Local News
Norman's May Fair Arts Festival offers array of arts and crafts, food
By Sharla Bardin For The Oklahoman
NORMAN — Visitors to the May Fair Arts Festival found an array of arts and crafts, flowers, fashion and food.
The event, which took place Saturday and Sunday in Andrews Park, 201 W Daws St., featured a variety of artists, original craft work, a juried art show, food trucks, art education programs and information about community services.
May Fair Arts Festival is presented by the Assistance League of Norman, and the event is now in its 44th year.
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Residents invited to hear update on city of Norman ADA transition plan
FROM STAFF REPORTS
NORMAN — The public is invited to learn about the progress of the city of Norman's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan Update.
The open house will be from 6 to 8 p.m.
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Achievers: OU climber qualifies to compete in world championship
Gentry Cole, a freshman and competitive climber on the University of Oklahoma climbing team has qualified to compete in the 2018 FISU World University Sport Climbing Championship in Bratislava, Slovakia, in June.
Cole was a longtime competitive climber on the USA Climbing youth circuit, and this is his first season competing at the collegiate level.
In March, Cole placed first at Collegiate Regionals in two disciplines: speed climbing and sport climbing.
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Norman Music Festival offers mix of musicians
FROM STAFF REPORTS
NORMAN — A wide range of music was heard during the 11th annual Norman Music Festival this past weekend.
The free, independent music festival in downtown Norman had multiple indoor and outdoor venues.
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Flamenco guitarist to perform recital at OU
FROM STAFF REPORTS
NORMAN — Flamenco guitarist Oscar Herrero will present a recital Saturday as part of the University of Oklahoma School of Music's Norton Artist Series.
The performance, which is open to the public with complimentary admission, is scheduled for 8 p.m.
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OU students to showcase dance choreography
FROM STAFF REPORTS
NORMAN — Four University of Oklahoma School of Dance master's of fine arts candidates will showcase their choreography Friday and Saturday.
The showcase, titled “SOMA,” will be performed at 8 p.m.
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Norman kidnapping suspect shot, killed after police chase in Texas
From Staff Reports
NORMAN — Police shot and killed a man Thursday following the kidnapping of his ex-girlfriend and a chase that stretched through north Texas.
About 7:25 a.m., Norman police responded to a reported domestic disturbance in the 1200 block of 36th Avenue NW, where a man reportedly kidnapped his ex-girlfriend.
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3 OKC principals plan to leave district
By Tim Willert Staff Writer twillert@oklahoman.com
Three elementary principals are leaving Oklahoma City Public Schools, including the leader of a popular community school that faced closure, The Oklahoman has learned.
The resignations of Alisa Stieg (Edgemere); Neal Johnson (Greystone); and Katherine Price (Jackson) are effective June 30, spokeswoman Beth Harrison said Wednesday.
"District leaders are currently evaluating options for who will lead these schools next year," Harrison said.
The departures could be the first of many for a district that replaced principals at 19 schools after the 2016-17 school year.
Steig, 30, of Norman, is returning to Norman Public Schools, where she was a finalist for Teacher of the Year in 2008.
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Arrest made Tuesday in Norman homicide, police report
From Staff Reports
NORMAN — Oklahoma City police made an arrest Tuesday night in connection with the death of a woman found in Norman, police report.
Brittani Young, 27, was found dead about 2:45 p.m.
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Cultivating a community spirit
By Sharla Bardin For The Oklahoman
NORMAN — Organizers of a new garden in Norman believe the project can help cultivate community interaction and nurture an appreciation for nature.
The inclusive garden also features raised garden beds and sidewalks by the boxes that offer easier access for people with physical disabilities or those with mobility challenges.
“It's very accessible for everyone,” said Cathe Fox, who has helped coordinate the project and serves on the Cleveland County disABILITY Coalition.
The coalition is one of the sponsors of the community garden, which opens this month.
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Study: Norman development would generate $25 million in annual taxes
By Adam Wilmoth Energy Editor awilmoth@oklahoman.com
NORMAN — The proposed University North Park development in north Norman would generate $25 million in new annual taxes if fully developed, economists said Tuesday.
According to studies by University of Oklahoma economist Robert Dauffenbach and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce's Jon Chiappe, the proposed 500-acre, mixed-use development also likely would create at least 2,000 jobs.
"We are in a different world as far as retail is concerned.
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Norman police investigating homicide Tuesday afternoon
From Staff Reports
NORMAN — Norman police are investigating a homicide Tuesday afternoon.
Officers responding to a medical call found a woman dead in the 2800 block of Dewey Avenue, Norman police spokeswoman Sarah Jensen said.
Police are searching for Joe Alliniece in connection with the slaying, Jensen said.
He is described as 6 feet tall, weighing 275 pounds and wearing a black T-shirt and black shorts, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911.
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Achievers
In an effort to celebrate exceptional teaching in classrooms across the state, University of Central Oklahoma-based Oklahoma A+ Schools recently honored Brandi Caldwell, a fifth-grade teacher at Lakeview Elementary in Norman with the 2018 OKA+ Teacher of the Year Award.
Sandra Kent, executive director for Oklahoma A+ Schools, presented the award to Caldwell during the DaVinci Scholar Awards ceremony in March at the Oklahoma History Center.
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New on-street parking restrictions on Farmer Street
FROM STAFF REPORTS
NORMAN — On Wednesday, city of Norman traffic control crews will install “no parking” signs along the north side of Farmer Street, between Garfield Avenue and McKinley Avenue.
Installation of the signs was requested by residents and property owners in the area.
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Game-based learning keys student engagement
By Tim Willert Staff Writer twillert@oklahoman.com
NORMAN — Isabella Wilson prefers books to video games, but the game she is testing for her father at the University of Oklahoma's K20 Center is growing on her.
Designed for high school juniors and seniors, "Advance U: The Talent Machine" introduces the concepts of neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to change throughout life — and mindset theory.
Heady stuff for the Whittier Middle School eighth-grader.
"I like playing this game; it's pretty fun," she said recently.
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Statue unveiled at University of Oklahoma as weekend celebration honoring Borens continues
By K.S. McNutt Staff Writer kmcnutt@oklahoman.com
NORMAN — President David Boren may be retiring at the end of academic year, but he is not leaving campus.
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Statue of University of Oklahoma President David Boren to be revealed in ceremony
By K.S. McNutt Staff Writer kmcnutt@oklahoman.com
NORMAN — The University of Oklahoma will unveil a statue of retiring President David Boren on his 77th birthday Saturday.
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Norman district names Teacher of the Year
By Tim Willert Staff Writer twillert@oklahoman
NORMAN — A product of Norman Public Schools is the district's 2018 Teacher of the Year.
Teresa Lansford, a teacher librarian at Lincoln Elementary School, was recognized Thursday night during a Celebration of Excellence event that drew more than 600 people.
Lansford, 38, is a 1998 graduate of Norman North High School.
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OKC Symphonic Band to present spring concert Thursday
FROM STAFF REPORTS
The Oklahoma City Symphonic Band will present its spring concert, “American Composers Past and Present,” at 7:30 p.m.
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Westwood Park Golf Course offers golf clinics
FROM STAFF REPORTS
NORMAN — Registration is now open for both men's and women's four-week clinics at Westwood Park Golf Course, 2400 Westport Drive.
Men's classes will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
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