🌱 OKC Zoo Pachyderm Building Re-Opens + Willa D. Johnson Mural

Hello, neighbors. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Oklahoma City Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 95 Low: 70.

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Here are the top three stories today in Oklahoma City:

1. The Pachyderm Building at the Oklahoma City Zoo, home to Judy the elephant and Matilda the hippopotamus, will reopen this summer as an event center and exhibition space after a $10 million renovation. The renovated building preserves its historic design, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and offers modern improvements such as climate control and odor elimination. The transformation includes animal habitat spaces, an expanded outdoor veranda with panoramic views, a built-in aquarium, and a private event space, thanks to support from Love's Travel Stops and the Bank of Oklahoma. (Subscription: The Oklahoman)
2. Severe weather in Oklahoma resulted in a widespread power outage Sunday, leaving thousands of customers without electricity. As of the morning of Jun. 18, more than 332,000 individuals were impacted by the power outage, with Tulsa County alone accounting for over 167,000 affected individuals. Lineman crews have been working to restore power and people are advised to exercise caution while driving and navigating the affected areas. (KTUL 8 News)
3. An artist in Oklahoma City is nearing completion of a mural that celebrates the life and legacy of the late Willa D. Johnson at the city's new recreation center. The project, which started three years ago and experienced delays due to the pandemic, pays tribute to Johnson and her inspirational story. The artist, Ebony Dallas, expressed how learning about Johnson's life inspired her and emphasized the challenges Johnson faced during her childhood. (KOCO 5 News)

Today in Oklahoma City:

Monday, June 19

• Exhibition - Patterns of Knowing At Oklahoma Contemporary (11:00 AM)
• Juneteenth Soul Food Festival At Cole Community Center (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Celebrate World Giraffe Day with delicious giraffe cookies from Eileen's Cookies, $3 from each pack sold will be donated to the Oklahoma City Zoo for giraffe conservation. Rendezvous Pizza in Quail Springs also supports the cause by donating 20 percent of sales made on Jun. 20, helping to protect these gentle giants throughout the month of June. (Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden via Facebook)
• Recent data from a national economic research firm validates the belief held by many OKC residents that their earnings stretch further in terms of housing and grocery expenses compared to many other cities in the country. Learn more here. (Greater Oklahoma City Chamber via Facebook)
• REMINDER: Do not call 911 to reports fireworks! From Jun. 30 - Jul. 6, the city is asking residents to instead call the Fireworks Hotline at (405) 297-2222. (The City of Oklahoma City)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.