OKC FRIDAY Vol. 59 No. 28 • One Section • 16 pages • November 21, 2025
$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
NHills progresses in removing offensive language in city documents By Eric Oesch Staff Writer Officials in Nichols Hills continue to make headway in their efforts to remove discriminatory language found in plats filed with the Oklahoma County Clerk’s Office. Some of the plats date back
to the city’s founding in 1929. Today, the city has identified nearly 50 plats with inappropriate language as they continue the lengthy process to update wording on the books. Last July, the City Council approved an ordinance for the purpose of removing discriminatory language against certain races from all platted
subdivisions in Nichols Hills. Officiants are finding nearly every subdivision in the city contains the offensive language. “When potential residents are looking to purchase a home in our city, we want them to be able to search property records and know our community is an inclu-
sive place where discrimination is unacceptable. We welcome anyone who desires to live in and enjoy our beautiful city.” The discriminatory language identified by the city prohibits the sale, rental, or occupancy of real property subject of each respective plat. to those who are not white.
See NHILLS, Page 7
Filing period is set for OKC mayoral election
Croquet Club crowns Helms champ
served stranded travelers for 100 years through its Travelers Aid Program since 1925, beginning at the Santa Fe Railroad Station in Oklahoma City. Today, the program continues at the OKC Will Rogers
Candidates interested in running for mayor of Oklahoma City may file for candidacy with the Oklahoma County Election Board Dec. 1–3. The general election is scheduled for Feb. 10, 2026. The mayor is to be elected to a four-year term and receives an annual salary of $24,000. If only one candidate files, that candidate is elected automatically and sworn in as Mayor in April 2026. If multiple candidates file, the candidate receiving a majority of votes in the Feb. 10, 2026, election is elected. If no candidate receives a majority, the two candidates with the highest number of votes will advance to a runoff election on April 7, 2026. The mayor, elected at-large, serves alongside eight City Council members, who each represent one of Oklahoma City’s wards. Together, they comprise the Oklahoma City Council. Candidate information To be a candidate for Oklahoma City mayor, you must be: • A citizen of the U.S. and of the State of Oklahoma. • At least 21-years-old. • Living in the City of Oklahoma City or an area annexed into Oklahoma City for at least one year.
See AWARD, Page 13
See OKC, Page 7
By Cynthia Archiniaco Special to OKC FRIDAY The ScissorTail Croquet Club within the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club hosted its Golf Croquet Club Championship and Conner Helms earned the title of club champion. Today’s croquet is a serious sport and the only sport where neither age nor gender
Many cities and towns in Oklahoma include this type of unacceptable wording in plats filed decades ago. Although still on the books, the language is no longer legally enforceable following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Shelly v. Kramer, 334 U.S.
First Flight runner-up Suzanne Spradling and winner Ford Austin.
offers any sort of advantage or disadvantage.
Championship Flight runner-up Carl Archiniaco and Club Champion Conner Helms.
There are several recognized, distinct forms of croquet, such
as Association Rules 6 See CROQUET, Page 7
Upward Transitions receives international award Oklahoma City nonprofit Upward Transitions was recognized as the Innovative Agency of the Year for 2025 at the Travelers Aid International Convention in Washington, DC, this month. Travelers Aid International is an international network of
social service agencies, airports, and train stations representing a safety net to individuals of all abilities to connect with a support system or place. The first National Travelers Aid Association was founded in 1917. Upward Transitions has
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week Ralph is an 11-year-old pup who is the definition of a gentle giant. His mom is Serena Woodard. He is a true mama’s boy who loves long naps and meeting new dog friends. Even with three younger siblings in the house, Ralph still proudly runs the pack. One of his longtime favorite companions was his stuffed lion, Scar, who was named after the little rip his younger sister made right between the eyes! Ralph also loves attending the family's Carne Asadas, where he is convinced everyone came just to see him … and maybe share a taco or two! Fun Fact: Ralph is a published pup! He was once featured in a children’s Seek and find book, making him a bit of a star in addition to being a family favorite. With his charm, cuddly nature, and big heart, Ralphy has captured the love of everyone who knows him!
Irish debate is a leading chapter By Rose Lane Editor Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School is one of the National Speech & Debate Association’s (NSDA) 2024-2025 Leading Chapter Awards. Every year, the NSDA recognizes one school from over 100 competition districts for outstanding student participation in speech and debate. From more than 4,000 member schools across the country, the Leading Chapters represent the top three percent of speech and debate schools in the NSDA.
“Leading Chapters go above and beyond to advance speech and debate in their school and empower their students to use their voice,” said Executive Director J. Scott Wunn. “These schools understand the life-changing benefits of this activity and serve as an inspiration to speech and debate teams across the country.” Speech and debate builds confidence, improves communication, increases critical thinking skills, boosts classroom performance, and better prepares students for college and career, Wunn said.