Edmond Life and Leisure - March 19, 2026

In This Issue

Heard on Hurd’s 13th season gets under way Saturday

Citizens Bank of Edmond’s Heard on Hurd block party in Downtown Edmond, is expected to attract more than 70 vendors for the March 21st event.

This is the first event in the 2026 season and is expected to attract a large crowd of local Oklahomans. Food trucks and local retailers will line Broadway and the side streets of downtown Edmond. YZMN will headline the event in addition to performances from Maddox Ross and Matt Moran & The Palominos.

The fun gets under way in Downtown Edmond, at the corner of Broadway and Hurd Saturday, March 21, from 6 to 10 p.m.

Heard on Hurd was started by Citizens Bank to revitalize downtown Edmond and showcase local talent

and small businesses. Last year, the event hosted a total of 82 unique food trucks, 36 performing artists, and 115 local retail vendors during the season. The award-winning event has not only become a beloved tradition but has also generated more than $100 million in economic impact, driving local businesses’ growth and meaningful community-based connections. About Citizens Bank of Edmond

Founded in 1901 in the same intersection where it stands today, employee-owned Citizens Bank of Edmond is proud to be one of only 14 women-led financial institutions in the US. With 71 employees and one location, the small but mighty bank is nationally renowned.

From the Publisher

Events coming to Edmond this summer

I was invited to a presentation by Visit Edmond last week. It was to let the world and now our readers know about four exciting events coming to Edmond this summer. I also went because Chef Robert Black was there providing local treats from Café Evoke and his Twisted Tree bakery. Newspaper folks are first for drinks or a buffet, but sweets will get us there as well.

These are events that will be fun for the family. Here goes:

May 29 – 30 is the Route 66 Triathlon Oklahoma State Championship at Arcadia Lake. You just must admire these incredible athletes.

June 21 – 27 is the National Junior High Finans Rodeo at the Lazy E Arena. This is some fast action rodeo folks.

July 25 – 30 is the Oklahoma Coaches Association Clinic and All State Games. It is taking place all over Edmond since we have great sports facilities that are close together for the athletes.

August 27 – 29 is the Beach Sprint Rowing Festival held at Arcadia Lake. Mike Knopp, father of rowing in OKC, is heading up this new event that will appear in the 2028 Olympics. Athletes race down the beach front to their boats, row out and back 250 yards and run back through the sand to the finish line. I cannot wait to see this.

We will carry more on each of these events as they get closer.

New incentive agreement in the works with city

The Edmond Public Works Authority is looking to partner with Covell35 Development for Legacy at Covell Retail Complex. The proposed agreement is a Development Incentive Agreement with Covell-35 Development, LLC to facilitate the creation of the Legacy at Covell Retail Shopping Complex. This ambitious project, located on approximately forty-six acres at the northwest corner of Interstate 35 and Covell Road, aims to bring significant economic growth and enhance the quality of life in the Edmond community.

If the project sounds familiar this site is the place where an incentives package was developed between this same developer and the city to entice Show Biz Cinema. The history is that even before COVID-19 hit, the project cut the business at Edmond’s longtime theater, Kickingbird Cinema, in

half and forced the building to be put up for sale despite assurances that there was enough demand for both movie theaters to operate. ICON cinema purchased the building, renovated it and it is open and serving Edmond once again.

My personal interest in all of this is my wife’s family owned Kickingbird movie theater and the entire Kickingbird Shopping center. It distressed the family all and not because they were afraid of competition. They are longtime property owners and developers. Their objection was that the city of Edmond was paying for Show Biz to come. The family has sold both the theatre and the shopping center. Attempts to get the same deal or any type of tax rebate for ICON were unsuccessful.

The other side of the coin is that City of Edmond has a revenue problem. Developers and retail outlets no longer desire to rush to Edmond, which is different from ten years ago. The process to build here is challenging to say the least and Oklahoma City now has dozens of wonderful places to build with a friendlier process. Edmond is moving to fix this situation, but the result has been a tax drain to Oklahoma City hence the reasons for the possible incentives.

The Legacy at Covell Retail Shopping Complex will feature a 250,000square-foot area, as outlined in the Master Plan. The development will include nine targeted retailers, such as DICK’S Sporting Goods, Whole

Foods, Hobby Lobby, Texas Roadhouse, Shake Shack, Barnes & Noble and Chipotle, among others. The complex is projected to generate approximately $100 million in annual gross sales revenue, contributing substantial utility and sales tax revenue to the city.

The project is expected to attract private investment, create jobs, and generate direct and indirect benefits for Edmond and its residents. The agreement outlines incentive payments of up to $17 million, contingent on milestones such as the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy and continuous operation of the targeted retailers. Priority anchor tenants, DICK’S Sporting Goods and Whole Foods, must meet specific conditions before any incentive payments are disbursed. I sure like the conditions for payment better than what the city has proposed before.

Covell-35 Development, LLC will ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, adhere to the approved Master Plan, and provide quarterly status reports on project costs and sales tax collections. EPWA, in turn, will remit incentive payments and consider approval of substitute retailers if necessary.

The agreement also provides a detailed legal description of the property, which spans multiple lots and communal areas within the subdivision known as "The Legacy at Covell." The retail complex will be situated on a tract of land that includes all of Lots

1 and 2 in Block 3, Lot 1 in Block 4, Lot 1 in Block 5, Lot 1 in Block 6, Common Areas 'A,' 'B,' and 'F,' as well as parts of Lot 1 and all of Lot 2 in Block 2. The property is further divided into two parcels, Parcel A and Parcel B, with detailed boundary descriptions provided in the agreement.

The agreement will remain in effect for seven years or until the maximum incentive payments are disbursed. It includes provisions for termination in cases of breach or default.

The Legacy at Covell Retail Shopping Complex is poised to become a cornerstone of economic development in Edmond, offering residents access to premier retail and dining options while boosting the local economy. Strategically located on the northwest corner of Interstate 35 and Covell, the development will provide easy access for residents and visitors alike.

The collaboration between EPWA and Covell-35 Development underscores the city’s commitment to fostering growth and enhancing community amenities. With the legal framework now in place, construction on the retail complex is anticipated to begin soon, bringing new businesses and amenities to the community. This sure beats the mounds of blowing dirt on the corner now.

You sure hope it goes well but there are two issues unresolved in my mind. The first is to include a plan to benefit existing businesses in Edmond that lose revenue from like businesses that come to Edmond and are receiving cash from the city. It could be in the form of a sales tax rebate as a ratio of sales and has a clear process for which they can apply.

The second is that this is the same developer that we have an agreement with where Show Biz is located. I believe the agreement is not being fulfilled. In the workshop at the city, they discussed making the settlement on this agreement being a separate negotiation.

I believe these issues should be resolved to the satisfaction of the original agreement before any other tax payments being paid.

I would normally be against it because of the fairness to local businesses, but I leave it to our city council to decide and readers to form Their own opinion. Please keep in mind that we do have a revenue and reputation issue in Edmond for getting developers and retail outlets to look our way. This agreement could improve both problems.

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

America 250 expected to enhance Edmond events, such as LibertyFest

By Kimberly Burk

For Edmond Life and Leisure

Fun and games will be practically nonstop during the coming months, as Edmond residents celebrate America 250 and the Route 66 Centennial.

“I just think it’s super special that America 250 and the Route 66 Centennial are the same year,” said Jennifer Thornton, tourism director for Visit Edmond.

“It really gives us a chance to elevate things such as the Edmond Arts Festival, which is May 1-3,” Thornton said.

Other big draws will include the Blue Hippo Festival in June and the 10-event LibertyFest.

The opening of Route 66 “was a big event in American history,” said Amy Stephens, director of the Edmond History Museum.

“The Route 66 Centennial and America 250 have given us a chance to broaden the programs we are already doing and give us some new things and to get creative,” Stephens said.

Thornton, who serves on the board of the Downtown Edmond Business Association, said efforts are underway “to decorate downtown even more than usual for the extra special Fourth of July celebration.”

Eriech Tapia, president and communications director of the nonprofit LibertyFest, said the theme this year is “From 1776 to Route 66: The Freedom of America Rolls On.”

“There’s a renewed attention to celebrating America this year, and we are really prepared for a bigger influx of people to come and celebrate our events,” Tapia said.

“Edmond is the quintessential American town that personifies the Americana theme of neighbors coming out and celebrating,” Tapia said.

Oklahoma has the most drive-able miles of Route 66, and 13.4 of those miles are in Edmond, Thornton said. Most of the LibertyFest events will be held on or near Route 66.

LibertyFest launches June 25 with a free outdoor concert on the University of Central Oklahoma campus.

A rodeo is set for June 26-27 at Carl Benne Arena, and a car show, Liberty Sprint and jazz festival are on tap for June 27. A scavenger hunt on wheels starts at noon June 28.

‘Trees

LibertyTrivia is July 1 at American Solera, and the Edmond History Museum will host the July 3 Songs and Stripes Radio Show.

The July 4 parade kicks off at 9 a.m. in downtown Edmond, and fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.

Frenzy Brewing Co.in downtown Edmond is working on a Red, White and Brew beer to be launched around July 4, Thornton said.

The Edmond celebration gets underway well before the July 4 holiday and is far from over on Independence Day, Thornton said.

Lori Prater, education manager for the Edmond History Museum, said a 1776 spin on high tea is planned for April 17-18 at the Rodkey House.

“Martha Washington will make an appearance, and other historical figures,” Prater said.

in Our Town’ exhibit will run through April 18

The Edmond History Museum presents Trees in Our Town, an annual Arbor Day Art Show featuring the award-winning art created by fifth graders from Edmond schools. The exhibit runs from Spring Break through April 18, 2026.

Winning Tree Art

The Edmond Urban Forestry Commission administers this art event annually as part of its Oklahoma Arbor Week celebration. Participating students depict trees through drawings and paintings. The first through third place and honorable mention winners from each school are then showcased at the Edmond History Museum. The Edmond Visual Arts Commission selects the three top “Best of Show” winners, and the Museum selects an “Edmond Heritage Award” for entries that interpret an aspect of Edmond culture or architecture and additional “Museum Favorite Awards.”

Top winners of 2026 are:

Best of Show 1st: Arbor Day by Reshini Sritha Permmansani, Orivs Risner Elementary

Best of Show 2nd: Root Reliance by Gailin McNeil, Holy Trinity Lutheran School

Best of Show 3rd: Untitled by Nataly Basset, Russell Doughtery Elementary

Museum Edmond Heritage Award: Music With Trees by Elisa Catillo, Will Rogers Elementary

Museum Staff Choice: Lunar Stillness by Caroline Kim, Holy Trinity

Lutheran

Museum Director’s Choice: Lush Horizons by Angela Abell, Frontier Elementary

Museum Favorite Award: A Windy Day in Edmond by Garrett Havens, Cross Timbers Elementary

Unique Tree Award: Woodland Spring by Olivia Ford, Holy Trinity

Lutheran

Tree-rrific Award: Weeping Willow by Charolotte McClain, Redbud Elementary

Additional unjudged art of trees and leaves, made by Edmond kindergarteners through fourth graders, is on display.

Trees in Our Town is sponsored by: Edmond Urban Forestry Commission, Citizens Bank of Edmond, Edmond Public Schools, Edmond Electric, Edmond Visual Arts Committee, and Edmond History Museum. Trees in Edmond

In addition to the student artwork, museum interpretive panels provide historical information and photographs about tree culture in Edmond. When 1889 homesteaders arrived in the area west side of town was a flat mixed-grass prairie, but the eastern side was a belt of ancient deciduous forest, made up of hardy blackjack and post oaks. Edmond townspeople quickly saw the benefits of trees and began planting more trees in urban areas.

Everything Americana will be celebrated during the Blue Hippo Festival on June 6 at Stephenson Park and at the museum, Prater said, with live music, vendor and food booths, a Hungry Hungry Hippo game station and a Matchbox car race.

A Sleepy Hollow Storybook Walkthrough is planned for November, Prater said. “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” a short story written in 1820 by Washington Irving, has a setting just after the American Revolution.

A living history actor will portray Ichabod Crane during the free event, Prater said.

More information is available on the websites of the Edmond History Museum and Edmond LibertyFest, and further details will be forthcoming as dates of the events draw near.

Tips for seniors in the dating world

Dating in one's golden years is a common experience for many seniors. Whether it's the result of a loss of a spouse or other life events, many people find themselves looking for love in their golden years.

According to statistics from The Senior List and the Pew Research Center, roughly one-third of adults 65 and older in the United States reported being single in 2022, a percentage exceeded only by people between the ages of 18 and 29. Many older singles are not looking for a committed relationship; some just want to have fun exploring the dating scene. With that in mind, here's how seniors can explore dating, which may look and feel a little different than the last time seniors were dating.

Identify your reason for dating

Seniors should establish the reasons they are ready to get back into the mix. Identifying the motivation for mingling can help set the right course for finding a partner. Sometimes it boils down to wanting someone to share hobbies, go to dinner or travel with. Some seniors like the idea of having a relationship with someone, but living apart with their own homes and sense of independence. Others are looking for the next Mr. or Mrs. Right, and want a partner to share their life with in all ways.

Going digital

While meeting people in person is possible, particularly when those with similar interests are pulled together through clubs or social events, the dating world has increasingly moved online. Online dating is a popular and modern way to meet new people. Apps like OurTime and SilverSingles are geared specifically to the older demographic, while Bumble is women-led. Meetup is not a dating app, but one for meeting people with an interest in sharing specific experiences.

Be open and honest

Great relationships are rooted in honesty. Individuals should skip the "glory days" photos of their youth or even 10 years ago and use current photos for dating apps. People should be specific with what they are looking for, like a travel companion to go to Europe or someone who enjoys trying the local culinary scene Being honest and specific increases the chances of finding a good match.

Be safe

Seniors are often the targets of scams, and by tugging at the heartstrings, scammers can exploit vulnerabilities. AARP® says nearly 60,000 people reported romance scams to the Federal Trade Commission in 2024, when victims reported losing $2.95 billion. Wanting to move conversations off of dating apps and directly to texts or other messaging platforms where they can't be monitored is a red flag. Scammers often indicate they live far away and can't meet in person and will give excuses to that effect. Others will promise the world and be in constant contact. It's a cause for concern anytime a person mentions needing money or having an investment opportunity.

If and when a senior meets with a date, the interaction should take place in a public location for the first several dates. Double-dating with a friend also can be a safe approach.

Dating in one's golden years requires some adjustments and an emphasis on safety.

UCO to Host Annual Central 5K During I Heart Central Week

The University of Central Oklahoma will host the annual Central 5K as part of I Heart Central Week, beginning at 8 a.m., Sunday, March 29, at the Blue Tent at Broncho Lake on Central’s campus. All proceeds from the event will benefit BronchoThon, UCO’s student-led philanthropic organization that raises funds to support children and families through the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Registration is free for UCO students and $10 for faculty, staff, alumni and community participants. Pictured, runners from a prior year's event.

Bill would provide statewide battery collection system

Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, DOklahoma City, passed HB 1907 off the House Floor. HB 1907 Creates the Battery Stewardship Act, establishing a statewide battery collection system at no cost to taxpayers.

Batteries power nearly every part of our daily lives. As battery use continues to grow, the rate of improperly disposing batteries will follow. This can cause fires in garbage trucks and municipal waste facilities. When these incidents occur, taxpayers are ultimately burdened with the costs associated with facility repairs, increased insurance premiums, and emergency response.

“This bill shifts the cost from taxpayers to battery companies by encouraging private investment in establishing a statewide framework for managing used batteries at no cost to consumers,” said Alonso-Sandoval. “This would protect taxpayers and businesses while positioning Oklahoma to play a stronger role in our nation’s critical mineral supply chain. Diverting the amount of used batteries going to landfills will not only increase public safety, but help recover critical minerals like lithium, nickel, and rare earth metals for reuse in domestic manufacturing. This strengthens our national security efforts by reducing reliance on imported critical minerals, oftentimes from adversary nations. It is a necessary bill to keep Oklahomans safe and protect taxpayers from extra expenses, and I am thankful for the House of Representatives for its passage and look forward to continuing work on it as it moves through the Senate.”

The measure has garnered support from Recycling American Waste Control, Inc.

“The passage of HB1907 battery Extended Producer Responsibility bill, is an important milestone for the waste and recycling industry,” said Robert Pickens, Vice President of Recycling American Waste Control, Inc. “Batteries are one of the fastest-

growing and most challenging materials in the waste stream. By establishing producer responsibility and investing in proper collection and recycling infrastructure, this legislation will help keep hazardous materials out of landfills, improve worker safety, and strengthen the recycling system that communities rely on every day.”

American Li-ion, a U.S.-based lithium-ion battery recycling company, also lauded the bill's passage.

“As President and CEO of American Li-Ion, I strongly support HB 1907—the Battery Stewardship Act,” said President Kevin Hobbie. “This landmark producer-responsibility law, which passed the Oklahoma House on March 11, will create mandatory, convenient collection systems in every county and ambitious recycling targets for portable and medium-format batteries, including the lithiumion packs that power our modern world. Crucially, this legislation is vital for establishing American energy dominance and bolstering national security. HB 1907 onshores our supply chain, reduces dependence on foreign adversaries like China—who could cripple our military capabilities in days by cutting off battery materials—and builds unbreakable resilience so America leads in defense technologies without vulnerability to supply disruptions. By turning battery waste into a strategic national asset right here in Oklahoma, we ensure our armed forces have the reliable materials needed for the drones and advanced systems that protect our nation.”

David Griesel, General Manager of the Oklahoma Environmental Management Authority, said the legislation is necessary.

“This is much needed legislation to assist in protecting individuals working in the solid waste and recycling management systems and help prevent dangerous fire situations,” said Griesel. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

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.

(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.)

March 2

Connor Griffin Amy, 23 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Austin Alonzo James Anderson, 33 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Emily Paige Williams, 33 of Bethany. Shoplifting — petit larceny.

March 3

Shawn Dwayne Riggs, 53 of Edmond. (Misdemeanor 1st & 2nd offense) larceny of merchandise from retailer.

Bryan Kevin Mays, Jr., 39 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS and two counts of failure to appear.

Jaden Dejuan Tarver, 21 of Broken Arrow. Public intoxication

March 4

Cassidy James Zareck, 35 of Edmond. Agg. felony DUI — operate (DUI or APC) motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .15 or more.

Ashton Alan Willson, 46 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Santiago Lee Galvan, 23 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance.

Kayla Danne Talley, 30 of Edmond. Expired tag — over three months and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Matthew Riley Knox, 32 of Luther. Child endangerment and agg. Felony DUI — operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a BAC of .15 or more.

Kyra Dehlyn Dorsey, 19 o0f Sapulpa. Shoplifting — petit larceny.

Kaleah Mae Dorsey, 18 of Sapulpa. Shoplifting — petit larceny.

Patrick Thomas Varesi, 58 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Selena Rosemay Avila, 29 of Oklahoma City. Four felony warrants and four misdemeanor warrants.

Alexander Domenique Wand, 33 of Oklahoma City. A misdemeanor warrant, two felony warrants and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

March 5

Katelyn Anne Nelson, 24 of Edmond. Expired tag — over three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Leah Latrice Thomas, 38 homeless. Public intoxication and failure to appear.

Frankie Israel Rivera, 36 of Oklahoma City. (Misdemeanor value) receive stolen property, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked and a misdemeanor warrant.

Leah Latrice Thomas, 38 homeless. Public intoxication and failure to appear.

Corey Rashawn Kirklin, 56 homeless. Failure to maintain compulsory insurance and possess CDS.

March 6

Brice Stanley Wein, 36 of Luther. Public intoxication.

Tyshon Terrell Robinson, 38 of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear.

John Wesley Prince, III, 43 of Oklahoma City. Failure to maintain compulsory insurance, possess CDS, possess drug paraphernalia and operating a motor vehicle while drivers’s license is suspended/revoked.

Chase Richard Rudzik, 30 of Hugoton, Kan. Shoplifting — petit larceny.

Samantha Delseenia Carpenter, 30 of Hugoton, Kan. Shoplifting— petit larceny.

Tallmadge Lamar Smith, 45 of Edmond. No proof of insurance, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and expired tag — over three months.

Matthew Ryan Davidson, 35 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Justin Allan Parker, 38 of Guthrie. Possess drug

paraphernalia, possess CDS and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

March 7

Brittany Desantis Mehaffey, 38 of Edmond. Egg. Felony DUI — operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of.15 or more.

Robert Russell Bergenstein, Jr., 38 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Madison Michelle Adams, 26 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Silas Daniel Crawford, 23 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Trey Ellijah Henderson, 18 of Edmond. Expired tag — over three months and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Philip Andre Runels, 61 of Edmond. Two counts of failure to appear.

March 8

Jessica Dawn Ellenburg, 40 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia, non-assault resisting officer and two counts of failure to appear.

Walter Leathem Zulker, 43 of Edmond. Agg. Felony DUI — operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Tiffanie Marie Gibson, 33 of Edmond. Shoplifting — petit larceny.

Brandon Rydale Butler, 33 of Edmond. Seven misdemeanor warrants, three felony warrants, two counts of failure to appear, no proof of insurance, expired tag — over three months and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Alice Katherine McAlvain, 19 of Moore. Violation of tobacco ordinance, possession of marijuana and shoplifting — petit larceny.

Brayden Jacqueline Whitaker, 18 of Moore. Violation of tobacco ordinance and shoplifting — petit larceny.

Leonard David Horlacher, 60 of Edmond. Trafficking in illegal drugs and driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked.

42 booking reports

Weekend calendar of events, March 19-22

Weekend Calendar of Events March 19-22

---- In the Gallery

---- Indoor 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

---- Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show

---- Heard on Hurd

---- Navigating Boundaries & Belongings

---- Arbor Day Art Show

---- Border Bash Rodeo

---- Frenzy March Live Music

---- Spring Bird Walks

---- Randy Houser in Concert

---- Choose Your Adventure!

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

---- Spring Roundup!

---- Brown Bag Lunch & Learn: Neon Lights

---- Kids Takee Over the Cowboy

---- Oklahoma Youth Expo

---- Pollard Theatre presents: The Odd Couple

---- Oklahoma City Ballet presents: Future Voices

---- Oklahoma City Farm Show

---- Farm-to-Table Festival

---- Guthrie Renaissance Festival

---- Civic Center Music Hall presents: Canterbury Voices on Broadway

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 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

Dinner Detective Comedy

Mystery Dinner Show

Location: Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City

Extra Info: Weekend nights every month yearround; $78.95 +taxes; 6 – 9 p.m.; thedinnerdetective.com

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

Navigating Boundaries & Belongings

Location: Touchmark at Coffee Creek

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 19; Free; 10 – 11:30 a.m.; touchmark.com

Arbor Day Art Show

Location: Edmond History Museum

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

Border Bash Rodeo

Location: Lazy E Arena

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 20 – Sun, Mar 22; 10 a.m.; lazye.com

Frenzy February Live Music

Location: Frenzy Brewing Co

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 20: Robert Allen @ 7 p.m.; Sat, Mar 21: Steve Brann @ 8 p.m.; free; frenzybrewing.com

Spring Bird Walks

Location: Arcadia Conservation Education Area

Extra Info: Sat, Mar 21; $10 per person; 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.; license.gooutdoorsoklahoma.com

Randy Houser in Concert

Location: Riverwind Casino – Showplace Theatre

Extra Info: Sat, Mar 21; 8 p.m.; $73; riverwind.com

Choose Your Adventure!

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 19 – Sun, Mar 22; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Code of the West Discovery Table: March

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 19 – Sun, Mar 22; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Spring Roundup!

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 19 – Wed, Mar 25; 10 a.m. ---- 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Brown Bag Lunch & Learn: Neon Lights

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 19; 12 – 1 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Kids Take Over the Cowboy

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sat, Mar 21; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Oklahoma Youth Expo

Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds

Extra Info: Wed, Mar 11 – Fri, Mar 20; 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

Oklahoma City Ballet presents: Future Voices

Location: Susan E Brackett Dance Center, OKC

Extra Info: Fri, Mar 13 – Sun, Mar 22; Fri: 7 p.m.; Sat: 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Sun: 2 p.m.; okcballet.org

Oklahoma City Farm Show

Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park

Extra Info: Thu, Mar 19 – Sat, Mar 21; Thu & Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; oklahomacityfarmshow.com

Farm-to-Table Festival

Location: Oklahoma History Center

Extra Info: Sat, Mar 21; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; okhistory.org

Guthrie Renaissance Festival

Location: 405 N 5th St, Guthrie

Extra Info: Sat, Mar 21 – Sun, Mar 29; guthrierenfair.com

Civic Center Music Hall presents: Canterbury Voices on Broadway

Location: Civic Center Music Hall

Extra Info: Sat, Mar 21; 7:30 p.m.; okcciviccenter.com

Please send calendar items to infante318@cox.net

Pollard Theatre in Guthrie is currently staging the comedy ‘The Odd Couple — the Female Version’ at its Guthrie theater.

UCO honors its 2025 fall E.C. Hall Graduate Scholars

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Jackson College of Graduate Studies (JCGS) has recognized the 2025 Fall E.C. Hall Graduate Scholars. Each semester, one outstanding graduate from five of UCO’s academic colleges is selected for the honor.

To be considered for the E.C. Hall Graduate Scholar distinction, students must graduate with a perfect 4.0 GPA and demonstrate exceptional academic achievement within their program.

The 2025 Fall E.C. Hall Graduate Scholars are:

Jeanine Hussian, College of Business, MBA, from Oklahoma City

of Education in Curriculum and Instruction-Teaching and Learning PreK6, from Edmond.

Jarrett Cox, College of Fine Arts and Design, Master of Music in Music-Pedagogy, from Tuttle.

The UCO Graduate Council will select one E.C. Hall Scholar to receive the prestigious E.C. Hall Outstanding Graduate Student Award based on significant scholarly, creative and/or professional achievements during their time as a graduate student at UCO.

Sarah Short, College of Mathematics and Science, Master of Science in Biology, from Edmond.

Stephie Pinero, College of Liberal Arts, Master of Arts in Composition and Rhetoric, from Dumaguete City, Philippines

Sarah Clifford, College of Education and Professional Studies, Master

The UCO JCGS supports more than 80 graduate programs designed to prepare students for leadership, research and advanced professional practice. Through collaborative partnerships with UCO’s academic colleges, the college provides resources that foster scholarly excellence, innovation and professional development.

For more information about Central's Graduate College, call 405-9743494 or visit www.uco.edu/graduate.

Edmond Neighborhood Alliance annual Summit to be April 4

By Tonya Coffman

The date for this years Edmond Neighborhood Alliance (not to be confused in any way with Edmond Alliance) annual Summit is Saturday, April 4th, 2026. We are excited to announce that this year’s location is the UCO Forensic Science Institute (FSI) which is located on the north side of 2nd St. between the Native American Statue and the Edmond Chamber of Commerce. Fiscal address is 737 E. 2nd St., Edmond, Doors will open at 8:00 am with registration and refreshments and then the welcome and introductions by ENA President, Mark Corderiro at 8:30 am. UCO President, Todd Lamb, will then welcome attendees to the UCO Forensic Science Institute. Additional presentations will be made by Edmond Mayor, Mark Nash, Edmond City Manager, A.J. Krieger, and EEDA Executive Director, Heather McDowell.

Edmond City Council members will also be in attendance, Ward 1 - Maggie Murdock Nichols, Ward 2 - Barry Moore, Ward 3 - Preston Watterson, and Ward 4 - Phil Fraim.

This year the topic from Edmond Chief of Police, J. D. Younger will be "How Can HOA's Do A Better Job Protecting Their Neighborhoods." Oklahoma County Assessor, Larry Stein, will update the "Big Picture on the Website", and attendees will have an opportunity to question Matt

Winton and Matt Thomas, Attorneys at Law with Winton Law, Inc., on HOA legal issues.

In addition to a jam packed morning of very useful information, there will be intermittent breaks for refreshments and door prize drawings.

"Edmond Neighborhood Alliance is a voluntary partnership of neighborhood organizations throughout Edmond, committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life for Edmond homeowners, inside and outside the borders of their neighborhoods. Quality neighborhoods are Edmond's source of strength. Their success and vitality are the foundation on which Edmond builds its future. Involved, informed residents preserve and enhance the quality of their own neighborhoods. Municipal policies and actions can and do impact the quality and stability of neighborhoods." Edmond Neighborhood Alliance, established in 1994 is a Non-Profit Corporation in the State of Oklahoma and is registered by the IRS as a 501C Corporation.

Plan to join us on Saturday morning, April 4th, 2026, as an HOA Board Member, an HOA Committee Member, or just an Edmond resident interested in garnering more information about our great City. Again the location is the UCO Forensic Science Institute (FSI), 737 E. 2nd St., Edmond,beginning at 8 am.

To be at UCO Forensic Science Institute — starting at 8 a.m.

Cancer warrior’s second chance at life

Forty-three-year-old Lindsey Wiley’s last chemotherapy treatment should have been the beginning of a new chapter in her breast cancer battle but instead led to yet another hurdle – one that she never would have imagined.

On Jan. 8, 2026, Wiley was relieved to complete her sixth and final chemotherapy treatment, but she knew her journey was long from over with nine months of immunotherapy ahead of her.

When she woke up the following morning, she knew something was off. She said she was more tired than usual, but she and her husband chalked it up to being a symptom of the last chemotherapy treatment. It wasn’t until Sunday that she knew something was seriously wrong. “I was home alone with my 10-year-old daughter when I got up from resting and I fell,” she states. “I fell like five times in a row, and I knew right then that it was time to go to the emergency room.”

Wiley called her husband, who was at baseball practice with their eight-year-old son, and together, they raced to INTEGRIS Health Edmond Hospital. On their drive to the hospital, she remembers slowly losing the ability to see as her symptoms progressed.

Once Wiley was admitted, doctors quickly evaluated her, assessing that her port site from her cancer treatments had become infected and she was septic. Her organs were failing and her care team knew they needed to work fast.

They immediately called the INTEGRIS Health ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) Hotline. The INTEGRIS Health ECMO team has the

ability to rapidly deploy lifesaving ECMO at hospitals throughout the state, an intervention which ultimately gave Wiley a fighting chance for survival.

“When I was first consulted, Lindsey's condition was extremely critical,” says Jordan Phillips, M.D., a specialty critical care and ECMO physician. “She likely would not have survived the rest of the day.” He made the decision to transport her to INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center to undergo ECMO treatment. It is a lifesaving therapy that provides support to patients whose heart and/or lungs are so severely diseased or damaged that they can no longer serve their function. It is often considered as a “last hope” for patients in critical condition.

Wiley’s care team rallied together to prepare her

for the transfer. Wiley and her family are still amazed at the speed in which the care teams at both hospitals worked, giving her a chance to live.

Once she was settled at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center, Wiley continued to fight for her life for 48 hours before her health began to improve. Wiley’s kidneys, which were previously failing, were now completely normal. Her heart, which was rapidly failing before ECMO, is now functioning at levels near normal.

“Lindsey made a remarkable turnaround after going on ECMO,” Phillips says. “She was able to make a rapid recovery from an illness that would have likely claimed her life. It is a testament to the referring physicians at INTEGRIS Health Edmond Hospital for not delaying their call to the ECMO Hotline, and the ability of our team to deploy rapidly.”

One thing that stood out to Wiley about her care at INTEGRIS Health was how personable the physicians and caregivers were throughout her 14 days in the hospital. While she already had friends, family and her community rallying behind her and praying for her recovery, physicians and caregivers took time to check on her progress and answer any questions she had.

“I just cannot be more grateful to INTEGRIS Health, the ECMO team and the doctors,” she says. “I am 43. I have an eight-year-old and an 11-yearold, and I want to be there to raise them. The INTEGRIS Health team acting quickly changed the trajectory of my life and my children’s lives. I was given a chance because of ECMO.”

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Going on a tax adventure

By Steve Gust

There’s nothing quite as fun as doing taxes — said no one ever.

I’m currently in the process myself – with about a month left before the filing deadline.

It’s amazing how much money is involved. There were a few big deductions from the Big Beautiful Bill that I was looking forward to using. Oops. I don’t qualify for them. Oh well. I guess I can take comfort in the fact that some people will get to use them.

I gave some thought to having my income tagged as tip income — and therefore exempt to taxes. Just kidding. I would never do something like that and I encourage you not to also.

The various federal tax forms and paperwork can be a bit overwhelming. I can see why people pay accountants.

Once I go through the income, expenses, deductions and state taxes I’ll put a big bow on my tax returns and ship them off to the

IRS. Then I can only hope that people in the government will try to spend the money wisely. And perhaps, just perhaps, we might have the proper oversight over federal monies and we don’t see billions of dollars being shipped off to some foreign country.

And to be fair – there are some advantages to doing taxes. I know exactly how far I’ve driven my car during the year. I get a receipt from the gas station and mark the mileage. I discovered a long time ago the IRS likes receipts and records.

Doing taxes also means that I’ve been blessed, once again, to have been employed during 2025. My income records go back decades. It’s nice to have a job.

And if you’re doing your taxes still – good luck. If you have already filed them – then take heart. There are only another 350 or 400 shopping days left before the 2026 taxes are due.

Happy tax season everybody!

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

Lawmakers challenge millions in rate hikes

Reps. Tom Gann, R-Inola, and Kevin West, R-Moore, last week filed a brief asking the Oklahoma Supreme Court to overturn $98 million in rate increases for Oklahoma Natural Gas (ONG) well as $1.77 billion of the utility’s ratepayer-backed bonds. All were approved by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) with votes by embattled OCC Commissioner Todd Hiett who was accused of groping an employee of the utility at a conference in Minnesota in June 2024.

Charges were never filed, and the Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against Hiett in May 2025. Wednesday’s brief asks the Supreme Court to review the Ethics Commission’s legal determinations in that case.

Payments for the bonds, issued to cover costs incurred by ONG during February 2021’s Winter Storm “Uri,” have been collected as “Winter Event Cost Recovery” charges on customers’ bills since 2022. The OCC has also approved an additional rate increase for ONG of between $20 million and $41 million every year since the bonds were

The House of Representatives last week passed legislation increasing the minimum number of instructional days for schools operating under a school-hours calendar and ties the change to an additional $175 million in state funding to the State Department of Education over FY27 and FY28.

House Bill 3151 by Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, would require schools using the hours-based model to provide at least 173 days of instruction beginning in the 2027-28 school year while maintaining the current minimum of 1,086 instructional hours.

Hall said increasing the number of instructional days will help ensure students spend more meaningful time engaged in the classroom.

"Time spent with students in the classroom is the highest and best use of the resources we invest in our schools," Hall said. "Increasing the minimum number of instructional days is a much-needed step toward improving educational outcomes in our state. Spreading instructional time over more days will help keep students engaged throughout the school day and make the time our educators spend with them

more effective."

HB3151 also requires school districts that hold parent-teacher conferences during the school day to provide an in-person option for parents and legal guardians.

"There are few actions we can take that lead to better outcomes than ensuring our kids have more time in front of high quality classroom teachers," said Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "I appreciate Oklahoma State School Board Association (OSSBA), Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA), Oklahoma Education Association (OEA), Professional Oklahoma Educators (POE), Organization of Rural Oklahoma Schools (OROS), United Suburban Schools Association (USSA), ExcelinEd, Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) and the Oklahoma State Chamber for their support of this measure."

"Over the past decade, Oklahoma has experienced a decline in the number of in-person instructional days offered to students," said Secretary of Education Dan Hamlin. "In recent years, the state has made considerable progress in restoring instructional time

Letters to the Editor policy

issued. If not overturned, the rate increases will continue in perpetuity; the monthly bond charges are scheduled to continue for another 22 years.

Gann and West’s brief tells the Court that the OCC failed to perform lawful audits of ONG’s bonds in every rate case since the bonds were issued. They also argue ONG’s original 2021 “Uri” costs that were securitized into the ratepayer-backed bonds were never audited either. The representatives assert the audit failures are fatal in all four cases, making the OCC’s orders void.

Last week’s brief was the third such request to the Court. Gann filed a similar brief asking the Court to overturn $250 million in rate increases and some $700 million in ratepayer-backed bonds that the OCC had approved for Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO).

In December, with Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, Gann and Kevin West also asked the court to overturn a $127 million rate increase and $760 million in winter storm bonds for customers of Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E). Those cases are already in the Court’s hands.

To date, this brings the totals officially challenged to $475 million in rate increases and more than $3.2 billion in bonds. The appeals ask the court to order everything wrongly collected to be refunded to the utilities’ customers. Last week’s brief says “$140 million in illegitimate rate increases and $300 million in illegitimate bond charges” have already been collected from ONG’s customers.

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

Gann, a former internal auditor for the Tulsa International Airport, said he believes that "When Oklahoma law requires an audit, the Accountancy Act says it has to be done by independent, licensed CPAs following nationally recognized standards, and that did not happen."

to levels that align more closely with national norms. This bill builds on that progress and places Oklahoma on a path toward having a nationally competitive education system."

The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

—— The Oklahoma Senate advanced Senate Bill 1250 this week, a measure authored by Senator Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, to provide greater transparency for parents and ensure available school library materials do not contain or depict obscene material, sexually explicit content, nudity, or other material that is harmful to minors.

Senate Bill 1250 requires every public school district and charter school in Oklahoma to submit to the State Department of Education, by Oct. 1, 2026, and each year thereafter, a list of all books and materials available in school libraries.

“Our schools must provide a safe learning environment, and that includes their thorough review of materials available in school libraries,” Hamilton said. “This legislation helps ensure that content made available to students meets appropriate standards while giving parents a clear process to raise concerns if something explicit or obscene is to be found.”

Under SB 1250, which facilitates local control, a parent or legal guardian of a student may report a suspected violation to the local school district board of education or charter school governing body. The school must then conduct an investigation and provide a report of its findings. If a parent disagrees with the outcome, they may appeal the decision to the State Department of Education, which will review the complaint through a defined process and determine whether the school is in compliance with state law.

Hamilton also responded to claims made during the debate of the measure that suggested the Bible should be classified as explicit content in relation to this bill.

New Rt. 66 exhibit opens at The Cowboy

By Elaine Warner

What’s in a nickname? Sometime it resonates – sometimes not so much. When it was first built, it was the Cowboy Hall of Fame and Museum. That same year, the word National was added. In 1960 it became the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center. In 2000, that mouthful got shortened to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Totally descriptive. That’s still official – but, I guess, too long for some. The nickname – The Cowboy.

What hasn’t changed is the importance of this institution to Oklahoma City and the tourism industry. On any list of must-sees here, The Cowboy is prominently displayed.

If you haven’t visited recently, now’s a good time to go. A new exhibition, Route 66: from Trails to Truckstops, just opened and I loved it. In three sections, the exhibits cover the transition from trails and rails, how Route 66 became immortalized, and pop culture around roadside attractions.

In the intro area there are several rare, you’ll never see anywhere, items on display. One is a 1926 road sign from Highway 7, which was later incorporated into Route 66. Complete with sign post, it indicates both routes.

Nearby is a collection of 1926 license plates from all the states crossed by Route 66 – Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. A post card collection shows pictures from the early days of Route 66.

The first of the three main areas, Ways West, shows the progress of Western expansion. Emigrants had been using trails like the Oregon Trail and California Trail and major trade routes like the Santa Fe Trail for some time before the arrival of the railroads. In the 1850s, the U.S. government commissioned five survey explorations to help determine the best routes for transcontinental travel by rail. One of these, the Whipple Expedition, chose a path starting in Fort Smith, Arkansas. This route, across Oklahoma to Los Angeles, is similar to that portion of today’s Route 66.

Around the walls are a number of maps from these early days. Visitors will also see three original journals kept by participants. Observers recorded information on geography, geology, flora and fauna –literally everything they saw and experienced on their trips.

This is also where you’ll find a really cool video screen which will take you on a trip along the Mother Road. A QR code allows you to download this feature. Be sure to pick up a brochure for children – it has the code in it, plus some more interesting info. If you’re planning a trip on Route 66, get the app. Thanks to it, I plan to include the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle on a spring trip up the Mother Road.

Leaving the maps and background, you’ll enter the Mother Road section – probably my favorite. Several old vehicles are on display in front of video screens with old movies of trips on the Route. By the 1923 Ford Model T, you’ll see a 1905, hand-cranked gas pump – one of the oldest in existence. Take time to watch the old films – they’re a hoot. Pick up the phone near the diner booth –you’ll hear music of the era.

In display cases, you’ll see early tourist guides. Two of particular interest are a 1914 Automobile Blue Book and a reproduction of the 1938 Green Book with safe stops for Negro Motorists.

The final section, Roadside Attractions, dips into the early fascination with the West. Washington Irving’s book, A Tour on the Prairie, recounts an 1832 expedition, which included travel in what would become Oklahoma, piqued the interest of many both in America and abroad.

As transportation expanded from riverboats to trains and, finally, automobiles, businesses sprang up to service and entice visitors. The star of this portion of the exhibition is a large, lighted, neon sign, which once stood on Lincoln Boulevard, where numerous motels provided homes away from home for Oklahoma legislators.

There’s also a remnant of a sign advertising an attraction featuring snakes and exotic reptiles. As a kid, my family traveled to California on Route 66 and I remember many of these sorts of businesses. They became a joke as some added “See the baby rattler in the barrel.” And, sure, enough, there was a baby’s rattle at the bottom.

The reconstructed gas station front is a replica of Ambler’s Texaco Station on Route 66 in Dwight, Illinois in the ‘40s. Today it’s the local visitor’s center. Unfortunately, the museum wasn’t able to get a vintage Texaco gas pump – had to settle for a Mobil.

The last exhibit pays tribute to Love’s Travel Stops. The first location, in Watonga, was a small gas station. Today the Oklahoma City, family-owned business has grown to hundreds of Travel Stops in 42

states.

Before you visit the museum, check the showing schedule for The Cowboy: An Immersive Journey. This 40-minute presentation puts guests in the middle of great American landscapes and the work and life of real cowboys, the Wild West and movie heroes. Produced by the same organization which masterminded the stunning Van Gogh experience, this 360-degree presentation is narrated by the bass voice of Tom Selleck and accompanied by Western music.

Cattle stampeding during a violent rainstorm provides the most dramatic moment. The production is historically accurate and visually compelling.

Both the Route 66 exhibition and the immersive experience will be open until May 3. Adult general admission to the museum is $25 with an added $20 for the immersive experience. There are reductions for seniors, military, and children 6 – 17; children five and under are free.

Actually, if there are two of you, consider a year’s membership for $75. Admission is free for the year and you’ll be invited to certain special events and offered reductions on others – plus discounts in the museum store and Grill.

With general admission, you have access to the entire museum, so make it a whole day’s outing. No matter what you call it, The Cowboy is one of Oklahoma City’s starring attractions.

Students restore Rt. 66 truck

Students and instructors at Francis Tuttle Technology Center are restoring a box truck that has a special place in Route 66 history for the famous road’s centennial.

The truck, which will now undergo extensive repairs at the Francis Tuttle Transportation Technology building, used to belong to artist Bob Waldmire. He painted a mural of Route 66 on the driver’s side of the truck that he acquired in 2007, and it eventually made its way into the possession of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association.

Waldmire took inspiration from history and nature in his art. The character Fillmore from the “Cars” movie franchise is based on Waldmire and his work.

Work to revitalize the box truck are now underway with the help of students and instructors in the Automotive Service Technology and Automotive Collision and Repair Technology programs at the Francis Tuttle Rockwell Campus.

“We hope to keep it moving along quickly,” Auto Collision Instructor Clint Drabek said about the work being done. “We’re going to do everything we can to get it looking good and as close to what it once was.”

After cleaning it up and assessing its needs, Drabek’s class will start the work by removing the truck’s fender, bumper, doors, and body panels. They will remove dents and fill any gaps before giving the truck a new paint job.

Automotive Service Technology classes will work on the wheels and interior repair. It will be fitted with new tires and freshly painted wheels, and Sean Best’s class will clean and repair the brakes and rotors.

Charles Lawson’s Automotive Service class will be in charge of getting the truck running again. The plan is to have it ready to participate in Route 66 Centennial events later in the spring.

Drabek’s involvement in the Route 66 Association inspired the idea to have have Francis Tuttle automotive students work on the truck. President Rhys Martin expressed at a meeting that the association planned to have the Waldmire truck restored, and Drabek said he jumped at the chance.

“The students are excited to work on it,” Drabek said. “I told them the significance of it to Route 66 and how it’s connected to the ‘Cars’ movie.”

Lankford wants agency funded

US Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Chairman of the Border Management, Federal Workforce, and Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), today took to the Senate floor to urge Democrats to reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“The White House has presented a set of ideas on paper, put them into legislative text, and handed them to Democrats two weeks ago. Two weeks ago, and said, ‘Here are the reforms that we would agree with that you've asked for: badges, body-worn cameras, de-escalation training, process reforms.’ All those things they put out there. And for two weeks my Democratic colleagues have determined the politics is better than the actual solution,” said Lankford on the Senate floor. “And so they've [Democrats] just said, ‘Let's do the politics.’ The problem with the politics on this is a quarter million DHS employees are not being paid right now. So, it doesn't make good politics for them. They're trying to figure out how to feed their family.”

DAR hands out ‘Good Citizens Awards’

The Samuel King Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, OSDAR, recently presented the DAR Good Citizens Award to five area 2026 high school seniors. Honored were Hannah Wolfe, Edmond Memorial HS; Cinthia Clonts, Edmond North HS; Alexa Hoggatt, Edmond Santa Fe HS; Aja Adams-House, Crescent HS; and Jace Rainwater, Guthrie HS.

The DAR Good Citizens Program and Scholarship Contest is designed to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship, which are: dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. This program is open to all high school seniors enrolled in accredited public or private schools. The faculty of each school selects one senior class student per year to honor as its DAR Good Citizen.

Once selected as their school's Good Citizen, the student is then eligible to enter the DAR Good Citizens Scholarship Contest. Hannah Wolfe and Cinthia Clonts chose to participate in the optional essay contest. Their task was to write a maximum 550-word essay on a topic provided by the National DAR, to be written during a 2-hour time-period and proctored by a faculty member. The topic was not provided to them in advance. This year’s designated essay title was “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It”. The writing prompt was: “Our nation will celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America on July 4, 2026. Describe how the characteristics of a good citizen help to renew and strengthen the democracy achieved by the Patriots of the American Revolution.”

Non-DAR judges scored the written essays, resulting in Hannah Wolfe’s essay being selected as Samuel King Chapter’s winning essay. Hannah’s essay was also selected as Capital District and the Oklahoma State DAR essay winner and is now awaiting to hear results from the South-Central Division selection committee, which can lead to the national award and a $10,000 scholarship.

These five seniors were honored along with their parents and school counselors, at the February 19th Samuel King chapter meeting, held at Edmond First United Methodist Church. Each Good Citizen awardee received a DAR Good Citizens pin, certificate, cash awards from the Samuel King Chapter and a gift bag with additional specially selected items honoring them for being named their respective High School’s DAR Good Citizen for 2025-2026.

DAR Good Citizens Chairperson, Dr. Carolyn Cotton, stated, “These five seniors join a very elite group of individuals, as only one senior per year can be recognized and receive the DAR Good Citizens Award from their respective high school. From this day forward, I hope they realize the honor and prestige that this award affords them and that they continue to exemplify throughout their lives the traits of Dependability, Service, Leadership and Patriotism.”

The Samuel King Chapter was established on April 17, 1976, in Edmond and named for the patriot of the Organizing Regent, Mrs. Jacqueline Mellies. The Chapter consisted of Mrs. Mellies and fifteen charter members; the chapter first met at the Edmond Public Library. Early activities that have continued through the years include the celebration of Constitution Week (September 17-23), donation drives and special activities for veterans, as well as working with community youth through scholarships and community service projects. In April, Samuel King chapter members will be celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Samuel King Chapter members continue to support and assist with numerous area events, such as

ica, Guthrie Territorial Museum, decorating the Guthrie Carnegie Library for Christmas, Colonial Days at the Capitol, Adopt-a-Street cleanups, and serving as docents for the 1989 Territorial Schoolhouse. In addition, members have participated in naturalization ceremonies, conducted numerous events to honor veterans, and sponsored a variety of youth awards. Supplies have been collected for the OKC and Guthrie VA Centers, books and supplies donated to elementary schools and veteran groups, as well as food pantry and clothing drives.

These are only a few of the 2025-2026 Samuel King chapter activities conducted in addition to sponsoring lineage research events and reaching

out to potential new members. The DAR is one of the largest women’s lineage based, patriotic nonprofits in the world, with over 190,000 members and approximately 3,000 local chapters in the United States and abroad. Since the founding in 1890, over one million members have carried out the mission to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. The women who make up the membership are varied and come from all walks of life yet share a common bond of tracing their ancestry back to those who helped gain our nation’s independence. They are committed to honoring our nation’s past by serving our communities today. The Samuel King Chapter currently has over 200 members.

Review of Netflix movie ‘War Machine’

Actor helps to make film memorable

By George Gust

Netflix’s latest original film “War Machine” arrives as a competent, watchable entry in the military/scifi hybrid space, the kind of film that looks and feels like a midbudget streaming title: polished, earnest, and built to be consumed without too much fuss.

It mostly succeeds at being straightforward entertainment, even if it rarely surprises.

“War Machine” follows the final recruits of a grueling special ops boot camp who encounter a mysterious deadly force.

The film’s aesthetic is solid. “War Machine” leans into tactile visuals of the woods and the brute force of nature, and it tries to balance a bootcamp, Ranger style toughness with an otherworldly threat. The cinematography gives the forest a real presence, and the sound design, especially the mechanical menace of the antagonist machine, is effective and unsettling. The movie’s attempt to blend genres is often engaging; the grounded human drama and the scifi horror elements play off each other in ways that keep the tension alive.

The biggest issue with this film is its lack of bold

choices, always making the safe choice, settling for middle of the road decisions that dilute its identity. When compared with its spiritual predecessor “The Predator” you see how more dramatic choices can lead to beloved characters and a lore you want to know more about. However, the attempted world building in “War Machine” feels halfhearted and when the scifi elements ramp up, they don’t always match the tone the setup establishes. That leaves the movie feeling like a competent exercise rather than a memorable one; the kind of Netflix programmer that’s easy to watch and easy to forget.

Alan Ritchson in the lead is a pleasant surprise,

bringing genuine pathos to a character whose back story could have been purely stock.

He anchors the film with a believable mix of toughness and vulnerability, making him a more sympathetic point of view than the usual muscle first lead. The supporting cast does solid work too, and nobody goes for big, showy turns, which fits the film’s restrained approach, but that restraint also contributes to the overall lack of personality.

Overall, “War Machine” is an earnest, well crafted film that hits the beats it sets out to hit. If you want a straightforward military/scifi action with good production values and a lead who brings unexpected depth, it’s worth a watch.

But if you’re looking for a movie that pushes boundaries or lingers after the credits, this one won’t stick.

“War Machine” is rated R for strong violence, grisly images, and language.

3.3 out of 5 stars

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

Crossword Puzzle

Oklahoma collected $1.2 billion in tax revenue in February, a slight increase from a year ago, according to the latest State Tax Revenue Report released by Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ. “February’s report reflects moderating revenue growth following December’s peak, with the rolling 12month total remaining positive and reinforcing Oklahoma’s underlying fiscal stability,” Russ said.

Total collections rose 0.5% compared to February 2025. Revenues were down 22.5% from January, reflecting typical seasonal changes after stronger start-of-year receipts. Sales and use taxes generated $506.8 million in February, up 0.9 percent from the same month last year. Income tax collections totaled $406.8 million, down slightly by 0.3% year over year. Gross production taxes from oil and gas brought in $87.4 million, down 9.9% compared to early 2025. Motor vehicle taxes totaled $72.7 million, up 20.1% from a year ago. Over the past 12 months, Oklahoma has collected $17.23 billion in tax revenue, an increase of $362.9 million, or 2.2%, compared to the previous year.

How one Edmond grocery store helps out busy moms on the go

JackBe has been working to expand delivery, giving more families access to groceries that match their pace and preferences. The point wasn't to “fill a gap.” It was to offer something dependable because moms value consistency, and they notice the difference between a system that works and one that doesn't.

JackBe’s curated selection, no-substitution policy, and flexible pickup or delivery are built for clarity and confidence: what you order is what you get, and groceries can go from order to car in as little as seven minutes. There are no pickup windows to manage and no guessing what will show up, just a straightforward experience that respects a mom's time and decision-making.

As more Edmond families began looking for a new go-to, JackBe offers the fastest delivery option in the metro for much of Edmond and into Northwest OKC. The goal is to serve families with an option they could rely on, one that fits seamlessly into the routines moms already lead.

JackBe calls the experience “radishly different,” a playful way of describing something that may be hard to put a finger on. It means that everything is just a little better than you would expect, and often in surprising and delightful ways. At their core, they are creating a grocery shopping experience that works with family life rather than competing with it. One that pays attention, responds with intention, and is built to be both consistent and fast, supporting families and honoring their time. No waiting in the lot. Just a team ready to serve.

As national stores shift strategies, JackBe continues doing what it set out to do with its very first store: support Edmond moms with an intuitive experience and the commitment to show up with reliability, care, and follow-through. And that makes sense because no one understands a mom like another mom.

JackBe invites families to download the app (Apple Store or Google Play), place their first order, and experience the JackBe difference. For store hours, services, and updates, visit JackBe.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagramat @jackbesocial.

VillagesOKC names Tessa Martin its board president

Tessa Martin, director of conference services at Metro Technology Centers’ Springlake Campus, is the new board president for VillagesOKC, a membership organization offering services and connections to empower adults to age with vitality and purpose.

Martin

“Tessa brings exceptional leadership, energy, and vision to VillagesOKC,” said Danny Eischen, VillagesOKC executive director and Concordia Life Plan Community CEO. “Her passion for education, community engagement, and lifelong learning aligns perfectly with our mission to help older adults live with vitality, connection, and purpose. I’m excited about the direction she will help lead our organization.”

Martin’s career experience has been in education, marketing and

training. After college, she worked as the market and training coordinator for Ford Audio-Video. She was a teacher for Mid-Del Public Schools and Metro Technology Center. She taught English at the Metro Career Academy and Law Prep I at the Public Safety Academy.

She received the MetroQuest Award at Metro Tech and was named the 2018 Metro Technology Centers Teacher of the Year by the South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. She received the OkACTE Kaleidoscope Award which honors those who demonstrate a strong commitment to creating inclusive environments in career and technology education. She volunteers with MetroFit and Community Health Centers wellness programs.

Serving with Martin on the board are Melissa Holobach, board secretary, and directors Marilyn Olson, Chris Buckelew, Lauren Branch, Julie Davis, Ginny Curtis-Gillespie and Kathy Wilson-Gold.

Oklahoma CareerTech Foundation names 2026 Hall of Fame inductees

The Oklahoma CareerTech Foundation will induct seven people into the Oklahoma Career and Technology Education Hall of Fame in November.

This year’s inductees are Athena Frank, Donna Metcalf, Virginia Sasser, Billy Scott, Fred Shultz, Eddie Smith and Ron Vandever. The ceremony will be Nov. 5 at ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center in Stillwater. Tickets will go on sale in April.

“These seven Hall of Fame honorees helped shape career and technology education in Oklahoma, making CareerTech the best in the nation,” said CareerTech State Director Brent Haken. “Each has advanced the mission of CareerTech in unique and extraordinary ways, and we are honored to be able to recognize them.”

The 2026 class of inductees will increase the Hall of Fame membership

to 99. The Hall of Fame, which is sponsored by the Oklahoma Foundation for Career and Technology Education, was founded in 1990. Previous inductees include governors, college deans and professors, business and industry leaders, educators and CareerTech System faculty, staff and agency members.

For more information about the Oklahoma CareerTech Foundation, visit https://oklahoma.gov/careertech/about/foundation.html.

The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 63 campuses

Edmond Fine Arts Gallery April show featuring local artist

Edmond Fine Arts invites all to our April Gallery Show featuring the work of local artist James Coplin on Thursday, April 2, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to attend this free event to meet the artist and view a collection of Coplin’s latest artworks.

The show features oil paintings on canvas that explore landscapes, wildlife, and western themes, capturing the spirit and character of the natural world. Each piece is carefully finished and presented in handcrafted wooden frames, adding a timeless quality that complements the traditional subject matter.

A lifelong artist, Coplin knew from the age of nine that art would be central to his life. In addition to his personal artistic practice, he has dedicated more than 33 years to teaching art in Edmond Public Schools, inspiring generations of young artists and fostering creativity in the classroom.

Coplin’s work has received multiple awards at the Edmond Arts Festival, including Overall First Place, and his artwork has been exhibited at Ed-

mond Fine Arts numerous times throughout the past two decades making him a familiar, and celebrated presence in the local arts community.

The Gallery Opening on Thursday, April 2nd offers an opportunity for visitors to connect with Coplin’s work, hear about his artistic journey, and experience a collection that reflects a deep appreciation for nature and a lifetime devoted to creating art and inspiring others to explore their own creativity. Artwork will be available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds supporting Edmond Fine Arts yearround arts programming. The exhibition will be on display in the Edmond Fine Arts Gallery throughout the month of April. Gallery exhibits are free and open to the public Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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 Walmart donates $1,500 to Childrens’ Health Foundation

Children’s Health Foundation (CHF) proudly recognizes a generous $1,500 contribution from Walmart #389 in Edmond.

This gift will help advance CHF’s mission to improve the health and well-being of children across Oklahoma by supporting pediatric research, education, and clinical care.

Walmart associates continue to make a meaningful difference for children facing illness or injury across the state. Through in-store campaigns and community fundraising efforts, associates raise critical funds that strengthen CHF-supported programs. These contributions help fuel innovative pediatric cancer research, expand care for children living with diabetes, support autism programs that prepare young children for pre-K, and sustain many other services that improve the lives of Oklahoma families.

“We are profoundly grateful for the ongoing support of Walmart and its associates,” says Brandon Brooks, Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Health Foundation. “These donations ensure that children in Oklahoma receive the vital care they need, close to home and surrounded by the love and support of their families and communities.”

To support Children’s Health Foundation, please call 405-384-4446 or visit www.chfkids.com.

Reach Children’s Health Foundation at www.chfkids.com

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