OKC FRIDAY Vol. 58 No. 12 • One Section • 16 pages • July 26, 2024 $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 50 years
Scammer gets $50k from Nichols Hills resident; $ gone
Miss OKC pageant celebrates historic 101st anniversary By Rose Lane Editor The iconic Miss Oklahoma City competition, launched in 1923, celebrated its 101st anniversary this year. Back when it began, gas cost 22 cents per gallon, stamps were 2 cents and new cars averaged $364. Mary Dean Overly was crowned the organization's first winner. Elizabeth Gibson was crowned the 101st Miss OKC 2025 winner. The Miss OKC competition has a rich history of producing successful contestants. Jane Ann Jayroe Gamble, Miss OKC 1966, went on to win Miss America 1967. Similarly, Susan Powell claimed the Miss America 1981 title after winning Miss OKC 1980. This year's event opened with the national anthem performed by outgoing Miss OKC 2024, Mia-Lynne Smith. Gibson, the newly crowned Miss OKC 2025, brings a unique blend of talent and heritage to the title. The 25-year-old Oklahoma City native and Oklahoma City University graduate holds a bachelor of fine arts in acting. In a touching twist of fate, the competition venue, Putnam City High School (est. 1914), witnessed a family legacy unfold. Her mother, Deanna Luckinbill Gibson,
By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
held the Miss OKC title in 1991 and was third runner-up to Miss Oklahoma. Gibson is the daughter of Deanna and Robert Gibson. Contestants were evaluated on interview skills, fitness, community service initiatives, and
Nichols Hills Police have reported a scam that resulted in the loss of $50,000 for a Nichols Hills resident. Police say the victim of the fraud will never recover his money. “On June 21, a resident came into the police station to report possible fraud,” Chief Steven Cox shared with the Nichols Hills City Council in his monthly report. “The victim stated he received a call from an individual who claimed to be a Nichols Hills police officer, and stated a warrant was issued for missed jury duty.” Nichols Hills police say the caller identified himself as James Davis and told the victim that arrest could be avoided by paying a fine of $50,000. Nichols Hills Police do not make calls asking for money. “The payment was made using Bitcoin,” said Cox. “Once the victim made the payment the
See PAGEANT, Page 2
See NHILLS, Page 5
- Photo by Fran Kozakowski
Miss Oklahoma 2024 Lauren Frost and Miss OKC 2024 Elizabeth Gibson.
Report finds that Oklahoma City water is clear and OK to drink By Rose Lane Editor Oklahoma City’s drinking water meets or exceeds all federal and state standards. The Oklahoma City Utilities Department published its annual Drinking Water Quality Report, also known as the Consumer
Confidence Report (CCR), for 2023 with that information. This report includes important information about the quality and safety of Oklahoma City’s drinking water. The CCR offers a detailed overview of the sources of Oklahoma City's drinking water, the substances it con-
tains and the measures taken to ensure it meets state drinking water quality standards. Required by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the report is released annually by July 1. The report also includes information about contami-
Duong is PC Schools honoree
DENISE DUONG
Artist Denise Duong is to be honored during the Putnam City Schools Foundation’s 2024 Wall of Fame ceremony. This annual event honors a Putnam City Schools graduate who has experienced significant success in their chosen field. The 2024 ceremony is set for Thursday, Sept. 19, beginning at 6 p.m. at Oklahoma Contemporary, 11 NW 11. Her works are displayed on walls big and small throughout the OKC metro, the U.S., and the world — including murals in the Plaza, West Village and Asian Cultural districts. For more information, visit putnamcityfoundation.charityproud.org.
nants regulated by the EPA, such as natural substances from the ground that get into the water and the disinfectants used to make the water safe to drink. “Our water treatment operators work hard to ensure the quality of water we provide not only meets all safety standards but exceeds them,”
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week Meet Gus, the 11-year-old Labradoodle of Jason and Paige Moreland. He spent the Fourth of July holiday lounging in the pool and swimming after fake duckies, what a dream! Thank goodness he had his holiday hat and sunnies to beat the heat. He’s one happy dude, always! Email Dog of the Week, Baby of the Week and Cat of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
Leigh Ann Kitsmiller, regulatory compliance manager for the OKC Utilities Department said. “Our staff is proud of the water we deliver.” Utilities Water Quality staff treated more than 40 billion gallons of water in 2023 and See WATER, Page 5