to secure meaningful employment opportunities,” said Randall Coon, OKSTEP/OKVetWorks Veterans Program Administrator.

Employers interested in participating can sign up online at: https://forms.office.com/g/xFzmsc2JZf.

There is no registration for applicants for this event.

For more information about the Hiring Event, please contact Randall “Bud” Coon at 405-5228073 or email: Randall.coon@odva.ok.gov.

About the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs:

The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to ensuring that all Oklahoma veterans and their families receive the highest quality services and support. Through a variety of programs, ODVA provides benefits assistance, and other essential services and programs to enhance the well-being of veterans across the state.

Sounds on 66 Live Music from Edmond to Wellston

By Jennifer Thornton Edmond Tourism Director

The inaugural Sounds on 66 live music collaboration is highlighting musicians and bands along The Mother Road. The Greatest 100 Miles of Route 66 is the Midpoint Corridor: 11 cities from Edmond to Sapulpa.

Four of these cities along the Midpoint Corridor are teaming up to entertain travelers. Enjoy 12 live music events and 24 different musicians and bands in Edmond, Arcadia, Luther and Wellston from Thursday, September 18 through Sunday, September 21.

“Main Street America is Route 66,” said Jennifer Thornton, Tourism Director of Visit Edmond. “Live music attracts families, couples and college students and retirees for an enjoyable weekend spent on this stretch of Route 66.” This is just the beginning of multi-city partnerships and new events along Mother Road as we prepare for Route 66 Centennial in 2026.

LIVE MUSIC DETAILS BY DAY: Thursday, Sept 18

6-8:30 p.m. Edmond Stephenson Park: Old Bulldog Band (Classic Rock)

6-9 p.m. Arcadia Chicken Shack – Matt Cowell

Friday, September 19

5-11 p.m. Arcadia Chicken Shack:

5-8 p.m. Mitch Hayes

8-11 p.m. Bottom of the Barrel Band

7-10 p.m. Edmond Old Icehouse: Hosty (Blues, Rock County and Funk)

Saturday, September 20

8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Luther Shack on 66:

8-10 a.m. Cali Sickler

10-noon Nikki Jackson

12-3 p.m. Jonathan Meraz Band

3-5 p.m. Matt Cowell

5-8 p.m. Justin Modjeski Band

10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Arcadia Round Barn:

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Joe Baxter and The Lost Cause ( Americana)

1-3 p.m. Mighty Green (Reggae and Rock)

12-3 p.m. Edmond Old Icehouse: Zac Copeland (Americana)

11 a.m.-11 p.m. Arcadia Chicken Shack:

11-1 p.m. Rocky Kanaga

1-3 p.m. Kasey Dillon

3-6 p.m. Mitch Hayes

8-11 p.m. Adam Aguilar Band

2-11 p.m. Edmond Frenzy Brewing:

2-4 p.m. - Masopust (Polka)

The Food for Kids program

Learning can’t begin until hunger ends. As thousands of Oklahoma children return to the classroom this month, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma wants to ensure that no child goes to school on an empty stomach. Through Sept. 30, every gift made to the Food for Kids Programs will be matched, up to $290,455, thanks to generous support from the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, Expand Energy, Mark and Beth Brewer, Dolese Bros, Energy Transfer, and David and Lezlie Hudiburg.

"Expand Energy is proud to support the Regional Food Bank’s Food for Kids Match because we believe every child deserves access to nutritious meals,” said Nick Dell’Osso, Expand Energy’s CEO of Expand Energy. “Our goal is to make our communities stronger, and this partnership allows us to make a meaningful impact by helping to combat childhood hunger in Oklahoma. Together, we can ensure that our children have the resources they need to thrive and succeed."

Oklahoma consistently ranks as one of the hungriest states in the nation. The Regional Food Bank’s Food for Kids Programs help children and their families in all 53 counties served by the Regional Food Bank in central and western Oklahoma.

“No child should have to worry

about where their next meal is coming from,” said Stacy Dykstra, CEO of the Regional Food Bank. “Through the generosity of our partners and community, the Food for Kids Match ensures students can focus on learning, not hunger.”

During the 2024–2025 school year, the Food for Kids Programs provided over 2 million meals to children in need across the state. These programs include:

Backpack Program: Provides kidfriendly, nutritious food to elementary school children who have been identified by school staff as being food insecure.

School Pantry Program: Provides chronically hungry middle and high school students with food to sustain them after school and over weekends.

Kids Cafés: Provides meals and snacks at after school and school break programs that offer tutoring and mentoring services to children.

Summer Feeding Program: Provides free meals and snacks to children up to the age of 18 throughout the summer months when school is not in session.

Just $100 provides a full school year of meals for two children through one of the Regional Food Bank’s Food for Kids Programs. Donations can be made online at rfbo.org/kids or by texting “KidsOK” to 53-555.

5-7 p.m. Bohemian Knights (Oom-pah Band)

8-11 p.m. Steve Brann (Acoustic Rock from 70’s, 80’s & 90’s)

6-9 p.m. Wellston Butcher BBQ Stand: Tom Pevear (Americana Blue Grass)

6-10 p.m. Edmond Heard on Hurd: 6-7 p.m. - BLY (R&B and Pop)

7:20-8:20 p.m. - Stephen Salewon (Modern Pop, Folk and African Rhythms)

8:40-10 p.m. - KALO (electric guitar) Sunday, September 21

3-8 p.m. Arcadia Chicken Shack: Energetic Gospel Music

Edmond, Arcadia, Luther and Wellston are ready to welcome music lovers along the Route 66 Midpoint Corridor with a dozen live music events from Thursday, September 18 through Sunday, September 21. A variety of music genres will thrill locals and visitors.

For more information visit www.visitedmondok.com and Sounds on 66 and follow Visit Edmond, City of Edmond Parks and Recreation, Arcadia Round Barn, Frenzy Brewing Company, The Chicken Shack, The Old Icehouse, The Butcher BBQ Stand, Heard on Hurd, and Midpoint Corridor on social media.

Engagement, Wedding notices

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

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

The items making news

Let’s take a look at some of the issues of the day. Illegal immigration continues to be a hot button issue. But what happens in the future? Let’s say in 2028 a Democrat is elected to the White House. Can that president decide that illegal immigration is a good thing? He, or she, can throw open the borders once more and let anybody, and everybody, in the country?

Steve Gust

And the new leader could even order the wall to be dismantled and border agents fired.

Joe Biden practically did all of that. But was it legal? And how is re-opening the borders ever legal?

We have laws governing immigration. Do we simply ignore them? If we can ignore enforcement of those laws then what other laws can be ignored?

It’s a messed up system.

—The Oklahoman Sunday took a look at the growing trend of return-

ing products as well as the ongoing need for caregivers.

A lot of people are simply returning more and more products to stores. And sometimes they’re not returned for the best of reasons. That doesn’t surprise me. Lots of people like to game the system. One story involved a family who returned a lawnmower.

They just put the old family lawnmower in a box. The old lawnmower was never even sold at the store. The people were engaged in pure fraud.

—As for caregivers – we’re needing more and more of them all the time.

I’ve had some family experience with that and I’m sure most of you have also.

People’s loyalty and love can be tested by caregiving. And a lot of times – folks don’t have the kind of training they need. But if you can help – please do.

Everyone needs a caregiver at some point of your life. Not too many toddlers are independent.

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

Senate and House Democrats want to hear from the public at upcoming events at the state Capitol. These public forums will focus on education, the state budget, and bill filing, as well as providing an opportunity for people to give their input on solving problems that Oklahomans face.

“Normally at our state Capitol, the public doesn’t get a chance to give testimony or participate during official business. We know that many Oklahomans have great ideas for our state and want to tell their story. These events will give people that chance and we are ready to listen,” said Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City.

Senate Democrats began the Capitol Conversations series during the spring and welcome the House Democrats as partners for the fall series. On Thursday, September 4, the event will focus on the biggest needs for public education in Oklahoma. Next, the Capitol Conversation on October 7 highlights the state budget. The final event will be November 18, exploring bill ideas that could be possible priorities during the 2026 session. All meetings will be in

An appeal brief filed last week by Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, asks the Oklahoma Supreme Court to invalidate some $700 million in ratepayer-backed bonds issued to cover costs incurred by Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) during February 2021’s Winter Storm Uri. Payments for those bonds have been collected on the monthly bills of PSO’s customers since the bonds were issued in September 2022. They are scheduled to continue for another 17 years.

Gann’s brief tells the court that the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) failed to provide a required audit of the bonds in PSO’s most recent rate case.

He also argues PSO’s original 2021 Uri costs that were securitized into the bonds were never audited either. Gann asserts the audit failures are fatal in both cases, making the OCC’s orders void.

The brief says Oklahoma utilities PSO, Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. (OG&E), Oklahoma Natural Gas (ONG) and CenterPoint/Summit

paid some of the highest natural gas prices in U.S. history during two weeks in February 2021, incurring some $2.8 billion in debt. Interest and other expenses added another $2 billion, bringing the total cost of the bonds being paid by Oklahoma utility customers close to $5 billion.

Gann’s brief relies heavily on a report by former Oklahoma Accountancy Board Chairman David Greenwell filed at the OCC in July 2024. In it, Greenwell said the OCC’s audit activities with respect to the winter storm costs and bonds “do not appear to comply with state law.” Former OCC Commissioner Bob Anthony also repeatedly criticized the one-page audits the OCC was putting forward to meet statutory requirements.

“When Oklahoma law requires an audit, the Accountancy Act says it has to be done by independent, licensed CPAs following nationally recognized standards,” said Gann, who is a former internal auditor for Tulsa International Airport. “Unbelievably, the OCC allowed the utilities to audit themselves after the winter storm. And

room 535 of the state Capitol, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

“These Capitol Conversations are a great opportunity to hear from experts and chat with lawmakers about ongoing issues in Oklahoma and how to best address them,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “The best way for leaders in Oklahoma to make change is by listening and speaking to Oklahomans directly. Oklahomans know what they need from their government, and this series will work to bring solutions to the everyday challenges Oklahomans face.”

Those who would like to submit comments for any of these sessions, or would like more information can email: Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov

———

Senator Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, last week issued the following statement regarding the heartbreaking loss of Oklahoma Turnpike Authority employee and Vinita volunteer firefighter Zachary Rinehart, who was killed last week while working along the Will Rogers Turnpike near Miami.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of Zachary Rinehart, an Oklahoma Turnpike Authority employee, volunteer firefighter and dedicated public servant. Zac was performing the vital, and often dangerous, work of keeping our roads safe when he was struck and killed by a semi. He was not only an OTA worker, but a proud member of the Vinita Fire Department and the Craig County Technical Rescue Task Force. I extend my deepest condolences to Zac’s family, friends, colleagues and his brothers and sisters in the firefighting and first responder communities. This is a profound loss for Craig County and all northeastern Oklahoma.

“I also want to extend my prayers for Colton Armstrong, the second OTA employee injured in the incident. We are hopeful for his recovery and stand ready to support him and his loved ones in any way we can.

“This tragedy is a painful reminder of the risks faced every day by those who serve the public on our roads and highways. I urge all Oklahomans to remain vigilant, drive responsibly and remember that every person working along our roadways are out there performing a duty and please slow down for their safety.”

OCC employees who are not CPAs have performed fake audits of the bonds ever since.”

Gann has asked the court to order everything that was wrongly collected from PSO’s customers to be refunded. He says that includes $130-million and $120-million rate increases approved by the OCC in November 2023 and January 2025.

It also includes about $140 million of Winter Storm bond payments already collected as “Winter Storm Cost Recovery Rider” charges on PSO customer bills.

OCC Commissioner Todd Hiett cast the deciding vote to approve each of the OCC orders Gann is challenging. Gann’s brief argues the orders also should be overturned because Hiett violated state ethics rules by participating in the cases.

Hiett has been publicly accused of alleged sexual harassment and drunk driving at a 2023 party hosted by PSO’s attorneys. Even though no charges have been filed, Gann’s brief says Hiett’s behavior has made him subject to undue influence and possible extortion by those attorneys and others, and a reasonable person would question his impartiality in PSO cases.

In May 2025, the Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against Hiett, finding that in this particular instance, Ethics Rule 4.7’s prohibition against conflicts of interest was not an issue. The Ethics Commission stated at the time that their decision took into account the constitutional requirements for the Corporation Commission, the legislative nature of the rate hikes and Oklahoma case law, including the well-recognized Rule of Necessity. Gann’s brief argues Commissioner Hiett should not have been held exempt from this rule and asks the Supreme Court to say so. Similar Supreme Court appeals have also been filed in rate cases for OG&E and ONG. Gann has been joined by Reps. Kevin West, R-Moore, and Rick West, R-Heavener, in those appeals.

Summer treasures in your own back yard

By Carol Smaglinski

By now, perhaps your garden is filled with peak season tomatoes and especially abundant zucchini and herbs. Isn't it wonderful to just whiff the aromatic lavender, mint and basil plants?

Running my hands through the patch of pleasant scent of purple lavender is perhaps one of the best parts of my day.

When it comes to zucchini, some might think of it as a mundane veggie and something to be pushed aside, but think again.

Say it’s a boiling hot day and you are quite anxious to come up with something cool, so just pretend you are a “garde manger,” a restaurant term for a cold food chef.

The following recipe for zucchini soup can be put together quickly but does need some cooling time.

The easiest part is the two to four hour chilling time for the soup while you chill out catching up with fun activities Zucchini (zoo Kee nee) is actually a summer squash, shaped like a skinny cucumber, which is available all year round, but most abundant from June until August. With its mild flavor, it plays many roles in the kitchen.

Zucchini can be grilled with other vegetables as a kabob, steamed, baked, deep-fried, or “minglemangled” with corn for a zucchini and corn skillet with cheese and basil.

Here’s some news on basil. If you plant basil in your garden, it will add to the flavor of other plants that grow around it.

Plus, I had a friend who liked grilling out at his backyard barbecue, and he would sprinkle herbs on top of the charcoal. The flavors would enhance the poultry or meat being cooked.

After picking the fresh herbs from your garden, they will stay fresh if they are placed in a drinking glass filled with water. Treat them just like flowers in a vase. Place a plastic bag over the top and store it in the refrigerator.

But back to zucchini. With only 20 calories in each four ounces, it gives off a lot of Vitamin C. In the store, stay away from zucchini that might have spots or any tears in its skin.

When purchased at a grocery store, or any of the fantastic Edmond outdoor farmer’s markets around our marvelous town, simply plunk them in a plastic bag and the vegetable should keep for about five days, but you may want to use it before then. It will last even longer if it comes fresh from your garden or your neighbor’s.

Note that some recipes ask that you remove excess moisture from the zucchini.

After slicing, simply salt the exposed flesh and let it drain in a colander for about 30 minutes. Then rinse, and dry with paper towels. Rinse again and dry if you feel it is too salty.

Zucchini and Yogurt Soup

1 Tbsp. butter

1 cup chopped onions

2 pounds (about 3 or 4) zucchini, washed, trimmed and sliced

3 cups chicken stock

½ cup fresh basil leaves

½ cup cream

1 cup plain yogurt

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

6 sprigs of basil for the garnish

In a 4-quart saucepan, heat butter over medium heat. Add onion, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add zucchini and stock and bring to a boil over higher heat. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes.

Add basil and puree the soup in a blender or food processor. Stir in the cream and yogurt. Refrigerate for about two hours, or serve hot and perhaps add slices of cooked Italian sausage for a nice flavor contrast.

However, in the torrid heat, present in a frosty soup bowl.

Garlic toast, a crisp green salad or a plate of diced fresh fruit would be a lovely addition.

AAA predicts a busy Labor Day

Whether it’s an Alaska cruise, Central Florida theme park, or Broadway show, many Americans are squeezing in one final trip before summer ends. According to AAA booking data, Seattle, Orlando, and 25-1186-TRV_Labor-Day-TravelTrends_Cover_Carousel.pngNew York are the three most popular cities over Labor Day weekend*. The good news for domestic travelers is that flights, hotels, and car rentals are cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

“Labor Day caps off summer travel and provides one final holiday weekend before the fall routine begins,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “The top cities on the domestic and international lists are Seattle and Vancouver, both port cities for Alaska cruises. While some people are going on dream cruises or European vacations, many travelers are staying closer to home and taking road trips to nearby beaches or national parks.”

Low Gas Prices Fueling Road Trips

Generally, about 85% of people who travel for holidays do so by driving to their destinations, and this Labor Day those road trips shouldn’t put much of a dent in travelers’ bank accounts.

Summer gas prices have remained low, matching summer averages in 2021. Last year, the national average for a gallon of regular was $3.33 on Labor Day, compared to the national average of $3.14, as of August 22, 2025, according to the AAA Fuel Prices tracker (https://gasprices.aaa.com/). Barring

a tropical storm or hurricane affecting Gulf Coast refineries, gas prices should stay below what they were last year. So far in 2025, gas prices have seen few fluctuations thanks to steady crude oil prices. The current average gas price in Oklahoma is about $2.70, which about 25 cents per gallon less than a year ago..

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says the best times to drive over Labor Day weekend are before lunchtime, and for those hitting the road on Saturday, the earlier, the better! Traffic congestion worsens as the day progresses. The worst times to drive over the holiday weekend are typically in the afternoon and early evening. Saturday is expected to be extra busy with many drivers heading out of town or taking day trips.

As we near the end of summer, this travel season isn’t showing any signs of cooling off just yet. Air travel has been especially busy this year with TSA security checkpoints processing an average of more than 2.4 million passengers per day. That’s very similar to the air passenger volume we saw in 2024. Last year’s numbers were above the average of 2.3 million passengers seen per day in the prepandemic days of 2019.

“The skies have been very busy with travelers getting in both domestic and international trips during the summer vacation season,” said Shawn Steward, Public Affairs manager for AAA Oklahoma. “Flights in recent months have been operating at or near capacity.”

AAA puts driving assistance technology to the test

Advanced vehicle technology is becoming increasingly common, presenting both opportunities and challenges. AAA Automotive Engineers evaluated five passenger vehicles with low-speed-SAEEndorses-ADAS Assistance (ADA) systems, also known as Traffic Jam Assistance, in heavy traffic. The study compared hands-on and hands-off ADA performance. Notable events occurred every 9 minutes on average. The most common events were cut ins and poor lane centering.

"Even though ADA systems can help out in certain driving situations, they’re not a replacement for paying attention behind the wheel," said Greg Brannon, director of automotive engineering research. "What we’ve found is that drivers really need to stay alert and cut down on distractions, especially when things get busy on the road."

Overall Results

In total, notable events were recorded every 3.2 miles, which is approximately every 9.1 minutes on

average. A “notable” event was defined as any situation in which the ADA system failed to handle the driving conditions adequately, as determined by the researcher driving the vehicle.

The most common incidents reported were inadequate responses to cut ins, which required a researcher to intervene 90% of the time. Cut ins are defined as instances when a vehicle enters the lane directly in front of the test vehicle.

The second most frequent issue was inadequate Lane Centering Assistance. Lane Centering is a driver assistance system that uses cameras and other sensors to keep a vehicle centered within its lane, providing steering assistance to prevent drifting.

Comparison of Hands-on and Hands-off Systems

Engineers reported a difference between handson and hands-off ADA systems. Hands-on systems require the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel while the ADA system is in use. The ADA system utilizes sensors such as cameras and radar to monitor the driving environment (road condition, lane lines, etc.).

Hands-off systems allow the driver to remove their hands from the steering wheel in most situations but may require them to put their hands back on in certain conditions. These systems use similar sensors, but they also commonly rely on roads that are pre-mapped in the system.

The findings revealed that drivers of hands-on systems had to intervene due to driving events three times more frequently than those for handsoff systems.

Though hands-free most of the time, drivers using hands-off systems were asked to re-engage by placing their hands back on the wheel approximately once every 5.5 miles or every 15.3 minutes, requiring continuous driver engagement.

Recommendations

Adding advanced vehicle technology into our daily routines offers both benefits and challenges. To help improve road safety, AAA recommends: Remain in control and be prepared to intervene by braking or steering at all times while using ADA systems. Evaluated ADA systems are never a substitute for an engaged driver.

Eliminate distractions, including interacting with a smartphone. The need for the driver to intervene while using ADA systems can be frequent, especially in high traffic areas.

Maintain awareness, stay engaged, and remain in complete control of the vehicle at all times, regardless of the advanced driving assistance systems in use.

Be familiar with how their system operates. Read the vehicle owner's manual to learn when, where, and how to use them.

Select a following distance that suits the driving situation to allow for more time to react to a situation and intervene when needed.

It's important to prioritize safety when developing and utilizing this technology. AAA aims to collaborate with industry leaders to enhance testing and expand consumer education about autonomous systems as they become more widely used. AAA encourages automakers to focus on:

Enhancing ADA performance, particularly focusing on improving cut-in response and lane-centering behavior.

Improving the visibility of alerts related to the deactivation of ADAS features to ensure drivers are aware when features are active or inactive.

The full research report, fact sheet and additional information may be found at https://newsroom.aaa.com/2025/08/active-driving-assistance/.

Previous Research

Read “Clearing the Confusion”, a set of expanded and updated recommendations for universal terms for advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features.

AAA, in partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center, tested vehicles on limited-access highways, following designated routes during the day, to evaluate high-traffic situations. Each vehicle was driven an average of 342 miles over a period of 16.2 hours, with GPS data, video, and audio continuously recorded to capture traffic conditions, vehicle behavior, and driver observations

Senator: Trump making us energy dominant again

By Senator Markwayne Mullin

“I often say, ‘energy is the backbone of our economy.’ You cannot make or deliver a product without factoring in energy costs. When we keep energy costs low, it keeps products more affordable for American consumers.

Luckily, after four years of high prices under Joe Biden, Congressional Republicans just passed President Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ (OBBB) to restore America’s energy dominance and help deliver on President Trump’s promise to drive down costs. Under the previous administration, gas prices doubled, and America’s energy producers faced countless delays and obstruction due to burdensome regulations. President Trump is unleashing American energy and allowing our people to get back to work producing again.

Senate Republicans are prioritizing American energy alongside President Trump and his team, including Energy Secretary Wright, Interior Secretary Burgum, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Zeldin. We recognize that U.S. energy security is national security, and it is essential we reestablish America’s energy independence to reduce our dependency on hostile foreign countries. We know our adversaries will stop at nothing to harm the United States. Our critical mineral supply and abundance of natural resources must be utilized and protected for generations to come. President Trump is making this nation energy independent again.

Earlier this year, my colleagues Senators Capito and Fischer, and I introduced joint resolutions to put a stop to California’s costly and extreme Green New Deal agenda that bankrupted families, created a competitive disadvantage for manufacturers, and eliminated consumer choice for hundreds of millions of

American families. Thankfully with President Trump’s return to the White House, he restored commonsense and signed our resolutions into law so that no other American must suffer under the Democrats’ radical electric vehicle mandates (EV).

Our recently passed OBBB is paving the way for the resurgence of powerful and reliable American energy to our grid. This bill rescinds handouts and economically draining subsidies while including critical energy reforms to reduce our reliance on foreign energy production. The OBBB will boost production by lowering costly taxes imposed on domestic onshore and offshore energy production by reducing the royalty rate for new federal oil and gas leases from 16.67% to 12.5%. It bolsters oil and gas development by requiring quarterly oil and gas lease sales on federal lands in any state where eligible pieces are nominated, in addition to mandating a minimum of two offshore lease sales in the Gulf of America per year through 2039.

At the same time, we are reducing the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) bureaucratic red tape by streamlining the approved Applications for Permits to

Francis Tuttle officials help ease young man into new career field

When Nick Willman wanted to make a career pivot, he returned to Francis Tuttle Technology Center.A 2016 graduate of Putnam City North High School, Willman began his journey at Francis Tuttle in 2014 in the Culinary Arts program. After nearly a decade in the culinary field, including five years as a chef, he decided to make a career change during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s when he turned once again to Francis Tuttle.

“Francis Tuttle did right by me the first time, so I figured I would look into my options here,”Willman shared. His search led him to the Advanced Manufacturing program on the Portland Campus. There he discovered a career that would provide “limitless possibilities in different fields.” Willman embraced all the opportunities presented to him, including involvement in student organizations.

A standout moment of his time in the program was traveling to Calgary, Canada, to compete in the 2024 ISASAIT Student Games, where his team finished in second place.

Willman added that his instructor, Matt Maynard, was the one who

“pushed me to do all those things and gave me those opportunities.”

“He completely changed the course of my future,” Willman shared. “He is what I would imagine I would aspire to be if I was going to be a teacher. He is 100 percent there for his students.

Everything’s going to automation, so you’re going to have people who work in it, and his knowledge and passion for it is truly awe-inspiring.”

Recently, Willman moved to North Carolina to work at a new facility opened by his employer, TGW Logistics. The company provides distribution automation solutions for large retailers like Urban Outfitters, Polo Ralph Lauren, US Foods, and Lowe’s, he explained.

“Francis Tuttle is doing what it’s always done really great, which is finding young people jobs and careers,”

Willman said. “I’ve always preached the technical route is a fantastic option for teenagers and adults. I personally didn’t want to do the four-year university option, and Francis Tuttle meets those needs for students who don’t want to go that route. You can’t go wrong by coming to Francis Tuttle.”

Free business conference for vets

The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) will host the Veteran Business Conference September 2–4, 2025, at the MetroTech Springlake Campus in Oklahoma City. The event is free to attend and open to all military-connected entrepreneurs, including veterans, active duty, Guard, Reserve, and their families.

The three-day conference will feature:

Workshops and Training on business development, financing, and government contracting

Networking Opportunities with fellow veteran business owners and community partners

Vendor Booths showcasing veteran-owned businesses

Sponsorship Opportunities for organizations looking to support the veteran entrepreneur community

“Veterans bring leadership, resilience, and problem-solving skills to the business world,” said Randall “Bud” Coon, OKSTEP/OKVetWorks Veterans Program Administrator.

“This conference gives them the tools, connections, and resources to build sustainable businesses and strengthen Oklahoma’s economy.”

The conference will also highlight pathways to procurement, growth strategies for start-ups, and success stories from veteran-owned businesses. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with government agencies, private sector partners, and funding sources committed to supporting veteran entrepreneurship.

Event Details

Dates: September 2–4, 2025

Location: MetroTech Springlake Campus, Oklahoma City, OK

Cost: Free (registration required)

Vendor table reservations and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Registration: Scan the QR code on the event flyer or visit: https://forms.office.com/g/ehKcJR1 0qw.

Drill (APD) process and extending validity terms to four years compared to the previous two-year term with the option of another two-year extension.

As we know, one of the largest messes left by the Biden Administration was the depletion of our Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). They left America vulnerable with the SPR at its lowest levels in 40 years. The OBBB is getting us back on track to reestablishing our supply by removing the Department of Energy (DOE) FY26-FY27 SPR crude oil sale requirement and providing $389 million in funding— $171 million for refilling the SPR, and $218 million to maintain the SPR.

Our pipeliners, coal miners, electricians, welders, rig workers, and engineers, are the backbone of this country. They are what keep us going at every moment of our day and in every aspect of our life. I’m grateful to them and grateful to President Trump that we were able to deliver this bill to support American workers, businesses, and families. The American energy industry is strong, and the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ delivers key wins that will ensure generations to come are safe, secure, and supported.”

Review of the movie ‘KPop Demon Hunters’

Plenty to enjoy in this adventure

By George Gust

This weekend’s box office saw an unexpected winner: “KPop Demon Hunters,” a Netflix animated sleeper hit, claimed the top spot with its limited-run sing-along edition. It’s a rare theatrical success for the streaming giant, especially during the post-summer slump when studios typically unload their least promising titles.

When they aren’t selling out stadiums, KPop superstars Rumi (voice of Arden Cho), Mira (May hong) and Zoe (Ji-young Yoo) use their secret identities as ancient demon hunters to protect their fans from an ever-present supernatural threat. Together they must face their biggest enemy yet-an irresistible rival boy band of demons in disguise.

In recent years, it feels like there’s been a quiet changing of the guard in animated filmmaking, from the long-reigning powerhouse Pixar to the scrappier, more daring Sony Animation. This summer’s releases, “Elio” and “KPop Demon Hunters”, highlight the contrast in their creative approaches. Pixar’s “Elio” feels overly polished and committee-driven, engineered to appeal to the widest possible audience. Meanwhile, Sony’s “KPop Demon Hunters” leans into its weird-

ness, embracing a unique, offbeat style that feels genuinely authentic, and audiences have clearly responded.

Walking into a movie called “KPop Demon Hunters” without much connection to the Korean pop genre, you’d expect to feel out of place. But the film bursts with frenetic energy and irresistibly catchy music that pulls you in and keeps things accessible and entertaining. You can tell real thought and musical experience went into crafting the soundtrack with the kind of pop that would fit naturally on the radio, not just a one-off novelty like Disney’s “We Don’t Talk

About Bruno.”

If you don’t have kids at home blasting “KPop Demon Hunters” on repeat from their Netflix account, you might’ve missed this stealth contender for Best Animated Feature. But even if you’re a grown-up animation fan flying solo, there’s plenty to enjoy in this tightly paced, female-led supernatural adventure.

Netflix recently announced that the sing-along version — fresh off its theatrical run — is headed to streaming soon. But as an older Millennial with hearing that’s seen better days, I’ve already got closed captions permanently locked in, so this update won’t change much for folks like me. Still, it’s nice to know the lyrics will be easier to follow when your kids inevitably rope you into another viewing.

“KPop Demon Hunters” is rated PG for action/violence, scary images, thematic elements, some suggestive material and brief language.

4.2 out of 5 stars

A Surprising Box Office winner

Second Half Expo set for Oct. in Metro

(Contact George Gust for comment about this movie, or any other motion pictures at gust.george@gmail.com) 4. Paddler's vessel

Endows or empowers

"Buffalo ____, won't you come out tonight..."

On Saturday, October 18th, 2025 (8:00 AM – 1:00 PM), the Second Half Expo returns to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City — and this year promises to be our biggest yet!

Now in its fifth year, the Expo has become Oklahoma’s premier event for the 50+ community, drawing thousands of engaged attendees eager to discover products, services, and opportunities that help them live life to the fullest.

As an exhibitor or sponsor, your organization will gain direct access to this influential audience while building meaningful connections and brand visibility. With over 130 exhibitors, expert-led seminars, live entertainment, and a highly engaged crowd, this is the place to showcase what you have to offer.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this major statewide event. Spaces are filling quickly—and we’re just 8 weeks away! Secure your booth or sponsorship today at www.SecondHalfExpo.com

Lawmakers mark defunding of DEI programs in state

Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, RPiedmont, last week participated in a ceremonial bill signing for Senate Bill 796, which eliminates public funding for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs across Oklahoma’s higher education institutions. Crosswhite Hader is the House author of the legislation.

The bill was signed into law in May but was ceremonially signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt today. Also attending the ceremony was U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and the bill's Senate author, Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond. Ceremonial bill signings allow lawmakers and others who are influential in legislation to attend.

"Taken on their own, the words diversity, equity and inclusion sound wonderful, but as a philosophy these programs are embedded with an artificial preference system that detracts from the core mission of our higher education institutions," Crosswhite Hader said. "Our students should be focused on academics and workforce training and not delayed by an additional requirement for graduation.

"We are not saying these concepts can't be taught, just that the use of taxpayer dollars is inappropriate. I'm grateful to Senator Pugh for his work

on this issue and to the governor for signing it into law. I'm also glad that Secretary McMahon was able to join us today for this ceremony."

Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, the chair of the House Postsecondary Education Committee, added, "Oklahoma's universities should be centers of academic excellence that prepare students for careers and civic life, not places where taxpayer dollars fund ideological programs. Higher education must remain focused on merit, scholarship and workforce development. Senate Bill 796 protects academic freedom while keeping our institutions aligned with their core mission."

SB796 codifies into law the governor’s prior executive order, prohibiting institutions within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education from using state funds, property or resources to support DEI positions, programs, hiring practices or activities. It also bars colleges and universities from mandating participation in training or education that grants preference based on race, color, sex, ethnicity or national origin. Additionally, SB796 prohibits requirements for loyalty oaths, ideological statements, DEI declarations in hiring or the disclosure of personal pronouns.

CareerTech seeks nominations for its 2026 Hall of Fame class

Oklahoma CareerTech has opened nominations for the next class of inductees into the Oklahoma CareerTech Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame honors Oklahomans for extraordinary contributions and leadership roles that advance the broader cause of career and technology education, said Gina Hubbard, Oklahoma CareerTech director of statewide outreach.

“The individuals honored in the Hall of Fame embody the strong foundation upon which our system was established and the exemplary leadership that has advanced our mission to prepare Oklahomans to succeed in the workplace, in education and in life,” she said.

The next class, which will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2026, will join the 92 people already inducted. They include former directors Francis Tuttle, J.B. Perky, Roy Peters Jr., Ann Benson and Phil Berkenbile; Arch Alexander, former deputy director; former governors Dewey Bartlett, George Nigh and Henry Bellmon; and many CareerTech teachers, technology center superintendents and CareerTech supporters, including the late Bob Funk Sr., co-founder of Express Employment Professionals and an advocate for skills-based education and workforce development.

Anyone wishing to nominate someone for the honor should submit at least one letter of recommendation. Nominees must have shown extraordinary contributions to career

Daniel

and technology education for at least 20 years, and their contributions should be specified at local, state and national levels. The nomination letters should illustrate nominees’ contributions in teaching, administration, legislative or private sector support and should specify contributions that advance the broader cause of career and technology education.

Nominations will be accepted until Dec. 31.

Nominations may be sent to Gina Hubbard, Oklahoma CareerTech Foundation, 1500 W. Seventh Ave., Stillwater, OK 74074, or gina.hubbard@careertech.ok.gov.

The next induction banquet is tentatively scheduled for October 2026.

For more information about the CareerTech Hall of Fame, visit https://oklahoma.gov/careertech/ab out/foundation/hall-of-fame.html.

Oklahoma CareerTech: Oklahoma’s Workforce Leader

The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 63 campuses, 395 PK-12 school districts, 16 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 32 adult education and family literacy providers.

The agency is governed by the State Board of Career and Technology Education.

Reminder on Lunch & Learn free series promoting wellness

Co-hosted by VillagesOKC; Starts Sept. 9

Beginning in September, local health professionals will share their expertise in a series called Healthy Wellness Lunch & Learn. These free monthly lunches will be held at the Francis Tuttle Technology CenterDanforth Campus, following the Time For Living Seminars. They are co-hosted by VillagesOKC.

On Sept. 9, the presenter will be chiropractor Dr. Daniel Prince, DC CCEP. In addition to his work with professional athletes and clinical hours in Edmond, he is a published author and international seminar instructor.

Dr. Prince is a practicioner of the Gonstead chiropractic method. This approach involves a detailed analysis of the spine and joints to identify misalignments and areas of dysfunction. Gonstead practitioners use a hands-on approach to make precise adjustments to correct these spinal misalignments and restore proper alignment and function.

On Oct. 14, the presenter will be Kris Hapgood, RN. Her topic will be “How Stem Cells Heal Fom the Inside Out.” Hapgood is focused on finding the underlying causes of illness, not just treating symptoms. She says,

TSET sets dates

“I'm here to proclaim that our bodies possess remarkable healing abilities, inspired by the very essence of nature itself. It's time to rethink, to step 'outside the box' and truly embrace the potential for natural healing.”

On Nov. 11, the presenter will be Ashley Oyler, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Her topic will be “Tips for Wellness & Longevity.” Oyler is a RESTART instructor. She leads a fiveweek class which combines elements of current nutrition education, a guided three-week sugar detox and the support and accoutability of a small group. She says, “This is a powerful way to kickstart a new healthy lifestyle.”

The lunches will follow the Time For Living Seminars, which run from 10 am to 11:30 am. The seminar topic for September is “Time For Caregiving Relief Options.” October is “Time For Discussing the Tax, Financial, Legal Issues,” and November is “Time for Creating New Holiday Traditions.”

The Francis Tuttle Technology Center - Danforth Campus is located at 3841 E Danforth Rd, Edmond. Registration is availabe at https://lu.ma/timeforliving.

for grant applications

The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) announced updates to TSET Healthy Incentive Grants for Schools and Communities for fiscal year 2026, which began July 1. The program will feature a simplified application process, larger grant awards, and broader eligibility to support more Oklahoma communities.

The updates align with other TSET grant programs and are designed to better support smaller districts and rural communities.

“These updates streamline the grant process and will help more districts and communities benefit from health-focused funding,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “TSET’s mission is to create healthier environments where Oklahomans live, work, learn and play. These changes reflect our ongoing commitment to efficiency and long-term impact.”

Key updates:

Updated maximum funding limits; Eligibility is open to all districts or communities, regardless of past awards;

A single award category replaces the previous tiered structure; Increased individual grant amounts up to $80,000 per district and up to $100,000 per community (based on enrollment or population); New online grant application platform.

An updated Resource Guide for Schools and Communities is available to assist applicants in planning and preparation.

Applications for school districts will be open September 2 – 30, 2025 and January 9 – February 6, 2026, and applications for communities will be open October 24 – November 21, 2025 and March 2 – 30, 2026. For questions regarding TSET Healthy Incentive Grants, email HIG@tset.ok.gov. To view all upcoming grant opportunities, visit ok.gov/tset/funding.

Exhibit highlights Miss America

With six Miss America winners to its name, Oklahoma has long been a powerhouse in the world of pageantry. Opening on Saturday, August 30, “Beyond the Sash: Reflections on Oklahoma Pageants” is a new exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center Museum that explores the depth and variety of the state’s pageants and cultural representation. Through both historic and contemporary examples, the exhibit examines how these events reflect tradition, identity and change.

From national competitions like Miss America to local honors such as Fairest of the Fair and cultural ambassador titles within tribal and multicultural communities, Oklahoma’s many forms of pageants have served as platforms for personal achievement, artistic and cultural expression and public service. The exhibit highlights the varied experiences of participants

across generations and backgrounds. Featured objects include gowns, crowns, sashes, trophies and accessories from statewide pageants and cultural competitions, including personal items from Jane Jayroe, Miss America 1967. Visitors will also see items from Muscogee (Creek), Ponca, Hispanic and Asian communities; contemporary rhinestone tiaras and sashes; and garments from youth competitions such as Little Miss India Oklahoma and Mayan heritage celebrations.

“Beyond the Sash” opens to the public on Saturday, August 30, in the Sam Noble Gallery of the Oklahoma History Center Museum, located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Please call 405-522-0765 or visit okhistory.org/historycenter for admission costs and group rates.

Proper weightlifting requires knowledge

By Brian Attebery

Attebery

Growing up and driving a truck most of my life, I would get asked to help people move sometimes. They would think to themselves, “Brian is big and strong AND he has a truck.” What a deal! They would say things like, “You can get your workout in for the day that way.”

I do think that many people still view weightlifting as simply lifting weights up and down, burning calories, and just randomly doing things in the weight room. The reality of it is, proper weightlifting programs should be science-based and targeted to accomplish very specific objectives.

The first aspect to consider when starting a program is what level are you currently? You should always start with a beginner level workout. If you are starting over due to a long break, you should also start at the beginning to get yourself back into it slowly. These workouts should not be random. You should be targeting 1-2 exercises per body part for 2-4 sets of 8-12 reps in general. There are very specific angles and exercises that work specific muscle groups. Do you know what those are? Do you understand anatomy and biomechanics? Do you have orthopedic issues that you need to work around? These are all factors in how your weight training workouts should look when being designed.

Strength training is also “stability training.” Our bones are just going to collapse on themselves if we don’t

have muscles to move and stabilize them. “Strength” is also what gives us good posture and balance. If you are not addressing your specific weaknesses, then how do you make the improvements and corrections you need to make? For example, if you have bad upper back and neck posture where you roll your shoulders forward and round your neck, you can’t simply do push-ups to address this specific issue. Yes, push ups are amazing but they are completely the opposite of what muscles you need to be focusing on to help correct that imbalance of your posture.

Leg strength is one of the greatest markers of long-term health. The issue is that many people have bad knees and hips when they get older and they avoid working out. That is NOT the solution. The solution is to understand the right angles, combinations of exercises, and progressive plans that address your specific limitations. I just recently had a lady who was in her 60s come to me with knee issues and after just 90 days, she is virtually pain free and enjoyed a trip to Europe walking and hiking. Her new workouts were the key to a new lease on a better life!

Don’t let ignorance and fear keep you from learning about the multiple ways there are to address your body getting stronger. Invest in your health by learning and training properly. Do you invest in other things that matter? What is more important than your health and quality of life?

(Brian Attebery is a Degreed/Certified Trainer. He owns and operates Results Fitness and Nutrition Center, L.L.C. in Edmond. www.resultsfitnessusa.com)

Event, wedding venue’s grand opening

Elms and Oaks Venue held a ribbon cutting with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their grand opening at 13700 N. Eastern Ave.

In 1958 Oklahoma Christian College hired Raymond Vaughn Sr. to serve as their Athletic Director, Basketball Coach and Track Coach. In 1961, Vaughn purchased 40 acres on the corner of Memorial and Eastern Ave. and moved his family into the little ranch house on the property. While next door to the OCC campus, the location was perfect for raising their son, Raymond Jr. and their daughter, Lynn, complete with acres to roam, fishing

pond, waterfall, and large shade trees - Elms and Oaks.

Nestled in the heart of Edmond, Oklahoma, Elms & Oaks is a breathtaking wedding and event venue where natural beauty meets timeless romance.

Surrounded by towering elms and majestic oaks, this enchanting setting offers a serene escape, perfect for couples seeking an elegant and intimate backdrop for their special day.

For more information visit https://www.elmsandoaksvenue.com/ or give them a call at (405) 849-5657.

What college, trade students need to know about insurance

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

Improving health and wellness helps prevent chronic diseases and injuries in the workforce, which, according to the CDC, could save U.S. employers $575 billion annually in lost productivity.

Public and private businesses and organizations are invited to participate in a no-cost employertraining workshop led by the OSDH this September to help build and maintain effective workplace wellness programs that have been shown to have health, business and economic benefits.

“Workplace health programs not only encourage employees to adopt healthier lifestyles, reducing their risk of chronic diseases, but they also foster a caring environment that boosts morale,” said Karin Leimbach.

The workshop will be held on September 10 –11 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at The Well, 210 James Garner Ave, Norman, OK 73069. To register, please email KarinL@health.ok.gov. Registration is required.

Those who attend will increase their knowledge of evidence-based and best practice strategies, resources, and tools that can be taken back to their worksite to implement over time. This workshop is focused on creating or maintaining a comprehensive employee wellness program.

Oklahoma has seen great success so far with the program.

Since launching in the state, one master trainer and two certified trainers have trained 75 employers, impacting over 40,000 employees.

To be eligible, employers must be headquartered in the U.S., provide health insurance and employ at least 20 individuals. A maximum of two participants per employer may attend the training.

Work@Health uses web-based and in-person training to cover a number of workplace health principles including:

Why having a workplace wellness program makes good business sense.

Going to college or trade school is a huge milestone, but it's also the first time many young people encounter adult responsibilities. Part of this is having insurance, understanding what it covers and how to use it in case you need it. To give you a good starting point, I've created a basic guide to help you navigate the types of insurance you might need and decide which coverages to consider.

Health Insurance

If you're under 26, your parents' health insurance plan might already cover you. If not, you can seek coverage through plans provided by your institution or through the Affordable Care Act marketplace if you are not covered or will lose coverage. Regardless of your plan, knowing what types of care are covered (like emergency or routine care, for example) and which doctors and facilities are in network is vital.

Renters Insurance

You might choose to live on campus or rent an apartment off campus, but you will want renters insurance in either situation. A university's or landlord's insurance policy will not cover your belongings. Renters insurance is an inexpensive way to protect yourself while away from home. It will also provide you with personal liability insurance. If you live on campus, your parents' homeowners insurance policy might extend to cover your dorm room.

Auto Insurance

If you’re moving away for school, tell your insurer your new address

and how you’ll be using your car. It can affect your rates. You might also qualify for savings. Ask your agent about discounts for good grades, safe driving, or school/organization affiliations like fraternities or sororities.

Identity Theft Protection

Today's students are part of a generation of advanced technology users, where using a computer or device is necessary to complete coursework. With these new tools come new threats, and college students are particularly vulnerable, having limited life experience and short credit histories. Good digital safety is essential, like not accessing private information on public Wi-Fi networks and monitoring finances for fraudulent activity. Consider purchasing an identity theft policy. You can obtain it as an inexpensive addon to homeowners or renters insurance or a standalone policy that can run from $20-$60 a year or $10 and up for monthly plans.

Travel Insurance for Study Abroad

Students planning to study abroad should know their travel insurance options. Depending on the level of coverage, these policies can help cover travel disruption, trip cancellation or medical emergencies. Check with your institution or program for group insurance options, especially for extended stays.

Attending college or trade school is an exciting time in young people's lives, but it comes with heightened responsibilities. Understanding your insurance coverage and options will give you peace of mind while on your educational journey. For more information about all lines of insurance, please get in touch with the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) at oid.ok.gov or 800-5220071.

UCO’s Melton Gallery to have art exhibit reception tonight

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Melton Gallery will host a public reception for the 2025 Art and Design Faculty Exhibition from 5–7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 28. The reception is free and open to the public and will include light refreshments. Free parking is available for off-campus guests in UCO Lot 7.

The annual exhibition features new work by faculty and staff from the UCO Department of Art and the School of Design. On view Aug. 25–Oct. 3, the exhibition highlights the creative and scholarly practices across both programs, with work representing disciplines such as painting, sculpture, graphic design, interior design and illustration.

“This show gives our faculty the chance to flex their creative chops and allows the campus community to see just how wonderfully skilled our artists and educators are,” said Keri Smith, curator of the Melton Gallery. “We’re excited to welcome everyone back to campus with an incredible display of talent.”

Located in the UCO Art and Design Building, the Melton Gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Thursday from noon to 5 p.m., and Friday from noon to 3 p.m., or by appointment.

For more information about the Art and Design Faculty Exhibition or to schedule a visit to the Melton Gallery, contact Keri Smith at meltongallery@uco.edu or call 405-9746358.

Visit www.meltongallery.com for additional programming details.

To learn more about the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design and view a listing of events and performances, visit cfad.uco.edu.

OSU System sets enrollment record

The largest higher education system in Oklahoma welcomed a record number of students this week for the start of the fall semester, eclipsing the previous record set in 2013.

There were 36,934 students enrolled across the OSU System on the first day of classes, and that number is expected to continue to rise as class enrollment is still open.

This also marks the second consecutive year of record enrollment at the OSU-Stillwater campus and the fourth straight year of record-setting freshman enrollment, with nearly 5,200 freshmen enrolled at the OSU-Stillwater campus.

Last fall, OSU surpassed 5,000 in freshmen enrollment, reaching a milestone of the We Are LandGrant plan two years ahead of schedule.

OSU President Jim Hess credited the university’s ongoing focus on student success as a major factor in the university’s sustained growth. From expanding scholarship opportunities to keeping tuition and mandatory fees flat for four straight years, Dr. Hess said OSU is proving its commitment to always putting students first.

“Setting a new enrollment record is more than a number. It’s a testament to the trust families place in Oklahoma State University and our unwavering commitment to student success,” Hess said. “Our student-first focus continues to demonstrate that the faculty and staff are dedicated to helping each and every student realize their dreams.

“By expanding scholarship opportunities, we’re making college more accessible to students, furthering our efforts to reduce the financial burden carried by those wanting to pursue higher education.

“By launching bold initiatives like OSU Polytech, we’re creating an educational environment that is

more relevant for the jobs of tomorrow, assuring that we fulfill our land-grant mission and meet the workforce needs of Oklahoma and beyond.”

OSU also has set new records for total Honors College enrollment (3,843), OSU-CHS campus enrollment, STEM majors (9,478) and online student enrollment (2,997).

Karen Chen, vice president of enrollment management, said the impact of OSU’s student-focused approach extends beyond the classroom. She said the Cowboy family takes pride in being genuine and welcoming to everyone.

“We want each student to have a great educational and personal experience,” Chen said. “Everyone on campus truly wants to see our students succeed. OSU is a special place where students feel like campus is a home away from home and a place

where there are endless possibilities.”

Another factor in the OSU System's surging enrollment is OSU Polytech. Officially launched in 2023, it has expanded the career-driving educational options available at its Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Okmulgee locations. OSU Senior Vice President of System Affairs Kyle Wray said the OSU Polytech initiative is expanding education access across the state, upscaling the state’s workforce and driving economic growth.

“OSU has been the state’s undisputed leader in advanced technology education for over 75 years, and OSU Polytech is broadening educational opportunities for all Oklahomans. Our intentional work with industry leaders has been instrumental in the development of top-tier programs aimed at ensuring students across the university system are highly skilled and career-ready.”

“WHEN YOU ARE KIND TO OTHERS, IT NOT ONLY CHANGES YOU, IT CHANGES THE WORLD” - HAROLD KUSHNER