OKC FRIDAY Vol. 58 No. 30 • Two Sections • 18 pages • November 22, 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
Rats! Village residents are smelling them By Eric Oesch Staff Writer Some residents of The Village have noticed an increase in rodent activity in their homes, yards and on neighborhood streets in recent weeks, and city officials have taken notice by initiating steps to help citizens combat the unwanted visitors.
“Varmints like mice and rats were here long before we started building homes in this area and will probably outlast all of us,” said Village City Manager Dave Slezickey. “They habitat in the drainage channel areas, and when we get heavy rains causing the draining channels to fill with running water, they come out and join the rest of us.”
Slezickey said the rodents don’t appear due to unsafe sanitary conditions or unkept yards, but are probably reacting to recent changes in the weather. “I visited with Mayor David Bennett this moring, and the issue tends to appear in the spring with heavy rains and disappear when they are done,” he said.
“We’re experiencing abnormally heavy rains now and the varmints will go back when the water levels drop.” The city’s animal control officer primarily deals with domestic pets and is not equipped to exterminate wildlife, prompting the city manager to “staff this issue with Planning, Code Enforcement, Public Works
Joe and Kim O'Connor and Dr. Tauseef and Ammara Ali.
and Animal Control Departments; connect with our neighboring communities to see if they have had any successes; and visit with local pest control businesses for information.” “Perhaps we need to get rat traps and set them out prior to expected rainfall,” he said. “I think the issue is See RATS, Page 2
Former mayor riles up social media about Meetings Act By Eric Oesch Staff Writer
guests “without passing GO!” all in the name of fundraising fun. The highlight of the evening was delivered by McCall McCarty, a recent University of Oklahoma graduate who shared
Social media has blown up over the rights of citizens to voice their concerns during City Council meetings in The Village since community comments are no longer featured on the agenda. A recent post by former Mayor Adam Graham saying he is, “ashamed of these actions,” has drawn over 6,500 views and riled residents. “Just heard a little rumor @cityofvillage has removed public comment at council meetings at the request of Councilmen (sic) David Bennett,” Graham posted online. “As a Former Village Council member I am ashamed in (sic) these actions. Public comment should be preserved!”
See SAINTS, Page B1
See VILLAGE, Page 3
Saints Ball advances to record-breaking total The SSM Health St. Anthony Foundation’s Saints Ball 2024: Advance to GO! raised a recordbreaking $921,251 toward establishment of the SSM Health St. Anthony Comprehensive Digestive Care Center. Event co-chairmen were Dr.
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week This is Gaston. He is a 7year-old French Bulldog. He lives with Hattie, Francie, Keri, and Reagan Bradford. Gaston loves food and hates getting baths! Gaston's biggest fear is seeing the bottom of his food bowl. Gaston loves everyone and is a happy dog! Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@ okcfriday.com.
Tauseef and Ammara Ali and Kim and Joe O’Connor. The colorful, Monopolythemed event was attended by 750 and featured live and silent auctions, assorted raffles, and even an onstage jail to which attendees could dispatch other
OKC FRIDAY: Fabulous at 50
A legacy of trusted reporting and commitment to the community By Wade Carter Actor, Retired Broadcaster Wow, what a milestone! OKC FRIDAY celebrates 50 years of excellence in journalism. OKC FRIDAY is a cornerstone of local journalism over the past five decades. With a strong focus on local coverage, the newspaper has played a vital role in shaping the community’s narrative. If I want to know what my friends are doing, I go to OKC FRIDAY and I have for over 25 years. OKC FRIDAY has been instrumental in fostering community engagement. Through editorial pages, public
forums and support for local initiatives, the newspaper has provided a platform for residents to voice their opinions and drive progress. OKC FRIDAY has successfully adapted to changing media landscapes in an era marked by digital transformation. Its online presence and social media engagement have enabled the newspaper to reach broader audiences while maintaining its core values. As OKC FRIDAY celebrates this significant milestone, I extend my sincerest congratulations to its dedicated team. Here's to many more years of compelling storytelling, and community service.