Edmond Life and Leisure - May 21, 2026

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Register, volunteer for 27th Annual Endeavor Games

FRIDAY,

Registration is open for participants and volunteers for the 27th annual University of Central Oklahoma Endeavor Games, an opportunity for athletes with physical disabilities to participate in various competitive sporting events, June 11-14, on Central’s campus and throughout the Edmond, Oklahoma, community.

The UCO Endeavor Games is the nation’s largest multi-sport, multi-disability event. The 2026 games include 12 sports—air rifle, archery, cycling, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, table tennis, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair softball, wheelchair tennis and boccia.

The registration cost to participate in the games is $40 through Thursday, May 14, and will increase to $55 Friday, May 15.

“We are excited to host the 27th annual UCO Endeavor Games and continue to welcome athletes from across the nation to Central’s campus,” said Leigha Pemberton, assistant director of partnerships and events at UCO.

“Year after year, this event reflects the incredible commitment of our volunteers and community partners, whose passion and support help create a meaningful, competitive and inspiring experience for every athlete involved.”

Volunteers are needed for various positions, including multiple sports clinics, packet pick up, goodie bag prepping, special events and more. Volunteers under 14 need to have a parent or guardian volunteer with them. Volunteers are encouraged to register early to guarantee the preferred T-shirt size.

The games will open Thursday, June 11, with a day of sports clinics and camps for aspiring athletes, as well as a welcome party at the Arctic Edge Ice Arena, 14613 N. Kelley Ave., Edmond. The competition kicks off Friday, June 12, with powerlifting, archery, cycling, tennis and wheelchair basketball in the morning, air rifle shooting throughout the day and an evening of swimming at the Edmond Mitch Park YMCA, 2901 Marilyn Williams Dr. Saturday’s events feature track and field at Edmond North High School, 215 W. Danforth Road, and Santa Fe High School, 1901 W. 15th St., Edmond, and boccia, followed by sitting volleyball at the UCO Wellness Center and an athlete celebration at the Pelican Bay Aquatic Center, 1034 S. Bryant Ave., Edmond. The games conclude Sunday, June 14, with wheelchair softball at the Hamilton Field House parking lot and indoor archery and table tennis at the UCO Wellness Center on Central’s campus.

Competitions will be at several sites across UCO and Edmond. All events are free and open to the public.

Central is an official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site and host training site for the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Sitting Volleyball teams.

For more information about athlete and volunteer registration or a complete schedule of events for the 2026 UCO Endeavor Games, visitwww.endeavorgames.org/edmond/. For more information about the UCO Endeavor Games, contact Pemberton at lpemberton@uco.edu or 405-974-3160.

From the Publisher

Our endorsement: Stein for Okla. County assessor

For homeowners, neighborhoods, and businesses across Oklahoma County, Stein has shown he understands that an assessor’s first duty is fair values, accessible records, and dependable service.

From Edmond to Oklahoma City, from Midwest City to Del City, and in neighborhoods, rural areas, and small-business corridors across the county, voters depend on the assessor’s office to get the basics right. Property values affect household budgets, business planning, and confidence in local government. That is why Larry Stein’s record matters. He has led the largest assessment district in Oklahoma while overseeing a balanced operation and earning a perfect score on the Oklahoma Tax Commission’s annual performance audit. In a county with more than 330,000 parcels and assessed value exceeding $109 billion, that kind of performance is not abstract. It means residents can have greater confidence that one of the most essential functions in county government is being managed seriously and professionally.

to ease the burden on homeowners, senior citizens, disabled veterans, and businesses, and he has encouraged eligible residents to use exemptions and valuation protections already available under Oklahoma law. In a county as large and diverse as this one, fairness is not achieved by slogans. It requires technical knowledge, consistency, and a clear understanding of how county decisions reach families and employers in every corner of the metro.

Stein’s experience inside the assessor’s office before becoming its elected leader, along with his visible focus on communication and public service, has made him a steady hand in a job where accuracy and trust matter every day. Oklahoma County is growing, its housing market remains important to family finances, and its businesses need predictable, credible assessments. Voters should continue to demand fairness, efficiency, and transparency from this office. Based on the record, Larry Stein has met that test. For Oklahoma County Assessor, we endorse Larry Stein.

LibertyFest fireworks move back to UCO

the top places in America to celebrate Independence Day. According to the Edmond History Museum, LibertyFest attracts more than 125,000 attendees annually and is organized by hundreds of volunteers, reflecting its strong community roots and hometown character.

The festival’s history is closely tied to Edmond’s civic identity and patriotic traditions. Over time, LibertyFest expanded from a local holiday observance into a week-long community festival with multiple signature events, including its parade and fireworks show, which remain major highlights. The Edmond History Museum emphasizes that the celebration honors both the nation’s birthday and Oklahoma heritage, helping preserve a sense of local history while creating annual traditions for families.

An endorsement in this race should begin with a basic point many voters may not think about often: the county assessor does not simply shuffle paperwork. The assessor is responsible for valuing taxable real and personal property, maintaining ownership and parcel records, processing homestead and other lawful exemptions, and helping ensure assessments are applied as fairly and uniformly as possible across the county.

For homeowners, that can mean checking a valuation notice to see whether a home’s fair cash value has changed, applying for a homestead exemption, asking whether a senior valuation freeze or other tax relief may apply, or reviewing parcel records before buying, selling, or refinancing a property. For business owners, it can mean dealing with personal property filings and making sure records are accurate. And when a resident believes a valuation is too high, the assessor’s office is the first stop in the protest process. Just as important, the assessor does not set tax rates and does not collect the taxes; the office’s central task is to establish accurate valuations and maintain reliable records that the rest of the property-tax system depends on.

Just as important, Stein has treated public access as a core public service, not an afterthought. For homeowners checking valuations, real estate professionals researching a parcel, or families trying to understand exemptions, the assessor’s office website and GIS tools have become a practical resource used around the clock. Public information from the office says residents make millions of searches a year across nearly 360,000 accounts in Oklahoma County. That kind of accessibility matters in a fastgrowing county where people need to look up records for homes in Edmond, commercial property in Oklahoma City, neighborhoods in Midwest City, and land across unincorporated areas without making the courthouse their first stop.

Edmond voters also need an assessor who understands that assessment is not just paperwork. It is closely tied to the local tax system that supports public schools, technology centers, and colleges, while also affecting what homeowners and businesses owe. Stein has worked on policies intended

Do not even blink or you will miss this year’s LibertyFest celebration. It is coming so fast, but the committee has been working all year. It is a total volunteer effort folks and this year is special. If you are not familiar with LibertyFest or new to the area here is what you need to know.

LibertyFest is Edmond’s annual Independence Day celebration and one of the city’s best-known community traditions. Held over several days leading up to July 4, the festival features a series of patriotic, family-friendly events such as a concert in the park, rodeo, car show, jazz festival, road race, trivia event, parade, and fireworks. Rather than being a singleday celebration, LibertyFest is designed as a multievent festival that brings residents and visitors together to celebrate the nation’s independence. LibertyFest, TravelOK.com, and Visit Edmond, all describe it as a citywide Fourth of July tradition centered in Edmond.

LibertyFest has a long history in Edmond, with organizers describing it as more than 50 years old and, in 2026, celebrating 54 years of family fun. The event has grown into one of Oklahoma’s most recognized July 4 celebrations, drawing large crowds

This year is even more special given that it is the 250th birthday of this great nation. Lisa and I graduated from high school in the 200th year, 1976, which makes me feel old to think that another 50 years have flown by. Some of the graduating class of 1976 wanted to make our prom and graduation have a “1776” theme where we would wear period costumes for the events. I can tell you that idea got shot down in a hurry. There was no way a bunch of 18year-old free thinkers were going to do it. As we are getting ready to celebrate our 50-year reunion for the class of 1976 I can assure you we are still cold to the idea. As my editor Steve Gust likes to say, “You can put that in the ain’t gonna happen file.”

We have the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in the mix as well to celebrate. It will be intertwined in all the events. It should be another fantastic year, and we look forward to you being with us at all the events. Look for the official LibertyFest program that will be out in the middle of June to guide you. It will be inserted in our newspaper and at all events. Of course, there will be an online version.

Our friend and supporter, UCO President Todd Lamb worked hard to bring the fireworks back to UCO. Thank you to leadership of the University of Central Oklahoma and LibertyFest for working diligently to reignite this partnership, officially bringing the LibertyFest Fireworks back to UCO for the first time in nearly a decade.

(Ray Hibbard, Edmond Life & Leisure publisher, can be reached for comment at

City Council approves increase to base rates for water, wastewater service

City Council voted unanimously during its May 11, 2026, regular meeting to approve a water rates increase. The new rates will go into effect on July 1, 2026.

Working with a consultant on a rates study, and after hours of discussion spread between Public Works Committee meetings and city council special meetings, Council approved an increase to the monthly base rate for water and wastewater users over the course of four years. Beginning in July 2026, the combined rates will increase $18.06 per month, and in July 2027 the combined rates will increase $18.27 per month. In the following two years, the monthly combined rates are projected to rise by $3.50 and then $3.71 per month.

With the approved increases, as an example, residents with a 5/8” meter using 8,000 gallons of water and 5,000 gallons of wastewater per month – the average usage for residential customers –

they can expect to pay the following as a monthly bill:

$149.81 in July

$168.08 in 2027

$171.58 in 2028

$175.28 in 2029.

The water and wastewater rates help pay to secure reliable, high-quality water for Edmond’s future. It will help fund projects that will preserve our water system by replacing an outdated and increasingly less reliable 1980s facility.

By expanding the Arcadia Lake Water Treatment Plant, Edmond gains water independence, moving away from a reliance on paying to purchase water from Oklahoma City, when needed, and taking full control of our most vital resource. Delaying completion of these projects means deferred mainte-

nance, costly emergency repairs, and potential service disruptions.

Financial assistance options are available through the HOPE Center of Edmond, Oklahoma 2-1-1 Resource Directory, and OKDHS. These options can be reviewed on the Edmond website by navigating to Utility Customer Service and clicking on Programs & Resources.

Whether you live in an apartment or on a large acreage, there are ways we can all save water. Explore options on the Edmond website by navigating to Water Resources and clicking on Conservation University. You will find study guides, classes, the current water conservation stage, and a drought tolerant plant database to help reduce water use outdoors.

Residents may also monitor indoor water usage by logging into Smart Choice and viewing the data available on their water usage

Edmond examining Arcadia Lake access after shooting

By Richard Mize of The Oklahoman

Edmond city leaders are not letting the deadly gang-related mass shooting at Arcadia Lake on May 3 pass without serious introspection and an examination of city policies.

The Edmond City Council formally started to deal with the shooting, which left one dead and 22 injured, with the last item on its agenda on Monday, May 11: "Discussion of Lake Arcadia Access." However, there was no discussion, just comments by the mayor, a council member, and one resident.

The shooting took place late at the lake's Scissortail Campground during an unsanctioned nighttime party promoted on social media as "Sunday Funday." One victim, Avianna Marie Smith-Gray, 18, of Guthrie, died at a hospital on May 5. Two suspects, an 18-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman, have been arrested.

Activist pastor the Rev. Derrick Scobey, who lives in Edmond, attended the meeting but did not speak.

Scobey, senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, posted his thoughts on the shooting and the makeup of other people at the meeting — and those not present — on Facebook.

Mayor Mark Nash said the council meant to "start the dialogue." But, he said, "We can't have any dialogue about what's going on at the lake until we get citizen input and we have some input from some (city) boards and commissions."

Council members invited residents to come to an "Edmond Matters" town hall meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 21 at City Hall, 22 E Main St. Preston Watterson, who represents Ward 3, and Phil Fraim, of Ward 4, played host for such a gathering at Edmond Railyard on Wednesday, May 13.

City leaders had taken heat on social media for not acting faster. Nash said "Discussion of Lake Arcadia Access" was on the Monday night agenda to send a message. "We put this on here so that everyone in Edmond knows that

the city council is working on this, and it's part of a bigger issue, and it requires the input of the entire city, and that we're not just waiting until we see what happens," the mayor said.

Maggie Murdock Nichols, who represents Ward 1, said the shooting is "still very fresh on our mind, but even more (are) the kids and the young people who were affected ... and I just wanted to express my sympathy and concern and my hope for their family."

Rebecca Walther, the one resident to speak, said her family had already stopped visiting the Arcadia Lake Conservation Education Area, operated by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, because of "increased drug usage in that area and the boldness of people using drugs and alcohol."

"I think that boldness is what contributed to what happened in that tragedy across the lake from us," said Walther, who lives on Indian Springs Road, about 500 feet from the southeast shore of the lake and less than a mile from the conservation area.

Citylink made Arts Festival special

More than 1,700 riders took advantage of City of Edmond transportation service during the Arts Festival

From City Source Edmond

When it comes to fun, family friendly things to do, Edmond has myriad opportunities.

And, to make sure everyone has a chance to enjoy events – big and small – Citylink, the City of Edmond’s public transportation service, partners with events and organizers to ensure everyone has a chance to come and participate.

A prime example is the annual Arts Festival in downtown Edmond.

The three-day event brought thousands of art lovers to downtown Edmond. Booths and food trucks lined Broadway from May 1 through May 3, offering visitors the chance to see and purchase art, jewelry and more from local and regional artisans.

And, again, Citylink helped visitors get to the event in a quick and efficient manner. Since 2023, Citylink has offered a park-and-ride shuttle, with a station located at First Street and University to allow visitors to park there and ride downtown to the festival.

This year, shuttle rider numbers increased by 30 percent for a total of 1,755.

“We were thrilled to transport 400 more people than last year and assist 10 individuals in wheelchairs,” said Christy Batterson, Director of Community Resources.

The Arts Festival shuttle is just one example of how Citylink has an impact on events around Edmond. Last winter, during the Edmond Fire Department’s Winter’s Night at the Children’s Safety Village, Citylink helped shuttle more than 700 visitors. Later this month, it will provide transportation for the Edmond Museum’s Edmond Historical Walking Camp. And, later this summer, it will provide shuttle service for the Route 66 Beach Sprint Festival at Arcadia Lake.

It sounds like a small thing, but Citylink’s contributions are vital to the events and locations around Edmond.

During the Arts Festival, this kind of accessibility contributed to overall success for the festival and local businesses. Downtown Edmond welcomed 167 artists from 20 states and 70 sponsors donated more than $70,000 in cash and in-kind products. Beautiful weather and creative vibes

helped increase dining sales.

“Profits were up 7.8 percent, and we had our single best sales day AND the largest three-day sales stretch in our history,” said Matt Conner, coowner and head brewer for Frenzy Brewing Co. “The Edmond Art Festival's economic impact is undeniable. It never ceases to amaze me how many people walk past our open big blue doors and peer into our taproom with surprise on their face. After nearly 6 years in business, the festival contin-

ues to drive new customers.”

The Edmond Arts Festival facilitates discovery, not just of fine and diverse art, but what Downtown Edmond has become – a destination for residents and visitors to come together for food, drink and entertainment. And other Downtown Edmond leaders also felt Frenzy’s successful sales.

“In addition to increased business, the Down-

See Citylink, Page 5

Citylink

town Edmond Arts Festival exposes downtown retail and restaurants to future customers and enhances our overall image, growth and walkability,” said Robert Black, owner of Twisted Tree Bakery, Bluebird Books, Evoke and La Loba Cantina & Grill.

Organized by Downtown Edmond Business Association (DEBA), more than 100 volunteers assisted artists, greeted visitors and enjoyed live music throughout the weekend. Edmond Arts Festival Chair, Michelle Schaefer, said, “This is my 8th year to lead we always have a waiting list of artists that want to participate.”

From Page 4

Adding a cherry on top, Roxy’s Ice Cream Social reported sales up 7 percent from last year. Roxy’s owner, Brittyn Rosebure, said, “Success was sweet in Downtown Edmond last weekend!”

For more information about upcoming events in Downtown Edmond, visit www.visitedmondok.com.

For more information about Citylink, visit www.citylinkedmond.com.

Learn more about what’s happening around the city at www.edmondok.gov/CitySource.

Bill to help solve cold cases now law

Nearly 29 years ago, Cheryl Genzer and Lisa Pennington vanished from the State Fair – their bodies were later discovered in a shallow grave, but the crime has never been solved. That could change now that Senate Bill 1636, by Sen. Carri Hicks and Rep. Ross Ford, has been signed into law by the governor after passing unanimously in both chambers. Hicks said there are some 1,000 Oklahoma families still awaiting justice in the murder of a loved one. This new law will give them a process to finally get the answers and the justice they deserve.

“As I worked with families, advocates, and law enforcement on this issue, I became passionate about the need to give loved ones a way forward to reopen these cold cases. I believe the end result will actually strengthen public safety in Oklahoma as we bring those responsible for these heinous crimes to justice,” said Hicks, D-Oklahoma City. “I appreciate Representative Ross Ford for his hard work in the House, our fellow members for their unanimous support, and the governor for signing 1636.”

The provisions of SB 1636 will: Create a formal pathway for families by allowing designated loved ones to request a review.

Require an independent review by investigators who were not part of the original case.

Set accountability timelines, including written confirmation within 30 days, with the review completed within six months, and requiring transparency if that time is extended.

Modernize investigations by requiring evaluation of new forensic testing, witness re-interviews, and updated investigative methods.

Ensure communication with families by mandating updates and a final meeting to explain findings.

Should a review of the case result in a determination that no further investigation is warranted, the case will not be reviewed again for at least five years.

"This legislation should bring some much-desired relief to Oklahoma families who have waited too long for justice in a loved one's cold case," said Ford, R-Broken Arrow. "Significantly, it brings hope that with updated investigation methods and fresh eyes these cases can be solved, giving them closure and the possibility of justice. I'm grateful to Senator Hicks for her tireless work on this issue and for the governor signing it into law."

The new law will take effect on Nov. 1, 2026.

(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.)

May 4

Joe Benjamin Rosenhamer, 47 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol.

Kristobal Angelo Ortiz, 29 of Edmond. Public intoxication and assault and battery on a medical care provider.

May 5

Michael Chase Nichols, 42 homeless. Two counts of failure to appear.

Travis Don Horton, 32 homeless. Six counts of failure to appear.

Ashton Isiah Arterberry, 22 homeless. Two felony warrants.

May 6

Johnathan Perry Andrew Wilson, 24 of Edmond. Expired tag — over three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Lisa Lanay Phillips, 24 homeless. Felony warrant. Justin Wayne Hill, 47 of Norman. Felony warrant.

Nashyia Amyni McCain, 19 of Edmond. Assault and battery/battery (felony) on police officer or correctional staff and obstruction of police officer.

Jaylan Ahmad Davis, 18 of Oklahoma City. Felony warrant.

Tracey Christian Cox, 55 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants.

May 7

Kyle Edward Holliman, 41 of Edmond. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked and possess CDS.

Joe Torres, 67 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Christopher Jordan Jones, 30 of Oklahoma City. Aggravate felony DUI — operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Randall Lee Bigby, 43 of Yukon. (Misdemeanor) possession of another’s debit card, possess drug paraphernalia, operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol and possess CDS.

May 8

Stevland Edward Shores, 56 of Edmond. Eight counts of failure to appear.

Billy Don Maddox, 37 of Oklahoma City. (Felony) larceny of merchandise from retailer. Talmadge Lamar Smith, 45 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

May 9

Tanner Ryan Stephens, 24 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Billy Adam Goodwin, 39 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants.

Larry Wayne Kizarr Jr.; 59 of Edmond. Domestic abuse with a pattern of physical abuse.

Ashton Alan Willson, 46 homeless. Possession of marijuana and trespassing after being warned.

May 10

Monica Ayana Steward, 49 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Jase Tyler Keck, 21 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

Fletcher Cambell Hill, 37 of Oklahoma City. Aggravated felony DUI — operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Tarah Jean Talamasy, 45 of Edmond. Expired tag — over three months and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Daniel Chavez-Carapia, 42 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

27 booking reports

Weekend calendar of events, May 21-24

Weekend Calendar of Events May 21-24

Weekend Calendar of Events May 21 - 24

---- In the Gallery

---- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market

---- Heard on Hurd

---- Touchmark at Coffee Creek Downsizers Club: Home Prep – To Stage or Not to Stage to Sell

---- Frenzy Live Music in May

---- Free Live Music in May

---- Edmond Jr. Rodeo

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

---- Edmond Patriot Market

---- Weekly Game Night

---- Saturday Morning Music Sessions

---- Coffee & Guitars

---- Book Swap

---- Trivia Night

---- Vinyl Night

---- Music Bingo

---- Beer + Yoga

---- The Round Barn Rendezvous

---- 1889 Territorial School Open House

---- Choose Your Adventure!

---- Chuck Wagon Festival

---- Boley Rodeo Day

---- Wheeler District Night Market

---- Sip & Stroll

---- GalaxyCon Oklahoma City

---- Run for Recovery 5K

---- Breakfast with the Animals

---- OKC Broadway presents: The Wiz

---- Paseo Arts Festival

---- The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show 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 BOLD: 4 Letters, 4 Artists; edmondfinearts.com

Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market

Location: Festival Market Place

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

Heard on Hurd

Location: Downtown Edmond

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

Touchmark at Coffee Creek

Downsizers Club: Home Prep – To Stage or Not to Stage to Sell

Location: 2801 Shortgrass Rd

Extra Info: Thu, May 21; 10 – 11:30 a.m.; touchmark.com

Frenzy Live Music in May

Location: Frenzy Brewing Company

Extra Info: Fri, May 22: Robert Allen @7 p.m.; Sat, May 23: MBG Combo @ 7 p.m.; frenzybrew-

ing.com

Free Live Music in May

Location: The Old Icehouse

Extra Info: Fri, May 22; Peaty Bogs @ 7:30 p.m.; theoldicehouse.com

Edmond Jr. Rodeo

Location: Edmond Round Up Club – Carl Benne

Arena

Extra Info: Fri, May 22 – Sat, May 23; Fri, Jun 5 – Sat, Jun 6; Fri Jul 10 – Sat, Jul 11; Fri, Aug 7 –Sat, Aug 8; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.; Adults: $5; 18 & under: $1; edmondroundupclub.com

Summer Sculpt & Sweat –May Sunday Series

Location: The Yoga Spa

Extra Info: Every Sunday in May; $20; 5:30 –6:30 p.m.; facebook.com

Edmond Patriot Market

Location: 425 Fretz Ave, Edmond

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

Location: American Solera – Icehouse Project

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

Saturday Morning Music Sessions

Location: Arcadia Round Barn

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

Coffee & Guitars

Location: Edmond Music

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

Book Swap

Location: American Solera – Icehouse Project

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

Trivia Night

Location: Flatire Burgers

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

Vinyl Night

Location: Round Midnight

Extra Info: Recurring weekly on Thu; facebook.com

Music Bingo

Location: Flatire Burgers

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

Beer + Yoga

Location: America Solera – Icehouse Project

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

The Round Barn Rendezvous

Location: Arcadia Round Barn

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

1889 Territorial School Open House

Location: 124 E 2nd

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

Choose Your Adventure!

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Thu, May 21 – Sun, May 24; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Chuck Wagon Festival

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Sat, May 23 – Sun, May 24; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Boley Rodeo Day

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Fri, May 22; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Wheeler District Night Market

Location: 1737 Spoke St, OKC

Extra Info: Fri, May 22; 6 – 9 p.m.; wheelerdistrict.com

Sip & Stroll

Location: Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden

Extra Info: Fri, May 22; 6 – 10 p.m.; okczoo.org

GalaxyCon Oklahoma City

Location: Oklahoma City Convention Center

Extra Info: Fri, May 22 – Sun, May 24; Fri: 2 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. -8 p.m.; galazycon.com

Run for Recovery 5K

Location: Stars & Stripes Park

Extra Info: Sat, May 23; helpteensok.org

Breakfast with the Animals

Location: Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden

Extra Info: Sat, May 23; Check-in: 8:30 a.m.; Breakfast: 8:45 a.m.; okczoo.org

OKC Broadway presents: The Wiz

Location: Civic Center Music Hall

Extra Info: Tue, May 19 – Sun, May 24; Tue –Fri: 7:30 p.m.; Sat: 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Sun: 1:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.; okccbroadway.com

Paseo Arts Festival

Location: Paseo Arts District

Extra Info: Sat, May 23 – Mon, May 25; thepaseo.org

The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show

Location: Skirvin Hilton

Extra Info: Sat, May 23; 6 – 9 p.m.

Oklahoma State Senate adjourns and looks back at highlights of 2026 session

The Oklahoma Senate last week, adjourned the Second Session of the 60th Legislature sine die, marking the official end to this year’s Legislative Session.

Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, said it was a successful year with meaningful laws passed and signed into law for all Oklahomans.

“From strengthening our schools and delivering a historic teacher pay raise to making insulin more affordable, investing in water infrastructure and protecting Oklahomans, this was a highly productive legislative session, where we delivered on things that matter most to Oklahomans,” Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton said. “We passed a responsible state budget that makes significant investments in core areas of state government, while maintaining our commitment to conservative fiscal stewardship. We also advanced important reforms to improve literacy and math achievement, support parental choice and uphold election integrity. I am proud of the work the Senate accomplished this year, and I appreciate the dedication of our members and staff in helping us deliver meaningful results for the people of Oklahoma.”

Session Highlights

Budget: Senate Bill 1177, the state budget bill for Fiscal Year 2027, was passed in recent record time. The budget included The General Appropriations bill is the backbone of the state budget and sets the framework for state agency appropriations. The bill includes a $232 million increase in common education funding for teacher pay raises and initiatives to help young students learn to read and understand fundamental math skills.

Additionally, the budget increases funding for health care, public safety and mental health services while also making targeted investments in critical infrastructure projects and economic development initiatives. It also puts millions toward investments in water infrastructure.

Federal Gas Tax Relief: The Senate amended House Bill 1370, which repeals an outdated law ensuring consumers will benefit directly from any federal gas tax suspension. President Trump said he wants to suspend the federal gas tax to help Americans facing higher fuel costs. During a review of state law, Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall, R-Perry, and Senator Grant Green, R-Wellston,

identified a little-known provision enacted in the 1990s that would automatically raise Oklahoma’s state fuel tax by the same amount as any federal tax reduction.

The Senate adopted an amendment to House Bill 1370 repealing the outdated trigger language and ensuring consumers would benefit directly from any federal gas tax suspension.

Strong Readers Act: Senate Bill 1778 –strengthens the state's Strong Readers Act to improve early literacy. The law mandates statewide reading screenings, science-based interventions, and stricter retention policies for third graders, with key provisions effective in the 2027–2028 school year.

Teacher Pay Raise: Senate Bill 201 – provides a $2,000 increase across the board pay raise for teachers.

Making Insulin More Affordable: Senate Bill 1344 – creates the Insulin Access and Affordability Program, which will be administered by the State Department of Health in order to increase patient access to affordable insulin, reduce prescription drug costs, bolster American manufacturing, increase marketplace competition, and address market shortages for generic insulin.

More Recess for Kids: Senate Bill 1481 – requires schools to provide students in grades pk-5 with 40 minutes of recess per day, which may be divided into two 20-minute periods. Schools are prohibited from withholding recess as a form of discipline.

Disrupting Religious Meetings: Senate Bill 743 – modifies the punishment for disturbing a religious meeting by allowing fines of not more than $500 and/or imprisonment for up to 1 year in the county jail. A second or subsequent offense is a felony, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 2 years or both.

Restrictions on SNAP Benefits: Senate Bill 1833 – directs the Department of Human Services to submit a request for a federal waiver to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services to prohibit the use of SNAP benefits for the purchase of candy and soft drinks and any other foods the Director of Human Services deems to be an unhealthy food item. If the waiver is approved, the Department must implement the restrictions within 6 months of receiving federal authorization.

Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026: House Bill 2992 – requires data center developers and other large energy users to provide notice to the Corporation Commission, local county commissioners, and neighboring property owners within 60 days of buying land for a project. This legislation requires data centers to cover their electricity and infrastructure costs, and those costs cannot be passed onto Oklahoma ratepayers.

Protection for Victims of Child Sexual Crimes: House Bill 4227 – mandates that any settlement agreement that conceals the details relating to a claim of child sexual abuse or child sexual exploitation is void and unenforceable. This law also allows for prosecutions for sexual crimes against children may be commenced at any time after the commission of the offense.

Home Insurance Reforms to Ease Rates: House Bill 3781 - modernizes Oklahoma’s insurance rate filing system by transitioning the state from a “use-and-file” model to a “file-and-use” system. Insurance carriers will have to submit proposed rate changes to the Oklahoma Insurance Department before those rates can take effect, providing regulators additional time to review filings and challenge excessive increases.

Allowances for Opioid Antagonists: Senate Bill 65 – allows for any person to possess and store emergency opioid antagonists, acquire emergency opioid antagonists by purchase or donation, distribute or make emergency opioid antagonists available to any person to the extent permitted under federal law, and administer an emergency opioid antagonist to any person believed to be experiencing an opioid overdose.

Human Trafficking Victim Protection: Senate Bill 1810 – creates where in an action in a court in Oklahoma, if a party offers evidence of human trafficking, the testimony of an expert witness is to be admissible as evidence. The measure directs the Victims Services Unit within the Office of the Attorney General to provide services for victims of human trafficking and directs the Attorney General to enter into agreements or contracts for shelter of victims.

Increasing Minimum Instructional Days: House Bill 3151 – approved by Governor Stitt on May 1, 2026, increases the minimum number of in-

Highlights, Page 9

Five ways seniors can get moving

People of all ages are encouraged to be physically active, and that includes seniors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say seniors ages 65 and older should aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and at least two days a week of muscle-strengthening exercises. Although some people may be drawn to the gym, others with no such preference may need to identify other ways to incorporate more physical activity into their lives. Seniors can stay active in various ways by enjoying activities that get them up and moving. The following are five ideas to get started.

Play a sport. Pickleball and padel are the fastest-growing recreational sports among seniors. Pickleball blends tennis and badminton while padel blends tennis and squash. These activities combine

challenging cardio workouts with a social component.

Go dancing. A recent meta-analysis found that group dancing enhances social interaction while providing moderate aerobic exercise. Dancing is fun and can get anyone to break a sweat, and it doesn't feel like exercise.

Join or start a walking club. Seniors can engage with other like-minded individuals by turning their daily walks into something that offers companionship and exercise. An app like Charity Miles offers an additional layer of purpose to the activity, as it turns walks into fundraising opportunities.

Take up gardening. Gardening can be a thorough workout. The Royal Horticultural Society says

gardening provides moderate-intensity, full-body exercise that burns approximately 165 to 300 calories every 30 to 60 minutes.

Consider aquatic endeavors. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) in the water is a new exercise trend that allows people to elevate their heart rates without placing any extra strain on the joints. Water activities in general tend to be easy on the body but provide immense benefits for flexibility and gentle resistance. Everyday Health says HIIT in a pool can improve fitness capacity roughly as much as HIIT done on land.

Seniors have various options to stay active and keep moving. Many such activities are entertaining and social in nature, which can help seniors maintain a commitment to being physically active. From Metro News

Group alleges medication errors in nursing homes

Medication errors can have serious impacts on residents. Nevertheless, they are a common problem in too many nursing homes. Too often, medication is given to residents in a manner that conflicts with manufacturers’ instructions or professional standards of care.

Federal standards are applicable to all residents in licensed U.S. nursing homes, including short-term, longterm, private pay, Medicaid, Medicare, or privately insured.

Medication Errors (42 C.F.R. § 483.45(f); F-759 & F-760) Facilities must ensure that Medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater and Residents are free of any significant medication errors. Though nursing homes are permitted up to five percent medication errors, this does not absolve the requirements to ensure resident safety and effectively monitor every resident’s clinical conditions. ‘Medication error’ means the observed or identified preparation or administration of medications or biologicals which is not in accordance with the prescriber’s order.

Common medication errors: Taking a medication dose late, Underdosing, Omitted dose, Multidrug interactions or side effects, giving drugs that would cause harm due to underlying medical diagnoses, unsafe mixing of medication. Common medication errors that could lead to a citation: dispensing the wrong medication, giving medication via the wrong route, giving expired med-

ication, giving the wrong or extra dose. ‘Significant medication error’ means one which causes the resident discomfort or jeopardizes their health and safety. Significance may be subjective or relative depending on the individual situation and duration.

‘Medication error rate’ is determined by calculating the percentage of medication errors observed during a medication administration observation.

Residents have the right to choose health care schedules consistent with their interests and preferences, and the nursing home should gather this information in order to be proactive in assisting residents to fulfill their choices. The adjustment of medication administration times, to meet the individual needs and preferences of residents, must be considered by the nursing home. However, medication administration scheduling must still consider physician prescription, manufacturer’s guidelines, and the types of medication, including time-critical medications. Some medications require administration within a narrow window of time to ensure resident safety or achieve a therapeutic effect while other medications are not affected by a more flexible schedule.

Areawide Aging Agency Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the needs of residents in LTC facilities serving Canadian, Cleveland, Logan, and Oklahoma Counties. You may contact us at (405) 942-8500.

Highlights

structional days for schools operating under a school-hours calendar to 173 days and allocates an additional $175 million in funding to the State Department of Education. This law also requires school districts to hold any parent-teacher conferences during school days.

More Funding for Parental Choice Tax Credit: House Bill 3705 – Increases the cap on tax credits for private school students under the Parental Choice Tax Credit to $275 million total.

Oklahoma Math Achievement and Proficiency Act: Senate Bill 1360 – creates an Office of Mathematics Improvement within the State Department of Education devoted to improving math instruction across the state. This legislation also includes screening requirements to ensure students in key grades are understanding critical math skills and creates math instructional teams to help educators better help kids who are struggling in math and those who are performing above their grade level.

Stopping Domestic ViolenceSenate Bill 1238 makes domestic violence in front of a child a felony on the first offense. Senate Bill 1325 allows courts to require certain domestic abusers to wear a GPS-tracked monitor as a condition of bail.

Support for the TMaH Model: Senate Bill 1565 – requires that for participation in the Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority must

have the power and duty to accept, receive, and expend federal funds, grants, cooperative agreements, or demonstration model funding awarded by CMS. Such funds must only be used for maternal health services and support for pregnant and postpartum women who are Medicaid members.

Right to Try for Individualized Treatments Act: Senate Bill 933 –allows certain patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses, typically terminal diseases, to access individualized treatments developed specifically for their genetic profile when no other approved options remain.

Restriction in the Electronic Monitoring Program: Senate Bill 137 – excludes inmates convicted of DUI, which results in an accident with great bodily injury, from eligibility in the Electronic Monitoring Program.

Minor Protection from AI: Senate Bill 1521 – establishes regulations for operators of conversational AI services that interact with minors. Operators must provide parental management tools for minor accounts and ensure the AI directs users who express self-harming or suicidal thoughts to the appropriate crisis services.

Penalty for Funding Gender Transition Procedures: Senate Bill 904 – requires that public funds must not be used or distributed to any entity for the provision or subsidy of any gender transition procedures, regardless of if the procedures are provided to a child or an adult.

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

What’s the value of truth?

By Steve Gust

It’s only a matter of weeks now before the primary election on June 16.

And that means only weeks more of broadcast political ads.

I don’t blame the candidates. That’s the way the game is played. What I find interesting is a report done in The Oklahoman last week – looking at the veracity of the ads – especially for governor. The newspaper looked at various broadcast attack ads. They would label a lot of them “mostly false” or “mostly true.”

Steve Gust

I don’t get it. If an ad is “mostly false,” then how is it deemed okay to air? We wouldn’t do that with products or services or at least we shouldn’t.

There’s something else people should know. A candidate can promise to do anything when he or she is a candidate for governor. But they all know that it takes the legislature to actually enact into law most of the things the governor wants to see.

— Speaking of the Legislature, they adjourned last week – but had a lot of measures passed. I like Senate bill 743.

This is designed to punish people who disrupt religious meetings. It’s a $500 fine and/or a year imprisonment in the county jail. If I’m not mistaken the feds may have a law against it also. It’s hard to believe there are people actually crazy enough to interrupt a religious service.

The state also beefed up DUI laws – which is another good thing. Education and human trafficking also received attention.

I know that lawmakers get an earful from their constituents and sometimes deservingly so. But overall, they put in a lot of work this session.

—--

I’d still like to know how many people in Oklahoma actually make minimum wage? I noticed online many entry jobs are available. And most of them offered way over minimum wage.

The free market knows most people won’t work for minimum wage and it’s been adjusted. The government isn’t needed to dictate what people make.

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

Governor signs bill reforming OSSAA

Governor Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 2153 into law, opening the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association’s (OSSAA) decisions to the public eye and ending penalizing student athletes for transferring schools.

House Bill 2153 requires OSSAA to conduct eligibility, rule violation, and hardship waiver hearings in meetings that are open to the public and subject to the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act.

The law also removes from state statute the automatic one-year “sit out” period that has prevented many transfer students from competing in athletics after changing schools.

“I’ve heard too many stories of students who did everything right to transfer, only to be sidelined by an unelected, unaccountable activities association,” said Governor Stitt. “No student’s chance to be a part of an activity should depend on whether their parents can afford an attorney. This law puts families, not bureaucracies, at the center.”

Under HB 2153, OSSAA has full authority to set eligibility standards and guard against unfair competitive ad-

vantages but must do so through procedures that are visible to parents, students, and schools. The law applies to all OSSAA sanctioned activities.

“In my 2026 State of the State, I made it clear that our goal is to protect the American Dream in Oklahoma by putting students and parents first,” Stitt said. “No child’s opportunities should be limited by their zip code. HB 2153 is another step toward an education system where families have real choices and where every student can succeed."

——-

Senate Bill 504 by Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, became law last week, officially prohibiting marriage in the state of Oklahoma before the age of 18.

The measure removes existing exceptions that allowed minors to marry with parental consent or court authorization.

“This bill becoming law represents the culmination of significant effort on an issue that has been deeply important to me personally, as well as to many others who have worked tirelessly to see it through,” Hamilton said. “Enacting these provisions is critical as it directly impacts hundreds of children—most of them young girls— whose protections under the law are now strengthened.”

Hamilton stated the bill not only protects minors from unwanted or forceful marriage but will assist efforts to prevent child trafficking and exploitation.

“Oklahoma children must be able to grow up free from coercion and exploitation, and it is our duty to guarantee those protections are enacted and enforced. This new law closes dangerous avenues for exploitation and ensures that no minor, even those who are close to adulthood, is placed in a marriage that puts their safety or wellbeing at risk,” Hamilton said.

“Furthermore, SB 504 strengthens the dignity of marriage, acknowledging the self-evident truth that a person should reach the age of majority, legally an adult, before they’re allowed to enter into a lifetime covenant,” Hamilton added.

SB 504 was carried in the House of Representatives by Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond.

Okla. House looks back at recent session

Today, the second regular session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature adjourned, sine die. The House was committed throughout session to advancing conservative priorities for Oklahomans and many significant policy wins will make Oklahoma better in the years to come.

The House, Senate and Governor came to an early agreement on the FY27 budget, the earliest in recent state history. The budget prioritized fiscal discipline while making strategic investments in critical areas of state government.

The budget makes significant strategic investments in education, including $27.3 million to fund health insurance increases for teachers, almost $80 million dedicated to reading and math initiatives, including support for the Strong Readers Act, and $100 million for teacher pay raises. These investments, along with others reinforce the Legislature’s commitment to improving student outcomes while strengthening Oklahoma’s education workforce. In total, the Legislature committed $232 million in new money to common education this year, triggering a 7-day increase in the school year to a minimum of 173 days in accordance with HB3151.

The budget also increases funding for the Department of Mental Health to support efforts

with the ongoing consent decree, the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority for increased Medicaid utilization and the Department of Human Services for Advantage waiver, changes to the SNAP program and child care teacher recruitment and retention.

This budget also includes a cost of living adjustment for the Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS), Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System (OLERS), Police and Firefighters Pension and Retirement System and Uniform Retirement System for Justices and Judges.

Once again, the Legislature made historic investments in education coupled with meaningful reform. Senate Bill 1778, authored by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R- Bristow, strengthens early literacy efforts through statewide reading screenings, targeted interventions grounded in the science of reading, additional support and training for teachers, stronger accountability measures and improved communication with parents about their child’s reading progress.

Under the new law, schools will identify reading deficiencies earlier and provide evidencebased interventions to help students improve before they fall behind. The legislation also ex-

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pands teacher training opportunities, increases classroom support for educators and establishes new expectations for colleges of education preparing Oklahoma’s future teachers.

House Bill 2288 changes an existing 36-month waiting period to six months for teachers who retire before they can return to teaching in Oklahoma public schools, while also drawing on their earned retirement benefits. Currently, teachers are allowed to go into a job in the private sector or in a private school, but must wait 36 months before returning to a public school classroom.

House Bill 1276, or "Bell to Bell no Cell" by Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, requires school districts to permanently adopt a policy prohibiting students from using cell phones on campus during the school day.

The House also increased the annual cap on the Parental Choice Tax Credit, giving more parents the chance to choose the educational experience that best meets their child's needs.

Additionally, House Bill 3372, authored by Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, establishes a revolving loan fund program to provide lower-interest financing options for charter school capital projects, including construction, renovation and property acquisition. It also creates a bond credit enhancement program to help qualifying charter schools access more favorable financing terms.

Other legislation aimed at improving our student outcomes:

House Bill 3151- increases the minimum number of instructional days from 166 to 173 for schools operating under an hours-based calendar, while maintaining the current minimum of 1,086 instructional hours

Senate Bill 1177- creates the school security revolving fund and extends $50 million in annual school security funding for three years

Senate Bill 1481- requires schools to provide students in grades pk-5 with 40 minutes of recess per day.

Denver museum pays homage to the remarkable Molly Brown

By Elaine Warner

The imposing stone house with its red tile roof and black trim, fronted by majestic lions and an enigmatic sphinx, is now crowded into a mixed neighborhood. Gone is the view of snowcapped mountains, blocked by a massive office building. And the house’s oncefamous owner’s name is not recognized by members of the end-of-the-alphabet generations. Baby boomers who still know the name most likely don’t know her real story. A tour of the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver will introduce visitors to a fascinating and complicated woman known now as “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.”

Her life was brought to stage and screen in the 1960s. Unfortunately for history, the play was based on a fictionalized book which pictured Margaret Brown as an illiterate and ignorant orphan, adopted by a miner in Leadville, Colorado. The author also gave her the nickname Molly, which she never used in real life.

About the only details that story got right were the locations where much of the action took place, her marriage to J.J. Brown, and her survival of the sinking of the Titanic.

Actually, Margaret was born into an Irish immigrant family in Hannibal, Missouri. With the equivalent of a high school education, she moved when she was 18 to Leadville to live with her brother. There she worked in a local store.

J.J. Brown was born in Pennsylvania in 1855. His Irish immigrant father was a coal miner and, although he had the benefit of schooling, J.J. joined his father in the mines. Later he became a goldseeker in the Dakotas, eventually winding up in mining country in Colorado

He was a hard worker and an avid learner, advancing quickly from mining to managing. Twelve years older than Margaret, he was ready to settle down and, having made her acquaintance, proposed.

Continuing to advance in his profession, J.J. was hired by a group of mine owners to solve problems in the Little Jonny mine. Work on the mine had been long and arduous. J.J. was instrumental in finally hitting pay-dirt. He was able to invest in the project, described at the time as the world’s richest gold mine. Subsequently the Brown family moved to 1340 Pennsylvania Avenue, Denver, Colorado. We were fortunate to be taken on a tour of the home by Anna Owens. Her enthusiasm and depth

of knowledge added interesting tidbits to the tour faster than I could write them down!

The house was built in 1889 and purchased by the Browns in 1894 for $30,000. The Richardson Romanesque-style house is sided with white Colorado Castle Rock rhyolite and red sandstone from the Garden of the Gods.

Only about 17 per cent of the furnishings are original to the Brown family. The entry hall is probably the most authentically preserved room. It reveals a Turkish influence, probably the result of the couple’s extensive travel in Europe and Asia.

The fireplace here is outstanding, lined with attractive tiles. The gold anaglypta wallpaper and the golden oak staircase are also original. The stained glass windows in the house were created locally by Watkins Stained Glass – still in business today.

While living there, Margaret engaged in active civic duties. Her fund-raising efforts were legendary. She also continued her education with tutors, becoming fluent in French, German and Italian.

European travel was de rigeur for the social elites. The Browns took their first trip to Europe in 1896, the same year J.J., concerned about his health, transferred the deed to their home to Margaret exclusively.

Margaret made numerous trips abroad with and without the rest of her family. J.J., who valued his privacy, continued working – supporting not only Margaret’s extravagant way of life but also helping a number of relatives.

As the couple’s interests diverged, in 1909 J.J. took the drastic step – they were both staunch Catholics – of asking for a divorce. Margaret refused. A compromise separation was agreed on, with Margaret receiving a monthly payment.

In 1912, following an extended stay in Europe, Margaret prepared to return to the U.S. on the newly built ocean liner, Titanic. When tragedy struck, Margaret raced to the deck. Using her

multi-linguistic skills she was instrumental in getting passengers into lifeboats until a crew member dropped her over the side into a lifeboat. There she quickly took command, grabbing one oar as another passenger grabbed the other. They rowed for seven hours before being picked up by the British RMS Carpathia.

On land, she and several other ladies from First Class raised money for indigent survivors. Margaret Brown was proclaimed a heroine. She later gained further praise for her work with the American Committee for Devastated France following World War I and her efforts in the suffrage movement, even making a run for the U.S. Congress.

J.J. Brown died in 1922, leaving far less money than his family had assumed. Margaret still owned the Denver home, but was seldom there. She turned the property into a boarding house, supplementing her reduced income with rent.

Following her death in 1932, her children, Helen and Lawrence, sold the house for $5,450.

By 1970, the city was threatening demolition. The owner, Art Leisenring, with help from the community founded Historic Denver to save the house. In 1971 it opened as a museum.

Guests today will see the house decorated with 1910-appropriate furnishings. In the formal drawing room, a small case displays a tiny ustabti, an Egyptian funerary figure, which was in Margaret’s pocket when she escaped the sinking Titanic.

Some of her silver and china is on display in the dining room including a large, silver-plated punch bowl – a wedding gift from the miners in Leadville. The spider-web ceiling mural was commissioned by the home’s original owner. A few of her personal effects, among them ruby earrings, her monogrammed opera glasses and a gold hunting watch, are on display in one of the bedrooms.

Graphics and displays in the house give extensive information on the Titanic sinking and on Colorado mining. The whole story is so much bigger than can be contained in an hour’s visit.

Ending my visit in the gift shop, I bought the book Gold-Fated Family by Jody L. Pritzl, a former docent in the museum. Her curiosity led her to extensive research resulting in an authoritative biography of the family. Margaret Brown, a brilliant but complicated woman, lived life large, accomplishing great things.

I challenge you to visit the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver and not want to know more of the Browns’ fascinating lives. P.S. Don’t rent the movie!

Photos by Elaine Warner

June Art on its way

“Kiss

Edmond Fine Arts preps for June Gallery

Exhibition

Edmond Fine Arts is blooming with anticipation for the June Gallery Exhibition, Abundance! A Celebratory Display of Nature’s Bounty, featuring the work of Oklahoma artists Sharon Sudduth and Marie Kash Weltzheimer. The exhibition premiers with a Gallery Opening on Thursday, June 4th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will remain up for viewers through the month of June.

Through texture, vivid colors, and expressive works, Abundance explores themes of creation’s generosity and provision while celebrating the richness, harmony, and joy found in life. Join EFA to experience a collection of paintings inspired by nature, beauty, music, and the meaningful moments woven into everyday life.

Based in Enid, Oklahoma, Sharon Sudduth is a representational painter known for her large-scale floral paintings and expressive portraits. Primarily self-taught, Sudduth began painting in 2012 and later adopted oils and the alla prima (wet-into-wet) technique in 2018. Her fascination with light, form, and color fuels a vibrant and intuitive painting style that has earned recognition across the Midwest. Her joyful works have been collected by art enthusiasts from coast to coast.

“Joyful, colorful, inescapable…it’s easy to overlook a flower on the side of the path, but blooms painted on a grand scale in all their complexity and splendor ensures they cannot be missed!” said Sudduth.

Edmond artist Marie Kash Weltzheimer has enjoyed a flourishing artistic career since 1988 and is celebrated for her luminous pastel and oil paintings inspired by music, nature, and the beauty of everyday life. A Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America and a Master Circle Artist with the International Association of Pastel Societies, Weltzheimer’s award-winning work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and featured in numerous publications. Through symbolic still lifes and lyrical portraits, her work reflects themes of family, belonging, hope, and human connection.

“The intention with my work is to focus on what is true, honorable, pure, lovely, and admirable by bringing forth the extraordinary, the resonant beauty, and the hope that exists around us,” said Weltzheimer.

The opening reception is free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend and enjoy an evening celebrating creativity, connection, and the beauty of nature through art.

About Edmond Fine Arts: Edmond Fine Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accessible arts education and fostering creativity in the Edmond community. Through classes, workshops, and community events, Edmond Fine Arts aims to inspire individuals of all ages to explore and embrace the arts. Edmond Fine Arts is located at 27 E. Edwards in Downtown Edmond. The Gallery is sponsored by BancFirst.

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

UCO ROTC commissions five new Army officers

Five University of Central Oklahoma students earned both their college degrees and commissions as officers in the United States Army during the university’s annual spring commissioning ceremony, May 8.

The commissioning marks the culmination of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, which prepares college students to become leaders in the active Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve. UCO’s program, known as the Broncho Battalion, is the largest program of its kind in Oklahoma and is among the largest in the region.

“This commissioning contributes to a total of 21 newly commissioned officers for the year, exceeding the program’s annual mission for the first time in five years," said Lt. Col. Shaun McIntosh, chair and professor of military science and leader of the Broncho Battalion at UCO.

"These officers have completed rigorous academic, physical and leadership training and are fully prepared to lead soldiers in the United States Army.”

The newly commissioned Broncho Battalion members are:

2nd Lt. Cody Cobb, from Fort Worth, Texas, earned a bachelor’s degree in history. Cobb will serve as a logistics officer on active duty.

2nd Lt. Andrew English, from Oklahoma City, earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. English will serve as a field artillery officer in the Oklahoma National Guard.

2nd Lt. Noah Payne, from Greenville, Tennessee, earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies. Payne will serve as a military intelligence officer in the Oklahoma National Guard.

2nd Lt. Daniel Smith, from Great Falls, Montana, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. Smith will serve as a military intelligence officer in the Army Reserve.

2nd Lt. Layla Tottey, from Raleigh, North Carolina, earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Tottey will serve as an adjutant general officer in the Oklahoma National Guard.

A group of ROTC students cuts a cake and smiles at the camera.

“It is an honor to commission these outstanding leaders. Their success reflects the strength of the UCO Army ROTC program, the support of the university and the dedication of families and partners who played a critical role in their development,” Lt. Col McIntosh said.

Over the past three years, the UCO Army ROTC program has experienced significant growth through the dedication of its cadre, staff and cadets. The program has expanded to approximately 140 cadets, placing it among the top 10 largest ROTC programs in the region, including Arkansas, Colorado,

Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming.

Central’s Army ROTC program partners with four affiliated universities—Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City University, Southern Nazarene University and Cameron University—allowing students from these institutions to

commission through UCO’s program while completing their bachelor’s degree at their home university. For more information about the UCO Army ROTC program, visit www.uco.edu/business/rotc or contact the Department of Military Science at armyrotc@uco.edu.

Obituary notice

Patricia May Ramsey (Hurst) July 21, 1943 – April 15, 2026

Patricia was born to Faye and Bob Hurst in Maud, Oklahoma on July 21, 1943. She was raised in St. Louis, Oklahoma and attended school there. She was the youngest of nine children, seven girls and two boys. She was the last of the girls. She made the comment how lonely she was without her sisters.

She worked for 30 years as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Patricia loved her family; loved giving and making beautiful quilts to share. She also loved to bake especially coconut pies, and to dance (especially the waltz).

Living in Harjo, Oklahoma, 52 years, finally moving to Edmond and marrying her wonderful husband Jim Ramsey in 2016. They traveled so many places in the RV, saw a million pretty things. They flew to Maine to buy another RV.

Life was so good, so much fun, the balloon festival in Albuquerque. They both had dogs named Maggie, who were their constant companions.

Jim’s desire was to give her the very best life he possibly could, and he succeeded, nothing was too good or too expensive for her. He loved for her to shop and buy anything her heart desired. The love and joy they found in each other, was beyond measure, very blessed to find such love at an older age.

Patricia was preceded in death by husband Waymon Swarb, parents Bob and Faye Hurst, son Robert Mark Pledger, sister-in-law L.Q. Hurst, nephew Randall Hurst, sisters Lorene Guadagna (California), Neva Knight (Shawnee), Joyce Parker (Tecumseh), Margaret French, (California), and brother James Hurst (Tecumseh).

She is survived by husband Jim Ramsey (Edmond), daughter Andrea Turner (Texas), sons Ronald Kelly Pledger (Florida), and Chris Swarb (Tecumseh), brother Jack Hurst (Shawnee), 9 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, Steve and Teri Holesko, and so many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Patricia was one of a kind and we will miss her forever.

Review of movie ‘Obsession’

Film knows how to drive home horror

By George Gust

“Obsession” feels like a modern horror film done with restraint and a clear eye for how small ideas can metastasize into something truly disturbing. At some point in life you’ve been told “Be careful what you wish for” but “Obsession” succeeds by committing to the logic of the nightmare that comes from this simple idea. That commitment is what makes it effective: you buy the fantasy, and then the film methodically shows you why getting what you want can be worse than never having wanted it at all.

After breaking the mysterious "One Wish Willow" to win his crush's (Inde Navarrette) heart, a hopeless romantic (Michael Johnston) finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price.

Navarrette is the film’s anchor, and her performance is its most unsettling element. Her performance is physical in a way that keeps you off balance; she makes the character’s presence feel like a presence in the room even when she’s not on screen. That off-camera menace is exactly the kind of tension writer-director Curry Barker wants to cultivate, and

Answers on Page 19

Navarrette delivers it without ever tipping into melodrama. You sense a person being consumed from the inside out, and the movie trusts that feeling rather than spelling everything out.

Barker’s direction leans on visual and tactile choices to sell the horror. Stop-motion inserts and brief, otherworldly visual flourishes puncture the domestic reality and make the supernatural feel invasive rather than theatrical. The film’s use of light and shadow is economical but effective: dark palettes and tight framing turn ordinary spaces into claustrophobic zones where control slips away. Production design keeps things familiar enough to

be relatable, then slowly skews those details until they feel wrong.

The movie also benefits from its YA viewpoint. The protagonist’s immaturity — the idea that other people are simple and that desire is a straight line to satisfaction — is central to the film’s moral engine. That youthful certainty makes the unraveling feel earned; the horror isn’t just external, it’s a consequence of not yet understanding human complexity. When the fantasy collapses, it tastes like ash, and the film doesn’t offer easy consolation.

“Obsession” is upsetting in the best way: it lingers, it makes you think about consent and control, and it turns a familiar wish into something quietly horrific. Inde Navarrette’s performance and Barker’s visual instincts make this a modern horror worth seeing.

“Obsession” is rated R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, sexual content, pervasive language, and brief graphic nudity.

4 out of 5 stars

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

Memorial travel planned

AAA projects 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home for Memorial Day between Thursday, May 21 and Monday, May 25. This year’s domestic travel forecast is slightly (0.4%) higher than last year with 39.1 million travelers expected to drive and 3.66 million expected to fly to their destinations.

Crossword Puzzle

While gas prices are higher than last Memorial Day weekend, average ticket booking prices for flights through AAA are lower than last year. However, these prices are based on airfares booked before the Iran conflict began in late February. Since then, rising fuel costs have led to higher ticket prices and surcharges, meaning current fares are likely higher than last year.

More than 441,000 Oklahomans will travel for this Memorial Day holiday (up 0.1% from 2025). Of those, nearly 87%, or more than 383,000, will drive to their destination (down 0.2% year over year) and another 21,000 will fly, (a decrease of 0.1% from last year). The number of Oklahomans traveling by other modes of transportation is projected to be up slightly from last Memorial Day.

EmmavieveAddyKeiraMeredith

Four Edmond Girl Scouts among 15 honored by Girl Scout organization

Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma has named its 2026 Gold Award recipients. Emmavieve Fasching, Addy Harley, Keira Stallings and Meredith Tally of Edmond are four of 15 Girl Scouts recognized for their courageous leadership and outstanding community impact.

“The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn,” said GSWESTOK CEO Stacy McNeiland Edmonds. “It acknowledges the passion, creativity and time commitment behind each recipient’s dedication to changing their local communities. By identifying the root cause of an issue and implementing effective action to solve the problem with long-term benefits, these girls are changing the world.”

Emmavieve’s project improved the safety and infrastructure of Thoroughbred horse facilities by installing high-quality stall mats to provide proper support for the animals and prevent injury.

Addy addressed growing literacy disinterest among elementary students by creating a mentorship

program pairing older students with younger readers. Using a team of volunteers, she leveraged social media and school outreach to coordinate activities that made reading an engaging, social experience.

Keira designed and led interactive workshops for younger Girl Scouts, teaching them how to identify healthy snacks and understand the impact of nutrition on their bodies.

Meredith’s project addressed low literacy rates among elementary students in the Oklahoma City Public School district. Partnering with the Oklahoma City Metro Literacy Coalition and the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation, Meredith organized a community book drive that collected more than 600 books to create “library bags,” to encourage reading at home.

Gold Award recipients, along with Bronze and Silver Award recipients, were recognized at Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma’s Highest Awards Ceremony on May 2, at Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City.

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.

Leadership Edmond graduates latest class

Class XL graduated on April 28, 2026. Dr. Tiffany Nagel Monroe, Edmond First United Methodist Church gave the opening prayer. Our presenting sponsor, Edmond Electric, represented by Glenn Fisher, shared a few words with the class.. For the first time ever, the class vote for speaker ended in a tie, with Tommy Turner, JE Dunn and Trey Whitley III, Al’s Bicycles Edmond both taking the stage and earning MVP honors. They were fantastic together! Stacy Bozarth of SAB Consulting served as the keynote speaker.

The class also voted on several awards. Among the highlights, Brad Willis of First Fidelity Bank was named Most Likely to Run for Political Office, and Suzy Jaramillo of the HOPE Center of Edmond was recognized as Volunteer of the Year.

The class completed a ten-session program, coordinated by the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce to identify, educate and develop a select group of Edmond citizens for positions of community leadership. The retreat sponsor was Sandler Custom Growth Solutions, and the session sponsors are Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Mercy, and Willowbrook Construction Services.

The program’s principal goal is to build a resource of community leadership on a planned, continuing basis with four specific objectives: to identify potential community leaders; to expand the leadership potential of participants by increasing their knowledge of Edmond and the critical issues that face the community and by exposing participants to present community leaders; to improve communications between present and future leaders; and to provide a channel for those not presently in leadership roles to gain access to positions of community leadership in an informed and responsible manner. The program provides a backstage pass to the Edmond community.

Deanna Boston, Strategic Com-

munity Consulting and Tami Shaw, Positive Strategery served their first year as co-chairwomen for the program. Class XL includes: DJ Belote, Integris Health Edmond; Tanner Bonham, Edward Jones, Cody Boyd, Edmond Urbanist; Abby Claborn, Oklahoma Christian School; Brittany Burton, Regent Bank; Katie Collins, Oklahoma Christian Academy; Lynsey Dalvine The Curbing Edge; Terry Essary, Edmond Fire Department; Tom Evans, Edmond Police Department; Dustin Fredrick, ONE Gas, Inc.; Chloe Freeman, University of Central Oklahoma; Mark Gandy, Schemmer; Sarah Gordon, University of Central Oklahoma; Rachel Pouder, Dale Rogers Training Center; Suzie Jaramillo, HOPE Center of Edmond; Reggie Jordan, Mitch Park YMCA; Wesley Knight, Arvest Bank; Chris Koehler, Price Mortgage Group LLC; Justin Lockwood, Crossland Construction; Cole Martin, Quail Creek Bank; Christine Martin Sterkel, Ed White Law; Josh McGee, Citizens Bank of Edmond; Walter Miller Francis Tuttle Technology Center; Tiffany Nagel Monroe, Edmond First United Methodist Church; Monica Paris McFarland, Sovereign Bank; Jennifer Patterson, Oklahoma Christian University; Mike Patterson, AMMP Studio; Jackie Reid, Valor Bank; Sean Risinger, University of Central Oklahoma; Tracy Skinner, Francis Tuttle Technology Center; Justin Smith, BancFirst; Neil Tate, Project 66 Food & Resource Center; Tommy Turner, JE Dunn Construction; Taylor VanBebber, Mercy Health; Kristy VanDorn, Deer Creek Public Schools and Trey Whitley III, Al's Bicycles Edmond; Brad Willis, First Fidelity Bank; Jessica Wolfe, First Fidelity Bank.

Applications for the upcoming year will be available on May 20, 2026. To learn more about Leadership Edmond, visit EdmondChamber.com/LeadershipEdmond.

Patriot Camp nears

By Tonya Coffman Camp Coordinator

The Edmond Republican Womens Club is happy to announce that we will once again be sponsoring Patriot Camp at the Capitol for middle school age students. If you have or know of a middle school student (just finishing 5th grade up to just finishing 8th grade), who is interested in history and government, this is the perfect place for them.

They will hear about America's founding, how the government was designed to work, our judicial system, and the legislative design. The dates for the camp are Monday, June 8th to Thursday June 11th. Tentative time each day is 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Cost per student is $50 ($35 for additional student in same family). The location again this year, thanks to Rep. Erick Harris, is the floor of

the House of Representatives, which needles to say is a tremendous experience for each of them. We will also have a guided tour of the Oklahoma Supreme Court and the Capitol itself. The purpose of this camp is to instill a sense of patriotism and love for this great nation and state. No better time than the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. For more information and/or an application, or if you would like to provide a scholarship for a student, contact us at ERWC1787@gmail.com and we will get right back with you.

Bill affecting insurers signed into law

Legislation requiring insurance companies to submit proposed rate increases to the Oklahoma Insurance Department for review prior to taking, rather than raising rates first and notifying the state afterward, has been signed into law.

House Bill 3781, authored by Rep. Stacy Jo Adams, R-Duncan, and Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, RJenks, changes how property and casualty insurance rate filings are handled in Oklahoma by moving the state from a use-and-file system to a file-and-wait system.

Adams says the new law will require insurance rate increases to be publicly posted so Oklahomans can see exactly what changes are being proposed and when.

"This is a win for Oklahoma and it will bring transparency to the rate filing system in Oklahoma," Adams said. "No longer will carriers be

able to raise rates and notify the Insurance Department after the fact. This new law requires insurance companies to file the new rate and give the insurance commissioner time to review them and request actuarial information. It also gives the commissioner a way to potentially challenge rates that are unreasonably high, discriminatory or unfair."

Under the new law, insurers must submit proposed rate changes and supporting information to the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner before rates can take effect. In competitive markets, filings must be submitted at least 30 days in advance, while filings in noncompetitive markets must be submitted at least 60 days before implementation.

The measure also gives the Insurance Commissioner additional authority to review filings and re-

Cash class brings financial literacy to elementary pupils

Walking back into Northridge Elementary School, Kyndal McVay experienced a full-circle moment. Once a student in those classrooms, she returned this year to help lead a financial literacy class with her classmates from Francis Tuttle Technology Center.

“I grew up going to school there, learning there, and then I got to go there and teach the kids myself,” McVay said. “I felt like it was a very cool experience.”

Through Francis Tuttle’s Business Marketing and Management program, McVay, a senior from Putnam City North High School, teamed up with Fernanda Esparza, a Putnam City High School senior, and Julio Romero Fernandez, a Deer Creek High School junior. Together they created “Cash Class,” a hands-on financial literacy program designed for elementary students, for their DECA project.

The trio earned first place at the Oklahoma DECA State Career Development Conference earlier this year.

The idea of Cash Class began when McVay explored DECA project options and was drawn to financial literacy, in part because of her interest in becoming a teacher.

She then recruited Esparza and Romero Fernandez to build the project as a team. From there, the group began researching age-appropriate ways to teach financial literacy to younger students.

“We knew stuff about finance, but we didn’t know how to teach finance,” McVay explained. “We researched to see what would be the best way to go about teaching. We came up with worksheets and activities for the kids to do.”

Romero Fernandez, who wants to pursue finance after high school, said

his own experience motivated him to be part of this project.

“I was really only taught financial literacy during my freshman year of high school,” he explained. “While we were researching, we found out that kids don’t really get much financial literacy, and it seemed like a smart idea to teach them earlier so they have that knowledge when they are growing up.”

Prior to the state competition, the students led a total of six classes, one for a fourth-grade class and the others for fifth-grade classes, across two elementary schools. Their lessons focused on practical concepts such as needs versus wants and budgeting. After early sessions, they adjusted their material to match what students already understood.

“We realized they knew some about investing,” Romero Fernandez said. “We made a different worksheet where they were able to pay rent, buy cars, pay phone bills, and also put money in banks and invest.”

McVay said the group received positive feedback overall, and suggestions from teachers were helpful for improving the classes. For example, the first teacher encouraged them to add a callback to help the kids stay focused while transitioning from one activity to the next. They added that in for future classes, and McVay said it helped the class go smoother.

Participating in DECA not only gave Esparza, McVay, and Romero Fernandez an opportunity to impact younger students but also to grow personally.

In addition to implementing the program, the DECA project required the group to create a 20-page written document and an 18-slide presentation explaining the project.

Reacting to higher gas prices

Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall, R-Perry, and Sen. Grant Green, R-Wellston, played an integral role in the Oklahoma Senate advancing legislation last week to lower gasoline prices.

As prices at the pump spike, Hall and Green worked diligently to find a timely solution to ensure that Oklahomans see tax relief when filling up their gas tanks.

After President Donald Trump called on Congress to suspend the federal gas tax, Green and Hall worked with the Oklahoma Tax Commission to explore the state impact of that proposed change. In doing so, they discovered an obscure provision in state law that automatically raises Oklahoma’s state fuel tax by the same amount as any federal tax reduction.

Green presented House Bill 1370 on the Senate floor to repeal this provision in law. This legislation ensures that all Oklahomans will see the benefits if Congress suspends federal gas

taxes of 18.4 cents per gallon of gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon of diesel fuel.

“High gas prices are hitting Oklahoma families and small businesses hard,” Green said. “Taxpayers are tired of their state government driving up the cost of everyday necessities through outdated Democratic-era tax policies that are still on the books today. By passing House Bill 1370, the Senate stands behind President Trump to make sure state law doesn’t get in the way of Oklahomans saving money at the pump.”

Chairman Hall said the financial impact of rising gas prices is one of the biggest concerns he’s hearing from constituents across his district.

“Oklahomans are feeling pain at the pump every time they gas up,” Hall said. “This legislation ensures Oklahomans will actually benefit from a federal gas tax suspension. I’m proud the Senate worked quickly and decisively to provide this tax relief for all Oklahomans.”

quest actuarial data when rates appear excessively high, unfair or discriminatory. If a rate increase affects private passenger automobile, homeowner’s multi-peril or dwelling fire policies, notice of the increase and the overall percentage change must be published on the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s website.

Adams said the measure creates a stronger process to oversee that rate increases are supported by data before they impact consumers.

"Oklahomans deserve to understand what is driving these insurance increases and to know that rates are based on real data, not just timing or process," Adams said. "This gives the commissioner a way to potentially challenge rates that are unreasonably high, discriminatory or unfair. On top of that, rate increases will now be published publicly. This is a win for Oklahoma consumers."

Love’s makes $400K donation to Children’s Health Foundation

Children’s Health Foundation (CHF) was surprised last week with a $400,000 donation from Love’s Travel Stops during the company’s first annual Growth Summit.

The event brought together Love’s suppliers and vendor partners from across the country for collaboration, learning and strategic discussions focused on better serving customers. The summit kicked off with a golf tournament benefiting Children’s Health Foundation, with proceeds raised through the generosity of participating vendor partners.

The surprise presentation highlighted Love’s longstanding commitment as a national Children’s Miracle Network partner and its dedication to improving the lives of children across the country, especially in the company’s hometown of Oklahoma City.

“Love’s and its vendor partners continue to demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the health and well-being of Oklahoma’s children,” said Brandon Brooks, Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Health Foundation. “This incredible gift will help create meaningful impact for children and families across our state by advancing care, supporting innovation, and strengthening healthier futures. We are deeply grateful for Love’s partnership, generosity, and steadfast investment in Oklahoma’s kids."

Since 1999, Love’s has partnered with Children’s Miracle Network through fundraising campaigns and community partnerships, giving more than $75,000,000 to help fund life-changing care and services for children in need.

The donation will help fund programs and services that provide hope, healing and specialized care for children right here in Oklahoma.

State lawmakers battle Fentanyl dangers

Senator Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, today applauded the unanimous Senate passage of Senate Bill 633, also known as Leo’s Law, legislation designed to strengthen protections for children who are exposed to the dangers of fentanyl.

The measure passed the Oklahoma Senate on a 47-0 vote and now goes to the governor for consideration.

Senator Gollihare said the unanimous vote reflects a shared commitment among senators to confront the growing threat fentanyl poses to Oklahoma families.

“Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous dr ugs our communities have ever faced, and children are often the most vulnerable victims,” Senator Gollihare said. “Leo’s Law gives child welfare professionals and law enforcement the tools they need to identify exposure quickly, intervene when necessary and protect children from environments where this deadly drug is present. This legislation is about putting the safety and wellbeing of children first and ensuring we act before tragedy strikes. I appreciate Speaker Hilbert for

Fentanyl is not just a public health issue, it is a child welfare crisis. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States.

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert

his help, as this bill ensures agencies can respond swiftly and decisively to remove children from dangerous situations and connect families with the help they need.”

Speaker Hilbert echoed the senator's concern and emphasized the urgently needed nature of the reform.

"Fentanyl is not just a public health issue, it is a child welfare crisis. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. This legislation ensures our laws match the reality of the threat."

Senate Bill 633 expands Oklahoma’s definition of a “drug-endangered child” to include children who are exposed, or are at risk of being exposed, to fentanyl or fentanyl analogs due to the possession, use, distribution or manufacture of these sub-

stances by a parent or other caregiver responsible for the child’s health or safety.

The legislation also directs the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to conduct a safety analysis when a child is believed to be drug-endangered and to seek parental consent for drug screening.

If consent is denied, the department must notify the local district attorney within 72 hours. The bill further requires immediate referrals to local law enforcement when evidence of drug activity is found or when a child meets the statutory definition of a drug-endangered child.

In addition, Senate Bill 633 establishes the Child Welfare Fentanyl Testing Revolving Fund and appropriates $1.22 million to support testing and child welfare response efforts.

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