OKC FRIDAY Vol. 56 No. 33 • One Section • 12 pages • January 20, 2023
$1 per copy
www.okcfriday.com facebook.com/okcfriday OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving affluent far north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills and The Village for 49 years
NHills residents donate over $42k to purchase equipment for police By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
- Photo by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com
Lady Bears take down Douglass John Marshall’s Kaylen Geretta (11) elevates for a layup during last week’s basketball game against Douglass. The Lady Bears cruised to a 56-41 victory against the Trojans. See Sports Weekly, Pages 4-5
The Nichols Hills city council voted to accept a donation of $42,500 from the Nichols Hills Fire and Crime Prevention Board for the purchase of eight Vigilant Solutions license plate reading cameras. Nichols Hills resident Patrick Alexander is president of the volunteer group comprised of city residents that raised the funds in support of the Nichols Hills Police Department. “Nichols Hills has historically been this community that relies upon its residents for so many things,” City Manager Shane Pate told the council during the meeting. “Property taxes, sales taxes – they go above and beyond for so many things. “We have a Parks Inc. organization that raises money for us, and we have the Nichols Hills Crime and Prevention,” he said. “They are both valu-
able tools. This donation of $42,5000 will allow us to purchase eight license plate reading cameras that will be helpful to us responding to issues where there’s been theft.” The Vigilant Solutions license plate readers allow passive, constant, automated license plate checks as opposed to the more manual process of police calling in to a command center to check on license places. The technology scans the plates of passing vehicles, checks them in databases and creates an alert when there’s a hit. “The city does an excellent job of taking care of the needs of the fire and police departments,” said Police Chief Steven Cox during the meeting. “From time to time we have other expenditures that we would like to make. “When we present items we need for the department to our See NICHOLS HILLS, Page 3
Six to be honored during United Way of Central Oklahoma gala By Rose Lane Editor Jean C. Leger, Jr., Bill Citty and Larry Nichols are to be honored during this Friday’s United Way Gala. The event is also celebrating the accomplishments of outgoing Board Chairman Sherri Lance and 2022 Campaign Co-Chairmen Shane and Lori Wharton, as well as the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s 100th
anniversary. In addition, the announcement of the total of the 2022 campaign is to be announced. Leger, who is vice president of utility operations for OG&E Electric Services, is the recipient of the Ray Ackerman Leadership Award. The Ray Ackerman Leadership Award is given each year to individuals who have exemplified leadership in support of United Way of Central Oklahoma’s work.
and steadfast spirit that both Mr. and Mrs. Rex embodied. This award recognizes individuals who share their visions, hope and determination in finding long-term solutions to community needs. Devon Energy Co-Founder Larry Nichols has been named the Richard H. Clements Lifetime Achievement Award honoree. The award is named for Richard H. “Dick” Clements, who was a civic leader and
committed United Way volunteer for six decades. This award is given annually in recognition of an outstanding, lifelong dedication to volunteerism, leadership and philanthropy, not only to United Way but to the community as a whole. The gala begins with a 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception, followed by the formal program and dinner at 6:30 pm. at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
Park perks pulled to reign in project budget
DOKC names president Downtown OKC Partnership (DOKC) announced that Jennifer Nakayama is to lead the organization as president and CEO beginning February 2023. Nakayama joins DOKC from Waikiki Business Improvement District (WBID), where
Named for Ray Ackerman, a veteran volunteer, this award honors those who share his tireless efforts and devotion to United Way’s mission, setting the standard for volunteerism, leadership and caring. The John & Berta Faye Rex Community Builder Award is to be presented to retired Oklahoma City Police Chief Bill Citty. The John and Berta Faye Rex Community Builder Award honors the tenacious
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
JENNIFER NAKAYAMA she has served as president and executive See DOKC, Page 2
During a rare special session held last week, The Village City Council voted to eliminate some planned improvements to Duffner Park, 10801 Victoria Park, in an effort to bring the cost of the project in line with the set budget. Last February, voters in The Village approved a $1.6 million General Obligation Bond measure to update and renovate the city’s busiest park. But when
Auditions approaching for Follies Oklahoma Senior Follies auditions are set for this Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Oklahoma City University, FA 344, in the Fine Arts Building. Schedule an audition at oklahomaseniorfollies.com/schedule-anaudition. Director Scott Guthrie and Music Director Dr. Matthew Jones are to be in the room. Those auditioning should prepare one song, uptempo (preferred) or ballad — “whichever shows you off the best,” they said. “We want you to come in and have fun,” the directors said. Those who audition are asked to
bring sheet music in a book that is clearly prepared for the accompanist. A current headshot/resume with contact information printed on it is also needed. Senior Follies hopefuls are asked to arrive early to fill out a form. “We are seeing a lot of people so please be early and ready to walk into the audition room at your appointment time,” the directors said. The 2023 Senior Follies are set for 3 p.m., Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11, at the Hudson Performance Hall, NW Classen High School, 2820 N. May Ave.
the city opened bids in December, all four bids received were above projected costs. Rudy Construction submitted the lowest bid, coming in nearly $600,000 over budget. The council was faced with four alternatives: Move forward with the project by adding additional funds, re-bid the project as is, redesign the project and rebid or negotiate with the low bidder to reduce the scope of work. Original plans included additional sidewalks, landscape
FRIDAY’s
lighting, a lighted basketball court, soccer field with enhanced playing surface and turf, a new stage/pavilion, outdoor furnishings including picnic tables and grills, additional playground equipment, and extensive landscaping including trees, shrubs and flower beds. Council members voted to negotiate a change order with Rudy Construction to reduce the cost of the project and revise See VILLAGE, Page 3
Dog of the Week
Ellie is a German shepherd who loves to play fetch and chase squirrels in the back yard. She adores her humans, OKC FRIDAY sports editor Jason Jewell and his wife Carly, and enjoys a good afternoon nap on the couch. She also takes special delight in slurping and snuggling her baby kitten twins. Email Dog of the Week, Baby of the Week and Cat of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.