March 14, 2020 Issue, Page 1 of 10

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dee a Serving Western Oklahoma Since 1901... Wednesday, March 14, 2020™ Weekday Edition _ Superintendent talks about long-term goals for district By Don Munsch, Editor Merz and Randle were appointed to the seats by board vote. Elk City Superintendent Rick Garrison wants Elk City Schmidt and Blevins left the board because they moved out school board members to start thinking about the future. of district. Garrison talked about the future during his Superintendent “We appreciate you stepping up and coming and helping Report at the board meeting Monday, when the agenda topic us,” board President Brandon Storm told Merz. “You’ve Pumpjacks Image by Metro Creative. centered on enrollment trends and future bonds. His discus- been a great asset in this time we had.” sion revolved around what education would look like in 10 Analyst: Oil drop a result Merz said in her resignation letter that she had an oppor- years, in the 2030-31 school year. tunity to meet many new people and develop an ongoing of a ‘perfect storm’ The school chief talked at length about the topic during a meeting in which a trustee resigned her seat. Board members interest in Elk City schools. “T appreciate the guidance and support you have shown me approved the resignation of the seat of Kelsey Merz, who in this time and I hope that we will have the opportunity to By Don Munsch, Editor had served just since October. She resigned her seat for per- collaborate in the future,” the letter said. She was presented Oil prices crashed on Monday, but the market regained its sonal/family reasons. a plaque by the board. The district will look to find someone footing Tuesday. Merz is the third board member to resign since September. who can fill the Seat 4 position, and applications can be ob- Butch Black, who works for DCP Services in Dill City, Merz took over the Seat 4 spot for Darin Schmidt, who left tained at the district office. Okla., and is a commentator on the oil and gas industry on in September. In November, Jim Blevins resigned his Seat 3 During his presentation, Garrison said the enrollment KECO radio, put everything in perspective on Tuesday. position, and Melanie Randle now serves in that seat. Both See Goals page 2. “The best thing we can do is sit back and pray and keep Elk City band students advance to state an eye on it,” Black said. Black worked for Bronco Oilfield Services years ago and was there when he started on the ra- dio show. He said Tuesday that crude oil was $34.62 a barrel, up $3.49 from the previous day. As The Associated Press reported, oil prices rices fell Monday by the most in one day since the 1991 Gulf War. “The price of U.S. crude fell asmuch as 34% to $27.34a barrel, a stunning drop for one day and the lowest price since early 2016,” an AP story said. Black called the situation leading to the price plunge a per See Oil page 3. By Don Munsch, Editor Two women from Elk City were spared from injury during a Monday wreck in Caddo County, but the individual in the other vehicle, a motorcycle, was hospitalized, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Members of the 2020 Wind Ensemble, Flute: Anahi Garcia, Rossy Garcia, Madeline Benton and The wreck occurred just after 6 p.m. on Interstate 40 at Angel LeGrande; Clarinet: Charli Rickert, Britney Reyna, Danni Sottile, Lauren Peffer, Owen mile marker 95 eastbound, 5 miles east of Hydro. Ahiers, Mattie Thompson, Jada Kimball and Paige Lane; Bass Clarinet: Treson Brown; Contra Eunice F, Wilson, 31, of Elk City was driving her 2014 Bass: Kaycee Craig; Alto sax: Dean Asher, Kiko Quezada, Austin Sharp, Kia Sharp and Maky- Dodge Journey with passenger Jennifer L. Hawthorn, 33, of nzie Polcyn; Tenor Sax: Crisstan Holley; Bari Sax; Steven Steele; Horn: Sara Coffey, Cade Elk City when she slowed down for traffic on I-40 because DeWitt, Tori Garrison and James Musick; Trumpet: Katelyn Pierce, Amanda Batchelor, Kaleb of a previous collision on the roadway, OHP said. A 2005 Odom, Dylan Anderson, Gavin Stejskal, Ashley Ault and Eduardo Bustillos; Trombone: lan Yamaha motorcycle driven by Martin Granados, 55, of Wel- Lewis, Angelique Price and David Carman; Baritone: Kimberly Garcia, Bryce Butler and Blake lington, Texas, collided with Wilson’s vehicle from the rear. Miller; Tuba: Manuelito Sanchez and Junior Arvizu; Percussion: Josh McDowell, Drake Pena, Granados was transported by Air Evac to OU Medical Cen- Hayden Stout, Cy Barker, Aiden Freeman and Kaden Elledge. Photo courtesy of Elk City High ter. He was admitted in critical condition with head, arm and School Facebook page leg injuries. By Don Munsch, Editor Band director Tim DeWitt said the school does an audition The wreck was investigated by Trooper Michael Jewell, Elk City High School’s Wind Ensemble will head to state for Wind Ensemble, and he sets the rotation at 48 students, who was assisted by Trooper Josh Tinsley. at East Central University April 1 or 2 in Ada after earning in instruments ranging from, but not limited to, flute, clarinet Also assisting were the Caddo County Sheriff's Office, straight ones in concert and sightreading at a recent competi- and saxophone. Hydro Police Department, Hydro Fire Department and Air tion at ECHS. “We are one of three high schools in Class 4A in the state Evac. The specific date in April depends on scheduling. See Band page 2. Trump delivers address on coronavirus pandemic Elk City superintendent, hospital release statement By Chris Sommerfeldt, After downplaying the vi- nouncement came hours af- state and national health room tables/surfaces _fre- to parents on what they New York Daily News rus for days, Trump struck ter the World Health Organi- agencies and is encouraging quently," Garrison said in should do if they travel to President Donald Trump a sober tone as he said in a zation officially designated people to follow steps public the statement, adding these a Level 2 or 3 country and took the extraordinary step nationally televised address the virus as a global pan- health authorities have given measures are not only target- or go on a cruise with their Wednesday of announcing from the Oval Office that the demic, a rare label that has to stem the spread of CO- ed at coronavirus but other children over spring break. a suspension of all travel travel ban will take effect only been used for a handful VID-19. infections that contribute to Read Garrison's letter here: from Europe to the U.S. Friday and last for the next of diseases over the course "Our teachers, school student illness and absences. https://www.facebook. in an effort to contain the 30 days. of history. nurses and staff are working Garrison also asked par- com/search/top/?q=elk%20 coronavirus, calling the fast- "To keep new cases from Locally, in Elk City, Elk carefully to encourage these ents to keep their children city %20public%20 spreading respiratory illness entering our shores, we will City Public Schools Super- simple and effective habits home if they are sick and to schools&epa=SEARCH_ a “horrible” pandemic that be suspending all travel intendent Rick Garrison of frequent handwashing, follow basic health guide- BOX requires an "aggressive" re- from Europe," Trump said. said the district is monitor- covering every cough or lines on that matter. Gar- At Great Plains Regional sponse. The extremely unusual an- ing the situation from local, sneeze and cleaning class- rison also gave information See Virus page 2. «AML IAL Weather tomorrow 53/ Vol. 118, No. 20 75 cents, 10 pgs. Mail delivery 580.225.3000 View online elkcityoknews.com