Boyd Street Magazine April 2026

BOYD STREET

Mark Doescher COPY EDITOR

Koppari

Mark Doescher

CONTRIBUTORS

Roxanne Avery | Sharla Bardin

Nancy Coggins | Lindsay Cuomo

Mark Doescher | Shannon Hudzinski

Connor Pasby | Scott Martin

Chris Plank | Dan Schemm

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

FART IN NORMAN

closer than you think

rom world-class museum collections to murals and monthly art walks, creativity is woven into everyday life in Norman.

Norman’s arts scene isn’t limited to one gallery or one weekend on the calendar. It’s part of the city itself, from museum collections and downtown galleries to murals and unexpected public art tucked between everyday spaces. Across campus, downtown and neighborhood streets, creativity shows up in ways that make Norman feel vibrant.

Museums and Creative Spaces

Many locals know the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art sits on the University of Oklahoma campus. What often surprises people is the depth of its collection, which includes internationally recognized artists alongside contemporary exhibitions and Native American art.

Norman’s creative landscape stretches beyond campus as well. The Firehouse Art Center hosts rotating exhibitions and classes inside a historic downtown

fire station. Jacobson House Native Art Center celebrates Native American art and culture through exhibitions and community programming. MAINSITE Contemporary Art Gallery highlights Oklahoma artists in the heart of the Walker Arts District.

2nd Friday Art Walk

One of the easiest ways to experience Norman’s arts scene happens every month. The 2nd Friday Art Walk transforms downtown into a walkable celebration of local creativity. Galleries stay open late, artists set up along the sidewalks and musicians add to the energy throughout the Walker Arts District. It’s casual and welcoming, whether you spend 15 minutes browsing or make a full night of it.

Art Around the City

Creativity in Norman doesn’t stop at gallery walls. Colorful murals continue to appear across the city, turning blank buildings and unexpected corners into vibrant backdrops. Public art here shows up in places you

BY: DAN SCHEMM - VISIT NORMAN

might expect and a few you probably wouldn’t. Painted storm drains add bursts of color to neighborhood streets, while artist-designed bike racks double as small sculptures woven into everyday infrastructure.

It’s part of what makes Norman’s arts scene feel so alive. New murals and creative projects seem to pop up all the time, sometimes in the middle of downtown and sometimes in places you might not notice unless you’re looking. For locals, it’s a reminder that art in Norman isn’t confined to a single building or event. It’s part of the places we walk, bike and drive every day.

A VOICE FOR EVERY CHILD

Community leaders, volunteers and supporters gathered at First United Bank in Moore for South Central CASA’s first-ever Love CASA Breakfast, an event highlighting the growing need for advocates for children in foster care across Cleveland, Garvin and McClain counties.

More than 300 children across the three-county area are currently in DHS custody, navigating court proceedings during one of the most vulnerable periods of their lives. CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, trains volunteers who are appointed by judges to represent a child’s best interests in court and provide consistent support throughout the life of a case.

The event also marked the presentation of the inaugural Heart of CASA Award to Jaci Williams, a long-

time advocate whose dedication helped establish the first CASA program in Oklahoma.

“We wanted to honor someone who represents the very heart of why CASA exists,” said Vicky Bumgarner, executive director of South Central CASA.

Williams’ commitment to supporting children began long before CASA programs were established in Oklahoma. Bumgarner shared that Williams regularly stepped in to help vulnerable children and families in her community, often caring for children when their parents were in rehabilitation, and made a point to stay connected with those who needed encouragement and stability.

When Judge Alan Couch sought to bring the national CASA model to Oklahoma in 1984, Williams was among the volunteers who helped turn that vision into

South Central CASA Launches

Love CASA Breakfast, Honors Trailblazer in Child Advocacy

reality, helping launch Cleveland County CASA, the first CASA program in the state.

South Central CASA Board President Josh Edge said Williams’ dedication to children was evident from the very beginning.

“Jaci Williams is truly a pioneer,” Edge said. “She was the first volunteer in Cleveland County to take on what we now call CASA work, before it was formalized in Oklahoma law.”

Edge shared that Williams’ first case involved a 4-year-old child whom she visited weekly for three years, often providing simple but meaningful support.

“She built relationships with community partners and showed what it means to give a child a consistent, caring advocate,” he said.

Founded in 1984, South Central CASA has spent nearly 42 years recruiting and training volunteers who walk alongside children in foster care, helping ensure their safety, stability and long-term well-being.

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YOUR PERSONAL BUILDER

Kendall Wells has taken the softball world by storm. The freshman catcher has burst onto the scene, and her at-bats have become can’t-miss events. Launching tape-measure home runs while displaying her magnetic personality, Wells is quickly becoming one of the brightest stars in the sport.

Wells has been as advertised since stepping on campus. As a true freshman, she is a consistent part of an Oklahoma Sooners offensive attack that is already putting up historic numbers, and we’re not even to the midway point of the season.

In fact, the Sooners were the fastest team to hit 100 home runs in a season in the history of college softball. Through OU’s first 30 games of the season, Wells’ 21 home runs led the team and were tied for the most in the nation.

“Offensively, I’ve seen Jocelyn Alo, I’ve seen Lauren Chamberlain — this is something new,” said OU head coach Patty Gasso. “It is some of the most elite power I’ve ever seen from a young player, and she came in like that. It’s not like we had to build her into that. She came in like that. Now she is getting all the how’s and why’s from (hitting coach) JT (Gasso) that is making a lot of sense to her. Hitting has become very easy to her.”

The ascension up the statistical charts is only slightly surprising to the Bogart, Georgia, product.

“I think a little bit of me is surprised,” Wells said. “We put in a lot of work in the preseason and this fall just to get to this point, so seeing my work pay off has been really important to me. I worked a lot with Coach JT and took a lot of knowledge from my older teammates. I mean, I played with some of the greats, Kasidi Pickering, Ella Parker. I’m around people like Tiare Jennings all the time. So just taking in as much information and knowledge from them as I can to help me play the best on the field.”

And did we mention her magnetic personality? Wells is quickly becoming a fan favorite — not just for what she does, but how she does it.

“That’s just how I like to play the game,” Wells said. “That confidence is just what keeps me going and makes sure I keep my mentality right. I know it comes across, sometimes, in maybe not the best of ways, but that’s just my way of not getting into my head too much or not letting the game control me.”

Wells’ power had been talked about even before she hit the longest home run in the short history of Love’s Field earlier this season. She tied the Georgia high school home run record as a sophomore with 24 as she led North Oconee to a third-place finish at the state tournament. Her total high school numbers were impressive — 127 hits, 55 home runs, 184 RBIs, 148 walks, 162 runs scored and 62 stolen bases. With offers to play anywhere she wanted in college, Wells chose OU as the Sooner culture sealed the deal.

“I think one of the biggest things that drew me here was just the culture and how tight-knit it is. Everyone here is like a family,” Wells said. “Also, one of the things I like about being here is that I’m surrounded by elite players and coaches every day. I’m always being pushed to be my best. You can never take a day off or you’re going to fall behind here. So just always being pushed to be my best, whether it’s on the field or even in academics.”

Wells has made an immediate impact on the Sooners and has already received recognition on the national stage, earning two Softball America Freshman of the Week honors and a D1Softball Player of the Week award.

“If you sat and watch her, you would never believe she was a freshman,” Gasso said. “She has some saltiness behind the plate. She’ll stand up and throw to third before an umpire has even called strike three.”

Gasso rarely invokes legends like Alo or Chamberlain when discussing current players. Wells has plenty left to learn, but her ceiling is unmistakable.

“We’re just trying to help her with posture, sometimes adjusting a few things here and there,” Gasso said. “Mentality with two strikes, she’s hard to strike out, but sometimes you can see her frustration get the best of her and she’ll waste that third swing.”

As the mentality grows at the plate, her defense has continued to shine. She has proven to be a solid signal-caller handling the OU pitching staff at a veteran level.

“It’s definitely something I’m continuing to work on,” Wells said. “Obviously as a catcher, you’re naturally a leader on the field just because you’re involved in everything, and you see everything, so definitely been working with my older teammates, just working with coach trying to be the best leader I can be.”

The magnetic personality is a true family trait. Her dad, Ken, and mom, Greer, have been there in some way, shape or form at every turn during her breakout season.

“My family means so much to me,” Wells said. “I have an older sister and then two younger ones, so I do miss them a lot, but they come out a lot to see me. I grew up in a competitive sports environment at home, so it’s cool to see all of our work pay off, all of us in each of our different areas. My older sister just finished her collegiate diving career at Georgia Southern, so she’s done. But my little sisters are barrel racers, and one of them plays softball as well. So just supporting them and cheering them on as much as I can has been super cool.”

Her debut season as a Sooner is already historic. Her approach, passion and love for the game have quickly made her a fan favorite. At a place where the greatest power hitters in the sport’s history have played, Wells’ start is laying the foundation for a career that could rival the best of the best.– BSM

BY: CHRIS PLANK

SOONER FOOTBALL SPRING GAME PREVIEW

BY: CHRIS PLANK

After the disappointment of a first-round playoff loss, the University of Oklahoma football team went to work.

Head coach Brent Venables went to work. His staff went to work. The front office, led by General Manager for Football Jim Nagy, went to work. The goal? To bolster an already talented roster and put the Sooners back in contention for a national championship in 2026.

A 10-win season and a trip to the College Football Playoff were a start. Now the ultimate goal is clearly in sight — championship number eight for OU football.

As the Sooners prepare for spring ball, the offseason additions and development of key pieces will be on full display in preparation for not only the return of the spring game but also the 2026 season for Team 132.

Have the necessary questions been answered? Here are some key storylines to follow during spring football.

IS THE RUNNING GAME IMPROVED?

The OU running game struggled in 2025. It was not a singular issue that slowed down the ground game but a series of problems. During the offseason, the Sooners looked to improve the running attack. Long before DeMarco Murray left to take an assistant coach job with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Sooners had taken steps to upgrade all aspects of the rushing attack.

During Venables’ spring press conference, the head coach started listing what production the Sooners have returning from last year. The running game was mentioned after OU averaged 118.5 rushing yards a game, which was among the bottom 50 in the country in 2025.

“Returning offensive production, we got 90% of our rushing yards,” Venables said. “We didn’t have many rushing yards, but we have 90% of them coming back.”

The challenge with getting the rushing attack going was not due to a lack of commitment or resources. Oklahoma nabbed the top portal back last season and had two five-star prospects starting on the offensive line. The Sooners rebuilt the tight end room and added a key offensive line piece in Arkansas transfer E’Marion Harris to potentially play right tackle, and two highly recruited freshmen in Jonathan Hatton Jr. and DeZephen Walker. But it’s more than just the personnel.

“I challenged the offense, and just the team too, that we’ve got to be a tougher team,” Venables said. “In the fourth quarter of our three losses, we weren’t good enough in any phase to win the game. We didn’t do it in any of the three losses. We did in some other games, but I’m not trying to do it in some. I want to do it all. That’s who I want us to be, so we’ve got to be tougher. We’ve got to be more timely. We’ve got to be there. We’ve got to be more efficient. The higher the pressure and the moment, the better we’ve got to play and execute. Physically dominate people.”

WHO IS READY TO STEP UP?

The reality of this era in college sports is that maintaining a roster is a challenge, and retention is one of the biggest keys to developing a foundation.

“You can’t keep everybody. You’d love to, but you can’t, and that will be the test of this football team,” Venables said. “I know we’ve helped ourselves on offense. … I really believe that one of the keys to our success is that we had our twos playing closer to ones than to playing to twos. … And we lost a lot of that competitive depth, most of that on the defensive side.”

Development is the name of the game. Oklahoma has to be better than it was last year, in particular on offense, where the Sooners finished 79th in the nation in scoring. But that development has to take place along the defensive line where there’s an expectation that Adepoju Adebawore and Danny Okoye will need to play significant roles. At linebacker, the losses of Sammy Omosigho, Kobie McKinzie and Owen Heinecke mean James Nesta, Taylor Heim and Marcus James need to step up and prove ready to be a part of the rotation.

“You look and compare apples to apples there, and we’ve got a little more experience coming back on offense,” Venables said. “But the challenge is even on the offensive side, the bottom of both sides of the ball, and how quickly can we raise that floor? I think that’s going to be ultimately what defines this football team, and I’m anxious to see that. How fast can we bridge that gap? How quickly can we get these guys to play closer to a one, even if they don’t ultimately become a one? How quickly can we get our twos to play more like ones?”

WHO CAN HAVE A TAYLOR WEIN TYPE OF ASCENSION THIS SPRING? IS THERE A GRACEN HALTON CLONE JUST WAITING TO EMERGE?

“Wyatt Gilmore, the No. 1 player in Minnesota, came in here banged up and injured, broke his ankle during his senior year, so he felt like a man without a country. But he is going to be the next Taylor Wein,” Venables said. “When you talk about Taylor Wein, that’s a guy that has been here and has led the way every step of the way. And he goes from the bottom of the barrel all the way to the top in one season. Coach (Miguel) Chavis finds this three-star guy, and there’s a bunch of them, R Mason (Thomas), Gracen Halton, Owen Heinecke, Jaren Kanak, guys that were here and they developed.”

HOW IMPROVED IS THE TIGHT END ROOM?

The tight end position has been underwhelming for the Sooners over the last three seasons. The Sooners have played 15 different tight ends, including a converted linebacker in Jaren Kanak, who had a breakout season in his first year playing offense. De-

spite Kanak’s breakout season, the position has been viewed as a weakness during this stretch.

The Sooners attacked the offense by completely overhauling its tight end room. It started with the hiring of former NFL All-Pro Jason Witten and the additions of several new faces, including transfers Hayden Hansen, Rocky Beers and Jack Van Dorselaer.

“Big picture, we feel like we have the right people,” Nagy said. “The tight end room is something we knew we needed to address. We want to run the ball better. So to get a Hayden Hansen and Rocky Beers and all the starts those guys bring, and Jack Van Dorselaer, here is a guy that’s got a really high ceiling, played right away in the SEC. The room really kind of flipped, so I’m just excited to get them in pads.”

In 2025, Hansen, Beers and Van Dorselaer combined for 1,198 career receiving yards on 115 receptions and 16 touchdowns. All three are considered solid run blockers and bring elite size for the tight end position.

“They’re all a little different, but they’re all big,” Nagy said. “They’re all big guys. I mean, you’ll see them when they’re out on the practice field. They’re leaders, and they’re different guys, personality-wise. The three guys are really different, but they’re all invested. They’re all really invested in this, and to have Coach Witten coaching them, it’s exciting. It’s exciting what we’ll do. I think we’ll look different with those guys on the field this year.”

While the talent and depth have increased in the room, the new coach brings an impressive resume. Witten played 17 years in the NFL and made the Pro

Bowl 11 times. After starting his coaching career at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas, Witten jumped at the chance to join the Sooners.

“Simply put, it’s the Oklahoma Sooners,” Witten said. “There’s not another program with more tradition and success over the years, and some great programs in this league. ... I’ve always admired and respected this program. The course of my pro football career, the number of teammates coming from Oklahoma, all of them were the right type of teammate, the right type of people, and phenomenal football players that loved the game. That’s what I wanted to be a part of. I wanted to go coach ball, pour into them, all the things I just said. What a great opportunity and platform for me to be able to do it here.”

NEW WEAPONS FOR MATEER

“We went into the offseason, and we had a few objectives. One was to retain the core of a college football playoff roster,” Nagy said. “Then just creating as much competition, increase the competition in every room. I feel like we did well.”

One of the key core pieces that returns is Sategna, who emerged as a star in 2025, amassing 67 receptions for 965 yards and eight touchdowns — a stark improvement from his modest three touchdown catches over his first three seasons.

To help bolster the passing game for Mateer, Oklahoma aggressively pursued transfers. Virginia’s Harris joins the fold with 847 yards and five scores from his previous campaign, while Livingstone, who roomed with Texas quarterback Arch Manning during his

freshman year, brings 26 catches for 516 yards and six touchdowns.

“Parker Livingstone has been just a crowd favorite,” Venables said. “He’s won a bunch of competitive drills, but man, he’s wide open, and he’s got a great spirit to him. The guys really like him. Trell Harris competes like a grown man. He’s very strong, very physically mature, just mentally mature, knows how to work. Comes from a team that competed for the ACC Championship, so he’s coming from the right type of locker room.”

Add the improved talent in the tight end room and a competitive running back room, and the offensive weapons appear much deeper for Mateer heading into the spring.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

LB Cole Sullivan: Oklahoma bolstered its linebacker depth with the addition of Michigan transfer Cole Sullivan. Sullivan played on 331 defensive snaps in 2025 and finished the year with 44 tackles, five tackles for loss, a team-high three interceptions, two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. His 44 tackles ranked fifth on Michigan’s defense after he registered only four tackles as a freshman.

“Cole Sullivan has been just right here in the rare air, just showing up every day like you want him to. All the good ones do,” Venables said. “But he’s really long. He’s 6-4. He looks a lot like Stutsman, probably his sophomore year. He’s a ball of muscle. He’s in the building all day, every day, which all these guys are. Been really, really good.”

TE Hayden Hansen: “Hayden Hansen has been a great leader,” Venables said. “He’s a natural leader. He’s an alpha. He likes it.”

Hansen stands 6-7 and is 269 pounds and brings a physical presence that was lacking in the tight end room for the Sooners of the last few seasons. But Hansen can also get it done as an offensive weapon. After redshirting in 2022, Hansen has 57 catches for five touchdowns over the last three seasons, including 30 catches for 254 yards and a pair of touchdowns last season. Hansen was the first portal commit during the offseason and takes pride in starting the train.

“All the stars started lining up, and I took a lot of pride in becoming the first guy to commit here and starting the wave,” Hansen said. “I just know there’s something special here and I’m ready to be a part of it.”

Witten is excited to have Hansen in his room.

“He’s your prototypical tight end,” Witten said. “But also he’s very coachable. That’s one of the things that

you always think about with veteran players sometimes is just, you know, ‘Hey coach, I kind of got this figured out.’ You see it in the NFL. And I think the best ones, they want more and they’re hanging on every word. So in the short time we’ve had together, I think he’s been very open to that.”

WR Parker Livingstone: As a redshirt freshman in 2025, Livingstone was one of Texas’ top offensive players. He finished the season with 516 yards and six touchdowns on 29 catches, and he notably caught Texas’ only touchdown in its 14-7 loss to Ohio State.

The Texas transfer stands 6-4 and has already added 10 pounds to his frame. Livingstone is now the tallest member in the position group.

“Mateer was just saying that we haven’t had a tall receiver yet, so that was kind of a deciding factor,” Livingstone said. “I was like, I’ll be the first; let’s go win.”

Livingstone pulls off the very rare bitter-rival-to-bitter-rival transfer, and so far, he is completely understanding the assignment.

“When I was at Texas, I wanted to beat the crap out of OU,” Livingstone said. “Now that I’m at Oklahoma, I want to beat the crap out of Texas.”– BSM

BUILD A FUTURE Strong

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Norman Public Schools’ Carla Atkinson Honored by Norman Chamber of Commerce

Carla Atkinson, family engagement coordinator for Norman Public Schools, has been named Volunteer of the Year by the Norman Chamber of Commerce, recognizing her outstanding dedication, leadership and service to the Norman community.

The Norman Chamber relies on volunteers who serve on committees, help plan events and provide leadership on the board of directors. Honorees are selected based on their commitment, passion and meaningful impact. Atkinson’s extensive involvement exemplifies those qualities.

Atkinson has served as Leadership Norman co-chair and currently serves on the Leadership Advisory Committee. She also plays an integral role on the chamber’s Business and Education Committee and supports the Partners in Education program, helping strengthen connections between local businesses and schools. In addition, she actively participates in numerous chamber networking and membership events throughout the year.

“Carla is a huge asset to the chamber and our community,” said Scott Martin, president and CEO of the Norman Chamber of Commerce. “She is a Norman original and always willing to step up. We have been blessed to experience her leadership and passion in our leadership programs, and she is an integral part of our Business and Education Committee, particularly as we work to create meaningful career connections between students and businesses. She actively looks for ways to give back, and it was our honor to name her our Volunteer of the Year.”

Atkinson said the recognition reflects the collaborative spirit of the Norman community.

“It is truly an honor to be named Volunteer of the Year,” Atkinson said. “Norman is a special place because of the people who are willing to invest their time and energy into making it better. I’m grateful to work alongside dedicated chamber members, business leaders and educators who are committed to supporting our students and strengthening our community.”– BSM

CELEBRATING PUBLIC EDUCATION

Norman Public School Foundation Celebrates Distinguished Alumni

The Norman Public School Foundation celebrated two distinguished alumni during its annual Hall of Honor luncheon, presented by Riverwind Casino. Dean Blevins and Ravi Rajan were inducted for their contributions to their professions and to public education. Blevins, former sports director at News 9, and Rajan, president of the California Institute of the Arts, were recognized for achievements that began in Norman Public Schools.

Both honorees spoke about the contributions teachers have made in their lives. Rajan specifically reflected on the many educators who shaped his path. “Any success I’ve had in my life was made possible by the teachers who lived and worked right here in Norman, Oklahoma,” he said, thanking the district’s educators for their lasting impact.

The event also featured a presentation from one of the Foundation’s winning STEM Tank teams. Washington Elementary students showcased their innovative project developed through the program’s “Shark Tank”style challenge, where teams research real-world problems and design solutions. – BSM

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ALL EARS! SOME BUNNY

CHAMBER CELEBRATES COMMUNITY LEADERS

Norman Chamber of Commerce 2026 Annual Banquet

The Norman Chamber of Commerce welcomed business and community leaders to Embassy Suites for its 2026 Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony, an event dedicated to celebrating excellence, leadership and the strength of Norman’s business community.

“The Year of the Member,” highlighted the entrepreneurs, employers, educators and volunteers whose work strengthens Norman’s economy and enhances quality of life. Chamber President and CEO Scott Martin emphasized the importance of collaboration and shared success.

“When our members succeed, our community succeeds,” Martin said. “This year, we are placing our focus exactly where it belongs — on the businesses and leaders who move Norman forward.”

The banquet also marked the ceremonial transition of leadership as Laura Moxley was introduced as the Chamber’s 2026 Chair of the Board, succeeding 2025 Chair Scott Hofmann.

The Chamber presented several awards honoring outstanding achievement and service:

• Women’s Leadership Award: Lisa Talley, Eight Twenty-Eight Real Estate (bottom left)

• Norman Public Schools 2025 Teacher of the Year: Dr. Bryan Frenette, Norman High School (top right)

• Ambassador of the Year: Jed Boersma, Black Dog Decontamination and Fire

• Volunteer of the Year: Carla Atkinson, Norman Public Schools

• Impact Award: Rick Nagel, Acorn Capital Management (top left)

• Small Business of the Year: The Standard (middle right)

• Large Business of the Year: Riverwind Casino (bottom right)

Congressman Tom Cole and numerous elected officials were in attendance, along with Leadership Norman participants and alumni. The event was made possible by Presenting Sponsor AT&T and numerous corporate sponsors and table supporters.

Closing the evening, Chair Laura Moxley reflected on the Chamber’s momentum heading into 2026.

“Tonight, we’ve celebrated what makes our business community so exceptional,” Moxley said. “Together, we’re building a future that is strong, connected, and full of opportunity.”

The Norman Chamber of Commerce advocates for Norman’s economic vitality and the prosperity of our business community. For information about membership, go to https://www.normanchamber. com/join-the-chamber/ or call (405) 321-7260.

THE TRAILS GOLF CLUB

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

MNTC

Receives $825,000 Grant From Boeing to Establish New Lab for Aerospace Education,

Training

Agrant awarded to Moore Norman Technology Center will establish a lab that officials believe will take aerospace education to a new level.

The center eceived an $825,000 grant from The Boeing Company to support the development of an Advanced Visualizations Immersive Development (AVID) Lab at the technology center’s Franklin Road campus.

The new lab will offer a state-of-the-art learning environment designed to accelerate hands-on aerospace education, while also offering training opportunities for the state’s aerospace industry.

“This is going to be a unique, one-of-a-kind facility,” said Lee Dow, director of aerospace and transportation at MNTC.

The AVID Lab will feature an indoor training facility that integrates classroom instruction with experiential

learning. Students will have access to cutting-edge scanning technologies, advanced 3D visualization platforms, mixed-reality training systems and industrygrade additive manufacturing tools replicating realworld aerospace environments and modern industry workflows, according to information from the center.

The lab will offer opportunities for a wide range of students to gain more knowledge about careers in aerospace, from students in kindergarten through 12th grade in partnering school districts to adults enrolled in the center’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program.

“There are so many career pathways,” Dow said. “The possibilities are endless.”

Those workforce opportunities are growing as the aerospace industry expands in the state.

“Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industry is the state’s fastest-growing sector,” said Jeff Anderson, chief engineer for Boeing Mobility, Surveillance and Bombers, in a news release. “Our partnership with Moore Norman Technology Center will support this expansion by providing more workforce development resources that will help continue to build a robust local engineering talent pipeline.

“We know this program will inspire students and help increase their engineering skill sets, leaving them even more prepared for aerospace industry environments,” Anderson continued.

Dow said the technology center is in the process of setting up the lab, which has a target opening for June.

BY: SHARLA BARDIN

The collaboration between the technology center and Boeing extends beyond the recent grant. The center also has been offering a customized training program for Boeing engineers since last fall.

Dow said the partnership with Boeing and the establishment of the lab will serve to enhance aerospace education in the region and expand workforce training opportunities.

“It’s just exciting to be a part of this and where it can go,” Dow said about the lab. “This is really taking it to another level.”

The lab is the first phase in a future project for the technology center’s Franklin Road campus. Plans are to develop an Aerospace Experiential Learning Center to serve as a regional hub for aerospace education and industry collaboration, according to information from MNTC.– BSM

Celebrate As You Will. It’s Your Day. Bring your Son, Daughter, Friends, or a Date.

Turning setbacks into comebacks

SPRING CLEAN YOUR FINANCES

Spring is a great time of year to clear your house of accumulated junk and make it sparkle. Why not do the same for your finances? Junk can accumulate there, too. In fact, some of your money matters may need a good wipe down this season.

It is especially true this year, when many Americans are still recovering from the financial fallout of COVID-19, or maybe wondering how to use the latest round of stimulus checks.

Whatever your current situation, a thorough spring-cleaning for your finances is a responsible move this time of year.

Here are some ways to spring clean your finances:

SWEEP OUT YOUR BUDGET

It’s time to shake out the dust in your budget! Review your monthly spending and find ways to cut back. Have you been overdoing the takeout food this year? Buying up more shoes than you can possibly wear? Pare down your budget until it’s looking neat and trim.

FRESHEN UP YOUR W-4

Tax season is prime time for revisiting the withholdings on your W-4. If you received an especially large refund this year, you may want to adjust the amount you withhold. The IRS’s tax withholding estimator can be a useful tool to help you determine the perfect number.

DEEP CLEAN YOUR ACCOUNTS

If you’ve switched from one bank or credit union to another, you may have dormant accounts that are still open and may be charging you fees. Or, perhaps they’re holding onto money you’ve forgotten you have! And don’t forget about the 401(k) you may have from an old job. Now may be the time to transfer those funds to your current 401(k).

This spring, do a Marie Kondo on your finances and get rid of any accounts you don’t need any longer. A minimalist approach to your finances will make it easier to manage your accounts. It will also give your savings a greater chance at growth, and help you avoid fees for unused accounts.

TOSS OUT YOUR DEBT

Get ready to kick that debt for good! If you’ve been stuck on the debt cycle for too long, make this spring the season you create a plan to break free.

First, trim your budget or consider a side hustle for earning some pocket money, designating these extra funds for your debts. Next, choose a popular debt-busting approach, such as the avalanche method, in which you pay off debts in order from highest interest rate to lowest, or the snowball method, where you start with the smallest debt and then move

up your list as each is paid off. Once you’ve chosen your approach, maximize payments to the first debt on your list, making sure not to neglect the minimum monthly payments on your other debts. Before you know it, that debt will be gone!

DUST OFF YOUR SAVING HABITS

Have you been remembering to pay yourself first? Get into the habit of maximizing your savings this spring with a tangible financial goal. You can also make savings an itemized line in your budget. This way, you’ll have funds set aside for this purpose, instead of savings only happening if there’s money left over at the end of the month. Finally, automate your savings by setting up a monthly transfer from your checking account to your savings account. Never forget to pay yourself first again!

MAKE YOUR INVESTMENTS SPARKLE

Whether you’re an experienced investor or you’re just getting your feet wet, it’s time for a spring cleaning of your investments! Check if your allocation strategy is still serving you well, whether you need to adjust your diversification and if your retirement accounts are on track for your estimated retirement timeline.

MAKE YOUR STIMULUS COUNT

Don’t let your stimulus payment and tax refund blow through your checking account. Instead create a spending plan for the funds that includes paying down debt, allocating some of the money for long-term and short-term savings and possibly investing another portion of the payment. Don’t feel guilty about using the rest of your stimulus check to splurge on a purchase or experience you’ve been wanting for a while now. The money is being distributed with the hopes that it will help stimulate the economy, and the best way to do that is to spend — just don’t go overboard. Spring is the perfect time to give your finances a thorough cleaning. Follow our tips to make your money matters shine!

Sew It Yourself

Fun, hands-on beginner projects. Take one class or take them all!

M | April 20 and May 4 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Beginning Crochet

Learn the art of crochet with little to no experience. Th | April 30 - May 28 | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Cooking

Learn to make Lemongrass Chicken, known for its savory flavor, with delicate, tangy, lemon, mint, and ginger flavors.

W | May 6 | 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

T, Th | April 21 - April 23 | 6 - 8 p.m. Medicare: Knowing

Join us and learn how to navigate which Medicare plan is right for you.

T | May 26 | 1 - 3 p.m.

FROM CRAYONS TO CAREERS

A humanoid, a county- wide student contest, a quality jobs program for citizens, and a talent-attraction program for employers.

ATTENTION ALL PRE -K THROUGH 12TH GRADE CLEVELAND COUNTY STUDENTS

Put down the gaming controller and pick up a pen the CCEDC is handing you the keys to help shape the future, and they want to se e if you’ve got the 'WriteStuff’.

Contest opens March 15, 2026 and closes May 1, 2026

Meet our 4’10”, 80-pound powerhouse with electric blue eyes! She is a high-tech marvel who balances the fluid grace of a dancer with the precision of a karate expert Whether she is mastering her latest school programming or greeting you with a firm handshake and a friendly wave, she is always ready to clap for her teammates ABOUT THE HUMANOID

THE CHALLENGE

• Grades Pre-K-5th Grade: The Naming Quest:

• Submit a name with 25 to 50 words about why you think it fits.

• Junior High 6th- 8th Grade: The Innovation Essay and Submit a Name:

• Why innovation matters to my community. 500-800 words.

• High School 9th- 12 th Grade: The Workforce Vision and Submit a Name:

• How innovation creates career opportunities where I live. 600 -1000 words

CONTEST ENTRY AND RULES

• How to Enter: Complete the online form at ClevelandCountyCoalition.com.

• Alternative Entry: Students unable to use the form may email submissions to Info@SelectClevelandCounty.com (Include name, parents name, phone number, email, school name, and teacher’s name).

• Originality: Work must be the student’s own and free of copyright infringement, profanity, political references, or unauthorized personal data.

• Limit: One entry per student.

For full contest rules, prizes, and more details, visit ClevelandCountyCoalition.com.

FROM PRE-K TO CAP AND GOWN

From humanoids in classrooms to new spaces for innovation, the Coalition is helping the next generation build their future in Cleveland County.

COUNTY FUTURES

Cleveland County FUTURES is a county-wide talent attraction and retention program, funded by the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners and Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition. A program designed to : A paid advertisement of the Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition

• Grow good jobs with Cleveland County businesses.

• Support students and workers as they prepare for future careers.

• Assist Cleveland County citizens in career changes and new opportunities through translational skilling.

• Attract the kinds of investment that keep opportunities right here in Cleveland County.

High blood pressure — also called hypertension — is one of the most common risk factors for heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular problems. The challenge is many people don’t realize they have it because symptoms often don’t appear until damage has already begun. This is why it is often referred to as a “silent” condition.

The good news is that there are several proven ways to lower blood pressure naturally. From improving diet and staying active to managing stress, simple lifestyle habits can have a powerful impact on long-term heart health.

WHY BLOOD PRESSURE MATTERS

Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. When that pressure stays consistently high, it can damage the blood vessels and force the heart to work harder than it should.

Over time, uncontrolled blood pressure can increase the risk of:

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Heart failure

• Kidney disease

• Vision problems

Because hypertension often develops gradually, regular checkups and preventive care are essential.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES THAT HAVE THE BIGGEST IMPACT

If you’re wondering how to lower blood pressure, the most effective approach usually involves multiple healthy habits working together.

“Patients sometimes underestimate how impactful small, consistent changes can be,” said Jonathan Mitchell, DO, internal medicine physician with Norman Regional Primary Care - Moore. “Losing even five to 10 percent of body weight or walking 30 minutes most days can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk.”

Some of the most impactful changes include:

SIMPLE WAYS

to Lower Your Blood Pressure

• Regular physical activity – Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Activities like walking, cycling or swimming help strengthen the heart so it pumps blood more efficiently.

• Maintaining a healthy weight – Even modest weight loss can help lower blood pressure in people who are overweight.

• Reducing sodium intake – High sodium consumption can raise blood pressure, so limiting processed foods and salty snacks can make a meaningful difference.

• Limiting alcohol consumption – Drinking in moderation or not at all helps reduce strain on the cardiovascular system.

Small Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Big Difference for Your Heart Health

Even small adjustments to these habits can begin improving blood pressure over time.

THE ROLE OF STRESS IN BLOOD PRESSURE

Stress can also contribute to elevated blood pressure, especially when it becomes chronic.

During stressful situations, the body releases hormones that temporarily increase heart rate and tighten blood vessels. Over time, frequent stress responses can contribute to long-term cardiovascular strain.

Healthy ways to manage stress include:

• Daily physical activity

• Deep breathing or meditation

• Spending time outdoors

• Connecting with friends and family

• Prioritizing restful sleep

Building regular relaxation into your routine can support both heart health and overall well-being.

HEART-HEALTHY FOODS THAT SUPPORT BLOOD PRESSURE

Diet plays a major role in blood pressure control. Foods rich in potassium, fiber and healthy fats help support healthy circulation and reduce strain on the heart.

Focus on incorporating foods such as:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Whole grains

• Lean proteins like fish or poultry

• Nuts and legumes

• Low-fat dairy options

At the same time, it’s helpful to limit foods high in sodium, added sugars and saturated fats.

Many people follow heart-healthy eating patterns such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which is designed specifically to help lower blood pressure.

How Quickly Can Blood Pressure Improve?

The timeline for improvement can vary from person to person, but positive changes often happen sooner than people expect.

Many patients begin seeing improvements within a few weeks of adopting healthier habits, especially when combining exercise, dietary changes and stress reduction.

Consistency is key. Maintaining these habits over time leads to the most meaningful and lasting improvements.

WHEN IS MEDICATION NEEDED?

Lifestyle changes are often the first line of treatment for high blood pressure, but in some cases medication may be recommended. Medication may be necessary if:

• Blood pressure remains high despite lifestyle changes

• Blood pressure is significantly elevated at diagnosis

• A patient has additional cardiovascular risk factors

• A healthcare provider can help determine the best treatment plan based on each patient’s unique health profile.

PROTECT YOUR HEART WITH PREVENTIVE CARE

Managing blood pressure is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your heart. Regular checkups with a primary care provider, healthy daily habits and early detection can dramatically reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular problems.

“Our goal isn’t to send everyone to cardiology,” Mitchell said. “It’s to manage what we can in primary care and collaborate with specialists when the situation calls for it.”

If you’re concerned about your blood pressure or want guidance on improving your heart health, Norman Regional is here to help.

Call 405-515-5000 to get established with a primary care provider today.

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT: LORA HOGGATT

With all the planning and development underway, it is an exciting time for citizens and the City of Norman.

Tasked with current and long-range planning for the city, Lora Hoggatt, planning services manager for the City of Norman, oversees the busy Department of Planning and Community Development. Current planning includes rezoning requests and everything related to development.

“We handle current and long-range planning,” Hoggatt said. “Long-range visioning consists of planning for the community as a whole, or it can be for specific neighborhoods.”

Before joining the City of Norman in 2019, Hoggatt worked for Midwest City for a few years. She began her career with Norman as a city planner II, later becoming the manager after earning her master’s degree in regional and city planning from the University of Oklahoma.

AIM Norman (Area and Infrastructure Master Plan) was part of the city’s long-range planning efforts. Hoggatt explained this was the city’s infrastructure master plan that included the seven areas of “land use, housing, water, wastewater, parks, transportation and stormwater.”

“We just finished the master plan, which was started in 2023 and adopted in June 2025,” Hoggatt said. “It’s kind of like a guide for how development will occur in Norman through 2045. Part of that plan was determining what the population may be, how many housing units would be needed if we got to that population and then trying to distribute that on a land use map for the whole city. We had a big steering committee that did a lot of the work for us. It was a big community effort.”

She added that a lot of misinformation being spread.

“We are always telling people not to hesitate to call us with questions about their property or a plan we’re working on with city council,” Hoggatt said. “Sometimes it’s like a game of telephone where the original message gets totally twisted around into something different than it is. We wish people would call and ask us questions so we can explain and talk it out. That’s what we’re here for.”

Citizens can contact the Department of Planning and Community Development with questions about their homes.

“We deal with everything from questions about what type of fence a person can have on their property to what their property can be used for,” Hoggatt explained. “Any question about residential, commercial and industrial properties can be directed to our department. We are the jumping-off point for anything people want to do with their property.”

People often ask questions such as what type of business they can operate out of their home and where they can open a restaurant or a bar. The department can confirm or deny requests and help residents go through the process to get it all legal.

“People hear scary things and most of the time we can explain it,” Hoggatt said. “Just call our office and we will help you and make sure your voice is heard.”

Hoggatt said she loves her job and that “every day is different.” When not working, she enjoys spending time with her toddler daughter checking out the parks in Norman.

Behind every local business is a local banking partner.

“When the community thrives, we all thrive together.”

-Brad Shipman | Brockhaus Jewelry