Life + Culture

Miracle on the Nolichucky River

Local Responder Takes Part in Harrowing River Rescue During Hurricane Helene Article by Jerri Culpepper A first responder with the Norman Fire Department was recently presented with an award for acts of extraordinary bravery incurred while en route to North Carolina to help save lives during Hurricane Helene, the devastating tropical cyclone last September that caused catastrophic damage and numerous fatalities across the Southeastern United States. I recently talked by phone about that...

Arts + Culture

Books By, About Men

Librarian Reviews Works on Boxing Legend, Award-winning American Novelist, Roman Emperor/Philosopher and Celebrity Chef Article by Kendall Watson [Editor's Note: For this, our Men's Issue, we asked our friends at the Pioneer Library System if they would like to submit an article focusing on books written by or about men. They readily agreed, and PLS librarian and marketing & communications specialist Kendall Watson happily agreed to take on the assignment. Here, he reviews three very...

Local Services

Compassionate, Professional Service Found Here

John M. Ireland & Son Funeral Home: A Three-Generation Family Business Article by Jerri Culpepper In a time when many funeral homes are corporate-owned, John M. Ireland & Son Funeral Home & Chapel in Moore stands apart—in more ways than one. John M. Ireland represents the second of a three-generation family business started by his father, Ray, whom he considers to be one of his greatest teachers and mentors. “ My family originally comes from Oklahoma,” John explains, noting that his father...

Health + Wellness

The New Dentistry

Dental Design Studio Emphasizes Correlation Between Oral Health and Overall Health Article by Brooke Barnett | Photography by Liz Pound Studio 8E8 At Dental Design Studio, Drs. Sara Spurlock and Jennifer Jenkins are dedicated to enhancing the health and wellbeing of their patients. The practice emphasizes the correlation between oral health and overall health, which has transformed the way they think about dentistry and focused their approach to patient care. “We are a comprehensive and...

Shopping

For Those Who Like What They Like

HayVic's Boutique Offers Fashions for Trend-followers and Trend-setters Article and Photography by Michelle Pipes HayVic's was the brainchild of Haley Ireland and Victoria Ireland-Krohn’s father. The portmanteau name of both girls, “Hayvics,” has been serving Cleveland County communities since 2015. “Our boutiques cater to the latest trend followers and those who ‘like what they like,’” said Haley, HayVics co-owner and operations manager. “We cater to young, contemporary shoppers of various...

Life + Culture

Building Strong Relationships & Giving Back

Business Leaders' Career Journeys Very Different, But They Share Many of the Same Values Article by Jerri Culpepper | Photography by Michelle Pipes For our Ladies issue, we spotlight four local business women from three very different backgrounds and occupations (two are sisters who co-own the same business). The sisters (Haley Ireland and Victoria Ireland-Krohn) co-own a women’s clothing boutique, another owns an upscale design and consign furniture store (Beth Ketchum) and the other is an...

Sports + Recreation

Sooners Head Softball Coach Comes Full Circle

Patty Gasso Selected to Lead Team USA in 2028 Olympic Games Article by Debbie Copp It’s a sign that most Sooner softball fans understand. A runner is heading to third base and the head coach begins making circles with her arm. The runner hits the bag at third and heads for home. When University of Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso was asked by USA Softball to become the head coach of the U.S. National team through the 2028 Olympic Games, it was like heading for home, completing the cycle. The...

Home + Design

Move Over, All-White Kitchens

Urban Kitchens Says Hottest Kitchen Trends Evoke Character and Charm—and Color! Article by Jerri Culpepper | Photography by Megan Crowe For many years, the all-white kitchen was all the rage. Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder, and to this “beholder,” all that white spelled bland and uninspired, not to mention a challenge to keep looking spic and span. Fortunately, just as I begin early plans to overhaul my 1950 home’s kitchen and other spaces, kitchen trends have taken a wide...

Arts + Culture

Firehouse Art Center

Invest in Yourself - People of All Levels of Skill Welcomed Article and Photography by Michelle Pipes Most people spend their lives investing in their families, their work and their community. However, they often forget to invest in themselves. The Firehouse Art Center has been investing in the community for decades, and they offer a myriad of creative opportunities for individuals of any skill level to take some time exploring the arts. “We are beginner-friendly,” said Nikki Krumwiede...

Health + Wellness

Bone-a-fide Excellence

Certified PA Amanda Boyd Heads Up New Bone Health Clinic Article by Staci Elder Hensley Ortho Central has expanded its patient care yet again through a new Bone Health Clinic, under the direction of Amanda Boyd, board-certified physician associate. Boyd took the helm of the clinic in early January, and said she is dedicated to not just treating patients but also helping them learn about and prevent bone-related diseases. She noted that half of all adults over age 50 have experienced bone...