Residents in the Gray Ridge Subdivision of Enid, Oklahoma are running into delays in rebuilding after a catastrophic EF-4 tornado tore through their neighborhood in April.

Many homeowners are having to rebuild from scratch after their homes were completely destroyed leaving nothing but the slab in the ground.

Rebuilding homes in the area comes with extra regulations that some homeowners were not expecting leaving some of them frustrated and at a standstill with City of Enid.

Section 9-1A-4 of the City of Enid Ordinance requires homes in the Noise Zone to follow the April 2005 "Guidelines for Sound Insulation of Residences Exposed to Aircraft Operations" prepared by Wyle Research & Consulting for the Department of the Navy, or the latest revision thereof.

The intent is to reduce the noise and vibrations extending from the flight line and flight path to the surrounding area. The study shows that Gray Ridge is receiving 65-75 decibels from these aircraft. The overall sound level reduction (SLR) required within a given noise zone can be determined by subtracting the acceptable range for interior occupied space (45 dB) from the highest noise level within that contour. For example, at 70 dB DNL, the required reduction to obtain an internal 45 dB for residential structures is calculated as 70 dB minus 45 dB, equaling 25 dB. The following pages show an effective way to reduce the exterior levels to the acceptable interior range. Sound reduction standards have been designed to provide outdoor-to-indoor SLR of 25 dB, 30 dB, and 35 dB.

There will be a meeting for the homeowners of Gray Ridge Subdivision to discuss the reason for the Noise Zone and a brief overview of the regulations outlined in the City of Enid Ordinances regarding the noise zone and the "Guidelines for Sound Insulation of Residences Exposed to Aircraft Operations".

The meeting will take place at the City of Enid, Administration Building, Council Chambers at 6:00 pm on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

If you have any questions or concerns about the noise zone and related regulations, please send them before the meeting.

Jacquelyn Porter, Community Development Director
Office: 580.616.7225
Cell: 580.231.0293
Email: Jacquelyn.porter@enid.org

See a portion of the Noise Zone Regulations.

Grab lunch or dinner at Napoli's Italian Restaurant
Supporter of this weather update

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13

BUZZCAST: 79° this morning. Sunny and hot today, with a high of 106. Heat index values to 109. S wind 18 mph, with gusts to 31 mph. Clear tonight, with a low of 78. S wind 16 mph, with gusts to 28 mph.
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HOLIDAYS: Today is Left-Handers Day! Foodies and Drinkies enjoy Filet Mignon Day & Prosecco Day.
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Thanks for following Enid Buzz! Your original community Facebook page! Online since 2005.
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SUNRISE: 6:46am ~ SUNSET: 8:26pm

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Below is the latest single frame grab from the local radar. Hit refresh to update the radar.
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View the animated radar at Mesonet.org.

Stride Bank Center is proud to announce a special week long screening of Never Stop Chasing the week of August 21-27.

In the immersive documentary Never Stop Chasing, legendary storm chaser Reed Timmer pursues a life hunting the world’s most violent weather. Haunted by the tragic death of his mentor, Tim Samaras, in the historic 2013 El Reno tornado, and the sudden loss of his best friend and long-time chase partner, Joel Taylor, Reed’s life on the edge takes a severe emotional toll. Driven by an unshakeable compulsion, he pushes his mind and body to the absolute limit in pursuit of the perfect storm.

Event Details

Date: August 21-August 27
Location: Stride Bank Center – Grand Ballroom
Showing Times: Aug. 21-22; 24-27 7:00 PM A 3 PM showing on Aug 23

Tickets: Tickets are $11 (When purchased at the box office or over the phone. Additional fees occur online.)

Online: Visit the Stride Bank Center website at www.stridebankcenter.com and click on the event listing
By Phone: Call the box office at 580-616-7380
In Person: Tickets may also be purchased at the Stride Bank Center Box Office during regular hours.

WEEKEND: AUGUST 13 - August 16

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6226 N US Hwy 81, Enid, OK (west outer road by Warren Cat)
Friday, August 14, 8 a.m. To 6 p.m. and Saturday, August 15, 8 a.m. To 2:00 p.m.

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Want your garage sale featured on the Enid Buzz Facebook Page? We'll feature it there and here for $25.

Tyler Kijac with TK Pro Rodeo along with the Chisholm Trail Expo Center will be bringing back PRCA Rodeo to Enid, Oklahoma. After two decades Enid will have its PRCA rodeo back March 12-13, 2027.

The rodeo will be two exciting nights of family entertainment. It will include bareback riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, breakaway roping, team roping, saddle bronc riding, calf roping and barrel racing!

Coulten Cue and David Henneke put on a luncheon on May 4 to make the announcement and provide information to sponsors. If you’d like more information contact Coulten at 580-237-0238.

TK Pro Rodeo produces sanctioned professional rodeos and bull ridings across the country. Based out of Jay, OK, the TK Ranch is perfectly located in the Northeast tip of Oklahoma. For the past three consecutive years TK Pro Rodeo has been voted the Stock Contractor of the year.

Tyler Kijac earned national recognition when he was crowned the All-Star Season winner of Ultimate Cowboy Showdown, the hit series hosted by Trace Adkins.

Photo: TK Pro Rodeo Facebook

Mark your calendars for July 24, 2027 and plan on attending the Vance Air Show!

This week, the team from Vance Air Force Base, City of Enid, Enid Chamber, Woodring Regional Airport, Staar Solutions, and Air & Space Forces Association of Oklahoma began planning for the return of the Vance Air Show in 2027.

The Vance air show which will include the USAF Thunderbirds, military and civilian air acts - and welcome an estimated 50,000+ visitors to Northwest Oklahoma. The last Vance air show was in 2016.

In the months ahead, there will be opportunities for businesses to get involved through sponsorships, community events, and welcoming guests from across the region. Contact the Enid Chamber of Commerce at (580) 237-2494 for more information.

Here is a quick memory of the 2016 show - https://www.enidbuzz.com/vance-air-show/

The City of Enid is excited to announce the launch of the Neptune My360 Water Consumption Portal, a new online tool designed to help residents monitor and better understand their water usage in real time.

The Neptune My360 portal allows utility customers to conveniently track daily water consumption, identify unusual usage patterns, and set alerts for potential leaks or high-water usage. The new system provides residents with greater transparency and control over their utility consumption from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.

“Our goal is to provide residents with modern tools that improve customer service and promote water conservation,” said City Manager Jerald Gilbert. “The Neptune My360 portal empowers customers with valuable information that can help save water and reduce utility costs.”

Features of the Neptune My360 portal include:

• Real-time water usage monitoring

• Daily and hourly consumption tracking

• Leak detection and customizable alerts

• Easy-to-read usage graphs and trends

• Mobile-friendly access

Residents can register for the Neptune My360 portal by visiting Enid.org/My360. Customers will need the first six numbers of their utility account information to complete the registration process. (Example: For an account number as 505XXX-111XXX, residents should only enter 505XXX for the account number on the portal when registering.)

Residents will also need to enter their name and address exactly how it appears on their water bill. View step-by-step video instructions at: https://youtu.be/9n5UvZkB0Vs.

For additional assistance or questions regarding the portal, residents may contact Utility Services at 580-616-7170.

The City of Enid remains committed to improving customer experience through innovative technology and enhanced public services.

SUNDAY OPEN HOUSES

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 -  2-4pm

2-4 pm - 3130 Highland Dr - Coldwell Banker Realty III, LLC
2-4 pm - 2009 Windmill Ln - Copper Creek Real Estate
2-4 pm - 1206 Briar Creek Rd - McGraw Elite
1-4 pm - 4807 Minco Rd. - Sparkman Realty Group
2-4 pm - 2502 Wildwood Dr - ReMax Premier
2-4 pm - 3017 Clairemont - Coldwell Banker Realty III, LLC
2-4 pm - 2529 Homestead Rd - Coldwell Banker Realty III, LLC

The Enid News & Eagle will be promoting Public Art in Enid by giving out the recently printed Enid Public Art Guide and sponsoring “Public Art Quest” from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, as a part of Main Street Enid First Friday. The art guides will be handed out free at a table next to the entrance of the Garfield County Courthouse north driveway. The hours for First Friday are 6 to 9 p.m., but the Public Art Quest locations will be open from 5 to 7 p.m.

The courthouse will be open until 7 p.m. Friday for public viewing of the Ruth Monro Augur wall murals, featured in the Public Art Guide, that cover most of the first-floor hallway walls. Augur researched the details for a year before beginning to paint in 1935, making these paintings almost a century old. Also during the extended viewing hours, hosted by the Rotary Club of Enid, courthouse visitors can see the new Jailhouse Art Gallery featuring prints of the paintings painted directly on the fifth-floor jailhouse walls by Ponca Tribe members Burgess and Paladine Roye.

Want to do your own art? The Enid Public Library will offer a “Paint! Come & Go” event during the Public Art Quest from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. Supplies and ideas will be provided for visitors to paint their own small canvas. Adults and children are welcome.

Guests coming to the library also can meet well-known Enid artists Kelly and Ty Tompkins who have many art pieces featured in the Public Art Guide. One large mural, “All Together Now,” located in the library, Kelly designed and helped Summer Reading Program children paint. Also on display will be a rendering of their future artwork, “Jesse Chisholm on the Trail,” soon to be added to the downtown library’s outdoor grounds.

What better way to show your appreciation for Public Art than to take a selfie with one. The outside mural at Enid Brewing Co. and Eatery – also featured in the Public Art Guide – is perfect for that. “I Love Enid” even has the outline of a person for you to stand in front of as you take your selfie. Those taking a selfie during Public Art Quest also may enter a drawing for three prizes for people of any age. Enid Brewing will be serving food and beverages their usual Friday hours.

When art is mentioned, the people of Enid always think of sculptor H Holden, whose several downtown Enid works include the Boomer statue, an icon of the Cherokee Strip Land Run. The Western Art Gallery of Harold T. Holden at 128 N. Independence will have a special opening during Public Art Quest. Your copy of the Public Art Guide will also help you find a few of Holden's sculptures on the courthouse lawn and throughout Enid.

The Enid Public Art Guide has photos of more than 100 Public Art pieces throughout Enid – 37 of them being in the downtown area – with maps showing artwork locations. Pick one up during Main Street Enid’s First Friday Aug. 7 and go on your own Public Art Quest and see them all.

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Thursday, August 6th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be a planned water outage allowing contractors to West Wabash Avenue from South Van Buren Street to South Quincy Street, allowing crews to complete a full waterline tie-in.

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Beginning Friday, August 7
As part of the City of Enid's ongoing commitment to enhancing community services, the Utility Services office is temporarily relocating while renovations are completed to improve customer experience.

Beginning Friday, August 7, Utility Services has moved from Room 114 to Room 122 inside the City Administration Building. The temporary office is located just next door to the current location, allowing customers to continue receiving services with minimal disruption.

Utility customers may continue to establish new utility service, make payment arrangements, inquire about their accounts, and receive customer assistance at the temporary office during regular business hours.

The renovation is expected to take approximately 120 days and is part of the City's continued investment in improving facilities and delivering quality service to the community.

For more information about Utility Services, visit the department’s webpage: Enid.org/UtilityServices.

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Monday, August 10
The Enid Public Library will close early at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, for routine building maintenance and deep cleaning. All public services will end at 5 p.m., and the building will remain closed for the rest of the evening. The library will resume its normal operating hours the following day. For more information about library services and hours, visit enid.okpls.org or, contact the library at 580-234-6313 or publiclibrary@enid.org.

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Tuesday, August 4 through Tuesday, August 11
There will be a road closure to through traffic in the 2200 block of East Maple between North 22nd Street and North 23rd Street, allowing the crews to perform concrete repairs. This closure will be contingent on weather.

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Wednesday, August 5 through Friday, August 14
City of Enid Engineering Department announced there will be construction of a sidewalk at the intersection of South Johnson Street and Beverly Drive. Access through South Johnson Street or Beverly Drive will be closed allowing contractors to complete the new concrete sidewalks. This closure will be intermittent and contingent on weather. Motorists are encouraged to follow posted traffic control signs and to drive with extreme caution in this area during the construction.

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Wednesday, August 5 to Thursday, August 6
Technical Services announced they will be testing and programming all the school zone beacons throughout the city this week, to prepare for the upcoming school year, including Chisholm Public Schools, Pioneer-Pleasant Vale Schools, Enid Public Schools and all other school beacons within Enid city limits. Beacon schedules will be programmed according to the current school district calendars, which are available online. During testing, motorists are reminded to always obey all traffic laws and all posted speed limits in all school zones, even during testing, and to drive with extreme caution.

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May 1
Enid Animal Welfare is currently not running calls on Saturdays or Sundays. If you choose to set traps, please do not set them over the weekend. Any animals trapped during this time will be your responsibility, including proper care and disposition. Do NOT leave animals unattended in traps.

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The Oklahoma Legislature passed Senate Bill 861 during the 2007 Legislative Session to benefit both consumers and retailers in the state by providing sales tax exempt shopping. This will help businesses by providing a boost in the economy and the consumer by allowing them to save money when shopping for clothing and shoes.

Sales of any article of clothing or footwear designed to be worn on or about the human body and the sales price of the article is less than one hundred dollars ($100) are exempt. This does not apply to the sale of any accessories, special clothing or footwear primarily designed for athletic activity or protective use that is not normally worn except when used for athletic activity or protective use, or to the rental of clothing or footwear.

Be careful not to overspend just because the tax free weekend is going on in your area. The regular sales tax rate in Oklahoma is 4.5%, so that’s how much money you’d be saving – along with your local sales tax, if applicable. By shopping around, and also using coupons, you might find that the items you’re looking for are less expensive either before the tax free weekend or after it takes place.

Some of the items that are tax exempt include the following:

Aprons, household and shop
Athletic supporters
Baby receiving blankets
Bathing suits and caps
Beach capes and coats
Belts and suspenders
Boots
Coats and jackets
Costumes
Diapers, children and adult, including disposable diapers
Ear muffs
Formal wear
Gloves and mittens for general use
Hats and caps
Hosiery
Lab coats
Neckties
Pantyhose
Rainwear
Rubber pants
Sandals
Scarves
Shoes
Slippers
Sneakers
Socks and stockings
Steel toed shoes
Underwear
Uniforms, athletic and non-athletic
Wedding apparel

More details here https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/tax/documents/resources/publications/infographics/SalesTaxHoliday.pdf

At 10:26 p.m. Aug. 3, officers responded to INTEGRIS Health Enid Hospital, 600 S. Monroe, for a call of a man with a gun.

Officers arrived on scene and learned a man had been harassing staff and was asked to leave the hospital. The man told hospital security he had a gun. No gun was seen and the man left the hospital.

At 11:11 p.m., another call was received reporting a man with a gun on the third floor of the hospital. Officers again responded and began securing the building.

Hospital security and officers began checking cameras in the building but no man with a gun was found.

Officers contacted the caller and learned he was the husband of an employee of the hospital. Officers spoke with the employee, who said she told by a supervisor there was a man with a gun. She said she shared this information with her husband.

Officers contacted the supervisor and asked about what the employee said. The supervisor said she was told by security.

Officers again spoke with security who said they had not seen anything since the initial incident.

Officers were unable to locate the man from the first incident.

Official INTEGRIS Media Statement:

Late last night, our public safety officer responded to a report of a person loitering outside of the building adjacent to the hospital. The public safety officer approached the individual and asked them to leave the premises. In the process of leaving the premises, the subject claimed to have a gun; however, no weapon was observed. Out of an abundance of caution, our public safety team notified the Enid Police Department and advised them that the individual was leaving the area and headed east toward the police department.

As word spread of the initial encounter, local authorities received a phone call saying there was an individual with a gun inside the hospital, which initiated a response from local authorities. Out of an abundance of caution, police searched the building and reviewed surveillance cameras concluding that no armed individual entered any of our facilities. Any reports of an armed individual inside the hospital are false.

The hospital and clinics continue to operate without disruption, maintaining a safe environment. The safety and security of our patients, visitors and caregivers remain our highest priority. We appreciate the prompt response and partnership of local law enforcement and our public safety team.

Dale Edward Peacock was born on September 21, 1947 in Chickasha, OK. He passed after a long battle with cancer on August 2, 2026.

After graduating high school from Alex, OK, Dale joined the United States Marine Corps. He married Carolyn Elliott in 1967 in Quantico, VA at the Marine Corps Base. He proudly served in Vietnam in the Third Marine Battalion and finished his tour as a sergeant. He was a gunsmith for the USMC Olympic Shooting Team and built the rifle that was used to win the gold medal in the 1968 Olympics. After completing his tour of duty, he went to work in the oilfield. Dale and Carolyn then moved to Alaska where he worked on the Monopod, the only drilling rig of its kind in the world. He, along with his brother, Mike, later worked on the first rig to be drilled on an iceberg, which was located off the Northern Slope of Alaska.

After seven years in Alaska, they came back to Oklahoma, and Dale and Mike opened D&M Manufacturing. When they closed their business, Dale went to work for Central Machine & Tool in Enid, where he welded until his retirement.

Dale was an avid fisherman. He loved to fish for bass in his nephew Cody’s pond. He fished for king salmon and other game fish while in Alaska. He also hunted black bear, mountain goats, and game birds in Alaska. He loved going on float trips and taking airplane trips to hunt and fish. Dale was also well known as a knife maker. Each knife was a beautiful work of art.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn, daughter Ali and husband, Matt Bolz, grandsons Eli and Zane of Covington, OK. Also, his brother Mike and wife Pam of Covington, OK and his sister Brenda Dresser of Blanchard, OK. Two aunts, Betty Bayless of Mesa, AZ and Gayla Coffey of Norman, OK. Sister-in-law Gayla Keeter and husband Joe of Waurika, OK. He has lots of cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Dale was a man of deep faith. He served as a deacon of First Baptist Church of Covington where he served as Sunday school teacher for many years. Dale had two good memories from church that he talked about: first was him being able to baptize his grandson Eli, and second was watching his grandson Zane enjoy the praise and worship at church. He would say, “He’s breaking loose, Gran!”

We wish to thank all of the dedicated nurses and staff from the Enid Hospice Circle of Love. They were absolutely the very best. They made our journey so much easier. Brandy Mae has become a treasured member of our family. Her dedication and love to us is so heartfelt.

No flowers requested, please. If desired, memorials may be made through the funeral home to:
Enid Hospice Circle of Love
c/o Anderson Burris Funeral Home
3002 N. Van Buren St.
Enid, OK 73703

The closed casket celebration of life service will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Covington. Burial with military honors will follow at the Covington Cemetery under the direction of Anderson-Burris Funeral Home and Crematory.

Sergeant Dale Peacock has finished his tour of duty on earth and was met by his Lord with a “well done good and faithful servant.” His new tour of duty will be in heaven with no end date… just eternity.

Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-2700.

Beacon schedules will be programmed according to the current school district calendars, which are available online.

During testing, motorists are reminded to always obey all traffic laws and all posted speed limits in all school zones, even during testing, and to drive with extreme caution.

For questions, please contact the Technical Services Department at 580-616-7336.

Enid school zones are 20 mph during specified times and when lights are flashing.

School zones will have flashing lights. If you speed in a school zone you'll pay a fine. Officials will turn off the school beacons during the lunch period for most Enid Public Schools. According to schools officials, students no longer leave campuses during the lunch hour and all playgrounds are fenced and supervised during breaks. Officials have determined the use of the beacons is no longer needed during this time of day.

Drivers need to slow down and pay attention when kids are present – especially before and after school.

During the school year, motorists must share the road with children who are getting on and off the bus, riding their bikes to and from school and children who are walking.

A few precautions can go a long way toward keeping children safe:
• Don't block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic.
• In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection.
• Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
• Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks and in all residential areas.
• Don't honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way.
• Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
• Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way.

Some schools have specific drop-off procedures for the school year. Make sure you know them for the safety of all kids.

The following apply to all school zones:
• Don't double park. It blocks visibility for other children and vehicles.
• Don't load or unload children across the street from the school.
• Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at the school.

If you're driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. It will give you more time to stop once the bus’s lights start flashing. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.

• Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you're on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children.
• If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended ALL traffic must stop.
• The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children. Stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.
• Be alert. Children often are unpredictable and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks.

As a reminder, speeding in a school zone is a $215.00 fine and overtaking a stopped school bus is a $565.00 fine.

The shows will demonstrate the Great Planet Adventures as well as what to view in the night sky in the Enid area.

When the school year begins, planetarium shows will occur on the first Tuesday of each month beginning at 6 p.m.

The planetarium may be reserved for school and community groups. For more information, contact Dr. Frankie Wood-Black at Frankie.woodblack@noc.edu .

Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public two-year community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services.

NOC serves nearly 3,100 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater, and the University Center in Ponca City. Of these students about 80% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 75% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.

The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science; the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; and the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing.

For more information about Northern Oklahoma College please call (580) 628-6208 or visit the NOC website at www.noc.edu.

In Loving Memory of Todd Gilbert Wheeler

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Todd Gilbert Wheeler, who passed away on July 18, 2026, at the age of 63.

Todd was born on June 30, 1963, in Enid, Oklahoma. He graduated from Enid High School in 1981 and carried with him the values of hard work, determination, and loyalty throughout his life.

Todd owned his own construction and home remodeling company. He took great pride in his work, transforming houses into homes and building lasting relationships with those he served. His dedication, honesty, and attention to detail earned him the respect of clients and friends alike.

Above all else, Todd’s greatest love was his family. He treasured every moment spent with his children and grandchildren, who brought immeasurable joy to his life. Whether sharing stories, making people laugh, or simply enjoying time together, Todd created memories that will live on in the hearts of those he loved.

Todd also had a passion for music and nostalgia. He was the co-host of the 70s Buzz Podcast with his close friend, Curtis Tucker, where the two shared their love of the greatest decade in music and culture while connecting with listeners through laughter, memories, and friendship.

Todd is lovingly survived by his children, Tana and Todd Weld, Justin and Carlee Wheeler, Baylee Roberts and JT Torresdey, Trenton Roberts, and Derek and Kevin Wheeler; his cherished grandchildren, Jaxson Wheeler, Easton Wheeler, Bella Pierce, Cash Weld, Rhett Weld, Knox Weld, and Charlee Torresdey; his sisters, Marcia and Ray Cordry and Cindy and Rick Helms; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, G.E and Bonnie Wheeler; his brother, Jerry Wheeler; and his beloved son, Jeremy Wheeler.

Todd will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his generous heart, his unwavering love for his family, and his ability to make others smile. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the homes he helped build, the friendships he nurtured, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Settlers Brewing Co. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor Todd’s life, share memories, and celebrate the remarkable man he was.

Though he will be deeply missed, Todd’s love, laughter, and enduring spirit will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Condolences can be sent to 610 N. Taft, Enid, OK 73703.

A Celebration of Life Service for Kathy Walker, 82 of Enid, will be 10:00 AM, Monday, July 27, 2026, at Willow View Church with Rev. Mark McAdow officiating. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Anderson-Burris Funeral Home and Crematory.

Kathleen “Kathy” Annette Walker was born April 10, 1944 in Enid to Doug and Betty (Moore) Benson and passed away on July 13, 2026 in Enid. Kathy attended Hunter Public School and then later attended Enid Public Schools, graduating from Enid High School in 1962. She attended Enid Business College. She married Harry Walker on June 19, 1965, at Davis Park Christian Church. Kathy worked for St. Mary’s hospital for over 40 years. Harry and Kathy enjoyed camping and taking trips with the Willow View Youth Group when the boys were young and later spoiling her grandkids. She was a lifelong member of Willow View Church.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Harry, both of her parents, an infant brother, and her sisters, Paula Howard and Jennifer Benson. She is survived by her two sons, Harry Douglas and Donna Walker, and Christopher and Jessica Walker, grandchildren, Forest and Lauren Beall, JT and Charity Beall, and Zoe Walker, great- grandchildren, Eli, Hudson, Sage, Walker, and Teddy, sister-in-law, Glenda Harris, brother-in-law, Charlie Howard, and two nieces. Memorials may be made through the funeral home to the Willow View Youth and Children’s Ministry.

Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-2700.

The Enid Police Department announced on Wednesday that they will begin to encrypt their radio communications.

The decision was not made to hide anything from the public. The decision was made to ensure the safety of police officers and protect the privacy of the residents of Enid.

Information shared over open radio channels can spread quickly - even while incidents are still unfolding. Apps can use Al to transcribe situations and put them out to users, sometimes creating unnecessary panic.

EPD has battled with false reports of shooting events (called in by someone suffering a mental crisis) and had the real-time locations of officers posted to social media during actual active shooter events.

While many residents listen to radio traffic with good intentions, the same information can be accessed by those who wish to do harm.

Encryption is an important step to protect the safety of the officers and other law enforcement agencies responding to dangerous situations. Encryption will also protect the privacy of those the police department encounters during their shifts, including victims.

A celebration of life for Ruth Ann (Romine) Hammond, age 95, will be held Monday, July 20, 2026 at 11:00 am in Anderson-Burris Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Alan Seibel and Rev. Eric Keller officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Enid. Visitation with the family will be Monday 10:00 am till service time.

She passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, in Oklahoma City.

Born on September 4, 1930 in Ames, Oklahoma, Ruth Ann was the beloved daughter of Carl E. and Edna (Mauk) Romine. She grew up with a strong sense of faith, compassion, and dedication to serving others – qualities that defined her throughout her life.
The Romine family moved to Enid when Ruth Ann was 12 years old. She graduated from Enid High School in 1948, where she was very active in school functions and member of several organizations.
Ruth Ann met the love of her life Delmar L. Hammond Jr. while attending Oklahoma A&M, Stillwater in 1948. They were later married on October 30, 1949, and, as a newlywed, she joined Delmar in Austria where he was stationed with the US Army.
Together, Ruth Ann and Delmar built their loving home and raised three daughters in Oklahoma City. At the same time, Ruth Ann also worked full-time as an office administrator for TG&Y headquarters and Bolay Communications.
In 1976, the Hammond family moved back to Enid where Ruth Ann worked at Raleigh Bicycle Co., Chesterfield Cylinder Co., and Phillips University Seminary Library. All while supporting Delmar as he took over the family farming business in Billings, OK.
Ruth Ann cherished her family and spending time with her grandchildren. Whether family get-togethers, fish fry’s in her parent’s back yard, family reunions and trips, family time brought immeasurable joy and happiness to her. And, Ruth Ann always added her loving touch to the occasion, such as making frozen apple pies seem like homemade by adding butter and cinnamon sugar, to Christmas time with mystery gifts and crazy Santa gift exchanges. She loved having her family together.
Above all, Ruth Ann’s faith in Jesus Christ was an important part of her life. She was baptized at age 12 in the Ames Baptist Church. She prayed for her family and friends every day. Her wish was for everyone to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Ruth Ann was a long-time, devoted member of Oakwood Christian Church.
She is survived by two daughters, Connie O’Dell of Luther, Oklahoma, Cathy Tiefenbrun and husband Phil of Arlington, Texas. Five grandchildren, Jason O’Dell and wife Misti, Jeremy O’Dell and wife Leigh Ann, Brenda Ewing and husband Jason, Mark Tiefenbrun and fiancé Rocio Gomez and Austin Redding; nine great grandchildren (plus one bonus great grandson) and two great-great grandsons; and other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Delmar Hammond, parents, Carl and Edna Romine, brother, Bob Romine, son-in-law Charles O’Dell and daughter Carla (Hammond) Redding.

Memorials may be made through Anderson-Burris to Oakwood Christian Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-2700.

Passed by the legislature and approved by Governor Kevin Stitt, Senate Bill 1481 from Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, has doubled recess time for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Senate Bill 1481 increases the minimum amount of daily recess to 40 minutes for elementary school students and those in full-day kindergarten programs.

“Active students are better learners,” Seifried said. “Giving kids time to have fun and play with their classmates supports their mental health, improves their social development and helps build life skills like leadership, creativity and conflict resolution. Doubling recess time is a simple, practical way to give students’ brains a break so they come back to the classroom recharged and ready to focus.”

Due to the recent change in Oklahoma law, EPS elementary schools will now be in session from 7:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m. for drop off.

Pre-K will be in session from 7:50 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.