BOYD STREET
Reggie Willits
Jaxon Willits
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Mark Doescher
COPY EDITOR
Chelsey Koppari
PHOTOGRAPHY
Mark Doescher
Elijah Bishop Coats
CONTRIBUTORS
Sharla Bardin| Nancy Coggins
Mark Doescher | Joy Hampton
Shannon Hudzinski |Scott Martin
Chris Plank | Dan Schemm
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Trevor Laffoon - trevor@kref.com Perry Spencer - perry@kref.com
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
1
AMBASSADOR BALL
6PM • RIVERWIND CASINO • NORMANREGIONAL.COM
2 MOM PROM
7
2PM • NOUN HOTEL • NORMANOK.GOV
THURSDAY AFTER HOURS • OU SAM NOBLE MUSEUM 5-7PM • NORMANCHAMBER.COM
16-17 NORMAN ARTS FESTIVAL ANDREWS PARK • NORMANARTSFESTIVAL.ORG
19 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS • COMMUNICATION FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 5-7PM • 300 12TH AVE SE • NORMANCHAMBER.COM
27
BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS • NORMAN REGIONAL 8-9:15AM • 3300 HEALTHPLEX PKWY • NORMANCHAMBER.COM
21 NORMAN NORTH HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
7PM • LLOYD NOBLE CENTER • NORMANPUBLICSCHOOLS.ORG 22 NORMAN HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
7PM • LLOYD NOBLE CENTER •NORMANPUBLICSCHOOLS.ORG
NASCAR ON 2 WHEELS
If you’ve never been to a criterium before, here’s the simplest way to think about it: high-speed bike racing on a closed course through city streets. Or, if you prefer, NASCAR… but on bikes.
And in Norman, it comes with a pretty great bonus. You don’t need a ticket or a grandstand. No real planning required, either. You show up, find a spot you like and you’re in it.
The Maverick Criterium returns May 30-31, taking over Campus Corner and Downtown Norman for a full weekend of racing and spectating. Riders loop the course again and again, which means the action never really lets up. It doesn’t take long to get pulled in.
And it’s not just about speed. Riders are shoulder to shoulder, leaning into corners, navigating tight turns and occasionally bumping elbows as they fight for position. You’re not watching from a distance trying to piece it together. You’re close enough to feel it.
There’s music, crowds lining the course and those moments where someone breaks away and the whole street reacts at once. It builds naturally over the day.
The courses aren’t random. They’re built around the best places to watch. On Campus Corner, you can grab a patio table and catch riders flying by just a few feet away. Downtown offers the same kind of setup, with plenty of spots to eat, grab a drink and still keep the race in view.
There are races for all levels throughout the weekend, along with free kids races split into age groups so younger riders can be part of it, too.
If you’re planning to check it out, you can find course maps and a full schedule at mavcrit.com.
At INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Norman, we understand that nothing is more important than the health of you and your family. That’s why we offer a full range of primary care services for people of all ages –from infants and children to adults and seniors.
INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Norman 2361 36th Ave. NW • Norman, Oklahoma 73072
Accepting New Patients Call 405-364-0555 or scan the QR code to schedule an appointment.
Camps Camps
JUNE 1 - JULY 31
FOR STUDENTS ENTERING PRE-K - 7TH GRADE ENROLL BEGINNING APRIL 1!
1, 2 and 3-week, non-audition 1/2 day camps in Musical Theatre, Acting, Magic and more!
Lollypop began with a simple love for celebrating life’s moments. What started as a creative hobby quickly turned into something much bigger. With a passion for design and a heart for bringing people together, the idea grew into a business dedicated to making celebrations feel truly special.
Co-owners Carrie Clark and Jessika Knight shared a vision: create custom balloon décor that transforms ordinary spaces into unforgettable experiences. From birthdays and graduations to corporate events and grand openings, Lollypop focuses on the details that make each event feel personal. Their signature balloon installations, colorful garlands and custom designs have become known for adding that “wow” moment guests remember long after the party ends.
As the business continued to grow, so did the dream. What once started with designing balloons for individual events has now expanded into an exciting new chapter — a storefront located on Main Street in The Carriage Plaza.
The new Lollypop space allows customers to step inside the brand, explore balloon colors and styles, and collaborate on custom designs in person. It also offers grab-and-go balloons and celebration essentials for those last-minute moments that still deserve something special.
For Carrie and Jessika, Lollypop is more than a business.
It’s about helping people celebrate milestones, big and small, and bringing a little extra joy to their community — one balloon at a time.
We’re known as ‘your personal builder’ because we listen carefully to your needs and lifestyle. Our hands-on approach as a family owned business allows us to carefully control quality and costs. Our pride shows in every detail.
Visit our new furnished model home at 2036 Turtle Creek Way, Norman, OK 73071 in the Hallbrooke neighborhood.
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YOUR PERSONAL BUILDER
FAMILY
As the Oklahoma baseball team prepares for the home stretch of the 2026 season, the continued strong play and leadership of Jaxon Willits have been driving factors behind the Sooners’ success.
With his father, Reggie, looking on from the Sooner dugout as the associate head coach, OU’s success is also partially tied to a deep family connection between father and son.
The relationship between Jaxon and Reggie is rooted in a shared passion for baseball, with Reggie playing a significant role in Jaxon’s development both on and off the field. Reggie’s experience and guidance have been influential in shaping Jaxon’s approach to the game, fostering both his skills and his understanding of what it takes to succeed at a high level. The bond between them is often highlighted by their mutual respect and dedication to the sport.
In a baseball world obsessed with radar guns, launch angles and last names, the name Willits raises eyebrows across Oklahoma and baseball, and it’s for all the right reasons. It’s not just a name; it’s a résumé, a legacy and, depending on who you ask, a warning label for pitchers. Behind the calm Oklahoma charm lies a fierce work ethic stitched into the fabric of the family’s story.
BACK TO OKLAHOMA
Reggie Willits is a Sooner legend. After finishing an AllBig 12 career with the OU baseball program, Willits was drafted in 2003 by the Los Angeles Angels in the seventh round and had a solid major league career that spanned six seasons.
At the conclusion of his playing career, Willits immediately went into coaching and eventually joined the New York Yankees in 2015. But something was missing for the small-town Oklahoman, something bigger and more important.
Willits was missing his family — his wife and his three sons, who were growing fast and playing baseball at an elite level. This became especially challenging during COVID-19 when Willits went from being home to under travel restrictions.
“When we had COVID, obviously it was a horrible time in the world,” Willits said. “A lot of people went through a lot of really difficult times. But it was kind of the first time my family and I had really been together in a long time.”
During a normal season, Willits “was just gone constantly” as he would leave in February and often didn’t get home until November. Even though Willits loved his job and being part of the Yankees organization, he found himself ready to return home after not being able to see his family.
Photos by: Mark Doescher
“When we went back to work, there were so many tough protocols in place where I went for about six months and I didn’t see my kids for one day in that period of time because we were in a bubble and had travel restrictions and all that stuff,” Willits said. “It kind of burnt me out a little bit from the family standpoint where I wasn’t getting that time where they could fly in and we could see each other and that kind of stuff.”
Willits was ready for something that would bring him closer to his family. That’s when Oklahoma stepped up. Going into spring training for the 2021 season, Willits continued to feel burnt out. His oldest son was about to be a senior in high school, and Willits thought about how many games he had missed over the years.
“I just wanted to be a dad and a husband again and come back and be there on a daily basis with them,” Willits said. “When we decided to resign from the Yankees, Skip (Johnson) and the administration gave me an opportunity to come back to Oklahoma. It’s something that we sat down and we prayed about as a family and just decided it was going to be something that we could do.”
In January 2022, it became official: Reggie Willits was back in Oklahoma as a volunteer assistant coach, and he had the opportunity to see his sons and eventually coach them.
“It has allowed me to stay around the game of baseball and be around my family,” Willits said. “And it allowed me to be a part of my son’s senior year in high school, just like every other dad, by being around a little bit more.”
OVERCOMING ADVERSITY
In the most Oklahoma way possible, the Willits origin story starts with a barn.
In the heart of Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, Reggie and his young family transformed the barn structure on their property into their home, the place where they spent time together during his breaks from traveling the country as a player.
The barn had a kitchen, a bed and a TV. It also featured a makeshift weight room and a batting cage for all three of the Willits boys.
“We lived in that building for four years while I was in the minor leagues and not making a whole lot of money,” Reggie said. “When we brought Jaxon home from the hospital, that’s where we’re living.”
The Willits family, who operates Double Seven Ranch, unfortunately faced unprecedented adversity in February 2023. As they prepared for the Hereford Heritage Bull Sale, the weather started to turn and was aiming right toward their property. A tornado damaged the barn and the property, but the family and the bulls were safe.
BY: CHRIS PLANK
“I would say that the main story through that would be the outpouring of love and support that we got from the community where we live,” Willits said. “We were very fortunate. We were actually in our house minutes before it hit, and fortunately, we went to a cellar at my parents’ house because we didn’t have one at our house. When you see how fast something can be taken away, it makes you realize how blessed you are.”
The community of Fort Cobb, a town of only 631, immediately showed up to help. The family struggled to keep track of how many people pitched in to help, but the number was in the hundreds. People came to lend a hand both immediately after the tornado and on the day of the sale.
“Most people don’t realize we’ve got a big cattle ranch down here where I live, and our bull sale was actually the very next day,” Willits said. “We had a hundred bulls out in our lots and grass traps, and not one animal was injured. We had a lot of fences and stuff down, and we fixed them and we actually still had the bull sale the next day. That day of that sale, we probably had 150 people out here helping us go through stuff and helping us get stuff out of the way where people could get in here. The overwhelming story is the grace and the love that the community that we live in showed us.”
FAMILY TIES
Life looks a little different for the Willits family these days. Baseball is still the foundation and lifeblood. Jaxon is in his third season as the Sooners’ starting shortstop, while Eli has started his professional baseball career after going first overall in the MLB draft last season. And don’t forget about Hunter Willits, who is already considered one of the top prospects in the class of 2030 as a standout catcher.
A family that has been dominated by boys recently added a baby girl when Jaxon and his wife, Abigail, welcomed their daughter, Gracee Kate Willits. It was an instant adjustment for Jaxon, who added the title of father to his résumé right in the middle of the season.
“Well, I think he’s like a bulldog now,” Willits said of his son. “I had three boys, and you get boys and it’s just like you just kind of throw them out there and see what happens. This is kind of the first girl in our family, and when I saw that little girl right there, it was kind of like I think the guardian came out in both of us. … He kind of got a little bit more protective look to him than he used to, and I probably do too. It’s pretty exciting for our entire family.”
Willits made the decision to come back home and has not only been rewarded with more time coaching and being around his sons. Now there’s also a new grandbaby that he gets much more time around than he ever could as an MLB coach. Willits gives all
the credit to his wife, Amber, for giving him the confidence and belief to do what he does.
“I have three boys, and I’m extremely proud of all three of them,” Willits said. “You look at Jaxon and Eli, and both have great women in their lives that makes them better men. It’s the same thing that my wife has done for me. I have always told my boys that I wouldn’t have made it and had the success I had without my wife. And she was kind of that pillar that gave me that strength when you had tough times. Having great women in your life like my older two boys do is such a blessing for them and for us. We’re excited and proud of all of them.”
BOYS WILL BE BOYS
As Jaxon balances fatherhood and being the leader for a team that is headed toward the postseason, Willits is there at every turn — as a coach and as a father.
Since his kids were “little bitty,” Willits has told them the importance of having a hitting and defensive routine that is practiced on a daily basis. When times are hard, he has always encouraged them to stick to that routine, and he instills the same mindset in the Sooners.
“I think that it’s just like anything else, no matter what level you’re at, you’re just trying to get better every day,” Willits said. “I think that Jaxon’s just like every player on our team. They’re striving to perfect a game that’s really hard and impossible to perfect. It’s kind of one of those sayings, when things are going bad, you stick to your process and your routines. And when things are going good, you stick to your process and routines.”
And when times are tough, the brothers can always lean on each other as well. Willits said his sons are different types of players but are all “extremely competitive” and “really good at what they do.” Most importantly, they support and encourage each other.
“I don’t know where they get that competitiveness from. It must have come from their mom. Me, I’m just so laid back,” Willits joked. “I will never forget right before the draft, Jaxon looked at Eli and he said, ‘Hey, you could turn all this down and you can come play second base at Oklahoma.’ And he emphasized second base. He was telling him that he wasn’t coming off shortstop.
“They have a lot of fun with each other, and they’re each other’s biggest fans,” Willits continued. “Jaxon has a good game, and Eli’s always texting me about it. The second Eli has a good game, it’s just like when he hit the first home run, Jaxon called me right away. So they’re their biggest fans. They root for each other, they help each other and they push each other. It’s pretty cool as a dad to watch and be a part of.”– BSM
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SOONER FOOTBALL SPRING GAME
SOONER WOMENS GYMNASTICS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
CLEVELAND COUNTY ELECTION BOARD
Newly Renovated Election Board Celebrates Grand Opening
Elected officials, community leaders and members of the Norman Chamber of Commerce gathered at the newly renovated Cleveland County Election Board to celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 17.
The building, which was previously occupied by the Department of Human Services, was renovated and opened in fall 2025. The upgraded facility is now home to the Cleveland County Election Board and OSU Extension, and was designed to improve election efficiency and accessibility for voters and staff.
The renovation was funded with a $1 million allocation of federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The facility features a number of upgrades tailored to streamline election operations. Among its highlights is a drive-thru back entrance that will allow election workers to securely and efficiently deliver ballot boxes on election night, reducing congestion and improving chain-of-custody procedures. In addition, the new office is fully ADA-compliant, ensuring voters and staff of all abilities have safe, convenient access.
As the number of voters in Cleveland County continues to increase, this building will help the Election Board meet demand.
“The county currently has around 180,000 voters,” said Bryant Rains, Cleveland County Election Board secretary. “We expect more registered voters as the county continues to grow, and having a space to grow with us is important to ensure our operations remain smooth and we can successfully manage the election process before, during and after each election.
CHAMPIONS NORMAN TIGERS BOYS BASKETBALL
Norman High won the 2026 OSSAA Class 6A Boys Basketball State Championship, Defeating Mustang 54-52
BY: ELIJAH BISHOP COATS
INDOOR AMENITIES
Central heating and air | Gourmet style kitchen
Granite-like countertops | Plush carpeting
Hardwood-like flooring | Stainless steel appliances
Full-size washer and dryer connections
Double door refrigerator, icemaker, filtered water
Spacious bathrooms with soaking tubs
Large walk-in closets | Energy-efficient windows
Cox Quick Connect, allowing immediate internet
COMMUNITY AMENITIES
24 hour fitness gym
Club house
Swimming pool
Business center
On-site maintenance
Springtime in Norman
Spring in Norman always brings a special kind of energy. Our community calendar starts buzzing with two of the most meaningful celebrations of the year: Mother’s Day and graduation season. For the Norman Chamber of Commerce, this time of year is about more than just celebrations, it’s about supporting the local businesses that make our community such a vibrant place to live, sho0p and celebrate.
Mother’s Day
Let’s start with Mother’s Day. Moms are the original community builders. They deserve a day that feels as special as they are, and fortunately, Norman has plenty of ways to make that happen.
Mother’s Day is also a moment to recognize the many hardworking moms who help power our local economy every single day. Across Norman, moms are leading businesses, managing teams, running storefronts, serving customers and still making it home in time for soccer practice, homework help or bedtime stories. Many of our local businesses are owned or operated by mothers who are balancing entrepreneurship and family life. Supporting local shops and restaurants means supporting these hardworking women who invest their time, talent and energy back into our community.
Instead of clicking “add to cart,” consider strolling through one of our locally owned shops for a gift that truly stands out. Maybe it’s a handcrafted piece of jewelry, a bouquet from a local florist or a gift basket filled with treats from neighborhood boutiques. The beauty of shopping locally is that you often find something you didn’t even know you were looking for. Plus, the shop owners might even help you wrap it while sharing a great story or two.
And let’s not forget brunch. Mother’s Day brunch has practically become an Olympic sport, and Norman restaurants rise to the challenge every year. Whether Mom prefers coffee and pancakes, a cozy café breakfast or a leisurely lunch on a sunny patio, our local restaurants are ready to make her feel like royalty. When you dine locally, you’re not just celebrating Mom, you’re also supporting the chefs, servers and small business owners who pour their heart into every meal.
Graduations
Right on the heels of Mother’s Day comes graduation season, and here in Norman that means a lot of crimson pride. As students cross the stage at the University of Oklahoma, families from across the country gather in our city to celebrate years of hard work and late-night study sessions. Graduation celebrations are the perfect opportunity to show off the best of Norman, from thoughtful gifts at local retailers to catering and cakes for family gatherings.
Of course, graduation season in Norman isn’t just about college. It’s also a huge moment for our local high school and career tech graduates. The Norman Public Schools and Moore Norman Technology Center graduating classes are preparing to walk across the stage and begin their next chapters. These students have spent years growing, learning, competing, performing and volunteering throughout our community. Whether they’re heading to college, entering the workforce or pursuing other dreams, their achievements are worth celebrating in a big way. Graduation parties, senior gifts, flowers and family dinners are all wonderful opportunities to support the local businesses that have cheered them on along the way.
There’s also something special about celebrating milestones in the same community where those memories were made.
The coffee shop where they studied for finals. The boutique where they found their game-day outfit. The restaurant where the family gathered after big wins and big exams. These businesses become part of their story.
So, as you plan for Mother’s Day and graduation celebrations this spring, the Norman Chamber encourages you to explore the amazing businesses right here in our community. You might find the perfect gift, the perfect meal or even a new favorite shop. And along the way, you’ll be doing something that makes Norman even stronger — supporting the local businesses that support all of us.
Aseminar series is providing area senior citizens with information about beneficial services, skills and steps for making life-changing decisions.
The Senior Living Truth Series is an educational program that offers free seminars focusing on issues of interest to seniors, such as health and wellness, home renovation and repairs or scam awareness.
Becky and Roberto Seda, hosts and moderators of the series, are collaborating with Moore Norman Technology Center to offer the program to the center’s service area.
Gina Bertoletti, a business coach at the technology center, said the program gives seniors opportunities to learn more about topics that matter to them.
“The resources alone that they provide at these courses is so important,” Bertoletti said.
Becky Seda said she’s excited about partnering with the technology center to reach more seniors in the region.
“It’s really impacting the lives of seniors,” Seda said. “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to bring this education to our seniors.”
Free Seminars Offer Information About Timely Life Topics A SERVICE TO SENIOR CITIZENS
The program is offered at the center’s South Penn Campus at 13301 S. Pennsylvania Ave. in OKC.
Upcoming topics include paying for senior living, preparing a home for the future, creating a care team and information about wills, trusts and probate.
Seda said the seminars aren’t a sales pitch to seniors or a solicitation. The purpose is to provide attendees with education that can equip them in their decision making or goal setting.
“Our goal is to help Oklahoma seniors be proactive, rather than reactive. And to have more options to achieve their goals,” Seda said.
Another benefit of the program is the variety of community partners who can speak on the featured topics. Representatives have included those from construction, banking, law, real estate, health care and community and state services.
Seda said hosting the program is rewarding given the respect and passion she has for working with the senior population.
“I want to honor them,” she said. “I want to make sure that they know they have options.”
Bertoletti said she’s received positive feedback from attendees who say the information presented at the program is helpful and informative. The program can also foster connections. A story that stands out to Bertoletti involved a woman who attended a seminar and spoke about needing a walker.
“People helped connect her with services to get that walker,” Bertoletti said.
Seda said she hopes the program continues to grow and that those who attend feel more informed and prepared about options, goals and future decisions.
“It’s such a reminder that we never stop learning,” she said.
For more information
The Senior Living Truth Series seminars are free and take place at Moore Norman Technology Center’s South Penn Campus at 13301 S. Pennsylvania Ave. in Oklahoma City. For a list of upcoming topics or to see recordings of previous seminars, visit seniorlivingtruthseries.com. – BSM
SENIOR LIVING TRUTH SERIES
This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s honest, practical education designed to help seniors plan ahead and make confident decisions from clarity, not crisis. Scan the QR code or visit mntc.edu/slts for more information.
Next Events at MNTC’s South Penn Campus:
• June 4 - The Truth About Letting Go of the “Stuff”: Planning, Simplifying, and Moving Forward
• June 25 - The Truth About Having “Enough”: Ways to Pay for Senior Living
LOVE & MONEY
FINANCIAL RED FLAGS IN RELATIONSHIPS AND
HOW TO AVOID
THEM
Money can’t buy love, but it sure can strain it. While it’s normal for couples to have different financial habits, certain behaviors are warning signs, or financial red flags, that shouldn’t be ignored. Whether you’re dating, engaged or already sharing life together, recognizing these red flags can protect your heart and wallet.
1. AVOIDING MONEY CONVERSATIONS
One of the biggest red flags is a partner who refuses to talk about money. Whether it’s avoiding questions about spending, sidestepping debt discussions or becoming defensive about finances, this lack of transparency can indicate deeper issues.
What to do: Bring up finances early and often. You don’t need a full rundown of your date’s net worth, but you can discuss financial goals, budgets, debts and values.
2. OVERSPENDING OR CHRONIC IMPULSE BUYING
A partner who regularly spends beyond their means — especially without discussing it — can create instability, stress and mistrust in the relationship.
What to do: Encourage open dialogue about spending habits. Create a joint budget and include fun money for both partners. If overspending is severe, professional financial counseling might be needed.
3. HIDING MONEY OR FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS
Financial infidelity — like hiding accounts, secret credit cards or loans, or stashing money without telling your partner — is a big breach of trust.
What to do: Establish financial openness as a shared value. While you don’t need to merge everything, if you’re living together and sharing expenses like room and board, both partners should know about major accounts and financial decisions.
4. SIGNIFICANT DEBT WITHOUT A PLAN
Debt in itself isn’t necessarily a red flag — most people carry some. The concern arises when a partner has major debt and refuses to discuss it or will not manage it. This includes student loans, credit card debt or past bankruptcies.
What to do: Ask about debt early in serious relationships. Support your partner in creating a repayment plan — but beware of shouldering their debt if they aren’t willing to take responsibility.
5. CONTROLLING OR WITHHOLDING MONEY
Financial abuse can be subtle but dangerous. If a
partner controls all the money, withholds funds or uses money as a tool of manipulation, this is a serious red flag that can escalate into broader emotional or physical abuse.
What to do: Maintain your own checking account, credit score and access to money. If you suspect financial abuse, seek help from a counselor or support organization.
6. FREQUENTLY BORROWS MONEY
There’s nothing wrong with running low on cash every now and then, but if your partner is always hitting up friends for spare change, there may be a larger issue at play.
What to do: Gently discuss the borrowing habit with your partner. Try to determine if they’re living beyond their means or legitimately not earning enough for their life expenses. See if you can come up with a solution together.
7. INCOMPATIBLE FINANCIAL VALUES
If one of you wants to save for retirement and the other lives paycheck to paycheck, it’s not just a difference — it’s a potential future conflict. Differing money values about saving, giving, investing or spending can drive a wedge between even the most loving couples. Why it matters: Shared values form the foundation of long-term compatibility. Without alignment, money can easily become a recurring source of tension.
What to do: Talk about financial goals and values before making major commitments. Compromise is possible, but only when both partners are honest and flexible.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FINANCIALLY
• Stay informed. Know your own credit score, assets and debts, and keep an eye on them.
• Keep some independence. Even in a shared household, it’s healthy to have individual accounts and/or spending money.
• Have “money dates.” Sit down with your partner on a regular basis to review spending, bills, goals and upcoming expenses.
• Seek counseling if needed. Financial issues can often be worked through with the help of a neutral third party.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
Use this guide to learn about financial red flags in a relationship and how to protect yourself!
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The
Hidden Root System: How Our Community Grows
Part 1 of a Community Education Series
A few years ago, a local resident, we’ll call her Sarah was driving 45 minutes each way to work. She grew up here. Her family is here. But the job she needed, the kind that could support a family, wasn’t. So, every morning, she left before sunrise. Every evening, she came home late. Less time with her kids. More time on the road.
Her story isn’t unusual. In fact, today roughly 60–65% of Cleveland County residents leave the county for work, most commuting into the Oklahoma City metro. Every day, we export our workforce and much of the opportunity that comes with it. We don’t have a talent problem. We have a job location problem.
We all notice when a new business opens its doors. What we don’t see is everything that happens before that moment, the groundwork that determines whether people like Sarah can live and work in the same place. That unseen work is economic development, the “hidden root system” that supports a strong, resilient local economy.
Think of Cleveland County not as a collection of buildings, but as a shared community garden.
The Gardener’s Approach
In this garden, businesses are the plants. Economic development isn’t the plant, it’s what makes growth possible.
loss of identity. That’s not the goal, and it’s not the plan.
Growth is happening, with or without us. The real question is whether we shape it intentionally or react to it after the fact. Smart growth means:
Jobs closer to home
Infrastructure that keeps pace
A tax base that supports community priorities
Opportunity for current residents first
This is about directing growth, not chasing it.
Protecting What Makes Us…Us
Just like a well-designed garden has di fferent sections, each community has its own character, and that should be preserved.
Preparing the Soil: Investing in roads, utilities, and broadband so businesses can locate, and stay here. Irrigation: Building a talent pipeline so residents are trained for high-quality jobs, not forced to leave to find them.
Tending the Plot: Supporting existing businesses, where most job growth actually comes from, while attracting new industries that strengthen our economy.
This work produces real results: more local jobs, higher wages, and a stronger tax base that funds schools, public safety, and infrastructure.
Growth-On Our Terms
Let’s address the concern many people share: growth. Too often, economic development is assumed to mean congestion, overbuilding, and a
Some areas will drive job creation and innovation. Others will remain quiet, residential, and familyfocused. A community doesn’t lose its identity by growing, it loses it when growth happens without a plan. What Happens If We Don’t Grow? It’s worth being honest about the alternative.
When communities stop growing intentionally:
Jobs go elsewhere
Young people leave
The tax burden shifts to existing residents
Schools and services face increasing strain
Standing still doesn’t preserve a community—it slowly weakens it.
A Thriving Community
Now imagine a different outcome. Sarah works 10 minutes from home. Parents spend evenings at the dinner table, not on the highway. Local businesses grow because more income is earned and spent locally. That’s what a healthy economy looks like.
Economic development, at its core, is about creating opportunity, close to home, for the people who already live here.
By working together as a region, we can grow in a way that is intentional, balanced, and true to who we are, strengthening our economy while protecting what matters most.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, but it is also one of the most preventable. A simple screening called a colonoscopy can detect early signs of disease — and even stop cancer before it begins by removing precancerous polyps.
Vincent Petros, DO, gastroenterologist at GI of Norman, explains when adults should start screening, how often it should be repeated and why early detection can save lives.
AT WHAT AGE SHOULD YOU GET YOUR FIRST COLONOSCOPY?
For most adults with average risk, the recommended age to begin colonoscopy screening is 45.
This guideline was recently lowered from age 50 due to an increase in colon cancer diagnoses among younger adults.
“Forty-five is now the recommended age to begin screening,” said Dr. Petros. “We’re seeing younger individuals diagnosed with colon cancer, often at more advanced stages, so lowering the screening age helps us detect disease earlier.”
Starting screening at the right time helps physicians identify precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET A COLONOSCOPY?
The answer depends on a person’s individual risk factors and screening results.
For people at average risk with a normal colonoscopy, screening is typically repeated every 10 years.
However, if precancerous polyps are found during the procedure, doctors may recommend follow-up colonoscopies sooner.
TYPICAL SCREENING INTERVALS INCLUDE:
• Every 10 years for average-risk adults with normal results
• Every three-five years if precancerous polyps are found
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• More frequent testing for individuals with higher risk factors
“Finding polyps increases the risk that new ones could develop,” Petros said. “That’s why we shorten the interval and monitor more closely.”
COLORECTAL CANCER RISK FACTORS THAT MAY REQUIRE EARLIER SCREENING
Some individuals may need colonoscopies earlier than age 45 or more frequently depending on their medical history.
Vincent Petros, DO
COMMON RISK FACTORS INCLUDE:
• A family history of colon cancer in a parent, sibling or child
• A personal history of precancerous polyps
• Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Symptoms such as rectal bleeding, anemia or unexplained weight loss
“These symptoms should never be ignored,” says Petros. “They warrant further evaluation because they can be signs of an underlying condition that needs attention.”
SCREENING VS. DIAGNOSTIC COLONOSCOPY
A screening colonoscopy is performed when a patient has no symptoms and is simply undergoing preventive health screening. This proactive approach allows doctors to detect polyps or early-stage cancer before symptoms develop.
A diagnostic colonoscopy, on the other hand, is performed after symptoms appear — such as bleeding, unexplained anemia or persistent changes in bowel habits.
“Our goal is always prevention,” Petros said. “When we wait until symptoms appear, the disease is often more advanced and harder to treat.”
WHY EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES
Colon cancer often develops silently. Early-stage disease rarely causes symptoms, which is why routine screening is so important.
“Early recognition is key,” said Petros. “When colon cancer is caught in its earliest stages, survival rates can be as high as 90 percent.”
However, if the disease is discovered after symptoms appear and it has already spread, survival rates drop significantly. Screening helps prevent this by detecting and removing polyps before they become cancerous.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN PREPARING FOR A COLONOSCOPY
Preparation is one of the most important parts of the colonoscopy process.
“We can’t find disease if we can’t see clearly,” Petros explains. “A thorough bowel cleanse allows us to perform a high-quality inspection.”
Modern preparation methods are significantly easier than they used to be. Lower-volume liquid solutions
and tablet options make the process more tolerable and convenient than older methods.
Although preparation can feel like a temporary inconvenience, the peace of mind and preventive benefits far outweigh the short preparation period.
LIFESTYLE HABITS THAT REDUCE COLON CANCER RISK
While screening plays a major role in prevention, healthy habits can also reduce the risk of colon cancer.
“What’s good for the heart is good for the intestinal tract as well,” Petros said.
A HEART-HEALTHY LIFESTYLE THAT SUPPORTS COLON HEALTH INCLUDES:
• Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Staying physically active
• Limiting processed foods and excessive alcohol
• Following heart-healthy dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet
• These habits support both cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health.
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR PREVENTIVE HEALTH
Colonoscopy screening is one of the most powerful tools available to prevent colon cancer. By detecting and removing precancerous polyps early, it can stop cancer before it ever begins.
Petros encourages adults to take a proactive approach to their health.
“I strongly encourage anyone to discuss colon cancer screening with their primary care provider,” said Petros. “Preventive screening is one of the most effective ways to protect your long-term health.”
SCHEDULE YOUR COLONOSCOPY
If you are 45 or older or have risk factors for colon cancer, now is the time to talk with your doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy.
Recently named one of the nation’s best ASCs by Becker’s, GI of Norman is leading the way in preventive care. Call 405-515-2777to schedule a consultation with Norman Regional’s gastroenterology team.
Early detection can save lives — and a colonoscopy could be the most important screening you receive this year.
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT: ALEXANDRA PHILBRICK
Events
and Marketing Director
Alexandra Philbrick started work for Cleveland County on Nov. 24, 2025 as the new events and marketing director for the Cleveland County Fairgrounds. She’s the first in this brand-new position and is excited about marketing the recently constructed event center.
“The exciting part is that Cleveland County doesn’t have many large venues and this will fill a huge demand,” she said.
Philbrick came to the county from the Myriad Botanical Gardens where she worked as the director of rentals. A Norman resident, one of the draws of working for the county was not having to commute to Oklahoma City every day.
“The opportunity to work in my own backyard and build the fairgrounds into one of the top destinations for various trade shows, private events, galas, conventions and trainings was an opportunity that I could not pass up,” Philbrick said. “When you come right down to it, what makes the world go round is dollars. The more events we have here, the more hotels and restaurants are full. It’s not just about what we have here on the premises but how much we can impact the community and drive economic growth.”
Philbrick’s commitment to Norman, Oklahoma, is impressive, especially given that she was born and raised in Orange County, California.
“I came here the summer before my senior year in high school on a family trip with my aunt and my mother,” she said. “My aunt was friends with the Kennons, who were about to open Sooner Legends.”
During that trip, she visited the University of Oklahoma and knew this was where she wanted to go to college.
“I was accepted and decided I was moving 1,200 miles away from all that I knew,” she said.
Philbrick hasn’t looked back since. She graduated from OU with a degree in Human Relations.
“I worked for the Oklahoma State Fair for 13 years and through the various aspects of positions I held there, I learned marketing tools for renting vendor space and buildings,” she said.
She went from there to the First Americans Museum where she served as the director of sales, events and catering. That led to the job at the Myriad Botanical Gardens and eventually back to her hometown.
“My sister followed me, going to school behind me,” Philbrick said. “My father ended up getting a job at the City of Oklahoma City as a city planner, and then my mom retired from dentistry and followed us out here. My brother followed behind that and went to UCO.”
While Philbrick’s sister eventually returned to California, the rest of the family stayed.
“We got into Morgan horses and started showing a couple of years ago,” Philbrick said. “Eventually, Cleveland County is hoping to build a new arena and equestrian center, and with my background and as a participant in horse shows, I can offer insight from both the operations side and from someone participating in a horse show.”
Philbrick lives walking distance from campus with her four dogs. Her parents have property in Purcell, and her brother is living in Edmond.
Still the OU girl, Philbrick earned an MBA with a certificate in entrepreneurship in May 2025. Since that time, she has earned numerous certifications related to venue and fair management.
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