Edmond Life and Leisure - July 23, 2026

In This Issue

Cool off Remember your health as the heat rolls in

Krazy Daze, with its crazy shopping discounts returns this weekend. See Page 5

The summer has arrived and officials with INTEGRIS Health have some great advice. With July and August typically bringing Oklahoma’s hottest temperatures, INTEGRIS Health encourages residents to understand the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke and know when symptoms require emergency medical care.

can quickly progress to heat stroke, especially in older adults, outdoor workers and athletes. “Heat stroke is a true medical emergency,” says Joseph Love, D.O., the trauma medical director at the INTEGRIS Health Trauma Center at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center. “Recognizing the warning signs and getting patients to emergency care quickly can be lifesaving.”

FRIDAY, JULY 24

SATURDAY, JULY 25

SUNDAY, JULY 26

As temperatures climb into the upper 90s and beyond, the body’s ability to cool itself can become overwhelmed. While many people recover from heat exhaustion with rest and hydration, heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment.

“Heat-related illnesses can progress quickly, especially during prolonged exposure to high temperatures,” says Mark Osborn, advanced practice provider at INTEGRIS Health AllSet Urgent Care South Edmond. “Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking care when necessary can prevent serious complications.”

Heat Exhaustion: Warning Signs

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses excessive amounts of water and salt through sweating.

Symptoms may include:

Excessive sweating

Pale, clammy skin

Nausea, vomiting

Headache

Muscle cramps, weakness

Dizziness or fainting

Fast heart rate, weakened pulse

If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, move them to a cool location, encourage fluids if they are alert, loosen clothing and apply wet cloths. Symptoms often improve with prompt treatment and rest.

Heat Stroke: A Medical Emergency

Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature regulation system fails, causing the core body temperature to rise rapidly. Without immediate treatment, heat stroke can damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles.

What often starts as dehydration or heat exhaustion

Signs of heat stroke include:

Body temperature of 103 degrees or higher

Red, hot skin that may be dry or damp

Confusion, slurred speech, altered mental status

Fast heart rate, strong pulse

Seizures

Loss of consciousness

“If someone becomes confused, loses consciousness or has a seizure after being in the heat, call 911 immediately,” says Chelsey Gilbertson, D.O., an emergency medicine specialist who serves as vice president and chief medical officer at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center. “Delaying treatment can lead to permanent organ damage or even death within a short period of time.”

Risk and Prevention

Older adults, infants and young children, outdoor workers, athletes and people with chronic medical conditions face a higher risk of developing heat-related illnesses. Certain medications can also affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature and stay hydrated.

The best defense against heat illness is prevention.

“We are seeing an increase in heat-related emergencies at the INTEGRIS Health Trauma Center,” says Love. “Extreme heat can overwhelm the body in minutes. Please stay hydrated, take frequent breaks and check on those who may be at risk.”

When heat-related symptoms arise, choosing the right level of care can make all the difference. For mild to moderate symptoms of heat exhaustion, visit an INTEGRIS Health AllSet Urgent Care location for prompt evaluation and treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

From the Publisher

How America learned to sort of love soccer

Americans officially surrendered their summer to soccer during the recent 2026 World Cup, transforming a nation of devout helmet-worshippers into a temporary army of scarf-wearing, offside-explaining converts. For decades, the United States treated soccer the way my English Shepard used to treat a vacuum cleaner: with deep suspicion, occasional growling, and a firm refusal to let it into the living room. Yet, hosting the largest tournament on Earth alongside Canada and Mexico cracked open the great American psyche.

Across the country, sports bars historically reserved for the holy trinity of baseball, basketball, and actual football were overrun by millions of citizens trying to figure out why a clock counts up instead of down. The culture shock was mutual, chaotic, and profoundly hilarious. While millions of traveling fans descended upon American cities to discover the intoxicating wonders of oversized 7-Eleven Big Gulps and ranch dressing, the domestic populace was forced to reckon with a sport where nobody scores, nobody uses their hands, and a tie is considered an acceptable emotional outcome.

To understand the sheer comedy of the 2026 soccer fever, one must first understand the foundational American grievance with the beautiful game. Historically, the prevailing domestic attitude was best summarized by legendary NFL coach Mike Ditka, who famously declared: “If God had wanted man to play soccer, he wouldn't have given us arms.” For a society built on the concept of grabbing an object and running through a human wall to drop it across a line, soccer felt like a bizarre exercise in physical restraint. It was a sport assigned for children under the age of eight strictly exhausting them before dinner, or a game played on pristine suburban fields accompanied by orange slices and minivan coordination.

The idea of watching full-grown, multi-millionaire athletes sprint across a field the size of a cow pasture for 90 minutes—only for the game to end in a 0-0 deadlock—felt deeply un-American. In the United States, we demand closure. We demand a winner, a loser, a massive trophy, and at least forty-seven commercial breaks featuring pickup trucks and hot wings. Soccer’s continuous, commercial-free clock felt less like a sporting event and more like a hostile takeover of television advertising revenue. Soccer refuses to yield to American exceptionalism, and for a long time, the country simply took its ball and went home to watch the Super Bowl.

Everything changed when the tournament arrived on US soil, turning the summer into what many dubbed the "World Cup of Memes." Suddenly, the same people who could not name a single player on the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) three weeks prior were standing on barstools, draped in stars-andstripes capes, screaming about "tactical presses" and "low blocks.” The bandwagon did not just fill up; its axles snapped under the weight of sudden, unearned expertise. TikTok and Instagram were instantly flooded with comedy skits mocking these overnight soccer scholars. Suburban dads who normally spend June analyzing MLB bullpen depth suddenly found themselves locked in heated debates over whether a tactical foul in the midfield warranted a yellow card.

Overnight American Soccer Fan Checklist: Buy an overly expensive nylon jersey

Tie a heavy wool scarf around your neck in 95-degree heat

Use the word "pitch" instead of "field"

Shout "Man on!" at the television to sound authentic

The terminology shift alone was a source of endless comedy. For a brief month, it became social suicide in certain metropolitan areas to call it "soccer." Influencers and casual fans desperately tried out European and South American linguistic affectations. Fields became "pitches," uniforms became "kits," and games became "fixtures." Yet, the underlying American identity kept slipping through. It was common to sit in a sports bar and hear someone yell, "Superb service into the box, completely optimized for a high-yield transition phase, let's go baby!"

While Americans were trying to decipher the offside rule, international visitors were having an entirely separate, food-induced spiritual awakening. The cultural exchange extended far beyond the stadiums, turning local convenience stores and diners into international tourist hotspots. Foreign fans flooded social media with viral videos documenting the dizzying, utopian horror of American consumer abundance. Swedish and British supporters went viral for their genuine, tearful reactions to finding out that a 7Eleven Big Gulp exists, and that American restaurants will openly give you a second glass of soda without charging you another dime. The culinary reviews from the traveling faithful were a mix of awe and cardiovascular terror. Comedian Matt Ruby humored that watching European soccer purists fall in love with domestic junk food was like watching a beautifully orchestrated public health crisis: “These videos of soccer fans loving America so much are hilarious because each time it's like Waffle House or Popeyes or ranch dressing or Big Gulps... Yeah, welcome to the obesity epidemic.”

International Fan Culinary Discoveries:

1. Ranch Dressing (Put on everything, including things that are already wet)

2. Hash Browns with Gravy (Breakfast, but structural)

3. Free Refills (An economic miracle or a trap)

4. Target (A store that contains all other stores)

The sheer scale of American infrastructure also left visiting fanbases utterly bewildered. In Europe, an away match might involve a pleasant three-hour train ride through a couple of sovereign nations. In the United States, fans realized that a "regional" group stage match required a five-hour flight across three

separate time zones over a landscape of continuous strip malls. When the England national team opened their tournament at the massive, air-conditioned AT&T Stadium in Texas, the sheer grandiosity of the venue caused a mini crisis of confidence back in the UK. Of course, no American soccer narrative is complete without the mandatory, catastrophic exit from the tournament. The USMNT entered the tournament with a young, hungry roster and an unprecedented mountain of domestic hype. They managed to claw their way out of the group stage—sending the internet into a brief frenzy of "It's called soccer!" memes aimed directly at Australia and Great Britain. Then came the knockout stage, where they ran headfirst into Belgium and were systematically dismantled in a brutal 4-1 loss. In any other nation, a 4-1 knockout defeat would trigger a period of intense national mourning, government hearings, and the immediate burning of the manager in effigy. In America? The internet simply unleashed a torrent of gold-standard political and economic jokes. Within minutes of the final whistle, American social media users joked that the government was raising tariffs on Belgian waffles to 200 percent, while others claimed Donald Trump was frantically calling FIFA headquarters trying to get a red card overturned. The most uniquely American reaction, however, was the collective, nationwide shrug. International onlookers were fascinated by how quickly the domestic fanbase recovered from a soulcrushing defeat.

To truly appreciate how beautifully absurd the tournament was, you can look at the quotes from the players and figures caught in the middle of it. The legendary Norwegian striker Erling Haaland walked away from the tournament completely enchanted by the bizarre, chaotic nature of his hosts. Reflecting on the cultural madness after playing matches in the US, Haaland remarked: "On every single thing, the World Cup here has been amazing. I like the Americans. I think they are kind of hilarious as well. I like the way they are." And who could blame him?

With the banners taken down and the international fanbases safely tucked back into their respective hemispheres, the United States faces a lingering question: Did the sport finally take root or was this just a fourweek summer fling? We may never fully stop calling it soccer, and we will certainly never get rid of our arms. But for one glorious summer, America proved that while it might not completely understand the beautiful game, it absolutely knows how to throw a party for it.

(Ray Hibbard may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Pelican Bay reopens

From left, Edmond city council members Maggie Murdock Nichols, Barry Moore and Preston Watterson recover after celebrating with a coordinated cannonball at the grand opening of Pelican Bay. The Edmond pool just finished a $7.2 million remodel and rebuild and is now back open to the public.

RAY HIBBARD

Housing revolution seminar explores future of aging well

As older adults rethink where and how they want to live, a free Positive Aging seminar on August 13 will examine the housing trends, innovations and practical choices shaping the future of aging well.

“Housing Revolution: Trends, Tips and Options That Provide Successful Environments to Age Well” will be held at 10 a.m. in the Conference Center at Metro Technology Centers, 1900 Springlake Dr. The seminar brings together industry experts and individuals with firsthand experience to help older adults and their families make informed housing decisions.

Danny Eischen, CEO of Concordia Life Plan Community, will provide an inside look at the senior living industry, sharing what investors, providers, developers and other experts are projecting for the years ahead. His presentation will explore how demographic shifts are driving innovation and expanding housing options for older adults.

Shannon Stiger, a Certified Senior Housing Professional (CSHP) with more than 10 years of experience helping older adults and their families

navigate housing transition, will discuss current housing market trends while offering guidance on common mistakes, potential pitfalls and important considerations for individuals and families evaluating their next move.

Attendees will also hear from the Olson family, who will share their real-life experience embracing a multigenerational housing lifestyle. Their story offers practical insight into the opportunities and

challenges of sharing a living space across generations.

The seminar will cover a wide range of topics, including demographic changes, aging in place, multigenerational living, shared housing, accessory dwelling units, home modifications, downsizing, senior living communities and emerging housing innovations. Participants will leave with a better understanding that there is no single "right" answer—only the solution that best fits their personal goals, finances and lifestyle.

“I hope attendees will walk away with an awareness that there is so much more in the decision to move or stay in their existing home,” said seminar organizer Julie Davis. “Making a move is not synonymous with decline in health or even on an assumption that decline is inevitable. It is about finding the best home environment to support your stage of life and desired lifestyle. That’s what makes a healthy environment to age well.”

The seminar is free and open to the public. Registration is available online at www.villagesokc.org/positiveaging or by calling (405) 814-1452.

Former OMRF student scholars reunite for program’s 70th anniversary

Since 1956, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has hosted nearly 700 high school and college students for an eight-week introduction to hands-on biomedical research.

Many returned Thursday evening to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars Program. Many credited their OMRF experience with launching their careers in science, medicine or both.

“I still remember getting that call in 1989 telling me I’d been accepted,” said Dr. Derek Byers, now a physician-scientist at Washington University in St. Louis. “Being a Fleming Scholar was a nascent experience. It changed my life.”

Alumni spanning the decades from the past 70 years attended the event. The oldest was Robert Owen, M.D., a professor emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, and a member of the second class of Fleming Scholars in 1957.

That summer served as a springboard for a halfcentury conducting clinical research. After obtaining his medical degree, Owen focused on public health. He joined the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and was on the team that helped eradicate smallpox worldwide. He also developed expertise in infectious intestinal diseases, AIDS and medical conditions suffered by American troops returning from Vietnam following exposure to Agent Orange, a highly toxic herbicide.

“Not bad for a kid from Bartlesville,” Owen said. “My experience as a Fleming Scholar piqued my interest in research, so, obviously, it had a foundational impact on me.”

Like Owen and Byers, Judith James’ OMRF internship helped launch a career that combined laboratory research with clinical care. A native of Pond Creek, Okla., she arrived at OMRF planning

to become a pediatrician. As part of her internship, James shadowed an OMRF physician-researcher caring for two 19-year-old women with the autoimmune disease lupus. One died that summer, and James’ life was forever changed.

She shifted her focus to rheumatology and autoimmune diseases and became the first graduate of the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center’s M.D./Ph.D. program. Today, she is OMRF’s executive vice president and chief medical officer and one of the world’s foremost experts on lupus. She is also the first woman from an Oklahoma institution elected to the National Academy of Medicine.

“Some of you came into the lab knowing that you wanted to become a scientist,” she told the group. “I had no idea, because I had never even seen a scientist, much less interacted with one. My Fleming experience showed me what science could look like.”

The program is named for Sir Alexander Fleming, the British scientist who discovered penicillin and who traveled to Oklahoma City for OMRF’s dedication ceremony in 1949.

For this year’s Fleming Scholars, hearing from the program’s alumni was inspiring. And, for at least one scholar, it was also reassuring.

“I came here not really knowing whether research was for me,” said Saif Al Hashimi, a Norman High School graduate now attending Colgate University. “This summer has changed my opinion, but it was nice hearing former Fleming Scholars say they had the same uncertainty when they first came to OMRF.”

One Krazy Night comes to Downtown Edmond July 24

Downtown Edmond will come alive with art, music, shopping, and community spirit during One Krazy Night on Friday, July 24, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

This exciting evening invites visitors to explore everything

Downtown Edmond has to offer as local businesses stay open late with exclusive specials and promotions. Guests can stroll the sidewalks while enjoying artwork from more than 25 local artists, showcasing a wide variety of creative styles and mediums.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance, live music will be featured at several locations throughout downtown, creating the perfect backdrop for an evening of Christmas in July shopping, dining, and discovering local talent.

One Krazy Night is a celebration of Edmond’s vibrant arts and business community, offering something for everyone— from unique artwork and live entertainment to special shopping opportunities and great food.

Community members and visitors alike are encouraged to

bring friends and family, support local businesses and artists, and experience an unforgettable summer evening in the heart of Downtown Edmond.

Event Details-

What: One Krazy Night-

When: Friday, July 24, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Where: Downtown Edmond

Admission: Free and open to the public

For more information, follow Downtown Edmond’s social media channels or contact Stephanie at 405-471-2348 or info@ downtownedmondok.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, 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 6

Curtis Michael Delashaw, 61 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Erick Silvia, 32 of Edmond. Domestic assault and battery against a pregnant woman.

Gunner Madox Harkins, 19 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Myeisha Zerina Thompson, 45 of Edmond. Assault & battery with a deadly weapon.

Sharonda Lanise Gonzales, 46 of Edmond. Shoplifting — petit larceny.

Leonard D. Horlacher, 60, homeless. Public intoxication.

July 7

Shayne Harold Patterson, 50 of Edmond. Two felony warrants.

Blake Aaron Watts, 29 of Edmond. Failure to wear seatbelt/passenger and false representation to an officer.

Nicole Ann Graham, 30 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication.

Seny Gueye, 31 of Edmond. Reckless driving. Neal Quinton Thomas, 70 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Rodney Torres, 73 of Edmond. Pointing a firearm.

July 8

Makhi Sincere Magness, 19 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant.

Hezekiah Jabez Ricks, 20 of Oklahoma City.

Felony warrant.

Walter Jerome Funches Jr., 45 homeless. Trespassing after being warned.

Omarion Tyree Gabriel, 20 homeless. Felony warrant.

Felicia Nicole Glander, 39 of Oklahoma City. Possession of drug paraphernalia and shoplifting — petit larceny.

July 9

Rose Rain Morningstar Magner, 25 of Lexington. Use firearm while committing a felony and trafficking in illegal drugs.

James Kalvin Owens, 49 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Khalil Undrell Griffin, 26 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana and shoplifting — petit larceny.

Paige Nicole Hoff, 41 homeless. Shoplifting — petit larceny.

Carole Jean Scully, 72 of Edmond. Aggravated felony DUI — operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level of .15 or more.

Rodney Lane Chambers, 66 homeless. Failure to appear.

July 10

James Maury Reynolds, Jr., 59 of Noble. Five felony warrants and one misdemeanor warrant.

Ryan Michael Hamilton, 28 of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear.

Arin Lee Burgess, 30 of Edmond. Possess CDS. Emily Jowanna Ramirez, 29 of Bethany. Obstruction of police officer, felony warrant and trafficking in illegal drugs.

Edgar Cruz, 19 of Edmond. No proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Savannah Scarlett Rose Turenne, 26, homeless. Public intoxication.

Ashton Alan Willson, 46 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant.

Braden Keith Green, 57 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Bennie Lee Hardy Jr., 58 of Oklahoma City. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Dinise Marie Brazille, 65 of Oklahoma City. Four felony warrants, a misdemeanor warrant and a failure to appear warrant for state traffic charges.

July 11

Sean Xavier Fowler, 23 of Edmonds. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Alex Casio, 26 of Luther. Failure to appear.

Tyler Jordan Lewis, 22 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Lane Trent Smith, 24 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Malori Gayle Knutson, 40 of Oklahoma City. Aggravated felony DUI — operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level of .15 or more.

George Galdiano Navarro, 64 of Edmond. Two failure to appear warrants on state traffic charges.

July 12

George Elden Maze III, 47 of Edmond. Reckless operation of vessel (lake only) and public intoxication (lake only.)

Cynthia Laneau Bianchi, 60 of Moore. Public intoxication (lake only).

Juan Antonio Mendoza Shaver, 26 of Oklahoma City. Shoplifting — petit larceny.

Natasha Marie Miller, 36 of El Reno. Failure to appear.

43 booking reports

Weekend calendar of events, July 23-26

Weekend Calendar of Events July 23-26

---- In the Gallery

---- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market

---- Heard on Hurd

---- Free Live Music in July

---- Krazy Daze: Christmas in July

---- Frenzy Live Music in July

---- Christmas in July

---- 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

---- Summer Sculpt & Sweat – July Sunday Series

---- The Round Barn Rendezvous

---- Summer Roundup: Western Culture and Stories

---- Summer Roundup: Wild West Workers

---- National Day of the Cowboy

---- Wheeler District Night Market

---- Arabian Horse Association Youth & Mid Summer Nationals

---- ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships

---- Indian Hills Powwow

---- Ham Holiday

---- Photos, Documents, Even Textiles Preservation Workshop

---- The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show

---- Heatwave Half Marathon

---- Lost Dymension Fantasy Fest & Costumecon

---- Gypsy Soul Holistic Fair

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 Brad McNeill New Works; 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

Free Live Music in July

Location: The Old Icehouse

Extra Info: Fri, July 24; Zain Braden @ 8 p.m.; theoldicehouse.com

Krazy Daze: Christmas in July

Location: Downtown Edmond

Extra Info: Fri, July 24; Free; 6 – 8 p.m.; downtownedmondok.com

Frenzy Live Music in July

Location: Frenzy Brewing Company

Extra Info: Fri, July 24: The Past Forward @7 p.m.; Sat, July 25: John the Franklin @ 7 p.m.; frenzybrewing.com

Christmas in July

Location: Mitch Park

Extra Info: Sat, July 25; Free; 6 p.m.; visitedmondok.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

Summer Sculpt & Sweat –July Sunday Series

Location: The Yoga Spa

Extra Info: recurring every Sunday in July; $20; 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.; facebook.com

The Round Barn Rendezvous

Location: Arcadia Round Barn

Extra Info: Recurring monthly on the 2nd Sunday; Free; 12 – 4 p.m.; arcadiaroundbarn.com

Summer Roundup: Western Culture and Stories

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage

Museum

Extra Info: Thu, July 23; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Summer Roundup: Wild West Workers

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage

Museum

Extra Info: Fri, July 24; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

National Day of the Cowboy

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage See Calendar, Page 8

Zoo benefit for rhinos to be held in Edmond

Grab your bowling shoes and join the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, Oklahoma Zoological Society, and Oklahoma City’s American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) Chapter for an exciting evening of making a difference for wildlife.

Presented by R.K Black, Inc., Bowling for Rhinos takes place on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Bowlero, 3501 S. Boulevard Street in Edmond. Guests will enjoy a night of bowling, raffles, pizza, a silent auction and more, all while supporting rhino conservation efforts all around the world.

Since 1995, OKC’s AAZK Chapter has hosted this annual fundraiser event, inspiring many Oklahomans to help protect rhinos and the habitats they call home. Through the generosity of the community members, sponsors, and wildlife enthusiasts, the OKC Chapter has raised more than $410,000 for rhino conservation and continues to rank among the top Bowling for Rhinos fundraising chapters in North America.

“Bowling for Rhinos is an event that the community looks forward to every year, people are really excited to get together and support rhino conservation,” said OKC Zoo Senior Rhino/Elephant Caretaker and Bowling for Rhinos Coordinator, Michelle Kienlen. “Everyone is very generous in helping to raise funds for rhinos in their home range countries in Africa and Asia. We can't say thank you enough to our sponsor partners for their support and, of course, those coming out for the bowling fun!”

Bowling for Rhinos invites families, friends, coworkers, and bowling teams to spend an evening supporting a shared mission of protecting rhinos and a countless number of other species that depend on a healthy ecosystem across Africa and Asia. Every registration and all donations help fund conservation organization working to preserve critical habitat, combat poaching, and support local communities dedicated to wildlife.

Although rhinos have been roaming Earth for more than 50 million years, all rhino species continue to face ongoing conservation challenges. Habitat loss, poaching, and human wildlife conflict still proceed to threaten their survival, making events like Bowling for Rhinos an important opportunity for community members to take conservation action.

Collectively, Bowling for Rhinos events nationwide have raised more than $9 million over the past 36 years, with every dollar going towards rhino and habitat conservation.

OKC Zoo guests can also connect with rhino conservation by visiting Sanctuary Asia, which is home to the Zoo’s Indian rhinos Mohan (7) and females, Niki (19) and Shanti (39). Native to India and Nepal, an Indian rhino is also known as the greater one horned rhino, and is touted as one of the world's greatest conservation success

stories. Once reduced to only fewer than 100 individuals in the early 1900s, these dedicated conservation efforts have helped the population rebound to over 4,000 animals in the world. While their numbers have raised, Indian rhinos remain listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, emphasizing the continued importance of conservation partnerships and fundraising efforts.

Individual bowler registration is $45 and includes two games of bowling, shoe rental, a commemorative shirt, and pizza. Spectator tickets are available for $25 and include a t-shirt and pizza.

Guests can also participate in raffles and bid on silent auction items throughout the evening. Those unable to attend are encouraged to make a donation online to support rhino conservation. Bowling for Rhinos is also supported by Casady Square Orthodontics, Curbside Apparel, BowleroEdmond, Dan & Vivian Tokarz, HoneyDo Checklist, Ross & Kim Porter, and J.R. Homsey & Associates.

To register for Bowling for Rhinos or to make a donation, visit 2026 Bowling for Rhinos - Campaign.

Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the Oklahoma City Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. Park hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry at 4 p.m. and Zoo admission can be purchased in advance at okczoo.org/tickets. S

tay connected with the OKC Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, TikTok , and through the Zoo’s Blog. Zoo more with a ZOOfriends membership and enjoy unlimited daytime admission for 12 months, exclusive discounts, and the opportunity to support the Zoo’s conservation, education, and animal care efforts both locally and around the globe. Become a ZOOfriends member today at www.okczoo.org/membership.

Museum Extra Info: Fri, July 24; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

From

Indian Hills Powwow

Location: 8980 N Sooner Rd, OKC

Wheeler District Night Market

Location: 1737 Spoke St, OKC

Extra Info: Fri, July 24; 6 – 9 p.m.; wheelerdistrict.com

Arabian Horse Association Youth & Mid Summer Nationals

Location: Jim Norick Arena

Extra Info: Wed, July 22 – Sun, July 26; facebook.com

Ham Holiday

Location: Oklahoma City Community College

Extra Info: Fri, July 24 – Sat, July 25; hamholiday.com

Extra Info: Fri, July 17 – Sat, July 25; 8 a.m. daily; arabianhorses.org

ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships

Location: Riversport OKC

Extra Info: Mon, July 20 – Sat, July 25; riversportokc.org

Photos, Documents, Even Textiles Preservation Workshop

Location: 406 E Oklahoma Ave, Guthrie, OK

Extra Info: Sat, July 25; 1 – 3 p.m.; okhistory.org

The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show

Location: Skirvin Hilton, OKC

Edmond Fine Arts will have exhibition on Aug. 6

Edmond Fine Arts invites the community to the opening reception of Wander & Wonder on Thursday, August 6, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. The exhibition features landscape paintings by Oklahoma artists Jay Holobach, Nathan Kring, and Clay Moore and is free and open to the public. Wander & Wonder celebrates the beauty and spirit of Oklahoma and the American Southwest through three unique artistic perspectives. From expansive skies and quiet backroads to studies of light and color, each artist captures the sense of place that inspires exploration and reflection.

Originally from Michigan and now based in Oklahoma, Jay Holobach creates expressive landscape paintings that blend observation with memory, inviting viewers to experience not just a place, but the feeling of being there. Working both outdoors and in the studio, he uses bold color, strong composition, and intentional brushwork to create paintings that are both familiar and deeply personal.

Edmond artist Nathan Kring is a self-taught oil painter whose realistic landscapes are inspired by his upbringing in southwest Texas and western Oklahoma. His work emphasizes dramatic skies, expansive vistas, and the enduring character of the places and people that define the southwest region.

Clay Moore returned to painting after a 30year hiatus and now creates realistic oil and charcoal works inspired by the beauty of everyday life. His paintings blend realism with subtle impressionistic touches and reflect his renewed passion for creating as he approaches his retirement.

Guests are invited to meet the artists during the opening reception and enjoy complimentary refreshments. Artists will each give a short artist talk at approximately 5:30 p.m. Artwork will be available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds supporting Edmond Fine Arts' mission to provide accessible arts education and cultural experiences.

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. Edmond Fine Arts is located at 27 E. Edwards in Downtown Edmond. The Gallery is sponsored by BancFirst.

For more information about the exhibition or upcoming programs, visit www.edmondfinearts.com or follow along on social media.

YWCA names speaker for upcoming luncheon

YWCA Oklahoma City is proud to announce Joe Petito, father of Gabby Petito and a nationally recognized advocate for domestic violence awareness and prevention, as the keynote speaker for the 15th Annual Engaging Men Luncheon, taking place Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Oklahoma City.

For 15 years, the Engaging Men Luncheon has united business leaders, community members, and advocates committed to ending domestic violence and supporting survivors. The annual event raises critical funds for YWCA Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County’s leading provider of services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Project 66 ‘Back to School’ event Aug. 1

Project 66 Food & Resource Center will host its annual community event to provide school supplies and resources for local students on Saturday, August 1, from 9 to 11 a.m. at First Christian Church, 201 E. 2nd Street, in Edmond.

The City of Edmond and First Christian Church sponsor this event annually for local preK through 12th grade students. Eligible students can get a backpack filled with school supplies. Free sandwiches also will be available, while they last.

The Edmond Police Department will have a SWAT vehicle, and the Edmond Fire Department

School supplies will be available

will have a firetruck on site for visitors to explore.

Representatives from local resource organizations will also be onsite to provide information about the services they offer to students and their families. The goal in bringing resources together is to provide a comprehensive approach to helping local families in need.

For the most up-to-date information, check the website at www.Project66.org or Facebook

Land office & support of education

The Oklahoma Commissioners of the Land Office distributed a record $160 million to support public education during the fiscal year that ended June 30, marking the third consecutive year the agency has set a new distribution record.

The funding will be distributed to all 507 Oklahoma K-12 public school districts and 13 higher education institutions across the state. The agency’s annual distributions have increased steadily over the past three fiscal years, rising from $145 million to $156 million and now $160 million.

Agency Secretary Dan Whitmarsh said the latest record reflects the Commissioners of the Land Office’s continued commitment to supporting public education through its management of state trust lands and investments.

The Commissioners of the Land Office is a constitutionally established state agency that manages assets held in trust to benefit Oklahoma education. In addition to overseeing financial investments, the agency manages and leases about 726,000 surface acres and 1.1 million acres of mineral rights, generating revenue through agricultural, recreational and commercial leases, as well as oil and gas royalties.

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ODOT is launching an update to the Oklahoma Mobility Plan, a statewide effort to strengthen public transit services across Oklahoma and ensure residents have access to safe, reliable and coordinated transportation options.

The Oklahoma Mobility Plan will look at the existing transit system statewide and work with communities to identify gaps in transportation and funding needs and develop recommendations, such as increased service frequency or greater reliability, to improve transit in urban, rural and tribal communities. Throughout the planning process, ODOT will engage residents, community organizations, transit providers, businesses, tribal governments and other stakeholders through public meetings and outreach activities.

ODOT encourages all Oklahomans to participate by completing the online survey, which is available in both English and Spanish, and attending upcoming public engagement events to share their experiences and ideas. The survey remains open through 2026. The project webpage will be regularly updated along with the schedule of meetings and events. The first community partner group meeting is scheduled for this week at the ODOT Training Center, 5307 N.E. 122nd St. in Oklahoma City.

To learn more about the Oklahoma Mobility Plan, view upcoming engagement opportunities and provide input, visit: Mobility Plan. For comments or questions, email okmobilityplan@odot.ok.gov. The plan is tentatively scheduled to be complete in summer 2027. The Oklahoma Mobility Plan will serve as a roadmap to guide public transportation and mobility investments,policies and coordination efforts across Oklahoma over the next 20 years.

at p66ok. Please email questions to ExecDirector@Project66.org.

Project 66 works as a partner agency with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma as a clientchoice pantry, distributing food to people who would otherwise go undernourished and connecting clients with other local resources. Service days for clients to shop are as follows: Mondays and Thursdays, 10 am- noon and 67:30 pm and Wednesdays 10 am-12:30 pm.

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Rainfall totals down

By Steve Gust

This week we saw the true arrival of summer – blistering hot days with even more on their way. Be as careful as possible. I read once where someone said summer weather can be more dangerous than winter temps. No matter how cold it gets, people can usually find a few blankets or extra coats to handle it. In the summer, you need some other way to stay cooler.

ple who do.

The finals Sunday drew a massive crowd and it was estimated that the average ticket price was $15,000. In case you forgot, Spain won, 1-0 over Argentina. I’m far from an expert on the sport – but it looked like Spain dominated the game but only finally scored in the extra period.

In case you’re wondering – the World Cup games were not played on artificial turf. Some stadiums, such as the Cowboys field in Dallas, had to spend millions to pull out their turf and put in natural grass. The investment seemed to pay off. Lots of soccer fans seemed to have a great time.

—-

As far as rainfall is concerned, we’re still about six inches below what we should be for this time of year.

And compared to last year, we’re sixteen inches below where we were then. It’s amazing, We had over 30 inches of rain in July 2025. The average for the entire year is about 36 inches.

—--Did you watch the finals of the World Cup?

Soccer is an interesting sport. I don’t fully understand the appeal –but there are literally billions of peo-

In other news, President Trump had an interesting speech on election integrity – claiming almost 300,000 illegal aliens were registered to vote in a few states. I’m not sure of every claim he made, but he was right about California. I don’t understand why they insist on taking over five weeks to count and certify ballots.

We live in an age of information. Can’t we accomplish vote counting quicker than five weeks? Oklahoma can practically do it all in one night.

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

By Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt

For the past couple of years, I’ve been working to address the ever-increasing cost of property insurance in Oklahoma. Last year, I held an interim study on this because of all the concerns I’d heard from people who were overwhelmed with the increases in their homeowners insurance – I heard the same story from folks who were upset their car insurance rates kept going up even though they hadn’t made any claims. We were also starting to see news stories breaking about all these lawsuits against insurers whose policy owners said they were not getting legitimate claims paid.

I looked into those concerns during my study and beyond, and I filed some bold legislation to address the challenges with insurance that Oklahomans have been facing. My bills didn’t move forward, but the conversation did. I’m so glad the awareness and public concerns really pushed others to do something. It’s great

State defends its voting integrity Insurance reforms sought by lawmaker

Oklahoma takes election security very seriously, and our state has excellent laws and procedures in place to help ensure the integrity of elections in our state.

State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said Oklahoma’s election system is designed to ensure that Oklahoma voters feel confident each time they cast a ballot. “We value election security and have worked with both state and federal partners for many years to ensure fair and secure elections here in our state. Additionally, our legislature has enacted laws specifically intended to proactively protect the integrity of our elections.”

Oklahoma employs many procedures and security features to ensure the safety of paper ballots, optical scan voting devices, and the validity of vote counts, including:

Under state law, Oklahoma’s uniform statewide voting system relies on paper ballots that are hand marked by voters and tabulated by accurate optical scan voting devices. This type of voting system has worked exceptionally well in our state for more than three decades.

Oklahoma’s voting devices do not have the capability to be networked or connected to the internet.

Oklahoma conducts extensive testing of databases, voting devices, and ballots prior to each election.

Voting devices and ballots are protected through a strict chain of custody, and it is a felony for any unauthorized person to access them.

Voting devices are predefined for use in each precinct and are designed to reject counterfeit ballots.

An anti-tampering digital signature is required at every step of the election process.

Voting devices and election software are designed to detect and refuse tampering attempts. (It is a felony to tamper with any device, software, hardware, or other equipment used to conduct elections.)

Each paper ballot has a unique identifier that can only be read once by a voting device.

Each precinct has built-in bipartisan oversight with at least one precinct official from each of the state’s two largest recognized parties.

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.

when bringing attention to the challenges folks are facing can spur action to address it, in spite of a very strong corporate lobby – I can tell you the insurance companies themselves did not want to see change. The end result was a bipartisan bill led by Republicans who pushed to change our “use and file” system for insurance rates to a “file and use” system. To put it more plainly, under the current system, an insurance company can decide to raise your rates and then just do it and send the information to the Department of Insurance later. Under changes we approved during the 2026 session, those same insurance companies will have to file their rate changes with the state first and then they can be analyzed by the state’s Insurance Commissioner who will have the authority to reject a rate increase if it’s excessive. That wasn’t a possibility before – rejecting a rate increase could only happen if it was determined a market wasn’t competitive and it didn’t ever happen. It’s a big shift.

Clearly, this is a very complex issue. There’s a balance in making sure insurance is affordable for people but still covers the things that need to be covered. We know our weather can be unpredictable, and there are certain risks there, but the bottom line for me is we must focus on consumers – the home owner who doesn’t understand the insurance market or why their rates keeping going up and wants to get the service they’ve paid for when they need it.

I’m also heartened that public pressure pushed Commissioner Glen Mulready to hold a public hearing –that’s an option he can take to look at rates and rate changes.

This is a big year in that the election cycle will usher in a new commissioner, and the person who holds that office will play a major role in terms of staffing and determining how aggressively reform will be pursued.

There’s been little transparency for the public, and we need the new commissioner to be a watchdog and an advocate for consumers, holding insurance companies accountable.

County election board members or staff regularly canvass election results to ensure that printed vote totals from voting devices match the tabulated results.

Following each statewide election, county election boards conduct random post-election audits as directed by the State Election Board Secretary.

Since 2025, access to Oklahoma’s publicly available voter registration list has been restricted under state law to U.S. citizens who are Oklahoma residents, reducing the risk of foreigners and out-of-state bad actors obtaining it.

Oklahoma law allows for the comparison of our state’s voter registration data with a state or federal database that maintains information regarding the citizenship of persons residing in this state. Oklahoma is authorized to use the SAVE system and driver license and state identification records to compare with voter registration records.

In addition to the many security procedures in place, candidate-requested recounts and post-election audits have consistently shown that Oklahoma’s voting devices accurately count ballots.

“We value election security and have worked with both state and federal partners for many years to ensure fair and secure elections here in our state.”

Another successful edition of Heard on Hurd

Free live music is always one of the attractions of Heard on Hurd.

Melinda Infante

Edmond students make UCO honor rolls

Edmond - President's Honor Roll

Abdelhadi, Hana Khaled Acharya, Shraddha Agasha, Alicia Mutara Aghamelu, Somkenechukwu Covenant Ahsan, Iqra Ajesh, Aiswarya Albines Chavez, Gianella Albirini, Mohammad Alex Pereira, Aniya

Alexander, Savannah Brielle Allen, Matthew G. Allen, Bailee Ann Alvarado, Ulises

Alvarez, Andrea Anderson, Kala Marie 16

Anderson, Autumn G. Angier, Melina Ann Anthony, Ivy Marie Arbuthnot, Ashley Arepalli, Naveen Kumar Argo, Natalie B. Armstrong, Emily C. Arshad, Maira Asghar, Zanaib Asim, Muhammad Asim, Adeen F. Atkins, Bryce M. Atta-Boakye, Afua Agyeiwah Azevedo Brandão, Nathalia Bajwa, Zainab A. Baldwin, Jada Ballinger, Mackenzie Elizabeth Balusu, Sriram Batchley, William J. Beier, Devin Robert Bell, Destinee Beninati, Daniel Bennett, Madison Nicole Benson, Jade Berry, Lauren Houston Bhandari, Debaki Bhandari, Sujata Bhend, Lauren E. Bilbrey, Tate K. Bindu, Anagha Bishop, Tara Bleem, Lacey M. Boutin, Aimee Grace Bower, Daniel Murray Boyle, Lydia C. Boyles, Mya Brecheen, Parker Lee Brenneman, Luke Simeon 17 Brewer, Cameron Brizuela Michel, Karla Joselyn Broomfield, Ryann Michelle Brown, Adalynn G. Brunken, Jenna Elizabeth Bui, Thi Ngoc Anh Bullock, Joshua Eric Buntrock, Blythe Kelly Burk, Kedron E. Buxton, Zane Marshall Calhoun, Brian Ray Campbell, Samuel A. Carpenter, Evelyn E. Carrion, Teresa Araceli Carvajal, Jaime Castillo Melia, Estela Aida Caywood, Noah Chatman, Dalontae Chavez, Isaac Rafael Cho, Minji Chow, Bo Xuan Christensen, Eliana Elida Clevenger, Arianna Coe, Caton Jaycie Coldiron, Kassandra Coldiron, Logan L. Coleman, Tiaunna Connell, Sarah Jane Cooper, Heather Ann Cowan, Elijah Bennett Croft, Katy June Crowder, Mary Allison Cunningham, Pia Alessandra Cusimano, Allison Mae Dabhi, Joshua Andre Pravin Dahal, Anisha Dalrymple, Annelise Grace Daneshmand, Kiana 18 Daniel, Meaghynn Davis, Tucker Forbes Davison, Heather Janae De Longe, Nicole De Trinidad, Courtney Lynne Deardeuff, Kelley Kathryn Del Rio, Adriana I. Dell’Anno, Shayla Nicole Deramus, Emily A. Disu, Rahma Celine Iyami Doan, Nguyen Phuong Uyen Dodd, Olivia Dong, Xuanyu Doughan, Lana D. Duong, Dan Duvva, Karthikeya Eastep, Ethan Eddlemon, April F. Edgin, Tristin Nichole Edwards, Courtney Elizabeth English, Andrew Christopher Eshghi Shirazi, Kianaz Espinosa Desilva, Bruno Falls, Matthew Falls, Chloe Elizabeth Farmer, Natalie Elizabeth Feller, Ronald Lyle Ferrari, Benjamin M. Field, Harrison V. Fincher, Cade M. Foley, Evan Frazier, Katherine Olivia Freeland, Kaytlen M. Freeman, Jaxson P. Fry, Brenden T. Furgason, Tori Dawn Furseth, Montanna Ruby Gangadhari, Sravani Kalyani 19 Gates, Giovanni Joseph Gentry, Braden Genuzio, Giovanni George, Grace Chidinma Gerdes, Ryann Ghavidel, Marisa Ghimire, Ranjana Giglio, Madilyn Marie

The University of Central Oklahoma has announced the students named to its honor rolls, a distinction given to those who meet the highest academic standards.

For the spring 2026 semester, 1,709 students were named to the President’s Honor Roll, an honor achieved by those who recorded a “straight-A” or 4.0 GPA.

In addition, 1,404 students were named to the Dean’s Honor Roll, a list of those who achieved a 3.5 GPA or better for the semester and no grade

Gilligan, Samantha Taylor Gilliland, William Colin Glenn, Rebekah Glenn, Brooklyn Mckenzie Gonzales, Rosabelle Granali Goodfellow, Melody Gorkhali, Suman Granillo, Gabrielle G. Green, Austin Dale Green, Megan Ann Green, Amanda Catherine Warburton Greer, Hudson Gungon, Robert James Gyimah, Nancy Haider, Malak Abdullah Hamilton, Gabrielle Hammond, Kelly Lee Hamon, Carson Harber, Elizabeth Anne Harbert, Calynn Faith Hardaway, Sadie Lynn Harris, Megan Harris, Taylor Marie Harrison, Grace Anna Harvey, Carson Tate Hasanjee, Zainatun-Nur S. Hasegawa, Mei Hastings, Benjamin William Hawthorne, Mia Marie Nicole Heaton, Theo 20 Hennan, Christina Herndon, Kaylen Louise Hibbs, Grace C. Highby, Miranda Jean Hill, Jason Hill, Lillian Ho, Patrick Hoang, Thang Tat Hobbs, Alice Faith Hoffman, Hannah Hogan, Rebekah Lee Holm, Max Hongchith, Soulintha Hooker, Liam Patrick Thomas Hoskins, Hailey Michelle Howard, Angelique Hubalde, Yoanna Arjelene Simbillo Huck, Sydney Lynn Hunter, Abby Hunter, Salena J. Ilschner, Finley A. Jackson, Macianne Jackson, Lily M. Jalloh, Hadiatu Binta Jameson, Blakely Reece Jawabreh, Ayih Jeradeh, Elias Jiang, Lehan Jillepally, Nikhil Jocaille, Martin Johnson, Madisyn Johnson, Trenton Alan Johnson, Carole Elizabeth Johnston, Rylee Ann Jones, Brice W. Jones, Jack H. Jones, Keisha Marie Jones, Dana Marie 21 Jose, Juana Karki, Reeti Karri, Durga Surya Harish Reddy Karukonda, Shiva Prasad Reddy Kastama, Benjamin James Kastler, Kaitlin I. Kendrick, Elizabeth Marie Kenyon, Katie Esther Khan, Ziyam Ahmad Kidd, Brenton Kiddoo, Timothy R. King, Mckenzie M. Knocke, Adison Lynn Knoke, Sean Komada, Pete Koppula, Jaswanth Reddy Kosik, Christian Michael Kosik, Samuel Siegmund Ray Koyyeda, Keerthi Kringlen, Carson Kay Kudapa, Srihitha Landwehr, Jordyn Luann Lang, John Tryston Lao, Jiayi Larsen, Ayden Josephine Leach, Austin Leboeuf, Mary M. Leclaire, Sebastien M. Lee, Joshua Lee, Ashlynne Wenxuan Lee, Lin Tao Lee, Changyeop Lene, Jared Leonard, Laura Leong, Kai Jie Lett, Emily Levy, Trinity Faith Li, Wenqian 22 Li, Joyce Livingston, Catcher K. Lopez, Scarlet Shaina Lords, Tyson Lott, Kadyn E. Low, Yu Jie Lu, Minghua Ly, Angela Ly, Rachel Erica Lynch, Jordyn Ellise Lynch, Cameryn Lyons, Lilliane Marie Maduakonam, Chiamaka Magee, Morgan Nicole Makkapati, Shishira Laxmi Malakouti-Nejad, Nasim Mamidala, Sanjana Mamindla, Sai Varshith Reddy Mangapuram, Padmavathi Mariano, Kadence Avenido Marks, Elissa Joy Martindale, Grace E. Martinez, Andrea Martinez Diaz, Andrea Massiel Mathews, Dalton Douglas Dean Mazzei, Morgan Mcdowell, Madelyn Mcgill, Lakea Cheryl Mcgrath, Madeline Jeanne Mcgrew, Michaella Mckinley, Nicholas Steven Mclaughlin, Reagan Gentry Mcmahon, James R. Meiser, Nicholas M.

lower than a B. To be eligible for the President’s or Dean’s lists, students must complete at least 12 hours of on-campus class credit for the semester.

UCO is a campus community in motion—leading, innovating and creating transformative learning opportunities that foster student success. As Oklahoma’s largest metropolitan university, UCO provides high-quality, nationally recognized programs that are always evolving and adapting to the needs of students and the community. This com-

Melton, Jude C.

Mesko, Brady William Metcalfe, Robert Rj

Metzger, Valerie 23

Metzger, Ethan Joseph Michaels, Avery Ann Miller, Caitlynne

Milner, Emma A.

Milner, Isabella Grace Minter, Parker Rea Miramontes, Jubelqui Alma Mirembe, Musinza Mixay, Kylie R. Momin, Shan I.

Mondal, Martha Monroe, Kaiti Montgomery, Isabel Grace Jean

Morales, Rochelle Anita Shaw

Morris, Jeremy Paul Morris, Emily Paige

Naegeli, Amber Nagra, Jasleen E.

Naranjo Martinez Kobashi, Ana

Paula Nash, Slaton

Nash, Spencer Braden

Nason, Samantha Navarro, Kimberly Neely, Madalyn Abigail

Newton, Olivia Ngabo, Victor Jeffrey Mukasa

Nguyen, Annalyse

Nguyen, Henry H.

Nguyen, Long Preston Nichols, Katelyn Olivia Nichols, Allyson Leann

Nickles, Abby Noori, Sara

O'Bleness, Izabella Suerae

O'Briant, Kylie Linnae

Odetalla, Dana

Olson, Luke T.

Oneal, Jack

24 Oster, Ryan Nicholas

Oster, Riley Madison

Ouwejan, Anika Mijs

Park, Jaeyeon

Parker, Michael Patel, Nidhi Girishbhai

Paz, Julia Yzabelle

Pennington, Jennifer

Penvern, Yann Robin Titouan

Peters, Taylor H. Pflaum, Vivianna

Pham, Tan Duc

Phillips, Gracie Boulet

Pingili, Shiva Ram Reddy

Pittman, David Henry

Pittser, Mckenzie Grace

Poudel, Aakriti

Powers, Bailey Ryan Pryor, Jake

Pullins, Ariana

Puvvula, Krishna Sree

Pyle, Katherine Elisabeth

Pysova, Anna Paula

Rainwater, Anna E.

Ramsey-Hess, Kaden P.

Rand, Martin Jesse

Ransom, Emmalee S.

Refai, Nouraldeen

Reid, Gavin

Rentala, Suchitha

Reuter, Sydney Reagan

Riaz, Adan

Richardson, Eli J. Richmond, Kristin Joy

Robbins, Elena Catherine

Roberts, Elizabeth Kay

Robertson, Kate Elizabeth Rose, Eleni Elizabeth

25

Rudrapati, Jadon Malcolm

Ruff, Christine Sachs, Jared Holden Sakamoto, Yumika

Salado De La Cruz, Melanie I. Salinas, Ximena Guadalupe Sanchez, Emma L. Santana, Francheska

Sapkota, Bijay

Sastri, Lolita

Saunders, Olivia Anne

Schader, Derek Evan

Schenk, Abigail Leigh

Schofield, Terra Schott, Joshua Schrader, Rebekah Joy

Scroggins, Ethan Paul

Shahbaz, Uswa

Shahi, Rasani

Shiflett, Julia Renia-Grace

Shrestha, Rose Mary

Shrestha, Kapur

Shrestha, Amrita

Shrestha, Jinita

Simmons, Ashley E.

Simpkins, Katie L.

Simpkins, Emma V.

Singarapu, Venkat Sharath Chandra Singha, Leonel

Smith, Rebecca Smith, Elijah Smith, Rebecca Michelle

Snoddy, Micah Cortez

Song, Youngvin

Soo, Hui Yii

Spangler, Camiel

Stafford, Ryan Gray Stafford, Hayden 26 Steffer, Sarah Mae

Stippel, Kylan Stone, Sophia Avery Xiao

Strickland, Scott

Stuck, Rebekah J.

Subedi, Krisha Sun, Tong

Sundberg, Samuel David

Surtees, Monica

Susud, Logan X.

Swanlek, Dylan Rose Manganello

Sykes, Samuel Tao, Yuchen

Taralunga, Maxim

Tarver, Olivia Nicole

Taylor, Hannah Taylor, Audrey Taylor, Jordan

Teague, Ethan W.

Teeters, James Christian

Thapaliya, Shristi

Thomas, Nathan Thomas, Matthew Alan

Thomas, Trent David

Thomas, Julianna Colleen

Thomas, Asjha Simone

Thompson, Kylie Aspen

Thompson, Davis James

Thornton, Katrina Adele

Timmons, Alli Malinn

Tiwo, Nike E.

Tjahjo, Chelsea Ida Tucker, Robert M. Van Meir, Grace Leeann Van Osdol, Rachel Claire Velarde Mendoza, Patricia Maria Velasco, Noelia Villanueva, Gabino Edward 27 Vo, Tran Mai Anh Vu, Jacob Walcher, Emma C. Walcher, Jace Joshua Wallace, Blair Len Walter, Trinity Walton, Alex Weathers, Gwyneth Webb, Sabrina Wehmuller, Annalie B. Weingart, Daniel Lee Whittaker, Amanda Christine Wichert, Samantha Rose Wiley, Jordyn Mackensie Wilkes-Ball, Sophia H. Williams, Julie E. Williams, Jonathan Wilson, Jordan Taylor Wilson, Eric S. Wilson, Megan Lee Winterscheidt, Natalie Kristine Wofford, Shayla Grace Wolfe, Jacob Ty Woodzell, Reese G. Woolum, Kelly J. Wren, Carrie Wright, Landon Wallace Wright, Elena Marie Yang, Elaine Yockel, Megan Young, Nikki L. Young, Rachel Elizabeth Young, Isabelle Joy Youssef, Phillip Hans Yurchenko, Karyna Zhu, Yaohui

Edmond - Dean' s Honor Roll Adams, Chris Matthew Ahmed, Saif Ahsan, Amna Akour, Malaak Hassan Alcorn, Tylor Nguyen Aldana, Isabell Marie Alexander, Austin R. Ali, Fosio Almosoee, Mohammed Alnabhan, Ali Altaf, Tashfia Armstrong, Logan James Arnold, Connor Asim, Maha Atchley, Noel Auchter, Elizabeth M. Austin, Harley Ayitiah, Regina Babb, Brittany Bailey, Dew Pattaraporn Bailey, Brooke Ann Batavani, Baran Baxter, Isabella Brayden Bayat, Asia Bayat, Aria Benazir Beals, Abby Ilene Becker, Shyann Benear, Joey M. Bennett, Jayla Minna Berkeley, Tyler M. Bevers, Adam C. Biggs, Kyle Andrew Bigheart, Brayden Lee Billings, Ashton L. Blaser, Carson Bonham, Blair Elizabeth Bottger, Christopher Ray 29 Bottoms, Dylan Branch, Nevaeh A. Brennan, Jessica Ellen Briscoe, Ryan David Brown, Monica Brown, Isabella Brown, Maria Alexis Bullock, Isac Burchfield, Hattie Bussell, Kira A. Cameron-Smith, Jordan Campbell, Luke R. Cardoso, Brenda Carothers, Parker Andrew Caughlin, Hannah M. Cera, Eliana Raquel Chavez, Brenda Celeste Chefor Ndambose, Macline Ngwekung Cheong, Kah Man Chism, Daniel Choi, Yeonghwan Christiansen, Joshua Brian Chuang, Wenhui Jessica Church, Elizabeth Ashley Clark, Deandre Dewayne Colvin, Jaden Beth Coody, Hannah Grace Corbin, Laurel Elizabeth Corcoran, Jake Steven Cornelius, Brady Cotton, Kaitlyn M. Coulter, Davuante Trent Cox, Caroline Elizabeth Craig, Ashton Kyle Crump, Megan Lu Davis, Hayden Deaton, Hayden Archer Defrancisco, Susana 30 Defrange, Daxton Jacob Dehart, Chase Cole Delaney, Kalyn Marie Deleon, Whitney Emily Dennis, Michaela Derakhshandeh Gh, Seyed Arian Dinse, Mary Ditmore, Kaitlin Dixon, Caleb Downham, Brooklyn

mitment is rooted in its founding in 1890 as the state’s teachers’ college, training those who would educate the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Guided by the motto “ubi motus est” – which translates to “where movement is” – UCO continues to evolve and grow, offering 120+ undergraduate, more than 79 graduate programs and two doctoral programs to our more than 12,000 students from its main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma, and facilities throughout the OKC metro.

Downing, Ashlyn R. Du, Lilian Rose Duncan, Jilliann J. Eckhart, Sydney Edmondson, Stephen J. Elledge, Jasper Fadel, Mohamad Saleh Farley, Dylan Alexander Fisher, Vanessa Zene Fisher, Charles Edward Flatt, Timothy M. Foster, Summer Foster, Erin Marie Franz, Baylor Grace Fratarcangeli, Lauren Elizabeth Freeman, Alyssa Shea'Jon Marie Fuchs, Zane Eli Fuller, Ashleigh N. Gammon, Jazmine Garcia, Caleb C. Gardner, Jacob Gau, Joshua Garrett Gee, Nicholas Giannakopoulos, Isabella Gillis, Nathan Lavon Godinez, Elijah X. Goins, Lanie Goins, Rylee Nicole 31 Gonzales, Michael N. Green, Cara Catherine Green, Natalie R. Gregory, Madilyn J. Gunderson, Sasha A. Gutierrez, Kalvin Gyamfi, Eunice Haider, Ahmed Han, Jimin Harth, Rune Hayes, Presley Hayes, Hollen Michael Hayes, Tyson E. Hazzard, Colton R. Henson, Gregory Herron, Eddward S. Hinton, Michael Hodge, Owen Matthew Hoey, Caleb Lee Holden, Gracie A. Holder, David H. Hollingsworth, Abbie Horton, Jaron Hosseini Goshagh, Salar A. Howard, Lainey Mae Howard, Lucas Elijah Howington, Cheyenne Hughes, Rhett Austin Hunt, Garrett Hutchison, Katie Belle Huynh, Anderson Imtiaz, Saira Ingle, Francesca Ingle, Allison Paige Jackson, Jocelyn Jaison, Erin Elizabeth Jenkins, Sarah Jimenez Ruiz, Mauricio 32 Jo, Eunjung Johns, Catelyn M. Johnston, Phoebe Jay Joseph, Tarun J. Joseph, Meha Joby Kasaija, Keith Kasumba Keifer-Treece, Ashley Kelly, Abigail Grace Kelso, Michael Henry Keylon, Kinley E. Khaimi, Maryam M. Khanal, Shailesh Kibble, Aizha C. Kinyanjui, Amari M. Knew, Isobel Martha Ko, Gijung Kodam, Saanvi Koga, Ayaka Lackey, Lauryn Alexis Lai, Megan W. Lam, Pearl Thuy Lareau, Teagan R. Lathrop, Leah Lavene, Kaitlyn R. Le, Quoc Dung Leach, Madisen Lee, Jeongbeen Leonard, Ramsey Lewis, Brianna Li, Raymond Liepins, Sarah Elizabeth Lo, Kit Wing Lockwood, Lyndsi M. Loh, Joelene Ming En Long, Kayla L. Long, Hannah L. Lowery, Rosalee Luo, Mopeng 33 Lyons, Kayla Jaynae Mabery, Jonathan William Madison, Mark Mainali, Kritika Maisuriya, Sujal Mandal, Aasik Maravilla, Omar Mason, Iyiona Mathews, Devanor L. Mattingly, Lauren Mcadams, Daniel Joshua Mcdaniel, Preston Mcdaniel, Bailey Marie Mcgann, Payden Troy Mcgregor, Mason Mcintyre, Evan Michael Mckee, Lisa Mckenna, Lauren Rose Mcmahon, Taylor Grant Medley, Faith Melton, Aubrey Grace Meyer, Jacob S. Miller, Madison Miller, Ava Jo Miller, Andrea Michele Mills, Juliana C. Miraku, Abiana Miraku, Arden Misialek, Ella M. Mohammed, Abdul Khader Mondeja, Michelle Alexandra Moore, Michael B. Moorman, Loretta J. Morales, Haley Danielle Moreau-Jan, Laura Morgan, Hannah Morris, Alex Moseley, Misty Madelynn

34 Motley, Ashley Dawn Mugabi, Arnold Bradley Mullins, Colin E. Murdock, Shannon Mustari, Evan Michael Myers, Hunter Ndiaye, Ndeye Ngone Nealy, Kiya Neighbors, Hunter Nelson, Raeven Makayla Nestelroad, Aidan Neuhaus, Alexander Amos Nguyen, Taylor Nguyen, Patrick Nguyen, Pham Phuong Tram Norris, Verla Grace Northup, Ben M. Nosary, Ahmed Ali Nagi Nteziryayo, Ellie Nuzum, Derek Mathew Odell, Olivia Odetalla, Lena Olson, Jacquelyn Osborn, Cayden L. Pandya, Harita Parises, Addison Claire Park, Hilton Parker, Alaina Parker, Halie Leeann Parton, Emma Leigh Paul, Peyton Louise Grace Pearl, Ryan Pendleton, Evan Michael Perry, William Levi Peyton, Luke Pham, Gia Linh Phillips, Charles Proctor, Carson 35 Rajaram, Anigka Venkat Ramirez, Jesus Rang, Socheata Rath, Piper Lynn Reeves, Michael D. Ridenour, Jaselynn Nicole Rodriguez, Karla Rogers, Myla Rebecca Rogers, Jadyn Hope Rollins, Caleb Romero, Elizabeth Grace Rosa-Berrios, Cayden Alejandro Rose, Carter James Ross, Abraham Charles Rota, Edyn Lorraine Royse, Emerson G. Russ, Katherine Elaine Ryan, Ava Jade Salim, Na'Ilah Samour, Amar Sanchez Alvan, Raphaela Santana, Gianluca Schein, Anna Grace Scheirman, Haley P. Schumaker, Randy Searcy, Sharita Paige Seat, Jaivion Cooper Seknicka, Adam Joseph Shah, Sneha Shelton, Ethan Dewayne Sherpa, Sangay Doma Shibayama, Kyoka Shuler, Sadie Sibomana, Deborah Sime, Angele Simpson, Campbell Ray Singh, Jagatjot Smith, Grayson Robby 36 Smith, Daniel Richard Smith, Kylee E. Song, Minseo Spencer, Julia E. Spencer, Hosanna Elaine Standley, Addie Grace Starns, Sophia Elynne Stephens, Payton Julia Stephens, Nicolas Stevens, Summer Elisabeth Stone, Colton M. Streller, Sarah Stuck, Rachel Ann Susud, Ethan Tackitt, Anika Lynn Tamirat, David Tamirat, Mahlet Lydia Tate, Maggie Tate, Skylar Ann Than, Thuy Uyen Thompson, Mitchell Ray Tokhmechi, Amirmahdi Torczon, Connor Tottey, Layla Toughanipour, Mariam Tran, Emily Tribble, Veyana Truong, Tin Vy Tsinya, Chloe Danielle Upadhyay, Mantrana Urquia, Eunice N. Vick, Caris Vint, Preston G. Von Hahmann, Natalie Elizabeth Vu Duy, Hau Waldroop, Kailee Renee Wali, Fatima Wallace, Matthew 37 Warner, Iyan Asher Tristian Webster, Antoine Lamar Weides, Andrew X. Welch, Skyler Ian Welch, Bryan Matthew Wennersten, Anna C. White, Dalton J. White, Jase Daniel Wilbur, Riley Jade Wiles, Ashten Nicholas Williams, Logan Williams, Kathryn M. Williams, Nadiya C. Wilson, Heather Womack, Rylee Womack, Darrien Denise Wood, Gabrielle Sophia Woods, Madison Makenzie Wright, Isabella Rose Yanchick, Cooper P. Yandell, Zoe Yapp, Yeyong Yarava, Bhavana Reddy Yoosuf, Ryaan Zelaya Mahchi, Laura Valeria Zepeda, Tanner Jesse

A quick & easy after work dinner with delectable results

By Carol Smaglinski

So, here’s this guy snooping around in the kitchen freezer.

“Hey, hon, what should I take out for dinner?” he asked his wife as she sauntered by,

“Me.” she said, as they both laughed.

O.K.

Instead, after spotting a package with a date and a slip of paper instead revealing its identification of double-cut lamb chops, he took over. He thought of a knock-out dinner featuring the richly marbled lamb chops, with a side of couscous and colorful veggies providing them with fiber, minerals, protein and carbohydrates.

With the focus on couscous he planned a dinner perfect for the two of them, which he would do tomorrow giving the chops a time to thaw and for them to check out a new Edmond restaurant everyone was buzzing about.

But wait. What was that again? Couscous?

Is couscous some kind of secret ingredient? Well, this tiny pasta is known as the national dish of Morocco, and there are several Moroccan restaurants featuring couscous in the Edmond area that are worth investigating.

Couscous, made with semolina, might be a little rare in the states, but it is a staple food of North Africa.

Semolina is a coarsely ground pale yellow durham wheat flour. Granular semolina is high in protein and gluten and often used for making excellent pasta, usually more expensive than regular pasta.

Couscous plays a lot of roles in the culinary world. It can be served as a porridge, or after being sweetened, puddings and it is incorporated in fruit salads. Best of all is just plain, or sprinkled with fresh herbs in a tasty side dish, or a foundation for stews.

For those who are stressed for time, the packaged variety of couscous from supermarkets or health food stores, only takes eight minutes of simmering and then a rest of six minutes. After being fluffed with a fork, it is ready to go.

Couscous is a must-have dish served alongside lamb, fish or

chicken along with chickpeas, peppers, mushrooms, onions, scallions and raisins and a few judicious seasonings.

Traditionally, these dishes are steamed in a metal pot, which is called couscoussiers by the French and it takes a lot of work, perfect timing and skill. When finished, the couscous is presented on the bottom of the serving dish and piled high with the other ingredients.

Staying close to tradition, a fork and knife are available, but it is most often eaten with the fingers with pieces of round, brown, tagine bread used to scoop up the product. However, the couscous can easily be formed into a loose ball and eaten with the right hand.

Note that in the following recipe, this double-cut lamb chop is cut from the rack of the lamb and contains two bones, not one. You might have to ask a local butcher. But, due to its thickness, the chops will be more tender, have more flavor, and are mistake-proof as far as being overcooked.

The lamis is both comforting and spicy at the same time. Use your own discretion of how much of the seasonings you might add. I like to try a recipe formula the first time following instructions and come up with my own ideas for the next time. Yes, write in your cookbook!

Grilled Lamb

Chops

4 double-cut lamb chops

2 cloves of garlic, crushed

1 tsp. curry powder

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp, butter

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

2 tsp. chopped fresh mint

Set the oven at 400 degrees. Rub chops with garlic and rub each chop with a bit of the curry powder.

In a large heavy skillet, heat the oil and butter. Being quick about it, saute chops until all sides are well browned. Then move the chops to a cookie sheet, place in the oven and let them bake for about 10 minutes for medium-rare at 130-135 on an instant meat thermometer.

Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with mint.

Film review of ‘The Odyssey’

A true treat for fans who enjoy movies

By George Gust

When you hear the title “The Odyssey” it can sound like homework. A dusty, distant mythology you slogged through in school, but director Christopher Nolan finds a way to make it feel immediate and alive without stripping away its otherworldliness. This adaptation doesn’t try to be flashy for the sake of it; it’s careful, deliberate, and confident in its choices, and that restraint pays off.

What stands out first is the filmmaking craft. Nolan shoots almost everything on real sets and locations, and it shows. There’s a tactile quality to the world that makes the myth feel lived-in. The decision to use IMAX cameras extensively isn’t a gimmick but a commitment to scale and detail that rewards you in the theater. You get the kind of immersion that reminds you why some films are best experienced on the biggest screen possible.

The cast is stacked, and most of them disappear into their roles. Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway bring a weight and humanity to their parts

Answers on Page 19

that anchor the film. Samantha Morton and John Leguizamo deliver performances that feel quietly essential, adding texture without calling attention to themselves. Robert Pattinson is deliciously unguarded as the slippery suitor, and Tom Holland shows a different side of his range, even if there are moments where he’s a touch overshadowed by the veterans around him.

Nolan’s approach to the fantastical elements is smart: he grounds the magic in the physical world so it feels plausible within the film’s rules, then surprises you with moments that genuinely make

you wonder how they pulled them off. The effects never dominate; they serve the story. Sound and editing support that choice, giving the film a rhythm that’s more natural than Nolan’s usual time-bending work, which is refreshing.

If there’s a critique, it’s that the film asks you to meet it halfway. If you come in expecting a literal retelling or a purely modernized take, you might be unsettled. Nolan’s version asks for patience and attention; it rewards both, but it isn’t always immediate in its emotional payoffs.

Overall, “The Odyssey” is a rare thing: a big, ambitious movie that trusts the audience and trusts the material. It’s cinematic in the best sense. Designed for the theater, full of craft, and alive with performances. If you can see it on a large screen, do it. This is the kind of film that reminds you why going to the movies matter.

“The Odyssey” is rated R for violence and some language.

4.8 out of 5 stars.

(George Gust may be reached for comment on this review at gust.george@gmail.com)

Oklahoma & the space industry

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), alongside the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA), today released a statewide strategy to grow Oklahoma’s role in the fastexpanding space industry and position the state to compete for jobs, investment, and federal contracts as the global space economy nearly triples over the next decade. The strategy was announced by Governor Kevin Stitt during the Oklahoma Breakfast ahead of the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow.

“We’re going to be top 10 in everything we do,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “We’ve been building the backbone of the aerospace industry and we do it better than anyone else. By seizing this moment, we are creating generations of quality, good paying jobs for our kids and grandkids. This is a critical moment, and we are prepared to take it.”

The global space economy is worth $630 billion and is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035.

Pedestrian deaths are down 7 percent

Drivers hit and killed 7% fewer people walking on U.S. roads in 2025 compared to the year before –the largest annual reduction since pedestrian deaths began falling three years ago, according to a new data analysis from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

While this recent progress is welcome, the projected 6,732 pedestrian fatalities in 2025 were still 5% above the 2019 level, the last year before the pandemic caused widespread changes in traffic patterns and reductions in enforcement. Those pedestrian deaths had a financial toll of nearly $94 billion from productivity losses, medical treatments, emergency services and legal fees, among other costs.

The data analysis, Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2025 Preliminary Data, provides a first look at pedestrian safety trends and changes in fatalities at the state level, building upon a report GHSA issued earlier this year. The new report highlights how State Highway Safety Offices (SHSOs) and their partners are leveraging enforcement, data, technology, education, infrastructure and other proven solutions to improve pedestrian safety and save lives. GHSA will hold a webinar on July 16, at 2 p.m. EDT, to share an overview of the data and highlight unique approaches states are taking to pedestrian safety.

“It’s encouraging to see fewer pedestrian deaths for the third straight year – another sign of the growing momentum in roadway safety,” said GHSA Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Adkins. “Let’s keep this progress going until we reach zero deaths. We must stay vigilant and leverage proven countermeasures like traffic enforcement that focus on high-risk driving behavior, education and outreach initiatives, and infrastructure improvements.”

“We’re encouraged to see pedestrian fatalities continuing to trend downward in recent years, particularly in medium-sized communities,” said Anderson Abernathy, President & COO of Michelin Mobility Intelligence, North America, who provided financial support for the report’s production. “While this progress is meaningful, every life lost on our roadways is one too many, and there is still significant work ahead. Continued improvement will depend on equipping transportation leaders with richer, more timely data insights to help identify risks before tragedies occur. Michelin Mobility Intelligence is

proud to support GHSA and the 2025 Pedestrian Spotlight Report as we work together to help make roads safer for everyone.”

Pedestrian Safety Trends: What the Data Say

In addition to providing a first look at 2025 statelevel fatality figures, the report also includes an indepth analysis of 2024 pedestrian fatality data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).

This data includes specific information on crash characteristics – speeding, hit-and-runs, alcohol impairment, light condition, roadway factors and vehicle types – that can offer additional insights on how, why, where and when drivers strike and kill people walking.

Some key trends that the data show:

SUVs and pickups account for more than half of pedestrian fatalities. Light trucks (a category that includes SUVs, pickup trucks and vans) were the striking vehicle in 50.4% of all pedestrian fatalities in 2024, compared to 40.6% for passenger cars. A significant gap between these two vehicle categories emerged in 2019 and grew through 2023 but narrowed slightly in 2024.

Most crashes happen in urban areas, but rural crashes are more likely to be fatal. In 2024, 84% of pedestrian crashes happened in urban areas. In those urban areas, 9.2% of pedestrian crashes were fatal, compared to 15.1% in rural areas. Potential reasons for this disparity include higher vehicle speeds (which are more dangerous to pedestrians) and longer EMS response times.

Preserving survivor benefits for foster youth

State ends the ‘Orphan Tax’

In partnership with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Governor Stitt announced that Oklahoma will join the states that have chosen to end the practice of diverting Social Security survivor benefits from foster youth. The action marks a major bipartisan milestone in protecting earned benefits for some of the nation's most vulnerable children.

Oklahoma joins 29 other states to preserve these benefits for foster children rather than use them to reimburse state costs.

"Every child deserves the opportunity to pursue the American Dream and build a brighter future, regardless of the circumstances they were born into,” said Gov. Stitt. “I’m proud that Oklahoma can join the effort to protect Social Security survivor benefits earned on behalf of children in foster care and ensure they're used in the best interest of each child. I’m grateful to First Lady Melania Trump, Secretary Kennedy, and Assistant Secretary Adams for their dedication to American’s children. Oklahoma is proud to lead on reforms that help young people leave care with greater opportunity and a stronger foundation for success.”

Since ACF first called on states to end the “orphan tax” in December 2025, governors and state legislatures across the country have acted to ensure that survivor benefits remain with the children for whom they were intended.

“Every child deserves the financial security their parents worked hard to earn,” said HHS Secretary Robert F.

Kennedy, Jr. “Thirty states have now demonstrated that protecting foster youth’s survivor benefits is a matter of basic fairness. These benefits represent the last support many deceased parents can provide to their children, so the Trump administration will not rest until every state ends this unconscionable practice.”

In addition to Oklahoma, the following states have now ended or taken steps to substantially reform the practice: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.

“We have seen tremendous bipartisan leadership from these 30 governors and state legislatures, proving that preserving these benefits can be done,” said Assistant Secretary Alex J. Adams. “These children have already lost their parents – diverting their survivor benefits just adds unnecessary hardship to unimageable grief. With 60% of states already taking action, we are past the tipping point and encourage the remaining states to stop balancing budgets on the backs of orphans.”

First Lady Melania Trump has led the way, encouraging states to preserve foster youth’s Social Security survivor benefits in Fostering the Future Accounts – the newly announced investment vehicle designed to empower foster youth and support long-term wealth building.

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.

Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

More than 1,100 people (15% of all pedestrian deaths) died on freeways and interstates, which aren’t designed for people walking. While not traditionally thought of as pedestrians, stranded motorists exiting their vehicles, first responders and tow truck drivers are all examples of people killed on freeways. All states have Move Over laws designed to address this problem, but drivers frequently remain at high speed.

Distraction is increasingly a factor in pedestrian fatalities. In 2024, 21.7% of pedestrian fatalities involved a distracted driver, up from 15.6% in 2019. Distraction on the part of the pedestrian was cited in 29.2% of fatal crashes in 2024, nearly double the 15.3% level in 2019.

Nearly one in four pedestrian deaths is the result of a hit-and-run crash. Drivers who fled the scene hit and killed 1,669 pedestrians in 2024, down 4% from the year before. Hit-and-runs accounted for 23.8% of all pedestrian fatalities in 2024, up from a six-year low of 19.9% in 2019.

More than three-quarters of deaths happen at night. An overwhelming majority (76.5%) of pedestrian fatalities with known lighting conditions occurred after dark, regardless of whether there was artificial lighting. This compares to just 19.9% of pedestrian fatalities taking place during daylight hours and 3.6% at dawn or dusk.

Three in every five deaths occurred in locations without a sidewalk. In 2024, 62.2% of pedestrian fatalities occurred where there was no sidewalk, a small decrease from the previous year (64.8%) and notably lower than the 68.3% in 2021.

Alcohol impairment surges among young drivers. Impairment, by both drivers and pedestrians, is a significant and long-running roadway safety concern. In pedestrian fatalities involving a driver age 16–24, the driver had a BAC above .08 in 15.6% of crashes in 2024, more than double the 7.2% in 2019. Alcohol impairment among pedestrians has fallen among nearly all age groups.

Pedestrian safety and how to leverage technology to protect people walking will be in the spotlight at the GHSA 2026 Annual Meeting, which will bring together traffic safety, law enforcement, technology, government, nonprofit and business leaders in Minneapolis, August 29 – September 2.

Future engineers take flight at UCO’s Ignition Summer Camp

The University of Central Oklahoma’s School of Engineering is inspiring the next generation of innovators through Ignition, a hands-on engineering camp.

Designed for students entering eighth through 11th grade, Ignition goes beyond traditional classroom learning by immersing campers in the engineering design process.

During the two, one-week camps, participants design, 3D-print and assemble their own CO₂-powered rockets while exploring the real-world challenges engineers encounter every day. As they refine their designs, students balance competing priorities such as thrust versus weight, stability versus range and performance versus efficiency.

Working alongside UCO faculty and student mentors, campers gain hands-on experience with engineering concepts, advanced manufacturing technologies and critical thinking skills while discovering how science, technology and mathematics come together to solve complex problems.

"One of the most rewarding parts of this camp

is watching students realize they can solve problems they never thought they could," said Cole Prather, first-year engineering coordinator at UCO.

"They arrive excited to build rockets and leave with a deeper understanding of engineering and greater confidence in their abilities.”

The camp enables the UCO School of Engineering to introduce young learners to all aspects of engineering in an engaging, hands-on environment and to encourage them to envision careers in science and technology.

The week culminates in an exciting rocket launch at Plunkett Park, where students put their designs to the test.

To learn more about UCO's School of Engineering, visit go.uco.edu/Engineering.

About the UCO School of Engineering

The UCO School of Engineering’s bachelor’s programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), which confirms that the programs have met the standards essential to preparing students to enter criti-

cal engineering occupations in the global workforce.

The school, housed in the UCO College of Mathematics and Science, is home to four accredited engineering programs: biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, engineering physics and mechanical engineering. The fifth program, computer engineering, is in the final stages of ABET-accreditation approval.

The school offers a master’s program in engineering physics, which allows students to choose from four majors: biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and physics.

Central also offers a professional science master's degree in computational science, which combines graduate coursework in a chosen STEM major with management.

Students graduating from the UCO School of Engineering are equipped to enter a vast array of industries. They will develop a solid educational foundation to lead the way in innovation and emerging technologies.

EFC director gets state recognition Shelia Stinnett

Edmond Family Counseling proudly announces that Executive Director Sheila Stinnett, LPC, has been named Executive Director of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of Youth Services (OAYS), receiving the organization's prestigious Office Choice Award.

The Executive Director of the Year Award honors a member-agency executive whose influence extends beyond their own organization to strengthen the entire field of youth and family services across Oklahoma.

“The Executive Director of the Year Award is extended as an Office Choice Award to a member-agency executive director whose work goes beyond their own agency,” said Peter Messiah, Ed.D., CEO of the Oklahoma Association of Youth Services. “That is the real litmus test. Someone can run a great organization and not win this award. It has to reach the field.”

According to Messiah, Stinnett's career exemplifies that standard.

“Prevention, early intervention, counseling, education, and community partnership—Sheila has

lauded by peers

done it all, and she's done it well,” he said. “She's a published author, a counselor, and she has shaped much of the conversation in Oklahoma around counseling and student mental health. Educators know her. Professionals across the state know her. That kind of reach is unusual.”

Messiah also reflected on his personal experience working alongside Stinnett.

“I've worked with Sheila through some difficult situations, not just the easy wins, and she's the same person either way,” he said. “She is consistent, professional, and always asking the same question: 'What's right for the kids, the families, and the people serving them?' She's confident but humble about it, which is rarer than it should be. She thinks before she decides, and she'll give you everything she knows if you ask her.”

He also credited Stinnett with helping create lasting resources that benefit professionals across Oklahoma.

Honor, Page 18

Visitors at Fair Park help pump over $12 million into economy

The National Reining Horse Association Derby took place at OKC Fair Park June 10 through 20. The equine competition took place in the OG&E Coliseum and across Barn Row.

Ten percent of attendees were local, while 90 percent traveled from out-of-town for the event.

Attendance at the event exceeded 60,000, generating more than $12.62 million in direct spending for the Oklahoma City economy.

The Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association Redbud Spectacular Horse Show took place at OKC Fair Park May 28 through June 7. Competitors and

spectators took to the OG&E Coliseum and Barn Row for the event. Eighty-five percent of attendees traveled from out-of-town for the event, while 15 percent were local. Attendance for the event exceeded 44,000, generating more than $9.03 million indirect spending for the Oklahoma City economy.

OKC Fair Park hosted a total of 9 events during the month of June. In addition to the above mentioned, other events included Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show, An Affair of the Heart, FUJIBJJ OKC Summer Open, Llueve Cerveza Tour

Audit reveals budget woes

Oklahoma State Auditor & Inspector [SA&I] Cindy Byrd released her forensic audit report for the Town of Washington (Town) in McClain County. Auditor Byrd launched the investigation after receiving a request from the Town Board of Trustees.

The audit uncovered a lack of proper internal controls and oversight that enabled the misappropriation and/or unauthorized expenditure of $1,022,412 in Town Funds by the former Town Clerk/Treasurer, Susan Noel, and others.

“This is the worst example of board oversight I have seen in my 29 years of government auditing experience,” Auditor Cindy Byrd said. “The Town of Washington is a small community with limited resources. From FY2021 to FY2024, roughly one-third of the Town’s total expenditures were either fraudulently misappropriated or spent without Board authorization. The responsibility for the financial welfare of the Town ultimately rests with the Board, which failed to exercise oversight of Town finances as required by law.”

Among the problematic findings are: Misappropriations

Susan Noel misappropriated

$676,368 via checks, debit card purchases, digital payment platforms, and other transactions, including:

$267,160 paid toward Bank of America credit card accounts belonging to Noel and her spouse.

$25,979 in Amazon purchases primarily delivered to Noel and her family members. Items included a memory foam mattress, a sectional couch, an espresso machine, a cordless vacuum cleaner, a vibration plate exercise machine, a countertop ice maker, a file

cabinet, and electric dog clippers.

$30,681 transferred into Noel’s personal Venmo account and used primarily for dog-related expenditures, such as grooming and transportation.

Payroll Abuses

$70,607 in unauthorized payments or benefits to Town employees.

From 2012 to 2019, Noel failed to remit payroll taxes to the IRS, leaving the Town with debt, interest, & penalties totaling $176,887.

Without Board knowledge or approval, Noel spent $210,400 on tax resolution services. No portion of the money was applied to the Town’s tax debt, interest, or penalties.

Missing Revenue

At least $72,656 in Town revenue was misappropriated because Town employees failed to deposit utility cash collections.

$22,200 in cemetery lot sales were not collected or, if collected, were not deposited.

Obstruction of Investigation

Susan Noel altered payee & vendor identification information on bank statements submitted to SA&I in an apparent effort to conceal fraudulent expenditures and obstruct the audit process.

“Regular audits are an important part of financial oversight because they help identify weaknesses,” said Auditor Byrd. “In this case, the lack of timely audits allowed fraud to flourish. While an audit cannot guarantee fraud prevention, audits could have identified the warning signs earlier, giving the Town the opportunity to mitigate its losses. Our team did an outstanding job, overcoming significant obstacles, to get to the bottom of this entire scheme.”

2026, Show Me Reptiles & Exotic Show, Buchanan’s Vintage Flea Market, and Heartland Militaria Show. In all, there were 127,409 visitors present during June events held at OKC Fair Park, generating more than $23.94 million in direct spending for the Oklahoma City economy.

For more information regarding June events, or any upcoming months, please contact the OKC Fair Park office at 405-948-6700. To stay up-todate on all OKC Fair Park has to offer, visit www.okcfairpark.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on X and Instagram.

Honor

From Page 8

“Sheila's impact on OAYS is something I can speak to from a personal perspective,” Messiah said. “She chaired our Programs Committee. The continuing education programming we now offer licensed professionals across the state—that was her. The office helped, I helped, but her leadership is why it got done. It's a statewide resource now.”

Messiah concluded, “That's exactly what this award is supposed to recognize: somebody who made the whole profession stronger, not just their own shop.”

For decades, Stinnett has championed mental health, prevention, education, and collaboration, ensuring children and families have access to quality care and support. Her leadership at Edmond Family Counseling and throughout Oklahoma has left a lasting impact on communities and professionals alike, making her a deserving recipient of this distinguished honor.

About Edmond Family Counseling

For 50 Years, Edmond Family Counseling has provided counseling, prevention, education, and early intervention services for children, families, and individuals in Edmond.

Masonic Charity fund gives $1 million to 4-H

As Oklahoma 4-H prepares to welcome hundreds of youth to its 105th annual Roundup this week at Oklahoma State University, the milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on a longstanding partnership that has invested more than $1 million in leadership development and STEM education for young people across Oklahoma.

Since 2020, Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma (MCFOK) has established a $1 million endowment supporting Oklahoma 4-H Roundup and statewide STEM programming, while also contributing more than $100,000 to the Oklahoma 4-H Innovate Summit.

MCFOK's investment helps offset program costs, expand access to leadership experiences and strengthen STEM education for thousands of Oklahoma 4-H members.

"Through their generous philanthropic support, our wonderful friends at Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma have empowered 4-H youth to gain invaluable STEM training and experience Oklahoma 4-H Roundup held annually in July on the beautiful Oklahoma State University campus in Stillwater," said Milford H. Jenkins, executive director of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation. "Each year Oklahoma 4-H is immeasurably humbled by the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma's charitable investments in our 4-H youth and programs."

Oklahoma 4-H Roundup, held annually on the Oklahoma State University campus in Stillwater, is the organization's premier leadership event. The three-day conference brings together youth from across Oklahoma for educational workshops, leadership development, contests and recognition programs.

A highlight of the event is MCFOK Honor Night, which recognizes outstanding 4-H members from

across the state.

In addition to supporting Oklahoma 4-H Roundup, the MCFOK's investment has helped expand Oklahoma 4-H's STEM programming.

The Oklahoma 4-H Innovate Summit prepares high school students to return to their counties and teach STEM lessons to younger members. That peerto-peer model has dramatically increased the program's reach, growing from 2,859 youth served in 2022 to more than 20,000 in 2025.

"I loved getting to meet new friends, see how others do things and learn how they can easily be applied in my county," one Innovate participant said.

"I am more capable in engineering than I thought," another participant said.

Dr. Kelly Wardlaw, Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development STEM specialist, said the program's greatest strength is that participants immediately put their

training into practice by leading STEM activities in their hometown communities.

MCFOK support has also enabled Oklahoma youth to attend the National 4-H Council's Ignite Conference, where they explore STEM careers and develop leadership skills alongside 4-H members from across the country.

"This experience has inspired me to pursue a career as a teacher or 4-H educator," Oklahoma 4-H member Kate Wardlaw said.

Many Ignite participants now help lead Oklahoma programs such as STEM for Y'all and STEM Storytime, extending STEM learning opportunities to younger students throughout the state.

As Oklahoma 4-H marks its 105th Roundup this month, MCFOK leaders say the partnership reflects a shared commitment to preparing Oklahoma's next generation of leaders.

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