SB)--EPS Superintendent Darrell Floyd Monday night said the district will not be banning or removing any books currently on school library shelves. Floyd said he had received several questions and phone calls last week after Enid High School Assistant Principal Shannon Crowley sent an email earlier this month to high school staff titled removing “explicit library books – HB 4012.” The reference was to House Bill 4012 introduced this year requiring school boards to approve a written policy establishing the process to challenge certain materials in the media program, and materials used by teachers in the classroom. The bill has not passed the Legislature. Floyd sent out a follow-up email on Monday, Aug. 15, advising staff members to disregard “any previous emails/directives that have been sent out by administrators stating that a list of books needed to be immediately removed until reviewed. Different language should have been used.” At Monday night’s meeting, Floyd addressed the issue after seven members of the audience spoke. Since the issue of books was not on the agenda, board members could not discuss it.
Also during Monday’s meeting, Randy Long was appointed to fill the vacant Office 6 seat. The seat had been open since Kyle Whitehead resigned last month. Three board members, Tony Turnbow, Matt Sampson and Chad Mantz, interviewed four applicants on Thursday and chose Randy Long to fill the position. Long, who was appointed unanimously, is an attorney whose grown children attended Enid Public Schools.
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CC)---The Enid Mayor and Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday. During the regular meeting commissioners are scheduled to consider a couple of ordinance changes related to drugs and alcohol, discuss and take possible action related to the Takkion Economic Development Project, and approve condemning of land in Kay County for the Kaw Lake Water Pipeline project. During the study session the commission will hear updates on The One and Enid Lights Up the Plains as well as other topics. The Study Session will begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Both meeting will be held in Council Chambers of the City Administration Building on West Garriott and are open to the public.
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TH)--Ward 2 City Commissioner Derwin Norwood will host a town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m. Friday at First Missionary Baptist Church, 467 E. Garriott. The purpose of the town hall meeting is to update residents in Ward 2 on ongoing city projects and to hear their concerns. For more info, residents can contact Norwood at ward2@enid.org.
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PM)--The city of Enid Parks and Recreation Department this weekend will present the movie “Clifford the Big Red Dog” on Park Street as part of its summer fun event series. Seating for the outdoor show will open at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 150 W. Park, south of Stride Bank Center. The movie will begin at 8:30 p.m. Those attending are encouraged by city officials to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Cory Buller, Parks and Recreation Department supervisor, said the city will provide free popcorn and water. Food and snacks also will be sold by Kona Ice and Hortons Cotton Candy.
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FL)--U.S. Third District Congressman Frank Lucas plans to hold town hall meetings in Northwest Oklahoma on Aug. 17-18. Lucas will discuss recent work in Congress, take questions about issues important to constituents of the 3rd Congressional District and seek input on legislation currently before Congress. Residents are invited to attend and share their thoughts on current events in Washington, D.C., and across Oklahoma. Meetings will be:
• Aug. 17, 1-2 p.m. at Chisholm Trail Museum, 605 Zellers in Kingfisher.
• Aug. 17, 3-4 p.m. at Watonga city hall, 410 W. Main in Watonga.
• Aug. 18, 2-3 p.m. at Fairview Community Center, 206 E. Broadway in Fairview.
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JQ)--Dinosaurs will invade downtown Enid this summer. Billed as the largest and most realistic dinosaur event in North America, Jurassic Quest will transport Enid and area residents back to a more primitive time, appearing at Stride Bank Center this summer, August 19-21. The family friendly exhibit includes life-like dinosaurs; large rideable dinosaurs; live dinosaur shows; interactive science and art activities, including a dig for real fossils like T-Rex teeth, a triceratops horn and life-sized dino skull; a “Triceratots” soft play area for little explorers; and bounce houses, inflatable attractions and photo opportunities. The Jurassic Quest herd of animatronic dinos are displayed in realistic scenes with some that move and roar, allowing guests to experience them as they were when they roamed the earth billions of years ago. Tickets are for timed entry and are $22 for kids and adults and $19 for seniors. Entry is free for children younger than age 2. General admission tickets include access to the dinosaur and marine exhibits, arts and crafts activities, and dinosaur shows. Rides and activities require tickets on site or guests can upgrade to the Kids Unlimited Rides ticket. Unlimited rides for kids, including all-you-can-ride access to dinosaur rides, inflatables and fossil dig is $36, including entry. Tickets for individual activities available on-site start at $6. Tickets can be reserved at www.jurassicquest.com to ensure desired date and time or will be available on-site. Tickets include a 100% guarantee in the event of a show cancellation or postponement for any reason. Advanced tickets are encouraged.
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