Issue: July 2007

Business still thrives in the original city center.The roots of Edmond are still strong in the city's hub.Downtown businesses and events keep city spirit strong. Since the earliest days of Edmond's history, the downtown area has served as a business hub for the city's growing population. Many people lived near and traveled through Edmond long…

How do you turn tragedy intro triumph? You might want to ask Phyllis Dragus. She's had to do it more than once. The first thing you notice about Phyllis is just how glad she is to see you, even if you happen to be a total stranger. She cordially invites you into her home, which…

Don't be surprised if, someday, the world's most challenging problems are solved by some very creative, Edmond youngsters from Summit Middle School and the Hurst Reading Center. Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that challenges students to use their creativity to solve problems that would have even the brightest adult minds scratching…

When was the last time you laced up a pair of roller skates? If you think you may have outgrown roller sports, you might want to take a little inspiration from Edmond inline skaters, Mike Pickle, 48 and Roger Meadows, 52. Both men are competing against, and beating, inline skaters less than half their age!…

Hayley Dolan and Elizabeth "Lizzy" Morgan were in second grade when they met. They and their families became fast friends, especially their moms, Dee and Tammy, who attended school events and were also workout partners, regularly walking, biking and playing tennis. Two years into their friendship, at age forty, Tammy Morgan was diagnosed with stage…

"People in Somotillo, Nicaragua, don't have the two basic needs we take for granted: pure water and personal hygiene," said Jeff Wilson, a minister at Henderson Hills Baptist Church. "Everyone needs clean water." In April 2007, Wilson traveled with ten people from Edmond to Somotillo, Nicaragua on a water well trip, a new type of…

Ever been summoned to the principal's office? Whatever your memories of your school's top leader may be, West Field Elementary Principal, Dr. Joe Pierce, will be remembered this year for winning the title of Oklahoma Elementary School Principal of the Year. "It's an honor and a chance for me to brag on my terrific staff…

Andrew Anderson, a seventeen-year-old junior at Edmond North High School, is a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) junior drag racer. He said it was just coincidence that got him involved in the speedy sport. "We were driving home one day and saw three small dragsters sitting on somebody's lawn," he said. "We didn't know what…

Never judge a book by its cover. Or a bookstore for that matter. One could drive by the Archives Bookstore on 2nd Street and never know what exists behind the windows that read "Used Books." Wayne Stephens has the privilege of driving from Shawnee to Edmond in order to be surrounded by the many loves…

Imagine the need to get away from it all. The need to see other places and explore other cultures. Imagine the need to get away from The Big Island, the island of Hawaii. After fourteen years of nursing in the same hospital, Yvonne Wong admitted she was growing tired of going to work, coming home,…

The morning was hot, the air was thick and the temperature quickly soared to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The Vietnam War had just begun, and the battle of Chu-Lai had ended the previous week. On the morning of August 31, 1965, Marine Corporal Eddie Beesley led his platoon out for patrol across an open field, just…

Have you ever been frustrated after searching high and low for a particular item, then come to the realization that it just isn't available? Maybe you have looked at department stores, garage sales even on eBay and you ended up with nothing. Rusty White had a similar situation but instead of giving up, he decided…

FireLake Grand Casino FireLake Grand Casino provides a refined gaming experience with more amenities, more games and an upscale property that appeals to sophisticated players and established Oklahoma locals alike. In addition to a gaming area that includes over 1,800 slot machines, blackjack, a poker room, craps and spinette, FireLake Grand Casino takes entertainment to…