Edmond Life and Leisure - May 7, 2026

In This Issue

A look back at Arts Festival 2026 See Page 4 UCO to Graduate Nearly 1,400 Students at Spring Commencement Ceremonies, May 8-9

FRIDAY,

The University of Central Oklahoma will celebrate the achievements of approximately 1,399 spring graduates during the Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremonies, May 8-9, in Central’s Hamilton Field House. Pictured, a group of graduates celebrate in front of Old North.

The University of Central Oklahoma will celebrate the achievements of approximately 1,399 spring graduates during the Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremonies, May 8-9, in Central’s Hamilton Field House.

UCO President Todd G. Lamb will give remarks at each of the university’s four ceremonies.

Commencement ceremonies are scheduled as follows:

•1 p.m., Friday, May 8: College of Education and Professional Studies

•5 p.m., Friday, May 8: Jackson College of Graduate Studies

•9 a.m., Saturday, May 9: College of Business and College of Liberal Arts

•4 p.m., Saturday, May 9: College of Mathematics and Science and College of Fine Arts and Design

Graduates and guests attending the ceremonies are asked to arrive early, as the field house traditionally fills to capacity. All guests are required to have a ticket for entry; children under 3 do not require a ticket.

Limited parking to the west of the field house will be reserved for those with disabilities. All campus parking spaces, except those in the reserved lot to the west of the field house, will be available for attendees of the commencement ceremonies.

The ceremonies may be viewed online at streaming. uco.edu, with livestreaming beginning approximately 15 minutes before each ceremony.

Additionally, Central will livestream each commencement ceremony on UCO’s YouTube page. The YouTube livestream will capture the traditional graduate walk from Old North to Hamilton Field House, weather permitting.

For more information about Central’s graduation, visit www.uco.edu/commencement.

From the Publisher

How visitors strengthen a community

On a busy Saturday morning, it can be easy to see tourism as a simple transaction: a couple from out-of-town orders coffee, a family books a hotel room, a group buys tickets to a museum. But for many communities, the real value of visitors shows up in what happens next when the dollars they spend circulate to employees’ paychecks, suppliers’ invoices, local tax collections and, ultimately, the public services and amenities residents rely on every day. From jobs and smallbusiness growth to historic preservation and better public spaces, a well-managed visitor economy can deliver benefits long after the weekend crowds go home.

beautification projects, visitor centers and public safety staffing during large events. In practical terms, the people enjoying the destination help pay for the infrastructure that makes it pleasant and functional.

At the same time, tourism growth can increase environmental pressures including higher emissions if destinations expand without planning. A 2025 multi-country study in Sustainability found that tourism development and economic growth were associated with increased carbon emissions, underscoring why communities pursuing tourism also need investments in cleaner energy and greener infrastructure.

The best tourism strategies treat residents not as an afterthought, but as the core customer. Studies of tourism’s impact on residents’ quality of life suggest that community support for tourism is tied to both material gains (such as improved physical and financial capital) and nonmaterial gains (including social cohesion and a sense of local power in decision-making).

We are blessed here in Edmond to have an outstanding Visit Edmond staff to brow our levels of tourism. They help and promote Edmond in so many areas. Their activities make for a boost to our economy. Led by director Jennifer Thornton, we get so much more tourism business than in the entire history of tourism here in Edmond. The city council has so much trust that they have thrown support their way in terms of recruitment for big events. It is important because it is the best kind of business a community can receive. People come to town, spend their money and then they all leave without a giant drain on our precious resources.

Tourism is not a cure-all, and it can bring real pressures: traffic, noise, higher housing costs in hot markets, and wear on parks and infrastructure. Research on heritage tourism and community wellbeing shows both upsides economic gains, infrastructure improvements and cultural rejuvenation and downsides when local voices are excluded from decision-making. What separates tourism that helps from tourism that harms are management: setting clear goals, keeping benefits local and planning for the impacts of growth. Thornton and her team have this mastered.

Tourism’s employment footprint is broad: hotel and restaurant staff, event crews, guides and outfitters, museum educators, ride-share drivers, maintenance workers, marketers and accountants. Because the industry includes both entrylevel positions and specialized careers, it can provide a first rung on the ladder for students and newcomers while also supporting long-term professional paths in hospitality, arts administration and destination management.

That breadth matters in towns where job options can feel limited. Tourism can be unusually friendly to entrepreneurship, too: a food truck, a boutique, a fishing guide service, a local history walking tour or a homegrown festival often requires less capital to start than other businesses and can scale as demand grows. When communities make it easy for residents to participate through permits, training and marketing support, more of the value stays local.

Even residents who never book a hotel room can benefit from tourism when visitor spending supports public budgets. Lodging taxes, sales taxes and fees connected to attractions can help fund parks, trails, downtown improvements,

Those investments often have a spillover effect. Better signage makes it easier for residents to navigate their own city. Thornton led an effort to get the terrific signage we now enjoy. It was a year’s long project. Sidewalk repairs and lighting upgrades improve safety on ordinary weeknights. Expanded broadband or transportation improvements pursued to serve visitor demand can strengthen the community’s competitiveness for other kinds of business recruitment as well.

Tourism is also a catalyst for downtown revitalization, especially when a community treats its center not just as a district, but as an experience built around local food, arts, events and walkability. Destination organizations increasingly track how visitor activity translates into merchant participation, repeat visits and spending, linking tourism promotion to economic development goals.

When older storefronts are filled and maintained, the entire streetscape benefits. Historic preservation leaders have long argued that reusing and rehabilitating existing buildings can be a powerful tool for community revitalization, with heritage tourism often serving as a financial reason to restore and reinvest rather than demolish.

Tourism can do more than highlight a community’s identity; it can help pay to preserve it. Museums, historic homes, cultural centers and performance venues often rely on admission fees, gift shop sales and donations streams that are boosted when visitors arrive. In places with deep traditions in arts, crafts and cuisine, tourism demand can sustain livelihoods that might otherwise fade in the face of mass production and online retail.

There is also a social benefit that is harder to quantify: pride. When residents see outsiders valuing their festivals, architecture or natural scenery, it can reinforce a sense of place and encourage volunteerism and civic engagement. Done respectfully, tourism creates opportunities for cultural exchange that broaden perspectives on both sides of the welcome sign.

Nature-based tourism, from Arcadia Lake weekends to birdwatching and trail networks, can create a financial argument for protecting the very landscapes that attract visitors. Community-led, sustainable tourism projects are often framed to generate jobs and infrastructure while valuing local knowledge and safeguarding ecosystems.

That finding points to a simple lesson: communities that invite residents into planning—through public meetings, advisory boards, transparent budgets and clear rules for development tend to keep tourism aligned with local priorities. Community-based tourism models emphasize local self-governance and shared benefits, tying tourism to broader goals like decent work, cultural protection and responsible consumption.

Communities that depend on tourism quickly learn that success can create new headaches. Overcrowding strains roads and restrooms. Shortterm rentals can reduce long-term housing supply. Seasonal economies can leave workers scrambling in the off months. And when too much of the visitor dollar goes to outside operators, the community experiences “leakage”—a loss of potential local benefit.

The solutions are rarely flashy, but they are effective: encouraging local procurement so businesses buy from nearby suppliers; spreading visitation across seasons and neighborhoods; setting clear rules for short-term rentals; and using data and technology to manage visitor flows in sensitive areas. A 2025 systematic review of overtourism strategies highlighted measures such as visitor flow management, smart monitoring and regulatory frameworks as tools destinations use to reduce pressure while protecting community life.

In the end, the benefits of tourism in a community are less about souvenir shops and more about strategy. When a town designs tourism around what residents want safe streets, thriving small businesses, protected natural spaces, preserved history and a lively calendar of events visitors become partners in paying for those priorities.

That partnership requires guardrails: honest measurement of costs and benefits, rules that keep housing and public spaces livable, and a commitment to sustainability so growth does not undermine the destination’s appeal. But when those pieces are in place, tourism’s quiet superpower is clear. A community that welcomes visitors thoughtfully can end up building a better place for the people who never leave.

(Ray Hibbard, Edmond Life & Leisure publisher, can be reached for comment at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Mayor’s response to lake incident

Mayor Mark A. Nash statement on the incident May 3, 2026, at Arcadia Lake:

“Last night’s incident at Arcadia Lake was a tragedy, and our thoughts are with those who were injured. We are grateful for the swift response of first responders and law enforcement, who acted quickly to secure the area and begin their investigation.

I want to speak clearly to the residents of Edmond: our community remains safe.

Arcadia Lake is one of our community’s crown jewels; a place where families hike, camp, fish, and spend time together. That is the Arcadia Lake our residents know and love, and we are committed to keeping it that way.

Edmond continues to be one of the most desirable and safest communities in Oklahoma and across the country. Incidents like this are rare, and they will not define us. We are already reviewing park operations, policies, and security measures to ensure we continue to meet the high standards our residents expect and deserve.

We are a strong, engaged community. We support one another, we face challenges directly, and we move forward together. That is what makes Edmond special, and that is exactly what we will continue to protect.

As the investigation continues, we will share updates as appropriate. In the meantime, please know this: Edmond remains a safe, vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family.”

A crackdown on fraud & ID theft

The Senate today passed legislation from Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, to crack down on fraud and identity theft by imposing harsher penalties for these crimes.

House Bill 3244, which passed the Senate unanimously, modernizes Oklahoma’s criminal fraud laws by expanding the definition of a pattern of criminal activity to include crimes committed across multiple jurisdictions, including online and out-of-state activity. It also broadens what qualifies as identity theft by including new forms of personal and financial data commonly sought by criminals.

Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, is the primary House author on this bill.

Hall said the sharp rise in reported fraud cases is alarming. In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission

received 3.5 million fraud reports. By 2025, that number had jumped to 6.5 million, with an estimated $12.5 billion in losses.

“Criminal fraud and identity theft have become a full-blown crisis across the nation,” Hall said. “Updating these laws will help the state stay ahead of these criminals as they use technology in new ways to carry out complex fraud and theft schemes. These criminals often target the most vulnerable Oklahomans, which is why stronger penalties and updated protections are warranted. I appreciated working with Representative Bashore to advance this critical legislation.”

Importantly, HB 3244 closes a legal loophole and makes it a crime for someone to use coercion, exploitation, deception or intimidation to exploit vulnerable populations.

Arts Festival 2026 again a success!

Nice weather over the weekend meant a large crowd for the annual Downtown Edmond Arts

successful days — Friday to Sunday.

Obituary

Dr. Jerry Delano Renfroe, M.D.

Dr. Jerry Delano Renfroe, M.D. was born in North Platte, Nebraska in 1937. He resided in the Oklahoma City, OK metro area for over 50 years, where he raised his family and practiced medicine. Jerry passed away in his home in Edmond, OK at the age of 88 on 25 April 2026, surrounded by his family, following a 29 year valiant fight with cancer.

Jerry grew up in North Platte, NE alongside his 5 siblings, excelling in sports and academics. He shined at football, basketball, and track in his school years, leading the teams he played on and gaining the adoration of the student body he represented. He received a full football scholarship to the University of Wyoming, and later transferred to the University of Nebraska (Go Huskers!) earning a Bachelors’ degree in chemical engineering, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and Phi Chi Medical Fraternity. He went on to attend medical school at University of Nebraska, then doing his internship in Ogden, UT, and then residency at University of Oklahoma Medical Center.

Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Sherry Acord, in June 1960, beginning a lifetime of family adventure. They were married for eternity in the Manti, Utah temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Jerry and Sherry were blessed with 5 children, and eventually 20 grandchildren and 17 greatgrandchildren. Jerry and Sherry’s earthly life together stretched 48 years, until Sherry’s death in 2008.

Jerry was a USA CPT serving as an Army doctor at Ft. Devens, Massachusetts during the Vietnam war. He later gained specialization in both otolaryngology and rhinoplasty, thus serving a broad range of needs. He began his private practice in Oklahoma City at NW Otolaryngology with Dr. Kenneth Rogers, M.D., and they remained medical partners until Jerry’s retirement at the age 72. Jerry also served Veterans in the VA Hospital regularly. He was known for his kind bedside manner and ability to take time to fully listen. He spent his life saving others, and his patients adored him.

Jerry had many hobbies. He loved a lifetime of hunting and fishing trips with family and friends, and had a love for boating and lake life. Jerry was also a skilled pilot, spending many hours flying all over the U.S. in his beloved Beechcraft Bonanza with his friends. He loved to travel, and especially enjoyed taking his family to Renfroes’ Roost, the family cabin at Lake Eufaula Oklahoma, where his children learned to fish, water ski, and wakeboard under his patient guidance. He also enjoyed serving in the LDS church, wherever needed, in his free time.

Jerry was a hardworking, dedicated, and loyal husband and father. He was gentle, calm under pressure, and built with true grit. His children try to emulate his stoic work ethic.

Jerry was preceded in death by his loving wife Sherry A. Renfroe, his grandson Gage Renfroe, his parents Samuel Waddell and Vera Agnes Renfroe, and siblings Donald, Barbara, Jack, and Susan. He is survived by his children, Jerry P. and (Melissa) Renfroe, Kathleen Renfroe, Jennifer and (Levi) Kennedy, Deborah Renfroe, and Robyn and (Carter) Cowan, as well as survived by his sister, Lindy Renfroe. Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 5020 NW 63rd St., Oklahoma City, on 9 May 2026, at 1:00pm.

The

Museum announces creative aging program & eight sessions

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) announced the launch of a new program supported by Art Bridges. Creative Aging invites participants aged 55 and older to explore new ideas, develop skills, and share experiences with one another through art. Sessions for this program will take place Thursdays, May 21 through July 9, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at OKCMOA. A welcome brunch will be held on Saturday, May 16, at the Museum. A nominal $5 participation fee covers all eight sessions, and the program is capped at twenty registrants.

Each Creative Aging session begins with guided conversations in the galleries, where participants engage with works from the Museum’s collection and loans from Art Bridges. These discussions will inspire studio projects that build both technical skills and personal expression each week. Participants are encouraged to attend each session in order to support both individual growth and group connection.

“Research shows that engaging

with the arts can support well-being, encourage lifelong learning, and foster meaningful social connections,” said Neely Simms, Senior Manager of Programs. “We’re excited to offer a supportive, welcoming environment in which participants can grow both creatively and socially.”

Creative Aging will conclude with a celebratory exhibition of participant artwork on Thursday, July 9, with event times to be announced at a later date.

While Creative Aging is not intended as a memory-focused program, caregivers and individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia are encouraged to explore Making Memories, another program that OKCMOA offers through its outreach initiatives. More information about Making Memories can be found at okcmoa.com/outreach.

For more information regarding the Creative Aging program and registration, individuals may visit okcmoa.com/creativeaging. For questions, please email Simms at nsimms@okcmoa.com.

Free Girlstrong program is offered this summer

As many young girls face increasing social pressure and anxiety, Edmond Family Counseling is stepping in with a proactive solution. The organization is bringing back GirlStrong, a free summer program designed to help girls entering grades 3–6 build confidence, develop healthy friendships, and strengthen self-esteem.

GirlStrong will offer five week-long sessions in June and July from 9:00 a.m. to Noon each day, all hosted at Edmond Family Counseling. The program equips girls with essential emotional and social skills before challenges arise. Through engaging activities, group discussions, and hands-on learning, participants will explore confidence, kindness, communication, resilience, and healthy relationships.

“Prevention is one of the most powerful things we can offer young people,” said Sheila Stinnett, Executive Director of Edmond Family Counseling. “Programs like GirlStrong give girls the tools to believe in themselves and navigate the social pres-

sures they’re facing every day.”

The program is offered completely free of charge thanks to community support and the organization’s mission to strengthen families and support youth.

“Ages 9–12 are such a critical window,” Stinnett added. “This is when girls are forming identity, confidence, and friendships. GirlStrong creates a space where they feel seen, supported, and capable.”

Five sessions are available, and space is limited for each week. Sign up today while spots are still available.

Parents can learn more and register at: www.edmondfamily.org

About Edmond Family Counseling

Edmond Family Counseling is a nonprofit organization serving the community through counseling services, prevention programs, and outreach initiatives that support mental health, strengthen families, and promote healthy relationships.

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.

(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.)

April 20

Joseph Michael Ortega, 36 of Oklahoma City. Aggravated felony DUI – operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Daniel Timothy Brumlow, 49 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

April 21

Paige Avery Rainy, 29 of Edmond. Aggravated felony DUI – operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Dustin Blake Sherman, 34 of Norman. False representative to a police officer and possession of marijuana.

Tiffany Michelle Johnson, 53, homeless. Public intoxication.

Kyra Lorayne Harris, 26 of Jones. Expired tag –over three months, no proof of insurance and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Shawn Thomas Frederking, 43 of Edmond. Robbery in the first degree and domestic abuse assault (strangulation).

Paige Nicole Hoff, 41 homeless. Misdemeanor warrant, possession of drug paraphernalia, public intoxication and two counts of failure to appear.

Brice Stanley Wein, 36 of Luther. Pedestrians walking along roadways and public intoxication.

Brandon Maely Hughes, 48 of Oklahoma City. Possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Shannon Edgar Lever, 51 of Edmond. Aggravated felony DUI – operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more.

Keith Allen Farber, 69, of Edmond. Domestic abuse assault (deadly weapon.)

Duke Moorman, 34 of Edmond. Public intoxica-

tion.

April 22

Laray Joseph Nelson, 41 of Oklahoma City. Two felony warrants and a misdemeanor warrant.

Paige Elizabeth Lester, 28 of Del City. Misdemeanor warrant.

Tessa Marie Bowden, 41 homeless. Public intoxication.

Sarah J.W. Burns, 25 of Edmond. Disregarded restricted turn signs and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Alton Duane Giese, Jr. 44 of Edmond. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Samuel Arthur Gonzalez, 23 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Ashton Alan Willison, 48 homeless. Public intoxication and non-assault resisting officer.

Freddie Doyle Johnson, 46 of Edmond. Driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

Elijah Robert Moistner, 47 homeless. Public intoxication.

April 23

Katherine Alexandra Kay, 18 of Edmond. Violation of tobacco ordinance and public intoxication.

Jason Lee Stanford, 38 of Edmond. Two misdemeanor warrants.

Rodney Lane Chambers, 66 homeless. Vandalism and trespassing.

Keanu Rashawn Huntley, 29 of Edmond. Public intoxication.

John Christopher Bauman, 41 of Edmond. Misdemeanor warrant.

Noah Russell Ashford, 26 of Edmond. Access to computers, computer systems, computer networks, prohibited for certain purposes - penalty, aggravated possession of child pornography (100 materials or more), simple assault – lewd or indecent proposals acts to child under 16 and solicit sexual contact or communication with a minor by telecommunications.

Timothy Richard Walter, 40 of Edmond. A misdemeanor warrant and a felony warrant

Traevon Deshun Bailey, 30 of Edmond. Driving without a proper/valid driver’s license.

Weekend calendar of

Weekend Calendar of Events May 7-10

---- In the Gallery

---- Outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market

---- Heard on Hurd

---- Frenzy Live Music in May

---- Friends of Bicycling Movie Night

---- Edmond Art Association Spring Art Show

---- Edmond Casual 20-Mile Training Ride

---- Pedal to the Patio

---- 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

---- Jake’s New Face Showcase

---- Earth, Wind & Fire

---- Choose Your Adventure!

---- Big 12 Softball Championship

---- Paint Horse Club of Oklahoma “World Warm Up Circuit” Show

---- Sip & Stroll

---- Breakfast with the Animals

---- India Shrine Rodeo

---- Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show

---- Oklahoma City Philharmonic Symphony Show House

---- Oklahoma City Ballet presents: Shorts – A Night of Premiers

---- Oklahoma City Flower & Garden Festival

---- Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show

Extra Information

April 24

Latrice Andree Knight, 55 of Oklahoma City. Speeding (11-14 mph over) and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Colton Stone Jones, 23 homeless. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication.

Michael Wayne McGuire, 40 of Guthrie. Felony warrant.

Justin Allan Parker, 38 of Guthrie. (Drug related) possession of contraband in a penal institution, possess drug paraphernalia, possess CDS, public intoxication and (from building) (misc) larceny of lost property.

Donnie Joe Munson, 47 of Edmond. Felony warrant.

April 25

Joshua Tyler Martinez, 28 of Edmond. Driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked.

Rodney Lane Chambers, 66 homeless. Four misdemeanor warrants.

Jeremy Chad Walter, 42 of Warr Acres. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Rodney Lamont Hunter, 55 of Oklahoma City. Carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol or drugs, possess CDS and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or more.

Judge Luchese Moore, 18 of Edmond. Failure to appear.

Everardo Gallardo-Prado 61 of Oklahoma City. Aggravate felony DUI – operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .15 or more, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle and transport open container of intoxicating beverage or beer.

April 26

Austin Alonzo James Anderson, 33 of Edmond. Trespassing.

Ashton Willson, 36 homeless. Non-assault resisting officer and trespassing after being warned.

Michael Scott Gulbranson, 44 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked, possess drug paraphernalia and possess CDS.

events, May 7-10

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

Frenzy Live Music in May

Location: Frenzy Brewing Company

Extra Info: Fri, May 8: Larry Newsom @7:30 p.m.; Sat, May 9: Leif Nevener @ 7 p.m.; frenzybrewing.com

Friends of Bicycling Movie Night

Location: Frenzy Brewing Company

Extra Info: Thu, May 7; Free; 6 p.m.; edmondok.gov

Edmond Art Association Spring Art Show

Location: Spring Creek Plaza

Extra Info: Sat, May 9; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; facebook.com

Edmond Casual 20-Mile Training Ride

Location: Edmond Library

Extra Info: Sat, May 9; 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.; Free; edmondok.gov

Pedal to the Patio

Location: The Old Icehouse

Extra Info: Sat, May 9; Free; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; edmondok.gov

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

RIVERSPORT now open

RIVERSPORT has opened the 2026 season offering a full weekend of outdoor adventure for families, friends and outdoor enthusiasts.

RIVERSPORT will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days with activities including whitewater rafting, surfing, high-speed slides, climbing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The weekend marks the opening of the summer season. RIVERSPORT will be open weekends, from now to May 25, and will open daily beginning on Memorial Day. RIVERSPORT is located at 800 RIVERSPORT Drive in Oklahoma City. For more information, visit riversportokc.org.

Calendar

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

Jake’s New Face Showcase

Location: Riverwind Casino, Showplace Theatre

Extra Info: Thu, May 7; 7 p.m.; riverwind.com

Earth, Wind & Fire

Location: Riverwind Casino, Showplace Theatre

Extra Info: Sat, May 9; 8 p.m.; riverwind.com

Choose Your Adventure!

Location: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Extra Info: Thu, May 7 – Sun, May 10; nationalcowboymuseum.org

Big 12 Softball Championship

Location: Devon Park

Extra Info: Wed, May 6 – Sun, May 10; usasoftball.com

Paint Horse Club of Oklahoma “World Warm Up Circuit” Show

Location: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds

Extra Info: Fri, May 8 – Sun, May 10; Fri & Sat: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sun: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.; okcfairpark.com

Sip & Stroll

Location: Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden

Extra Info: Fri, May 8; 6 – 10 p.m.; okczoo.org

Breakfast with the Animals

Location: Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden

Extra Info: Sat, May 9; Check-in: 8:30 a.m.; Breakfast: 8:45 a.m.; okc-

zoo.org

From Page 6

India Shrine Rodeo

Location: Lazy E Arena

Extra Info: Fri, May 8 – Sat, May 9; Fri: 7 p.m.; Sat: 6 p.m.; indiashrinerodeo.com

Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show

Location: Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City

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

Oklahoma City Philharmonic Symphony Show House

Location: Wilshire Gardens, OKC

Extra Info: Sat, May 2 – Sun, May 17; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; okcphil.org

Oklahoma City Ballet presents: Shorts – A Night of Premiers

Location: Civic Center Music Hall

Extra Info: Fri, May 8 – Sun, May 10; Fri & Sat: 7:30 p.m.; Sun: 2 p.m.; okcballet.org

Oklahoma City Flower & Garden Festival

Location: Myriad Botanical Gardens

Extra Info: Sat, May 9; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; myriadgardens.org

Claude Hall’s Original OKC Gun Show

Location: Oklahoma State Fair

Park

Extra Info: Sat, May 9 – Sun, May 10; Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; okcgun.show

Please send calendar items to infante318@cox.net

Registration under way for Cycle 66 event

Online registration is open for the 2026 edition of Cycle 66, Oklahoma’s premier Route 66-themed cycling event. Set for Sunday, October 4, 2026, all rides will begin and end in Downtown Edmond, bringing together cyclists of all ages and abilities for a day of community, competition, and celebration.

New for 2026, Cycle 66 has been officially designated a Route 66 Centennial Certified event, recognizing its role in honoring the legacy and spirit of America’s most iconic highway. The event also introduces a new 100-mile route extending to Stroud, Oklahoma, offering an exciting challenge for endurance riders while showcasing a scenic stretch of historic Route 66.

“Each year, we look for ways to elevate the experience while staying true to our mission,” said Ride Director Jason Duncan. “Adding a 100-mile route and earning Route 66 Centennial Certification are meaningful steps forward. We’re proud to create an event that brings people together, celebrates this historic highway, and gives back in a tangible way.”

Cycle 66 features both recreational tour rides and USA Cycling-sanctioned criterium races held in Downtown Edmond, making it a unique event that blends community participation with high-energy competition. All tour riders, regardless of distance, will launch at 7:00 a.m., while criterium racing will begin at 9:00 a.m. This year’s criterium has been designated by USA Cycling as the Oklahoma State Category-Based Championship, elevating the level of competition and prestige.

The tour portion of Cycle 66 includes several thoughtfully designed routes of varying distances and difficulty, all highlighting historic Route 66. Riders will travel through and experience iconic communities including Arcadia, Luther, Wellston, Chandler, and Stroud, with themed rest stops that celebrate the charm, culture, and nostalgia of the Mother Road along the way.

Spectators are encouraged to join the excitement in Downtown Edmond, where they can enjoy local vendors, retailers, and restaurants throughout the day. The event atmosphere offers the unique opportunity to watch tour riders return while experiencing the fast-paced, high-energy criterium races.

A key part of what makes Cycle 66 possible is the support of its “Mother Road Sponsors,” whose partnership reflects a shared commitment to community, wellness, and economic vitality. The 2026 Mother Road Sponsors include Visit Edmond, which serves as a special Marketing partner, as well as Humana, Oklahoma Complete Health, Remington Park, Google, CVS Health, and Walmart. Their investment helps ensure a high-quality experience for participants while amplifying the event’s charitable impact.

Registration is $66. Children ages 10 and under

can participate for free in a 1-mile fun ride, and junior criterium racers can enter for $15. Packet pickup will take place on Saturday, October 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Frenzy Brewing Company in Downtown Edmond.

Since its founding in 2020, Cycle 66 has donated nearly $100,000 to charitable causes. Proceeds from the 2026 event will benefit the Oklahoma Route 66 Association and the Edmond YMCA. Funds will specifically support the YMCA’s new bicycle rental program, part of a new facility currently under development in east Edmond.

Cycle 66’s mission is to inspire active lifestyles, celebrate the spirit of Route 66, and give back to the community through a world-class cycling event rooted in fun, teamwork, and generosity.

For registration, volunteer opportunities and additional event details, visit www.cycle66ok.com.

Genealogy meetings scheduled

——

Artificial Intelligence(AI) is part of our everyday life. This new tool is expanding how we research, organize, correlate and write our family stories. But are we actually using it and understanding it? The Oklahoma County Home and Community Education (OHCE) Genealogy Group is hosting an introduction to how AI works and how it can be used as we work on our family trees.

Join us on May 20th at 10:00 a.m. at the Oklahoma County Extension Office, 2500 NE 63rd St., OKC for a video presentation from our newest resource, Legacy Family Tree Webinars, and speaker Andrew Redfern. This meeting is open to the public and for more information check our page on Facebook: OHCE Genealogy Group

The Edmond Genealogical Society’s May 18, 2026 program will be presented by Jim Ross and Shellee Graham as they get on board the time machine and help us experience the building of the Route 66 legend through its birth, life, demise, renaissance, and beyond in this captivating exploration of its first century.

Route 66 historian Jim Ross has spent 35 years researching, photographing and writing about the Mother Road. Edmond Genealogical Society meetings are free and open to the public. Programs start at 2:00 p.m. Meetings are held the third Monday of the month at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 15700 N. Penn, Oklahoma City.

UCO excels at national conference

The University of Central Oklahoma continues to demonstrate its commitment to undergraduate research at the 2026 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Richmond, Virginia, where UCO had the most delegates presenting outside of the host institution.

A total of 149 UCO students, faculty and staff represented the university at the national conference, underscoring Central’s growing impact and presence in undergraduate research. This year, UCO also reached a record 190 accepted research abstracts, a more than 90% acceptance rate of submitted abstracts, highlighting the depth, rigor and expanding scope of student research across campus.

“NCUR is an event where the University of Central Oklahoma consistently and resoundingly makes a statement in both the overall number of students presenting and the outstanding quality of undergraduate research that occurs on campus.

Guided by dedicated faculty mentors, our students produce meaningful, high-impact work that is recognized among the best across the country and around the globe,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.

“At UCO, we remain committed to fostering innovative research opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These experiences not only advance knowledge but enhance workforce readiness, contributing to a stronger future for our state and beyond.”

Of those accepted abstracts, 136 students presented research projects spanning a wide range of disciplines, including biodiversity, artificial intelligence, economics, psychology, cultural analysis, design, history, language, multimedia, nursing and forensic science.

NCUR is one of the nation’s premier conferences dedicated exclusively to undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity across all disci-

plines. This year, the conference welcomed 5,200 attendees from more than 550 institutions worldwide. Unlike traditional academic conferences, NCUR is designed specifically for student researchers and welcomes participation from institutions of all sizes and types.

UCO’s continued success at NCUR aligns with the university’s broader commitment to advancing its research enterprise as it works toward achieving Research 2 (R2) designation. UCO already meets the minimum annual research expenditure threshold and was one of only 216 institutions nationwide to receive the 2025 Research College and University designation. With continued investment in research and its two doctoral programs, the university is well-positioned to achieve R2 status.

For more information about UCO, visit www.uco.edu.

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Asking the tough questions

By Steve Gust

John Stossel, the investigative reporter, is now doing a lot of work online.

I’ve always somewhat respected him. And I’m sure there are a bunch of people who don’t consider him a reporter. Why? Because he comes after some of their causes.

Steve Gust

For instance, he’s not a big fan of climate change – the No. 1 liberal cause.

In a recent piece he did, he’s pointed out several times Al Gore, or another climate activist was wrong about something. There’s usually no apology. They move on to the next set of facts they can’t prove.

Speaking of Mr. Gore – for years he’s been sounding the alarm on global warming. Last week I saw a clip of him and this time he was concerned about some kind of pending ice age. Which is it, Al?

But, I digress. Stossel isn’t the kind of guy who just doesn’t accept everything that’s told him. We need more people in journalism like that.

—-

It always delights me when liberals become budget hawks. I saw a Trump

official on Capitol Hill being grilled about the cost of the Iran conflict. Why is it the liberals don’t seem to be so concerned about other expenditures? For instance, there is a multibillion scandal in Minnesota for alleged child care centers, which apparently don’t exist. Yet few people seem to want to get to the bottom of that controversy. Or we had Biden and Company, flying illegal immigrants to America on Uncle Sam’s dime and paying for their hotel rooms, dining and cell phones. Did any of the liberals care to take on that issue? I guess not.

—-

Something else I noticed. When gasoline prices began to climb recently, the networks were all over the story. Where were these people when Joe Biden’s administration allowed the costs to skyrocket?

The only time you saw any criticism over Biden was when someone put a sticker on a gas pump with a photo of Biden saying “I did that.” Sadly, our national press just isn’t fair and objective – my opinion.

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

Abortion pill ban clears state senate

Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, has advanced to the governor’s desk legislation that would outlaw the home delivery and distribution of abortion pills.

Last week, in a vote of 37 to 10, the Senate passed House Bill 1168 to make it a felony crime to traffic abortion pills.

The measure creates a felony offense for anyone to knowingly possess or deliver abortion-inducing drugs — including mifepristone, misoprostol and methotrexate — to someone who intends to use them for an abortion.

Bullard cited a study that said 4,130 abortion pills were trafficked into Oklahoma last year. Millions of pills have been trafficked nationwide, he said.

“House Bill 1168 is the most important legislation we’ve passed all session,” Bullard said. “The abortion pill doesn’t just kill a baby. It doesn’t just decimate a mother through serious physical and mental health problems and never-ending regrets. The abortion pill wipes out generations of unborn lives. I’m proud the Senate took this significant step today to protect innocent babies, and I look forward to the gover-

nor signing this bill.”

Bullard added that 14 states have similar laws on the books.

Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, RPiedmont, is the primary House author of HB 1168.

"This bill will save lives, not just unborn children, but mothers who have at times been coerced or deceived into taking these dangerous abortioninducing drugs with no medical oversight or care,” she said. “I've worked for several years to get this bill to this stage, and I'm glad to see it finally on its way to the governor. I'm thankful for Senator Bullard's passion on this matter and his tenacity to see this through. I'm thankful, as well, for all my House and Senate colleagues who see the importance of this measure. I pray the governor will swiftly sign this into law."

Anyone who violates HB 1168 and is convicted of trafficking or attempting to traffic abortion pills could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000.

This measure does not limit or prohibit the sale of contraceptives, and it would not impact couples undergoing IVF treatment. Nor does the legislation affect women experiencing miscarriages and those who may be legally prescribed pharmaceutical drugs as part of that process.

Additionally, HB 1168 does not apply to pharmacists, drug manufacturers or distributors who legally possess, sell or distribute pharmaceuticals intended for lawful medical purposes. ——

A bill by Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, to strengthen Oklahoman's constitutional rights and enhance transparency within Oklahoma’s criminal justice system has been signed into law.

House Bill 3742, known as the Due Process Protection Act of 2026, updates Oklahoma’s criminal procedure statutes by modifying timelines and requirements related to discovery in criminal cases. Harris said these changes will ensure both prosecutors and defense attorneys have adequate time to review evidence prior to trial.

"House Bill 3742 will provide clearer guidelines for courts and attorneys, reduce delays and improve the overall integrity of criminal proceedings across our state," Harris said.

Audit report on town’s ex-City Manager

Oklahoma State Auditor & Inspector [SA&I]

Cindy Byrd released her forensic audit report for the City of Harrah in Oklahoma County. Auditor Byrd launched the investigation after receiving a request from Harrah City Council.

The Council raised concerns regarding the former City Manager, Clayton Lucas. The Council questioned whether certain actions taken by Lucas, specifically in the last days of his employment in June of 2021, were in the best interest of the City.

“Harrah City Councilmembers did the right thing by requesting this audit as soon as they suspected questionable activity,” Auditor Cindy Byrd said. “Having said that, Councilmembers could have prevented several of these findings if they had insisted on stricter oversight. City Managers should never have the ability to settle economic deals behind closed doors. It falls on City Councilmembers to guarantee transparency in all transactions.”

Among the problematic findings are:

Permit Fee Waivers

Lucas improperly waived multiple building permits and other obligations. As a result, the City lost $38,916 in revenue. $31, 772 worth of waivers went to companies affiliated with one individual, developer, Tim Remy. $7,144 were granted to other businesses within the Harrah Industrial Park.

Land Sales

The City bought a property at 297 Harrah Road from Remy at a 400% profit to the developer. The City then deeded the property back to Remy, at no additional consideration to the City. No City Councilmember recalled being informed of Remy’s prior ownership of the property.

The City executed a Real Estate Conveyance Agreement with DNP Partnership prior to Council approval and before the entity was registered with the State.

City Manager Purchases & Cash Collections SA&I reviewed 39 expenditures, totaling

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

1) You must tell us your full name;

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

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

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

$517,599, during the investigation.

Lucas approved $14,226.50 for map revision services without authorization from the City Council.

21 purchases were not properly encumbered, as required by law.

Three purchases did not have City Council approval.

Four purchase orders did not include required signatures.

The City failed to ensure that cash collections were deposited daily. Some deposits were delayed for more than six months.

Work Attendance

Lucas spent at least 440 hours either teaching or attending classes at Oklahoma State University during regular City work hours. The lost work time is valued at approximately $19,000.

One Harrah official commented that Council oversight of Lucas’s schedule operated largely on the ‘honor system’.

“Abuse of taxpayer money is 100% preventable,” said Auditor Byrd. “My office is happy to work with any government entity in Oklahoma that needs help establishing guardrails for sound financial management. The workers of Oklahoma make tremendous sacrifices to pay their taxes, and they deserve to know their money is managed responsibly.”

This is the 277th audit released by Cindy Byrd this fiscal year.

The full audit is posted here on the Oklahoma State Auditor & Inspector’s official website.

Denver sights splendid even during the winter

By Elaine Warner

The wind whipped around our legs and snow bits, too tiny for flakes, spun around our faces. Whoever thought going to Denver in February was a good idea?

It wasn’t really a choice for Jack and me; we had flight vouchers which were about to expire. So off we went on a combo workfamily three days in Colorado’s capital city.

We got off to a rocky start – with plane delays and lines at Budget car rental, we arrived at our hotel at 1:50 a.m. (or 2:50 by our body time). To bed by 2:30 MST, we were back up at 8:00. (This, in case you think you’d like my job.)

It was 17 degrees out – and gray with threatening clouds. Our first stop was the Molly Brown House Museum – yes, the Unsinkable Molly Brown. Her life and the house were so outstanding; her story will get its own article in the future.

The History Colorado Center’s atrium pays homage to the area’s original inhabitants with two fullsized Cheyenne and Arapaho tipis. The museum exhibits fill four floors of the large building. With limited time, I tried to get a quick feel for the scope of the materials. We chose two of the permanent exhibits, both of which had a wide variety of displays.

“Zoom In: The Centennial State” features 100 objects which contributed to the evolution of the state. These ranged from a Paleo-Indian spear point – almost 13,000-years-old – to a 2014 water pipe celebrating the legalization of marijuana. Items were chosen to showcase the diversity of Coloradan culture through the selection of common items.

The exhibit “Denver from A to Z” combined history and humor, with each letter of the alphabet represented by an item. D highlighted the city’s devotion to sports with a display of materials from Denver Broncos fan Barrel Man who wore the barrel, boots, gloves and hat (and nothing else) to every game for 30 years.

Saturday we joined our grandson, Alex, and his wife, Tania, for more exploration. We started with the monumental Denver Art Museum. The complex

comprises three distinct structures. In the Martin Building, designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti, levels 2 through 7 house collections including art from the Americas, Europe, fashion and photography. We spent most of our time on the 6th floor with European Art Before 1800.

The museum does so much more than just exhibit pieces of art. In this section there were interesting displays on artists’ tools and techniques and, which I found most fascinating including a map and samples of the materials used to create color in paint. For example: it took 250,000 Mediterranean sea snails, collected by hand, to produce one ounce of purple dye. No wonder only the royals could wear purple!

A highlight in this section was Rembrandt’s oil painting, A Woman Holding a Pink. Beside it was a portrait of Rembrandt, probably painted by one of his disciples. These two works are on loan from the National Gallery of Art as part of the NGA’s celebration of the nation’s Semiquincentennial.

The current exhibition in the Textile Arts and Fashion Gallery features works from the museum’s collection, including designers Coco Chanel, Yves St. Laurent and Dior and contemporary artists Alexander McQueen and Yohji Yamamoto.

The adjacent Hamilton Building, connected by a skywalk, offers four levels of exhibits, the museum shop and the visitors’ service desk.

After a quick lunch at Café Gio in the Martin Building, we walked a few blocks to another part of the DAM – the Kirkland. The heart of this building is artist Vance Kirkland’s studio. Straps hang from the ceiling. Kirkland was a short man unable to reach the top of extremely large canvases. He would climb atop a table and get prone in the slings. Helpers would slide the canvas under him –and he was ready to create. The Kirkland not only has examples of the eponymous artist’s works, but an extensive collection of decorative arts.

On to the Museum of Nature and Science. This is another all-day venture, which we had to abbreviate. We hit the Gems and Minerals collection and the amazing pre-history area with its giant dinosaurs. A temporary exhibit, Brick Planet, featured large sculptures made of Lego bricks, unfortunately, it closed on May 3. This museum is a Denver do-

not-miss.

By this time, we’d walked two miles – and headed back to the grandkid’s condo for quick naps before our evening expedition. Our destination, the only remaining Casa Bonita in the United States.

At Casa Bonita, the food is average but the experience is interesting. Now owned by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, creators of South Park, we were greeted by a sculpture of Cartman with a tray of food. Reservations are a must here. We were given an hour at our table (service was swift) but the entire evening to explore. Entertainment includes mariachis, face-painting, a walk-through pirate cave, a puppet show and more. The main attraction is a two-story waterfall with a cliff diver (okay, he just jumped, but it was cool!).

Sunday’s driving trip and museum gets its own article – so the last museum we visited on Monday before our flight home was the American Museum of Western Art – the Anschutz Collection. Situated in a restored 1880 Victorian building, this museum has a superb collection of Western art. It was also the most difficult to enjoy. First off, no photography. Second, we didn’t take a guided tour but tried to use the audiophones – hard to hold and take notes.

The paintings were displayed salon-style – floor to ceiling, wall-to-wall. Explanatory materials were available on the audiophones and in books scattered around the galleries. I think all the paintings had small plaques on the frames – but visitors have to stay two-feet away, making them hard to read. Children under eight are not permitted and those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

That said, the art on view was outstanding. The museum is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Admission is $5 – a real bargain; guided tours are a bit more.

In spite of my personal grumbling, the collection with Morans and Bierstadts, Remingtons and Russells, even my favorite Thomas Hart Benton, is worth seeing.

As you can tell, we concentrated on indoor activities. There’s so much more to do and see in and around Denver. We’ll plan another trip – in a warmer month.

Photos by Elaine Warner

Edmond Republican Women’s Club schedules next meeting for May 18

By Tonya Coffman

The next meeting of Edmond Republican Women will be Monday, May 18th, 2026, in the Meinders/Gaylord Center of Oklahoma Christian University. Doors will open at 11:15 AM, with a buffet lunch served at 11:30 AM. This month we have a first for our club. Reagan Grau is our very first Youth Sponsor of the Month. Reagan is the grandson of our immediate past Second VP of Membership, Becky Grau, and the son of associate member, Randy Grau.

In the Fall of 2025, Reagen was appointed by Senator James Lankford to serve in the United States Senate

Page Program. He is an active high school junior at Edmond Memorial High School (Class of 2027) wit a strong record of academic excellence, leadership, and community service. He maintains a rigor-

ous schedule of AP and other advance classes, while still achieving a GPA that places him in the top 5% of his class. He has received numerous academic awards and is a member of the National Honor Society. Our co-sponsor for the month of May is Norma Coppedge-Curry of ReMax Preferred Properties. Norma obtained her license in 1974. She has earned her ABR, CRP, CRS, and GRI. She is a member of the ReMax Hall of Fame and the ReMax Platinum Club. Norma is also a member of ERWC. We will also be hearing from candidates for various state offices. T.W. SHANNON is a candidate for Oklahoma Lt. Governor. He made history as the youngest Speaker of the Oklahoma House and the first African-American and Chickasaw to hold the position. He has served in President Trumps Administration and is running to bring proven, conservative leadership to Oklahoma.

WENDY JO HAMPTON is a candidate for Oklahoma County Commissioner - District 3. She is conservative, a business owner, a Christian, wife, and mother. She plans to partner up with city leaders to deliver results on: Jail Services, Roads & Bridges, and Balancing the Budget.

TROY TALLEY is a candidate for State House District 81. Troy graduated from UCO in 1986 with a Business degree. He was a member of three UCO national champion wrestling teams, and he continues to compete in triathlons. He vows to protect the unborn, defend religious liberty and Second Amendment rights, support our veterans, reduce taxes and government overreach, stand up for parents, teachers, and students, and back strong law enforcement for a safer community. Troy and his family are Edmond residents and attend Henderson Hills Baptist Church where he is a longtime Deacon and leads small group Bible studies.

ERWC has been extremely busy encouraging and working for Republican candidates for office. Our next event for candidates will be Saturday, June 6th, 9:00 AM - Noon at theOCPA Event Center, 1401 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73104.

ERWC is also again sponsoring Patriot Camp for middle school age students who have an interest in the history and government of this country, as well as the state of Oklahoma.

The dates are June 8th through 11th, 2026, and location is the State Capitol on the floor of the House of Representatives (thanks to Rep. Erick Harris for making this possible again). Students will also tour the Oklahoma Supreme Court and the Capitol itself. Each year the camp has proven to be an extremely memorable experience for the students who have attended. Cost is $50 per student ($35 for additional camper in same family). T

Tentative time is 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM each day. Sponsorships will be available. Contact us at ERWC1787@gmail.com for information and application.

Again, our meeting day is Monday,May 18th, 2026, beginning at 11:15 AM with sign- in and buffet at 11:30 AM. The general meeting begins at approximately 11:45. Our location is in the Meinders Gaylord Center of Oklahoma Christian University, 2501 E. Memorial Rd., Edmond, 73013. We have several gentlemen who are associate members of our club. For reservations and/or information, contact us at ERWC1787@gmail.com.

OCU to have an Olympic role

Oklahoma City University has been selected to serve as the Satellite Village for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games as Olympic Softball and Canoe Slalom competitions come to Oklahoma in 2028, university officials announced last week.

More than 170 Canoe Slalom and Softball athletes, as well as dozens of officials from participating countries, will call the OCU campus home while athletes compete in the summer of 2028.

“We are honored to be able to support the LA28 Games and Team OKC as we serve as a Satellite Village,” OCU President Kenneth Evans said. “This is a historic moment for our city and campus and we look forward to welcoming the athletes.”

The City of Oklahoma City is supporting the delivery of the LA28 Games by staging the entirety of the Canoe Slalom competition and Softball Tournament, with events taking place at the OKC Whitewater Center and OKC Softball Park in the OKC Zone, respectively. The OCU campus is a short drive from each of the competition venues, and the university has strong connections to each sport.

The OCU Devon Boathouse was one of the first facilities constructed in Oklahoma City’s Boathouse District and is home to the Oklahoma City National High Performance Center. The Stars softball team is an 11-time national champion.

ODOT begins Route 66 pavement marking project

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, launched a new statewide pavement marking project along historic U.S. Route 66. Edmond received two Route 66 pavement markers on Thursday, April 30 at 2nd Street and Broadway along Route 66 in front of Sprouts. This project will enhance onthe-ground visibility of the iconic corridor ahead of the Centennial celebration for the many travelers expected to make the drive this year.

The project is installing 100 official Route 66 pavement markings at 50 locations statewide. Each site will feature the recognizable Route 66 badge and will be customized to reflect its specific community, with the location name prominently displayed in the top bar of the emblem.

Work began this week in Bristow

and continue across the state, with completion anticipated by the end of April, weather permitting. Both Oklahoma City and Tulsa will have four marking locations each, with additional sites distributed along the Route 66 corridor statewide.

The total cost of the project is $341,000, with the majority of funding made possible through a 2024 grant from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. An additional $91,000 contribution from ODOT helped bring the project to completion.

This initiative represents a coordinated effort to create consistent, high-visibility Route 66 identifiers across Oklahoma, in which the state has the most driveable miles of the iconic corridor, reinforcing the State’s critical presence for residents and visitors alike.

Advice for car buyers

When shopping for a car, the price you see in advertisements may be far from the price you’ll pay at the dealership. In a new federal action push, the Federal Trade Commission is now urging car dealers to report competitors who use misleading pricing tactics, including hidden fees, mandatory addons, and bait-and-switch advertising. The agency has already sent warning letters to nearly 100 dealer groups, signaling just how widespread the issue has become.

For everyday car buyers, this confirms a frustrating reality. The price advertised online is often not the price you get when you walk into the showroom. By the time paperwork is presented, costs can climb thousands of dollars higher due to fees that were never clearly disclosed upfront. For consumers, the takeaway is simple and urgent.

The burden is still on you to protect yourself. Automotive retail analysts Zach Shefska and Ray Shefska are available to discuss hot consumers can navigate this industry-wide scourge, including (but not limited to) topics like:

How to demand a true out-the-door price upfront before ever stepping into a dealership

What to say when a dealer refuses to provide full pricing digitally

How to identify hidden fees and mandatory add-ons buried in fine print

The most common bait-and-switch tactics and how to spot them early

Why you should always get pricing in writing and what qualifies as “real” documentation

How to walk away strategically without losing leverage or momentum

What fees are legitimate vs negotiable or removable

How to use competing dealer quotes to force pricing transparency

What to do if the final paperwork doesn’t match the advertised price

How to escalate issues or report de-

ceptive practices to regulators if needed

Why timing matters and how to avoid pressure tactics once you are physically at the dealership

How to avoid emotional decisionmaking that leads to overpaying

The role of AI and pricing tools in verifying whether a deal is fair

How to protect yourself from postnegotiation add-ons in the finance office

The FTC is now emphasizing that dealers must present true all-in pricing, including document fees and required charges. But there is a critical concern. If deceptive pricing is as common as regulators suggest, asking dealers to police each other may not be enough to fix the problem.

“Hidden fees, inflated add-ons, and last-minute price changes remain some of the most common and costly pitfalls in car buying,” notes Ray Shefska. “Many buyers do not realize they are overpaying until it is too late. Others feel pressured to move forward after investing time at the dealership, even when the final price does not match what they expected.”

New data reinforces just how significant these gaps can be. “Research demonstrably shows that pricing for the exact same vehicle can vary by thousands of dollars depending on the dealership, driven not by the car itself but by dealer behavior,” adds Zach Shefska. “In many cases, more than a third of quotes include add-ons that were never requested, while a large percentage of dealers refuse to provide transparent pricing digitally at all.”

This is where free online consumer empowerment tools like the Car Dealer Transparency Index are gaining traction. The platform ranks thousands of dealerships based on real pricing behavior using verified out-thedoor quotes, giving consumers a clearer picture of which dealers consistently provide honest, upfront pricing and which do not.

Movie review of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’

A sequel that delivers for the fans

By George Gust

Twenty years after “The Devil Wears Prada” graced the screen and slid its way onto every Saturday afternoon time slot on TBS and Bravo, the highly anticipated legacy sequel “The Devil Wears Prada 2” hits theaters. On the surface it still has the glossy fashion, familiar beats, and the occasional wink to the first film, but this followup shifts its focus to the loss of cultural influence of magazines in the social media age.

This sequel knows exactly who it’s for, the fans of the original who want to see the crew back together, older and a little wiser. The screenplay uses the collapse and consolidation of journalism as more than background color as it becomes the flashpoint for the characters’ choices and compromises in the intervening decades. There are smart moments that capture how social platforms and corporate mergers have gutted the old magazine glamour, and those scenes feel recognizably true. Where the movie stumbles is in its look and some of its pacing. Shot with a flat, digital look, it often reads like prestige streaming TV rather than a cinematic event, which blunts the aspirational promise

Answers on Page 19

the franchise once sold.

To the surprise of no one, Meryl Streep’s Miranda is the film’s quiet engine. Time has softened her edges, she’s less a caricature of cruelty and more a complicated figure who’s learned humility the hard way.

Streep finds small, telling beats, a softened expression, a reluctant laugh that make the character feel livedin. Anne Hathaway’s Andy has grown as well and she carries a steadier confidence here. Watching her return to the fashion world feels less like regression and more like a deliberate choice, even if some viewers will read it as a step

backward. Stanley Tucci returns with his usual warmth, and Justin Theroux pops up with a scenestealing, very 2026 billionaire turn that’s fun and sharp.

Ultimately, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” is a comfortable, occasionally thoughtful reunion that knows its audience. It’s not as magically charming and winning as the first film and its visual palette keeps it from feeling like a true summer spectacle. But it offers rare elements you don’t get too often in big theatrical releases like Streep’s nuanced return, Hathaway’s steadier lead, or a surprisingly timely critique of the media business through a female lens. If you want a sequel that reunites the old gang and adds a few contemporary observations, this movie delivers the goods.

“The Devil Wears Prada 2” is rated PG-13 for strong language and some suggestive references.

4.1 out of 5 stars

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

“The

Homeschool day at area museum

Join the Oklahoma History Center Museum for Homeschool Day on Tuesday, May 19, from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy a day of hands-on learning with free gallery admission, sponsored by the Inasmuch Foundation.

Crossword Puzzle

This special event will include engaging activities, interactive living history presentations and access to our educational trunks and carts. Homeschool Day is an excellent opportunity for homeschool students of all ages to explore Oklahoma’s past in a fun and meaningful way.

The entire event is free, and online registration is required. Families are welcome to bring lunch and eat between activities.

The Oklahoma History Center Museum is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums.

UCO celebrates grand opening of Armstrong Family Student Atrium and business building addition

The University of Central Oklahoma celebrated the grand opening of the newly completed Armstrong Family Student Atrium and College of Business addition with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Central’s campus. The project was made possible through a generous gift from alumnus Ronald Armstrong and his wife, Pam, with support from the PACCAR Foundation and the UCO Foundation.

The 7,700-square-foot expansion enhances the existing Business building and features a student lounge with a fireplace, recreation space, study rooms and a state-of-the-art golf simulator room supporting the UCO PGA Professional Golf Management program.

The golf simulator features multiple bays equipped with advanced sensors and dual-camera launch monitor technology, providing instant, high-

definition feedback on every swing.

“This new space is a state-of-the-art reflection of the University of Central Oklahoma’s commitment to meeting students where they are and moving them forward. We are leading the way—moving the needle in how we prepare students for the future through collaboration, innovation and handson learning. This addition creates the kind of dynamic environment our students deserve and our workforce demands,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.

“We are especially grateful to alumnus Ronald Armstrong for his generous gift in making this vision a reality. His investment in our students and our future is a powerful example of the Broncho Spirit in action.”

Armstrong, a 1977 UCO graduate and former

CEO of PACCAR Inc., said the space was inspired by similar collaborative environments he experienced at other institutions and reflects his desire to support future generations of students.

“It’s a place for students to connect and collaborate in a way not previously possible in the College of Business,” Armstrong said.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to the university that played such an important role in my life.”

The addition is part of UCO’s broader efforts to enhance campus facilities and create dynamic learning environments that foster student engagement and career readiness. The College of Business continues to emphasize real-world experiences that prepare students to contribute immediately to Oklahoma’s workforce.

Integris honors workers who excelled in the annual OKC Memorial Marathon

Including first-place winner Maddie McQuirk

Two INTEGRIS Health caregivers turned race day into a powerful display of strength, resilience and heart at the 2026 OKC Memorial Marathon. Their stories, rooted in dedication to their patients, their families and themselves, highlight the extraordinary determination behind every mile.

She ran for her daughter—and won

Maddie McQuirk, a registered nurse who has been with INTEGRIS Health for 10 years, took home the trophy as the winner of the 2026 OKC Memorial Marathon Women's Race.

McQuirk's running journey began in high school when she ran cross country. While she didn't continue her competitive running in college, she still maintained her competitive spirit as she ran recreationally. Her love of the sport led her to compete in her first marathon in Tulsa four years ago—all while eight weeks pregnant. Impressively, she would later go on to complete a half marathon while seven months pregnant with her daughter.

In 2024, she ran marathons in numerous cities, including Oklahoma City, Boston and Sacramento. With the stressors of everyday life as a parent and an ICU nurse in the pulmonology department at the INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital, running became her escape. Her training consisted of running 100 miles a week with intermittent rest weeks and weightlifting for injury prevention. Through it all, her motivation remained consistent: being an inspiration for her daughter.

"I hope my daughter can see that she can do hard things, and she can be involved with us," McQuirk says. "I run with her in the jogging stroller. Of course, I'm doing all the work, but she loves

being active. I just hope it shows her that she can balance a lot of things in life."

During the 2026 marathon, McQuirk was surprised to learn she was in the lead image007.jpgaround the 5K mark. She remembers thinking "I could win this," but she just needed to push through and hold onto her pace. McQuirk's family came out in support, cheering her on throughout the course. Her husband, Evan, who also works with INTEGRIS Health, and their two-year-old daughter waited for her to cross the finish line, a memory McQuirk will carry with her forever.

"I've never seen my daughter at a finish line before, so it was really special," she remembers. "The best feeling in the world is coming home and her running to me, and so it was like that mixed with the runner's high and winning the race. It was a great feeling."

Former champion runs for two at OKC Memorial 5K

——

Ashley Carreon, MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian with INTEGRIS Health Weight Loss Center at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center, ran in the OKC Memorial 5K, all while eight months pregnant.

Carreon started running when she was five years old, participating in local races while her dad competed in 5Ks. In middle school, she competed in cross country and track and field, leading her to earn a scholarship for track and field at the University of Nebraska. After graduation, she started dabbling in longer-distance races, but she didn’t run her first marathon until 32019 when she was

30 years old.

In 2025, Carreon would go on to win the OKC Memorial Marathon Women’s race. Later that year, she found out she was expecting her third child. While her training changed slightly as she navigated nausea and fatigue during the first trimester, she continued to train and listen to her body. Her motivation throughout her training was her love of the sport and her support system around her.

I really love the Oklahoma City Memorial race," she says. "It's a big, family affair with my parents booking a hotel a year in advance and my sister traveling from Houston. My two kids do the children's marathon, and my husband did the quarter marathon this year. I was like, 'okay, I don't want to miss out.’”

As she crossed the finish line, Carreon was proud to participate and felt all the love as people cheered and encouraged her throughout the course.

"Last year, the marathon was super special," she remembers. "You spend so much time training, and to win the women's race, it was just a sigh of relief. For the 5K, it was equally as special, but surprisingly, I felt better running the 5K while eight months pregnant than I did at the end of the marathon. But it was really, really sweet at the finish line."

Carreon says she determined to keep running and stay healthy for herself and her daughter, and she hopes her story will serve as an inspiration for her children as well as other women during their pregnancies.

OCS celebrates a ribbon cutting for newly renovated middle school

Oklahoma Christian School marked a significant milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of its newly renovated middle school. The event, held on April 29 at 9:30 a.m., brought together community members, school leadership, students, and partners to commemorate this exciting advancement for the campus.

The renovation represents a meaningful investment in the future of Oklahoma Christian School and its students. Designed to serve generations to come, the updated middle school reflects the institution’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, strong community, and Christ-centered education.

The project includes expanded classroom space,

the addition of new windows to increase natural light, and thoughtfully updated features throughout the building. These enhancements were carefully designed to create a bright, welcoming environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

The ribbon cutting offered attendees an opportunity to tour the upgraded facility and experience firsthand the transformation of the space. School leaders emphasized that the improvements will not only support current students but also strengthen the school’s mission for years to come.

For more information about Oklahoma Christian School, please visit Oklahoma Christian School | Edmond OK PreK–12 OCS

Allegedly by prior administration

HUD officials claim bias against Christianity

Last week, the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias published a report detailing how the Biden administration’s policies spread antiChristian bias throughout the federal government. The Department of Housing and Urban Development worked closely with the Department of Justice on the report to bring attention to these egregious actions and detail the Trump administration’s commitment to restore religious liberty in our country.

“Throughout our nation’s history, faith and freedom have worked hand in hand to bring harmony and strength to our great nation,” said Secretary Scott Turner. “The Biden administration jeopardized that harmony by singling out Christians, minimizing their contributions, and silencing sincerely held beliefs. Our Founding Fathers created a nation to stand against this same kind of religious oppression, and we cannot allow it to take root again. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are ending pervasive anti-Christian bias in the federal government, protecting Americans’ First Amendment rights, and returning our country to its founding Judeo-Christian principles.”

The 200-page report collects the detailed findings of the 17 federal agencies on the Task Force, as well as other agencies who uncovered religious discrimination. The report examines how the Biden administration pushed its radical policy agenda, even when its actions violated Christians' beliefs and free exercise of their faith. The Biden administration’s actions infringed on matters of deep personal importance to every American: life, family, marriage, self-identity, education, and medical decisions. To support these findings, the report contains more than 1,100 footnotes and over 300 pages of exhibits.

In creating HUD’s section of the report, the Department conducted a thorough review of its policies, practices, grant requirements, regulations, and rules. HUD also received information

from victims while reviewing the impacts of the Biden administration’s antiChristian bias.

The report touches on a broad array of federal policies and programs, including conscience rights, the Johnson Amendment, fines against Christian universities, women’s sports, vaccine mandates, and the exclusion of Christians from public programs, among many others. The Task Force also highlights related findings at the state and local level and in the private sector. Among the Task Force’s many findings, HUD discovered alarming instances of antiChristian bias at the Department:

Participation in HUD programs was conditioned on compliance with the Biden administration’s woke gender identity nondiscrimination requirements, even if those requirements conflicted with providers’ religious beliefs.

Faith-based homeless service providers raised concerns regarding biological men entering women-only shelters, which the Biden administration required based on a radical misinterpretation of the law.

A HUD employee was denied promotions multiple times and criticized for having a Bible and cross in their cubicle. Their supervisor even warned others to “beware” of them, simply because of their religious beliefs.

While this report details the Biden administration’s outrageous actions against Christians, it also demonstrates how the Trump administration is restoring the rights of Christians—and all Americans—to practice their faith without fear of government punishment.

For example:

HUD proposed a rule to remove radical definitions of gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender, replacing them with sex across nearly 50 regulations.

HUD’s Equal Access Rule would be adjusted to protect women’s shelters and replace the prohibition on discrimination against “gender identity” in all programs.

Senior citizens not fond of data centers

As electricity and water bills continue to rise, older Oklahomans are sending a clear warning to state leaders: don’t shift the soaring costs of powering large data centers onto residential customers.

An overwhelming 92% of Oklahomans age 50-plus say elected officials should ensure residential customers do not pay for the costs of serving new large data centers, according to a new AARP survey. When asked who should foot the bill, 86% say data center companies themselves should pay, not homeowners on fixed or limited incomes.

“Oklahomans shouldn’t have to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table for the sake of data centers,” said AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl. “People are already cutting back on groceries and medicine just to pay rising utility bills. Lawmakers must act now to protect residential customers from picking up the tab for these massive data centers.”

Findings show that 65% of Oklahomans age 50plus said their electricity bills increased over the past year, with nearly one in four reporting a significant increase. At the same time, 77% said they are concerned about their electricity bill increasing. In fact, 40% say that an increase in their electricity bill would represent a “major problem” for their finances.

That pressure is already drastically affecting lives.

57% adjusted thermostats beyond comfort. 40% cut back on basic necessities like groceries and transportation.

22% have fallen behind on other bills because of utility costs.

19% cut back on medical expenses or prescriptions.

The true costs of being unhealthy

By Brian Attebery

I can always tell what people are thinking about our economy and generally their look on life by being a fitness expert and gym owner. The sad reality is that people get nervous about the cost of gas etc. and they look to cut things they perceive as “not a priority”. Yes, I am talking about their fitness and health. I am obviously biased, but I KNOW that a gym membership and yes, the actual use of it is a massive return on investment.

Gyms are cheap really. A family of four can workout at my facility for $60 a month. That is 50 cents per day per member. Those funds happen by cutting things that you need to cut. Data shows simply swapping sodas for water saves an average of $500 per year per person! Let’s look at the financial reality of what being healthy can do for us versus when we don’t take care of our health. We have direct and indirect costs.

The amount of data is quite overwhelming. Chronic disease and 13 types of cancer are tied into obesity and being unhealthy. Poor nutrition and lack of fitness and the primary contributors. Data shows reduced wages among people in this category, increased health care costs, and lower

quality of life. A study done in 2022 showed that, after considering health care costs, lost wages, lost productivity, and lost revenue (which is a share of lost wages), this analysis estimates that obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and the 13 nutrition-related cancers identified cost the U.S. economy $16 TRILLION between 2001-220 (“The Economic Costs of Poor Nutrition” americanactionforum.org 3-9-22)

Many times, people think exercise takes too much time and consequently, they can’t “afford” to spend that time during tough times. I have trained many executives, business owners, Doc tors, and Lawyers through my career. When looking at the course of several months or years, I will ask them if they felt like their business/practice had done the same, better, or worse during the period of making fitness a priority? While there are ups and downs with any businesses, the vast majority said they believed it helped them even if it was from the standpoint of stress management.

Many times, their added fitness level allowed them to get more done during times that required it.

You also can’t ignore the mental stress all this “crazy world” stuff is doing to us. The answer isn’t found in medications and your local liquor store. While I am not against proper medication use or

having moderate alcohol, the reality is that an exercise lifestyle is VITAL for stress and anxiety medication. What is that worth to you?

Inadequate physical activity costs the nation $192 billion a year for related health costs. The C.D.C. data goes on to show that the average annual medial cost for an individual with diabetes is $9,600 higher than someone without diabetes and heart disease data is very similar. Although genetic factors and chance can influence disease risk, many conditions can be prevented, mitigated, or substantially improved through regular physical activity and an appropriate nutrition plan.

I understand times can be tough for many people but don’t make it tougher on yourself by rationalizing the need to cut your fitness. There are things to cut, and your healthy activities are not the priority. Many people look for “good reasons” to not workout. They justify it by pointing to the economy and lack of time but is that the real reason? Don’t make excuses and just get back on your fitness journey if you get off track. Prioritize your greatest investment.

YOU!

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

AAA tests EVs & hybrids during hot & cold

For the 13AA’s latest study shows extreme temperatures reduce efficiency, range, and increase operating costs for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids. Researchers tested six vehicles at cold, moderate, and hot EV charger.jpgtemperatures to examine how electrified powertrains perform under non-ideal conditions. This information is intended to help consumers better understand how temperature can affect vehicle performance, inform purchasing decisions, and set realistic expectations for driving and ownership throughout the year.

Building on their 2019 study, the AAA automotive engineering team, in partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center, evaluated the powertrains of three EVs and three hybrids. Testing was conducted on a chassis dynamometer — a device like a treadmill for cars — with the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) set at 72 degrees in the vehicles and the temperatures in the laboratory test cell at 20°F, 75°F, and 95°F. The cost portion of the research leveraged the AAA Gas Price Data to determine national average fuel and electricity prices as of March 27, 2026. Please see the fact sheet for additional testing details and methodology.

Key Findings:

Impact of hot temperatures (95°F):

Hybrid vehicles experience a 12.0% decrease in fuel efficiency (miles per gallon, MPG).

EVs show a 10.4% reduction in efficiency (MPGe, miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent) and an 8.5% loss of driving range compared to moderate temperature (75°F) conditions.

Impact of cold temperatures (20°F):

Hybrids lose 22.8% in fuel economy.

EVs demonstrate a 35.6% drop in MPGe and a 39.0% decrease in calculated driving range.

Impacts of cold temperatures (20°F) on operating costs:

Hybrids showed an increase in fuel cost of $28.44 per 1,000 miles.

EVs experienced an increase in operating costs of $32.11 per 1,000 miles when charged at home electricity rates and $76.93 per 1,000 miles when using public charging.

Impacts of hot temperatures (95°F) on operating costs:

Hybrid operating costs increased by $13.02 per 1,000 mi.

For EVs using home charging, operating costs rose by $6.78 per 1,000 mi, while public charging costs climbed $16.25 per 1,000 mi.

Powertrain Cost Comparison:

Cold operation (20°F) showed the largest cost gap: EVs cost $36.19 less per 1,000 miles at home electricity rates, but $86.26 more using public chargers than hybrids.

At high temperatures (95°F), EVs were $46.11 cheaper per 1,000 miles at home electricity rates, but $41.00 more expensive at public charging rates compared to hybrids.

“EVs are efficient in moderate temperatures but lose significant range in the cold,” said Greg Brannon, director of automotive engineering and research at AAA.

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