February 26, 2020 Issue, Page 1 of 9

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————— Pedro’s restaurant, left, as it stands hours after a fire left it dam-. aged. Staff photo by Don Munsch. Center and right, photos of some of the fire’s damage and the fire in progress. Photos by Johnna Beecham-Brooks. By Don Munsch, Editor dro’s for 14 years. He appreciates the amount of support “So it’s pretty sad for all of us right now,” he said. Pedro’s Mexican Grille, a popular restaurant in Elk City, Pedro’s has received in the last few days since the fire. Reached Sunday, ECFD Battalion Chief Thomas James, burned early Saturday morning, with the restaurant sustain- The fire originated in the kitchen area, Murray said. The who was on scene at the fire, said he thinks the restaurant ing significant damage. blaze caused significant damage. Social media posts showed could be rebuilt, although the kitchen area and equipment Crews from the Elk City Fire Department were called top flames coming from the roof of the restaurant. were destroyed. the restaurant, 2010 W. 3rd, at 11:52 p.m. Friday, said ECFD “Part of the roof was damaged,” Murray said. “And given the age of the structure, that will probably be Battalion Chief Darren Murray. Crews were on the scene for Beecham said he doesn’t know what his plans are at this the owner’s decision whether they want to completely de- alittle more than four hours, as the scene was cleared at 4:04 point. molish it and start over or rebuild it,” James said. a.m. Saturday. Four ECFD trucks were at the scene. “Tt just depends on insurance and all that kind of stuff,” See Fire page 2. There were no injuries and no one was in the building at he said. the time of the blaze, Murray said. He asked for people’s continued prayers, and he said the “Pretty much in shock” is how Pedro’s owner John Bee- cham described his reaction to the fire. He has owned Pe- restaurant employed more than 30 people, so they are out of work now, too. What the hay? Be on the lookout for ‘Junie B.’ puts young performers to the test In the photo, left to right scheme, sheriff says are: Front sitting on the step: Marlee Smith. Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning said Wednes- day that a new “scam” has been reported in Beckham Middle row: Miya Sargent, Emma Duran, Miranda Bra- County, as he said criminals are now posing as hay buy- suell Frech, Claire Taylor, ers in order to get local farmers to unknowingly deposit Lacey Bonner, Ezekiel Den- fraudulent checks. ny and Jaxston Thompson “This works almost exactly like the sweepstakes scam, Last row: Judith Stewart, which we also saw a case of this week,” Manning said on Jeryn Smith, Ridge Little the sheriff's office Facebook page. “This particular scam- and Rolan Little. Photo by mer offered to buy hay from one of our local farmers who Manda Smith. had posted his hay for sale on Facebook. The scammer then sent a check for several hundred dollars more than the agreed upon amount. The scammer told the farmer he had mistakenly included a hauling fee, and asked the By Manda Smith, Contributing writer “The ‘Junie B’ plays, if you are familiar with them at all, farmer to go ahead and deposit the check and just send Red Carpet Community Theatre’s “Junie B. Jones is Not are meant to be performed by young adults acting as though him back a check for the overpayment.” a Crook” puts the spotlight on our community’s talented they were children,” Moore said. “So, this has been a lot of Tf the victim follows through with the request, then he or young actors. fun to get kids to play the kids’ parts because, after all, it is a she eventually finds out the check deposited from Director Ashley Moore explained how this production is play about school-age kids. It is also challenging. You have See Hay page 2. unique in using younger actors. See Performers page 2. Dillinger, right, met with other FFA members Deadline next week across the state at the Capitol building on Feb 18 and got to meet Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, for mobility survey middle left. FFA Day at the Capitol kicked off By Don Munsch, Editor National FFA Week activities for many chap- Local residents have until next week to fill out a survey for ters. The Elk City delegation got a brief tour the first-ever Oklahoma Public Transit Policy Plan. from Rep. Todd Russ and discussed college The City of Elk City and the Oklahoma Department of and goal setting with Speaker Pro Tempore Transportation are seeking the input of Elk City residents Harold Wright. Elk City’s FFA members also regarding the creation of this plan. The 22-question survey visited Sen. Darcy Jech’s office, spoke with can be taken online at https://www.oktransitplan.org/survey. Elk City High School FFA members Kai Oster, State Superintendent of Education Joy Hoff- People may also pick up a survey at Elk City City Hall. A Natalee Pryor, Campbell Jacobsma and Brax- meister and saw Secretary of Agriculture Spanish and English version is available, and the deadline is ton Buchanan along with ECHS adviser Karie Blayne Arthur. Photo submitted. March 4. Jim Mason, director of economic and community develop- Early voting begins in Beckham County ment for Elk City, said just a few people in Western Okla- homa have filled out a survey so far, so more input is needed. Early voting began Tuesday for the March 2 Presidential - Wait times: Lines are possible at peak voting times. Wait “It’s going to determine how much money gets spent where in this part of the state,” Mason said. Preferential Primary. times will likely be shortest at mid-morning and mid-after- The survey just takes a few minutes and doesn’t ask for Here are some tips on voting from the Election Board of- noon. a person’s name or info. Sample questions: If transit were fice, in a news release: - Voters who need to look up their polling place, verify frequent and reliable in your community, how often would ~ Early voting will be available at the Beckham County their registration information or view a sample ballot can do you use it? If transit were available to every destination in Activity Center, east of the courthouse, from 8 a.m. to 6 so online. The Online Voter Tool can be accessed on the the state, where would you go? p.m., Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. See Voting page 2. See Survey page 2. ANA Weather tomorrow 4/20 Vol. 118, No. 14 75 cents, 10 pgs. Mail delivery 580.225.3000 View online elkcityoknews.com