Enes Kanter Freedom comes back, gives back Former Oklahoma City Thunder star Enes Kanter Freedom returned to Oklahoma City, dedicating his visit to supporting local nonprofit organizations and serving those in need across the Oklahoma City metro. His first stop was the Giving Machine in Bricktown — an interactive vending machine that allows visitors to purchase essential items for local charities. The following morning, Freedom was up bright and early to volunteer at the 79th Annual Red Andrews Christmas Dinner, a longtime Oklahoma City tradition that brings holiday meals, warmth and fellowship to members of the community. He is pictured here with George, Maggie and OKC Mayor David Holt, Freedom and Mary Blankenship Pointer.
okcfriday.com • facebook.com/okcfriday Vol. 59, No. 35
January 9, 2026
1 Section • 12 Pages
Cell phone use outlawed in Village school, work zones
People you should know
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
Sharae Leache Director of Operations Oklahoma Sleep Institute Where did you grow up, and do you have a favorite childhood memory? I grew up in Southeastern Oklahoma in the small town of Valliant, and my favorite childhood memory is of my grandpa teaching me how to drive when I was 9-years-old. He let me drive his old beatup Ford Ranger to church on Sundays. He said, “If you’re going to wreck a car, it’s ok for it to be this one.” What are you most passionate about professionally? I am deeply passionate about serving and mentoring. I have had some fantastic mentors in my life who guided me and taught me many lessons. My career growth over the past 20 years has been a direct result of having great mentors professionally. I have learned it’s not what’s going to happen to you, but how you are going to respond and learn from the challenges you are going to face. I have a desire to give back to others, most importantly, the individuals who work for me and help them grow professionally. Has your definition of success changed as you’ve developed your career? Yes! When I was younger, success meant reaching visible milestones such as promotions or accolades. Today, I See PYSK, Page 3
(405) 606-2727
Gorilla trekking A highlight of Chris Keesee and Larry Keigwin’s 2025 was gorilla trekking in Central Africa where they came across this female and her troop of 18. “While we wore masks to protect the animals from potential illness, we observed how curious they were about us, how they enjoyed swinging in trees, playfully shaking the bushes and caring for their young,” the travelers said. “After a while, boredom set in and they wandered off into the forest, giving us the memory of a lifetime.”
Motorists in The Village are now prohibited from using their hand-held cell phones and electronic communication devices in school and work zones or they could face up to a $149 fine following City Council approval of an ordinance restricting their usage. The Village, along with many other municipalities in Oklahoma, has adopted the new section of law passed by the Oklahoma legislature restricting the use of hand-held devices in school and work zones. The ordinance does not apply when calling an emergency response operator, hospital, physician’s office, ambulance service, firefighting service or law enforcement agency. “The protection and safety of children is one of our highest priorities,” said Village Police Chief Russ Landon. “I believe there was a similar emphasis from public safety leaders given to the legislators which led to this state law being enacted. The law now gives law enforcement, particularly county deputies and state troopers, a tool to keep kids in school zones safer.” Although encompassing only 2.5 square miles, there are several school zones in The Village including two at Casady School — one on Pennsylvania and the other off Britton Road. There is also a school zone at Andrew Johnson Elementary on Sheffield Road, one at Ridgeview Elementary on Ridgeview Drive and See VILLAGE, Page 7
Rand Elliott design at OSU wins national award The sweeping renovation of Oklahoma State University’s Engineering South has earned national recognition, winning first place in the Whole Building category of Retrofit Magazine’s 2025 Metamorphosis Awards.
The project was a collaboration between Rand Elliott Architects – an Oklahoma City-based nationally, recognized firm by OSU alumnus Rand Elliott, FAIA – and OSU’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology (CEAT).
‘Tango’ is coming to OKCPHIL Prepare to be swept off your feet as the Oklahoma City Philharmonic presents “Tango Caliente!” on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 30-31, at 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Center Music Hall. This exhilarating performance is part of the Chickasaw Nation Pops Series. From the first downbeat to the final bow, “Tango Caliente!” is a celebration of passion, elegance, and fiery
The national award recognizes projects that transform existing buildings into modern, highperforming spaces while preserving their historic character. The magazine’s November-December issue features all 14 award winners.
“This renovation has exceeded my expectations in breathing new life into one of our heritage buildings,” said OSU University Architect Jana Phillips. “The exterior refurbishments See ELLIOTT, Page 2
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week
Mira Highley’s weiner dog Ollie loves his yellow squeaker toy more than life itself, you know he’s excited for you if he pees a little. Both 2-years-old, his best friend is a German Shepherd named Cappuccino. They love playing together, chasing each other around the backyard and eating pup cups. Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
See OKCPHIL, Page 3
Oklahoma City’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving far north OKC, Nichols Hills and The Village for 52 years • $1 per copy
Page 2 | Oklahoma City Friday
Business/From Page One
January 9, 2026
Small town values and learning to give back to others W
hen Sharae Leache was growing up in the Southeastern Oklahoma town of Valliant, which had a population of less than 700 people, she was always taught by her elders to respect others’ opinions, treat people with kindness, and that personal integrity is important. To this day, she attempts to bring those same values to the workplace professionally as Director of Operations for the Oklahoma Sleep Institute and to her family. She is married to her husband, Kerron “K.J.” Leache, who is a Licensed Practice Counselor, Certified Employee Assistance Professional, and DOT/SAP qualified, and they have two children. Balancing work-life issues is challenging, but Mrs. Leache
PYSK From Page 1 see success as build-
The Oklahoma Sleep Institute hosted its annual Christmas party at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. From left, Kathy, Michael, Megan and Mike Gold with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
wouldn’t have it any other way. Her professional healthcare journey has been built on attempting to improve the lives of others. As a kid, she wanted to be a cardiologist or an oncologist because her family history has an extensive line of heart disease and cancer. Early on during her educational studies, she shifted her thinking and pivoted with her academics. She felt she could impact a greater number of people by attempting to do two separate things: working for a healthcare company that improved the lives of thousands of people and also be-
coming involved in community service organizations locally and state-wide that would have a positive impact on the health of people across Oklahoma. Serving others has always been important to her. Giving back to others and investing in her education have always been personal areas of focus for Mrs. Leache. She attended the University of Central Oklahoma after high school and began her professional journey. She was, and remains, involved in her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. After completing her undergraduate degree in finance, she set
her sights on identifying a company that would enable her to pursue her dream of helping others. Mrs. Leache gained healthcare management experience while working for McCurtain Memorial Home Health. She was then recruited to work for Healthback Home Health, where she eventually became their Chief Operating Officer. During her
tenure, she also pursued additional education. She’s always been a big believer in attempting to personally optimize your education. This was the genesis for her continuing her education while working, and she ultimately earned an MBA in strategic management from Texas A&M UniversityCommerce. “I have also remained committed to
giving back to my community by volunteering with the Alpha Community Foundation of Oklahoma, Faded & Educated with the Talley Community Foundation, and the Pearls of SSO Foundation. The moments that shaped my career most weren’t the big wins, but the quiet ones-when someone trusted me to guide them through change,” stated Mrs. Leache.
ing a career that continues to support the well-being of others, has purpose, and enables me to lead a life and family
I am proud of. What has helped shape your career? The moments that shaped my career most were not the big wins, but the quiet ones — when someone trusted me to guide them through change. What is a perfect day for you? The perfect day for me is waking up in the morning! Each day the Lord gives me a new day to breathe air in my
lungs, a healthy body, shelter for me and my family, and food on our table is a PERFECT day to me. What is some of the best advice you’ve received in your life? The best advice I’ve ever received is to focus on what I can control and let go of the rest. It taught me that consistency, integrity and effort matter far more over time than trying to force outcomes.
Oklahoma has had an amazing sports history, which has featured a lineup of individuals such as Mickey Mantle, Shannon Miller, Jim Thorpe, Patty Gasso, etc. Did you have any sports heroes growing up? Absolutely, my heroes were Michael Jordan and Pat Summit, the Tennessee women’s head basketball coach. I wanted to play college basket-
ball and was invited to attend her basketball camp when I was in high school. As I was preparing to attend her camp, I suffered a knee injury that ended my career. How would you like to be remembered? I’d like people to remember me as someone who treated others with kindness, showed up with integrity, was humble and tried to leave things better than I found them.
Above: The original Engineering South building on the Stillwater campus at Oklahoma State’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology (CEAT), built in 1938. At left: CEAT alumnus Rand Elliott, FAIA and his firm, Rand Elliott Architects, renovated the 1938 building’s interior and built an auditorium. Included is a two-story glass connection between the two.
ELLIOTT maintain the ele-
gance of our ColFrom Page 1 legiate Georgian style while the interiors are a refreshing juxtaposition for students, faculty and staff.” The five-story, 88,000-squarefoot building now features lightfilled, flexible spaces designed to foster collaboration, innovation and hands-on learning. A new 12,000-square-foot addition houses a 300-seat auditorium and lobby that serve both students and the broader campus community. Sustainable upgrades include LED lighting, high-efficiency windows and mechanical systems, water-saving features, and restored historic details such as the Zodiac floor insignia. Elliott described the project as both preservation and transformation. “Our vision was to maintain the integrity of the original structure, to learn its architectural secrets, and to re-energize it,” Elliott said. “We wanted Engineering South to be a teaching tool—exposing structure, celebrating history, and overlaying past, present and future. Most importantly, we brought it out of the dark. Now the building glows with the energy of engineering.” Rand Elliott Architects team member Dallin Reese Whiting,
another graduate of OSU's architecture program, played a pivotal role in transforming Engineering South into a modern educational facility that bridges the past and future. “Successful alumni like Rand and Dallin are living proof that we have an excellent school of architecture,” said OSU CEAT Dean Dr. Hanchen Huang. “Winning this award puts OSU at the forefront of a vital national conversation about adaptive reuse and sustainable design. Engineering South is not only a world-class academic space, but also a model of how historic buildings can be reinvented for the future.” The project reflects themes voiced by CEAT faculty and students: imagination, innovation, transformation, disruption and evolution brought to life through design. Engineering South’s exposed orange structural steel now stands as a visible reminder of the university’s engineering legacy and future. “Rand Elliott is an expert in nuanced building renovations,” said Professor Nathan Richardson, head of CEAT's School of Architecture. “He retains and amplifies the building’s history while writing a new chapter with bold additions. The Engineering South renovation is one such example. He’s adept in using light to create meaningful experiences for people through architecture.”
News/From Page One
January 9, 2026
FRIDAY fumble Due to an editing error, the following Bachelors Club debutantes and their escorts were omitted from the January 2, 2026 story in OKC FRIDAY on Page 12: • Julia Langlois Coats (Julia), daughter of Danielle and Sandy Coats, escorted by Brendan Paul Hansen (Brendan), son of Mandy and Dan Hansen. • Katherine Jean Gray (Katherine), daughter of Amy and Kelly Gray, escorted by Kyle Bode McLaughlin (Kyle), son of Chrissy and Robert McLaughlin. • Julia Faith Wall (Julia), daughter of Heather and John Wall, escorted by Charles Ryan Greene Julia Faith Wall (Julia), right, daughter of Heather and John Wall, (Charlie), son of Michelle is escorted by Charles Ryan Greene (Charlie), son of Michelle and and Jim Greene. Jim Greene, at the 2025 Bachelors Club Charity Ball. • Emory Cate Hodges (Emory), daughter of Lori mando Rosell. and Joe Hodges, escorted by Armando James The newspaper regrets the error. Rosell Jr. (Armando), son of Megan and Arthe romance OKCPHIL bring and drama of BueFrom Page 1 rhythm. The concert features beloved tango classics brought to life by the OKCPHIL alongside: • A sizzling soprano whose voice burns with emotional intensity; • A dazzling bandoneon virtuoso delivering heart-racing melodies; and, • Internationally acclaimed Argentinian dancers who
nos Aires directly to the stage. “Tango is music you feel in your soul — it’s movement, it’s history, and it’s emotion,” said Alexander Mickelthwate, Music Director of the OKCPHIL. “This concert brings all of that to life in one electrifying evening. It’s one of the most thrilling and sensuous concerts of the season.” Whether you’re a
devoted tango enthusiast or simply seeking a night of unforgettable entertainment, “Tango Caliente!” promises to leave you breathless.
Tickets are now available and start at just $24. Visit okcphil.org/concerts/tango-caliente or call the OKCPHIL box office at (405) 842-5387.
Oklahoma City Friday | Page 3
OKC Friday
Sports Weekly January 9, 2026 | Page 4
Basketball Tournament Preview
Irish host 66th Annual McGuinness Classic Opening the calendar year, the McGuinness boys basketball team hosts the 66th Annual McGuinness Classic tournament this weekend. Fridayland rivals Deer Creek and Crossings Christian join the 8-team field, along with Norman North, Edmond Santa Fe, Del City, Choctaw and Edmond Memorial. Choctaw and Edmond Memorial opened the tourna-
ment on Thursday afternoon and Crossings Christian faced Del City in the second half of the afternoon session. The host Irish played Norman North and Deer Creek ended the night against Edmond Santa Fe. On Friday, the Choctaw-Edmond Memorial loser battles the Crossings Christian-Del City loser at 2 p.m., with the winners to play at 6 p.m.
OKC Friday Publication No. (USPS 893-600) PHONE 405-755-3311 • www.okcfriday.com Official Legal Newspaper For OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA CITY and OKLAHOMA COUNTY, including NICHOLS HILLS and THE VILLAGE Oklahoma City FRIDAY, Office of publication, 10801 N. Quail Plaza Drive, P.O. Box 20340, Oklahoma City, OK 73156. FRIDAY is published each Friday by Nichols Hills Publishing Co., Inc. It is an official, legal newspaper, under Oklahoma law, published in Oklahoma County, primarily serving Oklahoma City but also The Village and Nichols Hills. Mail subscription price in county $35. elsewhere in Oklahoma $45, elsewhere U.S. $45. Newsstand price $1. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: FRIDAY, P.O. Box 20340, Okla. City, OK 73156. MEMBER: Oklahoma Press Association, National Newspaper Association, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Northwest OKC Chamber of Commerce. Represented nationally by USSPI, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Detroit, Dallas.
The Edmond Santa Fe-Deer Creek and McGuinnessNorman North losers face off at 3:30 p.m. and the winners compete at 7:30 p.m. The seventh-place game tips off at 2 p.m. on Saturday, with the consolation final at 3:30 p.m., third place at 6 p.m. and championship at 7:30 p.m. Several other Fridayland teams compete in tournaments across the state this
weekend. The Crossings Christian girls travel to Ripley, as the Deer Creek girls take part in the East Central Oklahoma Classic at Ada and the McGuinness girls are at Weatherford. Both Harding Charter Prep squads head to Hulbert, along with Heritage Hall at the Wheat Capital Classic in Enid, John Marshall at Anadarko and Mount St. Mary at Noble.
McGUINNESS CLASSIC Thursday, January 8 Game 1: Choctaw vs. Edmond Memorial, 2 p.m. Game 2: Crossings Christian vs. Del City 3:30 p.m. Game 3: McGuinness vs. Norman North, 6 p.m. Game 4: Deer Creek vs. Edmond Santa Fe, 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 9 Game 5: Gm. 1 Loser vs. Gm. 2 Loser, 2 p.m. Game 6: Gm. 3 Loser vs. Gm. 4 Loser, 3:30 p.m. Game 7: Gm. 1 Winner vs. Gm. 2 Winner, 6 p.m. Game 8: Gm. 3 Winner vs. Gm. 4 Winner, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, January 10 7th Place: Gm. 5 Loser vs. Gm. 6 Loser, 2 p.m. 5th Place: Gm. 5 Winner vs. Gm. 6 Winner, 3:30 p.m. 3rd Place: Gm. 7 Loser vs. Gm. 8 Loser, 6 p.m. 1st Place: Gm. 7 Winner vs. Gm. 8 Winner, 7:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball Roundup
Cyclones run over Pembroke Hill The Casady boys basketball team split a pair of games, as they tipped off the new year with a weekend trip to the Kansas City area. The Cyclones (45) cruised to a 60-45 victory over Pembroke Hill on Saturday in Kansas City. Collin Stanton led with 19 points and Sam Edwards chipped in 11 points.
Casady endured a 54-49 loss at St. Michael the Archangel in Lees Summit, Mo., on Friday, behind Kuba Malecki’s team-best 24 points and James Elder with 13 points. The Cyclones visit Oklahoma Christian (OCS) this Friday and Class 3A No. 1 Millwood on Tuesday. Knights net Mustang title Winning by an average of 25 points per game, Crossings Christian rolled to an 81-43 win over host Mustang to capture the Bank 7 Classic tournament title in the week after Christmas. Bo Barber led a quartet in double figures with 23 points for the 4A No. 4 Knights (7-4). Slade Black recorded 13 points, while Rylen Sikes and Braden Buckingham collected 11 points each. Barber also scored a team-best 17 points in a 63-45 victory against Jenks in the semifinals. Sikes finished with 16 points and Buckingham added
- Photo by Rose Rock Media, roserockmedia.pixieset.com
Heritage Hall’s Timothy Young scored 26 points in helping the Chargers to an 83-72 victory over OCS just before Christmas. 14 points. Crossings opened the tournament with a 73-54 triumph over Choctaw, behind Buckingham’s 21 points. Barber collected 18 points and Black contributed 11 points. The Knights compete this weekend at the McGuinness Classic. Chargers hold off OCS Just before the holiday break, Heritage Hall held off 4A No. 11 OCS for a
83-72 victory. Timothy Young paced a quartet in double figures with 26 points for the 3A No. 3 Chargers (60). Braelon Bradshaw scored 18 points, while by Xzavier Mbroh collected 16 points and Denton Suthers contributed 14 points. Heritage Hall completes in the Wheat Capital Classic this weekend in Enid and hosts 4A No. 1 Douglass on Tuesday. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Sports Weekly
January 9, 2026
Oklahoma City Friday | Page 5
Swimming Roundup
Antlers trio win multiple golds at Metro Classic Keyed by a trio of swimmers with multiple gold medals, the Deer Creek boys and girls teams captured titles at the Metro Senior Classic last weekend at Edmond Schools Aquatic Center. Ashlyn Bucy and Harper Husbands paced the Antler girls with two event championships each. Bucy captured the 200-yard freestyle by three seconds in 2:07.01 and the 100 backstroke by a second in 1:03.71. Husbands outdueled teammate Phoebe Little for the 500 freestyle gold medal in 5:33.96 compared to 5:38.26 for Little. Husbands also beat Crossings Christian’s Jasper Jernigan by just over a second for the 200 individual medley crown
in 2:16.33. Beckham Shields rounded out the trio with wins in the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke. Shields took the 200 freestyle in 1:48.99 and the 100 backstroke in 54.26 seconds. Little, Aven Burkhead and Owen McCall added individual gold medals for Deer Creek. Little edged teammate Chapel McCollum in the 100 butterfly, touching the wall in 1:05.60 just ahead of 1:06.66 for McCollum. Burkhead also finished under a second in front of McCollum for the 100 breaststroke title. McCall earned gold in the 50 freestyle by just under a quarter-second in 22.15 seconds.
Four other Fridaylanders picked up gold medals at the Metro Senior Classic as local athletes accounted for 13 wins in 16 total events. Casady’s Caroline Olszewski cruised to a 2-second victory in the 50 freestyle in 26.90 seconds. In addition to her silver medal, Crossings’ Jernigan touched the wall in 56.79 seconds to claim the 100 freestyle just ahead of Olszewski in second place. PC North’s Luke Engelmann captured the 100 freestyle in 52.65 seconds and teammate Colin Turbayne came in second in 54.49 seconds. McGuinness’ Brady Mitchell posted a 4-second win in the 200 IM in 2:10.37 and placed sec-
Wrestling Roundup
Knights’ Kosanke, Dunn take titles at Kingfisher Thanks to five athletes placing fourth or better, including two individual champions, the Crossings Christian wrestling team finished fifth at the Kingfisher Pool Invitational just before Christmas break. Konrad Kosanke paced the Knights with a gold medal at 126 pounds, beating Hobart’s Zayne Holman in extra time in the title match. Teammate Paxton Dunn cruised to a 10-0 victory against Peyton Sawyer of Watonga for the 175-pound crown. Davis Klingengerg and Easton Rouse secured consolation trophies for third place at 120 and 132 pounds, respectively, for the Knights.
Creighton Corp rounded out the group with a fourthplace finish at 106 pounds. Three Casady wrestlers also reached the podium at Kingfisher. Andrew Fitzpatrick pinned Hobart’s Judd Underwood for third at 190 pounds, while Liam La Groue took down teammate Nate Currie for third at 157 pounds. Crossings Christian competes in a tournament at Edmond Santa Fe on Friday and Saturday and Casady takes part in the district duals on Tuesday. Antlers’ Frasier wins at KC A pair of Deer
Creek wrestlers placed at the Kansas City Stampede tournament last month. Ethan Frasier pinned Clayton Perry from Melissa (Mo.) to take the heavyweight title, and Easton Winters placed second at 126 pounds. The Antlers compete this weekend at the Geary tournament and district duals on Tuesday. Chargers place at Duncan Heritage Hall’s Owen Burns and Carter Harris earned spots on the podium at the Southern Oklahoma Invitational in Duncan. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
ond in the 500 freestyle. In addition, the Deer Creek girls swept all three relays. The Antlers won the 200 medley by eight seconds in 1:59.45, the 200 freestyle by five seconds in 1:53.41 and the 400 freestyle by a staggering 16 seconds in 4:01.22. PC North’s Xander Applegate picked up a silver medal in the 100 butterfly and fifth in the 50 freestyle. Crossings Christian’s Zach Lopp also finished second in the 100 breaststroke and third in the 50 freestyle. Other Fridaylanders in the top 5 (by event) included: 50 Freestyle – Brooklyn Beringer, 4th, Harding Prep. 200 Freestyle – Landon Gilmore,
3rd, Deer Creek; Danzel Chen, 4th, Casady; William Wendelken, 5th, Mount St. Mary. 500 Freestyle – Gilmore, 3rd, DC; Arthur Uribe, 4th, DC; Kaylin Pellar, 5th, McGuinness; Aidan Taylor, 5th, DC. 100 Backstroke – John Nguyen, 3rd, McGuinness; Engelmann, 4th, PCN; Jocelyn Leslie, 5th, DC; Mason McAllister, 5th, Casady. 100 Breaststroke – Brody Cunningham, 5th, PCN. 100 Butterfly – Keira Nguyen, 3rd, DC; Chen, 3rd, Casady; John Nguyen, 4th, McGuinness; Renata Ochoa, 5th, DC. 200 Individual Medley – Nguyen, 3rd, DC; Dakota VanBerschot, 3rd, DC; Leslie, 5th, DC; McCallister, 5th, Casady.
Girls Basketball Roundup
Cyclones take down Pembroke Hill Making a holiday trip to the Kansas City area, the Casady girls basketball team split a pair of games to open the new year. The Cyclones (2-7) picked up their second win of the season with a 47-40 victory at Pembroke Hill last Saturday in Lees Summit, Mo. Casady also endured a 4423 loss on Friday at St. Michael the Archangel in Kansas City. The Cyclones visit OCS this Friday and Class 3A No. 15 Millwood on Tuesday. Panthers outlast Muskogee PC North made the most of the New Year holiday weekend with a 58-55 victory at Muskogee and its sixth straight win. The defending state cham-
pion Panthers (13-1) also posted four straight doubledigit triumphs at the Dallas Holiday Invitational, culminating in a 62-51 win over Kinkaid on New Year’s Eve. PC North added three other victories at the tournament over Dallas-Lincoln, Dallas-Greenhill and DentonBraswell. The Panthers host Jenks this Tuesday at 6 p.m. Bethany runs over Eagles Harding Charter Prep endured a 49-13 loss to 4A No. 8 Bethany just before the Christmas break. Ava Tucker scored eight points to lead the Eagles (04). Teghan Lee chipped a basket and Audrey Barton contributed a free throw. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
OKC Friday
Calendar / Booster January 9, 2026 | Page 6
SHOPPING Feb. 68 • Affair of the Heart Find something you love at Oklahoma’s fa vorite shopping event, when Braum’s Affair of the Heart re turns Feb. 68 at OKC Fair Park. Explore more than 275 local artists, makers, and small retailers to find everything from home goods and sea sonal décor to unique crafts, Valentines gifts, tasty treats and boutique clothing. Friday and Saturday 9 am – 6 pm and Sun day 11 am – 5 pm.
Jan. 15 • Gallery Talks/Screening Oklahoma Contemporary welcomes the pub lic to an evening celebrating contemporary Oklahoma artists, featuring ArtNow: Materi‐ als and Boundaries gallery talks, followed by a Gallery America screening presented in partnership with the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA), at 5:30 pm, Thursday, Jan. 15, at Oklahoma Contempo rary. These conversations offer audiences the opportunity to hear directly from the artists, gain insight into their creative processes and explore the ideas behind the works on view. Visit oklahomacontemporary.org for details.
Created in collabo ration with Neil Dia mond himself, A Beautiful Noise is the uplifting true story of EXHIBITS how a kid from Brook lyn became a chart Now through May • busting, show CONCERTS ‘The Cowboy’ stopping American “The Cowboy: An Im rock icon. It is an in Feb. 6 • mersive Journey,” a spiring, exhilarating, New Edition bold, cinematic experi energy filled musical The New Edition Way ence that places vis memoir, that tells the Tour brings together itors inside the story of untold true story of three of music’s most the American West is how America's great enduring and influen at the National Cow est hitmaker became a tial acts: New Edition, boy & Western Her star, set to the songs Boyz II Men, and Toni itage Museum that defined his career. Braxton. This land Produced by OKC through May. This mark event cele firstofitskind installa Broadway and show brates music, legacy, tion transforms one of ing at the Civic Center and connection, giv the Museum’s gal Music Hall, okccivic ing fans a onceina leries into a fully pro center.com. lifetime opportunity jected, 360degree to experience these environment where OKC THUNDER legendary artists per sweeping landscapes, HOME GAMES forming together on a historic imagery, cine Paycom Center dynamic 360° stage in matic sound and origi 100 West Reno Ave. an upclose and im nal music fill the mersive concert ex space. Runtime is ap Sunday, Jan. 11 • perience at the prox. 40 minutes. For Miami Heat Paycom Center. more information and 6:00 pm ticket access visit the Tuesday, Jan. 13 • Feb. 11 • cowboy.org/immer San Antonio Spurs TobyMac sive. 7:00 pm TobyMac is returning Friday, Jan. 23 • to Oklahoma City and Indiana Pacers THEATRE the Paycom Center 7:00 pm with his Hits Deep Sunday, Jan. 25 • March 38 • Tour 2026. This lineup Neil Diamond Musical Toronto Raptors is stacked — Toby 6:00 pm A Beautiful Noise Mac, Crowder, Jeremy Camp and more bringing the anthems you love.
Happy Birthday, Mom! My mom, Brenda McDaniel, turned 86 this week. It’s almost impossible to believe. She looks so young and supports the community in so many ways, it feels like she is in the very prime of her life. Perhaps she is. Brenda McDaniel, who most people know as the former First Lady of Oklahoma City University, is actually a lifelong educator. She taught 2nd and 3rd grade in the Oklahoma City Public Schools system in the early 1960s. She taught the same grades in Alva Public Schools throughout the 1960s and 1970s and served as Alumni Director for Northwestern Oklahoma State University while earning her master’s degree in special education. She taught special ed for 7th and 8th graders in Edmond Public Schools in the 1980s and worked as a real estate agent for Abide on the side. By the time she got to OCU, mom was fortified with four decades of teaching experience and an acute sense of how to best engage and serve the students of OCU. That is one of the reasons she is the only first lady in the
school’s history to have her name on a building, the Tom and Brenda McDaniel Student Center. When she was selected Oklahoma’s mother of the year in 2019, it was as much for her lifetime impact on her students as on her family. This week at mom’s birthday dinner, we continued our family tradition of going around the table to tell stories and favorite memories of the honoree. Mom’s sparkle, confidence, and ability to engage others came up time and again. So did her tenacity, intelligence, humor, and faith. It was an awesome tribute to an amazing woman from three generations of people who know her best. If it sounds like I’m bragging, I am. Too many times we shy away from recognizing the outstanding contributions of our parents. We feel totally comfortable sharing every tiny victory our kids ex-
perience but act coy about the people who shaped us the most. The older I get, the more I realize how much of my life has been shaped by my mom. I am quick to smile, eager to laugh, and as comfortable around strangers as friends. All of that comes from my mother. And to be fair, also my dad. What about your mom? If you were asked to write a column about your mother, what would you say? If she is alive, when is the last time you told her what she means to you, why your life is better because of her? Love may be eternal, but humans are not. Don’t pass up the opportunity to tell your mother how you feel. Next time, instead of a hug and an “I love you” on the way out the door, sit down and give her some specifics. Thank her for the great things she has done in your life. There is nothing in the world stronger or more impactful than a mother’s love for her child. Perhaps this year, it’s time to return the favor. Happy Birthday, mom!
Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com Paycom Center Events/Shows: Jerry Seinfeld Jeff Dunham New Edition TobyMac Rascal Flatts Bad Omens Journey
Jan. 16 Jan. 29 Feb. 6 Feb. 11 Feb. 21 Mar. 22 Apr. 3
Zoo Amphitheatre: Civic Center Music Hall: Mozart’s Rivals Jerry Seinfeld Beauty and the Beast Romeo & Juliet OKC Ballet Jones Assembly Niko Moon
Jan. 10 Jan. 16 Jan. 2025 Feb. 2022 Jan. 29
The Brook & The Bluff Max McNown Blackberry Smoke Tower Theatre: Silversun Pickups The Criterion: Morrissey Blade Runner Live
Apr. 14 Apr. 22 Apr. 30 Apr. 25 Jan. 13 Feb. 2
David Spade Tig Notaro Fortune Feimster Other Events/Shows/Awards: MLK Jr Parade OKC Home + Garden Chocolate Decadence
Feb. 19 Feb. 20 Apr. 2 Jan. 19 Jan. 2325 Feb. 5
OCMS Alliance Kitchen Tour raises $49,000 for local health initiatives The 2025 event benefitted HALO Project, Health Alliance for the Uninsured and OCMSA Community Service; 2026 Kitchen Tour grant application now open
Following their annual Kitchen Tour last October, the Oklahoma County Medical Society Alliance recently donated $49,000 to local health-related nonprofits and initiatives. The OCMS Alliance divided the 2025 event proceeds, awarding $25,000 to HALO Project; $12,000 to Health Alliance for the Uninsured; and $12,000 to the OCMS Alliance Community Service Team, through which
the OCMS Alliance gives food, funds and supplies to nonprofits serving Oklahoma County residents. “The Kitchen Tour owes its great success to many generous sponsors, advertisers, volunteers and attendees,” said 2025 kitchen tour chair Kristine Palmer. “It’s amazing to see our community come together to support this event and our beneficiaries.” To date, more than $924,000 has been raised through the OCMS Alliance Kitchen Tour. The annual fundraising event was established 34 years ago as a way for the organization to
support local health-related initiatives. 2026 Kitchen Tour Underway Next year’s 34th annual Alliance Kitchen Tour is already scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, with Ashley Farrow and Evie Holzer as event co-chairs. Beneficiary grant applications are currently being accepted at ocmsalliance.org with a deadline of January 5, 2026. Nonprofits that address a health-related need in Oklahoma County are eligible to apply. Sponsorship and advertising inquiries may be directed to kitchentour@ocmsalliance. org.
About OCMS Alliance Oklahoma County Medical Society Alliance is an organization of physicians’ spouses and physicians dedicated to enriching our community by providing awareness and education about health and wellness; assisting nonprofits that meet a health-related need within Oklahoma County; partnering with physicians to advocate positive legislative changes on behalf of the medical profession; and building a dynamic network for communication and support among local physician families. For information, visit ocmsalliance.org.
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OKC Friday
Society January 9, 2026 | Page 7
Dirty Turkey The OKC Delta Gamma Alumnae Chapter got into the holiday spirit by playing Dirty Turkey. Everyone brought their favorite kitchen gadget wrapped in brown paper decorated with drawings or turkeys made from construction paper. They learned a lot about gadgets one now can’t live without! It was a festive evening with plenty of friendly gift stealing. Approximately 30 alumnae ranging in age from 25 to 75 attended the event. Food: ham and turkey sliders, sparkling water and wine. Members brought desserts and side dishes. Location: Jane Clark’s home, Crown Heights. At right, above: Kristi Cooper, Janet Barresi, Jane Clark and Mario Vaughn; in front, Sydney Carey. At right: Suzanne Reynolds and Pam Troup.
January 9 Patricia Allen Jason Beeler Cindy Bender Kevin Lee Gross Earle Haggard Andrew Heaton Greg Isch Robert D. McCutcheon Sherryl McGuire Michelle Salyer Mark Sevier January 10 Richard Carlin III Betty Dearmon Edward Fox Tony Kroutil Virginia Lynn John Powell Walker, Jr. January 11 Ellie Bohanon Carla Brown William Bryan Sharon Cornelias Molly Ross Fritch Patty Hanson Kelly Monks Mary Jane Morgan Glinda Parmley Bob Ross Jeff Snyder Brent Walton January 12 Quinnie Coury Karen Jo Haas Nola Harrison
Above: Arden Roberts, Sandy Henderson and Cassidy Blake Coffee.
Caroline Hendee Sally Lamprich Joey Miller David Neumann Ross Reddington Curtis Smith Dan Weirich Cassie Wilson January 13 Bo Bentley Tanner Blosser Kayla Conrady Nancy R. Greer Adelaide Liedtke Mark Musser Scott Seco Katie Walker January 14 Claire Abbott Cadee Cross Mary Ann Hermen Elaine Hownold Robyn Kopera Julie Pender Laura Steen Christy Taylor Tom Vincent January 15 William Allison LaDonna Giachino Kristyn Hullender Dr. Wendall Long Mark Lykes Bert Olah Jim Radford Emily Rosman
OKC Friday
Legal Notices & Classifieds
Deadline: Friday 3:00 p.m. the week before publication 405-755-3311
January 9, 2026 | Page 8
LEGAL NOTICES
AUCTIONS
ALCOHOL BEVERAGE LICENSE (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, January 2, 2026; Friday, January 9, 2026) OKLAHOMA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LAWS ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE
mailing a copy of the Notice of Hearing Petition to all of the heirs-at-law, devisees, and legatees of the decedent as required by law. KAREN AGUILAR JUDGE OF THE DISTRICT COURT RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By: /s/ A. Ward Deputy (SEAL)
PROBATE (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, January 9, 2026; Friday, January 16, 2026) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA No: PB-2024-1581 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LINDA KAY PRATT, Deceased.
) ) ) )
ORDER AND NOTICE OF PETITION FOR DISCHARGE, FINAL REPORT and DETERMINATION OF HEIRS, DEVISEES, AND LEGATEES
APPROVED: /s/ Aaron Gwartney Aaron D. Gwartney, OBA #17229 Aaron@GwartneyLawGroup.com The Gwartney Law Group, PLLC 16312 Muirfield Place Edmond, OK 73013 Phone: (405)249-3374 Attorneys for Personal Representative
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES K. LOFTUS, DECEASED.
) ) ) )
ORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARING ON FINAL REPORT AND PETITION FOR DISTRIBUTION AND DISCHARGE COMES NOW, Cynthia M. Keenan, Personal Representative of the Estate of Charles K. Loftus, and presents a Final Report and Petition for Distribution and Discharge (the “Petition”) and requests a hearing on the Petition. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that said Petition be and is hereby set for hearing on the 3 day of February, 202a6, at 1:30 pm in the Oklahoma County District Courthouse, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, before the Honorable Judge Aguilar. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that notice thereof be given by
LPXLP
CV-2025-3132 IN RE: The Name of: Maria Dolores Velasco De Lopez
) ) )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, January 9, 2026)
No: PB-2021-479
/s/Jennifer Clark, Notary Public (SEAL) State of Oklahoma #13007871 My commission expires 08/27/2029
DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
MARTHA OAKES JUDGE OF THE DISTRICT COURT RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By: /s/ A. Ward Deputy (SEAL)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
Public Notices
Before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared: Yushan Han to me known to be the person(s) described in and who executed the foregoing application and acknowledged that she executed the same as her free act and deed.
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, January 9, 2026)
TO: All interested parties. Take notice that petitioner, Maria Dolores Velasco De Lopez, has petitioned to change her legal name from Maria Dolores Velasco De Lopez to Lola Lopez. A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 14 day of January, 2026, before Judge Andrews in his/her courtroom in the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, January 9, 2026; Friday, January 16, 2026)
Dated this 23 day of December, 2025. /s/Yushan Han County of Oklahoma, State of Oklahoma.
NAME CHANGE
WHEREAS, Susan M. Easterling (“Petitioner”) has filed a Final Report and a Petition for Distribution and Discharge. THE COURT FINDS AND IS ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED, AND NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LINDA KAY PRATT, that the Petition is set for hearing on the 21 day of January, 2026, at 2:00 o’clock p.m. in the Courtroom of Judge Oakes in the Oklahoma County Courthouse, 321 Park Ave., Oklahoma City, OK, 73102, and all persons interested may appear and contest the same. THE COURT FINDS AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED that notice of the hearing be given as required by law. WITNESS my hand this 23 day of December, 2025.
APPROVED: /s/ Aaron Gwartney Aaron D. Gwartney, OBA #17229 Aaron@GwartneyLawGroup. com The Gwartney Law Group, PLLC 16312 Muirfield Place Edmond, OK 73013 Phone: (405)249-3374 Attorney for Petitioner
In accordance with Title 37, Section 522 and Title 37A, Section 2-141 Yaba OK Korean LLC, 3000 W Memorial Rd., Ste 105, Oklahoma City, OK 73120, an LLC hereby publishes notice of its intention to apply within sixty days from this date to the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission for a Mixed Beverage License under authority of and in compliance with the said Act: That it intend(s), if granted such license to operate as a Mixed Beverage establishment with business premises located at 3000 W Memorial Rd. Ste 105 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, 73120 under the business name of Mr. Kimchi Korean Bistro.
/s/Maria Dolores Velasco De Lopez Pro Se
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2025-3076 In the Matter of the Application ) of Alyssa Caivano ) as next of friend of (child) ) Dallas Hogan Parker ) to Change Her/His Name ) NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME To Whom It May Concern: Take notice that (a) Alyssa Caivano, as next of friend of Dallas Hogan Parker has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a) Dallas Hogan Parker to (b) Dallas Cameron CaivanoParker; and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Stinson of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 15 day of January, 2026 at 1:30 o’clock p.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for hearing. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/ A. Ward Deputy (SEAL) CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, January 9, 2026) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2025-3118 In the Matter of the Application ) of Brittney Nero ) as next of friend of (child) ) Ja’zylon Williams )
Road projects, public contract bids, eminent domain, tax seizures and more can be found as public notices in your newspaper. It’s the law. Oklahomans want to keep it that way.
68%
of Oklahomans believe government legal notices should be printed in newspapers.*
70%
think legal notices should not be posted only on government websites.* * 2010 Oklahoma Press Service readership survey conducted by Evolve Research.
When citizens and government need to connect... to Change Her/His Name
)
NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME To Whom It May Concern: Take notice that (a) Brittney Nero, as next of friend of Ja’zylon Williams has filed in the above court a Petition to have the minor child’s name changed as follows, to-wit: From (a) Ja’zylon Williams to (b) Ja’zylon Nero; and that the same will be heard by the Honorable Judge Stinson of Oklahoma County, in the County Courthouse, located at 321 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102, on the 22 day of January, 2026 at 1:30 o’clock p.m.; and that any person may file a written protest in the case, prior to the date set for hearing. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/ A.Ward Deputy (SEAL) CLERK/BAILIFF OF THE DISTRICT COURT (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, January 9, 2026) DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA CV-2025-3155 In Re: The Name of: Dalton Scott Wayne Long
) )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Dalton Scott Wayne Long has petitioned to change his/her name to Dalton Scott Wayne Bynum. A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 21 day of January, 2026, before Judge Mai at 1:30 o’clock in courtroom 709 at the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do
so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed. NATALIE MAI RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/J. Pulley Deputy (SEAL)
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, January 9, 2026) DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
YOUR NEWSPAPER
Still DELIVERS
CV-2025-3060 IN RE: The Name of: Nicholas Todd Wilson
) )
NOTICE OF HEARING ON CHANGE ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Nicholas Todd Wilson has petitioned to change his/her name to Elizabeth Dyes Wilson. A Hearing on said petition is set for 1:30 o’clock P.M. on the 14 day of January, 2026, before Judge Andrews in his/her courtroom in the Oklahoma County Courthouse. Should you know of some reason why this change of name should not be allowed you must file a written protest in the above styled and numbered cause prior to the above date with the Clerk of this Court. Should you fail to do so, the petition for change of name will be granted as prayed.
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PUBLIC NOTICE (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, January 2, 2026; Friday, January 9, 2026; Friday, January 16, 2026) This vehicle is in the possession of John Truong DBA Car’s Storage 1013 N Holly St. 1966 Ford Mustang VIN# 6R07C107875 John Truong 405-922-4012
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January 9, 2026
First-Generation homeownership at Habitat Home dedication After years of housing instability, a single mother raising four children will celebrate a life-changing milestone on Dec. 30, when she received the keys to her new, energy-efficient and affordable Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH) home. Cathy A. and her four children have experienced repeated displacement over the past several years, including multiple 30-day notices to vacate through no fault of their own. She has now marked a turning point, providing the family with something they have not consistently had: a permanent place to call home. “Raising four kids in a singleparent household is difficult in itself,” Cathy said. “All I want is to provide them stability — a home where they feel safe, where they know that no matter what happens outside our doors, this is their place. Their safe haven.” For Cathy, homeownership represents far more than a house. It means security, consistency and the ability for her children to grow up free from the fear of being forced to move again. “It has happened to us twice in the past five years,” she said. “A stable home is critical to their upbringing and their path in life. It sets the way for them to be able to do it for themselves one day.” Through Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program, Cathy qualified for a mortgage, completed the required 100 sweatequity volunteer hours helping to build her home and others, and purchased her home at cost
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and without a down payment. “To be a first-generation homeowner means everything,” Cathy said. “I want my kids to know that even when the odds feel stacked against you, you can do this.” COHFH Chair/ CEO Ann Felton Gilliland said the home dedication marked Habitat’s 1,150th home built since 1990. She added that Habitat celebrated another milestone with a dual home dedication for two families in The Village on New Year’s Eve. “Our dual home dedication in The Village is the culmination of nearly three years of work with The Village leaders, Our Lord’s Lutheran Church, which donated the land to Habitat, and Johnson & Associates LLC,” Felton Gilliland said. “We are excited that two families will be moving into their new homes and invite the media to attend the home dedication.” To learn more about Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity, visit cohfh.org. To donate, text MAKEHOMEHAPPEN to 50155 or call 405-232-4828.
Carpenter Square Theatre offers new play for the new year Carpenter Square Theatre welcomes the new year with a new memory play, “Pictures from Home” by Sharr White based on the photo memoir “Pictures from Home” by Larry Sultan. It’s the fourth production of the theater’s Season 42, and all
performances are at the theater’s venue located at 1009 W. Reno in the area known as the West Village in Oklahoma City. Playwright Sharr White invites us to spend a couple of hours at Larry Sultan’s parents’ home in sunny Southern California, where he explores his family relationships and ultimately uncovers cracks in the family façade. The show follows Larry, a professional photographer, as he embarks on his most personal project yet: photographing and interviewing his parents. They live a pictureperfect life in a picture-perfect home in Southern California, but as Sultan digs deeper, he learns that their outward perfection and material success hides imperfections that he never realized before. The result is a deeply intimate and comic portrait of a mother, a father, and their son. Though set in the recent past, this poignant and theatrically inventive play is both ofthe-moment and timeless. Broadway critics have said that the play is, “Humming with vibrant humor,” and called it, “a sweet and wise play about just wanting your mom and dad to keep on going, to wish they could live forever.” Rhonda Clark directs a cast of metro area actors who should be well-known to local theatre patrons. David Burkhart portrays the son Larry who is a professional photographer and teacher and specializes in conceptual photographs of homes, but turns his lens to his “perfect” nuclear family. Terry Veal is Irving Sultan, a retired executive from a razor company who is now an irascible, opinionated, and impatient septuagenarian. Mother Jean Sultan is played by Lilli Bassett. Jean is a very successful real-
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Oklahoma City Friday | Page 9
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tor who is anxious to retire and move to Palm Desert, but finds herself refereeing during their son’s “project.” Miranda LoPresti assists as the production stage manager. Set design is by Ben Hall, Brayden Pogson is the lighting designer, and Elin Bhaird serves as costume designer. Specific performance dates and times over three weekends are: 8 pm Jan. 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31; 7:30 pm Jan. 22 and 29; and 2 pm Jan. 25 and Feb. 1, 2026. Tickets are on sale now. All seats are reserved, and reservations are highly recommended. For a savings, theatergoers may purchase flexible passes that can be used for multiple productions. Regular adult tickets are $30 with discounts available for seniors, military, educators, students, and groups of ten or more. Thursday performances also have a special reduced ticket price, and the theater honors a discount for the Allied Arts OKCityCard. Free parking is available on Reno in parking spaces and in a new parking lot near the southeast corner of Reno and Western. The public may find more information about the show and tickets at carpentersquare.com or by downloading the Carpenter Square Theatre free mobile app. The box office is open Tuesdays-Fridays at 1-6 pm and patrons may call 405-232-6500. In conjunction with the play, an exhibit in the Richard and Glenna Tanenbaum Gallery will feature the photography of David Burkhart who also plays a photographer in the play. Carpenter Square Theatre appreciates the support of the Oklahoma Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, the Kirkpatrick Family Fund, and Allied Arts Foundation.
Papa Dios 10712 N May, Suite D Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-2255 papadiosokc.com First Fidelity Bank 6404 Avondale, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 416-2222 Website: ffb.com Denner Roofing Co. LLC 6608 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4411 dennerroofing.com The Adult Clinic at Hearts for Hearing 11500 N. Portland Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 548-4335 Christian Science Reading Room 6490 Avondale Drive (Nichols Hills Plaza North) Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 843-5334 christianscienceokc.org Steam It Klean It LLC Carpet Cleaning PO Box 20232 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 602-4960 Steamitkleanit@gmail.com Krista Anne’s Boutique 7602 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 310-5500
Paul Seikel Pearls Oyster Bar 5641 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 848-8008 pearlsokc.com Basey's Roofing Gary Basey 2700 S. May Ave. Okla City, OK 73109 (405)755-8717 baseysroofingjs@gmail.com Niroula Law 511 Couch Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 496-9250 niroulalaw.com OKC FRIDAY P.O. Box 20340 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 755-3311 okcfriday.com Strebel Creek Vineyard & Gift Shop 11521 N. MacArthur Blvd. Okla. City, OK 73162 (405) 720-7779 Fri. 1-5 pm, Sat. 10-5 pm, Sun. 2-5 pm FB. Strebel Creek Navigating Medicare 2232 W. Hefner Road Suite A. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 842-0494 navigatingmedicare.com
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Opinion January 9, 2026 | Page 10
Harvey Pratt: a Renaissance Man By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
ence was steady, thoughtful and rooted in care for artists and Harvey Pratt was a cultural integrity. He true Renaissance Man believed deeply in the — a Cheyenne Peace importance of Native Chief and member of voices being seen and the Council of Fortyvalued.” Four, United States Harvey won many Marine, artist, invenawards for both his tor, teacher, Big Foot paintings, drawings expert and my friend. and sculpture at the When he passed away Red Earth Festival and HARVEY PRATT on New Year’s Eve at was named Red Earth age 84, news and soHonored One in 2005. cial media exploded with salutes to The First Americans Museum said, his life. They were all deserved. “As a Cheyenne Peace Chief and MaI first met Harvey more than 30 rine Corps Veteran, Harvey Pratt years ago through my past employlived an exemplary life of service.” ment with the Red Earth Festival. Harvey was honored in 2025 with He will always be one of the kinthe inaugural Excellence in Tradidest people I have ever known. tional Arts Award during The First Harvey crossed cultural divides Americans Museum annual gala. and was highly respected in both His works are in the permanent the Indian and non-Indian worlds. collection of the National Park ServHe was a fascinating storyteller ice and the Smithsonian Institution. and extraordinary teacher. In 2002, he accepted a state apHarvey served the Oklahoma pointment to the Oklahoma Arts State Bureau of Investigation for 45 Council by Governor Frank Keating. years, working from 1972-2017. He The Smithsonian Museum in held many positions including inWashington DC chose his Warriors’ vestigator, forensic artist, division Circle of Honor, a 12-foot tall, director and interim director. stainless-steel circle balanced on a “Harvey impacted not only Oklacurved stone drum as the centerhomans, but individuals throughout piece of the National Native Amerithe United States,” the OSBI posted can Veterans Memorial. of his passing. “His compassion and I always loved the fact that Harlove for others will not be forgotten.” vey provided forensic artwork of Harvey’s forensic work helped in Big Foot for the books Tribal Bignumerous high-profile cases both foot and The Hoopa Project. He proon a national and international duced dozens of forensic sketches level, including the Oklahoma Girl from Big Foot witnesses and was a Scout murders, the Oklahoma City true believer. He made me one, too. bombing and the 1993 World Trade Harvey often attended and spoke at Center bombing. For his work with Big Foot events near Hochatown in the OSBI, he was inducted into the southeastern Oklahoma. Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of I have had a select few favorite Fame in 2012 and the Oklahoma teachers in my life. Mrs. Nancy Military Hall of Fame in 2019. Ratzlaff from my sixth grade class at “Harvey Pratt was first and foreFridayland’s Stonegate Elementary, most an artist. Across painting, sculpMrs. Judy Swafford from my journalture, illustration and monumental ism class at Northeast High School, public design, his work challenged and Dr. Stan Hoig, my yearbook erasure and insisted on Indigenous sponsor and mass communications visibility that was contemporary and professor at Central State Univerenduring,” posted The Association of sity. But my favorite life teacher Tribal Archives, Libraries and Mumust go to Harvey Pratt. seums about Harvey. A’ho Harvey Pratt. May you rest Red Earth noted that, “His presin the Spirit World.
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Dear Wise Elder: Mom was independent and healthy – until she wasn’t. Now we are going through a roller coaster in the hospital with one health issue affecting another. One day she’s gaining ground and ready for discharge to skilled, the next day another problem comes. My sisters and I are rattled trying to be prepared for who knows what. Any suggestions? Dear Rattled: To get calm; stay with the basics. Have one family as point person for hospital communication. Keep a small notebook recording every person’s name/title who enters the hospital room, date/time, the
action they take, and the recommendations for next steps. Find or create with an attorney the two separate legal documents for Power of Attorney for Healthcare and Financial decisions. Have a written list of your mother’s doctors and all medications with dosage and reason for taking. Have a regular (at least weekly) phone meeting with your sisters to make sure you stay in agreement. Unity is vital. There is wisdom in numbers when you stay unified. Together you can handle anything. - Courtesy VillagesOKC, VillagesOKC.org (405) 990-6637
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January 9, 2026
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Page 12 | Oklahoma City Friday
January 9, 2026
Holidays in Fridayland Carleen hosts Junior League
- Photos by Rose Lane
The Lotus Club of Oklahoma City, a long-standing, social club focused on recreational dancing, hosted its Christmas dance at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. Enjoying the festivities, above, are Gary Homsey, Julee Coyle, Susan McPherson, Henry Browne and Sue Homsey.
Carleen Burger hosted Junior League Oklahoma City members in her Nichols Hills home for a holiday soiree. Above: Past Presidents, from the top, Betsy Mantor, Adrienne Nobles, Sheena Hollander, Tracey Frederick, Kelli Hilgenfeld Porter, Kristen Brown, Kristi Leonard, Beth Shortt, Katie James, Tabitha Narvaiz, Whitney Tero, Kristin Van Nort and Ann Richard-Farinha.
Lotus Club dances night away
Above: The 98th (current) Board of the Junior League of Oklahoma City, from left, Jenny Cripps, Angie Huffaker, Jade Law, Tabitha Narvaiz, Kristin Van Nort, Katie James, Jennifer Vickery and Sarah Dumas.
Above: John and Elizabeth Goetzinger. At left: Elizabeth Farabee and Debbie Margo.
At right: Junior League of Oklahoma City Sustaining Members Susan Ellis, homeowner Carleen Burger and Suzy Lytle.