Oklahoma
Readers shared their prayers and devotionals for the start of a new school year | Opinion
We asked people of all faiths to send devotionals for the start of the school year. State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters has directed the Bible be taught in all school districts in Oklahoma.
Here are the prayers readers put forth for Oklahoma students and educators for the 2024-25 school year:
A welcoming prayer
May our students’ voices be heard, their questions welcomed,
And space held for silence when no answers are adequate.
May our students see light in those who lead.
May they be met with open doors and inviting rooms.
May they find laughter and learning in equal measure,
Delight and discovery in each new day.
May their smiles be mirrored.
May their wounds be tended.
May we who lift the lamp of learning offer plenty of heart and plenty of hope,
And continue to walk on the way of wisdom with one another.
Karla Winslow, of Edmond, is in her 38th year as an educator. She is a member of the Oklahoma City First Church of the Nazarene.
‘You must teach them all’
I pray that Ryan Walters will be replaced so that schools may focus on teaching children all of the information they need to know that will prepare them for the next year.
The Supreme Court will end up telling him, “If you teach one religion, you must teach them all.”
Gene Stewart, 94, is a Baptist in Oklahoma City.
A Methodist’s prayer
God, please talk to me directly, in a way I can fully understand your words, without an interpretation from others.
Richard Prawdzienski, of Edmond, is a Methodist.
Oklahoma
Shelters open to help families impacted by Oklahoma tornadoes
ENID, Okla. (KOKH) — As survey teams continue to investigate the damage left behind by vicious tornadoes on Thursday, shelters are now open across the area for those impacted by the storms.
The Chisholm Trail Expo Center, located at 111 W/ Perdue Ave., is one of the main shelters open in Enid.
Officials say it served as a shelter and reunification center where loved ones can try to reconnect after the storm.
The American Red Cross has stepped in, offering food, water, relief supplies and emotional support for those impacted.
All disaster assistance is free, but organizers are asking anyone coming in to bring identification, if possible.
However, the expo center isn’t the only option.
The Oakwood Activity Center, located at 401 N. Oakwood Rd., is also open as a temporary shelter, providing basic necessities for those who need it most.
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If you are in need of assistance, you can call 1-800-RED-CROSS or use the free Red Cross Emergency App to find aid near you.
Oklahoma
Tornado barrels through Oklahoma, damaging homes and shutting down roads
ENID, Okla. (AP) — A powerful tornado in Oklahoma on Thursday ripped roofs off buildings, knocked down power poles and sent emergency crews rushing into a rural community near Vance Air Force Base, officials said.
The confirmed tornado moved across parts of Enid, a city of about 50,000 people near the state’s northern border, according to the National Weather Service. Video posted online show a rapidly rotating column of air touching down along with totaled homes.
There were no immediate reports of fatalities and only minor injuries hours after the tornado passed through, according to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities were going door-to-door in some neighborhoods to check on residents.
The Vance Air Force Base was impacted by the tornado, but the extent of the damage was not immediately clear. The base said in a social media post that officials “are currently conducting accountability procedures to ensure all personnel are safe and accounted for.”
“Please join me in praying for the Enid community, which has been severely impacted by tonight’s tornado,” Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt posted on social media.
Enid Police Department spokesperson Cass Rains said there had been early reports of people trapped in homes and extensive damage. Garfield County includes Vance Air Force Base, which is about 80 miles (129 kilometers) north of Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma
Bojangles announces events, giveaways planned for opening of OKC location
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — If you have been waiting for the opening of a popular fast-food chain in Oklahoma City, your wait is almost over.
On Tuesday, Bojangles will open its first Oklahoma location in Oklahoma City.
The new restaurant, located at 13135 N. Pennsylvania Ave. in Oklahoma City, has a list of events planned throughout opening day.
The first 100 guests in line on April 28th will receive a $100 gift card and exclusive, Oklahoma City -themed merchandise.
Also, 10 dine-in guests can enter for a chance to win free Bojangles breakfast for a year.
At 3 p.m. on April 28, the restaurant will transform into a full-scale block party. Guests will be able to enjoy a live DJ, a mechanical bull, branded merchandise, and a sweepstakes.
“We are ecstatic about introducing Bojangles to Oklahoma and bringing our unique Southern charm to the market,” said Jose Armario, CEO of Bojangles. “Our recent expansions into new markets have been met with tremendous enthusiasm, and we are confident that the Oklahoma City community will embrace our delicious offerings with the same excitement.”
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The new store will open its doors at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28th.
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