🌱 Oklahoma City Patch: What's Happening Today (Wed, Jan 25)

Good morning, neighbors! It's me, Celeste "Pirate Queen" Wetzel, your host of the Oklahoma City Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town today. Today you'll learn about these stories and more...

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But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 47 Low: 25.

Business owners and marketers in Oklahoma City: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories today in Oklahoma City:

1. Homeless Alliance Needing Winter Gear Donations (News On 6)
2. Mid-Del Schools announce spectator policy changes in wake of shooting incident (KOKH FOX25)
3. Power pole ripped apart, left hanging after crash in northwest Oklahoma City (KOCO Oklahoma City)
4. Sheriff Spotlight: Phone Scams (KOKH FOX25)
5. Semitrailer fire causes traffic delays near Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City (KOCO Oklahoma City)
6. TSET contributing to Strong Boulevard sidewalks project | Community (Mcalester News Capital)
7. OKCFD Release Call Audio From House Fire Rescue (News On 6)
8. OCPD Searching For Suspect From January Hit And Run (news9.com KWTV)
9. Crews continue monitoring road conditions after winter storm brings snow to Oklahoma (KOCO Oklahoma City)
10. State Superintendent Ryan Walters calls for performance-based teacher pay raises (Tulsa World)
11. Oklahoma City Human Rights Commission holds first meeting since '90s (KOCO Oklahoma City)
12. Del City family safe after police say drunk driver nearly ran through toddler's bedroom (KOKH FOX25)
13. Oklahoma City professor, student transforming hospital rooms for young patients (KFOR Oklahoma City)
14. Four suspects in custody after finding carjacked car at Oklahoma City apartment complex (KOCO Oklahoma City)
15. Court grants slowdown in pace of executions in Oklahoma (Journal Record)
16. Dispensary Burglarized After Car Crashes Through Building, Police Say (news9.com KWTV)
17. CEO of OU Children's resigns after decade of leading the hospital (KOCO Oklahoma City)
18. OU Student Veterans Association to move to new Union location (The Oklahoma Daily)
19. Solar Power of Oklahoma partners with Tesla on solar roofing (Tulsa World)
20. CDC recognizes OKC Indian Clinic for diabetes prevention (Journal Record)
21. Shawnee Main Street building collapses unexpectedly during demolition (KFOR Oklahoma City)
22. More meetings held for families coming off of 13-year waitlist for disability services (KFOR Oklahoma City)
23. OU Medical Humanities Scholars program emphasizes interdisciplinary approach to premedical education (The Oklahoma Daily)
24. Insomnia Cookies opening first store in Edmond near UCO campus (KOKH FOX25)
25. 4 In Custody, Officer On Administrative Leave After Incident In NW OKC (news9.com KWTV)
26. Photos: Snow Blankets Norman | Gallery (Norman Transcript)
27. OKC man convicted after shooting ex-girlfriend multiple times during carjacking at INTEGRIS hospital (KFOR Oklahoma City)
28. Fit tips with Jason Leach (KOKH FOX25)
29. Petra's Massage: Slim Down and Tone Up with Vevazz (KOKH FOX25)
30. Get Healthy with Wellness Classes at OSU County Extension (KOKH FOX25)

Today in Oklahoma City:

From my notebook:

• Oklahoma City Police Department: "⚠️WARNING, DISTURBING CONTENT⚠️ This is video of a fatal auto-pedestrian, hit and run collision in the 600 block of N. Rockwell. In the video you will see two cars moving right to left. The car in the outside lane is the hit and run vehi..." (Oklahoma City Police Department via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Police Department: "Well, fortunately we didn’t have much of a milk & bread snow day. ❄️ Just remember tomorrow we’ll likely have some slick spots out there so: •Leave early giving yourself plenty of time to safely arrive. •Operate your vehicle slowly and s..." (Oklahoma City Police Department via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Fire Department: "Congratulations are in order for Tom Austin and his recent promotion to Captain. Captain Austin begins his journey as Captain at Fire Station 35. Congratulations, Captain Austin! #hardworkpaysoff #congratulations" (Oklahoma City Fire Department via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Thunder: "The Oklahoma City Thunder is accepting submissions for its annual Black Heritage Creative Contest, presented by Sprite. The contest celebrates Black History Month and invites Oklahoma high schoolers to submit an original poster that desc..." (Oklahoma City Thunder via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Thunder: "The Thunder and OG&E were honored to recognize Officer Daniel Gaucin of the Moore Police Department as an OG&E Safety Partner. Thank you, Daniel, for all you do to keep your community safe. Know a first responder who goes above and beyon..." (Oklahoma City Thunder via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Public Schools: "#WinterWeather: Due to continued weather conditions, students will learn from home again tomorrow, Wednesday, January 25. This means students should log in and learn asynchronously on their own from home via Canvas. All OKCPS school buil..." (Oklahoma City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Philharmonic: "Do you have plans Wednesday night? Join Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate for Classics Night at Listen Up OKC Vinyl Bar! The fun begins at 7. We hope you can join us!" (Oklahoma City Philharmonic via Facebook)
• Oklahoma Youth Expo: "The sound of dreams coming true. ⚡️🏆" (Oklahoma Youth Expo via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Thunder: "Paris and Nick welcome Royce Young and look back on the team's most recent road games at Sacramento and Denver. The TBU crew also dives into Royce's latest article for okcthunder.com, "Rare & Relentless" which talks about the process-dri..." (Oklahoma City Thunder via Facebook)
• Oklahoma Department of Transportation: "As winter weather continues, this is what you need to know. ❄️ Ice forms more easily on bridges than on roads. ❄️ Slow down and use caution when driving on elevated surfaces. ❄️ Drive to conditions and allow extra space from other cars." (Oklahoma Department of Transportation via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Blue: "During our trip to Tulsa, we spent time at the Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center. Bringing the story of Tulsa’s Black Wall Street to life through exhibitions and an immersive experience, Greenwood Rising is a space to exp..." (Oklahoma City Blue via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Fire Department: "Click on the link above to listen as OKC Fire Dispatch and Firefighters team up to rescue two victims from a structure fire. House Fire 6300 block NW 82nd 12/27/22 @ 9:49p.m. First arriving firefighters reported smoke and flame emitting ..." (Oklahoma City Fire Department via Facebook)
• Oklahoma Department of Transportation: "WINTER WEATHER: Crews report mostly wet highways across the state, but slick spots remain in Eastern and Northwestern Oklahoma from overnight precipitation. Learn more: http://ow.ly/WulY50MzV0e #okwx" (Oklahoma Department of Transportation via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Museum of Art: "Celebrate the season of love with OKCMOA during Art After 5!🌹In a baroque, romantic style, the "Nicole Moan Fashion Show: The Ceramic Corset Experience" will honor the local artist and designer Nicole Moan and her beautiful ceramic cors..." (Oklahoma City Museum of Art via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Blue: "Lindy Waters III came to play! 20 PTS | 5 AST | 5 STL" (Oklahoma City Blue via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Museum of Art: "Museum Films congratulates the 2023 Academy Award Nominees! 🎉 We're excited to open our 2023 Oscar Preview series with acclaimed Best Picture nominees "Everything Everywhere All at Once" & "The Banshees of Inisherin," screening Feb. 3-5..." (Oklahoma City Museum of Art via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Public Schools: "#DistrictUpdate: During last night's meeting, the #OKCPS Board of Education approved the recommendation to shift one of the days previously scheduled for parent-teacher conferences. The board also approved the 2023-2024 student calendar...." (Oklahoma City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Museum of Art: "Pictured is our amazing Development team at the YPO Trade Show with Inasmuch Foundation! Inasmuch Foundation #okcmoa" (Oklahoma City Museum of Art via Facebook)
• Downtown OKC Partnership: "Automobile Alley's 25th Annual Chocolate Decadence will take place on Thursday, February 2nd at Leadership Square. The event will host delectable sweet and savory chocolate delights, one-of-a-kind auction & raffle items, live music, and ..." (Downtown OKC Partnership via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Mom: "Maybe it’s because I’m older this time and hopefully half an ounce smarter. Maybe it’s because I have finally realized how unpractical these thoughts are. Either way, I made a big decision last summer. I bought the next size." (Oklahoma City Mom via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Blue: "🔒ed into the final frame!" (Oklahoma City Blue via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City University: "There's snow place like OCU 💙" (Oklahoma City University via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Blue: "Opportunity created✅ Shackelford adds three in the third!" (Oklahoma City Blue via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Police Department: "Please, put down the distractions. 📱👀" (Oklahoma City Police Department via Facebook)
• Downtown OKC Partnership: "Make sure your calendars are marked for Midtown's 10 Buck Lunch Week taking place February 20-24th in Midtown OKC. They've coordinated a full week of $10 lunches from nearly 20 Midtown restaurants! Check out the event page for more detai..." (Downtown OKC Partnership via Facebook)
• Downtown OKC Partnership: "Catch Disney in Concert: Magical Music from the Movies at the Civic Center Music Hall this Friday & Saturday! 🎶" (Downtown OKC Partnership via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Blue: "Keep an eye out for Jahmi'us Ramsey👀" (Oklahoma City Blue via Facebook)
• Downtown OKC Partnership: "NASH Engineered Fashion plays a pivotal role in helping make the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma's Fashion Show happen. Purchase tickets and help support this fantastic event taking place at The Criterion in Bricktown this ..." (Downtown OKC Partnership via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Mom: "Black History Month (Feb 1 – March 1) is a great time to celebrate the contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history. However, Black history touches our lives each and every day of the year. Check out how you and your family..." (Oklahoma City Mom via Facebook)
• Oklahoma City Blue: "Back at Paycom for round ✌️ 🆚 Grand Rapids Gold 📍 Paycom Center ⏰ 12:00 PM 📺 NBAGLeague.com 📻 OKC'S CBS Sports Radio 105.3 #OKCBlue" (Oklahoma City Blue via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, The Meadows: "What is the protocol for disposing of many containers of chemicals used by painters and cabinet makers. - The containers have all been opened at one time so none are new. Does anyone pick them up or do they have to be taken to a disposa..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Linwood Place Second: "I need recommendations for someone that is trustworthy and reliable that can do work on a 2008 Volvo. - Thank you." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Skyline: "Hi neighbors, - I’ve been doing some research but also want to ask for recommendations for a dentist. I am paying cash as I do not have dental insurance, so any recommendations for offices that are cash pay/ payment plan friendly is a pl..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Kingsridge: "My 80 year old sister is in need of a refrigerator. - She only lives on her SSI. And cannot afford much. Her refrigerator is freezing everything." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Rollingwood: "HELP WITH TAXES!! - Does anyone know Kim Nguyen the Tax lady? She did my taxes in 2019 and filed electronically. I received a letter saying they they never received it but did get a payment. She doesn’t answer my calls or my emails. I ha..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Brookhaven West: "I am having trouble reaching my chaplain and a friend of mine needs prayers right now. - Her husband Rosendo had a stroke and he is at Integris. If you can, please say a prayer for him and to give her strength. Thank you Edit - also wa..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Edgewater Park: "Hi neighbors! - My gas fireplace keyhole is leaking gas when it’s turned in. Does anybody have a fireplace repair person they recommend?" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Heritage Hills East: "Are there any cat friendly or cat only parks/walking areas in okc? - I want to walk my cat around again but theres way too many people in our neighborhood that are irresponsible with leashing their dogs" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Lakeside: "Missing blood hound pup... - Blue has been missing since Saturday. Please help bring our baby home! If found please call or text 4058378731" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Woodside: "I'm looking for a kitten for my son's birthday. - I plan to spay/ neuter and have them vaccinated and microchipped. I'm having a lot of trouble finding any though." (Nextdoor)
• Director of Public Affairs Deidre Ebrey, City of Moore: "The Station Recreation Center Closing Early 1/24 and Opening Late 1/25 - Due to predicted inclement weather, The Station Recreation Center will close at 8 pm tonight (1/24). The fitness floor, basketball courts, child watch, and kids clu..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Eagle Lake: "I am looking for an affordable interior designer for a family home. - Recommendations please. Thank you!" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Warwick Estates: "Need recommendations for quality subs for electric, HVAC, plumbing, drywall, painting, roofing, and landscaping. - We have opportunities for commercial and residential new builds coming up! Contact myself @ 405-312-0202 or Nathan @ 4..." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Highland Hills: "Information from the City of OKC for setting out trash. - Just in case you don't a paper bill." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Talavera: "This happened in our neighborhood! - Absolutely disgusting!" (Nextdoor)
• Communications & Marketing Director Joshua Ryan, City of Midwest City: "City Council - 1/24/2023 - Midwest City's City Council is LIVE: https://youtu.be/CGkxBptzyhk Agenda Packet: https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/mwcok-pubu/MEET-Packet-e356f6ad03164727b1212f40b26590d8.pdf" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Aspen Hills: "Be sure to try Biglow’s Burgers at 123rd Council! - The burgers are huge and amazing!!!!!" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Miller: "I saw a small tan dog running down NW 16th in the plaza district. - It could have been a pom. It had a collar on but ran." (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Airline: "You need me to clean your house. - contact me I can help you ..!" (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Greenbriar Eastlake Estates: "Hello my name is Shanda and I clean houses for a living! - I am 32 and live here in Moore. I have 4 kiddos and 2 puppies. I am insured and have supplies. 4052149699 https://slkesler23.wixsite.com/cleanqueen" (Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! See you all tomorrow morning for another update.

— Celeste "Pirate Queen" Wetzel

About me: The original Pirate Queen and QA engineer for Patch. Did you know that this week I have worked at least two fourteen hour days? This sprint has been nuts and the engineering team has been keeping me hopping non-stop. I'm exhausted and very close to needing a vacation.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Oklahoma City Patch newsletter? Contact me at celeste.wetzel@patch.com