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Vol. 60, No. 6
People You Should Know
June 19, 2026
1 Section • 14 Pages
Village ponders future of data centers By Eric Oesch Staff Writer While city leaders in central Oklahoma ponder the future of data centers in their communities, leaders in The Village are taking a wait-and-see approach to regulating the industry. City Manager Dave Slezickey said The Village has not been approached about the construction of a data center, but newly-elected Ward 5 Councilwoman Kara Tam-
Walts has asked the council to discuss options. Data center discussions have been front and center in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Piedmont, Luther and Yukon, drawing big crowds to city council meetings who oppose their construction. Residents have expressed concerns about the copious amounts of water and electricity consumption data centers need to operate, which can vary depending upon their size and cooling technology.
Cities including Edmond and Oklahoma City have approved temporary moratoriums on new data centers. In Yukon, the city manager resigned his seat following data center controversy, while voters in Piedmont and Luther have filled council chambers with their raucous opposition. “We have not been approached about the construction of a Data Center in The Village,” said Village See VILLAGE, Page 7
LESTARI KUSUMAWARDANI Marketing Manager OKC Ballet Where did you grow up, and do you have a favorite childhood memory? I grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia. My absolute favorite childhood memory is a big family trip to the U.S. with my parents and older sister. That trip sparked everything for me — I knew right then that I wanted to live and go to college in America! The '90s were peak childhood for me and I’ll never forget our road trip from New York to Columbus, Ohio. What did you want to be when you grew up? I never really had a specific job or title in mind; I just knew I wanted to do something I loved. Safe to say, I definitely achieved that goal! What are you most passionate about professionally? Getting to work in the arts is a dream. Spreading that kind of joy and beauty is so rewarding. The Oklahoma art scene has evolved beautifully, and I love being a small part of it. Has your definition of success changed as you’ve developed your career? Oh, absolutely — and I'm sure it will keep evolving! When I was in college, success was all about titles and climbing the ladder. Now? It’s all about a beautifully balanced life. What is a perfect day for you? Waking up without an alarm, enjoying a slow morning, and hitting a hot yoga class to clear my head. Then, I’d spend the afternoon exploring —ideally visiting the Museum of Art or catching a live performing arts show. See PYSK, Page 7
(405) 606-2727
The OKC Farmers Public Market is to again be the site of Red, Whites & Brews benefiting Catholic Charities.
Red, Whites & Brews set for July 9 Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City is set to host its 17th annual Reds, Whites & Brews fundraiser on Wednesday, July 9 from 6-9 p.m. at the OKC Farmers Public Market.
The signature summer event brings together community members, local restaurants, breweries, wineries, and supporters for an evening of food, drinks, entertainment, and philanthropy — all
benefiting Catholic Charities’ life-changing programs across central and western Oklahoma. Guests will enjoy a curated selection of wines, local craft beers and cuisine from some
Guy Liebmann passes away
See RW&B, Page 12
Our students earn Merits
Former Oklahoma City Ward 8 Councilman and former acting Mayor Guy Liebmann passed away June 8. He was 90-years-old. Liebmann represented Fridayland’s Ward 8 on the City Council from 1995 to 2004 and served as Oklahoma City’s 36th mayor in an acting capacity from November 2003 to March 2004. “As our 36th mayor, Mayor Liebmann will forever be a See LIEBMANN, Page 10
of Oklahoma City’s favorite restaurants in a festive, relaxed atmosphere featuring karaoke, cash prizes, yard games, and opportunities to learn more about
By Rose Lane Editor Six Fridayland students are National Merit Scholarship winners. They are among over 2,500 winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. Officials of each sponsor college selected their scholarship winners from among the finalists in the 2026 National Merit See MERITS, Page 7 GUY LIEBMANN
FRIDAY’s
Dog of the Week Hallie is a two-year-old foxhound who was rescued from a Hound Organization out of Texas just over a year ago. She lives in Quail Creek with her furever family – Lindsey, Stan, Elizabeth and Hannah Evans. Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
Gilliland to retire
Ann Felton Gilliland, whose visionary leadership has helped transform Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH) into one of the nation’s leading Habitat affiliates, announces that she plans to retire Dec. 31 as COHFH’s chair and CEO, after more than 36 years of service to the affordable housing nonprofit. For over three decades, Felton Gilliland’s leadership, financial stewardship and dedication to affordable housing have helped more than 2,000 families across central Oklahoma build brighter See RETIRE, Page 2
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