OKC Friday okcfriday.com • facebook.com/okcfriday
Vol. 60, No. 16
September 4, 2026
1 Section • 12 Pages
People You Should Know
- Photo by Rose Lane
Oklahoma City to the north, The Village to the south: Two police departments share a 2.5 miles strip of Hefner Road. WILEY HUGOS Community Volunteer Where did you grow up? What is your favorite childhood memory? I grew up in north OKC where summers were spent outside from early mornings to dinner time, cruising in bicycle “gangs” and finding endless adventures that included drugstore lunches, impromptu neighborhood pool visits and other creative delights. At one point we could actually tell time by the position of the sun, just like our cowboy idols Roy Rodgers and Dale Evans! The local park had lots of wild persimmon and blackberry trees with sweet fruit for the taking. The best was the creek, complete with crawdads, perch, frogs, tadpoles and the very occasional rattlesnake! Along with the park, our partially developed neighborhoods supported various plants and wildlife and were homes to roadrunners, bats, June-bugs, tarantulas, adorable horny toads, bunnies, foxes, birds, lightning bugs, skunks and maybe a coyote here and there. Occasionally, even a horse and rider could be seen trotting the area. On that note, I recently discovered remanents of some of the original bridal paths that See PYSK, Page 11
(405) 606-2727
Oklahoma City, Village police share the jurisdiction along Hefner Road By Eric Oesch Staff Writer “Boundaries between cities have to exist somewhere, so it may not be uncommon for cities to share boundary lines along a major thoroughfare,” says Village Police Chief Russ Landon. And while Oklahoma City is
geographically one of the largest cities in the nation, occupying parts of five counties and containing or abutting around 10 other cities, it does share a 2.5mile boundary with The Village along Hefner Road. Between McKinley Avenue and Lake Hefner Parkway, the north-side west-bound lane of
Hefner Road is considered Oklahoma City while the south-side east-bound lane is in The Village. Chief Landon said daily traffic on Hefner Road through The Village is difficult to determine, but estimates about 65,000 vehicles pass through The Village each See HEFNER, Page 3
Residents want manager to call city home, too By Eric Oesch Staff Writer Of the 13 items before The Village voters last week, nine passed and four failed. Voters were most
outspoken on Proposition 6 that would have removed language from the city charter requiring the city manager to reside within city limits during their tenure of office.
Sign up for EMSA now September is EMSAcare enrollment month in Oklahoma City. From Sept. 1-30, Oklahoma City residents may change their membership status with the ambulance service. EMSAcare covers the outof-pocket expenses for EMSA treatment-in-place services and emergency ambulance transports ending at a hospital ER anywhere in the EMSA service area, which includes the City of Oklahoma City and the City of Tulsa. EMSAcare membership benefits apply to all permanent household members,
Residents strongly voiced their opposition of the proposal with 1,242 no votes compared to 599 yes votes in changing the charter to keep the requirement. While the city charter
provision has remained unchanged since its inception, state law has changed regarding the residency of a city manager. The change would See VILLAGE, Page 12
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week Our sweet Bernedoodle, Dixie, has a soft spot for peanut butter, an irrational dislike of blueberries and a love for fetch — although she’d rather be inside with her favorite people, the Bellows, Reuben, Dana, Abbey, Isaac and Ruby. She keeps us laughing every day! Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
See EMSA, Page 12
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
Second Century Club
September 4, 2026
Born & Brewed The Second Cenutry Club of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame hosted its annual Born & Brewed beer tasting. The event featured breweries from across the state, providing guests with a unique tasting experience that is completely “born and brewed” right here in Oklahoma. All proceeds benefit the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s Free Family Fun and educational programming, allowing thousands of Oklahoma families to experience a variety of immersive programs. Above: From left, Jeronimo Lara, Braden Burns, Dalton Miller and Olivia Trolinger. At right: From left: Alaina Conley, Hall of Fame development officer; Madi Taylor Kelly, Oklahoma Born & Brewed chairman-elect; Shannon L. Rich, president & CEO; and Bailey Smith Londagin, Oklahoma Born & Brewed chairman.
- Photos by Rose Lane
In photos, left to right: Scotty and Casey Worley; Catherine Brown and Darby Hicks; and Julie Korff, Hall of Fame director of accounting and benefits specialist, and Laurena Sherrill, theatrical and event manager.
From Page One
August 28, 2026
Fun at The Greens Showing new members during a mixer how fun The Greens Golf and Country Club is, are: From left, standing, Randy and Kim Tweed, Terrie Hubbard, Tammy Sturdivan, Gary and Klista Storts, Andy Hubbard and Kenyon Morgan; and seated, Judy Veazey, Judy Wilkins and Linda Dunn. - Photo by Rose Lane
HEFNER From Page 1 day, with “a decent portion” traveling on Hefner Road. MSgt. Gary Knight with the Oklahoma City Police Department said OKC shares a main thoroughfare border with many neighboring cities including Edmond, Moore, Del City, Bethany, Warr Acres and The Village. “We have the north side of the road, and The Village has the south side,” said Knight. “We work closely with the Village Police Department depending on the situation and enjoy a good relationship with our partners in The Village.” VPD Chief Landon said, “Due to both a municipal ordinance and state law, our officers can enforce traffic laws on both the east and westbound lanes of Hefner Road. “If a criminal act occurs on the south side of Hefner, The
Village police will respond and investigate; if it occurs on the north side, the OKCPD will respond,” he said. “When we investigate traffic crashes in the area, we need to determine where the initial point of impact of the vehicles was to determine which agency will investigate the collision. “Similar to our relationship with Nichols Hills, we have a very good relationship with the OKCPD,” he added. “Any time Oklahoma City has an emergency call in their city near The Village and their officers may be responding from a distance away they may call us to assist until their officers can arrive.” Chief Landon said The Village has issues with people speeding on Hefner Road. “People complain to us about speeding on the street and we do our best to educate and enforce the speed limit,” he said. “Much of Hefner
Road is essentially a residential area with at least one school and other businesses, churches and a city park abutting the road. “The new YMCA is under construction on Hefner which will not only increase the traffic count, but also add a large amount of vehicles pulling into and out of the large parking lot,” he said. “Our officers can stop upwards of a couple hundred cars a month on Hefner. Typically, a combination of citations and warnings are issued for a variety of hazardous and nonhazardous violations.” While Nichols Hills and The Village share a boundary, there are no streets
that are on that border. The Village’s south border is shared with Nichols Hills. Landon said the VPD has at least two patrol officers assigned to patrol the city’s two square miles at any given time and says there are other instances where there may be more patrol officers, detectives or administrators on duty as well. “People who victimize our citizens rarely know which city they are in,” he added. “So, we find our department working together with the OKCPD to identify people who are committing crimes in the Oklahoma City metro area.”
Oklahoma City Friday | Page 3
OKC Friday
Sports Weekly September 4, 2026 | Page 4
Football | Week 1 Preview: Lincoln Christian at Heritage Hall, 7 p.m. Friday
Chargers hope to end losing skid against Bulldogs By Jason Jewell Sports Editor Over the last halfdecade, the Heritage Hall football teams averages less than two losses per season. Most of those sebacks have been courtesy of the same team – Lincoln Christian. Last year, the Bulldogs beat the Chargers, 35-6, in Week 2 and 28-7 in the Class 3A semifinals.
Week 1 Schedule Thursday, September 3 John Marshall at Mount St. Mary Friday, September 4 North Rock Creek at Crossings Christian Edmond North at Deer Creek Lincoln Christian at Heritage Hall McGuinness at Tulsa-Bishop Kelley Shawnee at PC North Note: All games start at 7 p.m., unless noted.
On Friday, Heritage Hall gets another chance to
end the losing streak, as it hosts Lincoln Christian at
7 p.m. this Friday at Pop Murray Field. The secondranked Chargers (01) are coming off a 38-25 season-opening loss at Shiloh Christian in Springdale, Ark. Quarterback Teagan Lawson accounted for two touchdowns, including a 7-yard pass to Max Everett and a 12-yard run, to lead the way. Lincoln Christian, the 3-time defending 3A state champions,
held off Jones for a 25-13 road win. The Bulldogs dropped down to 2A for the 2026 season. Four other Fridayland teams host Week 1 games. Crossings Christian looks for its second straight win against North Rock Creek. The Knights (1-0) cruised to a 610 win over KIPPTulsa last Friday. Deer Creek (1-0) entertains Edmond North, following a 34-7 victory at Sand
Springs in Week 0. PC North (0-1) tries to get in the win column against Shawnee. The Panthers suffered a 6619 setback at McGuinness. Meanwhile, Mount St. Mary (1-0) entertained Fridayland rival John Marshall (0-1) on Thursday. The Rockets won 4130 at Legacy Christian in Frisco, Texas, while the Bears fell 14-12 to Star Spencer last Saturday afternoon.
Football | Week 0 Roundup
Irish overpower Panthers in opener By Jason Jewell Sports Editor
Draped by a pair of Star Spencer defenders, John Marshall’s Delvin Robinson (3) makes an acrobatic catch during last Saturday’s game.
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.
Erupting for three touchdowns in the first quarter, the McGuinness football team overpowered Fridayland rival PC North for a 66-19 win last Friday night in the season opener at Pribil Stadium. The McGuinness defense also forced the Panthers into five turnovers, three of which resulted in Irish touchdowns. “It’s exactly what I expected,” said McGuinness coach Ryan Stringer after the game. “Our run defense was good and our guys were all flying to the ball. We were able to overwhelm them (early).” Stacey Brewer and Harper Buergler recovered fumbles in the end zone, while Iasiah Nelson returned an interception 24 yards for the Irish (1-0). Seven different McGuinness players scored touchdowns, led by tailbacks DreAndre Bruton and Waite Swanson with two scores each. “I thought our offense was good,” Stringer said. “We
McGuinness’ Jack Reese (14) gets tacked by PC North’s Dominic Spotwood during last Friday’s Week 0 football game at Pribil Stadium.
- Photos by Richard Clifton, rtcditigalimages.zenfolio.com
only ran 22 plays but were able to hit some big, explosive plays.” Bruton opened the game with a 1-yard plunge and rumbled for a 49-yard TD late in the first quarter. Swanson added a 43-yard run and caught a 32-yard pass from quarterback Gage Chance. Kicker Robert Lehr nailed a 36yard field goal and made all seven extra-point attempts. PC North (0-1) added three scores in the fourth quarter, as quarterback Owen McMahan connected with
Zach Pettie on TD passes of 26 and 70 yards and tailback Ryder Rosholt had a 1-yard run. “We’re a really young team,” said PC North coach Brian Lockart. “I think our guys got a little shell-shocked in the first half. Antlers cruise past Sand Springs Deer Creek built a 2-touchdown lead by halftime and cruised to a 34-7 victory at Sand Springs on Friday night. Quarterback Dax Chancey threw a 21-
yard touchdown pass to Mason Mayhew and added a 2yard run to lead the Antlers (1-0). Mayhew also had a 2-yard TD run, and tailback Junior Harris scored on runs of 15 and 16 yards. Knights run over KIPP-Tulsa Crossings Christian quarterback Micah Shadid threw for three touchdown passes to help lead the Knights to a 61-0 triumph against KIPP-Tulsa. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Sports Weekly
September 4, 2026
Oklahoma City Friday | Page 5
Softball Roundup
Big 5th inning propels Irish to win Locked in a tie after three innings, the McGuinness softball scored five runs in the fifth inning to pull away for a 10-5 win over Elk City last Monday. Sisters Madelyn Milligan and Molly Milligan led the Irish (4-10) with two hits each. Madelyn Milligan belted a double and drove in two runs, as Molly Milligan added two runs and drove in another. Mya Madu chipped in a double and scored three runs for McGuin-
ness. Madelyn Milligan also picked up the complete-game pitching victory, allowing five runs on eight hits and striking out two over seven innings. The Irish visit Bishop Kelley this Friday and Weatherford on Tuesday. Antlers run over Perkins Deer Creek broke open a close game with five runs in the fourth inning on the way to an 11-3 vic-
tory against PerkinsTryon last Monday afternoon. Avery Atkins batted 3-for-3 with a double and run scored to lead the Antlers (5-6). Avery McGuire recorded a pair of doubles and four runs batted in, as Reagan Lykes added two singles and scored a run. Pitcher Adi Driscoll allowed three runs on six hits and struck out four over five innings. Deer Creek travels to Mustang this Tuesday.
Cyclones sweep Community Chr. Erupting for nearly 30 runs, Casady cruised to doubleheader sweep at Community Christian last week. Four different players recorded two hits in a 12-2 win for the Cyclones (2-7) in Game 1. Navy White scored four runs and drove in two, and Kaitlyn Shaver scored twice with two RBIs. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Volleyball Roundup
No. 9 Cyclones outlast Knights in 5 sets In a back-and-forth struggle, the Casady volleyball team pulled away for a 15-5 win in the fifth set to cap a 3-2 match victory over Fridayland rival Crossings Christian last Monday night. The Class 3A No. 9 Cyclones (7-3) won the first set 25-22 and 26-24 in the third, while the 3A No. 3 Knights (6-3) captured the second and fourth frames in the setback. Casady, which opened the week with a 3-2 loss to 6A No. 12 Norman North,
travels to 5A No. 1 McGuinness this Tuesday. Crossings Christian endured a 3-0 setback at 4A No. 6 Heritage Hall last Tuesday. The Knights visit 3A No. 11 Christian Heritage this Tuesday. Rockets 7th at VolleyPalooza Battling against some of the top teams in Texas, Mount St. Mary posted five wins for seventh place overall at the VolleyPalooza prestigious tournament in
Austin, Texas. The 4A No. 1 Rockets (158) recorded wins against Bridgeland, Leander, Lake Highlands, Rouse and Georgetown. Blair Smith led the way with 104 kills and five aces over eight total matches. Isabella Willliams recorded 64 kills and eight aces, while Sophia Bass had 62 digs and six aces. Mount St. Mary hosted 4A No. 2 OCS last Thursday. Story continued at OKCFRIDAY.com.
Cross Country Roundup
Charger girls take 2nd at Weatherford With a combined five athletes in the top 25, the Heritage Hall girls cross country team finished second and the boys took third last week at the Sand Plum Invitational hosted by Weatherford. Dylan Orcutt led all Charger runners with a second-place
effort in the boys event, completing the 2-mile course at Radar Park in 10:26.24. Rory Lawson paced the Heritage Hall girls with a sixth-place finish, as did Neal Jain for the Charger boys. Three other Chargers in the top
25 included Catherine Dunn in ninth place, Charley Long in 15th place and Brynlee Kochman in 22nd position. Andrew Bessonov highlighted a quartet which cracked the top 50 in 26th place. Coral Grimmett collected 36th place, followed by
Holland Champney in 44th and Addie Plumbtree in 47th. The Harding Charter Prep boys placed ninth in the team standings, led by Diego Ibanez in 43rd position. The Chargers competed last Thursday at the Carl Albert Invitational .
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OKC Friday
Calendar / Booster September 4, 2026 | Page 6
FUNDRAISERS Sept. 25 • ZOObrew Get tickets now for Oklahoma Zoological Society’s ZOObrew, Oklahoma City’s most popular beertasting festival and fundraiser. ZOObrew transforms the OKC Zoo into a tasting adventure for guests 21+ to sample craft beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and nonalcoholic bever ages from local and re gional vendors while supporting wildlife conservation. The evening also includes animal caretaker chats, food trucks, live entertainment, and wildlife experiences unique to the Zoo. Tickets must be pur chased in advance at ozsgiving.org/zoo brew.
Oct. 17 • The Big Sing The BIG Sing is a new, exciting, free, and joyful community singing event open to the entire Oklahoma City community, where the au dience becomes the choir joined by Canter bury Voices. Led by Julie Yu, this uplifting gathering invites everyone to experience the powerful sense of connection that comes from making music together. Participants will perform Franz Schubert’s majestic Mass No. 2 in G major, D 167, which is public domain and available to all, and was composed in less than a week in early March 1815, and remains the best known of his three short settings, or mis sae breves. Visit canterburyokc.com for de tails. will get a ticket for a free snow. View the schedule at okcomi carts.org.
CONCERTS Oct. 16 • Canterbury Voices Along with the OKC Philharmonic, Canter bury Voices begins its 58th Season with Stravinsky, Poulenc and Vaughan Williams for a night of master pieces at the Civic Center Music Hall. Visit canterburyokc. com for information.
improving animal wellbeing. This year’s conference features presentations, panels, and conversations, with Jeff Corwin opening the event. Learn more at theani malconference.com.
THIS WEEKEND
Sept. 5 • Zoo Blood Drive FESTIVALS The OKC Zoo and Our Blood Institute (OBI) Sept. 12 • are teaming up to host Comic Arts Festival a community blood Celebrate the art of drive on Saturday, comics with a free, Sept. 5, from 9 am to familyfriendly event noon. Register in ad featuring acclaimed CONFERENCES vance to schedule creators from Okla your time or show up homa and across the Sept. 1819 • when you can. Donors country at Oklahoma Animal Conference that participate in the Contemporary’s Sec Hosted by the Kirkpa drive will receive a ond Saturday XL: Okla trick Foundation as general admission homa Comic Arts part of its Safe & Hu voucher to the OKC Festival. The festival is mane initiative, the Zoo, which may be from 10 am to 6 pm biennial ANIMAL Con used through the end with related Second of the year. The Zoo ference is a com Saturday program will be hosting this munitycentered, ming happening form educational event blood drive at its Edu 1 to 4 pm, 11 NW 11th that brings together cation Center located St. Visit the participat local, national, and in at the east end of the ing food trucks to pick ternational voices to parking lot. To make up a snack or lunch. share ideas and inno an appointment visit The first 200 visitors vative approaches to obi.org.
Oklahoma Film Industry The Oklahoma Film Industry is thriving. According to a recent report and video released by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the 2026 fiscal year that just ended was another banner year for the industry, attracting several high-profile film and television projects. The economic impact in fiscal 2026 was big. $148 million was spent locally on productions, which accounted for 9580 hires. The production directory managed by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office expanded to meet the needs of these projects. 155 new crew members, 64 new businesses, and 163 new locations were added to the directory. The OF+MO has always touted our 12 diverse eco regions as a big selling point for filming in Oklahoma. More recently, they have worked with community leaders to certify cities as film friendly to help them attract, host, and manage film productions. This past year, 44 cities were added to that list, including Pauls Valley, which boasts 17,000 yards of original brick streets, more than any town in the United States. The OF+MO also oversees the film rebate program that offers productions a 20-30% rebate based on a range of spending criteria. The success of that program has led to additional tribal and municipal rebates that can be combined with the state rebate for a larger incentive. The stackable rebates include incentives from the Cherokee Nation, the Muscogee Creek Nation, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Broken Arrow. One of the most exciting projects recently filmed here is Nimrods, a road trip comedy
inspired by the early years of the rock band Green Day. Green Day is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band that has sold 75 million albums, racked up 20 Grammy nominations with five wins, and landed a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The three members of the band were all involved in the film production and soundtrack, including appearances in the movie. Nimrods was released in theaters nationally in August and will hit streaming services later this year. Nimrods stars Oklahoma native Kylr Coffman in one of the three lead roles. Kylr moved to Los Angeles after high school but came home for family reasons in 2023. Since moving back, he has launched one of the most successful new film businesses, the Oklahoma Film Actors Studio. OFA Studio trains hundreds of actors in the business of acting, including providing headshots, managing auditions, and offering acting classes led by Kylr and other professional actors. Kylr has also continued auditioning as an actor, which led to this latest high-profile role. The next big release from Oklahoma will be season two of The Lowdown, created by Oklahoma’s Sterlin Harjo, which launches on Oct. 14. The Lowdown stars Ethan Hawke as a citizen journalist in Tulsa. In season one, he was surrounded by Oklahoma acting icons Tracy Letts, Tim Blake Nelson, and Jeanne Tripplehorn. In season two, Oscar winner Tommy Lee Jones joins the cast. Tune into FX and Hulu to catch another wild and wonderful season of The Lowdown. And get ready for more fabulous movies and television series being created right here in Oklahoma.
Shakey Graves Tower Theatre: Cannons The Criterion: Tig Notaro Amy Grant Indigo Girls Other Events/Shows/Awards:
Community Clean Up Ballet Under the Stars King James Bricktown Music Fest Luxe Affair ZOObrew
Send calendar events to jennifer@okcfriday.com Paycom Center Events/Shows: Parker McCollum Brooks & Dunn Sombr Smashing Pumpkins MercyMe Zoo Amphitheatre: Role Model
Sept. 25 Oct. 1 Oct. 16 Oct. 24 Nov. 8 Oct. 10
Civic Center Music Hall: Bluey’s Big Play America the Beautiful Sound of Music Jones Assembly: My So Called Band Black Country/New Road Old Crow Medicine Show
Sept. 89 Sept. 19 Sept. 2227 Sept. 21 Oct. 19 Oct. 30
Nov. 2 Oct. 2 Sept. 12 Sept. 20 Oct. 17
Sept. 5 Sept. 11 Sept. 1127 Sept. 12 Sept. 24 Sept. 25
Gorilla family grows at OKC Zoo The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden invites fans to visit its newest animal family members, Western lowland gorillas, Kashata (33) and her daughter, Grace (7). The mother- daughter duo joined the Zoo’s gorilla family troop and can be seen exploring their habitat at Great EscApe. Kashata and Grace arrived earlier this summer from an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institution in Central Florida following a recommendation from AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP) for gorillas. AZA’s SSP programs are cooperative conservation initiatives managed by animal experts to ensure the sustainably of species populations within AZA accredited zoos and
aquariums. Since arriving at the Zoo, Kashata and Grace have been going through an introduction process to become familiar with their new environment and troop members. Gorillas are highly social animals and introducing members into a troop takes time and patience, everything is done at the animals’ pace. OKC Zoo caretakers share that Kashata is a very confident and intelligent gorilla. Grace, the smaller of the two gorillas, was named in honor of the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE), a conservation organization created to care for orphaned Grauer’s gorillas rescued from the illegal wildlife trade
in Africa and protect critical forest habitats for gorillas and people. According to Zoo caretakers, Grace has a playful and curious personality and is always eager to participate in training sessions with them. With the addition of Kashata and Grace, the Zoo’s gorilla family troop includes silverback Togo (37) and females Emily (41), Mikella (22), Rubi (11), and Azinza (8). The Zoo also cares for a male bachelor troop including George (22), Bo (20), and Bakari (20). Native to the lowland forests of Central and Western Africa, Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered and threatened by illegal poaching, disease, and habitat destruction due to extractive
industries such as mining. OKC Zoo fans can take conservation action to help wild gorillas by donating a cell phone to the Zoo’s Gorilla on the Line program. Cell phones and other small electronic devices contain a mineral called coltan, which is mined all over the world, including Africa, home to gorillas. Recycling these electronics decreases the demand for coltan while raising funds and awareness for gorillas and other imperiled species. The OKC Zoo provides participants with a free general admission voucher for making a donation. Devices can be dropped off at the OKC Zoo’s guest services office, during regular business hours. Learn more at okczoo.org.
T HIS M ESSAGE S PONSORED B Y T HESE L OCAL B USINESSES :
Business
September 4, 2026
Oklahoma City Friday | Page 7
OCU plans Olympic events discussion O
klahoma City University offers an inside look at the city’s leap onto the global sports stage as it hosts official 2028 Olympic events. OCU’s next Martha Jean Lemon Distinguished Speaker Series presentation is to be a panel discussion with some of the key leaders tasked with preparing the city for this historic moment. The Olympics in Oklahoma City (OKC) panel discussion takes place at 7 p.m. Sept. 22 in the Meinders School of Business auditorium at NW 27 and McKinley Avenue. The event is free to the public and no RSVP is required. The discussion, organized by OCU’s Petree College of Arts & Sciences, will focus on Oklahoma City’s direct involvement with the upcoming LA28 Olympic Games as it hosts the canoe slalom and women’s softball competitions. OCU is to serve as the satellite village for the events. Oklahoma City Mayor and OCU Law Dean David Holt leads the conversation with: • Michael Byrnes, president of the Team OKC planning organization; • Craig Cress,
CEO of USA Softball, Inc.; • Mike Knopp, founder of RIVERSPORT. OCU Arts & Sciences Dean Amy Cataldi said the event is intended to provide the public with an inside look at the logistics associated with hosting an event of international magnitude. “Welcoming the world for the Olympic Games is a profound milestone that goes far beyond athletics,” Cataldi said. “It places our community at the epicenter of a global cultural exchange. This speaker series allows us to look behind the curtain, inspiring our city to
think globally and recognize the limitless potential of our city’s future.” Panelists hope to share exclusive insights into how decades of strategic self-investment paved the way for this opportunity. The selection of Oklahoma City as an official venue site builds on the community’s long-term commitment to sustainable, world-class infrastructure. “Oklahoma City is the only city outside of Southern California that is hosting the entirety of a sport, and we are hosting two, for 16 straight days,” Holt said. “This is a oncein-a-lifetime opportu-
nity for our entire part of the country. The Olympic brand transcends sports, so this is an opportunity our city will leverage for decades to come. “And I’m thrilled that OCU will play a direct role in this legacy through hosting the athletes. It’s fitting, because OCU has been a part of the story from the very beginning, having championed our city’s commitment to paddle sports for two decades.” While working in close partnership with the LA28 organization to deliver a seamless cultural and athletic experience, city leaders emphasize that the global spotlight will bring economic growth, jobs and international recognition directly to Oklahoma City. For more information, visit okcu.edu/lemonlecture.
September 4 Nancy Atkinson Christi Craddock Patrick Daneshmand Jack Hardie Susie Hobson Steve Kerr Pat Kirkpatrick Sasha Lumpkin Kiley McCormick Teresa Portwood Eleanor Records Michael Reel JL Sparlin September 5 Murray Anderson Jay Baker Pam Burton Mark Dawkins Greg Fisbeck Kathryn Henline Heather Howerton Holly Hunzicker Johnny Jones III Gayla Kelly Randel Lee Kay Luwig Art Sanders September 6 Diane Altshuler Charles Bechwith Jim Campbell Edith Durant Jennifer Enteshary Marion Finch Lon Foster III Marian Guthrie Durward Hendee Peggy LeMaster Victoria Lieddtke Stephen Long Larry Nilson Sharon Philbin Fran Will
September 7 Debbie Berney Lee Duroy Parker Easton Wayne Hirst Clark Jolley Allen Lackey Sue Oldham Faith Roundtree Nancy Seely Ann Tubbs Hayley Stewart September 8 Jean Coleman Chris Cudjo Dave Davenport David Hilger Lisa Hodges Karen Jarvis Melissa Katzung Jack A. Mann, Jr. John David Sylvester Brenda Watts September 9 Sanford Austin Elaine Bates Thomas Coldwell Mitchell Denny JoAnn Dudley Addison Eaton Lisa Hunter Millie Kirkpatrick Lindsay Nelson Mildred D. Richard Carla Tourtellotte September 10 Carla Carman Jean Carroll Bill Condren Steve Kristic Carl Mootz Deborah Senner Angie Taylor Maxine Tyler
OKC Friday
Legal Notices & Classifieds
Deadline: Friday 3:00 p.m. the week before publication 405-755-3311
September 4, 2026 | Page 8
LEGAL NOTICES
OKLAHOMA CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK
NAME CHANGE
How much do public notices cost? The Oklahoma Legislature sets a rate, which is typically much lower than other newspaper ad rates, so the cost of notices can be controlled, and exact wording – rather than a summary – printed.
DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
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CV-2026-1986 IN RE: The Name of: Johntrell Marcel Fletcher
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DIVORCE (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, August 21, 2026; Friday, August 28, 2026; Friday, September 4, 2026) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA Case No. FD-2026-1410 In Re the Marriage of: Amber Rae Pearson, Petitioner, and Kevin Lamont Pearson, Respondent.
PUBLIC NOTICE
(Published in OKC Friday, Friday, September 4, 2026)
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NOTICE BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA TO: Kevin Lamont Pearson You are hereby notified that the Petitioner has sued you for Dissolution of Marriage. You must answer the Petition on or before the 17 day of September, 2026, or the Petition will be taken as true and a divorce and other relief sought will be granted to the Petitioner. WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL this 6 day of August, 2026. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/ C. White (SEAL)
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AUCTIONS
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TO: All interested parties. Take notice that Johntrell Marcel Fletcher has petitioned to change his/her name to Johntrell Marcel Means. A Hearing on said petition is set for 10:00 o’clock A.M. on the 15 day of October, 2026, before Judge Dishman at 10:00 o’clock in his/her 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. RICK WARREN, Court Clerk /s/illegible signature By: DEPUTY (SEAL)
GUARDIANSHIP (Published in OKC Friday, Friday, September 4, 2026) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA
Marilyn’s Sudoku
Case No: PG-2023-268 PG-2024-790 In the matter of the Guardianship of
) ) ) Brinley Marie Higdon, ) Liam Lee Davidson, ) Robert Jacobi Michael Storm, ) Minor Children ) NOTICE FOR HEARING PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN You are hereby notified that Alethea Cunningham has petitioned this Court to be appointed guardian of the person and/or estate of the abovenamed minors, Brinley Marie Higdon, Liam Lee Davidson, Robert Jacobi Michael Storm and that said Petition will be heard in the court room of Judge Oakes, Room 217 in the Oklahoma County Courthouse at 321 Park Avenue on the 7 day of October 2026, at 9:00 o’clock A.M. at which time you may appear and show cause if any, why said Petition should not be granted. Witness my hand and seal of said Court this 13 day of August, 2026. MARTHA F. OAKES JUDGE OF THE DISTRICT COURT RICK WARREN, Court Clerk By /s/Jamie Houston, Deputy (SEAL)
Sudoku Answers
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.*
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News
September 4, 2026
Raise a glass to wildlife at ZOObrew Get tickets now for Oklahoma Zoological Society’s ZOObrew, Oklahoma City’s most popular beer-tasting festival and fundraiser, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Presented by Byron’s Liquor Warehouse, ZOObrew transforms the Oklahoma City Zoo into a tasting adventure for guests 21and-older to sample craft beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages from local and regional vendors while supporting wildlife conservation. The evening also includes animal caretaker chats, food trucks, live entertainment, and wildlife experiences unique to the Zoo. ZOObrew admission starts at $75 per person for general or mocktail tickets and ranges to premium level options with exclusive event access and experiences. Plus, proceeds support the Zoo’s mission to advance wildlife conservation, education, and animal care. ZOObrew tickets must be purchased in advance at ozsgiving.org/zoobrew. In preparation for ZOObrew, the Zoo will close at 1 pm, last entry at noon, on Friday, Sept. 25.
Day of Action school supply drive supports local youth United Way of Central Oklahoma’s (UWCO) annual Day of Action brought together community volunteers, corporate partners and generous donors to help ensure local students have the tools they need for a successful school year. Following the drive, donated supplies were distributed to UWCO Partner Agencies that requested items. The Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma County, Citizens Caring for Children, Latino Community Development Agency, Pivot, The Salvation Army, Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City, Tinker Air Force Base Youth Center and Youth & Family Services will provide the items to children and families they serve across central Oklahoma. Thanks to the generosity of the community, 9,862 items were collected at an estimated value of $24,364. A significant contributor to this year’s success was MidFirst Bank, which
Debbie South Metro First Realty @ Lake Hefner 3232 W Britton Rd, 277 Oklahoma City, OK.73120 (405) 706-9077 Full Circle Bookstore 1900 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 842-2900 (800) 683-READ The Learning Tree 7638 N. Western Wilshire Village (405) 848-1415 learningtreeokc.com Nancy Farha’s 9205 N. Pennsylvania Casady Square The Village, OK 73120 (405) 775-0404 nancyfarha.com Moorman's Distinctive Carpets and Area Rugs 3835 NW 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4888 moormanscarpetsoklahoma city.com Naifeh Fine Jewelry 6471 Avondale Dr,. Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 607-4323 Naifehfinejewelry.com Thrifty Pharmacy 10904 N. May Ave. L Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 751-2852 230 S. Santa Fe Ave. Edmond OK 73003 Thriftypharmacyokc.com
hosted a dedicated school supply drive in support of Day of Action. The effort spanned 15 corporate offices and banking locations, where employees participated in a friendly competition to encourage donations. MidFirst Bank’s drive generated 5,641 school supply items valued at an estimated $8,942. “Day of Action demonstrates the power of our community coming together to support local students,” said Rachel C. Holt, UWCO President and CEO. “These donations help ensure children have access to essential school supplies, allowing them to start the school year knowing their community wants them to be prepared and ready to learn. We appreciate MidFirst Bank’s partnership to elevate the impact of this event even further.” To learn about additional ways to donate and volunteer through UWCO, visit volunteercentraloklahoma. org.
Oklahoma City Friday | Page 9
Peaceful Family Oklahoma honors J. Blake Wade with Heal Out Loud Award Peaceful Family Oklahoma will honor J. Blake Wade at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club on Sept. 17 with its 2026 Heal Out Loud Award. The award will be presented at an inspiring fundraising luncheon supporting Peaceful Family Oklahoma’s mission to help kids grow stronger when addiction is a part of their family’s story. One in four of Oklahoma’s children is impacted by addiction in their family. Without early intervention, they are eight times more likely to become addicted themselves. Created in 2023, the Heal Out Loud Award honors an Oklahoman who has turned the impact of addiction in their own life into hope for others. The award’s name refers to the honoree’s
willingness to speak openly about addiction’s impact on their life and “heal out loud.” J. Blake Wade has received many of Oklahoma’s highest honors. Time and again he has chosen to use each platform not only to accept recognition, but to share the role recovery has played in his life. By speaking openly about his own recovery, Wade has shown others that asking for help is possible and that every step toward recovery has the power to change not just a family’s future but help shape Oklahoma for the next generation. Tickets to the luncheon are $75 and sponsorships are available beginning at $250. For more information, visit peacefulfamilyok.org or email linda@ PeacefulFamilyOK.org.
Gallery Giggles Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center will host an art-based baby storytime on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026 from 11 am to 12 pm at 11 NW 11th St. Led by an early childhood librarian, the program begins with play and socialization in the Early Childhood Studio before moving to the galleries for stories, songs, and rhymes. Designed for children ages 0–24 months, the event offers an early introduction to visual art, and families are welcome to explore the rest of the museum afterward. The event is free and open to the public, but advance reservations are required. Organizers recommend one supervising caregiver per child.
BancFirst 6200 Waterford Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 270-1622 Bancfirst.bank
Denner Roofing Co. LLC 6608 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 848-4411 dennerroofing.com
Niroula Law 511 Couch Dr., No. 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 496-9250 niroulalaw.com
Cross Timbers Arborist 3500 S. Brunson St. Oklahoma City, OK 73119 (405) 682-4777 crosstimbersarborist.com
First National Bank of Oklahoma 10900 Hefner Pointe Dr., No. 300, Okla. City, OK 73120 (405) 848-2001 | fnbok.com
The Adult Clinic at Hearts for Hearing 11500 N. Portland Ave. OKC, OK 73120 (405) 548-4335
OKC FRIDAY P.O. Box 20340 Oklahoma City, OK 73156 (405) 755-3311 okcfriday.com
Lewis Orthodontics Edmond - MWC (405) 330-5095 lewisbraces.com
Quail Creek Bank 12201 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 755-1000 quailcreek.bank
Christian Science Reading Room 6490 Avondale Drive (Nichols Hills Plaza North) Nichols Hills, OK 73116 (405) 843-5334 christianscienceokc.org
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
Covenant Brothers 5900 Mosteller Dr. No. 7 Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 842-4671 covbros.com Justin Beasley, DDS 4600 W Memorial Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73142 (405) 755-5400 drbeasley.com Quail Plaza Barber Shop 10940 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (495) 751-2126 All About Travel, Ltd. 6104 NW 63 St. Oklahoma City, OK 73132 (405) 384-3880 www.allabout-travel.com First Fidelity Bank 6404 Avondale, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 (405) 416-2222 Website: ffb.com
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
Navigating Medicare 2232 W. Hefner Road Suite A. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 842-0494 navigatingmedicare.com First Liberty Bank 9601 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 608-4500 myfirstliberty.com Grand Dental Studio Michael Kirk, DDS 1057 N.W. Grand Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 848-3719 DentistOKC.com Robert Don Gifford GIFFORD LAW, PLLC P.O. Box 2682 Oklahoma City, OK 73101 (405)778-4647 giffordlawyer.com Robert.Gifford@ GiffordLawyer.com
Women's Health Boutique 12062 N. May Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 936-0030 Midfirst Bank (888) 643-3477 midfirst.com OCCC 7777 S. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73159 (405) 682-1611 occc.edu Mountain Smoke Band Hal Clifford 1004 N. 80 Oklahoma City, Ok 73114 (405) 818-5591 Brad Sullivan Tag Agency 2511 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73106 (405) 524-8247 Full Service Tag Agency Since 1985 Southwest Builders Inc. 4508 NW 50th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73122 (405) 789-1022
OKC Friday
Opinion September 4, 2026 | Page 10
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Editorial Policy We urge courtesy in disagreement. We view with favor wise public choices and view with alarm flawed public choices. We give good advice to public officials at federal, state and local levels, and society in general, on what to do right. So, if they don’t take our advice, it’s not our fault. EMAIL YOUR OPINION to: rose@okcfriday.com
Sharing natural landscape of Red Ridge Nature Preserve R
ed Ridge Nature Preserve is an island of Cross Timbers Forest within Oklahoma City’s urban landscape. This forestedge ecosystem is a historic habitat composed of a mosaic of oak forest, shortgrass prairie, and riparian habitat along Deep Fork Creek. These converging habitats support a variety of native plants and wildlife that thrive in this undeveloped landscape. Conservation efforts to protect the land and restore habitats are promoting the recovery of native plants and wildlife while revealing nature’s remarkable resilience and diversity. Post oak and blackjack oak are the two most numerous tree species in Oklahoma. Together, these two oaks define the Cross Timbers ecosystem. Their acorns feed wildlife, and their tough nature lets them thrive where many trees cannot. These ancient oaks are essentially irreplaceable in our lifetime, and protecting them is the
chief aim of our mission at the Red Ridge Nature Preserve. When I look at an oak tree, no matter the type, I see an entire ecosystem within its canopy. From the very top of the highest branches to the shade at the base, oaks provide habitat for many insects and wildlife. Removing invasive privet is helping us uncover some of the Preserve's oldest oaks. Oak trees are a keystone species and a high-value host plant for more than 600 species of moths and butterflies, whose larvae feed native songbirds living in the tree canopy. The service these trees provide to nature is substantial, and I admire the strength and fortitude their morphology gives them to survive our extreme climatic conditions. Many of the
oaks in the Cross Timbers at Red Ridge are over 100 years old! With many of the oak trees at Red Ridge over 100 years old, we are taking the necessary precautions to prevent their decline as we construct our new gated entrance and stewardship center. Preventing soil compaction beneath oak trees is paramount during construction. Heavy machinery running over soil beneath trees can compact it and prevent root growth. Trees do not die quickly, but go into decline several years later. That’s why it’s important to fence off the area around oak canopies to protect the soil profile. Other construction problems arise when supplies are stored under trees, and machinery can cause mechanical damage to the
trunk and large, low-hanging branches. Issues also arise when contractors mix concrete and dump chemicals such as oil beneath trees. Tree protection is a serious topic with construction in the area. These ancient oaks have endured for more than a century, and we have a responsibility to ensure they continue to thrive for generations to come. By protecting the trees, restoring the land, and letting the native landscape recover, we help preserve a remarkable piece of Oklahoma’s natural heritage. Researchers from the University of Arkansas recently collected core samples from Red Ridge oaks to estimate their ages. Of the 21 samples studied, the average oak age was 109.5 years, and the oldest tree tested was at least 154 years old. Many others fell within the 95- to 100-year range. We will continue testing oaks in the future to help guide conservation priorities across the Preserve.
Research into the history of these trees will help guide conservation priorities and deepen our appreciation for the remarkable forest we are entrusted to protect. Our thanks to Dr. David Stahle and graduate student Jon Webb of the University of Arkansas for including Red Ridge in their Cross Timbers research. Their work is helping us see these magnificent oaks not simply as trees, but as living records of Oklahoma’s natural history. Thanks for joining me as I share my observations from the landscape and tell the stories of the plants and wildlife that help nature thrive at Red Ridge Nature Preserve. Consider these upcoming events that support wildlife, wild places, and community learning in September. ANIMAL Conference Friday, Sept.18, and Saturday, Sept. 19, at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. Hosted by the Kirkpatrick Foundation as part of its Safe & Hu-
mane initiative, the biennial ANIMAL Conference is a community-centered educational event focused on improving animal wellbeing. The conference brings together local, national, and international voices for presentations, panels, and conversations that encourage connection, collaboration, and innovative approaches to creating a more humane world for animals. Register at: theanimalconference.com Fifth Annual Monarch Festival Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mollie Spencer Farm in Yukon. Celebrate the monarch butterfly migration with a familyfriendly morning at the farm. Activities include monarchthemed crafts, seed ball-making, face painting, and other hands-on experiences that explore the monarch’s remarkable journey. Local experts will also be available to answer monarchthemed gardening questions. Free registration at: molliespencerfarm.org.
YOUR FRIDAYLAND CAUCUS
From Page One/News
September 4, 2026
PYSK From Page 1 wandered through our neighborhoods long ago. These “secrete no man’s land” areas in between properties were such finds for us because they were prime real estate for an exclusive neighborhood fort! No adults allowed! Address unknown! If the tornadoes were not close enough for our family to supervise from our front porch, my friends and I would pile into the car of whoever could drive and chase them — usually due north west-ish. Beating the summer doldrums sometimes culminated in evening parties on farms out north, complete with bonfires, big beautiful skies, big bulls that did not like to be petted, a keg from somewhere, the sounds of the prairie – coyotes and such – and of course, yet another stupid, inevitable snipe hunt that never, ever, produced a snipe!! What is a snipe? Although we were in a residential community, our backyard was not only home to us, but also to mom’s “ other babies”— dogs, cats, rescued turtles and the “Easter basket” animals — ducks, a lamb or a goat. Also included was a parrot, a cockatoo and an owl purchased from the neighboring TG&Y store. One time the baby goat with its tiny hooves danced atop our neighbors brand new PURPLE Lincoln Town car. Ha! The whole family watched wide-eyed from our front porch across the street, as the car owner circled with a loaded shotgun! Dad saved the day as we were all screaming “do something!” I think he was both running from us while simultaneously running toward the neighboring insanity! At any rate, the “goat tap dance” ended peacefully. Thanks Dad! Recently, I learned that some of the neighbors thought Mom’s “ dog” was a Bedlington Terrier! Who knew? We always assumed that “the-lamb-on-a-leash” was obvious to all during their evening strolls through the neighborhoods. After all, baby lambs that arrived with bows around their necks, had to be walked! But nothing beats,
and I mean nothing beats, the onceupon-a-time, when on their evening stroll, mom with her lamb-on-a-leash, and my little sister in her pajamas-with-feetin-them, showed up at my friends backyard party! What did you want to be when you grew up? Maybe an artist? A wife. A mom. Who knew? What are you most passionate about? The “big picture” rule reminds me to NOT jump to conclusions without first knowing all the facts, such as the context, causes and alternative explanations before judging. Examples are: A person who seems standoffish may actually be shy, anxious, distracted or otherwise dealing with something totally unrelated to the situation at hand. A person who appears lazy may be exhausted, in physical pain or have any number of other unknown issues going on. Using a “less is more” rule in order to navigate clarity by removing anything that does not help with the understanding of an issue or with decisions making. For example, when a point is clear, added words can cloud the issue at hand by creating confusion, distraction or misunderstanding. Also, the same rule can be useful for interior design, art and fashion by rendering sharper contrasts between textures, shapes, colors and designs, that lend an subtle yet dramatic effect on the beauty at hand. Small talk is actually big talk because our natural instincts kick in the second we have contact with another person as we subconsciously take note of body language, voice tone, physical agility, gestures, clothing, etc. — all of which reveal the health and mental state of the other person. Has your definition of success changed as you have developed your career? My definition of success has changed over the years. I believe that having the emotional and intellectual intelligence to pursue a meaningful path over a long period of time is in itself, a form of extraordinary success. It requires discipline, patience, strength,
resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to distinguish between a temporary obstacle and a reason to change direction. What is a perfect day for you? Lovely weather surrounded by family, friends and fabulous, epic food. Also, an uneventful relaxed day can’t be beat! What is some of the best advice you have received in your life Life is short, better go for it while you have the precious chance. This was particularly helpful as an endless adult university student, often lamenting that I was “too old” for such an endeavor and at the same time thinking that I may as well end up at an older age with the desired education, rather than without it! I have applied this to other parts of my life and have been reaping the rewards ever since. As time moves on, I am finding that there is less of it and as such I continue to go for it — within reason and assisted with the muchneeded coaching and support of my dear family and friends. Thank you! 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? I would have to say that my Oklahoma sports heros growing up were Warner Bros. cartoon characters the Road Runner and Wile E Coyote. For some thirtyish years, they sprinted at top speed in desert temperatures without ever missing a beat. Amazing to say the least. Also on my list: Shannon Miller was certainly inspirational then and now, as well as our extremely inspirational Native American Indian, Jim Thorpe. What is No. 1 on your bucket list? Continuing my journey with my husband as parents of our precious daughter Natalie. A train trip from Paris to Istanbul on the Orient Express. A luxury river cruise. A ride in a JOBY flying car. A ride in a selfdriving car. A horse back ride in a parade. Participation in an entry level rodeo event. Continue riding les-
sons at Silverwind Stables OKC. How would you like to be remembered? I would like to be remembered as a good person. What is one question we have not asked you that you would like to answer? What is your best travel story? Hawaii interisland night sailing at the helm of the Flying Cloud, a 100-foot wooden schooner. This particular night, was stormy and supported 15-foot waves — “walls of water” — that rose perfectly horizontal alongside our schooner. These undulating “water walls” had porpoises racing horizontally through them that were enhanced by the glowing red tide plankton that surrounded and bounced off of their bodies like diamonds on fire. A visual I will never forget.
Oklahoma City Friday | Page 11
Fridaylanders in Scotland Andy and Karen Rieger, Lisa Synar, Wendy Simpson and Mary Blankenship Pointer visit Scotland. Be sure to pack your newspaper when you travel and snap a photo with it. Email photos to rose@okcfriday.com.
News/From Page One
Page 12 | Oklahoma City Friday
September 4, 2026
of their age or relationEMSA regardless ship with each other and even if
they don't have medical insurance. Beginning Oct. 1, EMSAcare is to increase its ambulance transport rates and introduce a new $500 treatment-in-place fee for patients who are assessed and provided medical treatment but are not transported to a hospital. These rate changes do not affect EMSAcare members, as membership covers all out-of-pocket costs for both ambulance transport and treatmentin-place services. Oklahoma City residents who are not EMSAcare members can enroll by logging on to their utilities account through the My OKC Utilities mobile app, visiting okcutilities.com or calling Utilities Customer Service at 405-297-2833. The monthly membership fee is $3.65 and will be added to your OKC Utilities bill. Residents can only opt out in September and can't enroll again until September 2027. Those who opt out may be responsible for out-of-pocket expenses associated with their ambulance transport or Treatment-in-Place services. If a resident takes no action, their enrollment status won't change. Even with good insurance coverage, a typical emergency ambulance ride can cost a patient about $800. Without insurance, it can cost more than $1,650. EMSAcare covers everything a patient owes, including copays, co-insurance and deductibles. EMSAcare gives residents peace of mind that medical emergencies won't become financial emergencies. Visit okc.gov/emsacare for more information. In 2024, the OKC Fire Department began operating an ambulance transport service in Oklahoma City to supplement EMSA's services. Coverage through EMSAcare applies to any emergency transports completed by the OKCFD. Residents living in multi-family housing units, such as apartments, who do not have an OKC Utilities account can check with their landlord to determine if they are enrolled in the program. If not, they can enroll directly with EMSA for a $45 annual fee by calling (405) 396-2888 or visiting emsacare.com. People who live in retirement, assisted living and similar facilities are not eligible for the City program but may enroll in EMSAcare directly through EMSA by calling 405-396-2888 or by visiting emsacare.com. Key program points include: EMSAcare's promise to patients: Whether insurance covers a little, a lot or nothing at all for emergency medical services, EMSAcare covers what insurance doesn't for emergency transports ending at a hospital ER or Treatment-in-Place services. How EMSAcare works: If insured, EMSA will request your insurance information to bill your provider. Then, EMSAcare then covers any additional remaining fees or out-of-pocket expenses like copayments or deductibles. Every patient will receive a statement from EMSA after medics provide treatment-in-place services or a patient is transported to the ER by an EMSA ambulance, typically notifying the patient of the amount EMSA will bill the insurance provider or request additional insurance information. If uninsured, EMSAcare covers the costs for qualified emergency medical transports or Treatment-in-Place services. Which transports are covered: All emergency transports and Treatment-in-Place services in EMSA's service area are fully covered regardless of where the medical emergency happens. The 911 call requesting EMSA does not have to originate from your home. EMSA's service area includes Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills, The Village and Tulsa. There is no limit to the number of transports or Treatmentin-Place services that are covered. Program enrollment status: Current program participants will see their enrollment status noted as a medical services program fee on their OKC Utilities bill. For those who do not receive an OKC Utilities bill, such as residents of multi-housing units, the City ordinance requires property managers to notify residents in writing if the property is covered by the EMSAcare program. If you do not know if you are covered, contact your property manager or the Utilities Department at (405) 297-2833. From Page 1
VILLAGE From Page 1 have aligned the city charter with state law. The city manager in The Village is not an elected position, but is a hired position appointed by the City Council. Nearly 20% of Village residents, roughly 1,800 voters, turned out for the special election to determine the outcome of proposed changes to The Village City Charter., and two other issues. Current census information places the population of The Village at 9,226 people. In addition to the charter changes, residents were presented with a 9% lodging tax for short-term rentals and a 25-year franchise agreement renewal with OG&E.
The proposed city charter amendments were the first for the city in 67 years. The current city charter became effective in May 1959. Proposition 1, a proposed 9% lodging tax for short-term rentals of less than 30 days, failed with voters by only 20 votes, with 937 votes against the proposal and 917 votes for the changes. The proposition could have created a revenue source for economic development to grow local businesses and attract new businesses, visitor and tourism attractions, parks and recreation and the enhancement of the arts in the community. Propositions 4 and 8 also failed with voters. Proposition 4 went down 838-985 and would have updated the city charter to follow state
Our students go back to school - Photo by Sabrina Coleman, Rose Rock Media
Above: Ezra Symcox, the son of Ashlee and John Symcox, is excited for his first day of preschool. At left: Heritage Hall Charger Blaine Kirk with his mom Sandra.
Weston, Addie and Hutch Marshall head back to Classen SAS.
Kanon Gridley says see you later to his doggie as he leaves for the Academy of Classical Christian Studies.
law about requirements to pass an ordinance and when the passed ordinance may take effect. Proposition 8 failed 747-978 and addressed the procedure and authority for selling highvalue city property. It would have increased the threshold for which a majority of qualified electors or a special non-emergency ordinance authorization is necessary from $25,000 to $300,000. Voters approved nine questions placed before them. They include: Proposition 2: 1083779. Council salary Increase from $25 per month to $100 per month. Proposition 3: 953882. Council meeting schedule provides for elected officials to take office the first regularly scheduled meeting in May and removes the re-
quirement to meet monthly. Proposition 5: 1305515. Modernizes the city charter to follow changes to state law since 1959 while enabling the city to provide online access to city code as updated when new ordinances are passed. Proposition 7: 1117618. Updates the city charter to follow current state law for purchasing and bidding. Proposition 9: 1028713. Updates the city charter to follow the current Competitive Bidding Act of 1974 and updates to state law since then. Proposition 10: 1047-690. Changes the elected term of a council member from two years to threes and changes the election cycle from Wards 1,2 and 3 in odd years and Wards 4 and 5 in
even years to a three-year election cycle. Proposition 11: 1221 -514. Removes language requiring a filing period that no longer aligns with candidate filing periods set by state statute. Proposition 12: 1335 -390. Adds language providing for an alternate election date as provided for in state statute in the event the first Tuesday in April falls on an official state holiday. Proposition 13: 1221 -522. A 25-year renewal of the franchise agreement with OG&E for electric services in The Village. There are no changes to terms of the renewal and current 25year agreement. City officials plan to propose additional charter amendment questions on an April 2027 ballot.