Edmond Life and Leisure - March 12, 2026

In This

Issue

Edmond top small business

Smag’s recipe for St. Patrick’s Day See Page 11

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

MARCH 14

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

Take a look this week at Edmond Chamber honoree — Best of Books. The store, operated by Joe and Nan Hight is the recent winner of “Small Business of the Year” winner. Please see Page 17 for the Hights’ story and how they give back to our community.

From the Publisher

What Homeland Security does

The debate rages on as to whether Markwayne Mullin is qualified to be Secretary of Homeland Security. It is an easy answer. No, he is not qualified for the job. Understand that I like him and his family. He has always been a gentleman but at the end of the day, he has zero qualifications for the job. If you are still in doubt, here is what that department is all about.

When Americans pass through airport security, watch hurricane forecasts, or hear about cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, they are often encountering the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security even if they do not realize it. Created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Department of Homeland Security, commonly known as DHS, is one of the federal government’s largest and most complex agencies. Its mission is broad, its responsibilities diverse, and its work deeply intertwined with daily life in the United States.

DHS was formally established by Congress through the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and began operations in 2003. It represented the most significant reorganization of the federal government since the creation of the Department of Defense after World War II. More than twenty agencies with security-related responsibilities were brought together under a single cabinet-level department, with the goal of improving coordination, communication, and preparedness against both natural and man-made threats.

At its core, the department’s mission is straightforward: to safeguard the American people, the homeland, and the nation’s values. In practice, achieving that mission requires addressing a wide range of risks, from terrorism and border security to natural disasters, cybersecurity, and immigration.

DHS organizes its work around several major mission areas. These include preventing terrorism, securing U.S. borders and transportation systems, enforcing immigration laws, strengthening cybersecurity and protecting critical infrastructure, responding to disasters, and ensuring economic security and resilience.

One of the most visible roles of DHS is border and transportation security. Through agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the department screens millions of travelers and vast amounts of cargo each day. CBP officers operate at land borders, seaports, and airports, where they inspect people and goods entering the country. Their responsibilities range from preventing the entry of dangerous individuals and contraband to facilitating lawful travel and trade.

TSA, another DHS component, is responsible for protecting the nation’s transportation systems. Best known for airport screening checkpoints, TSA also works to secure railways, highways, pipelines, and mass transit systems. While these measures can be inconvenient for travelers, they are designed to reduce the risk of attacks on transportation networks that are essential to commerce and daily life.

Immigration is another central function of DHS and one that often draws public attention and con-

troversy. The department oversees three major immigration-related agencies, each with a distinct role.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) manages lawful immigration processes. This includes processing applications for green cards, work permits, asylum, and naturalization. USCIS also conducts citizenship ceremonies and administers humanitarian programs for refugees and others fleeing persecution.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) focus on enforcing immigration laws within the United States. ICE agents investigate immigration-related crimes, combat human trafficking, and conduct removal orders for individuals who are in the country unlawfully or who have committed serious offenses. Their work often intersects with broader criminal investigations involving smuggling, fraud, and transnational crime.

CBP, in addition to its border role, manages immigration enforcement at ports of entry and between them, making it a frontline agency in immigration control. Together, these agencies illustrate how DHS combines service-oriented functions, such as processing applications, with law-enforcement responsibilities.

Beyond security and immigration, DHS plays a crucial role when disaster strikes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), perhaps best known for its work after hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires, operates within DHS.

FEMA’s mission is to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. When a major disaster is declared, FEMA coordinates federal assistance, supports state and local governments, and helps individuals and families access aid. This can include temporary housing, financial assistance, and infrastructure repair.

While FEMA’s performance has sometimes been criticized, most notably after Hurricane Katrina, the agency remains central to national disaster response efforts. In recent years, its work has expanded as extreme weather events become more frequent and costly.

As threats have evolved, so has DHS’s focus. In the digital age, cybersecurity has become a top priority. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a DHS component, leads efforts to protect critical infrastructure such as power grids, water systems, hospitals, and election systems from cyberattacks and physical threats.

CISA works closely with state and local governments, private companies, and international partners to identify vulnerabilities and share threat information. Unlike traditional law enforcement, much of CISA’s work involves coordination and prevention rather than arrests, reflecting the complexity of modern cyber risks.

Protecting critical infrastructure is not only about preventing attacks but also about ensuring resilience, making sure systems can recover quickly if they are disrupted. This focus on resilience has become a defining feature of DHS’s modern mission.

DHS is also home to several high-profile law enforcement agencies. The U.S. Secret Service, for example, is responsible for protecting the president, vice president, and other national leaders, as well as safeguarding the nation’s financial infrastructure from counterfeiting and cyber-enabled fraud.

The U.S. Coast Guard, which operates under DHS during peacetime, performs a unique mix of military, law-enforcement, and humanitarian missions. These include maritime security, search and rescue, environmental protection, and drug interdiction. The Coast Guard’s broad authority and constant presence along U.S. waterways make it a key player in homeland security.

Since its creation, DHS has faced ongoing scrutiny over how it balances security with civil liberties and individual rights. Programs involving surveillance, data collection, and immigration enforcement have raised concerns among civil rights advocates. In response, DHS includes offices dedicated to civil rights, civil liberties, privacy, and oversight, aimed at ensuring that security measures comply with the Constitution and federal law.

This tension between protecting the nation and preserving freedom has shaped the department’s evolution and continues to influence policy debates.

Today, DHS is one of the largest federal departments, employing hundreds of thousands of people across the country and around the world. Its employees include law enforcement officers, cybersecurity specialists, disaster response coordinators, intelligence analysts, and administrative professionals.

For most Americans, DHS operates largely behind the scenes. Yet its influence is felt in airports, at borders, during emergencies, and increasingly online. As threats change from terrorism to climate -driven disasters to cyber warfare the department’s responsibilities continue to expand.

More than two decades after its creation, the Department of Homeland Security remains a central pillar of national safety. Understanding what it does and how its work affects everyday life offers insight into how the United States seeks to protect both its people and its democratic values in an uncertain world.

Senator, you can do the job. You are not a door kicker and never will be. I am a father to a door kicker and if you approach this job with a way to boost your ego, you will fail and not have the respect of your team.

Here is what you can do for the men and women under your command. Be the best administrator, you can be senator. Not exciting but the best thing you can do. Here is what you can do for the men and women under your command. Be the best administrator, you can be senator. Not exciting but the best thing you can do. What I mean by that is make sure your folks have what they need to do their job and be safe while they do it. They have been highly trained, and they just need your help to keep the rest of us safe. They will no doubt give you a weapon and a badge but leave it at your desk. When the television cameras want to take video of you shooting off a high-powered weapon, direct the cameras to your people who have done heroic actions instead.

You are a good Oklahoman and that is what we would do sir.

(Publisher Ray Hibbard may be reached at

Chamber, & the EEDA get ready for March Madness

Rebate program helps local restaurants

The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce and the Edmond Economic Development Authority have teamed up once again to bring the excitement of March Madness to the local dining scene with the March Madness Restaurant Rebate.

This two-week initiative is designed to support Edmond Chamber member restaurants while giving the community a fun and rewarding way to dine local. For every $50 spent at participating Edmond Chamber member restaurants, diners will receive a $10 gift card back to the restaurant they supported.

During each week of the promotion, participants may submit up to $250 in receipts, earning up to $50 back in gift cards per week. Receipts must be from Chamber member restaurants and submitted within the designated promotional period.

Since the inception of the Chamber’s rebate programs in 2020, the

initiative has generated more than $300,000 in local spending, directly benefiting Edmond businesses and strengthening the local economy.

The March Madness Restaurant Rebate highlights the importance of shopping and dining locally, ensuring dollars spent in Edmond stay in Edmond and continue to support small businesses.

Funds are limited and rebates will be distributed on a first-come, firstserved basis while supplies last. Community members are encouraged to dine early and submit receipts promptly.

For a full list of participating restaurants and complete program details, visit the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory here: Member Search By Category - Edmond, OK

Submit your receipts here: March Madness Restaurant Rebate | Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce

State audit done on the OTA

An investigative audit of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority found no evidence of criminal misconduct but identified areas where the agency should strengthen documentation and transparency in its operations.

The audit was released last Wednesday by the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector’s Office after being requested by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond in March 2023. Drummond sought the review after hearing concerns about the agency’s financial conduct. Audi-

tors reviewed several aspects of the agency’s operations, including contracting practices tied to the ACCESS Oklahoma expansion program. The report found the authority used a group of twelve firms as prime consultants for engineering design work and recommended better documentation of how consultants are selected and how contract pricing negotiations are conducted. Auditors said written justification for selections and documentation of negotiations would improve transparency ,

Memorial’s Reagan Grau serves as U.S. Senate page

Reagan Grau, a junior at Edmond Memorial High School, served as a U.S. Senate Page during the Fall 2025 semester. He was appointed by U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK).

The U.S. Senate Page Program, a nearly 200-year-old tradition, provides high school juniors with a rare opportunity to work at the center of American government. Grau was one of only 28 Pages (14 boys and 14 girls) selected to serve from across the nation.

“Having a front-row seat to history in the making was an incredible experience,” said Grau. “Although I was there during a record-setting government shutdown, we continued to work long days. I even worked overnight on the Senate floor during a marathon filibuster session.”

The program demands a strong academic record, leadership, and discipline. Grau—an Eagle Scout, Taekwondo black belt, and varsity athlete—embraced the challenge despite leaving family and friends for five months. Pages live and attend advanced classes at the Daniel Webster Senate Page Residence on Capitol Hill, following a rigorous routine.

“I woke up everyday at 5:00 a.m., put on my Page uniform, ate a quick breakfast, and would be in school by 6:00 a.m.,” explained Grau. “All classes were an advanced level. After school, I would usually start work at the Capitol around 10:00 a.m.”

The Senate Program enforces strict rules, including no cell phones, daily chores, and room and uniform inspections. But it also provides opportunities for Pages to have fun and explore the surrounding area.

“We went on some really amazing field trips in and around Washington D.C.,” said Grau. “I witnessed oral arguments at the Supreme Court, attended the President’s Veterans Day speech at Arlington National Cemetery, visited the White House, got a behind-the-scenes look at the National Archives, and traveled to Philadelphia, Jamestown, Monticello and Gettysburg. One of my favorite trips was touring the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.”

“I was proud to represent Oklahoma and share its spirit with peers from Alaska to Maine,” Grau added.

“I shared the excitement of the Thunder’s championship season and gave a presentation about my experience climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2025. I’ll always treasure the coast-to-coast friendships I made as well as getting to know Senators and staff personally.”

Trafficking bill clears panels

Landmark legislation by Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks, to strengthen Oklahoma’s response to human trafficking and expand support for survivors has advanced through both the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Senate Bill 1379 establishes a pilot initiative within the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General to support organizations that provide direct services to victims of human trafficking. The measure also creates the Victims of Human Trafficking and Prevention Revolving Fund, allowing the state to reimburse qualified nonprofit providers that deliver critical services helping survivors recover, stabilize, and rebuild their lives.

Reinhardt said the legislation reflects Oklahoma’s commitment to making certain that victims are not left without meaningful support once they escape exploitation.

“Human trafficking is one of the

most disturbing crimes our society faces, and the victims deserve more than sympathy — they deserve real pathways to safety, recovery, and stability,” Reinhardt said. “This legislation strengthens the organizations doing the hard work on the front lines and helps make sure survivors are not left to navigate the aftermath of these crimes alone.”

The bill establishes eligibility standards and oversight requirements so resources are directed to organizations providing proven services to victims of both sex and labor trafficking. By creating a sustainable funding mechanism, the measure is designed to strengthen coordination between the state and the service providers that assist survivors during the critical period following rescue or escape.

Reinhardt said combating trafficking requires coordination between law enforcement, state agencies, and community organizations that specialize in victim care.

Free workplace health training is available

Healthy employees don’t just feel better — they perform better. Yet U.S. employers lose anywhere from $225 billion to $530 billion each year to productivity declines tied to personal and family health issues. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is offering employers a free opportunity to change that.

OSDH is seeking public and private organizations to participate in the Work@Health training program, March 25–26, a no-cost, hands-on course that helps businesses build practical, sustainable workplace wellness programs that support employees while strengthening the bottom line.

Work@Health event location, The Well, 210 James Garner Ave., Norman, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

“Workplace health programs help employees live healthier lives and reduce their risk of chronic disease,” said Work@Health Master Trainer Karin Leimbach. “When employees feel supported at work, morale improves, engagement increases and organizations often see that investment returned through productivity and retention.”

Oklahoma employers have already seen results. Since the program launched in the state, two master trainers and five certified trainers have worked with 49 employers, reaching more than 24,000 employees statewide.

The Work@Health program provides employer education, training, and ongoing technical assistance to

help organizations develop evidencebased wellness programs that can reduce health care costs and improve workforce performance.

To participate, employers must: Be headquartered in the United States

Provide employee health insurance

Employ at least 20 individuals

Up to two representatives from each organization may attend the two-day training.

Participants will learn how to: Make the business case for workplace wellness

Assess employee health needs

Design and implement effective wellness policies and programs

Measure outcomes and improve program quality

Build partnerships and community connections to support employee health

Employers interested in participating can contact Karin Leimbach at KarinL@health.ok.gov or (405) 4268294. More information is available on the CDC website.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 82 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health.

are

Two Francis Tuttle students are part of special program

Two Oklahoma high school seniors are representing the state as they are participating in the U.S. Senate Youth Program.

And they’re both in the same program at Francis Tuttle Technology Center.

Kross Brown, who attends the Biosciences and Medicine Academy (BSMA) on the Danforth Campus, and Lakshmiprasanna Reddy Birasam, who attends the BSMA at the Rockwell Campus, were selected for the 64th annual Senate Youth Program during a months-long application and review process. They are in Washington, D.C., during the program’s Washington Week –this week–where they are meeting with Oklahoma Senators James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin, along with a host of other public officials.

The honor also comes with a $10,000 scholarship.

“I actually didn’t know about that when I applied, but that was the icing on the cake,” Brown said about the scholarship. “That amount of money really is life changing.”

Brown, an Edmond Memorial High School student, and Birasam, a Deer Creek High School student, had to complete a lengthy application process that included interviews and submitting essays. Their submissions and interviews focused on public policy and how it impacts their career interests, which is the healthcare field.

“I’ve always been interested in history and government,” Birasam said. “It’s the best way to make the systems that affect people’s lives have a level impact. When you think about it, just one bill can have a big impact

on so many people’s lives.”

Birasam has worked with state legislators on public health-related policy through the Oklahoma Youth Advisory Council, which she founded. She is the Vice President for the BSMA chapter of HOSA-Future Health Professionals and has been the Ward 8 Representative on the Oklahoma City Youth Council.

Brown said he became interested in healthcare when he saw the importance of it during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Over time, he understood how public policy can make a difference in the health of the community.

“I saw the need for healthcare workers and how important that is,” he said. “I wanted to see how the system can work when you really want it to, and what you can do to make that happen.”

Brown has nonprofit experience, including as a member of the OKC Bombing Memorial Teen Board and Secretary of the Citizens Caring for Children Teen Board that supports youth in foster care.

He is currently the Northeastern Vice President of Oklahoma HOSA and was a HOSA International Executive Council candidate. He is also a recipient of the President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement.

The US Senate Youth Program group will spend part of this week in Washington, D.C., touring the nation’s capital and meet with Senators, the President, a Supreme Court Justice, and other high-level officials.

“It’s always an amazing opportunity to meet the most powerful person in the world,” Brown said.

School helps Down Syndrome group

The Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma (DSACO) is proud to recognize the incredible generosity of students from Deer Creek High School and Deer Creek Middle School, who recently completed their annual Wonderful Week of Fundraising (WWF) in support of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Through a variety of creative and engaging events over the past several months, Deer Creek students worked together to raise a record amount of $188,252.06 that will directly support DSACO’s programs and services. Included in the fundraising efforts, Deer Creek Middle School held their Unbelieve Fundraising Campaign (UFC), which raised an impressive $34,004, a record amount for DSACO. Students participated in fundraising activities and school events designed to bring the community together while supporting an important cause.

“We are incredibly grateful for the partnership and support from the

Deer Creek schools,” said Sarah Soell, Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma. “Seeing students come together to raise awareness and funds for individuals with Down syndrome truly reflects the spirit of inclusion and compassion in their community.”

Funds raised through these efforts will help DSACO continue providing life-changing programs, resources, and opportunities for more than 1,000 families across central Oklahoma.

DSACO offers support throughout the lifespan, including programs focused on education, employment, independence, and community engagement.

“The dedication of the Deer Creek students is inspiring,” Soell added.

“Their efforts help ensure individuals with Down syndrome have opportunities to thrive and be fully included in their communities.” “Special thanks to Student Council co-chairs, Reese Harris and Dylan Schuff for their outstanding fundraising efforts.”

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 submitted by noon Thursday.

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

Feb. 23

Rodney Lane Chambers, 66, homeless. Trespassing after being warned.

Heather Marie Turcotte, 42 of Edmond. Three misdemeanor warrants and a felony warrant. Rachael Marrae Wilson, 20 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Michelle Louise Evans, 54 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Trace Adam Riff, 39 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Devin Lane Howe, 25 of Midwest City. Possession of marijuana, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Karol Gerardy Dionisio Perez, 19 of Edmond. Driving without proper/valid driver’s license.

Feb. 24

Sean Scott-Anderson, 18 of Oklahoma City. False representation to an officer.

Juliana Ichineda Muonelo, 65 of Edmond. Trespassing after being warned.

David Deen Vague, 71 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Ashanti Mac Hunter, 24 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of.08 or more.

Feb. 25

Rodney Kamil Massad, 54 of Oklahoma City. Possess CDS.

Judina Michelle Davis, 48 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Jalyn Michelle Robertson, 29 of Newcastle, Two felony warrants, false personation of another, public intoxication, possess drug paraphernalia and

possess CDS.

Patrick Davis Anthony, 40 homeless. Three felony warrants.

Matthew Blaine Richards, 38 homeless. Public intoxication.

Nickolas McKenzie Monden, 29 of Guthrie. Possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, expired tag — over three months and failure to appear.

John Robert Atkinson, 37 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS, failure to maintain compulsory insurance and driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked.

Keaton Neal Wingo, 27 of Oklahoma City. Possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.

Brandi Lea McCurdy, 43 of Oklahoma City. Egg. Fel. DUI — operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .15 or more.

Dalton Wayne Donaldson, 29 of Yukon. Two felony warrants, a misdemeanor warrant and possess firearm after conviction of felony.

Megan Elizabeth Smith, 42 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Feb. 26

Sarah Hess, 39 of Luther. Public intoxication.

Donald Charles James, 39 of homeless. Public intoxication.

Robert Andrew Maidt, 36 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

Dustin Caleb Donaldson, 25 of Jones. Shoplifting - petit larceny.

Leonard Joel Martinez, 55 of Guthrie. No proof of insurance, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and four counts of failure to appear.

Feb. 27

Janaki Mukheshwar, 27 of Edmond. Shoplifting — petit larceny.

Colton Stone Jones, 23 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Matthew Blaine Richards, 38 homeless. Public intoxication.

Feb. 28

Stephen Dale Taylor, 52 homeless. Three counts of failure to appear.

Frank Henry Thomas, 64 of Oklahoma City. Expired tag, failure to maintain compulsory insurance and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Eric Scott Hall, 38 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor 1st offense) domestic abuse (in the presence of a minor child.)

Jeremiah Jones Newkirk, 44 of Edmond. No proof of insurance by operator, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked, leaving the scene of an accident and following too closely.

Latrese Donnell Seamster, 36 of California. Misdemeanor warrant.

Alphie Phillip McKinney, 45 of Oklahoma City. Shoplifting — petit larceny and possession of marijuana.

Jontae Armon Gabriel Hennesy, 22 of Edmond. Failure to devote full-time attention to driving and failure to appear.

Daniel Lee Stark, 56 of Edmond. Three felony warrants.

March 1

Christian Michael Aguilar, 24 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Dexter Ray Johnson, Jr., 48 of Enid. Failure to maintain compulsory insurance, transporting an open container of marijuana and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Cheyenne Lynn Cipponeri, 22 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Unadre Tykeem McMillan, 32 of Oklahoma City. Expired tag — over three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Jasmine Devon Middleton, 39 of Edmond. Operating motor vehicle with improper equipment and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

43 booking reports

Weekend calendar of events, March 12-15

Weekend Calendar of Events March 12-15

---- In the Gallery

---- ndoor Farmer’s Market

---- Edmond Patriot Market

---- Weekly Game Night

---- Karaoke Night

---- Beer + Yoga

---- Saturday Morning Music Sessions

---- Saturday Storytime

---- Watch Party

---- Coffee & Guitars

---- Book Swap

---- Trivia Night

---- Vinyl Night

---- Music Bingo

---- The Round Barn Rendezvous

---- Road Trip Ready

---- 1889 Territorial School Open House

---- Life is a Highway: Landscape Painting with Mary

---- Oklahoma Biomes Along Route 66: 100 Years of Change

---- Celebration of Music featuring Kyle Dillingham & Peter Markes

---- Arbor Day Art Show

---- Frenzy March Live Music

---- Route 66 St. Patty’s Day

---- Choose Your Adventure!

---- Code of the West Discovery Table: March

---- Brown Bag Lunch & Learn: From Trails to Truck Stops

---- Oklahoma Youth Expo

---- Pollard Theatre presents: The Odd Couple

---- LIVE on the Plaza

---- Jurassic Quest

---- Oklahoma City Ballet presents: Future Voices

---- Stockyards City St. Patrick’s Day Parade

---- Winter Jam

---- OKC Philharmonic Orchestra presents: Masters of Music – Italy

---- Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show

---- Paddy O’ Party

Extra Information

In the Gallery

Location: Edmond Fine Arts Institute

Extra Info: First Thu

Clayton Beavers and

Victoria Ness; edmondfinearts.com

Indoor Farmer’s Market

Location: MAC in Mitch Park

Extra Info: Sat, Nov 1 – Sat, Mar 28; Saturdays 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Free; edmondok.gov

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

Karaoke Night

Location: The Gin

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

Beer + Yoga

Location: American Solera – Icehouse Project

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

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

Saturday Storytime

Location: Best of Books

Extra Info: Recurring weekly until Mar 7; Free; 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.; bestofbooksok.com

Watch Party Location: The Gin

Extra Info: Recurring weekly every Thursday; Free; 7 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 Thursdays; facebook.com

Music Bingo

Location: Flatire Burgers

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

The Round Barn Rendezvous

Location: Arcadia Round Barn

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

Road Trip Ready

Location: Edmond Library

Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Friday; Free; 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.; metrolibrary.org

1889 Territorial School Open House

Location: 124 E 2nd

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

Life is a Highway: Landscape

Painting with Mary

Location: Edmond Library

Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Saturday; 3 –4:30 p.m.; Free; metrolibrary.org

Oklahoma Biomes Along Route 66: 100 Years of Change

Location: Edmond Library

Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Saturday; Free 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; metrolibrary.org

Celebration of Music featuring Kyle Dillingham & Peter Markes

Location: University of Central Oklahoma – Jazz

Lab

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 12; $20; 7 – 9:30 p.m.; calendar.uco.edu

Arbor Day Art Show

Data center growth gets attention from lawmakers at State Capitol

Legislation aimed at protecting Oklahoma families and small businesses from higher utility bills tied to new data center infrastructure is now eligible for consideration on the House floor.

House Bill 2992, the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, authored by Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, passed unanimously in both the House Utilities Policy Committee and the House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee. The measure now advances to the next step in the legislative process.

"I’m very encouraged to see this legislation move forward with such strong support," Boles said. "As Oklahoma continues to grow and attract new industry, we have to make sure the cost of that growth does not fall on hardworking families and small businesses. This bill is about fairness and making sure Oklahomans are not forced to subsidize the infrastructure needs of large data centers."

Rep. Boles' Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act would set guidelines for how electric suppliers and regulators address the rising energy demands of large data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations and artificial intelligence facilities. The bill defines "large load customers" as new facilities adding 75 megawatts or more of demand and clarifies that residential, commercial and traditional industrial customers are not included in that classification.

Calendar

Location: Edmond History Museum

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 13 – Wed, Mar 18; Free; edmondok.gov

Frenzy February

Live Music

Location: Frenzy Brewing Co

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 13: The Brave Amigos @ 7 p.m.; Sat, Mar 14: Raven’s Three @ 2 p.m.; free; frenzybrewing.com

Route 66 St. Patty’s Day

Location: Frenzy Brewing Company

Extra Info: Sat, Mar 14 – Tue, Mar 17; 12 – 11 p.m.; Free; frenzybrewing.com

Choose Your Adventure!

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 12 – Sun, Mar 15; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Code of the West Discovery Table: March

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 12 – Sun, Mar 15; nationalcowboymuseum.org

The legislation aligns with the recent Ratepayer Protection Pledge Proclamation issued by President Donald Trump. Under the pledge, several leading technology companies agreed that as energy demand grows alongside new data center construction, American households should not bear the cost of building the necessary infrastructure.

Instead, the pledge calls for the companies developing and operating data centers to build, bring or purchase the energy required to power their facilities and to cover the full cost of associated infrastructure.

"The White House is taking steps to make sure Americans are not left footing the bill for massive data center expansion, and Oklahoma is proud to take steps alongside them to protect our ratepayers," Boles said.

Several lawmakers from both parties have signed on as co-authors of the measure, including Senate author Sen. Grant Green, R-Wellston; Rep. Rusty Cornwell, R-Vinita; Rep. Mike Dobrinski, ROkeene; Rep. Clay Staires, R-Skiatook; Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa; Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City; Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa; Rep. Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow; Rep. Max Wolfley, R-Oklahoma City; and Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore.

The bill is now eligible to be heard on the House floor.

From Page 6

Brown Bag Lunch & Learn:

From Trails to Truck Stops

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 12; 12 – 1 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Oklahoma Youth Expo

Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds

Extra Info: Wed, Mar 11 – Fri, Mar 2; Mon: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Tue ---- Sun: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; okyouthexpo.com

Pollard Theatre presents: The Odd Couple

Location: Pollard Theatre

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 6 – Sat, Mar 28; Thu: 8 p.m.; Fri: 8 p.m.; Sat: 8 p.m.; Sun: 2 p.m.; thepollard.org

LIVE on the Plaza

Location: NW 16th between Classen & Penn Ave

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 13; 6 – 10 p.m.; plazadistrict.org

Jurassic Quest

Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 13 – Sun, Mar 15; Fri: 12 – 8 p.m.; Sat: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; jurassicquest.com

If representative has his way, ‘grooming’ will become a felony

Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, recently advanced legislation to make “grooming” a felony crime in Oklahoma.

Senate Bill 1540 would make it a felony for an individual to willfully or maliciously engage in “grooming,” in which an adult establishes a relationship with a minor with the intent to engage the child in sexual activity. The crime would be punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

“In our time, we have witnessed one of the largest increases in the ‘grooming’ and targeting of our kids,” Bullard said. “For far too long, we have waited until the damage has been done to step in and stop kids from being ‘groomed’ for sexual exploitation. Senate Bill 1540 works to stop pe-

dophiles before they have a chance to severely and permanently damage our kids.”

The bill defines “grooming” as an individual befriending or establishing an emotional connection with a minor, or with a person responsible for the minor’s health, safety or well-being, in an effort to lower the minor’s inhibitions with the intent to engage in lewd or sexual acts.

“Children are a blessing from the Lord and must be protected from predators,” Bullard said. “This legislation is about stopping the sexualization of children at its earliest stages and holding predators accountable before irreversible harm is done.”

SB 1540 recently passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and now awaits a vote of the full Senate.

‘Children are a blessing from the Lord and must be protected from predators.’

SQ 836 signatures fall short

State Question 836 will not appear on the ballot after failing to meet Oklahoma’s signature verification requirements, demonstrating the strength of petition modernization reforms passed under the leadership of Speaker Charles McCall.

McCall led the effort in 2020 to modernize Oklahoma’s initiative petition process as part of his Modernizing Government initiative. The reforms replaced outdated verification methods with a comprehensive digital system designed to increase transparency, improve accuracy, and restore confidence in the petition process.

The law authorized the Oklahoma Secretary of State to partner with a third-party verification vendor, Western Petition Systems, to digitally review every signature against the state’s voter registration database.

For State Question 836, more than

209,000 signature lines across over 27,000 petition sheets were digitally scanned and verified through the system created by McCall’s reforms. Each signature was checked against the voter file using multiple data points, and non-matching records were reviewed multiple times to ensure every possible valid signature was counted.

McCall said the failure of SQ 836 shows why modernizing the petition process was critical to protecting Oklahoma’s elections.

“I’m glad to see State Question 836 fall short,” McCall said. “This was a California-style power grab, plain and simple. Outside activists tried to rewrite Oklahoma’s election system and weaken the voice of conservative voters. Because of the laws we passed, every signature had to meet the standard and every rule had to be followed.”

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

The political scramble

By Steve Gust

The nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin to a cabinet post has certainly caused a stir in Oklahoma politics.

Mullin, if approved, would become the new secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. That’s a pretty big job. If he’s approved it creates an opening for senator. I never knew how many people wanted to be a U.S. senator until this opened up. It’s got the potential to open up other posts as well. Someone wanting to be governor might change their mind and file for senator next month. As of press time nobody has been named for the job. It would be hard for me to be in the senate. I probably wouldn’t be very diplomatic in Washington. It seems like Mullin wasn’t always either — especially in committee hearings with liberal Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. They had a few well known spats over the years. I won-

der if Sanders is going to miss Mullin. They obviously didn’t agree on a lot of things but their disagreements made for pretty good theater.

—The airstrikes on Iran came as a surprise to me the other week.

I had hoped something like that wouldn’t be necessary. But apparently the administration is worried about Iran and nukes.

I can understand that. It’s a shame we still have to worry about the use of these gosh awful weapons.

The scenario is a true “darned if you do and darned if you don’t” equation.

Nobody wants to wake up someday to turn on the television and see some city leveled to the ground by a nuke.

Then again, nobody now is very happy to be attacking a foreign nation.

It’s a shame that diplomatic talks didn’t seem to help much.

Maybe, just maybe, this will all be over seen.

(Steve Gust, editor, may be reached for comment at news@edmondpaper.com)

Lankford takes action in fight against fraud

US Senator James Lankford (R-OK), a founding member of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Caucus, introduced the Stop Unemployment Fraud Act alongside Congressman Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-16) to strengthen safeguards against fraud in the unemployment insurance system and protect taxpayer dollars.

“Making the government more efficient isn’t a partisan issue, it’s an American issue,” said Lankford. “During COVID, fraudsters exploited loopholes in the unemployment system and stole billions while taxpayers were left with the bill. This legislation strengthens verification, improves coordination between states, and ensures benefits go to the Americans who actually qualify, not criminals exploiting the system.”

“Bad actors stole more than $100 billion in pandemic-era unemployment benefits, and recent discoveries in Minnesota illustrate that vulnerabilities in the unemployment system continue to persist,” said Smucker. “Congress bears ultimate responsibility for protecting taxpayer dollars. The Stop Unemploy-

ment Fraud Act will help states recover stolen funds and strengthen safeguards to ensure the long-term integrity of this program.”

The Stop Unemployment Fraud Act would:

Strengthen identity verification requirements for unemployment claimants

Require states to cross-check claims using fraud detection systems to prevent duplicate or improper payments

End the “pay and chase” model by ensuring benefits are not issued before eligibility is verified

Strengthen work-search requirements and federal oversight of state compliance

Allow states to retain a portion of recovered overpayments to invest in fraud prevention and program administration

Joining Lankford and Smucker in introducing the legislation are Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee Mike Crapo (R-ID), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) along with Representatives Adrian Smith (RNE-03), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24), Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04), Max Miller (R-OH-07), Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24), Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Jodey Arrington (R-TX-19), Blake Moore (R-UT-01), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01), Carol Miller (R-WV-01), Vince Fong (R-CA20), and Aaron Bean (R-FL-04).

Outside groups supporting the legislation are the National Taxpayers Union, Americans for Tax Reform, US Chamber of Commerce, America First Policy Institute, Taxpayer Protection Alliance, and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

Background

Lankford has led multiple efforts in Congress to increase transparency and accountability in federal spending. Earlier this year, he released the latest edition of his government waste report, Federal Fumbles. He also championed the Taxpayers' Right-to-Know Act, which resulted in the launch of the Federal Program Inventory (FPI) in 2024, so Americans can better see how their tax dollars are being spent.

Homeless & mental illness issues reviewed

Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa, passed HB 4200 out of the Committee on Health and Human Services Oversight. The measure seeks to close a public safety gap by standing up Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) teams across the state to address the revolving door between homeless individuals with severe mental illness and the criminal justice system.

The bill directs the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to develop a public-private partnership called the "Forensic Assertive Community Treatment Program." The program's purpose is to develop forensic assertive community treatment teams across the state.

"With this bill we are addressing an issue I hear about frequently from my constituents: how do we address individuals who are severely mentally ill and living on the streets to keep them and the public safe?” said Schreiber. “This one-time investment by the state will help us stand up relationships with the courts and jails systems needed to ensure we address those coming out of jail before they return to the street by ensuring these individuals are connected to

the right treatments to stop the revolving door. For every dollar we invest in FACT teams taxpayers see $1.50 in savings. This is the kind of thing we should invest in because everybody ends up safer.”

Healthy Minds Policy Initiative, an Oklahoma nonprofit working to improve mental health across the state, helped with this legislation.

“Across the state, communities struggle to support individuals with complex needs and serious mental illness. Too often, these individuals wind up in jail, hospital emergency rooms or in extended homelessness,” said Zack Stoycoff, president & CEO of Healthy Minds Policy Initiative. “Assertive Community Treatment is an evidence-based model with decades of research showing it works, and it’s cheaper than the costly alternatives we’re already paying for as a society.”

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a mobile, team-based treatment model that instills stability and self-sufficiency for individuals with serious mental illness. ACT teams provide full-time medical and mental health care, as well as housing and employment assistance. Forensic Assertive Community Treatment

Letters to the Editor policy

is a variation on this model focusing on individuals with a history of criminal justice involvement, promoting public safety as well as improved individual outcomes.

The new program would address the creation of a Tulsa County, Oklahoma County, and a rural forensic assertive community treatment team with additional teams determined by community need and funding; identification of the population most in need of intense community-based psychiatric services; development or adoption of a tool to measure the fidelity of the forensic assertive community treatment teams; and the development of partnerships within local communities to assist in the provision of the program.

The bill creates a revolving fund that would house one-time, startup funding if appropriated by the Legislature. A 25% private match in year one and additional private funds in year two would be needed to launch the teams.

The bill’s Senate author is Sen. Dave Rader, RTulsa.

HB 4200 now moves to the House Floor for consideration.

——-

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, issued the following statement celebrating President Trump on his decision to appoint Markwayne Mullin, R-Oklahoma, to serve as Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security.

“I understand why President Trump would choose Senator Mullin for this role. He is immensely qualified and has done a phenomenal job representing Oklahoma in the United States Senate. Under the Biden Administration, every state became a border state. I have no doubt that Senator Mullin will play an essential role in continuing the work President Trump’s administration has undertaken to restore order and strengthen enforcement. He is someone who will step into a position that is critically important for our country right now.”

Make St. Pat’s Day happy & tasty

By Carol Smaglinski

Once, when young ladies attended an Irish wedding, at the reception they received a slice of the wedding cake.

The guests took it home and placed it under their pillows in hopes they might dream of a future husband.

In Ireland, surrounded by the sea, another tradition involves bread being broken over the new bride’s head, announcing that she is no longer a maiden, but a wife. As we now say, “that was my maiden name.”

Eager lads and lassies would gently throw bits of bread crumbs at the bride signifying that she should never go hungry.

Toasted, or fresh out of the oven, the scent of it baking is exhilarating to everyone. Making it is a creative art and civilization cannot live without “the staff of life.”

However, for a brief time during the Second World War in 1943, as reported on CBS recently, people were asked not to buy sliced bread.

The government needed the waxed paper the bread was being wrapped in and also the steel in the slicing machines to support the war effort.

This caused people to object, and probably pushed home bakers into baking their own.

But they struggled with slicing problems, as they most likely did not own a serrated edge knife blade, which was already invented in 1919.

The ban on bread was abruptly ended due to protests.

To celebrate St. Pat’s, might I suggest Irish Soda Bread, a “quick bread” with caraway seeds (with its licorice flavor) and raisins, which does not require yeast, and skips the rising time because it is leavened with baking powder and baking soda.

There are lots of options to this recipe. First, don’t be afraid to use plain yogurt instead of the buttermilk.

And instead of raisins, use currants or dates. Soak the raisins in a bit of Irish whiskey for extra flavor.

As for the custom of cutting a fourleaf-clover sign onto the top of the bread, it was originally done to signify the Sign of the Cross (a Catholic Irish tradition) and perhaps ward off evil fairies.

For cutting the top of the bread, use a serrated edged blade or a razor blade. It also helps to let the steam

out of the bread and grow.

This is delicious with your Corned Beef and Cabbage main dish and Guinness Draught or Merlot.

Irish Soda Bread

Makes 2 loaves

4 to 4 and ½ cups all purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

3 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 Tbsp. caraway seeds

¼ cup sugar

4 Tbsp. firm, cold butter

½ cup raisins

1 and ¾ cup buttermilk

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar. Add raisins and with two knives, cut the butter into the mixture until it is crumbly. Add butter-

milk. Mix until all the dough is moistened.

Turn out to a wooden board and knead gently only about 10 times and do not overwork the dough. Divide into two parts.

Place the balls of dough on well greased cookie sheets or place each in greased skillets that are ovenproof.

Pat each ball of dough into circles about 3 inches tall.

Dust the loaves with flour and with a sharp serrated edged knife or razor blade, cut a “plus sign” across the tops of the loaves about ½ inch deep.

Bake for about 35 minutes until the bread reaches 190 degrees. To keep the crust from getting soggy, cool the bread on a rack. It is at its finest if eaten on the same day.

Serve with butter, honey or maple syrup.

Fitness goals for spring break and even beyond

By Brian Attebery

Spring break is around the corner. For some of you, that means you are hitting your diet and workout hard in anticipation for your first days back at the beach. For others, it can spark the thoughts of nicer weather and know summer is around the corner and you need to stay focused on your workout and fitness goals. Let’s be honest, it is very difficult to stay focused on that stuff. I think it is very important to have goals but not limit them to an “end goal” but look at these goals as pit stops and re-checks. Spring break should be an example of a intermediate goal through the year as you journey through the rest of the year.

When I go on vacation, I try to maintain a certain level of fitness to keep my momentum going. For one, I know that vacation marks a change in my eating patterns somewhat. Let’s be honest, we associate taking breaks, holidays, and parties with some foods and drink choices that are probably not on your “perfect” diet list. That is okay. I know that if I get up and go get a workout before the day starts, I will boost my metabolism and feel better as a whole. It is important to remind yourself that working out is not a punishment or a negative thing but a positive activity that will keep you healthier physically and mentally. It is a blessing. You also can approach your vacation workouts as “maintenance” and do 50-70% of what you normally do. This will not only keep you feeling better but also make your transition back to your normal routine easier the following week if you keep your fitness schedule maintained to some degree.

I know several clients that set quarterly goals. They may also use those quarterly goals as a way to push for a reward like a weekend get away or to go shopping and see if they can fit

‘Cardio

into a new outfit, they treat themselves for. If you have been avoiding certain types of foods or that favorite restaurant that is not the healthiest option typically, these quarterly rewards may be perfect for a goal to shoot for at the end of each fitness quarterly segment.

Have you ever had your body fat percentage checked? If not, you really should. Weighing yourself can wreak havoc on your mind. It is not that weight doesn’t mean “anything” but it doesn’t mean “everything”. I have seen hundreds of clients dramatically change over the course of several months and years but are shocked by how much they weigh still. Muscles have a weight and we need muscle to have tone, shape, strength, and to increase your resting metabolism. If you don’t lift weights and all you do is cardio, you are severally limiting your metabolism potential. Cardio only limits a boost of metabolism to the session you are performing in and a few hours after. Weightlifting builds muscle which in turn raises your metabolism 24/7 because muscle burns calories by just existing. Make sure you include cardio AND weights in your weekly routines.

Spring break is here and many of us are not where we want to be for our ideal fitness level. That is okay. Spring break can also be a great time to recognize that and look at your priorities and goals. Do you have a weight routine? Have you started including cardio in your routine? Do you have any idea of what you eat per day in terms of calories, proteins, carbs, and fats? These questions should be the true goals. Vacations and breaks are what you throw into the mix to get yourself focused on these facets of your fitness. Give yourself a break and spring into fitness with new goals for you and your family.

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

only limits a boost of metabolism to the session you are performing in and a few hours after.’

Culinary teams excel

Students from Francis Tuttle Technology Center claimed the top two spots in the culinary division at the 2026 Ben E. Keith Oklahoma ProStart Student Invitational.

Culinary teams had just 60 minutes to prepare a three-course meal using only two butane burners and without access to running water or electricity. In addition to taste, competitors were judged based on technical skill, teamwork, food safety, and sanitation process.

The championship team included Sophia Arnold (Edmond North High School senior), Abby Harris (Deer Creek High School junior), Gabriella Kipf (Epic Charter Schools senior), Keira Stallings (Edmond North High School senior), and Victoria Yang (Deer Creek High School senior). The team will represent Oklahoma at the 2026 National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore in April, marking the second straight appearance for Arnold, Stallings, and Yang.

The team’s menu featured a chicken ballotine entree, a shrimp and corn cake appetizer, and a ruby chocolate mousse dessert. Each dish was developed through extensive trial and error to perfect flavor combinations.

ProStart is unique from other competitions Francis Tuttle students participate in because it’s a team event instead of an individual one. Anna Banda, Francis Tuttle Culinary instructor, said the team aspect provides “a snapshot of the culinary industry because you’re never alone in the kitchen.”

“You can’t do it by yourself,” Banda said. “There has to be communication. There has to be teamwork. There has to be setting aside differences. There has to be coming when you don’t feel like it, and the teams did all those things. They checked all those boxes, and their hard work really paid off.”

ProStart also provides students

with exposure to industry professionals who serve as mentors and judges. In addition to Banda’s coaching, students were mentored by Jessie Gomez, a former Francis Tuttle student who now works as an executive sous chef at Birdies by Chef Kevin Lee and hosts a pop-up concept.

Competitions like ProStart require planning and practice hours outside of the regular Francis Tuttle classes, and students often practiced before school in the mornings and on Saturdays.

For Yang, those early mornings and practices were worth it.

“It’s really exciting because I know we’ve worked hard,” Yang said. “We’ve been getting up really early to do it, and I feel happy that it’s all paid off to this. It was a really fun experience. I feel like we definitely had our moments of struggling, but we had a lot of fun doing it together.”

Each year, Banda encourages students to capture a visual record of their progress as they prepare for the competition.

“When they have an idea or concept that they have in their heads, the first time you see it on a plate, it’s like OK, we have a lot of work to do before we can make it to this day and definitely make it to first place,” Banda shared. “But I always remind them to look at that plate. I always have them take a picture of that first plate that first day so they can see how far they’ve come. A lot of times they don’t think it’s possible.”

Seeing this growth and improvement was a highlight for Arnold.

“My favorite part was seeing how our plates grew,” Arnold said. “You can see at the beginning how they looked, then at the end how much we grew and how much effort we put in to make them 110%.”

Review of movie ‘Hoppers’

Not Pixar’s best, but not bad either

By George Gust

Pixar built its reputation on a rare combination of technical bravado and emotional honesty. Films that could make you laugh and then quietly gutpunch you in the next scene. For a while now, though, the studio has felt less like the undisputed leader of animated storytelling and more like a veteran trying on new hats: technically immaculate, occasionally timid in its choices. “Hoppers” feels like a deliberate course correction and a return to the riskier, more thematically adventurous work that made early Pixar films feel essential. It doesn’t always land, but it’s refreshing to see the studio willing to tussle with death, nature, and weird, chaotic energy again.

“Hoppers” follows a 19-year-old animal lover who uses a technology that places her consciousness into a robotic beaver to uncover mysteries within the animal world beyond her imagination.

What works is the film’s appetite for tonal variety and its willingness to be a little messy. The comedy is off the wall and often unexpected, which finds laughs in places you wouldn’t expect to. There’s a new kind of chaos here that feels aimed at younger viewers raised on rapid, short-

form content, and that breakneck pace can be energizing. The emotional core, especially the evolving relationship between Mabel and King George, is surprisingly heartfelt. What starts as adversarial softens into something genuinely moving. Where Hoppers stumbles is in its world building. The mechanics of humans switching to robots, animals with shifting perspectives, are clever but dense, and younger kids may get lost in the rules. The film’s 1 hour 45 minute runtime is packed, and the relentless tempo sometimes makes transitions feel jarring rather than thrilling.

The animation favors a cartoonish, accessible style over hyper real polish, which suits the story’s

zanier beats and keeps the visuals warm and readable. There are moments of visual dissonance, notably when animal eyes flip from expressive, humanlike windows to blank, beady stares, that can feel a little too intense for younger viewers. The sound design and score lean into the chaos in productive ways, amplifying both the comedy and the unease. Voice performances are solid across the board, and the supporting cast does the steady work of grounding the film so the emotional moments land.

Overall, “Hoppers” is a fun, occasionally flawed return to form for Pixar. It’s not the studio’s most polished or coherent film, but its daring choices and surprising heart make it one of the more interesting entries in recent years. If you’re ready for a slightly wild ride that mixes genuine feeling with whackier antics, this one’s worth your time.

“Hoppers” is rated PG for action/peril, some scary images and mild language.

3.8 out of 5 stars

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

Festival of the Arts set for April

Crossword Puzzle

Arts Council Oklahoma City proudly announces the 60th Annual Festival of the Arts, returning to Bicentennial Park in downtown Oklahoma City April 23–26, 2026. Presented by MidFirst Bank, and Inasmuch Foundation, and Devon Energy, the Festival marks six decades of bringing world-class visual, performing, and culinary arts together in the heart of the city.

For 60 years, Festival of the Arts has been Oklahoma City’s annual rite of spring — a tradition that blends art, music, food, and shared community experience into four unforgettable days.

“The 2026 Festival marks a true milestone as we celebrate six decades of a beloved tradition,” said 2026 Festival CoChairs Sarah Frank and Richard Forshee. “These 60 years of unforgettable Oklahoma memories reflect 60 years of worldclass art and music, incredible food, and the coming together of our community each spring. The Festival holds a special place in our city’s story — from first works of art purchased to marriage proposals under the trees of Bicentennial Park.”

Town Hall guest will show how the blind artist creates art

John Bramblitt makes his living as a visual artist — despite having no measurable vision. His artwork has been sold and displayed in museums worldwide.

He has received three Presidential Service Awards for the art workshops he teaches and has painted portraits of skateboard legend Tony Hawk and blues musician Pops Carter. Bramblitt lectured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and his life and work have been featured in a documentary.

Now 54, Bramblitt began losing his vision in his twenties and lost all functional sight in 2001 while in college. After learning to navigate campus independently with a white cane, he realized he could apply those same spatial skills to painting—using touch, memory, and spatial awareness instead of sight.

“If I could cross a city without getting hit by a car,” Bramblitt says, “I realized I could navigate across a canvas.”

In his earliest gallery shows, Bramblitt did not tell audiences he was blind—and the art sold. That experience led him to become the world’s first blind muralist and an internationally recognized voice on creativity, neuroplasticity, and the brain’s ability to adapt.

During the Oklahoma City Town Hall lecture, Bramblitt will paint a piece of artwork live on stage, demonstrating how he creates through touch rather than sight. The completed piece will be donated to a charitable organization, helping raise awareness and support through art.

For more information and tickets, visit https://okctownhall.org/.

VISUALS:

• Live painting by a blind artist

• Close-ups of tactile painting techniques

• Audience interaction

• Finished painting reveal

The Hidden Cost of Outdated Phone Systems, And What Smart Businesses Are Doing Instead

In today’s rapidly shifting business landscape, communication has become more than a basic operational need, it’s a strategic advantage. Whether you’re running a small business, managing a healthcare practice, supporting students in an educational setting, or keeping a hospitality operation running smoothly, the ability to connect quickly and reliably has never mattered more.Yet many organizations are still relying on outdated phone systems that weren’t built for the way we work today. Hybrid schedules, remote teams, customer expectations, and the need for real-time collaboration have pushed traditional systems to their limits. We all have instant communication at our fingertips and expect that same connectivity with the businesses we work with and for. That’s where cloud-based communication solutions are stepping in to transform the way businesses operate.

Cox Business Connect with RingCentral is helping organizations modernize their communications with tools designed for flexibility, mobility, and growth. Instead of being tied to a physical phone line or location, teams can call, message, meet, and collaborate from anywhere, all through a single, unified platform.

For small businesses, this shift is especially powerful. Owners can stay connected to customers whether they’re on-site, on the road, or working from home. Calls can be routed intelligently, customer interactions can be tracked more easily, and teams can respond faster, without the cost or complexity of traditional systems.

Across all industries, the common thread is clear: businesses need communication tools that adapt as quickly as they do. Cox Business Connect with RingCentral offers a scalable, cloud-based solution that grows with your organization, reduces downtime, and supports the modern workforce.

In the hospitality industry, where guest experience is everything, cloud communications help staff coordinate seamlessly across departments. Whether it’s housekeeping, front desk, maintenance, or management, everyone stays aligned in real time, improving service and reducing delays.

Education environments benefit from the ability to connect faculty, staff, and families through secure, reliable channels. With communication tools that work across devices, schools can streamline operations, support hybrid learning models, and ensure that important information reaches the right people quickly.

Healthcare organizations, meanwhile, are navigating a world where patient communication is increasingly digital. Cloud-based systems help practices manage appointment reminders, telehealth interactions, and internal coordination with greater efficiency while maintaining compliance and reliability.

As technology continues to evolve, the organizations that invest in smarter communication tools today will be the ones best positioned to thrive tomorrow. Cloud communications aren’t just a trend, they’re becoming the new standard for operational excellence.

To explore how Cox Business Connect with RingCentral can support your organization’s communication needs, visit our website: www.cox.com/business/collaboration/ringcentral.html

By Elena Capehart

The Amygdala Hijack

When life feels overwhelming, it can help us to understand what’s happening inside our heads. Stress is not simply our imagination running amok, it’s a physiological response designed to keep us alive. The same system that helped our ancestors survive predators now activates when we’re stuck in traffic, worried about our finances, or waiting for a difficult medical result.

At the center of this neurological response is a small, almond-shaped structure deep in the brain called the amygdala. The amygdala acts like a smoke detector. Its job is to constantly scan for danger and sound the alarm when it senses a threat. Importantly, the amygdala does not carefully evaluate whether a threat is big or small, modern or ancient. It simply reacts.

When the amygdala detects danger, it signals other parts of the brain and body to prepare for survival. This is commonly known as the “fight, flight, or freeze” response. The heart beats faster to pump blood into the muscles. We sweat. Breathing quickens. Muscles tense. Digestion

slows. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline surge. In a true emergency, this response can save a life.

So why can this be a problem? The amygdala responds to emotional and psychological threats much the same way it responds to physical danger. A critical email from a supervisor, an argument with a loved one, or a worrying news headline can all trigger the same alarm system. The body cannot easily distinguish between “There’s a bear in the woods” and “My friend didn’t smile at me when I said ‘Hello’.”

In stressful moments, another key brain region, the prefrontal cortex, plays an important role. Located just behind the forehead, the prefrontal cortex helps us reason, plan, weigh evidence, and regulate emotions. It’s the part of the brain that can say, “Take a breath. Let’s think this through and truly assess this threat.”

However, when stress levels rise too quickly or too intensely, the amygdala can temporarily override, or “hijack,” the prefrontal cortex. In that state, what little thinking can we do becomes more black-and-white, reactive, and future-focused on worst-case scenarios. We may snap at someone, avoid a situation entirely, or feel paralyzed and unable to act. These are modern versions of fight, flight, or freeze.

Because the brain processes many types of threats in similar ways, small stressors can accumulate. A missed phone call, an unexpected bill, and a tense conversation—each may trigger a stress response. Over time, this repeated activation can lead to chronic anxiety. The mind begins scanning constantly for potential problems. Worry becomes an attempt to prevent danger before it happens.

From a biological perspective, worry is the brain’s effort to protect us. It says, “If I think about this enough, maybe I can prevent something bad.” But chronic worry often has the opposite effect. Instead of solving problems, it keeps the amygdala activated and the body in a near-constant state of alert. Sleep may suffer. Concentration may decline. Minor issues may start to feel enormous. The good news is that the brain is adaptable. Just as it can learn to be more reactive, it can also learn to be more regulated. This is where coping skills can help.

The cognitive model is based on a powerful idea: our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. A stressful event (for example, receiving feedback at work) triggers thoughts (“I’m terrible at this”), which lead to feelings (anxiety, shame) and behaviors (avoidance, overworking, irritability). By changing how we interpret and respond to events, we can reduce emotional distress.

One CBT skill involves identifying and challenging automatic thoughts. When you notice anxiety rising, pause and ask: What I’m telling myself right now, is it 100% true? Is this helpful or hurtful? Is there another possible explanation? This process engages the prefrontal cortex and helps calm the amygdala. It’s useful to distinguish between productive problem-solving and unproductive worry. If a problem is actionable, set aside specific time to brainstorm solutions and take concrete steps. If the worry concerns something outside your control, practice gently redirecting your attention to the present moment.

Another helpful tool is grounding through the body. Slow, diaphragmatic breathing sends a signal to the nervous system that the threat has passed and can gradually reduce physiological arousal. Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and time outdoors also support stress regulation by lowering baseline tension levels.

Behavioral strategies are equally important. Avoidance may reduce anxiety in the short term, but it teaches the brain that the situation is truly dangerous.

Gradual, planned exposure to feared situations, making sure the steps are small and manageable, helps retrain the amygdala. Over time, the brain learns: “I can handle this.”

Stress is a normal part of being human. Our brains are wired to detect and respond to threats, large and small.

But understanding the amygdala’s alarm system and learning skills to regulate it can help us maintain control. With practice, we can strengthen the brain’s capacity for calm, flexible thinking, and respond to life’s challenges with greater resilience rather than reflexive fear.

Elena Capehart, M.A. LPC, is a staff therapist at Edmond Family Counseling. She works with teens and young adults utilizing CBT to address challenges with anxiety, depression, and life skills. Edmond Family Counseling is a non-profit organization. We can be reached at 405-3413554 to schedule an appointment with one of our professional counselors. Follow us on our Facebook Page @ Edmond Family Counseling for additional information regarding mental health awareness.

Chamber honoree Best of Books

A look at the Small Business of the Year

By Kimberly Burk, for Edmond Life and Leisure

Just as Joe and Nan Hight had hoped when they purchased the store, Best of Books has become a gathering place, and a vehicle for community service.

The Hights along with their daughter Elena bought the bookstore in Kickingbird Shopping Center 11 years ago, and on Feb. 5 it was recognized as the Edmond Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year for 2025.

Nan had been a band director for 30 years in public and private schools, and Joe was a longtime newspaper editor before joining the journalism faculty at the University of Central Oklahoma. The transition to a bookstore was not such a stretch.

Joe and Elena were lifelong avid readers, and Nan says she has become one.

“It was a change in what I did on my own time,” she said. “You have to read books to sell books.”

Nan now has a long list of books she can recommend to customers. Historical fiction is one of her favorite genres.

The property was remodeled in 2021 and rearranged to offer a sitting area and spaces for books clubs, events and author visits.

“We do a lot of events,” Nan said. “We do a Where’s Waldo, which is a

citywide scavenger hunt. We do story time on Saturdays. We hold activities during spring break, all free or at a nominal cost for supplies.”

Best of Books sponsors a book club and offers space to community book clubs, such as one for young adults.

“I’ve had an opportunity to meet so many wonderful authors, and to take them to Edmond schools where they will tell their stories to the students,” Nan said. “We also make donations to schools.”

The Hights ramped up the website and social media presence after buying the store, and a good chunk of their sales are online.

“We have authors that use our store exclusively for book signings, so we take orders from all over the world. I have a staff that’s been with me a long time and that makes a huge difference in the values that we want and that we continued. Customer service is a top priority,” Nan said.

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and most book signings are in the evenings.

Nan runs day-to-day operations, as Elena is now living in Oregon and studying nursing. Her sister, Elyse, also lives in Oregon and works at Nike’s corporate headquarters in Beaverton.

Rebate for State Farm customers?

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, one of the largest writers of auto insurance in Oklahoma, announced it is sending $5 billion back to qualifying auto customers through a dividend following stronger-than-expected underwriting performance.

State Farm informed the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) that it authorized the distribution of a policyholder dividend to Private Passenger Auto (PPA) Voluntary Preferred policies.

The dividend for Oklahoma policyholders with a policy in force as of December 31, 2025, is 10.0% of the premium earned during that period, or more than $101.5 million, for an average preferred dividend of $112 per vehicle, distributed to nearly 1 million policyholders.

This dividend comes on the heels of two rate reductions on State Farm auto policies last year.

“This is excellent news for Oklahoma policyholders,” said Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready.

“When insurers perform well and maintain strong underwriting discipline, it creates opportunities like this to benefit customers directly. A dividend of this size demonstrates financial stability, responsible rate management, and a commitment to returning value to policyholders. At a time when families are carefully managing their budgets, an average of $112 per vehicle can make a meaningful difference. We welcome actions that reward consumers and reflect a healthy, competitive insurance marketplace in Oklahoma.”

OID encourages consumers with questions about their coverage or dividend eligibility to contact their agent or State Farm directly. OID remains committed to protecting policyholders and promoting a stable, competitive insurance market.

Battling higher gas prices

High gas prices have returned sharply during the recent conflict in the Middle East, leaving many drivers facing unexpectedly high costs at the pump.

After a period of relatively stable and low gas prices, the national average price for regular unleaded gas -which had been below $3/gallon since early December 2025 – quickly jumped following the military action in Iran that began on February 28th. The national average gas price is now $3.45 (as of March 8), and the average in Oklahoma is $2.96, up 49 cents in the past week.

“As drivers, we can’t control the global fuel market, but we can control how efficiently we use every gallon,” said Shawn Steward, Public & Government Affairs Manager for AAA Oklahoma. “Additionally, there is uncertainty about how high prices will go and how long they will stay high, but there are simple actions drivers can take to improve their gas mileage and save money at the

Joe is writing another nonfiction book, consults daily on bookstore matters, serves on a number of nonprofit boards and retired Dec. 16 as the Edith Gaylord Endowed Chair of Journalism Ethics at UCO. He re-

mains as director of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame, where he was inducted as a member in 2013.

“I’ve grown to love it,” Nan said of the business. “I have great employees who do a great job."

pumps.”

From regular car care to using resources for gas discounts and adapting the way we drive, motorists can follow these tips from AAA to lessen the pain at the pumps:

Vehicle Maintenance

Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Modern cars don’t need “tune-ups,” but regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy, performance and longevity.

Take your car to a repair shop as soon as possible if the “Check Engine” light comes on. This indicates a problem that is causing excessive emissions and likely reducing fuel economy.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflation reduces fuel economy, but more importantly, tires low on air degrade handling and braking, wear more rapidly and can overheat and blow out.

Measures could affect education

Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, passed two measures aimed at modifying governance and oversight of the Oklahoma State Board of Education through committee.

House Joint Resolution 1055 would create a state question asking voters whether to make the state superintendent of public instruction an appointed position beginning in 2034. House Bill 3327 would increase the board’s membership and give two appointments each to the Speaker of the House and Senate President Pro Tempore.

"Oklahoma has witnessed extreme volatility at the State Department of Education and its board in recent years, and our constituents are demanding improved stability and oversight," Osburn said. "By involving the Legislature and the governor in appointments of the superintendent and board members, we can align the department and board with the constitutional responsibility of the people’s elected representatives. Most importantly, these measures will reinforce public trust in one of Oklahoma's most critical agencies. Best of all, we will let the people themselves decide

whether the state superintendent remains an elected position or an appointed one."

HJR1055 proposes a state question that, if approved by voters, would change the process by which the state superintendent of public instruction is selected. Under the proposal, the State Board of Education would gather applications, conduct interviews and produce a list of three to five candidates. The governor would appoint the superintendent from that list, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The resolution also outlines removal procedures for the superintendent. The superintendent could be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of both the House and Senate, or by order of the governor combined with a two-thirds vote of either legislative chamber.

"Over the past three years, Oklahomans have witnessed the efficiencies, or lack thereof, of both elected and appointed state superintendents," Osburn said. "I believe now is the perfect time to ask the people whether they're satisfied with the current election process or if they want the position to be appointed."

State Treasurer’s monthly income report

State Treasurer Todd Russ released the February 2026 State Tax Revenue Report, showing total monthly revenue of $1.2 billion, a 0.5% increase from February 2025 month to month. Revenues were 22.5% lower than January, reflecting typical seasonal changes following stronger start-of-year receipts. Over the last 12 months, Oklahoma revenues total $17.23 billion, up 2.2% year-over-year, continuing a six-month pattern of steady fiscal growth.

“February’s report reflects moderating revenue growth following December’s peak, with the rolling 12-month total remaining positive and reinforcing Oklahoma’s underlying fiscal stability,” said State Treasurer Todd Russ. “While revenues eased from January’s elevated level, they remain slightly above last February, indicating stability as Okla-

homa moves through the early months of 2026.”

Key Takeaways from February 2026 Report

Total Monthly Revenue: $1.2 billion, up 0.5% year-over-year, reflecting steady economic activity early in 2026.

Sales & Use Tax: $506.8 million, up 0.9% from last year, signaling stable consumer spending.

Income Tax: $406.8 million, down 0.3% yearover-year, reflecting softer individual and corporate receipts.

Gross Production Tax (oil & gas): $87.4 million, down 9.9% from last year, reflecting lower commodity pricing compared to early 2025.

Motor Vehicle Tax: $72.7 million, up 20.1% year-over-year, indicating stronger vehicle registrations and sales activity.

Other Sources: $113.7 million, up 0.6% yearover-year, showing modest gains across a broad mix of smaller revenue streams.

12-Month Total: $17.23 billion, up $362.9 million (2.2%) year-over-year, demonstrating continued stability in Oklahoma’s overall fiscal base. Revenue Trend and Economic Context Revenue growth strengthened through the fall and peaked in December at the highest level since early 2023, before moderating in January and slowing further in February. The 12-month ending revenue growth registered 0.04%, following 0.29% in November, 0.70% in December, and 0.11% in January.

“WHEN