Can you believe it’s already Easter week? Folks celebrate in different ways, I’m sure – Easter Egg Hunts, big Brunch extravaganzas, Sunrise Services, once-a-year church attendance, etc. Ironically, a lot of marijuana stores are sponsoring a celebration at the Grove Community Center Saturday with the “First Annual Toker Run.” I’m assuming this event was scheduled when people realized Easter this year is on 4/20.
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With all the economic uncertainty in the past few weeks, you may be wondering where all the money went. Here’s your answer: it went to August, Georgia. More than 1,500 private jets maxed out the capacity at the Augusta airports for The Masters last week.
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After seven years of trying without success, perhaps Congress will finally approve legislation to allow Oklahoma to remain permanently on Daylight Saving Time. That would be an incredible boost for tourism in the state! Oklahoma has a law on the books that will be implemented to leave the clocks on DST year-round if Congress approves the “Sunshine Protection Act” to allow us to do so. Finally, there is a U.S. Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the bill scheduled for this week (Oklahoma Senator James Lankford is a co-author). President Trump finally spoke on the issue this week: “The House and Senate should push hard for more Daylight at the end of a day,” he said in a post on Truth Social. “Very popular and, most importantly, no more changing of the clocks, a big inconvenience and, for our government, A VERY COSTLY EVENT!!!” While Congress is in the mood to approve virtually everything President Trump wants, maybe we’ll finally get this done!
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Some things just defy understanding. I’ve always thought that the ultimate bizarre thing was banks charging penalties and fees for insufficient funds. Having “insufficient funds” is prima facie evidence that you don’t have money to pay penalties. But the City Council in Bartlesville has topped that coldness with a new groundbreaking stroke of ignorance by considering a recommendation from something called the “homeless task force” to impose a $500 fine for anyone who is homeless and caught sleeping outdoors. I’m pretty sure if the homeless had $500 spare dollars every day, they would probably get a hotel room!
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Apparently we could use a little more education at the top of the heap in the U.S. Department of Education. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon addressed an education summit last week, reportedly pushing for more Artificial Intelligence training in schools. Unfortunately for the nation’s top educator, she constantly referred to it as A1 (A-one) instead of AI. She needs to brush up a little or our kids in elementary school will soon be spending classroom time learning all about steak sauce!
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Liz Paden, Jeff Spielmann, Jason Faulconer, Don Bullard, Steve Long, Cheryl Koesler, Bruce May, Marsha McCorkle, Larry Sanford, Jackie Moore, Greg Bolton, Creed Littlefield, Lissa Merillat, Gary Anstine, Travers Mahan, Don Douglas, and Jim Forrester.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Karaoke returns to Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Thursday night (6:00-9:00). Thursday is also “Trivia Night” at both BOOM at The Regatta and Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill. Saturday is the big Langley Easter Egg Hunt (11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.), the First Annual “Toker Run” at the Grove Community Center (2:00-7:30), and the Wheeling in Grand Lake event at the off-road area in Disney. Sunday is Easter Brunch at Speedy’s Chophouse in Grove (9:00-2:30) The Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La (11:00-5:00); and a giant Easter Egg Hunt at The Anchor at Shangri-La (12:00 p.m.).
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The famous clown Emmett Kelly began his circus career as a trapeze artist.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: During this week in 1964, The Beatles set a record that may never be broken. Every song in the Billboard Hot 100 Top 5 was a Beatles song.
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: For April Fools’ Day in 1998, Burger King took out a full-page ad in USA Today announcing the launch of the “left-handed Whopper” that was designed specifically for left-handed Americans. Burger King said the condiments of the burger would remain the same, but they would be rotated 180-degrees. Thousands of people showed up the next day, asking for the lefty Whopper. You can’t fix stupid.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Stop crying about your problems on the internet. Bottle them up inside and disguise them with dark inappropriate humor, like a grown up.
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PALINDROME OF THE WEEK: “Rise to vote, sir” spelled backwards is still “Rise to vote, sir.”
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: If I take you on my boat, do not ask to come back early.
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BEST BLUESKY POST OF THE WEEK: Thanks to all the people who said it’s fine to allow your pets to sleep in your bed. Now my goldfish is dead.
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PUN OF THE WEEK: In an anatomy class recently, a medical student hid an arm bone as a joke. No one found that humerus.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: How much sawdust can you put in a rice cake before people notice?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: I’ve started referring to my afternoon cocktail as “productivity enhancement.” My to-do list hasn’t gotten shorter, but I care much less.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “If America hasn’t broken your heart, then you don’t love her enough.” – Senator Cory Booker
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Multiple Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and Oklahoma legend Vince Gill turned 68 years old over the past weekend, and iconic talk show host David Letterman turned 78. Actor, director, producer Ron Howard and his wife Cheryl are preparing to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Actress, producer, and New York Times best-selling author Marilu Henner, best known for her role as Elaine Nardo in the TV series Taxi, turned 73 years old last week; and country singer-songwriter Bobby Bare turned 90. The rock group Led Zeppelin has announced a “reunion tour” beginning June 10. The group has not performed publicly in 18 years.
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Thursday night karaoke returns to Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La this week hosted by Sundown Entertainment (6:00-9:00 p.m.) and Kevin Price performs live Friday night at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La. DJ Kennedy leads Rockstar Karaoke Friday night at The Monkey Bar.
On South Grand Lake, Jamey Hooper will be on stage Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill and The Barrett Lewis Band will entertain Saturday night. Steel Roses will perform Saturday night at The Drunken Rooster.
In Grove, Travis Kidd starts the weekend musical fun at Cherokee Casino Friday night with Mr. & Mrs. Smith taking over Saturday night. Uncrowned Kings kick off the weekend at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655 followed by Swade Diablos Saturday night. There’s musical Bingo every Wednesday night and DJ Laidback Larry will provide the musical entertainment Saturday night at R-Bar Dance Hall & Saloon. Saturday, Journey of a Lifetime will feature the music of Journey at the Grove Community Center at the First Annual Toker Run (2:00-7:30 festival).
The Downbeat Duo will entertain at Indigo Sky Casino Thursday night, followed by Damsel Friday and Travis Kidd Saturday. Risky Business will be on stage Saturday night at Buffalo Run Casino’s Backwoods Bar. Western Justice entertains Saturday night in Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 West.
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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: The bar has reopened with liquor service at The Shebang on Monkey Island. Bradford’s BBQ is now open for the summer at Ketchum Eats Park. Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La has reopened following renovation (Tuesday-Saturday 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.) featuring a new quick service American Hand-Held Classic format. The Road Hog Saloon now offers breakfast service Saturdays & Sundays 8:00-11:00 a.m. Blind Swine on Duck Creek has opened for the season at Harbors View Marina. Blind Swine on Monkey Island is being replaced by South 125 Bar & Grill opening in May.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: David Hyde Pierce (best known as Niles Crane on Frasier) will be the featured guest on CBS Sunday Morning at 8:00 a.m. Sunday on CBS. America’s Most Wanted returns for another season next Monday night at 8:00 on Fox. The Voice airs Monday night at 7:00 on NBC.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Sinners, Sneaks and The Wedding Banquet open in movie theaters this weekend. Oklahoma City Bombing: American Terror will be available on NETFLIX Friday.
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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, April 24 – South Grand Lake Chamber monthly Membership Luncheon at GRDA Ecosystem Center in Langley (11:30 a.m.). Thursday, April 24 – Grove FFA Pie & Labor Auction at Crosswired Cowboy Church (6:00 p.m.). Saturday, April 26 – Hog Roast at Juan Montez Restaurant (1:00 p.m.). Friday-Saturday, April 26-27 – Jug Fishing Contest at Blue Bluff Harbor. Sunday, April 27 – Sunday Funday on Main Street Monkey Island (between Shebang and Big Shots beginning at 11:00 a.m.). Sunday, April 27 – Cart & Car Wash fundraiser in Big Shots parking lot ((12:00-4:00 p.m.). Friday, May 2 – Creative Alliance Arts Festival & Food Truck Friday on the Grove Community Center Lawn (5:00-8:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 3 – Cinco de Poker Derby golf cart poker run on Monkey Island benefiting the Toby Keith Foundation’s Kids Korral and the Monkey Island Trail (11:00 a.m.). Saturday, May 3 – First weekly Farmers Market at the Grove Community Center Lawn (8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 3 – “Garden Party” fundraiser at Lendonwood Gardens in Grove (5:30 p.m.). Saturday, May 3 – Nichols Marine/Shangri-La Marina Customer Appreciation Luau at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar (5:00-8:00 p.m.). Saturday-Sunday, May 3-4 – In-water Boat Show at Shangri-La Marina (10:00-5:00 Saturday, 10:00-4:00 Sunday). Sunday, May 4 – South Grand Lake Chamber Pickleball Mixer at The Anchor at Shangri-La (3:00 p.m.). Friday, May 9 – Oyster Roast & Bonfire at The Battlefield at Shangri-La (5:00-8:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 10 - Retail Market on the Grand Lawn at Shangri-La (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.). Saturday, May 10 – “Back to the Boats Food & Wine Festival on the Anchor Lawn at Shangri-La (4:00-10:00 p.m.). Sunday, May 11 – Farmers Market on the Grand Lawn at Shangri-La Resort Hotel (8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.). Sunday, May 11 – Mother’s Day Brunch at The Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La. Friday, May 16 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Scramble Golf Tournament at Quail Ridge Golf Course (8:30 a.m.). Saturday, May 17 – Art in the Garden at Lendonwood Gardens in Grove (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.). Thursday, May 22 – 3rd Annual Modoc Nation Golf Scramble at Shangri-La (9:00 a.m.). Saturday, May 24 – Memorial Weekend Fireworks at Honey Creek Marina. Friday, May 30 – Grove Rotary Shrimpfest at Shangri-La (6:00 p.m.)
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Pro basketball takes the spotlight away from professional golf this week. It’s NBA Playoff time! Play-in games to select the final two participating teams will be played Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday – with the 2025 Playoffs officially getting underway Saturday!
PGA Players are in Hilton Head, South Carolina this week for the RBC Heritage. Coverage begins at 1:00 Thursday & Friday and noon Saturday & Sunday on the Golf Channel. CBS picks up the final two rounds Saturday & Sunday at 2:00.
NASCAR drivers are taking a break for the Easter weekend.
There are some great college baseball & softball games being televised this week. OU and OSU baseball teams battle in a Bedlam match-up on Tuesday at 6:00. OU Softball wraps up their series with Alabama Monday night (6:00) before hosting Mississippi State Saturday (1:00). OSU Softballers travel to Orlando to face UCF Friday (5:00).
Major League Baseball has some great televised games this week, too, including Kansas City at Detroit Thursday (5:30), the L.A. Dodgers at Texas Saturday (3:00), and San Diego at Houston Sunday (6:00).
If you’re missing pro football, the UFL season is underway. Michigan hosts Memphis Friday (7:00). Saturday games include St. Louis at Arlington (11:30) and Birmingham at Houston (6:00). Weekend play wraps up Sunday with DC hosting San Antonio (4:00).
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I’m a little concerned about the Easter weekend weather. Temperatures will be nice, with highs around 70 degrees, but it’s likely to be a little breezy and we have a 50% chance of thunderstorms Saturday & Sunday – but that means there’s also a 50% chance of NO Thunderstorms, so get out and have some Grand Lake fun. Remember, though, wherever you decide to party, be sure to buy a drink for the guy next to you. It could be me!
GRAND LAKE BUM
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Looking for places to go, things to do, services to use or property to buy in the Grand Lake area? Here’s a starter kit listing of “open to the public” fun places to spend time at Grand Lake.
Anchor Sports Bar & Activity Park at Shangri-La
Big Shots on Monkey Island (Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights)
Billy’s Burger Bar & More in Ketchum
Blind Swine on Duck Creek at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina
Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor
BOOM in Grove (at The Regatta)
Bradford BBQ in Ketchum
Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island
Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)
Casa Gutierrez in Gro
Cesar’s Place in Vinita
Cesar’s Place in Langley
Checkered Past in Grove
Chickanella’s on Monkey Island
Chicken Coop west of Langley
Chubby’s Grill at On Target in Grove
Clanton’s Café in Vinita
Copper Penny Bar in Ketchum
Cosby’s Catfish on Highway 28 in Eucha (East of Disney)
Cove Club in Langley
Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort Hotel
Domino’s in Grove
Downstream Casino in Quapaw (smoking)
Drake’s Restaurant in Grove
Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill
E&H Liquor Store at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island
Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina
Fire Pit at Wildwood Cove Resort in Drowning Creek
Galley at The Anchor, Shangri-La Resort
Gambino’s Pizza in Ketchum
Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)
Grand Getaway Mercantile (north of Grove)
Grand Lake Casino, north of Grove on Highway 10 (smoking)
Grand Lake Coffee Company in Grove
Hero’s Deli in Grove
Hero’s Deli in Langley
High Winds Casino east of Miami (smoking)
Honey Creek BBQ in Grove (south of Honey Creek bridge)
Indigo Sky Casino west of Seneca, Mo. (smoking)
Island Bar & Grill at The Landings Marina
Juan Montez Restaurant & Cantina at Red Arrow Marina
Keagan’s Coffee at Littlefield Corner
La Casita de Martin in downtown Grove
Legacy Eatery in Grove
Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum
Los Garcias in Langley
Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove
Matt’s Place in Grove
Monkey Bar on Monkey Island
Monkey Island RV Resort
Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney
Monkey Grind at Shangri-La Resort Hotel
Monkey Island Trail Rides
Monkey Island Winery
Mosa Hibachi and Sushi in Grove
Mulligan’s at Patricia Island Golf Club in Grove
Nu Taste Restaurant in Grove
One-Eyed Monkey at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island
Pappy’s Bar on Hwy 10 east of Grove
Pickles at the Lake in Langley
Pier 13 Liquor Store in Langley
Pistol Pat’s on Honey Creek in Grove
Pit Stop Café in Grove
Poppin’ on Grand in Cleora
Quarterdeck Cafe at Tera Miranda Harbor
R Bar Dance Hall & Saloon in Grove
Raggedy’s in Grove
Rancho Viejo in Grove
Regatta Restaurant & Bar at Sailboat Bridge, Grove
Riggs & Company in Langley
Rise-N-Dine, Ketchum
River Bend Casino in Wyandotte (smoking)
Road Hog Saloon at the entrance to Monkey Island
Royal Liquor Store in Grove
Scissortail Lounge at Scissortail Marina
Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina
Speedy’s Chophouse in Grove
Stuffn’s Restaurant in Ketchum (Smoking on patio)
Sugar Shack at Lee’s Grand Lake Resort
Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La on Monkey Island
The Artichoke Restaurant in Langley
The Grill at Indian Hills Resort & Marina in Bernice
The Stables Casino in Miami (smoking)
The Shebang on Monkey Island (smoking on patio and Balcony Bar)
Ugly’s Grill & Bar, Thunder Bay Marina
VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina (smoking on deck)
Wolf Creek Diner in Grove
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