OKC FRIDAY Vol. 58 No. 33 • One Section • 14 pages • December 13, 2024
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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
Starlings to chair Allied Arts campaign
Nichols Hills planning for centennial By Eric Oesch Staff Writer Nichols Hills is moving forward in preparation for celebrations to commemorate America’s Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) in 2026 and the city’s Centennial in 2029. A Centennial Committee formed to plan a series of events has conducted its first meeting and has big plans for the celebrations. The city is to hire Jordan Winn, partner at Labor Division to create artwork for a new city flag and seal to commemorate the 100th anniversary. “Jordan and his team were responsible for assisting the City of Tulsa in developing its new flag,” said City Manager Shane Pate. “This project is underway with a smaller subcommittee developing the process for the flag design, which will involve public input.” See NHILLS, Page 10
Keesee and Keigwin are honorary co-chairs
- Photo by Shevaun Williams
Sally and Jeff Starling, left, are the co-chairmen of the 2025 Allied Arts fundraising campaign. The honorary co-chairmen are Christian Keesee and Larry Keigwin, right. They are pictured in Keesee’s backyard, in front of “Cloud City,” a large art installation that was formerly exhibited off of Broadway in downtown Oklahoma City.
Sally and Jeff Starling are the campaign cochairmen for the 2025 Allied Arts fundraising campaign, which aims to strengthen and sustain the vibrant arts community throughout central Oklahoma. The honorary co-chairmen are Christian Keesee and Larry Keigwin. All bring extensive leadership and experience to this important initiative. The Starlings are committed community leaders and philanthropists with deep roots in Oklahoma’s cultural and civic life. Sally currently serves on several prominent boards, including those of the Oklahoma City Ballet, Casady School and the Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma. She has led successful capital campaigns for the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, Oklahoma City Ballet and Casady School. Sally’s vision and leadership have played a key role in advancing quality of life issues like the arts and education across the state. Jeff, the newly appointed Oklahoma secretary of energy and environment, has a long history of leadership in both the business and See ARTS, Page 7
Powell earns top award
Stitt appoints secretary of energy, environment
Tammy Powell, RNC, MPH, FACHE, president of SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital Oklahoma City and Bone & Joint Hospital at St. Anthony, received the Oklahoma Hospital Association (OHA) W. Cleveland Rodgers Distinguished Service Award, the OHA’s top award. This award is presented each year to an individual in the hospital or health care industry who has made a substantial contribution of service to the OHA, the profession of health
Governor Kevin Stitt announced the appointment of Jeff Starling as the new Oklahoma secretary of energy and environment. With more than two decades of legal, regulatory and operational leadership in the energy industry, Starling is to lead efforts to champion Oklahoma’s energy industry. “Jeff’s extensive experience in both the private and public sec-
See POWELL, Page 3
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week The Sylvesters’ new addition, Winnie, is 13-weeks-old. She loves bringing in sticks she’s found outside, any cuddles and kisses, and curling up on soft bundled blankets. The Sylvester family includes Drs. Deena and Carl, Dean, 19, a freshman at Baylor University; and Lainey, 14, an eighth grader at Westminster. Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
tors provides unique insights that make him well qualified to guide our state’s energy strategy,” said Governor Stitt. “He knows what the industry needs to ensure that Oklahoma remains a national leader in energy innovation and economic growth.” Starling added, “I’m thrilled to serve Oklahoma in this new capacity,” said Starling. “It’s an exciting moment in Oklahoma,
and our energy industry is a major driver of our state’s success and one we should build upon as we continue to move forward. I’m honored the Governor trusts me with this responsibility and I look forward to working to make it even easier to do business in Oklahoma.” Starling most recently served as chief legal and administrative See STARLING, Page 7
OKC FRIDAY: Fabulous at 50
Newspaper is a trusted force, cornerstone in media landscape By Brian Maughan Presiding Commissioner Oklahoma County On behalf of the residents of Oklahoma County, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to OKC FRIDAY as you celebrate your 50th anniversary. Over the past five decades, your newspaper has played a vital role in informing, con-
necting and reflecting the spirit of our community. Your unwavering dedication to local journalism has made OKC FRIDAY a trusted voice and a cornerstone of Oklahoma City’s media landscape. The impact of your work is felt far and wide and we are grateful for your commitment to excellence. Here’s to 50 years of success and too many more ahead!