Edmond Life and Leisure - February 4, 2021

February 4, 2021 Vol. 21, No. 38

In This Issue FOUR SEASONS

Schools to redraw boundary lines Two new elementary schools opening in fall

Four Seasons, by Kevin Box, in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the UCO campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Email contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. For more information, see page 4.

Elaine Warner looks at murals in Enid See page 13

IMAGES PROVIDED

FRIDAY, February 5 Mostly Sunny High 51° Low 33°

SATURDAY, February 6 Partly Cloudy High 46° Low 18°

SUNDAY, February 7 Mostly Sunny High 37° Low 23°

Edmond Public School elementary school boundaries will change next spring as the district prepares to open two new elementary schools in the next two academic school years. Edmond Public School elementary school boundaries will change in early 2021 as the district prepares to open two new elementary schools in the next two academic school years. Redbud Elementary, at the corner of Douglas and Coffee Creek, is scheduled to open in 2021. Scissortail Elementary, southwest of the intersection of NW 150th St and N. Pennsylvania Ave. is scheduled to open in 2022. “It’s an exciting time to open new schools and both are badly needed to help offset the sizable student population at some of our elementary schools, especially those in the far eastern and far western sections of our district,” said Superintendent Bret Towne. “However, anytime we open new schools, challenging decisions must be made to identify the attendance boundaries for the new schools.” To give families adequate time to plan future home purchases

or make enrollment decisions, the Edmond Board of Education approved hiring Templeton Demographics of Southlake, Texas to provide guidance on redrawing the elementary school boundaries. The district previously used Templeton when it changed the boundaries for middle schools in 2016. “Templeton assists the district by compiling data on current and future neighborhood demographics, enrollment projections, bus routes, and school capacities,” said Towne. “The data will help us to understand how and where the future growth will occur in our district and how boundaries should change accordingly.” A district realignment committee will begin meeting in February. The committee will include one administrator and one parent from every school in the district except Russell Dougherty and Clegern which are lottery schools with limited attendance zones. Representatives from middle schools and

high schools are being included to provide insight into school feeder patterns and student matriculation. Boundary recommendations developed by the committee and the rationale used to draw the boundaries will be presented to the community during a public forum on February 18. The district will announce at a later date if the public forum will be virtual or in-person. Following the public forum, the committee will meet again in March to consider the public input and make any changes to the boundary recommendations that are deemed appropriate. The Board of Education will vote on the proposed boundary recommendations at a board meeting tentatively scheduled for 10:00 a.m. March 11. More detailed information on the boundary changes can be found by going to www.edmondschools.net.

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Edmond Life & Leisure • February 4, 2021 • Page 3

At home workers gaining clout When the COVID-19 pandemic caused billions of people to work at home, few realized they were part of a paradigm shift in who holds the power of the workplace. Communities across the U.S. have caught on, though, and they are scrambling to attract remote workers, their families, and the economic value their residency brings. MakeMyMove.com (MMM) is the country’s first marketplace created to help workers use their power with the communities that want them. It’s powered by TMap, a talent recruitment startup cofounded by Bill Oesterle, creator of Angie’s List. “Remote workers are already exercising their new mobility, migrating away from unlivable cities on the coasts. What they’ve yet to fully realize is the economic power that comes with that mobility,” Oesterle said. “For decades, cities large and small have offered companies relocation incentives because they bring investment and people with them as they move or grow.

“Decoupled from the traditional office, American workers are in control of their own geographies in a way they never have been before. Their educations and incomes make them highly-desirable residents for any community that understands the importance of talent attraction as the engine for economic growth. The places that get it are offering incentives directly to the workers. The companies aren’t in control anymore: the workers are,” he said. Evan Hock, Oesterle’s TMap and MMM cofounder, said the shift is as consequential as the Industrial Revolution, which saw millions of workers leave rural areas to take jobs in factories in big cities. “For the first time ever, millions of workers are free to choose the place that is right for them,” Hock said. “People who can take their jobs with them are taking serious looks at a move. Whether they are trying to get closer to mom, or the mountains, we’re helping them find incentive packages to sweeten that life change.”

OU Health updates visiting policies for hospitals, clinics In response to changing dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic related to hospitalizations, OU Health has made revisions to its visitation policy. Effective now, only one essential caregiver may accompany a patient at OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center in Oklahoma City and OU Health Edmond Medical Center. Essential caregivers are those who are critical to achieve patient care imperatives. No visitors are allowed at Edmond Medical Center’s Autumn Life Behavioral Health Center. Designated essential caregivers are required to observe certain practices and policies of the hospital while in the facility: Screening is required at entry or point of service. If screening determines the possibility of COVID-19 exposure, or if an essential caregiver feels unwell or exhibits symptoms, entry will not be allowed. Essential caregivers will be required to sign “Essential Caregiver Expectations,” an agreement that explains compliant behaviors expected while in the facility. Essential caregivers are required to wear approved masks at all times, while in the facility, including patient rooms. Neck gaiters, buffs, bandanas or scarves are not approved forms of

masking. Approved masks are: Cloth mask with no vents or exhalation valves Procedural or surgical-type masks Caregivers will stay in the designated patient room at all times, except for trips to the cafeteria. Caregivers may not remain in the cafeteria, as available seating is limited to hospital staff only. No gatherings are allowed in any public area (lobby, waiting room or other). If it becomes necessary to leave the facility for any reason, the essential caregiver must request an exception from the department director only, which is subject to approval by the administrator on call. Further, screening and signing of the Essential Caregiver Expectations agreement must be repeated upon reentry. This policy includes patients who are undergoing same-day surgery or procedures, and those visiting the Emergency Department and hospitalbased clinics and departments, such as dialysis and radiology. For surgeries and other procedures, the essential caregiver will be allowed to be in the facility for pre-operative education or to assist the patient to surgery but will be required to stay in the patient’s room or leave the facility during the surgery.

Vets panel seeking public’s input The Veterans Memorial Advisory Committee (VMAC) is a volunteer committee providing recommendations to Edmond City Council on the creation of the Edmond Veterans Memorial at Bickham-Rudkin Park. This location is intended to honor our community’s veterans and recognize their dedication to our country. We would like your input on this

important project. The City of Edmond and the VMAC are working with a firm to design the memorial. Your comments and suggestions will be considered in the design of the project. The survey is open through Feb. 21: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/v eteranmemorial

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From the Publisher

Vote Miller for Edmond City Council This coming Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, is the most important opportunity for folks to get out and vote. It is more important than any national or state election including that of president of the United States. The folks you will be voting for on this coming Tuesday will affect your day-to-day life much more then Ray Hibbard who is sitting the Whitehouse. It includes the first round of votes for our Edmond City Council where there are three positions open and one seat for our Edmond School Board. You will be picking the tip of the spear for what matter most to us and how our city and school system will be run. Nothing could be more important and yet there will only be a fraction of the voters from last November’s presidential election that turn out to vote. Feel free to disagree with my endorsements but do not let that stop you from voting. You should remember that for Ward 3 and Ward 4 there are three or more candidates running in each ward which makes this first vote more of a runoff. Only each ward will be able to vote this time around. The top two vote getters will then face each other in the general election in April where the entire city will be able to vote. The mayor’s race has two candidates, and the vote is city wide so it will be a winner take all this Tuesday. School board office 1 has five candidates so you can bet there will be a runoff in April for that school board seat unless one candidate gets more than 50% of the vote. Our pick for Ward 4 is David Miller. We announced this last August when he decided to run for this office which he held for many years. It is the seat currently held by Nick Massey who decided to not run again for that office. Miller served on the council from 2001 to 2012 and honestly, these were some of the best years for council leadership. Miller was a big part of that leadership. During that time, he served not only as a council member but as Mayor ProTem under Charles Lamb. He also served on the EEDA Board of Directors, chaired the Public Works Committee, served as Edmond Electric representative to APPA Policy Makers Committee and currently still serves on the Edmond Capital Improvement Projects Advisory Board. Miller has lived in Edmond since 1995 and has three daughters who are grown and married. He has three grandsons and Miller and his bride, Marsha, have been married for 36 years. He is currently employed at Heartland Payment Systems who have been a great corporate citizen in Edmond. When I asked him why he wants to serve on the council again, he said, "I want to run because I believe my experience is needed, especially now. I also still have the same passion for Edmond I had before. I want to give while I can and while I can still make a difference in the environment my grandchildren will grow up in, like my daughters, I want them to want to stay in Edmond.” There is a lack of leadership at the city, state and certainly the national level. Miller was an ex-

Edmond Arts Festival Set for Sept. 10-12 After receiving the permit to have the Edmond Downtown Arts Festival in 2021, the Arts Festival committee met and decided to postpone the date this year from early May to the second week in September of this year. After receiving the news of the OKC Arts Festival moving away from spring and into June, out of concern for their attendees, they decided September would offer more safety and have better weather in the month of September. Please continue to follow Edmond Life & Leisure for updates on this and other events in Edmond.

FILE PHOTO

David Miller has served on the Edmond City Council before and is seeking the post again.

cellent leader when he served on the council previously and there is no doubt that he would make a great addition to the leadership of current council members David Chapman and Josh Moore. Miller understands that it takes more then lofty ideas to make improvements. We all want great things for our community, but it takes knowledge about how to get things done. He always took a business-like approach to helping run the city. Many of the features we now enjoy in Edmond had their beginnings when he served the council. He works with people and understands the nuts and bolts of getting things done. It takes more than good wishes to make them happen. Miller is the candidate that can do that, and his experience is needed on our city council. He is a perfect fit for the right time. Christin Mugg would be our choice for Ward 3. She took the time to come by and visit with me and that shows she understands the importance of a truly locally owned and operated newspaper for Edmond. None of the other candidates in Ward 3 did so. She has established herself as an active member of the Edmond Community. She grew up in Oklahoma City and attended Putnam City North High School. After high school, Christin received a BA in Letters and an MBA from the University of Oklahoma. After five years in the workforce, Christin decided to go back to school and pursued her Juris Doctorate at Oklahoma City University School of Law. At OCU, Christin served as the Editor in Chief of the Law Review and graduated first in her class.

After graduating from law school in 1998, Christin moved to Edmond and began her career as an associate attorney with an Oklahoma City law firm, and focused her practice in estate planning and tax law. In 2005 Christin established her own law firm in Edmond and added charitable planning to her estate planning and tax law practice. She knew Edmond was the best place to grow her business and her family. She is passionate about helping her clients carry out their wishes and minimize costs, delays, and difficulties upon illness and passing. She wants to bring this same passion to Edmond’s City Council. Christin lives in Edmond with the rest of her extended family. Both of her children are proud Edmond Public school alumni and have both decided to further their education. Her husband, Chris, works in IT at UCO. Christin attends First Christian Church of Edmond For the Edmond Mayor’s race, we are casting our vote for Darrell Davis who has served as an Edmond City Councilman for 10 years and he also spent time serving as chair of the Edmond Parks and Recreation board from 1996 to 2011. Becoming mayor is a natural step for Davis and it is a great advantage for residents who would have leadership that knows how to get things done. He is also no stranger to new ideas. Davis works as a contract manager and he teaches businesses classes at the university level. Like Miller, Davis has a track record of making good decisions and understanding the need for quality growth here in Edmond. We hope voters will put him in office as mayor this Tuesday. For Edmond School Board Office 1 our pick is Lee Ann Kuhlman the incumbent for the seat. Lee Ann has done a great job and we expect the continued excellence from our Edmond School system with Lee Ann remaining on the board. She has held he position for the last 10 years with much valuable education experience prior to running for school board. Our Edmond Public Schools are among the best in the country so we should keep folks like Kuhlman in place. There you have our choices, but we encourage you to vote for your candidate. In a city race with historically low turn out even a few votes can make the difference. (Ray Hibbard may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)

Check out what’s inside! ---- EPS names top employees ............................................................Page 7. ---- Police arrest report ......................................................................Page 8. ---- GOP Women’s Club supports Edmond Police ..............................Page 9. ---- Does the Land Run offend you? ................................................Page 10. ---- Elaine Warner views murals while in Enid ..................................Page 13. ---- Crossword puzzle ......................................................................Page 14. ---- George Gust reviews ‘The Little Things’ movie ..........................Page 14. ---- Business news ............................................................................Page 17. This and so much more in this week’s edition

See if you can find ‘Four Seasons’ “Four Seasons” in real life is located in front of the Center for Transformative Learning on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, but this week is hidden somewhere in our paper. Please e-mail contest@edmondpaper.com with the correct location to be entered in the weekly drawing. Commissioned as a partnership between UCO, the City of Edmond and the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, “Four Seasons” was created by sculptor Kevin Box of New Mexico and was dedicated on the campus on March 24, 2011. Kevin is a member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. His Box Studio LLC is a strong supporter of the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concept, using recycled metal as part of the casting process for his sculptures. All of his work is 100 percent recyclable. For more information on Edmond public art, please visit http://visitedmondok.com/public-art.php.

Publisher Ray Hibbard Jr. ray@edmondpaper.com Partner Christopher T. Hoke Editor Steve Gust news@edmondpaper.com Production Deanne York Advertising Director Alexx Harms alexx@edmondpaper.com Contributing Writers Mallery Nagle, Kacee Van Horn, Rose Drebes, and George Gust. Photographer Melinda Infante

Cover Design Deanne York Legal Counsel Todd McKinnis Ruebenstein & Pitts, PLLC Copyright © 2021 by Edmond Media Publishing 107 S. Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 405.340.3311 (office) 405.340.3384 (fax) Mailing address: P.O. Box 164 Edmond, OK 73083 All rights reserved. Material contained herein may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission from Edmond Media Publishing. edmondlifeandleisure.com facebook.com/edmondlifeandleisure twitter.com/edmondlifeandleisure instagram.com/edmondlifeandleisure

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 4, 2021 • Page 5

State renews efforts & plans to keep state youth healthy The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) Board of Directors is seeking to empower Oklahoma youth to improve health outcomes for future generations. Teens are facing increasing threats to good health as rates of vaping and obesity continue to climb in Oklahoma and nationally. The TSET Board of Directors on Tuesday approved a proposal to launch a four-year youth advocacy and education program. The plan is the second phase of the TSET Healthy Youth Initiative that began this past fall with a youth-focused media campaign to educate on the risks of vapor use. “Changing behaviors and preventing chronic disease are key to improving the health of Oklahomans, and healthy behaviors learned early last into adulthood,” said TSET Board Chair Michelle Stephens. “Creating a healthier future for Oklahoma starts with today’s youth. This program will seek out youth leaders and volunteers to advocate for policies and lead activities that will improve health for other youth and for all Oklahomans.” Tobacco use and obesity contribute to the leading causes of preventable death in Oklahoma – heart disease and cancer. The TSET Board of Directors have identified youth prevention

and health improvement as a priority in their multi-year strategic plan. The TSET Board approved a proposal from Rescue Agency, a group focusing on behavior change, to implement and manage the new program expected to launch later this year. The program will have two main components: a youth engagement program that high school students can join, and educational and policy change activities lead by youth. The program seeks to partner with existing high school clubs and student councils to recruit and train high-school youth in tobacco use prevention, physical activity and nutrition education activities to improve community health. “The talents, creativity and energy of Oklahoma’s youth are an untapped resource for promoting health in our state,” said TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee. “By empowering our young people and helping them hone their leadership skills, these young leaders will have a greater understanding of their role in creating a healthier future for Oklahoma.” The first phase of the TSET Healthy Youth Initiative is a multifaceted statewide media campaign that addresses vapor, tobacco use and obesity among Oklahoma youth ages 13-18. The educational messages launched on TV, cable and radio in 2020.

Engagement, Wedding notices Do you have a wedding or engagement notice? If so, please contact us at Edmond Life & Leisure, either by phone, 340-3311 or e-mail, news@edmondpaper.com. We will then send or fax you an engagement or wedding form. The cost is $35, which includes a photograph. Payment is due upon submission by noon Thursday.

E-mail local news & photos to news@edmondpaper.com

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UCO plans fall in-person classes The University of Central Oklahoma announced plans to hold classes in-person for the fall 2021 semester. A significant part of those plans includes continued adherence to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and encouraging all students, faculty and staff to get the COVID-19 vaccination when eligible. “We’ve committed to creating an environment that supports in-person learning while simultaneously limiting the spread of COVID-19. As the state and nation’s vaccination programs ramp up, we anticipate a fall semester that will be closer to our traditional balance of in-person and online classes,” said UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar. “Our faculty, staff and students exhibited creativity, dedication and resiliency as we adapted to changes brought on by the pandemic. We’re grateful to have the technology and expertise to deliver quality instruction

in virtual and online formats; we are also looking forward to expanding our in-person offerings in and outside of the classroom.” Central completed the fall 2020 semester with no disruption. The university adopted a robust set of COVID-19 protocols that included a mask requirement for all students and employees, physical distancing and a push for hand hygiene. UCO also invested in improved air filtration across campus and revamped course offerings to include online and extended classroom courses. The university started the spring semester virtually as the state experienced a significant surge in COVID19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. UCO recently announced that courses planned for in-person instruction would return to the in-person format beginning Feb. 8. Central will release the fall 2021 and summer 2021 class schedule in March.

In Stillwater, officials with Oklahoma State University are planning to return to the classroom this fall. The University of Central Oklahoma made a similar announcement last week as well.

OSU also to return to class More progress is expected in the coming months to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus through widespread vaccinations and continued recommendations of handwashing, distancing and mask use in the hopes of achieving herd immunity on campus. As the number of cases decline, Oklahoma State University health officials are making plans to hold inperson classes in the fall in accordance with national and state health guidelines. “The pandemic forced us to innovate our academic delivery methods to minimize academic interruptions and ensure our students receive instruction safely,” said Vice Provost Dr. Jeanette Mendez. “Last spring, we made the shift to an online instruction model quickly thanks to the adaptability of our faculty, staff and students, and our investments in technology the past few years to accommodate growth in online instruction. While pleased we have online as an option, our top priority is to safely return to in-person classes and labs this coming fall.” OSU managed the fall 2020 semester with a hybrid mix of online and in-person classes. As it became

apparent safety protocols were effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the classroom, the spring semester has seen increased in-person learning opportunities. “We always follow the recommendations of our health officials when it comes to safety protocols. The access to top medical leaders through OSU’s Center for Health Sciences means we have the latest data and guidelines to keep our campuses safe,” said Mendez. “We will listen and follow guidelines from the experts including wearing masks and social distancing if it means keeping people safe. We will adjust protocols as needed when the semester draws closer, but I am pleased to report our faculty are preparing for inperson instruction this fall. “OSU has played a key role in Oklahoma’s response to the pandemic, first with developing the state’s largest COVID diagnostics laboratory to process test results as well as providing much-needed assistance to rural physicians through Project ECHO, a program of OSU’s Center for Health Sciences,” she said. “This expertise will guide our return to in-person instruction this fall.”

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Even more so during Pandemic

Ending tobacco use critical, officials say Even amid the pandemic, tobacco use remains a serious public health threat. In addition to tobacco-related death and disease, smoking also increases the risk of the most severe impacts of COVID-19, making ending tobacco use more important than ever. This year’s “State of Tobacco Control” report from the American Lung Association grades federal and state efforts to reduce tobacco use and calls for meaningful policies that will prevent and reduce tobacco use and save lives. The report finds that Oklahoma had mixed grades on its efforts to reduce and prevent tobacco use, including e-cigarettes. Tobacco use remains the nation’s leading cause of preventable death and disease, taking an estimated 480,000 lives every year. Much like COVID-19, tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure disproportionately impacts certain communities, including communities of color and persons of lower income. To address this critical public health threat, “State of Tobacco Control” provides a roadmap for the federal and state policies needed to prevent and reduce tobacco use. This year’s 19th annual report finds that in 2021 Oklahoma can take action to repeal local preemption and regulate e-cigarettes in order to support public health and save lives. The need for Oklahoma to take action to protect youth from all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is more urgent than ever, with the youth vaping epidemic continuing. With one in five teens vaping, our children are becoming the next generation addicted to tobacco. Youth vaping and tobacco use overall is largely driven by flavored tobacco products, and our 19th annual report has added a new state grade calling for policies to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, flavored e-cigarettes and flavored cigars. “In Oklahoma, our high school tobacco use rates remain at 30.8%. The surge in youth vaping combined with the fact that smoking increases the chance of severe COVID-19 symptoms, make it more important than ever for Oklahoma to implement the proven measures outlined in ‘State of Tobacco Control’ to prevent and reduce tobacco use,” said American Lung Association Advocacy Director Charlie Gagen.

‘State of Tobacco Control’ The 19th annual “State of Tobacco Control” report grades states and the federal government on policies proven to prevent and reduce tobacco use, and finds that while Oklahoma has taken significant steps to reduce tobacco use, including the coming Medicaid Expansion which will further increase access to cessation programs, elected officials should do more to save lives and ensure all Oklahoma residents benefit from reductions in tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. This is especially the case during the pandemic. The report also explores the fact that tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure disproportionately impacts certain communities, including communities of color and persons of lower income, and outlines solutions to close this gap. Oklahoma’s Grades “State of Tobacco Control” 2021 grades states and the District of Columbia in five areas that have been proven to prevent and reduce tobacco use and save lives. Oklahoma received the following grades: 1. Funding for State Tobacco Prevention Programs – Grade D 2. Strength of Smokefree Workplace Laws – Grade D 3. Level of State Tobacco Taxes – Grade D 4. Coverage and Access to Services to Quit Tobacco – Grade A 5.NEW! Ending the Sale of All Flavored Tobacco Products - Grade F The American Lung Association encourages Oklahoma to put in place all the public policies called for in “State of Tobacco Control.” In particular, this year’s report noted the need to focus on repealing local preemption and passing a comprehensive smokefree law. The U.S. Surgeon General has concluded there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Current state law prevents localities from passing a comprehensive smokefree law that eliminates smoking in all public places and workplaces, including restaurants, bars and casinos, would protect workers across the state from deadly secondhand smoke. E-cigarettes should also be included in comprehensive smokefree

EPS names top employees for 2020-21 school year The Edmond Public Schools District has named its 2020-2021 Support Employees of the Year! Support employees are non-certified staff members such as custodians, cafeteria managers and bus drivers who are crucial to the district's success. The support staff members were chosen by their peers at each school site, as well as from the district maintenance and transportation departments. In addition, a district-wide support employee finalist was chosen from among several smaller district departments. Congratulations to the following individuals: Elementary Schools: •Angie Debo - Amber Harmon, Teacher Assistant II •Centennial - Laurie Pierce, Attendance Secretary •Charles Haskell - Debbie Oxton, Cafeteria Manager •Chisholm - Kriss Parsons, Teacher Assistant II •Clegern/Clyde Howell - Melissa Myers, School Secretary •Cross Timbers - Connie Darcy, Registrar •Frontier - Sarah Perry, Cafeteria Manager •Heritage - Jane Breckenridge, Teacher Assistant I •Ida Freeman - Beth Conner, Media Assistant •John Ross - Ruth Watts, Financial Secretary •Northern Hills - Sandra Johnson, Custodian •Orvis Risner - Elizabeth Jardine, Records Secretary •Russell Dougherty - Maggie Harris, Financial Secretary •Washington Irving - Chante Blake, LPN •West Field - Tamara Ohm, Financial Secretary •Will Rogers - Danyce Chapman, Cafeteria Manager •Sunset - Regina Smith, Teacher

Assistant II Middle Schools: •Central - Leigh Smith, Teacher Assistant II •Cheyenne - Judy Thompson, Cafeteria Manager •Cimarron - Linda Morgan - Facility Manager •Heartland - Becky Rutherford, Teacher Assistant II •Sequoyah- Michael Lindsey, Custodian •Summit - Shannon Edwards, Financial Secretary High Schools: •Memorial - Cindy Bickford, Freshman Office Staff Member •North - Kristie Deramus, Freshman Academy Secretary •Santa Fe - Shelly Gregory, Financial Secretary •Boulevard Academy - Todd Schoenthaler, Teacher Assistant II District Departments: •Maintenance - Carter Foshee, Electrical Contractor Foreman •Transportation - Lou Ingle, Bus Driver •District-wide Support Group Twila Vasquez, Head Custodian •Special Services Center - Beth Fecht, Secretary Five of the honorees were named finalists for Support Employee of the Year: •Cindy Bickford •Beth Conner •Tamara Ohm •Sarah Perry •Carter Foshee. One of the finalists will be named Support Employee of the Year during the March Celebration of Excellence. At that time, the district will also name its Teacher of the Year. The Celebration of Excellence is sponsored by the Edmond Public Schools Foundation.

laws. This health protection would benefit everyone, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondhand smoke should be deadly enough for states to go smokefree but allowing smoking indoors compromises the use of masks and smokers can spread the virus when they exhale” said Gagen.

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Edmond Police booking report (The following arrest reports are provided by the Edmond Police Department. Guilt or innocence is determined in a court of law. Also, CDS is controlled dangerous substance; APC is Actual Physical Control; DUI is driving under the influence.) Jan. 19 Jackson Joseph Feist, 19 of Edmond. Charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of altered ID card, possession of CDS and operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more. Robert Allen Lyman, 69 of Jones. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Lauren Mackenzie Wheeler, 19 of Edmond. Possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia and (anything other than alcohol) operate (DUI or APC) a vehicle under the influence of anything other than alcohol. Vince Franklin Nethery, 35 of Yukon. Possession of ID cards not issued to person and (misdemeanor) uttering any forged, counterfeit, altered instrument or counterfeit gold/silver coin. Ronnetta Beyonka Baker, 38 of Oklahoma City. (misdemeanor first and second offense) larceny from a retailer. Zenetta Ann Atkins, 44 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication. Jimmy Dwayne Harris, 56 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication. Joshua Paul Denton, 35 of Edmond. Possession of drug paraphernalia and shoplifting. Cameron Nicholson Mills, 31 of Norman. (misdemeanor value) concealing, selling or removing mortgaged property and possession of a firearm after the conviction of a

felony. Hunter Cole Hokett, 21 of Edmond. Petty larceny. Micbelle Leigh McBroom, 52 of Yukon. Public intoxication. Jan. 20 Grayson Nicholas Pagonis, 20 of Edmond. Shoplifting. Matthew Isaac Hicklin, 40 of Edmond. Public intoxication. Kelsey Beth Hicks, 28 of Del City. Take or receive debit or credit card and (misdemeanor first and second offense) larceny from a retailer. Dionte Tarron Anderson, 31 of Edmond. Breaking and entering and trespassing. Jan. 21 Marcus Jarrell Wright, 33 of Edmond. Domestic abuse (strangulation) Katie Elizabeth Turner, 33 of Edmond. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Ahren Hunter Schlick, 20 of Edmond. (Anything other than alcohol) operate (DUI or APC) a motor vehicle, under the influence of anything other than alcohol. Terrell Griffin, 46 homeless. Possession of firearm after the conviction of a felony, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license canceled, suspended or revoked, (misdemeanor value) receiving stolen property, trafficking in illegal drugs, possession of CDS and (no lawful access) unauthorized use of vehicle or implement of husbandry. Freddie Duane James, 46, of Edmond. Possess with intention to distribute CDS, driving with license canceled, suspended or revoked and two counts of failure to appear. Robert Lee Johnson, 39 of Washington, Utah. Public intoxication.

Jan. 22 Taylor Aaron Laforge, 29 of Oklahoma City. (misdemeanor) possession of another's debit card, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of CDS. Jesilyn Tyler Strawn, 35 of Monroe, NC. Possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts possession of CDS. Kierra Allise Hagerman, 20 of Oklahoma City. Two counts possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, public intoxication and (no lawful access) unauthorized use of vehicle or implement of husbandry. Jason Cleo Wolfe Jr., 27 of Oklahoma City. Possess drug paraphernalia, public intoxication, possession of CDS and unauthorized use of vehicle or implement of husbandry. Joshua Thomas Erickson, 41 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked. Skyler Dean Barcus, 28 homeless. Non-assault resisting officer and public intoxication. Gabriel Samuel Rivera, 37 of Oklahoma City. Failure to signal, driving while privilege is canceled, suspended, denied or revoked and possession of drug paraphernalia. Grant Mitchell Young, 26 of Edmond. Public intoxication and malicious injury or destruction of private property. Jan. 23 Angel Monique Hawkins, 21 of Oklahoma City. Assault and battery (felony) on a police officer or correctional officer, possession CDS and obstruction of an officer. Edmond Brent Franklin, 46 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication. Saul Perez Gomez, 38. Possession of drug paraphernalia and operate

(DUI or APC) vehicle with blood alcohol level or .15 or more. Todd Jeffrey Vermillion, 45 of Blanchard. Possession of marijuana, misdemeanor warrant, felony warrant, no proof of insurance and improper turn. Mikinley Ray Griffin, 19 of Edmond. Fraud/mislead/false misrepresent, as one's driver's license ID card. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Levi John Hermosillo, 41 of Edmond. (No lawful access) Unauthorized use of vehicle or implement of husbandry. Ashton Wade Lee, 35 homeless. Second degree burglary. Edward Anthony Runnells, 37 of Edmond. Possession of marijuana and three counts of failure to appear. Gregory Lynn Ruch, 56 of Edmond. Expired tag, three months or over and failure to appear. Jan. 24 Goshaghani Saghar Rose Hosseni, 19 of Oklahoma City. Possession of CDS and operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Hunter Matthew Randall, 21 of Edmond. Public intoxication. Tomas Dominguez Sanchez, 36 of Oklahoma City. Public intoxication. Kasse Dawn Dixon, 21 of Oklahoma City. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Hope Marie Clapp, 19, of Chandler. Public intoxication. Quincy Jerome Roberts, 48 of Guthrie. Operate (DUI or APC) vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Matthew Isaac Hicklin, 40 of Edmond. Disorderly conduct and public intoxication. Teresa Lou Seward, 52, of Edmond. Three counts of failure to appear.

Genealogy expert to discuss the ‘Wonders of DNA,’ Feb. 17 What would your DNA reveal? We have seen it used to solve coldcase crimes. We have heard the stories of babies switched at birth being reunited with the correct family. Long buried secrets have been uncovered. On Wednesday, Feb. 17, the Oklahoma Home and Community Education Genealogy group will host Andrea G. Moon presenting her program, “The Wonders of DNA.” We will meet at the Oklahoma County Extension office, 2500 NE 63rd St, Oklahoma City at 10 am. The meeting is open to the public and masks are required, along with social distancing. Andrea Moon became interested in genealogy as a child when she first learned her mother came to the United States as an immigrant. After her mother’s death she found an old box of letters that gave new purpose to her search for family. The information in the letters contained valuable information about her relatives and helped her find known family with whom she had lost contact. Those letters also led her to take a DNA test. That DNA test led her to matches that seemed to have no connection to what she knew of her family. Andrea will speak about how she used genealogy websites, DNA test companies, census records, grave records, obituaries and more to break through brick walls, dead ends and ultimately find her biological family. Andrea is a 1982 alumni of the

University of Central Oklahoma, obtaining a degree in Computer Science and Psychology. In 2008 she graduated from Trinity College of Natural Health, holding a degree of Doctor of Naturopathy and a Master Herbalist Degree from 2010. She also has certification from Certified Natural Health Professionals. Andrea worked for 26 years as a computer programmer before launching her own business specializing in Natural Health and Holistic therapies. She is currently semi-retired from that business, Green Rose Health. She is a member of the Edmond Genealogical Society, where she serves on the board as Webmaster and Newsletter Chair, a member of the OHCE Genealogy group and serves on the board of Edmond Arts Association. Andrea maintains her own websites, creates websites for clients and does DNA nutrition. She has lived in Edmond since 1973, enjoys traveling and her passion for genealogy has inspired her husband to become involved in the hobby. She firmly believes in what DNA can reveal and practices DNA Nutrition. At the end of her presentation she will give a brief overview of what DNA nutrition can do for you. The ongoing pandemic has sometimes caused last minute adjustments to our scheduled events. For more information and any schedule changes can be found on our Facebook page: ohcegenealogy or our website: www.ohcegenealogy.com .

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 4, 2021 • Page 9

A small group from the Edmond Republican Women’s Club attended the presentation at the local police department. Pictured in the group photo are Sgt. Rigsby and Officer Lewellyn of EPD. ERWC members Shelley Goetz, Saundra Naifeh, Mariana Lloyd, Stacy Dennis, Michelle Schaefer, Tonya Coffman and Michael Buoy.

GOP Women’s Club backs the Edmond PD Recently the Edmond Republican Women’s Club gave a sign of support to the Edmond Police Department. Annually the club has done its part to motivate and show thanks to EPD for the protection of Edmonds citizens and community with its Back Our Blue Program. This year the club went a step further and provided a bit more. Club President, Shelley Goetz indicated, “For the last several years, we’ve done our part to encourage our local police depart-

ment by delivering snack bags. This year we wanted to show more encouragement by including handwritten notes from our members, Daily Bread booklets and a letter letting the EPD know how much we appreciate the sacrifices they make to keep us safe.” According to Goetz, “A few bad apples in our country have caused some people to sour on law enforcement. We know the vast majority of those who serve are in their profession for the right reasons.”

Scholarship established in honor of environmental services professor University of Central Oklahoma College of Education and Professional Studies faculty and alumni have established the Dr. Kaye Sears’ Honorary Scholarship for Professionalism in honor of longtime environmental sciences professor Kaye Sears, Ed.D. The scholarship will be awarded annually, providing financial assistance to UCO students within the family life education or family and child studies degree programs. Applications for the first scholarship are available through the UCO Scholarship Portal at scholarships.uco.edu. "I am truly humbled and honored by this wonderful scholarship that will continue to support students in the future after I am gone," Sears said. "I owe a big thanks to the thoughtful act of faculty who birthed this idea and to all the faculty, staff and students who have taught me what it means to impact the lives of future generations. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the impact it will have on future students." Sears earned her master's degree in education from Central in 1969 and taught part time at UCO before accepting a full-time faculty position in 1975. She currently serves as a professor and department chairperson for the Department of Human Environmental Sciences. She holds multiple professional honors

Dr. Kaye Sears throughout her career, including the Professional of the Year Award from the Oklahoma Council on Family Relations, the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy and UCO's Vanderford Distinguished Teaching Award. This November, Sears was recognized for over 45 years of service to the university at Central's Annual Years of Service celebration. For more information about the Dr. Kaye Sears’ Honorary Scholarship for Professionalism, contact Erin Ta, development officer,

Edmond Police Officer, Lt. Oak receives bags of support from the Edmond Republican Women’s Club. PHOTOS PROVIDED

Page 10 • February 4, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Commentary ... We’re on YOUR Side

Legal system must be accurate By Steve Gust Edmond L&L Editor Most people know I'm not a huge fan of the national television networks, particularly the news divisions. They do a good job reporting on breaking news, such as storm damage. I also like some of their features, like a little kid decorating Steve Gust graves of fallen soldiers. Those are fine, but they don't have a clue about politics. That's one reason why I don't watch much of it. And I note once more this is the national news. The local people do a better job. One good program on CBS is "48 Hours." Not sure if it's related to their news division, but it's well done. There was an episode a few weeks ago that caused me to question our legal system. A young wife was killed in the early 1990s. It was a very tragic case. The suspicion immediately went to the young woman’s husband. The guy allegedly was involved in domestic abuse with her and there were witnesses to testify to that. The man adamantly denied it. But law enforcement, and prosecutors, never let this guy disappear from their radar screen. The case lingered. Finally some 26 years later, the justice system decided it had enough evidence to proceed with the case. They arrested the guy in 2016. His trial was supposed to have been last year. The prosecutors assembled many witnesses and

Lankford reacts

thought they had a pretty good timeline on when the husband killed his spouse. They just needed one more lady to testify to the domestic abuse allegations. She had allegedly witnessed one such incident when the husband threatened his wife. On the eve of the case going to trial, she told prosecutors she couldn't provide any testimony. They asked her why and she said that she wouldn't feel right because she knew the man wasn't the killer. The night of the crime in the 1990s, this witness’s own husband told her he committed the killing. Even with this knowledge, she wasn't ready to come forward with this information at the time because she was expecting a child and needed this guy for support. And then law enforcement questioned this new suspect last year and he confessed to the crime. So the original suspect in the crime was not guilty all along. Yet he had his named smeared and linked to the heinous crime for decades. Not only that but the state had a pretty extensive case they were going to throw against him. He may have languished in prison for the rest of his life for a crime he didn't commit. The point of this is that people, especially in the legal system, really need to be sure. That's especially true when the stakes are so high in a murder case. I have faith in our local legal system. Still it's a great reminder that solid evidence has to be there before a conviction. (Steve Gust, may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com)

Impeachment trial is ‘theater’ Senator James Lankford (R-Edmond) issued the following statement after he voted to support Senator Rand Paul (R-KY)’s point of order on the constitutionality of the trial of a former president: “This is not a trial; this is political theater. You cannot remove someone from office who is already out of office. In this trial there is no current President, no Chief Justice, and no possibility someone could be removed from office because they are not in any office. In a moment when our nation needs to unite, this trial will only create even deeper divisions.” The US Constitution outlines the basic

process for impeachment and trial of the president, but it says nothing about trying a former president: “The president…shall be removed from office on impeachment…” (Article II, Section 4) and “when the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside.” (Article I, Section 3, Clause 6) Additionally, “judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office.” (Article I, Section 3, Clause 7) Gridlock sending one U.S. senator packing Republican U.S. Sen. Bob Portman of Ohio has had his fill of the gridlock in Washington, D.C. Portman, who has spent three decades in Washington as a member of Congress or in the executive branch, announced last week that he will not seek a third Senate term in 2022. He noted that he sponsored or co-sponsored 82 bills that were signed by former President Trump and 68 that were signed by former President Barack Obama. However, “We live in an increasingly polarized country where members of both parties are being pushed further to the right and further to the left,” Portman said, “and that means too few people who are actively looking to find common ground. This is not a new phenomenon, of course, but a problem that has gotten worse over the past few decades.” And, it's one that is unlikely to improve much in the years to come. From Oklahoman.com

Officials: Land run depicts ‘cruelty & oppression’

School officials with OCCC found this monument to depict cruelty.

Editor’s Note: This is the release by OCCC, explaining why they removed an 1889 Land Run monument. What do you think? Does the monument depict cruelty and oppression as officials say? If you have a thought on this, please send to news@edmondpaper.com Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) recently removed a controversial monument on its campus. The large concrete slab, visible outside the main building on campus, depicted those who came to Oklahoma for the Land Run of 1889 as heroes and innovators. Executive Vice President Danita Rose, whose maternal grandfather was of Cherokee descent, says the decision to remove the monument was a top priority for the Executive Leadership Team. “It was a no-brainer,” said Rose. “If our goal is to create a community that is inclusive and welcoming to everyone, a monument that depicts cruelty and oppression can’t be on display here.” The monument, which predates most current OCCC employees, was the subject of numerous complaints via social media, letters to the editor of the student-run Pioneer campus newspaper, and even generated threats of violence and protests. Faculty and staff know very little about the monument, and have openly questioned its purpose on the campus. Senior administrators agreed it should go. The monument was removed by OCCC Facilities Management and is in storage. “We have always agreed with those who felt the monument was offensive and had no place on our campus,” said OCCC Interim President Dr. Jeremy Thomas. “It does not accurately represent history, and it does not accurately reflect the respect, empathy and admiration we have for the true pioneers of this land: the indigenous people of this country. As soon as we were in a position to take it down, we did.”

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 4, 2021 • Page 11

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Cattleman’s Convention set for July The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) is excited to announce the dates of the 69th Annual OCA Convention and Trade Show! The two-day event will take place July 23 and 24, 2021 at the Embassy Suites & Convention Center, Norman, Okla. The annual event is notorious for a large trade show showcasing products and services vital to an everchanging cattle business. Businesses hoping to participate as an exhibitor in the OCA Trade Show are encouraged to register early. Trade Show vender registration is open now and can be accessed at okcattlemen.org/oca-conventiontradeshow. Our theme, "Hold Fast, Stay True"

is the mantra of Navy Seals’. The phrase has an origin from an old storm story, where sailors had to hold onto something connected, tied down to a deck. And the person at the wheel had to stay true to the direction, despite not being able to see the stars. Cattlemen face storms too and must stay the course despite the weather, markets or all the other challenges that they might encounter. Like an anchor, cattlemen dig in, stand firm, and hold fast. The rope depicts the connection to fellow cattlemen and the idea of unifying to create strength but allows some flexibility. Speakers and agenda details are forthcoming. Attendee registration will open May 1, 2021.

Ulric Williams

Kyumbee Son

Ethan Panko

Will Beaman

North students get scholarships Four students from the Edmond North High School Air Force Junior ROTC program have received scholarships to attend an accredited aviation university participating in a private pilot license training program in the summer of 2021. Ulric Williams, Kyumbee Son, Ethan Panko and Will Beaman are four of 230 AFJROTC cadets around the world to receive the scholarship from Headquarters Air Force Junior ROTC, Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, AL. More than 1340 cadets applied for one of the 230 scholarships. The scholarship covers transportation, room and board, academics, and flight hours required to potentially earn a private pilot license. The scholarship is valued at approximately $22,500. The Flight Academy Scholarship Program is an Air Force-level initiative in collaboration with the commercial

aviation industry to address the national civilian and military pilot shortage. The Flight Academy allows aspiring young aviators to get their Private Pilot’s Certification, at no cost, during an eight-week summer course at partner universities. This incurs no military commitment while providing a college transcript. Those who participate in the program do not incur a military commitment to the Air Force or other branch of service, nor does completing the program guarantee acceptance into one of the military’s commissioning programs. The mission of Air Force Junior ROTC is to develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community while instilling values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment.

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 4, 2021 • Page 13

Elaine goes mural watching in Enid By Elaine Warner Road trip! That’s what a lot of my friends from the metro area are doing -- to get shots of the COVID-19 vaccine. I know people who have driven as far as Lawton, Duncan, Ada and Weatherford. And I’m one of them. My trip was to Enid. And I vowed to make the most of it. Not only did I get my Elaine shot, I took myself on a mini-tour of some of Enid’s public art. In all, Enid has about three dozen murals and two dozen pieces of assorted art ranging from sculpture to metal cutouts and a 1910 watering trough. My friend Rob Houston, at Visit Enid, planned a route for me which took me from the west side of town (where I got my shot) to the east side and my route to I-35 and home. To my surprise, the first mural was actually where I stood in line to get the vaccine. Enid’s Oakwood Mall has fallen on hard times but it made a great venue for the mass inoculations. The mural there, Cowboys and Indians, Trains and Plains, painted by the late Marilyn Fulton, covers a lot of Enid history. It actually won an international award recognizing added value to the shopping experience. Stuck in line, I quickly took a shot of a tiny portion of the piece. The whole vaccine process went so quickly and smoothly, I didn’t have time to do the mural justice. My next stop was the fanciful Play Takes Flight at 201 N. Van Buren (Highway 81) on the south side of the Universal Management and Maintenance building. The left side of the mural features a paper plane with a swirling design leading to a T38 jet trainer. The mural was commissioned by the Habibi family, Universal owners, and created by Hive Appeal, an Enid firm specializing in design, mural art and placemaking. Matt Habibi’s father flies his own plane so that, coupled with Enid’s prominence as an Air Force training base set, the tone for the piece. It highlights the possibilities found in a simple idea – the paper airplane. What a lovely gift from the Habibi family! And they didn’t stop there. One of their services is sanitizing facilities. They’ve been especially busy during this pandemic. They have taken a portion of their profits and donated to Enid’s food bank and other charities. Finding the next two murals was a bit of a challenge – they’re in alleys, so not visible from the street. The best way to find them is from Oak Street between Washington and Independence. Look for the alley going north – you can’t miss Jim Morrison on the west side of a building with another huge mural on the south side. Artist Tox Murillo created both the Jim Morrison mural and the 80’s Pop Culture paintings. Murillo says a friend, Chad Forbeck, wanted him to paint Morrison. He says, “I was really happy because I love his music … I am very proud of (it) because it was my first spray can mural after eight years without doing graffiti.” Once Forbeck saw the Morrison mural, he commissioned Murillo to paint the long south wall. The 98- foot long mural highlights celebrities and iconic images from the 1980s. The men chose subjects suggested by Enid citizens and include popular figures from Mr. Rogers to Michael Jackson and film faves including Slimer from Ghostbusters and E.T. from the eponymous movie. Atelier, 339 E. Maple, is not only the site of three murals; the building contains a non-profit arts incubator providing housing, studio space and shared resources at reasonable prices for budding visual and performing artists. The mural on the

E. T. is just one of a number of images harking back to the 1980s in Tox Murillo’s 80’s Pop Culture mural.

PHOTO PROVIDED

A narrow alley makes it difficult to photograph the scope of Tox Murillo’s 80’s Pop Culture mural, which includes at least two dozen icons of the era.

west side of the building, by Hive Appeal, is called roads were a big part of Enid’s economy with Santa Fe, Frisco and Rock Island lines all going Oklahoma Phoenix, featuring a scissortail flythrough the town. In the late 50’s my mom and I catcher. On the east, best photographed in mornwould take the train from this station to go back ing light, Where Your Garden Grows invokes the to our hometown, Kansas City. Those were the growth of creations in the Atelier – from ideas to days! fruition. Oklahoma City artist Katelynn Noel When my dad told us we were moving to Enid, I Knick’s palette was inspired by the colors of the pictured dirt roads and a tiny, clapboard grocery Oklahoma sunset. store with an RC Cola cooler on the porch. What a The southside mural, What the Eye Sees, relief to discover paved roads and Safeway. painted by Tulsa’s Clean Hands, is a riot of color. Enid’s come a long way since my high school The city’s largest installation, sitting on 2.5 acres days. The town, with its downtown square, still reof prairie grasses and wild flowers on the south tains small town charm but has added attractions side of downtown,100 block of W. Park, is a freethat give it contemporary appeal, too. The public form archway of steel supports and cables. The art collection is a visible sign of the city’s vitality – piece, entitled Under Her Wing Was the Universe, fun, educational, thought-provoking. Me, I hope to was created by Romy Owens, inspired by her relago back for a second shot and a second look. tionship with her mother .Incorporated in the sigWhether it’s for a day or a sty, check out www.Visnage are haikus which refer to theme elements – itEnid.Org to find lots of reasons to make Enid a stars, prairie, and connections destination. During the day the winding walk sparkles with color from holographic bits of glitter; at night tiny bulbs overhead create a sky full of stars. Benches allow guests to simply sit and soak in the beauty. Look south from this site to the corner of Grand and Garriott. There, three steel hawks offer an attractive welcome to Enid’s downtown if you are coming into the town from the east on Highway 412. Created by artist Michael Shuck, their rusty color is a reminder that the red-tailed hawk is one of Oklahoma’s state symbols. This was actually our last stop – a bit nostalgic for me because on the south side of Garriott stands the 1928 Rock Island Depot, listed on the NaIs it ironic or intentional the The Doors’ Jim Morrison, by Tox Murillo, tional Register of Historic Places. In the early 1900s, rail- actually covers a door?

Page 14 • February 4, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Review of ‘The Little Things’

Editing, pacing keep movie from being great By George Gust “The Little Things” follows disgraced deputy Sheriff Joe "Deke" Deacon (Denzel Washington) joins forces with Sgt. Jim Baxter (Rami Malik) to search for a serial killer who's terrorizing Los Angeles. As they track the culprit, Baxter is unaware that the investigation is dredging up echoes of Deke's past, uncovering disturbing secrets that could threaten more than his case. “The Little Things” is a classic rehash of the hard-boiled cop murder mystery procedural movie, for better and for worse. With a superb cast of Oscar winners in an atmospheric true crim setting one would “The Little Things” would be a runaway success. However, for the positive elements of the film the lack of cohesive storytelling fails to pull you in, and the sloppy editing can be confusing and deflate the building tension. The first act of the film is a slow burn that promises a thrilling story and payoff, however the rest of the film has more emphasis on the slow with little burn. Where “The Little Things” succeeds is mostly off the magnetism of its stellar cast. For years, people have bemoaned the lack of star power in Hollywood, as the model grows closer to featuring franchises and recognizable properties, but Wash-

ington is the exception to this new model, with his ability to make any movie he’s in at least watchable if not out right entertaining. Even when the script is full of cop movie clichés, Washington brings a presence to the proceedings that is undeniably compelling. And starring in an antagonistic role Jared Leto also brings life to a somewhat lifeless script. Leto plays to the cheap seats in this movie with a greasy look and even greasier characterization of a suspected serial killer. The kind of police procedural that “The Little Things” aspires to be hinges on the overarching twist and the chemistry of the film’s leads. In this film however, the chemistry between Washington and Malik falls flat, as Malik’s performance as the

hot shot young detective doesn’t come across as confident and energetic as it should. Where “The Little Things” asks Malik to be a more Brad Pitt in “Se7en” kind of character, Malik is only able to deliver an off-Broadway rendition of the headstrong ambitious detective. And as to the twist, “The Little Things” fails to deliver the kind of pulse pounding climax that the first 2 acts of the film built up. Overall, the filmmakers of “The Little Things” got the big picture ideas of the true crime police procedural movie right: Stellar cast, atmospheric setting, rising tension, but ironically enough got the little things wrong: pacing, editing, compelling plot twists wrong. And as the detectives in the movie would say “The little things get you caught” I would say the little things got this movie a place far down the list of great police thrillers. “The Little Things” is rated R for violent/disturbing images, language and full nudity. Now available in theaters and to stream on HBO Max for a limited time. 2.3 out of 5 stars. To comment on this film review, or any other movie review, please e-mail George at gust.george@gmail.com

‘PHOTO PROVIDED

Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Rami Malik team up to solve a string of grisly murders in 1990s Los Angeles in HBO Max's recent release ‘The Little Things.’

Answers appearing on Page 19

Virtual barn music series The Tulsa band “And Then There Were Two” will present the second Virtual Barn musical performance at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4. The acoustic Americana and Red Dirt band is comprised of Austin K. Haworth, Amy Carlin Lee, Bobby C. Ward and Chad Varnell. Oklahoma City musician Joe Baxter, who coordinates the music, said the virtual concerts will continue on Thursday nights from 8 to 9 p.m. through April 22. Fans can find the livestreamed performances on the Arcadia Round Barn Facebook page, where they can also make donations. In conjunction with the virtual concerts, Haley Jane Pierce is host of an interview series with musicians who donate their time to the barn, which fans can view on the Instagram page, @thearcadiaroundbarn. Live musical performances are scheduled to begin in May at the Arcadia Round Barn, which is six miles east of Interstate 35 on Historical Route 66. Currently, only the loft is open due to the pandemic. Donations for the upkeep of the barn are accepted on the Arcadia Round Barn website, in the loft and during all concerts. For more information, call Baxter at 405-8331350.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: U.S. Presidents ACROSS 1. Newton's first name 6. Part of smog 9. Hissy fit 13. Human trunk 14. Form of "to be" 15. Illegal booze 16. Editorial changes 17. Crematorium jar 18. #56 Down, alt. sp. 19. *One of six Presidents named James 21. *First President previously divorced 23. Civil War's Johnny 24. Manage without help 25. Military procedures 28. Cone-shaped quarters 30. MLB bench 35. Cowboy's necktie 37. A whole lot 39. *Whig, e.g. 40. Resembling wings 41. Nightly necessity 43. Experience emotion 44. Large ray 46. Glacier's deposit 47. "Watch out!" on a golf course 48. Traditional sock pattern 50. Reduced Instruction Set Computer 52. Knight's title 53. Bypass 55. Foot digit 57. *President Chester ____ 60. *He signed legislation to create Medicare 64. Fauna, Merryweather and ____, fairy godmothers 65. Expert 67. Convex molding 68. Bumpkins 69. Cafe alternative 70. Car ways 71. Trans-Siberian Railroad city 72. Piercing part 73. Slightly drunk DOWN 1. Any thing 2. *Trump had button on desk to order his favorite one 3. Desertlike 4. Up and about

5. Coddle 6. Half-man, half-goat 7. Legendary NHLer 8. Tragedy, or comedy, or satire 9. Cheap form of payment? 10. Before Scotia 11. Clickable picture 12. Olden day "your" 15. Be in charge, two words 20. Newspaper notices 22. What all of #70 Across do 24. Painting or poetry 25. *He beat McCain and Romney 26. Kind of cap 27. Colloquialisms 29. *First "dark horse" 31. Gamecock's spur 32. Dessert sandwiches 33. Wombs 34. *#29 Down predecessor 36. Creative 38. 18-wheeler 42. Green pasta sauce

45. Big Island greetings 49. Australian flightless bird 51. Group of people, often in research 54. Extremely angry 56. Concluding stanza in poetry 57. *G. W. Bush to Yale, e.g. 58. Schneider and Lowe, e.g. 59. Major bike maker 60. Audience's rejection 61. Sold in bars 62. Auto pioneer 63. Like a busybody 64. Back, to a pendulum 66. Latin dance three-step move, once1. "You're the ____!"

See Answers on Page19

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 4, 2021 • Page 15

Remodeling show goes on at Fairgrounds The Oklahoma city Spring Remodel & Landscape show was held over the weekend at the OKC Fairgrounds. The event was held at The Pavilion at the Fairgrounds. Attendees were asked to wear masks and maintain social distancing. A spring Home & Garden show, usually held in January, has been moved to May due to the ongoing pandemic.

MELINDA INFANTE

UCO Jackson College of Graduate Studies names new assistant dean The University of Central Oklahoma has named J. Sunshine Cowan, Ph.D., professor of kinesiology and health studies, as assistant dean of the UCO Jackson College of Graduate Studies. “Dr. Cowan brings valuable experience in both graduate and undergraduate studies to this new role,” said Jeanetta Sims, Ph.D., dean of Central’s Jackson College of Graduate Studies. “With her rich experience and varied expertise, she will be a valuable asset to the graduate college.” Cowan brings proven experience in both graduate and undergraduate studies to this new role where she will work alongside current graduate college leadership to advance the university’s quality initiative and the new first-year experience. She also brings significant experience from serving the university’s undergraduate student population. Cowan has served on the University Core Curriculum Committee, Academic Affairs Curriculum Council, UCOnnect Online Course Evaluation Committee, Healthy Campus Leadership Team and the Transformative Learning Steering Committee. “The Jackson College of Graduate Studies promotes excellence while serving students and I am excited to join this team,” Cowan said. “I love teaching and finding ways to partner my classes with the com-

Dr. Cowan munity. This role allows me to also focus on connections with UCO faculty and staff as we advance the university’s quality initiative and the new first-year experience.” Cowan holds a bachelor’s degree in community health from Central, a Master of Public Health in health promotion science from the University of Oklahoma and a doctorate from Oklahoma State University in environmental science with a focus on environmental justice. Additionally, she is a master certified health education specialist. For more information about the Jackson College of Graduate Studies, visit www.uco.edu/graduate.

Local news? Do you have a local news item or a local photograph? Share the good news with your neighbors and the community through Edmond Life & Leisure newspaper. Simply e-mail the items to news@edmondpaper.com There is no charge.

Page 16 • February 4, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Insurance checklist 2021

Accidents can happen at any time. Make sure you have the iinsurance to cover such events.

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready The start of a new year is a great time to reevaluate your insurance policies. Why now? The calendar change gives us a reminder to do something that we often forget about the rest of the year. It’s like replacing the batteries in your smoke detectors when the clocks change. Think about the new “normal” we’re living in right now. Does COVID-19 have you spending more time at home? Did you have a baby? Get married? Purchase a new home or car? Work on new home improvement projects? If so, you'll want to check whether you have the right policy protection. Take some time to talk with your agent and review your policies to see if they meet your current needs. Even if you haven't experienced a life-changing event, you could be eligible for discounts or new insurance products that may serve your needs better. Homeowners Insurance When reviewing your homeowners or renters insurance, think about what’s changed over the last year. Do you have new, expensive possessions that you received over the holidays? What about other things you’ve acquired this year? Will your insurance cover the full value of these items if they are damaged or stolen? Also, consider liability coverage. For example, suppose you got a new puppy or a trampoline for the holidays. In that case, you may want to check with your insurance agent or company to ensure that you have the necessary liability coverage. This is also a great time to update your home inventory. Take some photos or videos of your prized posses-

sions. Remember to note any antique items and their value so you can talk with your insurance agent or insurance company to ensure that they are properly covered. If you need to create a home inventory, visit our Home Inventory Checklist page. Auto Insurance Your auto insurance needs commonly change from year to year. Review the list below to see what other things you need to think about when it comes to your auto insurance. Talk to your agent or insurance company to get information and make decisions. •Make sure your coverage is appropriate for your life situation. Liability is the part of the policy that pays for any injury or damage if you cause an accident. If your liability insurance is too low, it is possible that you could be sued for any damages above your liability limits. •Review your deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage. This is the amount you will pay if your car is damaged or totaled without another driver’s fault or by an uninsured driver. Raising or lowering this amount can affect your premium. •Do you have medical payments or uninsured motorists coverage? These types of coverage pay medical costs if you are injured in an automobile accident. •What about the outdoor toys? Do you have your boat, boating equipment and recreational vehicles adequately insured? For more insurance information, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

Shelter Insurance & scholarships This spring, the Shelter Insurance Foundation will award a $2,000 scholarship to a graduate of Edmond North High School. Shelter Agent Stefanie Kelley sponsors and partially funds this scholarship. A committee of local high school officials and community leaders will select the local recipient. The committee will consider each applicant’s scholastic achievements, educational goals, citizenship, moral character and participation and leadership in school and community activities. The scholarship is given without regard to race, disability, religion, national origin or gender of applicants. The name of the recipient will be announced at the close of the school year. The student may apply the scholarship funds toward tuition, fees, or campus housing for any course of study beginning the fall after the recipient’s high school graduation and

leading to an academic degree at any accredited college or university. The Foundation makes payment directly to the school the recipient selects. Applications and additional information about the Shelter Foundation Scholarship are available nowand should be completed and returned to the school official serving on the selection committee by March 31st. For more information, interested seniors should contact their high school counselor or principal or Shelter Insurance Agent Stefanie Kelley. One purpose of the Shelter Insurance Foundation is to fund scholarships within the operating territory of Shelter Insurance®. It is sponsored by the Shelter Insurance Companies, headquartered in Columbia, Missouri. Shelter offers auto, home, life, farm and business insurance services via a network of local insurance agents in our operating territory.

Helping ex-inmates with IDs is a part of lawmaker’s bill State representatives will consider legislation to provide people leaving incarceration with an easier path to receive reinstated drivers licenses and to require the Dept. of Public Safety to provide inmates with state IDs, and other relevant documentation to assist in obtaining post-release employment. State Rep. Nicole Miller (R-Edmond) filed legislation to narrow the scope with which drivers licenses may be revoked following a criminal offense. House Bill 1795 gives the Oklahoma Dept. of Public Safety (DPS) flexibility to work with individuals on a case-bycase basis. Current statute allows DPS to suspend or revoke a defendant’s license after arrest for certain crimes, an entirely separate process from any criminal proceedings following an arrest. The bill also updates when a license could be revoked for failure to pay fines and fees. Current statute revokes licenses after failure to pay a single fine, but HB1795 would give more flexibility to the courts and DPS before revocation. Miller held an interim study on the issue in 2019 after a constituent asked

ways to streamline the process for her stepson to receive his license back after it was suspended due to a nonvehicular criminal offense. He was without a license for 16 years. “It is incredibly difficult for someone convicted of a crime to receive their licenses once their sentence has been served, and this barrier to reentry prevents many Oklahomans from pursuing employment and education,” Miller said. “I believe that we can protect public safety while also encouraging people who have left incarceration to become productive members of society.” Miller modeled the legislation after last year’s House Bill 1298, which was stalled in the legislative process after session was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. State Rep. Marilyn Stark (RBethany) filed House Bill 1679 to require the Oklahoma Dept. of Corrections (DOC) to identify inmates leaving custody within the next nine months and begin gathering certain documentation to assist the inmate in obtaining post-release employment, including a two-year state ID.

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 4, 2021 • Page 17

Governor: Edmond restaurant among those helped Editor’s Note: The following is part of a transcript of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s State of the State address given on Monday at the State Capitol. During this address, Gov. Stitt mentions an Edmond business helped by the state during the pandemic. Gov. Stitt State of the State Address “We went to Phase 1 of the Open Up and Recover Safely plan April 24th. We went to Phase 3 – fully reopen – on June 1st. Back then, I said by reopening safely and responsibly, we’d be months ahead

of other states. Our June unemployment rate was fifth lowest in the country – 40% lower than the national average – and almost 60% lower than New York. Because of that, almost 100,000 more Oklahomans were back to work compared to the national average. Everywhere I go across the state, small business owners and workers tell me how grateful they are for being able to keep their businesses open, to provide income for their employees and their families and to provide the services their communities rely on.

Chamber’s ‘Woman of the Year’ The Edmond Chamber is proud to name Amy Stephens the 2020 Prosperity Bank Woman of the Year! Amy is the executive director of the Edmond Historical Society and Museum, where she helps Oklahomans learn to share and save their own history. Two of her most notable exhibit curations include storytelling and memorabilia from America's Got Talent star Darci Lynne and "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" singer Gayla Peevey. She has lived in Edmond for nearly 30 years and has over 300 published articles, plus three award-winning zoo books. In her previous role at the Oklahoma City Zoo, she began a historical archive and started the ZooZeum from scratch, saving over 100 years of history from being lost. Through her museum work and writing, Amy hopes to connect people to and through stories. The Edmond Chamber is thrilled to recognize her as the 2020 Prosperity Bank Woman of the Year. Celebrate Amy's accomplishments with us at the Annual Awards Banquet on Thursday, March 25!

Amy Stephens

Dr. Wood back home in Edmond McBride Orthopedic Hospital is excited to announce, C. David Wood, MD, has joined the 100 percent physician-owned specialty group. Dr. Wood is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, fellowship-trained in foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Wood joins McBride from Mercy which was preceded by an exceptional 20-year career in private practice with Southern Orthopaedic Associates in Herrin, Illinois. He was born and raised in Edmond. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology with Distinction at the University of Oklahoma. He graduated with Honors from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He was residency trained at St. Louis University Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Wood was fellowship- trained in Foot and Ankle at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Alabama. “When I grew up here, I considered McBride the orthopedic destination for care. My family always came to McBride,” Dr. Wood said. “In all the years I was away, I kept hearing McBride this, McBride that – I always wondered if I did get the opportunity

Dr. Wood to be in Oklahoma, would it be possible to work at McBride. Getting the opportunity to work in this clinic setting now, is just wonderful!” Dr. Wood will see patients at McBride Orthopedic Hospital Clinic locations in North Oklahoma City and Edmond. He and his wife, Lisa, have two grown sons.

Recognition for OCU Business School The U.S. News & World Report announced that Oklahoma City University once again has one of the best online business school programs in the U.S. The rankings placed OCU at 48th in the country for Best Online Business Programs (non-MBA), a category that includes a wide variety of specialized programs. The rankings specifically recognize OCU’s online master’s programs in Energy Management and Energy Legal Studies. The Meinders School of Business has been on the list for seven consecutive years and is one of only two schools in Oklahoma to rank in the top 50. “The Meinders School of Business is honored to be recognized as a U.S. News Best Online Program and highly ranked once again,” said Graduate Energy Program Director Mered-

ith A. Wegener. “The energy industry offers many opportunities in power generation, transportation, renewable resource development, fossil fuel transition and continuity, and windows to address key issues such as energy poverty and environmental change. This is an exciting time to earn a master’s degree focused on energy.” The Energy Legal Studies and Energy Management degrees provide rigorous, graduate-level education for professionals working in the energy industry. The energy-focused curriculum prepares graduates to succeed in leadership roles or begin their own company. The Meinders School of Business began offering live-streaming, hybrid courses in 2012 to out-of-state students and on-campus students who relocated or traveled frequently for work.

The other day I stopped in at Eddie’s Restaurant in Edmond. I got to meet Eddie, who drove across town to see me before I left. He shook my hand, sat down, and looked me in the eye. He said, “Thank you. Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s made a huge impact on our life.” Like so many small business owners across the state, Eddie and his wife started with nothing but hope. They took out their life savings to buy a restaurant on the corner of Coltrane and Second.

See Governor, Page 19

Gov. Stitt

New Francis Tuttle Danforth campus

State signs off on plans for specialized business training The State Board of Education gave unanimously approved plans for the Francis Tuttle Technology Center Entrepreneurship Academy, a new program that will launch when the Danforth Campus opens in August 2021. As the spearhead of Francis Tuttle’s efforts to encourage entrepreneurship and business growth in the region, the Entrepreneurship Academy will offer an innovative educational experience for Oklahoma high school students. It will join the three current academies at Francis Tuttle that are open to high school sophomores through seniors – Biosciences and Medicine, Computer Science, and Engineering. All four will be located at the new Danforth

Campus at 3841 E. Danforth Road in Edmond. “We are excited to know that our plans for a new, innovative way to prepare high school students for the careers of their dreams are officially moving forward,” Dr. Michelle Keylon, Superintendent of Francis Tuttle Technology Center, said. “There is a growing body of research that shows high school students are interested in opening their own businesses. We wanted to focus on how we could really enhance the support for entrepreneurship, not only in Edmond but in Greater Oklahoma City and maybe even in all of Oklahoma.”

See Francis Tuttle, Page 19

Page 18 • February 4, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure

Mortgage Matters

Home inspection tips that really save money STAYCATION ST TAYC CA ATIO T N RETREAT! RETREA AT T!

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By Kenneth Wohl RCB Bank Not every state requires home inspectors to obtain a license to do home inspections. Before you hire someone, check the home inWohl spection requirements in your state. Your real estate agent will likely recommend a few inspectors, but you should call and interview them before hiring. Ask for references and a sample inspection report. Find out if they are bonded and insured. Also, examine their website and read reviews on Google, Yelp and Angie’s List™. Inspections should be thorough with final reports often 25-80 pages long. Key areas that should be included are structural components, exterior features, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, insulation and ventilation, fireplaces, roof and crawl space. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and insist these areas be examined before they turn in their final report. Most home inspections cost between $350 and $600. If they ask for significantly more or less, that may be a red flag. Know Your Home Inspection Options Depending on the home’s age and condition, you may want to perform additional inspections. For instance, properties that do not have access to public sewer systems should have the septic system inspected. Similarly, a home that is not connected to public water should have the well and water tested. A pest inspection to check for termites or other wood destroying insects is also valuable. While all of these inspections may cost money up front, they may save you thousands of dollars in future repairs. Understand the Benefits of Home Inspection A thorough and professional home

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inspection allows you to examine any red flags before you decide to purchase a home. Sewer and drainage issues, such as standing water in the yard, erosion and heaved walkways may indicate the need for expensive fixes in the future. Check to see if the home is in a flood zone and look closely for any water damage or mold. Find the source of the mold or water damage and assess the costs to repair it before making a decision to buy. Foundation and electrical issues are also red flags in any inspection. Electrical issues may increase the chance of fire and major foundation issues may cost up to $10,000 to repair. Negotiate Repairs that Protect Your Home If you feel confident in the results of the inspections and are ready to move forward, another round of negotiations will likely occur to discuss fixes or buyer/seller cost responsibilities. How these negotiations play out depends on the issues discovered during the home inspection. Remember, very few inspections are perfect. You may ask the seller to repair the issues before closing, however sellers are not always motivated to have highquality work done. Instead, you may want to ask for a price reduction for repairs. You may also ask for a home warranty to cover the first year in case you need to repair the 25-yearold water heater or other appliances. Work closely with your realtor to determine how to approach repairs. I am here to help, even if you are not an RCB Bank customer. Feel free to call me at 405-608-5291 or email me at kwohl@bankrcb.net. Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of Kenneth Wohl and meant for generic illustration purposes only. RCB Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and member FDIC. RCB Bank NMLS #798151. Kenneth Wohl NMLS #453934.

‘COVID 15’ weight gain

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By Brian Attebery We have all heard of the “freshman 15” when discussing weight gain in our first year of college. Change of lifestyle, increased fast foods and the Attebery loss of Highschool athletics can cause a major metabolic shift leading to weight gain in many first-year college students. It is so common due to the consistent change globally with students that this term has taken root decades ago. When we have massive trends in the culture in millions of people, it is much easier to draw conclusions and show conclusive evidence of something that is not just “chance” or “coincidence.” While 15 pounds is not a lot of weight, it is the beginning of how obesity can occur. We can gain 15 pounds that first year but as you “only” gain five pounds the next 10 years per year, you soon are 65 pounds overweight years later. Obesity can lead to over 33 major illnesses and should not be ignored. Covid has had a similar impact on the global obesity epidemic. In a recent study published in the www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.gov (The Impact of Covid-19. Stay at Home order on Health Behaviors in Adults), they showed significant weight gain impact from Covid this past year. The results were as followed: A total, of 7,753 participants were included; 32.2% of the sample were individuals with normal weight, 32.1% had overweight, and 34.0% had obesity. During the pandemic, overall scores for healthy eating increased (P < 0.001), owing to less eating out and increased cooking (P < 0.001). Sedentary leisure behaviors increased,

while time spent in physical activity (absolute time and intensity adjusted) declined (P < 0.001). Anxiety scores increased 8.78 ± 0.21 during the pandemic, and the magnitude of increase was significantly greater in people with obesity (P ≤ 0.01). Weight gain was reported in 27.5% of the total sample compared with 33.4% in participants with obesity. I think it is very interesting to note that we place a lot of emphasis on how eating out and fast food have contributed to the obesity rate in America but in this study, it was show that these participants ate at home more due to the quarantine. In my opinion, it shows the value of exercise and the fact that just because you eat “healthy” it does not always lead to “helpful” if you eat more than you need. Yes, even fruit can make you fat if you eat too much and don’t exercise enough. I also think many more people ate at home but had more delivery services bring them food from their favorite restaurants. Covid has created a synergy of negative health issues in the world. We must be mindful of covid but we can’t let it overwhelm us to the point that more people have long term obesity-related and mental health issues that haunt us for decades. Get moving again, eat properly and take care of yourself. It is time. These deleterious impacts have disproportionally affected individuals with obesity. Don’tconvince yourself to be sedentary any longer thinking it is for your health. It is not.

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

Edmond Life & Leisure • February 4, 2021 • Page 19

Francis Tuttle

Governor From Page 17

In the Entrepreneurship Academy, college prep and advanced placement classes in math and science are taught alongside the central focus of students developing an idea and building their own business. Students will experience the entrepreneurial process firsthand and spend class days collaborating with others to find new solutions and continuously develop their innovative ideas. “This is an important moment and I am grateful for the approval for this program from the Board,” Khaaliq Salim, Director of the Danforth Campus, said. “We think the Entrepreneurship Academy can be the start of something really incredible and unique. It’s definitely the first of its kind in the state and it is exciting to have a framework in place for

this innovative way to educate students and prepare them for the new economy.” Elliott Adams, a member of the academy Advisory Board who helped develop the curriculum, said the curriculum will provide students with the skills they need to be successful in the modern workforce. “After months of collaboration with the Francis Tuttle team, it’s incredibly exciting for the Entrepreneurship Academy curriculum to be approved by the Board of Education,” Adams said. “This program will offer the most contemporary and proven innovation methods to create real value for the market. The students themselves will have the chance to learn the skills that can make them successful in the innovation-based

21st century economy, no matter what their career path.” Entrepreneurship Academy students will use the spaces and resources available at the Danforth Campus, such as Design Thinking Studios, a Product Realization Lab and the Francis Tuttle Design Thinking School to ideate, create, refine and present their business ideas.

From Page 17 After years of sacrifice and hard work, they expanded. They now own three restaurants, a catering company and a food truck. Eddie told me that when the pandemic hit, like many business owners, they were worried. He said, “My daughter’s college tuition needs to be paid. I don’t have a private investor, a bank. I have to continue on.” Eddie said because of the decisions we’ve made; he and his 100 employees can continue on.

They can feed their families. They can pay for their children’s education. They can continue to live. I’m proud to tell you Eddie plans to open a new location next month, and I can’t wait to be there to support him. Through the Oklahoma Business Relief Program, we invested $143 million in 8,661 small businesses just like Eddie’s. This program touched 344 different communities throughout all 77 counties.

In light of COVID 19 for the time being, some worship services may be suspended or online. Please check with your house of worship for more information.

Page 20 • February 4, 2021 • Edmond Life & Leisure