Listen to this fantastic interview with Enid High School Head Football Coach Rashuan Woods as he talks about growing up and playing sports in the small Oklahoma City community of Millwood, his time playing at Oklahoma State, his first coaching jobs and what he likes about the Enid High football team coming up for next year!
May E-Vents
May 1
10 am-4 pm
Foster Care Ride & Roll
Enid Moose Lodge 1740 (302 E. Purdue)
Join us for a ride to benefit Oklahoma’s children, registration by donation
11 am-3 pm
History Alive!
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St.)
Re-enactment characters portray life at the time of the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893
1 pm
Baseball: Enid High vs. Midwest City
David Allen Memorial Ballpark (301 S. Grand)
4 pm
Mint Julep Jubilee
Oakwood Country Club (1601 N. Oakwood)
Fundraiser for Hospice Circle of Love. Tickets available at (580) 234-2273
6 pm
Friends of the NRA Gun Bash
Stride Bank Center Grand Ballroom (301 S. Independence)
7 pm
Live Music: TBD
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7:30 pm
Auto Racing: Sooner Late Models
Enid Speedway (302 E. Oxford)
9:30 pm
Live Music: Krislyn Arthurs
The Spot (21+) (417 N. Grand)
May 2
4 pm
TBL Basketball: Enid Outlaws vs. Waco Royals
Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand)
May 3-8
Chisholm Trail Cattle Drive
Pond Creek to Caldwell, Kan.
Be a Day Rider or Guest Drover, call 620.845.6514
May 5
7 pm
Singo de Mayo Celebration
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7 pm (Doors Open)
Cinco de Mayo Party
CW Scooters (21+) (3630 N. Van Buren)
9:00 pm
Live Music: Savanah Chestnut (VOICE-Team Blake!)
The Spot (21+) (No Cover) (417 N. Grand)
May 6
1 pm
Baseball: NOC-Enid Jets vs. Redlands
David Allen Memorial Ballpark (301 S. Grand)
7:30 pm
Trivia!
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
8 pm
Girls Night Out Male Review
The Spot (21+) (417 N. Grand)
9 PM
Karaoke (No Cover)
The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
9 pm
Karaoke
CW Scooters (21+) (3630 N. Van Buren)
May 7
6 pm-9 pm
First Friday
Downtown Enid
Live music, great shopping, delicious food
6 pm
Live Music: TBD
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
6:30 pm
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes (raise awareness for violence against women)
Courthouse Lawn (101 W. Randolph)
9:00 pm
Live Music: Haggards Hellrazors
The Spot (21+) (417 N. Grand)
May 8
9 am-12 pm
Enid Cars & Coffee
Blazes BBQ (1002 W. Willow)
7 pm
TBL Basketball: Enid Outlaws vs. Midtown Prestige
Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand)
7 pm
Live Music: Rick Jawnsun
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 PM
Karaoke (No Cover)
The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
9 pm
Comedy and Cuisine
Boondocks Tavern (21+)(302 E. Maple)
Purchase tickets
$20 tickets if pre-purchased at Boondocks or on their facebook page. $25 at the door.
9:30 pm
Live Music: Zac Baker
The Spot (21+) (417 N. Grand)
9:30 pm
Live Music: Krislyn Arthurs
CW Scooters (21+) (3630 N. Van Buren)
May 9
10 am-2 pm
Mother’s Day Brunch
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
4 pm
TBL Basketball: Enid Outlaws vs. Houston Push
Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand)
5 pm
Enid Symphony Orchestra presents, “A Mother’s Day Concert”
Government Springs Park North (509 E. Oklahoma)
May 12
9:00 pm
Live Music: Ben Brock
The Spot (21+) (No Cover) (417 N. Grand)
May 13-15
Region II Postseason Soccer Tournament
Selby Stadium (801 W. Iowa)
May 13-16
Region II Postseason Baseball Tournament
David Allen Memorial Ballpark (301 S. Grand)
May 13
7:30 pm
Trivia!
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 PM
Karaoke (No Cover)
The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
9 pm
Karaoke
CW Scooters (21+) (3630 N. Van Buren)
May 14
7 pm
Live Music: Evan Parrish and Garrott Holmes
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
7:30 pm
Live Music: Dueling Pianos
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9:30 pm
Live Music: Panhandle Dirt
The Spot (21+) (417 N. Grand)
May 15
7:30 am-10 am
Breakfast Fly-In
Woodring Regional Airport (1026 S. 66th St.)
Fly-in aircraft & static displays on the ramp, Barnstormers breakfast buffet $8
9 am-2 pm
Weekends on Maine
Enid Brewing Co. & Eatery (126 S. Independence)
Maine St. will be blocked off between Independence & Washington, live music, vendors
10 am-5 pm
The Market Neighborhood Shops Craft Show
Stride Bank Center Grand Ballroom (301 S. Independence)
11 am-3 pm
History Alive!
Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (507 S. 4th St.)
Re-enactment characters portray life at the time of the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893
3 pm-6 pm
Austin Box “12” Foundation Prescription Drug Awareness Day
Champion Park (740 N. 10th St.)
Unused/expired medication and needle (in puncture proof container) drop off, free hot dogs and NARCAN spray.
5 pm
Battle of the Burgers
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
Who cooks the best burgers in Enid? Either sign up to compete ($25) or pay to be a taste tester ($10) to find out! www.enidevents.com for more information!
7 pm
Live Music: TBD
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7 pm-9 pm
Movie in the Park (TBD)
Champlin Park (1198 Sequoyah)
9 pm
Karaoke (No Cover)
The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
9:30 pm
Live Music: Ben Brock Band
The Spot (21+) (417 N. Grand)
May 16
4 pm
TBL Basketball: Enid Outlaws vs. Omaha Finest
Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand)
May 19
9:00 pm
Live Music: Chloe Beth
The Spot (21+) (No Cover) (417 N. Grand)
May 20
5:30 pm
Enid Young Professionals Network @ Nite
Cherokee Ranch Land & Cattle Company (112 E. Cherokee)
7:30 pm
Trivia!
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 pm
Karaoke
CW Scooters (21+) (3630 N. Van Buren)
9 PM
Karaoke (No Cover)
The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
May 21-23
NJCAA Plains District Baseball Championship
David Allen Memorial Ballpark (301 S. Grand)
May 21
7 pm
Live Music: Chloe Beth
Settlers Brewing Co. (202 E. Randolph)
7 pm
Live Music: TBD
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9:30 pm
Live Music: Dually Noted
The Spot (21+) (417 N. Grand)
May 22
6 pm-10 pm
Bennie’s Barn Dueling Pianos Fundraiser
Oakwood Country Club, 1601 N. Oakwood
Tickets are $75 and $100, limited seating
7 pm
Live Music: TBD
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
7 pm
TBL Basketball: Enid Outlaws vs. Shreveport Mavericks
Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand)
9 PM
Karaoke (No Cover)
The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
9:30 pm
Live Music: The Lost River Band
CW Scooters (21+) (3630 N. Van Buren)
9:30 pm
Live Music: Florida Man
The Spot (21+) (417 N. Grand)
May 23
4 pm
TBL Basketball: Enid Outlaws vs. Little Rock Lightning
Stride Bank Center (302 S. Grand)
May 26
7 pm
Zach Williams, Mac Powell, CAIN Drive-In Concert
Chisholm Trail Expo Center, 111 W. Purdue
Tickets $88-$250 per vehicle, available at www.StrideBankCenter.com
9:00 pm
Live Music: Rhonda Ray
The Spot (21+) (No Cover) (417 N. Grand)
May 27
7:30 pm
Trivia!
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 pm
Karaoke
CW Scooters (21+) (3630 N. Van Buren)
9 PM
Karaoke (No Cover)
The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
May 28
7 pm
Live Music: TBD
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9:30 pm
Live Music: Ricardo
The Spot (21+) (417 N. Grand)
May 29-31
Central Oklahoma Little Britches Rodeo Association Finals
Chisholm Trail Expo Center (111 W. Purdue)
May 29-June 5
NJCAA Division II World Series
David Allen Memorial Ballpark
May 29
6:30 am
Red Dirt Run of Honor
Woodring Regional Airport (1026 S. 66th St.)
7 pm
Live Music: TBD
Enid Brewing Co. (126 S. Independence)
9 PM
Karaoke (No Cover)
The Lounge @ Ramada (21+) (3005 W. Garriott)
9:30 pm
Live Music: Red Clay Gypsies
The Spot (21+) (417 N. Grand)
The Imbalanced Trifecta
In 1988, I was participating in a clinical supervision meeting. Our Clinical Supervisor asked, “Do all people need counseling?” She followed up with, “What is counseling?” A few counselors threw out a definition. She continued, “The world is changing. People used to connect at church dinners. Farmers met at the Co-op after chores for coffee. We knew our neighbors. Neighborhood schools provided an environment in which it was easy for most children to adapt. We were more connected. Our society has become more diverse and more disconnected.” She was right. Our lives had become more complex. With the cost of living outpacing wages, which now requires two incomes, easy accessibility to credit, fast food, and the ‘I want it now’ attitude which has increased anxiety. ‘Do more, faster’ seems to the norm.
The Vietnam veterans returned. Most had been traumatized, often seriously. Their families had been traumatized by the fear of them not returning. Some didn’t return which left a broken home, a single mom, and struggling families. Many veterans returned with, or developed, serious addiction problems.
The changing world was difficult in which to adapt. Stress, anxiety and depression, (S.A.D.) was on the rise. Trauma increases the cortisone and adrenalin levels in the brain increasing anxiety. The ability to adapt is minimized. With adapting more difficult, we attempt to avoid change. Avoidance comes in many different forms. Substance abuse is one that greatly exacerbates societal problems. Although “Substance Use Disorder” is a disease, it may best resonate and is treated as a part of a mental health disorder. It IS a mental health disorder generally driven by other disorders and/or creating other disorders.
Traumas in life can reduce our feelings of self-value. Feelings of being disconnected can emerge. We continue to grow a society of emotional pain. The stigma of seeking help for mental health services perpetuates the problem. Based on the DSM-5, approximately 52% of today’s population would meet the criteria for a mental health diagnosis. Of that 52%, about 7% are at the severe level.
In Oklahoma, we have an “Imbalanced Trifecta.” We are 46th in funding for education. We are 46th in funding for mental health. We are currently #1 in the incarceration of women and #2 in the incarceration of men. Approximately 75% of inmates are non-violent offenders.
Statistics from The Department of Health indicate Oklahoma is # 1 in traumatized children. They are victims of neglect, physical and/or sexual abuse, domestic abuse, living with a mentally ill person or a parent leaving, dying or being incarcerated. Injured people often act out with “injured behaviors.” The inability to adapt due to trauma and the repetitive injury to others escalates the shame in the injured. Locking up “injured behaviors” of non-violent offenders rather than healing the injury increases societal damage. The prison environment is traumatizing. Putting addicted non-violent offenders in an environment full of drugs and violence increases injury and recidivism.
Well-funded education for prevention, identifying emotional injuries earlier, and a well-funded mental health system, will slow the revolving door of incarceration. By reducing the rates of incarceration, we significantly reduce the cost to help balance the “Imbalanced Trifecta.”
Without risking public safety, we could get much better results funding the healing of the injured rather than incarceration. When prisons are full, we stack four in a two-person cell. When our mental health facilities are full, we send those in need back home to suffer. It costs over $20,000 a year to house an inmate. It costs approximately $2,300 per year to heal injured behaviors. The mental health crisis is rooted in a faulty ideology. We must do better.
Enid Outlaws v. Little Rock Lightning Game Preview
Your undefeated and league-leading Enid Outlaws (6-0) are traveling to Little Rock to play the 1-5 Little Rock Lightning Saturday evening. Enid is coming off of an easy 73 point win over the Midtown (Wichita) Prestige on Sunday where they were led by Wayne Runnels 42 points and 10 rebounds. Outlaw Chance Comanche, who leads the league averaging 29.3 points per game, had 24 points on 12-17 shooting and 10 rebounds. This was the Outlaws second 70+ point victory on the year.
Although the Little Rock Lightning may only be 1-5, they lost to a good Waco team by only 6 points two weeks ago, and also only lost by 6 points to Shreveport on Sunday. The Lightning is led by Deonta Terrell who averages 22 points per game. Terrell was a star for the Texas A&M – Commerce Lions where he was a 3rd team Lone Star Conference honoree in the 2019-20 school year. (C/F) Percell Washington has also been a bright spot for Little Rock averaging 21 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.
These two teams played on April 16th and the Outlaws came out on top 97-71 in Little Rock.
The Outlaws’ next home game is Sunday, May 2nd at 4:00 p.m. at the Stride Event Center when they take on the 4-1 Waco Royals in a matchup of two top Central division teams. The Outlaws would love to have 1,000+ fans in attendance, so make plans to be there! Tickets are available at the Stride Bank Center box office or at www.stridebankcenter.com and start at $8.00.
Adult Fiction Review: The Wife Upstairs
Title: The Wife Upstairs
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Reviewed by: Michaelene M.
If you’re looking for a creepy, cool take on Jane Eyre, Rachel Hawkins’ The Wife Upstairs delivers. The novel offers just the right amount of modern gothic to keep readers enthralled in the lives of the bourgeois couples occupying Thornfield Estates.
They’re rich. They’re privileged, and that isn’t something our main character Jane—in all her sarcastic, pessimistic glory—will let readers forget. She’s seen the ugliness of life and is prepared to survive any way she has to. If that requires blending in with a new name and a new career as the unassuming neighborhood dog-walker, then that’s what Jane will do. And if a few baubles or bracelets happen to slip off the wrists of some of her clients, well, it’s not like they’ll notice they’re missing anyway.
Jane’s really good at letting people see what they want and manipulating the situation, after all, and she hasn’t met her match.
Then she meets Eddie Rochester who doesn’t seem to fit in with everyone else in Thornfield Estates. Charming and sly, he offers Jane a new life, and she’s not letting the opportunity slip away. Even if the death of his wife and his wife’s best friend is the talk and speculation of the neighborhood.
Soon, however, things aren’t adding up, and Jane isn’t sure what she’s gotten herself into now.
I listened to the narration, and quite simply, I’d recommend the experience for maximum enjoyment. The narrators slowdown in just the right parts, adding sheer creepiness to the imagery. I even found myself ready to google the events until I realized… “You’re listening to a book!”
Readers of Jane Eyre will find loose parallels to the classic novel and the hidden goose eggs are an absolute delight to uncover, but it’s not necessary to have read it beforehand. Readers will thoroughly enjoy soaking in the mystery and Southern manners of The Wife Upstairs, regardless.
The Wife Upstairs is recommended for fans of fresh, re-takes on classic gothic novels. Best enjoyed with a steaming cup of tea.
The Wife Upstairs is available as an audiobook on the Hoopla Digital Library and as an audiobook or eBook on the Oklahoma Virtual Library. A hold may be placed on the physical copy, which is currently on order at the library.
Children’s Fiction Review: Julian is a Mermaid
Title: Julián is a Mermaid
Author/Illustrator: Jessica Love
Reviewed by: Michaelene M.
Julián is a Mermaid is a charming look into self-discovery that tells the story of a young boy named Julián. He’s sitting next to his abuela when a group of mermaids walks in. They’re confident, vibrant, and full of laughter. Julián knows instantly that he’s meant to be a mermaid, too, one wearing colorful and flowing fabrics just like them.
But even as Julián knows who he is meant to be, is it safe to show his abuela?
This is the debut picture book of author and illustrator Jessica Love. The story is told mainly in illustrations. There are a few words here and there, but it’s in the illustrations that each moment of Julián’s transformation is captured, from the absolute joy as he discovers his true self to the fear that he won’t be accepted for it. Family is an important thread in the story, as well. Though there are moments of uncertainty, ultimately, the picture book celebrates and encourages young readers to explore who they are.
Julián’s story is beautifully illustrated and it offers a genuine, unfiltered, and most importantly, joyful look into identity, self-love, and acceptance.
Julián is a Mermaid won the Stonewall Book Award in 2019. The book can be checked out as a physical book in the library, as a read-a-long on the Hoopla Digital Library, or as an eBook on the Oklahoma Virtual Library.
Enid Target Industry
You may recall that keys to bringing new industry to a community are workforce, education & training, location, and quality of life. Enid has positioned itself well to meet the needs of industry in these areas but, the question might be what type of industries should Enid target? Thankfully, we have the answer to this question based on a targeted industry and workforce analysis that was completed in 2020 by the Site Selection Group. The study revealed that Enid is positioned best to recruit Aviation & Aerospace, Value-Added Agriculture, and Heavy Manufacturing and Assembly.
Aviation & Aerospace – The Woodring Regional Airport and Cimarron Industrial Airpark provide a great location for aviation and aerospace companies. The Cimarron Industrial Airpark offers 67 acres designated just for aviation-related businesses. Enid’s aviation focus is towards Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) companies. Two of the many reasons MRO companies can be successful in Enid because of the customized training available through Autry Technology Center and the many assets at Woodring Regional Airport, including the 8,000 ft. runway.
Value-Added Agriculture – Agriculture is the lifeblood of Northwest Oklahoma. For decades, Enid has been a central location for value-added agriculture. Companies like Tyson Food, No Man’s Land Beef Jerky, Hanor, ADM, and Koch Fertilizer are leaders in the value-added agriculture industry. It can be beneficial for companies in this sector to locate in Enid because of our experience in the industry, geographic location, and investment our water supply through the Kaw Lake Pipeline. The COVID-19 pandemic has generated activity for relocation and expansion of food manufacturing companies, with Oklahoma being a top contender for these businesses.
Heavy Manufacturing and Assembly – Enid’s third target industry is heavy manufacturing and assembly. Companies in this industry benefit from our skilled workforce, our geographical location, and the availability of rail service and industrial water. Enid is fortunate to have a number of greenfield locations for construction of manufacturing facilities as well as existing buildings to market to this industry sector. Enid is one of only 27 cities in the country that can offer a BNSF certified site, which reduces the development time for any company that locates on that site.
The staff at the Enid Regional Development Alliance is sharing the message about the benefits of locating in Enid to companies both near and far. Our goal is to find the perfect fit for both the company and the community. The outlook for Enid is promising as we work towards recruiting new industries that bring quality jobs to our community.
Using Medications Safely – A Key Ingredient to Your Health
Nearly nine in ten (89%) of adults aged 65 years and over report that they are taking at least one prescription medication. Of that nearly 89% of adults aged 65 years and over, over half (54%) of those same individuals report taking four or more prescription drugs daily. This large number of prescription medications, primarily prescribed to individuals of an older demographic representative a huge percentage of the prescription drugs sold in the United States.
As we get older, it is understood by most that the need to take daily medication will probably happen. Prescription medications and over-the-counter medications become an important part of our lives as we move into our 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and beyond.
As we get older, our sensitivity to some medications increases as our metabolism slows down. This is why is it important for individuals and caregivers to be aware of all medications that are being taken and to stay in communication with all healthcare providers who are prescribing this medication. OHAI wants to provide you with some other tips that could keep you or a family member safe when taking medications.
- Keep an up-to-date list of all your medications with you at all times. This is critical, especially if you have a health issue outside of the home. Make sure that you have an updated medication list either written, typed, or even added to the Health section of your phone. If you have a medical emergency, EMS and other healthcare providers will need that information to make sure that you receive the best care. Make sure that you add ALL medications that you are taking, including any herbal supplements or over-the-counter medications.
- Try to use the same pharmacy to fill all of your prescriptions. All pharmacies have drug interaction software that alerts them if you have been prescribed a medication that could cause a drug interaction. This is important when you are being prescribed multiple medications by multiple healthcare providers.
- Have a relationship with your pharmacist. If you have questions, ask them. Pharmacists are available to answer any questions that you may have and can get into contact with your healthcare provider if you have a side effect from a new medication. Your pharmacist is a very important part of your healthcare team.
- When you get a new medication from a healthcare provider, ask questions. Here are a few examples of some questions that you may ask: What is the name of the medication? What is the medication used for? How long will I need to take this medication? How should I take this medication? Is there a generic equivalent? These are questions that your healthcare provider should be able to answer for you and provide you with much-needed information on the medications that you are taking. Remember, knowledge is power.
For this and more information on medication safety as we age, please reach out to the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative (OHAI) at www.ohai.org or you can call OHAI Northwest Office of Healthy Aging at (580) 297-5137 or you can reach out via email at devon-murray@ouhsc.edu. Remembering some of these easy tips will keep you aging to perfection!
Enid Outlaws v. Midtown (Wichita) Prestige Game Preview
The hometown Enid Outlaws look to continue their undefeated season this afternoon (Sunday) against conference rival Midtown (Wichita) Prestige. The Outlaws are coming off of a last-minute, closer than the score indicated, 136-125 home win over Omaha Finest on Friday where they had typically strong performances from Chance Comanche, Wayne Runnels and Charlie Marquardt. The Outlaws are currently 5-0 on the season.
The Midtown Prestige are 0-5 on the season and coming off a 144-136 close loss to the Waco Royals last night. They are paced by Guard Chris Whitfield (#5), who is averaging 20.4 points per game. Aaron Scales (#32) is another player to watch as he averages 14.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
The game starts at 4:00. Tickets are available at the Stride Bank Center box office or at www.stridebankcenter.com and start at $8.00.
Enid Outlaws v. Omaha’s Finest Game Preview
Tonight, Friday, April 23, 2021, the undefeated (4-0) Enid Outlaws take on the 1-2 Omaha’s Finest at 7:00 p.m. at the Stride Bank Center.
The Outlaws are coming off of a dominating 76 point victory over the Lewisville Leopards, where TBL Player of the Week Chance Comanche completely dominated. He is averaging 32.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game through the first 4 games. Watonga native, Wayne Runnels, is also a star who is averaging 20 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
The last time these two teams played, Enid won 118-115 in a tightly contested game. While Omaha is 1-2, they are a good team led by Guard Craig Sword, a former Mississipi State player, who is averaging 25.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. He is a decent 3 point shooter at 36.4%. He scored 27 points against the Outlaws in the last game. Guard Devonte Patterson is also a player to watch, as he averages 19 points, 7 rebounds and shoots 38.9% from 3.
Tickets are available at the Stride Bank Center box office or at www.stridebankcenter.com and start at $8.00.
