HA)--A Heat Advisory will be in effect for the entire KGWA Listening area each afternoon and evening for the remainder of the week and into the weekend. Daytime highs will be near 100, with the heat index at 105 or higher. The conditions can result in heat illnesses for those working or spending time outdoors, so take precautions. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned environment when possible, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
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JB)--The Enid Regional Development Alliance board of directors appointed Jon Blankenship to be interim executive director during a special board meeting on Wednesday. Blankenship, who is currently president of Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce, served as director of the Enid/Garfield County Development Alliance, 2000-09. His appointment as interim executive director of ERDA is pending approval from the chamber board. Matt Parrish, president of the ERDA board of directors, said the previous experience for Blankenship will help ensure a smooth transition. Blankenship will be paid a monthly stipend of $2,500. The board also approved the resignation of Charlene Flanery as of July 19. Flanery was named executive director of ERDA on Feb. 9. A search committee will be appointed to find a new ERDA executive director. With the search for a new executive director not expected to take much time, Parrish said the ideal candidate will be somebody with a wealth of knowledge about economic development.
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DM)--David L. McLaughlin, co-founder of Advance Food Co. of Enid along with Paul Allen, died Monday in Oklahoma City at age 85, after a short illness. Allen and McLaughlin met while they were working for Hormel. In 1968, Allen became manager of the Hormel plant in Oklahoma City, and McLaughlin became sales manager. They stayed with Hormel before starting Advance Food in Enid in 1973. Advance started with hamburger patties and breaded beef and grew to be the nation’s leading producer of value-added meat products. The company started with five workers grew to more than 2,400 employees Advance products were sold in restaurants and grocery stores through Advance Brands across North America. Following a significant merger in 2010, the company became AdvancePierre Foods, which led to additional acquisitions resulting in the company employing more than 4,000 people. In 2018, the company was acquired by Tyson Foods, which maintains operations in Enid. McLaughlin and his wife, Jean, set up the McLaughlin Family Foundation in Oklahoma City in 2004. The foundation exists to create change in central Oklahoma that helps disadvantaged children and families, according to its website, including providing grants to innovative, entrepreneurial, high-impact nonprofit agencies. One of those entities receiving funding was the Advance Soccer Complex in Enid, which opened this year. A Celebration of Life will be 2:00 p.m. Aug. 3 at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Oklahoma City. Arrangements are being handled by Smith & Kernke Funeral Directors.
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SP)--Many Enid streets are getting a fresh coat of paint and motorists are encouraged to drive with extreme caution when following the city’s paint vehicle.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
Thursday, July 27th –Willow Road and Chestnut Avenue
Tuesday, August 1st – Garland Road
Wednesday, August 2nd – Oakwood Road
Thursday, August 3rd – Oakwood Road
Friday, August 4th – Cleveland Street
*Do Not Pass the Paint Truck. Passing without guided instruction from the paint crew is a moving violation. Passing on the right shoulder is also a moving violation. Both maneuvers put City crews at high risk.
*Stay within the Driving Lane. Driving in the yellow or white paint will transfer to your car tires, wheels and fenders, and damages your car. This also ruins the crew’s work.
*Be Patient and Give Yourself Plenty of Time. If you cannot avoid the work zone, drive safely and patiently behind the painting crew. Slow Down. Driving too fast in a work zone could cause injury or death.
*Respect the Painting Crews. Follow the directions of the traffic control staff and painting crews. Obey all signs posted on the vehicles.
*Avoid Being Ticketed. The Enid Police Department will be patrolling these moving work zones and will cite violations.
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CP)--Champlin Pool will close for the season on Saturday, with the annual Doggie Dip is scheduled for Aug. 5. According to the city of Enid, Saturday will be the last full day that the pool is opened. The annual Doggie Dip will be 2:00-4:00 p.m. Aug. 5. Only dogs are allowed in the pool during the event. The event is free. As an added bonus, each dog owner will receive a ticket for a chance to win a goody bag filled with goodies for their dog.
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