Edmond Life and Leisure - August 6, 2026

2026 Back to School Elementary Edition See Pages 11-13

Back to school

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9

A large crowd descended on First Christian Church in downtown Edmond Saturday. The Project Food & Resource Center, teamed up with the City of Edmond and and First Christian Church, to distribute school supplies. The event was for students from pre-K to 12th grade. Students were able to fill a backpack with school supplies. In addition the Edmond Police Department had a SWAT vehicle outside of the church, and the Edmond Fire Department had a firetruck on site for visitors to explore.

Representatives from local resource organizations were also onsite providing information about the services they offer to students and their families.

Don’t forget that this week, Edmond Life & Leisure takes our first look at schools getting ready for a new year. See Pages 11 to 13 for back to school news.

From the Publisher

Vote Alex Warren for Commissioner

For nearly half a century, I have watched Oklahoma County government drift too often into political maneuvering instead of practical problem-solving. District 3 now has an opportunity to turn the page. The next commissioner must be a steady leader who focuses on results for the people who live, work, and raise their families in Edmond—not on political games. That is why I support Alex Warren for Oklahoma County Commissioner, District 3.

We do not hear much from his opponent who is a political insider in the county. That kind of same old same old is the last thing we need in Oklahoma county government folks. She was endorsed by the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, and they showed their error in judgement by endorsing a felon in the primary for Oklahoma County Assessor. Thank goodness voters did not listen to this self-serving organization. Their credibility is shot from my viewpoint.

The previous District 3 county commissioner was, shall we say, certainly not focused on the needs of the county and doing taxpayer’s business. His alleged behavior certainly has discredited his former office and that of county government. A fresh start with no personal agenda is what we need for District 3.

Warren is a proven and successful businessman who is clearly a leader and not a yes man to any organization.

Warren brings a builder’s perspective to public service. A self-made Oklahoman, business owner, and experienced manager, he understands how to start with an idea, assemble a team, manage resources, and deliver a finished product. His career has ranged from local barbershops to major commercial projects, and he has overseen a billion-dollar operating budget for a Fortune 500 company. That combination of entrepreneurial drive and large-scale financial experience is exactly what county government needs.

Why Alex Warren Earns My Vote Responsible stewardship. Alex knows that every county dollar comes from a taxpayer who worked hard to earn it.

He will push to eliminate waste, make spending decisions transparent, and hold the county budget to the same demanding standards he applied in business. He also understands that residents deserve roads and bridges that are planned carefully, completed efficiently, and built to last — not another cycle of delays, excuses, and temporary fixes.

Integrity and accountability. Warren’s Christian conservative values shape his belief that public office is a public trust. He is committed to open communication, fair treatment, and clear accountability—qualities that can help restore confidence in county government and move it beyond favoritism and political infighting.

Practical growth and public safety. Strong communities need dependable infrastructure, safe neighborhoods, responsive first responders, and housing that working families can afford. Alex understands how those priorities fit together, and he

will approach growth with the discipline to invest wisely and plan for the long term.

Nowhere is a common sense, business-like approach more urgently needed than at the Oklahoma County jail. Every day brings a new story out of the county jail that screams poor management and trouble. The condition of the facility, the management structure, and the continuing conflict among county officials have produced a crisis that is both unacceptable and dangerous. Deaths and serious health concerns cannot be answered with more finger-pointing.

After speaking with Warren, I believe he will bring calm judgment, direct management, and problem-solving discipline needed to make measurable improvements. Until voters see real progress and genuine accountability, they are unlikely to support additional taxes for the jail.

Oklahoma County needs more common sense in its government. As my friend Randy Goodman likes to say, “Common sense is not so common.” Warren believes in it, talks about it, and—more importantly—has spent a career putting it into practice. District 3 deserves a commissioner who listens, respects taxpayers, and stays focused on improving life for county residents. Alex Warren has hands-on experience, business judgment, and integrity to lead with greater efficiency, accountability, and purpose.

On Election Day, make your voice heard: vote for proven leadership, integrity, practical judgment,

and accountable county government. Vote Alex Warren for Oklahoma County Commissioner, District 3 — and encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same.

Gentner Drummond for Governor Oklahoma was built by people who value hard work, personal freedom, faith, and service to their neighbors. Our next governor should not merely speak about those principles; he should have a record of living them. Gentner Drummond has spent his life answering difficult calls to serve, and that is why I am proud to support him for governor.

Drummond’s story is rooted in Oklahoma and defined by grit. A seventh-generation Oklahoman, rancher, businessman, and attorney, he understands the pressures facing families, employers, and rural communities. He also served our nation as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot during the Persian Gulf War, leading the first combat mission of the conflict and earning the Distinguished Flying Cross. Few candidates have faced decisions with consequences that immediately demonstrated that kind of composure under pressure.

He has carried that resolve into public service. As Oklahoma’s attorney general, Drummond has emphasized the rule of law, government transparency, public safety, and stronger accountability.

See Publisher, Page 3

The family team at Spunkie’s Soul Food restaurant is now ready to serve Edmond. It is located at 119 W 2nd street in the Ice House Project on the west side of the railroad tracks. Spunkie’s Soul Food brings comforting Southern flavors to Edmond with a menu full of homestyle favorites. Enjoy classics like fried or baked chicken, mac & cheese, collard greens, baked beans, yams, and a variety of hearty sides and desserts. This welcoming spot serves up the kind of soulful, satisfying dishes that feel just like home. Lisa and I tried it last Saturday and it was fantastic. The folks at Silverleaf Gems told me I had to get some of the Mac & Cheese. It was the best I have ever eaten. I am a huge fan of collard greens and they did not disappoint folks. You really need to try this place if you are a fan of southern style food and who the heck is not. The family that owns it and the service are as great as the food. It is all available to go but I would recommend dining in because it is a fun atmosphere.

Instead of settling for speeches and headlines, he has shown a willingness to confront entrenched problems and take action.

Confronting organized crime. Drummond created Oklahoma’s first Organized Crime Task Force and worked with law enforcement partners to close illegal marijuana operations connected to criminal networks. Defending Oklahoma’s authority. He has challenged federal overreach and acted to protect the state’s energy interests and sovereignty.

Demanding honest government. He has pressed for openness, responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and an end to decisions made behind closed doors.

Gentner Drummond is not pursuing office for the title. He is a tested leader who wants to deliver results. His agenda centers on easing the cost of living for working families, supporting law enforcement, strengthening roads and bridges through strategic partnerships with tribal nations, expanding economic

From Page 2

opportunity, and ensuring that parents have a meaningful voice in their children’s education.

Have you ever heard of Mike Mazzei before this election cycle? Me either. Just do not know this man with almost no track record. The only crutch he is leaning on is the endorsement of the president. Oklahomans are too smart to elect a one trick pony. We need substance in the governor’s office not a lap dog to the federal government.

Oklahoma’s future can be stronger than it was in the past, but that will require a governor who is tough, candid, and independent enough to make tough decisions. Gentner Drummond has served Oklahoma in uniform, in the courtroom, in business, and on the ranch. He has the experience to lead and the resolve to act. It is time to elect Gentner Drummond as our next governor.

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

Mayor kick starts new school year

Handing out free soccer balls

To inspire youth fitness and foster community engagement, Edmond Mayor Mark A. Nash is distributing soccer balls to Edmond elementary schools, both public and private, and the local YMCA. This effort follows a special initiative from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who provided mayors attending the United States Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C., with 200 soccer balls each for their cities’ youth programs. Mayor Nash attended the event, where Infantino emphasized the growing popularity of soccer in the United States and the importance of recreation and physical education for children.

“This is an opportunity to get our kids off their electronic devices, out on the field, and connecting with each other,” said Mayor Nash. “I am incredibly grateful for Mr. Infantino’s generosity and excited to see Edmond’s youth kicking soccer balls across our schoolyards soon. Together, we’re building healthier habits, and maybe even sparking a lifelong love for the game.”

The soccer balls will be distributed in August, aiming to enhance recreational opportunities and encourage children to become more active. Mayor Nash and city officials hope this initiative will motivate Edmond’s youth to embrace physical activity and teamwork.

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Simply e-mail the items to news@edmondpaper.com There is no charge.

Campaign reminds smokers to have lungs screened

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Oklahoma, and tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the state. A new campaign, HOPE (Helping Oklahomans with Prevention and Early Detection: Lung Cancer Screening & Tobacco Cessation Saves Lives), aims to change that. Through a TSET Legacy Grant by the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), the American Lung Association, the Oklahoma Hospital Association, and several partners across the state will work together to help eligible Oklahomans access lung cancer screening and connect with support to quit smoking

Smoking and lung cancer are significant health challenges for people in Oklahoma. In fact:

14.1% of adults in Oklahoma smoke, which is significantly higher than the national rate of 9.9%.

The rate of new lung cancer cases is 63.2 per 100,000, which is significantly higher than 52.8 nationally.

Unfortunately, only 10.4% of Oklahomans who are eligible for lung cancer screening have been screened, which is lower than the national average of 18.2%.

While anyone with lungs can get lung cancer, smoking is the number one risk factor, causing approximately 80% of lung cancer cases.

“Lung cancer screening detects

lung cancer early and can save lives. If lung cancer is caught at an early stage, the likelihood of surviving five years or more after being diagnosed improves to 65%. Early diagnosis means that people with lung cancer will have more treatment options, fewer side effects and more time with their families,” said Alexis Burris, senior manager of health promotions

for the American Lung Association. “This collaborative effort in Oklahoma will help people in every corner of the state, including rural areas, by increasing access to quality lifesaving screening and help to quit smoking.”

This new program is focused on people who meet the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) eligibility criteria for lung cancer screening.

A person is eligible for annual lung cancer screening if they are between 50 and 80 years old; currently smoke or have quit in the last 15 years; and have a 20 or more pack-year history of smoking cigarettes (one pack a day for 20 years, two packs a day for 10 years, etc.).

The Oklahoma Hospital Association, the American Lung Association, OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Healthcare Quality Improvement Platform (HQuIP), Florida State University, The Coalition Coaches and Public Health Management Corporation partnered to launch the program, called the HOPE initiative: Helping Oklahomans with Prevention and Early Detection Lung Cancer Screening & Tobacco Cessation Saves Lives. The initiative will: Increase awareness and education of lung cancer screening throughout the state.

Strengthen partnerships with hospital systems, clinics, community-based

organizations and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to improve programs to help Oklahomans quit smoking and encourage lung cancer screenings for people who qualify.

Connect people with the American Lung Association’s Lung Health Navigators, trained professionals in smoking cessation and lung cancer screening.

The Lung Health Navigators are registered nurses, respiratory therapists, and certified tobacco treatment specialists who provide free, personalized support, guidance, and resources. The Lung Health Navigators reduce barriers to care by helping people quit smoking, navigate lung cancer screening referrals, and stay supported throughout their health journey.

People can meet with a Lung Health Navigator over the phone, live online chat, or video calls when it works best for their schedule.

The program also covers transportation and any other costs associated with the screening.

Talk to a Lung Health Navigator to find out if you are eligible for a lung cancer screening and get support throughout the screening process today. Call 844-ALA-LUNG or visit Lung.org/screen-OK to learn more.

For help on quitting, you can call the Oklahoma Tobacco help line at 1800-QUIT-NOW or register at okhelpline.com.

Coyotes are also an urban threat

A few simple steps can help reduce threat from predator

By Kimberly Burk for Edmond Life and Leisure

It made headlines in May when a parent picking up his child at a Tulsa school was bitten by a coyote. Most people don’t expect to encounter coyotes in well-populated areas, especially during the day.

But the truth is, “some coyotes live their entire lives in cities,” says Jerrod Davis, senior wildlife biologist and furbearer program coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

“As we develop green spaces in towns, we like having the diversity of habitat with parks, gardens and flower beds,” Davis said. “You have to expect that if you create an hospitable area that you want to spend time in, they will want to be there too.”

Coyotes and other predators such as foxes are attracted to city green spaces and residential backyards by shelter, water and food sources such as rodents and rabbits, Davis said.

“If you have something in your yard to attract them, about any wildlife will come into your yard,” Davis said. “Sometimes they just need shade. When it’s really hot, we will see an uptick in coyotes drinking from birdbaths, swimming pools and koi ponds. And it can be during the daytime. They are just looking for relief.”

Many people enjoy seeing rabbits and squirrels in their yards but are not so open to predators, Davis said.

“If you don’t want wildlife in your yard, remove the pet food and properly secure trash cans. Get rid of brush piles,” Davis said.

And even those more welcome smaller animals “open the door to predators stopping by,” Davis says.

Coyotes, says retired Oklahoma City naturalist Neil Garrison, “are a resilient creature. They are pretty adaptable. They can conform to what they need to do to survive.”

Garrison said he is a defender of coyotes.

“They are a predator, and they provide a benefi-

cial role in the environment,” Garrison said. “They are part of the checks and balances on the rodent population, as are hawks and owls. If there was not that control mechanism, the world would be overrun with rodents. Rabbits and mice are the bulk of their diets.”

Garrison said he has heard coyotes referred to as

“song dogs.”

“I kind of like to hear their music when they do start yipping and yowling,” he said.

Davis says coyotes are native to all 77 counties in Oklahoma. Whether they live in the country or adapt to suburban and urban environments can be

(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, AGG is aggravated, FTA is failure to appear, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.)

July 20

Barry Eugene Tolbert, 43 of Edmond. A felony warrant and a misdemeanor warrant.

Vernon Bryan Elhue McVea, 42 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Kiera Alexis Thompkins, 26 of Carter Lake, Iowa. Failure to stop for red signal light and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Kamau-Adisa Exom, 44 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Brayden Kody Hensley, 36 of Moore. Possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Jase Tyler Keck, 21 homeless. Possess drug paraphernalia, two count of possessing CDS and public intoxication.

July 21

Michael William Bailey, 43 of Edmond. Felony warrant, non-assault resisting officer, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and misdemeanor warrant.

Demarcuse Serrell Ellis, 22 of Edmond. Accessory to crime.

Kendra Janay Cosby, 25 of Oklahoma City. Obstruction of a police officer, threatening to perform a violent act, robbery in the first degree, (misdemeanor) domestic abuse assault and domestic abuse assault (deadly weapon).

Jeanette A. Nokes, 66 of Edmond. Trespassing and shoplifting – petit larceny.

Rodney Lane Chambers, 66 homeless. Trespassing after being warned and failure to appear.

Mark Wayne Boucher, 42 homeless. Public intoxication.

July 22

Carolyn Brook Williams, 43 of Oklahoma City. Trespassing.

Thomas Earl Green, 54 of Edmond. Four counts of failure to appear.

Austin Alonzo James Anderson, 34 of Edmond. Shoplifting – petit larceny.

Jessica Ann McNeil, 37 of Moore. Misdemeanor warrant.

Colin Horn Kennedy, 39 of Edmond. Failure to wear seatbelt, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Horizon Dance Lightheart, 48 Edmond. Public intoxication.

July 23

Elizabeth Jade Brodeau, 23 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Brian Timothy Koenings, 38 of Edmond. Obstruction of a police officer and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Jacob Allen Falter, 40 of Edmond. Trespassing after being warned and shoplifting – petit larceny.

Melonie Lee Botchlet, 66 of Cashion. (Misdemeanor value) obtaining signature or property by false pretenses.

Joseph Michael Watt II, 46 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege has been canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

James Quindell Clark, 41 of Edmond. Shoplifting – petit larceny.

Ashton Alan Willson, 47 homeless. Two counts of failure to appear.

July 24

Michael Anthony Nix, 52 of Edmond. Possess CDS and felony DUI with prior felony conviction.

Robert Lee Mefferd, 63 of Edmond. Possess CDS, operating motor vehicle with defective/improper equipment and possess drug paraphernalia.

Stacie Lynn Wolfe, 39 of Oklahoma City. No proof of insurance by owner and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Grant Landon Mcguffee, 41 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Kristal Lynn Shirley, 43 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Dezmon Dontez Parker, 31 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

July 25

William Christopher Jones, 36 Edmond. Possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS and a felony warrant.

Billy Kalin Johnson, 41 of Edmond. Possess drug paraphernalia and two counts of possessing CDS.

Justice Tyrell Simpson, 23 of Shawnee. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Paige Nicole Hoff, 41 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Tristen Corion Robinson, 21 of Oklahoma City. Expired tag – over three months and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Joseph Ryan Codner, 43 of Edmond. Stop sign violation and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Lauren Lee Cooper, 38 of Yukon. Three misdemeanor warrants.

Charles Eugene Mumford, 51 of Edmond. Six felony warrants, a misdemeanor warrant and two failure to appear warrants for state traffic charges.

July 26

Daniel Roy Evans, 38 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or more.

Steven Jason Harper, 53 of Edmond. Four counts of failure to appear.

Susan Gayle Fox, 68 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Ryan Wayne Long, 46 of Edmond. Possess firearm after conviction of felony.

Jaxon Cole Simpson, 19 of Catoosa. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

44 booking reports

Weekend calendar of events, Aug. 6-9

Weekend Calendar of Events Aug. 6-9

---- In the Gallery

---- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market

---- Heard on Hurd

---- 2026 All Star Team Roping Finals

---- Edmond Jr Rodeo

---- Edmond Patriot Market

---- Weekly Game Night

---- Saturday Morning Music Sessions

---- Coffee & Guitars

---- Book Swap

---- Trivia Night

---- Vinyl Night

---- Music Bingo

---- 1889 Territorial School Open House

---- Beer + Yoga

---- The Round Barn Rendezvous

---- Grand Ole Gathering 2 Year Anniversary

---- Beats & Bites 2026: Jake Owen with Jordan Rainer

---- American Quarter Horse Association Youth World Championship

---- First Friday Gallery Walk

---- Buchanan’s Flea Market OKC

---- The Dinner Detective True

Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show

---- Sunrise Paddles in the Boathouse District

---- Oklahoma Card Show

---- OKC Painting Palooza

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 Wander & Wonder Landscape Show; edmondfinearts.com

Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market

Location: Festival Market Place

Extra Info: Sat, Apr 11 – Sat, Oct 31; each Saturday; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Free; edmondok.gov

Heard on Hurd

Location: Downtown Edmond

Extra Info: Sat, Mar 21 – Sat, Oct 17; recurring monthly on the 3rd Saturday; free; 6 – 10 p.m.; mycitizens.bank

2026 All Star Team

Roping Finals

Location: Lazy E Arena

Extra Info: Mon, Aug 3 – Sun, Aug 9; Free; 9 a.m.; recurring daily; lazye.com

Edmond Jr. Rodeo

Location: Edmond Round Up Club – Carl Benne Arena

Extra Info: Aug 7 – Sat, Aug 8; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.; Adults: $5; 18 & under: $1; edmondroundupclub.com

Edmond Patriot Market

Location: 425 Fretz Ave, Edmond

Extra Info: Recurring last Saturdays of the month; 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; free; facebook.com

Weekly Game Night

Location: American Solera – Icehouse Project

Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Thu; 6 – 8:30 p.m.; visitedmondok.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

Coffee & Guitars

Location: Edmond Music

Extra Info: Every Saturday morning; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Book Swap

Location: American Solera – Icehouse Project

Extra Info: Recurring every 2 months on the first Sunday; 2 – 5 p.m.; visitedmondok.com

Trivia Night

Location: Flatire Burgers

Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Thu; 8 – 10 p.m.; flatireburgers.com

Vinyl Night

Location: Round Midnight

Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Thu; facebook.com

Music Bingo

Location: Flatire Burgers

Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Sat; 7:30 p.m.; flatireburgers.com

1889 Territorial

School Open House

Location: 124 E 2nd

Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Sat; 1 – 4 p.m.; Free; edmondhistory.org

Beer + Yoga

Location: American Solera – Icehouse Project

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

The Round Barn Rendezvous

Location: Arcadia Round Barn

Extra Info: Recurring monthly on See Calendar, Page 7

the 2nd Sunday; Free; 12 – 4 p.m.; arcadiaroundbarn.com

Grand Ole Gathering 2 Year Anniversary

Location: University of Central Oklahoma – Jazz Lab

Extra Info: Sat, Aug 8; $31+; 2 – 4 p.m.; eventbrite.com

Beats & Bites 2026: Jake Owen with Jordan Rainer

Location: Riverwind Casino

Extra Info: Sat, Aug 8; 6:30 p.m.; riverwind.com

American Quarter Horse Association Youth World Championship

Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park

Extra Info: Mon, Jul 27 – Sun, Aug 9; aqha.com

First Friday Gallery Walk

Location: Paseo Arts District

Extra Info: Fri, Aug 7; 6 ---- 9 p.m.; thepaseo.org

Buchanan’s Flea Market OKC

Location: 608 Kiamichi Pl, OKC

Coyote

influenced by drought, temperature, food availability, travel for mating and the dispersal of young non-alpha males to try to set up new territories, he said.

Coyotes are naturally afraid of people, Davis said. If a coyote is seen during the day that has lost its fear of humans and is walking with an imbalance, it might have canine distemper, which is not the same disease as rabies and cannot be transmitted to humans, he said.

“A lot of people think there is nothing good about a coyote, but they play a role,” Davis said. “They are scavengers. They clean up roadkill. And they keep lower-level prey species in check. There’s always a balance that we are striving for as managers of the habitat.”

People for whom predators and

From Page 6

Extra Info: Sat, Aug 8 – Sun, Aug 9; Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; buchananeventco.com

The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner

Show

Location: Skirvin Hilton

Extra Info: Sat, Aug 8; 6 – 9 p.m.; thedinnerdetective.com

Sunrise Paddles in the Boathouse District

Location: Riversport OKC

Extra Info: Sat, Aug 8; 6 a.m.; riversportokc.org

Oklahoma Card Show

Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park

Extra Info: Sat, Aug 8 – Sun, Aug 9; Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; topnotchcardshows.com

OKC Painting

Palooza

Location: Champion Convention

Center

Extra Info: Sun, Aug 9 – Sat, Aug 15; okcpaintingpalooza.com

From Page 5

other animals have become a nuisance can go to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website and read about options under “Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator,” Davis said.

People should not feed wild animals, Davis says.

“It is best for wildlife to retain their natural wariness of humans. Even with feeding birds, you draw in predators.”

Garrison said the federal government “has had a long history of control measures on coyote populations.”

“The end result is that is has not been that effective,” Garrison said. “If you knock down the populations of coyotes, they just have more babies. It’s a wasted resource, those control measures. The coyotes are just too adaptable.”

OMRF awarded $12.8 million grant to study cellular metabolism

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has received a $12.8 million federal grant to continue building its Center for Cellular Metabolism Research in Oklahoma.

Awarded by the National Institutes of Health, the five-year grant is funded through the NIH’s Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence program, or COBRE. It is one of three active COBRE grants at OMRF.

COBRE grants aim to expand biomedical research capacity in states like Oklahoma that historically receive lower shares of federal research funding.

It does this by supporting the research of early career scientists and by providing shared, cutting-edge equipment that otherwise would be cost prohibitive.

This grant will fund the work of four junior scientists whose research all involves cellular metabolism, a set of life-sustaining chemical reactions inside cells.

These processes allow cells to produce energy, repair damage and stay alive. But they’re also involved in the development of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, diseases of aging, and autoimmune illnesses.

Lijun Xia, M.D., Ph.D., who leads this COBRE, knows firsthand how they can help a young scientist.

“I was a junior investigator on one of the first COBRE grants OMRF received back in 2003,” said Xia, who holds the Merrick Foundation Chair in Biomedical Research at OMRF. “It launched my career. That’s why I’m so passionate about leading this one.”

Jon Iker Etchegaray, Ph.D., who joined OMRF in 2024 following a post-doctoral fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis, is one of the four young scientists on the grant. He’ll use the funding to study a degenerative eye condition that often comes with aging.

New Armstrong season Sept. 17

these iconic works with precision and heart, inspiring both seasoned fans and newcomers while honoring America's remarkable musical legacy.

The Oklahoma City Philharmonic will open Armstrong Auditorium's 28th Performing Arts Series on Thursday, Sep. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in Edmond. Under the baton of Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate, the orchestra presents "America the Beautiful: A 250 Celebration"-a vibrant tribute to America's spirit as the nation marks its 250th anniversary.

Tickets start at $60 for adults and $50 for youth ages 6-17. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit ArmstrongAuditorium.org or call the Box Office at (405) 285-1010. (All programs subject to change.)

Groups of 20 or more may be eligible to receive a discount off the original ticket price. Please contact the box office for more information.

Support local advertisers

"What a way to open our season-with Oklahoma's own world-class orchestra celebrating America's 250th anniversary on our stage," said Program Director Ryan Malone. "This is a program that should resonate deeply with every Oklahoman."

The program opens with Gershwin's vibrant "An American in Paris," evoking 1920s Parisian energy and romance. John Adams' "The Dharma at Big Sur" follows, inspired by the nation' West Coast landscapes, with a nod to American innovation through the use of the electric violin. The evening closes triumphantly with Rachmaninoff's powerful Symphonic Dances-the first major work he composed after arriving in the United States.

Under Maestro Mickelthwate's passionate leadership, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic delivers

Armstrong International Cultural Foundation celebrates its 28th season with its 2026-27 Performing Arts Series. The multi-award-winning Armstrong Auditorium has established itself as a world-class center for the arts in Oklahoma since 2010.

Designed to provide an exceptional acoustic experience, only 75 feet separate the stage from the back wall, allowing the 823-seat theater to boast a nine-millisecond initial time delay gap-a measure of remarkable acoustic intimacy. Armstrong Auditorium's exquisite beauty and warm atmosphere continue to make it an extraordinary venue worthy of its numerous accolades.

Land receives Champion of Character award

Edmond business owner, Kirsten Land received the Character Council of Edmond’s Champion of Character Award for her character trait of enthusiasm.

Wayne Pettigrew nominated her for the honor. The two serve the Edmond community through their association with AMBUCS. The award was presented during the organization’s regular meeting in June at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Kirsten’s sons, Daniel and Evan Land were in attendance along with Kirsten’s team members, Michelle Maker and Paula Buford. The Character Council of Edmond’s President, Diane Krakowski, VP Shermie Potts and board member, Gloria Baumann participated in presenting the certificate.

Wayne said, “Kirsten is the enthusiastic current president of Edmond AMBUCS. She brings this trait to each meeting and to the group’s charitable giving areas of helping children and adults with disabilities. She has chaired fundraisers and never misses a meeting where she is always thinking of new ideas to more effectively help others. She is always the first to arrive and the last to leave. She arrives well prepared and with supportive information on the issues to be addressed.”

Kirsten’s enthusiasm was recognized by herself and others from a young age. When Kirsten was a child, she often heard her mother say, “It didn’t matter where we were going to go or what we were doing, you were just excited to go do it.”

Kirsten said, “I just think it is a part of my personality that I get excited.”

Kirsten moved to Edmond from Stillwater in 1994 to earn her teaching degree at the University of Central Oklahoma. After graduation she taught special education classes at Hoover Middle School in the Oklahoma City Public Schools for five years. During the last seven years of her teaching career, she enjoyed working with the freshmen at Edmond North High School. Simultaneously her husband, Brian, founded the Land Roofing Company.

Kirsten taught at a poor functioning school in the inner city of the OKC school system when the Maps for Kids was introduced. She recalls attending a meeting with the leaders who introduced their plan to improve the schools. Kirsten, one of the youngest teachers there, envisioned the turnaround in the OKC schools that would result in a news exposé in the future revealing the amazing turnaround.

The older teachers were more experienced and not as idealistic. They tried to discourage her optimism. Kirsten said, “I thought that was so sad and so negative. Unfortunately, they were 100% correct. I would do it again and be involved in it because I get excited

about teamwork and working together and trying to do things that are impossible.”

Kirsten retired from her teaching career in 2008, when she and Brian decided to adopt their eldest son, Daniel. She was excited about her role as a stayat-home mom. When Brian needed her help with the company, Daniel went to Mother’s Day Out. and she was able to balance spending time with their son and helping Brian. The couple eventually adopted their second son, Evan. Both boys were born in China.

In November 2018, doctors diagnosed Brian with an unknown congenital heart defect. He had two open-heart surgeries before Thanksgiving that year. He was still recovering when Kirsten’s mother was taken to the hospital in Texas and wasn’t expected to live. While they were with her, they received word that Brian’s mother was in the hospital back in Oklahoma.

Kirsten said, “I was feeling a very negative attitude. I went to church and my priest said this very profound thing, ‘You need to pray for the strength to equal your challenges; not challenges to equal your strength.’ That really spoke to me. I thought, I can't let my attitude get bad.”

Kirsten focused on the verses, “Give thanks in all circumstances” from 1 Thessalonians 5:12 and Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Kirsten’s mother-in-law lived, but her mother passed away and a month later Brian had a health crisis that he did not survive.

Kirsten stepped up to lead the company and raise their sons after Brian's death by making as few changes as possible. Land Roofing suited Brian well; Kirsten wasn’t sure about her ability to fulfill her new position. God sustained her and the boys during that difficult time in their lives.

Her friends and co-workers recognized that Kirsten thrives off connecting with others. They knew she needed to be around people as she grieved. So, they surrounded her. She also received comfort and encouragement from her family and friends.

Kirsten said, “It’s the same thing with AMBUCS. The reason I got so excited to be a part of that group is because I saw all they were doing to help people with mobility issues. The children specifically.”

Kirsten explained that sometimes children with mobility limitations cannot ride bicycles. So, when her AMBUCS group provides an Amtryke to one of the kids it’s exciting. Kirsten said, “They’ve watched their siblings ride bikes, now they get to join in. Then you see the joy on the kid’s faces. So, I love working with the other members of my AMBUCS’ group towards goals like whether we’re doing fundraising to make more money or building a ramp together, or we’re providing an Amtryke to one of the kids.

The passion for her enthusiasm gains energy from being around people. Kirsten calls herself a “people’s person.” She enjoys teamwork, solving problems and the creativity that comes from working with others.

Wayne said, “Kirsten approaches each day with an attitude of ‘who can I help today?’ Whether it is helping people in her business of reconstructing their homes after a loss or helping disabled children through her work with AMBUCS, each day is a gift to others.”

On behalf of the City of Edmond and the Character Council of Edmond, Kirsten Land was honored as a Champion of Character for exemplifying the character trait of enthusiasm, defined by Character First as “Expressing interest and excitement in what I do.”

The Character Council of Edmond, a grassroots nonprofit organization, is committed to creating a citywide initiative to build Edmond into a “community of character." To learn more about the Character Council or to nominate a citizen as a Champion of Character, for someone who exemplifies the current month’s featured character trait, go to www.edmondcharacter.org or write: Champions of Character, PO Box 392, Edmond OK 73083-0392

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

‘Reclaiming my time’

By Steve Gust

The hearing last week in Washington with Dr. Anthony Fauci was something of a farce.

Fauci, in case you may have forgotten, was the chief medical advisor to the president during the Covid 19 outbreak in 2020.

Some believe Fauci may have played a role in spreading Covid. While leaving office, Joe Biden pardoned Fauci.

During his hearing, senator after senator took their turns in asking Fauci questions and he pleaded the Fifth each time.

“Under the advice of my attorneys, I will invoke my right under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution.” Fauci said over and over.

One of the senators asked him what color his tie was. Fauci repeated his plea in claiming the fifth. The senator should have followed up and said, “So, before this hearing took place, you discussed with your lawyer the possibility of someone questioning the color of your tie and

your lawyer wanted you to enter a plea of the Fifth for that?”

Ridiculous, yes, but that seemed to be the tone of the day.

In fact, so many of these hearings anymore – really push the envelope.

I enjoyed watching Secretary of State Marco Rubio object to Democratic Congressional questioning. He correctly noted the Congressional people would use all of their time asking a question and not even give him an opportunity to respond.

That reminds me of something else. It bugs me when the politicians say “reclaiming my time,” over and over. Enough already.

Probably the most entertaining hearing was last year about this time when Congress grilled New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. For once these uber liberals had to face some tough questioning and failed miserably. All three of them were squirming trying to defend some of the crazy things they had said about illegal immigration and a few other topics.

(Steve Gust can be reached for comment at news@edmondpaper.com.)

Lawmakers welcome nuclear announcement

Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, RTuttle, and key members of the state Senate last week praised Oklahoma's selection as one of five finalists for the U.S. Department of Energy's Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus (NLIC), calling it another milestone in the state's long history of leading America's energy economy.

The White House announced last week that Oklahoma has advanced to the final round of consideration for the first-of-its-kind project. While the designation marks an important achievement, the state continues competing to earn one of the final campus selections.

"Being named a finalist is an exciting opportunity for Oklahoma and a testament to the strength of our state's energy industry, workforce and innovation," Pro Tem Paxton said. "But this isn't the finish line, it's the beginning of the final stretch. We intend to compete aggressively, continue making our case and show the nation why Oklahoma is the best place to build the future of advanced energy. This

State senator marks milestone of slain priest

Senator Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, last week released the following statement commemorating the 45th anniversary of the martyrdom of Blessed Stanley Rother.

“On July 28, 1981, Blessed Stanley Rother gave his life in service to Christ and the people he was called to serve. Forty-five years later, we continue to honor the extraordinary faith, courage, and sacrifice of this Oklahoman, who continues to inspire people around the world.

“Father Rother was described by President Trump as 'an Oklahoma farm boy, the first American-born martyr beatified by the Catholic Church, and a champion of human dignity who heroically laid down his life to bring the light of Jesus Christ to a people plagued by horrific darkness.' Those words reflect the

remarkable journey of a humble Oklahoma priest who answered the call to serve, even in the face of great danger.

“I am especially proud that the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine is located in Senate District 45, where global visitors can be found each day reflecting on his remarkable life. As we remember his life and sacrifice, the Oklahoma City Shrine provides a meaningful place for people to gather, pray, and honor a legacy that continues to inspire the faithful around the world.”

“As we mark this solemn anniversary, may we recognize Blessed Stanley Rother’s legacy and honor his martyrdom by remembering the profound impact one faithful servant can have on the world. His courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to others remain an enduring example for all Oklahomans.”

Letters to the Editor policy

We love mail, especially mail from Edmond Life & Leisure readers with complaints, compliments or comments about what they read here. The rules, even for e-mail letters:

1) You must tell us your full name;

2) You must give us your complete address and phone numbers (but we will identify you only by name); and

3) We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity and taste (our taste).

Send mail to Letter to the Editor, Edmond Life & Leisure, 107 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034. or fax to 340-3384 or e-mail to news@edmondpaper.com.

opportunity could be the next chapter in building on our state’s reputation as an energy powerhouse. We already have the skilled workforce, world-class CareerTech system, outstanding universities and engineering expertise needed to support an industry that will create thousands of high-paying jobs and billions of dollars in private investment."

The proposed Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus would bring together multiple components of the advanced nuclear industry that includes research, fuel fabrication, small modular reactor technology, medical isotope production and related operations, creating a first-of-its-kind center for innovation in the United States.

Any future project would move forward only through a transparent process with federal oversight, local input and rigorous safety standards.

“With last week’s announcement, Oklahoma is officially a top contender for a groundbreaking nuclear research facility that would bring billions of dollars in private investment to this state and build on our legacy of energy innovation," said Sen. Brent Howard, RAltus. "We will do everything we can to show Oklahoma is ready for the development of a state-of-the-art facility to establish this state as a hub for the future of nuclear energy. Oklahoma has become known for its cutting-edge advancements in aerospace, technology and national defense, to which safe, secure and reliable nuclear technology will further elevate our standing.”

Senator Grant Green, R-Wellston, who chairs the Senate Energy Committee, said the state remains committed to working with local communities throughout the process.

“When the Legislature passed Behind the Meter legislation last year, this was one of the new energy developments I envisioned taking root in Oklahoma," Senator Green said. “This federal initiative is about innovation, economic opportunity and energy security. America's commercial nuclear industry has operated safely for decades under strict oversight from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and any project considered for Oklahoma would be required to meet those same high standards.”

Rising homeowners’ insurance due study

Reps. Stacy Jo Adams, R-Duncan, and Chris Sneed, R-Fort Gibson, will lead an interim study examining the factors contributing to rising homeowners' insurance costs in Oklahoma.

The lawmakers will bring together insurance professionals, contractors, builders, real estate professionals, adjusters, consumer advocates and homeowners to better understand why Oklahoma consistently ranks among the states with the highest homeowner's insurance premiums.

"This issue hits close to home for me in more than one way," Adams said. "As a customer-facing insurance agent and a state representative, I hear the frustration across the desk and across the district. I see customers opening their renewal notices and wondering why their homeowner's insurance premiums have increased again. I also hear from constituents who simply want to know why it costs so much to protect the homes they’ve worked so hard to build. I want answers too."

The study will examine property values, construction materials, labor expenses and severe weather losses. Adams and Sneed also plan to consider the cost of replacing roofs through insurance claims compared with similar work during new construction.

"Our plan for this study is to dig into the costs that may not be as obvious," Sneed said. "We know property values have increased significantly, building materials and labor cost more and we know storms seem to love Oklahoma. There has to be additional factors driving these prices, and we intend to cover all our bases."

A note from Executive Director Chris Siemens of Parent Promise

There is something special about the beginning of the school year.

Tiny backpacks suddenly look enormous, lunchboxes are packed with care, and parents everywhere are wondering if they’re ready for the first day of school. If your child is starting Pre-K or Kindergarten, know this: those butterflies in your stomach are completely normal— and chances are, your little one is feeling them too.

Starting school is a big milestone for the entire family. While it’s exciting, it’s also okay to feel a little nervous about new routines, new teachers, and letting your child spread their wings.

One of the best ways to prepare your child is by creating predictable routines before school begins. Practice bedtime and morning schedules, read books together about starting school, visit the playground, and talk positively about what they can expect. Encourage independence by letting them practice putting on their backpack, washing their hands, using the restroom, and cleaning up after themselves. Most importantly, spend time talking, reading, playing, and listening. These everyday moments build confidence, language, and the secure relationships that help children thrive in the classroom.

Parents need preparation, too. Give yourself grace. There may be tears at drop-off—sometimes from the adults! Trust that your child’s teachers are there to help them succeed, and remember that it’s okay to ask questions and stay engaged throughout the school year.

At Parent Promise, we believe school readiness is about much more than knowing letters and numbers. It’s about helping children feel safe, confident, curious, and loved. When families and schools work together, children are given the best opportunity to learn, grow, and flourish.As this new adventure begins, know that we’re cheering for every family taking this exciting step. Here’s to a wonderful school year filled with learning, laughter, new friendships, and unforgettable milestones!

Edmond Exchange supports Parent Promise

Have we mentioned lately how much we appreciate the Exchange Clubs and their unwavering support of our mission?

It’s incredible what a group of dedicated people can accomplish when they come together with a shared passion for building strong families, supporting healthy children, and creating brighter futures.

A special thank-you to the Edmond Exchange Club for once again showing up for the families

we serve! Their generous donation of school supplies will help our program families start the school year prepared, and their financial gift will help us continue providing critical services to parents and children.

We are so grateful for this amazing group of community leaders whose generosity is making a lasting impact for families today—and for years to come. Thank you, Edmond Exchange Club!

Did You Know?

Modern children may not be getting all of the vitamins and minerals they need to be healthy. According to the National Library of Medicine, nutrient deficiencies of iron, vitamin A, folic acid, and zinc are prevalent worldwide, especially in children from low income areas. Many modern kids do not consume sufficient amounts of nutrients that are vital for growth. For example, CNBC reports that kids are not getting enough fiber and potassium. But the No. 1 nutrient that kids, particularly those in the United States, aren’t getting enough of is vitamin D. Fifty percent of children between the ages of one and five and 70 percent of those ages six to 11 have a vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D is largely produced through exposure to the sun, and sedentary kids may not be getting enough time outdoors. Kidsville Pediatrics also says modern kids are deficient in vitamins A, C, B12, and E. Parents can talk to their children’s pediatricians about how best to address nutrient deficiencies, particularly among children who may be picky eaters.

How students can improve reading comprehension

Students will encounter a wide range of obstacles over the course of their academic careers. As students progress through academia, many learn to overcome new challenges by looking back on past experiences when they faced obstacles and ultimately prevailed.

Younger students do not necessarily have that history of overcoming academic challenges to help them when faced with fresh obstacles. When reading for school, young students may not have identified an approach that can help them more easily comprehend texts. When such situations arise, parents and educators can encourage students to employ various strategies designed to strengthen reading comprehension.

• Encourage young students to monitor their comprehension.

The national public media literacy initiative Reading Rockets notes that comprehension monitoring teaches students to recognize what they understand when reading a text and what they do not understand. Monitoring comprehension encourages students to be active readers who check what they do and do not understand while they’re reading. Young students can be taught to ask themselves, “Do I understand this?” when reading a text. Students also can summarize each paragraph as they finish it to further monitor their comprehension.

• Employ metacognitive strategies.

Reading Rockets defines metacognition as “thinking about thinking.” While young students may hear the word “metacognition” and run for the hills, the process is far simpler than its name might suggest. Prior to reading, students can be encouraged to identify why they’re reading. A brief preview of the text, such as the synopsis on the back of a book or the inside jacket of the cover, can help students clarify what the book is about. As children begin reading, they can monitor their own understanding of the text relative to the preview they read. Thinking ahead about a text and how they can process it can help students understand it better than they might if they just start reading without giving the text and what to look for any prior thought.

• Teach students to ask themselves questions while they’re reading.

Reading Rockets notes questions encourage students to combine information from different segments of the text. While reading, students can ask how a newly introduced character might relate to text or a storyline introduced earlier in the story. Or students can ask questions about characters previously introduced who they do not recall. Going back and searching through previous chapters or text to answer questions can make it easier to comprehend the text.

• Summarize the text upon completion.

Reading Rockets notes that summarizing requires students to determine the important aspects of a text and to explain that importance in their own words. Summarizing also helps students identify the main ideas, connect themes throughout the text and eliminate unnecessary information. All of that helps students remember what they read, which is the foundation of strong reading comprehension.

Reading comprehension can be challenging for young students. But various strategies can help kids develop strong reading comprehension skills.

Taming kindergarten first day jitters

Kindergarten may be a child’s introduction to formal schooling. Although many families send their children to pre-K programs, it’s not a necessity. Kindergarten, particularly full-day sessions, will set the course of formal schooling for years to come.

USAFacts.com says between 3.5 to four million children attend kindergarten each year. Many children about to begin kindergarten understandably are anxious about what lies in store. First day of school jitters are common and may lead to fears and tears in many homes. There are ways to make the first day of kindergarten less scary for kids. Here are some pointers families can follow.

Gradually introduce separations

Kindergarten may be the first time children are away from their parents for extended periods of time. Families can introduce controlled separations that gradually increase in duration. Play dates with friends at friends’ homes can stretch a few hours, or grandparents can take kids out for excursions. The goal is to show kids they can thrive without their parents being around.

Attend school-sponsored functions

Many schools offer meet-and-greet opportunities for incoming kindergarteners in a fun setting. It may be an ice cream social or a pizza party that enables newcomers to mingle. This way some faces will be familiar when school begins.

Create a special send-off goodbye

Make children look forward to leaving with a handshake, wave or another goodbye that is unique to them. Then this goodbye can be repeated each morning at drop-off.

Touch base with other parents

Parents can use community social media groups to connect with other families who have kids going into kindergarten. Then children can make friends before the start of school and arrive together

Wind down summer hours

Parents can acclimate kids to going to bed earlier and rising earlier to mimic a school year schedule. Begin this transition a few weeks before school starts.

Kindergarten is a chance to learn new things and make friends. Although the change comes with some nerves, families take various steps with a goal toward making sure kids are excited about starting

kindergarten.

Edmond Public schools start Thursday Aug 13th!

View calendar here

Movie review of ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’

Spidey makes grand return to big screen

By George Gust

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” feels like a welcome reset for the character a movie that remembers why Spider-Man works best when it’s about the person behind the mask.

Where the recent MCU Tom Holland outings sometimes felt like colorful episodes inside a larger machine, this one stands on its own. It leans into the classic tension between Peter Parker’s everyday life and his responsibilities as a hero, and that familiar conflict is still the emotional engine that makes the character resonate.

A now forgotten Peter Parker (Holland) lives alone as a full-time Spider-Man until mounting pressure triggers a dangerous change and a powerful new enemy emerges.

What’s most effective here is the film’s focus. It doesn’t try to be everything at once. Yes, there are big set pieces and a few marquee cameos, but the movie keeps returning to small, human moments like Peter juggling bills, awkward conversations with friends, and the quiet guilt that comes with choices only Spider-Man can understand. Those human scenes give the action weight, because you care

Answers on Page 19

about who’s under the suit and is not just another entry in the bigger story.

Tom Holland has grown into the role in a way that’s obvious and satisfying. He carries more emotional depth this time, and the film gives him room to show it. Zendaya is excellent, bringing a steadier, more layered performance that complements Holland without stealing focus. Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner/Hulk adds a grounded, sympathetic presence, and Jon Bernthal’s Punisher, lighter than you might expect, fits into the story without overwhelming it. The film also balances the larger-than-life Marvel figures with the smaller human moments that feel like a

throwback to the Sam Raimi films that kicked off Spidey on the big screen.

The action is lively and well-staged, and the cinematography feels more adventurous than the slick, assembly-line look of some recent superhero fare. There’s a tactile quality to the city scenes and a kinetic energy to the fights that keeps you engaged. The cinematography has a moodier cinematic feel with the expert use of light and shadow as opposed to the prior entries that felt colorful but lacking in a dynamic visual language in favor of ‘this will look the same on a phone as it does on the big screen’ approach.

Ultimately, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is a solid, emotionally satisfying Spider-Man movie one that remembers to be about Peter first and spectacle second. It’s the kind of comic-book film that can please casual viewers and longtime fans alike and remind people of the magic of superhero filmmaking in a landscape of superhero fatigue.

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is rated PG-13 for sequences of action/violence and some language.

4.2 out of 5 stars.

Genealogy meeting on Aug. 17

Edmond Genealogical Society’s August 17, 2026 meeting, presented by Dr. Richard Barnard, discusses the book “Heirlooms.” This book uses treasures from an old family chest to tell the forgotten stories of eight generations of American frontier women from Colonial Jamestown, Virginia to the Oklahoma Dust Bowl of the 1930s.

Heirlooms is the third novel by Dr. Pamela Manners, a retired Professor of Psychology at Troy University (Alabama). She lives in Alabama with her husband David Smart. Edmond Genealogical Society meetings are free and open to the public. Programs start at 2:00 p.m.

Meetings are the third Monday of the month at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 15700 N. Penn, OKC. Enter through the doors on the south side..

The church offers plenty of parking and is fully handicap accessible. For more information on EGS, send an email to info@edmondgensoc.org, or visit us on Facebook at Edmond Genealogical Society. If any changes are made to this event, we will post the information on our Facebook

The sacred sights of Notre Dame

By Elaine Warner

I’m guessing, but I’ll bet the one thing most people know about South Bend, Indiana, is that it is the home of the University of Notre Dame. It’s been here almost as long as the first permanent settlers in the region. It was our first stop on our exploration of the city. A highlight, certainly, but South Bend has lots more places of interest and we were there to find them.

The area, on the St. Joseph River was originally home to Potawatomi and Miami Indians. Fur traders arrived in the late 1600s. Jesuit priests came to minister to the Native Americans but were expelled by the British following the French and Indian War. The area became American territory after the Revolution. By 1820, it was a fur-trading stop with the first permanent settlers.

In the winter of 1842, a French priest, Reverend Edward Sorin and seven companions arrived to establish a college. The ground was covered with snow, making two lakes on the property appear as one large body of water. Reverend Sorin named the infant institution L’Université de Notre Dame du Lac – the University of Our Lady of the Lake. The college received its official charter from the state in 1844.

Today the main campus covers more than 1200 acres. And I think we walked a lot of them!

The campus is open and visitors can walk around freely, however, you’ll get a lot more out of your visit on one of the free guided tours (Monday – Friday, 10 a.m., 1 p.m, and 3 p.m. in the summer, 10 and 3 during school terms), available by registering in the Eck Visitors Center. The tours start with an informational film followed by a tour lasting about an hour and fifteen minutes and covering a mile and a half. We had a special tour which lasted much longer – and we walked four miles on the campus.

The architecture is a blend of Collegiate Gothic and Neo-Classical styles.

Most of the buildings are constructed of yellow-buff bricks, originally made from clay dug from the banks of the campus lakes and fired locally. Indiana limestone is used for arches and accents.

The soaring spire of the Gothic Revival Basilica of the Sacred Heart is an architectural exclamation point on the campus. Inside, the vaulted ceiling is decorated with brilliant blue

and gold with stars, angels and Biblical figures. In the back of the sanctuary in the balcony is a magnificent organ with 5,164 pipes.

Gold fabric hangs from the ceiling above the altar and sweeps down dramatically to pillars surround that area. A gold tabernacle tower atop the altar contains the Blessed Sacrament.

The ambulatory and small chapels were closed off when we were there so we missed seeing the Pieta by sculptor Ivan Mestrovic and the beautiful ceiling of the Lady Chapel. We could still enjoy the basilica’s many stained glass windows – the largest collection of 19th century French stained glass in the world.

about as much as a good fistful. A 19-foot-tall statue of Mary, weighing 4,000 pounds stands on top. The building houses the administration offices, some museum exhibits and several classrooms.

Breaking with the architectural theme, the 13-story main library was built in 1963 and later named for Rev. Theodore Hesburg (ND president 1952-1963). The most notable feature of the building is a 132-foot tall mural on the façade. Entitled Word of Life, by artist Millard Sheets, it is composed of nearly 7,000 pieces of stone from 16 different countries. It depicts Christ, with his arms upraised, surrounded by depictions of saints, scholars and prophets. Fronted by a reflecting pool, it is a favorite picture spot.

The day was windy and chilly, but we found a group of students posing for pictures with their academic stoles. The girls wore short, white dresses – and had bare legs. They graciously posed for a picture for me. (I was wearing a knit hat, muffler and my puffy winter jacket!)

South of the library is another campus holy-of-holies, the football stadium. Because of the mural of Jesus with upraised arms, fans irreverently refer to it as Touchdown Jesus.

A statue of the team’s most famous coach, Knute Rockne, stands in front of the Knute Rockne Gate. Dedicated fans, particularly older ones, know the amazing story of this coach and his team including the formidable quartet in the backfield known as The Four Horsemen.

Further south on the campus is the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art. The collection comprises works from major cultures and periods of art including Rembrandt etchings, Old Master drawings and 19th century European photography.

From the basilica, we walked down a path to the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, a one-seventh-sized replica of the French pilgrimage site. There is actually a stone from the original grotto in the wall of the Notre Dame Grotto. Our guide told us that the nights before finals, the kneeling rail in front of the grotto has a waiting line.

Close to the basilica is the goldendomed Main Building. There were two previous buildings on this site –both burned. This building was built in 1879 with the dome added in 1892. The dome is covered with 23.75-karat gold leaf – so thin that if all 6500 square-feet of it were squashed into a ball, it would weigh

Just across the street from the campus is Eddy Street Commons, an area of mixed uses – restaurants, accommodations, retail and office spaces. After all our walking, we were ready for lunch at O’Rourke’s Public House.

The place has a real Irish pub feel – and Guinness and Jamesons are popular here. In spite of the appeal of fish and chips or shepherd’s pie, I opted for a half-Reuben, renamed Da Blarney here) and a luscious and warming French onion soup topped with fried onion rings.

We’d had a busy morning and a late lunch. We’d gotten a lot of exercise and we happily headed to our hotel, the Aloft in downtown South Bend, for well-deserved naps.

We needed the rest – South Bend had lots more to offer before we left town.

History of Kaw Lake and Kaw Nation will be highlighted at museum

Join the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library on Tuesday, August 11, at 7 p.m. for a lecture on the history of Kaw Lake and the Kaw Nation. Claire Cox will be the featured presenter. From 1940 to 1982, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built over 200 man-made lakes in Oklahoma. The fact that these lakes are relatively new to the region often escapes public memory, as does the idea that the federal government built each lake at a high

ecological and social cost, requiring the destruction of ecosystems and the forced displacement of Native peoples. This presentation will focus on the history of Kaw Lake, located east of Ponca City, Oklahoma, which flooded the Kaw Nation’s reservation.

The event is free and open to the public. The Oklahoma Territorial Museum is located at 406 E. Oklahoma Ave. in Guthrie. For more information, please call 405-282-1889.

New foster parents sought

Sunbeam Family Services seeks 15 new foster parents to provide safe, stable homes for children in Oklahoma’s foster care system.

healing and hope."

For children in foster care, the need for consistency, care and a sense of belonging exists year-round. Sunbeam is encouraging individuals and families to consider fostering and to be part of the support system children need during times of transition.

"One caring adult can change the trajectory of a child's life," said Destyni Trayler, senior program director at Sunbeam. "Children of all ages deserve the opportunity to experience safety, stability and belonging within a nurturing family. At Sunbeam, foster families are supported by comprehensive, trauma-informed wraparound services, including training, consultation, mental health resources and ongoing support from a dedicated, experienced team. As we work to welcome 15 new foster families this fall, we encourage anyone who has considered fostering to take the first step and learn how they can help a child experience connection,

Sunbeam has supported children and foster families since the 1930s. Foster parents receive wraparound support, including 24/7 access to foster care specialists, trauma-informed training, mental health consultation and priority placement in Sunbeam’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Foster families also have priority access to trauma-certified therapists for children in their care.

Sunbeam welcomes foster parents from all backgrounds, family structures and encourages foster families to help maintain healthy connections between children and their biological families whenever possible, a practice known as bridging.

“Every child deserves to feel safe, valued and supported,” said Sunbeam CEO Sarah Rahhal. “Foster parents play an important role in helping children build stability and brighter futures.”

People interested in fostering with Sunbeam can learn more by calling (405) 609-6682 or visiting SunbeamFamilyServices.org.

Barnyard talent show coming to History Museum

Have you heard the EGG-citing news? A barnyard talent show is coming to Edmond History Museum and Elvis Poultry will be making a live appearance on Sat, August 15 @ 4pm.

Audiences of all ages (even those without kids) will enjoy the music and silliness of BAWK-N-ROLL, a concert celebrating two books of chicken-sized proportion: Chicken Dance and Bawk & Roll.

Edmond’s renowned children’s book author, Tammi Sauer, will read her books in entertaining fashion. She will be joined by the energetic Elvis Poultry (aka Kyle Dillingham), who will play music that will make you shake, rattle and roll. You can fully expect this concert to lay an egg!

BAWK-N-ROLL is in celebration of the last day of the museum exhibit,

“A Celebration of Children’s Book Author, Tammi Sauer,” on display until August 31st. Fiddler-extraordinaire, Kyle Dillingham, was featured in an exhibit in 2022. These two talents, combined, will be a jolt of positivity to start your school year off right!

Details: Bawk-N-Roll will be inside the gallery of Edmond History Museum (431 S. Boulevard). This event is kid-friendly, but adults are required to stay with children. Adults without children are welcome to join in the silliness, too.

Tickets are $5 per person, children 3 and under are free. Register at EdmondHistory.org/event/bawk-n-rollconcert. The show, sponsored by Goldfish Swim School, will last about 45-minutes. Tammi Sauer books are available in the Museum Gift Shop.

Why it pays to take time off from work

Paid time off is a perk offered by most employers that enables workers to enjoy time away from work while still getting paid. Although the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics says approximately 90 percent of private industry receives paid time off, a Glassdoor study found only 23 percent of Americans take all of their available vacation time. And of those who took vacation, 54 percent reported working while away.

The pressures of deadlines, demanding workplaces and the need to get ahead can lead to a lot of unused vacation time. This can be a mistake, as there are many benefits to taking time away from work.

• Recharge your batteries. Taking time off from work enables you to avoid mental and physical burnout. Psychology Today says you may gain new perspectives on workplace stressors and put plans in place to mitigate stress while on vacation.

• Fuel creativity. Downtime activates creative thinking, which can spark innovation and more. Studies from Stanford and the University of California have shown people are 60 percent more creative after walking or taking short breaks compared to those who are at their desks all the time. Vacations can expand mental horizons.

• Increase productivity. Even though it sounds counterintuitive, working less can lead to getting more done. Companies that encourage time off often see higher engagement, increased innovation and lower burnout rates.

• Increase self-awareness of your value. Apart from avoiding burnout and being more productive, an important reason to take time off is be-

cause you’ve earned it. It is one way to set boundaries with an employer. If you don’t take your vacation time, an employer may expect more and more from you.

• Strengthen relationships. When you’re always in a work-inspired go, go, go mindset, it is easy to lose sight of what really matters. Taking time off enables you to connect with loved ones and engage in activities that bring you joy.

Taking advantage of paid time off from work can improve your mental and physical health and even benefit your career.

From Metro News

State Fair to also honor Route 66 Centennial

The Oklahoma State Fair will celebrate 100 years of Route 66 with special programming during the September event. Attractions, businesses, and community members are invited to participate in the Route 66 Salute event on Saturday, September 19 at the 2026 Oklahoma State Fair.

Community organizations, businesses, exhibitors, and attractions based along or near Route 66 are invited to participate in the special event to market themselves and vend, if applicable. Vendors who offer Route 66 related merchandise are also welcome to apply. Participation in this special event is free, and Fair admission will be provided. Vendor and exhibitor space is limited, interested parties can apply online or contact Gina Burchfiel, Oklahoma State Fair executive vice president, directly at gburchfiel@okstatefair.com.

In addition to exhibit and vendor booths, fairgoers can enjoy free entertainment and family activities during the Route 66 Salute including a special parade through the Fair led by Grand Marshals,

Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell and Congressional Route 66 Centennial Commissioner and best-selling author Michael Wallis. Community organizations can also apply to participate in the parade.

“The Oklahoma State Fair has long been a place where families come together to celebrate the very best of our state, making it the perfect setting to honor 100 years of Route 66,” said Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell.

“From our iconic attractions to our hometown businesses, this celebration will showcase the people and communities that continue to make Oklahoma the heart of the Mother Road.”

In addition to the one-day Route 66 Salute event, fairgoers can enjoy Route 66 themed exhibitions, activities, and contests taking place throughout the 11-day run of the Fair. Attractions include Google Arts & Culture’s virtual road trip, a “drivein” movie theater, and more. Special event announcements and general updates for the 2026 Oklahoma State Fair will be released as information becomes available.

Don’t forget, tax-free shopping is offered during this weekend

Ahead of the 2026 Sales Tax Holiday, NFIB State Director Jerrod Shouse is urging Oklahomans to take advantage of the tax savings and to shop small.

“The tax-free holiday provides an excellent opportunity for Oklahoma families to make the most of their budgets while investing in the local businesses that serve our communities,” Shouse said. “Small businesses are the foundation of our state’s economy. They create good-paying jobs while supporting our schools and local charities. Every purchase made at a small business during the

tax-free holiday weekend helps boost Oklahoma’s economy. It’s a small way to make a big difference.”

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For over 80 years, NFIB has been advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses, and remains so today.

For more information, please visit nfib.com.

State getting ready for Insurance Day

The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is excited to host the fourth annual Oklahoma Insurance Day on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2026, at the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel. This event brings together key players in the insurance sector to discuss the most pressing issues affecting Oklahoma’s insurance market and the industry nationwide.

“Oklahoma Insurance Day continues to grow as a key event for insurers, regulators and industry experts,” Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said. “We’re committed to supporting innovation and consumer protections, and this event helps spark the ideas and collaboration needed to keep Oklahoma’s insurance market strong.”

The 2026 event will feature an expanded agenda with seven general sessions, two breakout sessions and more than a dozen expert speakers covering timely issues impacting today's insurance marketplace. Attendees will have multiple networking opportunities throughout the day to connect with peers, share knowledge and build new professional relationships.

Highlights include an exclusive keynote conversation featuring former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating and Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Executive Director Kari Watkins, who will reflect on leadership, resilience and the enduring impact of the Oklahoma Standard.

Registration for Oklahoma Insurance Day 2026 is now open. Those who register before Nov. 9 will receive a special early bird rate.

To secure a spot, please visit www.oid.ok.gov/insuranceday. Follow OID and #OKInsuranceDay on social media to stay informed about the event.

Sunbeam Family Services & others hand out school supplies

On July 25, Sunbeam Family Services once again partnered with Oklahoma City Police Department, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, TRIAD and Tinker Federal Credit Union to provide school supplies to kinship grandfamilies. In total, more than 400 grandchildren now have the school supplies they need to succeed this school year.

"The Oklahoma City Police Department is dedicated to serving our community," said Sheryl Presley, Oklahoma City's TRIAD coordinator. "We are grateful for our partnership with Sunbeam Family Services and the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office. Through this collaboration, we can support children being raised by their grandparents by providing school supplies, backpacks, and food donated by the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Our volunteers take great joy in giving back. Being able to provide these essential items to children is a true blessing to us all."

At the event, grandchildren chose new backpacks, received school supplies and enjoyed free face painting, family fun activities and games. They

also enjoyed “Touch-a-Truck,” which included the opportunity to interact with a fire truck, police cars and a helicopter. Grandparents explored resources to support their families from several other nonprofits, as well as OG&E, Tinker Federal Credit Union, Oklahoma City Police Department and Oklahoma County Sherriff’s Office.

"The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office is honored to partner once

Among those helping to sponsor the giveaway were officials with Tinker Federal Credit Union.

again with Sunbeam Family Services and the Oklahoma City Police Department for this annual event, where we come together to serve our community," said Frank Wirth, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office TRIAD coordinator. "Our deputies and TRIAD volunteers eagerly anticipate this event each year, as it provides a wonderful opportunity to engage with both the grandparents and the children in a positive and fun atmosphere. We are

grateful for the chance to offer a bit of extra support to these courageous grandparents who are doing such an incredible job raising their grandchildren."

Sunbeam also supports grandfamilies through its kinship Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program. The nonprofit provides support groups, resources and one-on-one assistance to grandparents raising their grandchildren.

"Going back to school should be an exciting time for both grandchildren and their grandparents," said Sunbeam CEO Sarah Rahhal, LCSW. "A new backpack and ample school supplies can significantly boost a child's confidence, excitement and hope for the year ahead. When grandparents don't have to worry about buying these essentials, they can dedicate more time, energy and resources to supporting their grandchildren in other meaningful ways."

For more information about Sunbeam’s Kinship Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program, visit sfsok.org, call (405) 605-7090 or email carenavigator@sunbeamfamilyservices.org.

Food for Kids funding campaign starts

Food insecurity negatively impacts physical, emotional and cognitive development in children. Through Sept. 30, donations to the Regional Food Bank’s Food for Kids Programs are matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $285,000, thanks to the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, Mark and Beth Brewer, Expand Energy, Dolese Brothers Corporation and David and Leslie Hudiburg.

“As the new school year approaches, please help make sure our children have a stable supply of food,” said John Logan, executive director of the Masonic Charity Foundation. “Giving now will double your gift and make a difference in a child’s life and our future.”

Every dollar raised will go towards the Regional Food bank’s four Food for Kids programs. Those programs include the School Pantry Program, the Summer Feeding Program, Kids Cafés and the Backpack Program.

The School Pantry Program provides chronically hungry middle and high school students with food to sustain them after school and over weekends. The 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. Many children in Oklahoma lack access to proper nutritious meals outside of school, so these programs are essential for their well-being.

Kids Cafés are after school and school break programs that provide meals and snacks as well as tutoring and mentor services to children. The Backpack Program provides kid-friendly, nutritious food to elementary school children who have been identified as being food insecure.

Last school year, the Regional Food Bank provided more than 2.8 million meals through its Food for Kids Programs.

“Childhood hunger can keep kids from reaching their full potential, increasing their risk of health and

developmental problems” said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. “We are so grateful for our Food for Kids Match sponsors who have stepped up to ensure that no child has to face the school day on an empty stomach.”

KOCO 5 News returns as the official television sponsor of the Food for Kids Match and will highlight the impacts of the Regional Food Bank’s four Food for Kids programs.

“The work of the Regional Food Bank is essential work for many in our community,” said Brent Hensley, general manager at KOCO 5. “It is our honor to tell the stories of the need and the positive impact being made.”

A $100 donation to the Food for Kids match will support two children in one of the Food for Kids Pro-

grams for an entire school year. Donations can be made at rfbo.org/kids or by texting "KidsOK" to 53555.

About the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is leading the fight against hunger in 53 counties in central and western Oklahoma and envisions a state where no one goes hungry. Founded in 1980, the Regional Food Bank is the state’s largest domestic hunger-relief 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes food through a network of community- based partner agencies and schools. The majority of people served by the Regional Food Bank are chronically hungry children, seniors living on fixed incomes and hardworking families struggling to make ends meet. The Regional Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s network of food banks.

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