March 28, 2020 Issue, Page 2 of 8

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Page 2 The Elk City News, Elk City, Oklahoma Saturday, March 28, 2020 coming days, and the state Learning want our community to to play,” she said. “When Residents now,” he said. “I sure don’t smart. We have faith and they’re napping, we have confidence that our districts agency will explore how Continued from page 1. them at least six feet away panic. We have an opportu- and teachers are committed federal assistance could exposure or a positive test, from each other. During Continued from page 1. nity to work out some of the to creative and innovative we wouldn't be able to shut circle time, we are making through logistics, Garrison kinks. The cruel reality of ways to continue learning some districts. OETA, Okla- down part of the building; them sit farther from each said. for their students, and they this, and even on the state “We're approaching it as level they’re hinting [this], is will rise to this challenge,” homa’s educational public we would have to shut down other. This morning we went TV network, will also pro- the entire thing. If we had to outside, and we had a huge little bit of adventure right this may bleed over into Au- Hofmeister said. “Distance vide help. In_ partnership shut down for a few weeks, circle for circle time. It’s gust. So if we have to start Learning Plans will look with OSDE, OETA will I probably wouldn’t be able hard definitely, but we are said, “We understand the school in August [in distance different from district to broadcast instructional day- to reopen.” doing what we can.” gravity of these changes and learning], hopefully we will district. Many districts have time programming for the Right now, she does have Senior Facilities want to express our deep ap- be prepared and ready and used online tools for some state’s PreK-12 students. spots open for new students. Senior citizens in the Elk preciation for our staff and have worked out some of time and will be able to hit While education will re- “T have several kids that City community are under residents as we face these the kinks to do some of this the ground running. Others are staying home because even stricter precautions as difficult challenges together. online stuff, if that’s where have little connectivity and sume on April 6 with dis- their parents are not working nursing homes in the area We thank everyone for their we're still at. I hope and pray communities with little or tance learning, there will not be traditional, in-person in- right now,” she said. “Sev- are working their hardest to prayers and ask everyone to it’s not, but it’s not out of the no access to computer tech- eral parents are teachers or keep their staff and residents continue to pray for our state realm of possibility at this nology. I know the hard- struction or extracurricular work for banks or the city safe during this time of un- and our country.” point.” working educators in our activities. The release said hall, so there are temporary certainty. Elkwood Assisted Living The district also is working districts will pull together districts will be expected spaces available.” Even though there have of Elk City is implementing ona plan on feeding children to make this adjustment to to following critical safety Princess Martin is the been no confirmed cases the same guidelines, and has until the end of the school benefit all learners.” guidance from the Centers owner of Loving Hearts of COVID 19 in Beckham already not been allowing year, and then there will be Hofmeister said Oklaho- for Disease Control with re- and Hands Child Develop- County at this time, nursing non-essential visitors for a a transition into the summer gard to social distancing for ma’s “education communi- ment Center and the direc- homes are not allowing any few weeks. feeding program. The state ties are tough, resilient and students, staff and school tor of Kids Korner Daycare non-medically necessary “We've given residents ac- gave districts a window of committed. They know, as families. at Great Plains Regional visitors into their buildings tivity packets that have word ending school in the period we all do, that we are all in For the graduating class Medical Center in Elk City. and encouraging residents searches, crossword puzzles, of May 8-13. Garrison said this together. If this pandem- of 2020, each district will While she says she would be who can leave the premises fun snacks, stuff like that,” he will propose finishing the ic underscores anything, adopt a plan that establishes able to reopen if forced to not to do so. They have also administrator Julie Byerly school year on May 8. it is that we must help one the assessment or assess- “T think the sooner we can another. We understand the close because of the virus, been keeping up with their said. “We've implemented get into summer, the better,” ments those students are she hopes it doesn’t come to already vigorous cleaning social distancing, making challenges all Oklahomans required to take in order to that. and disinfecting practices. sure they stay at least six feet he said, adding he thinks are facing, and we know we the coronavirus is probably graduate, the release said. “T pray it doesn’t happen, Baptist Village of Elk apart from each other, We can count on our schools to but yes, I would reopen,” City, an assisted living cen- going to be a bigger issue provide the best education The State Board took know it’s hard for the resi- action on multiple waiv- then, in May, and ending the she said. ter, has discontinued com- dents to not have any visi- academic year on May 8 will possible in a way that en- ers — ranging from school They are taking the same munal dining, and all com- tors, so we have also been sures the safety and health play into the district’s favor. of students and everyone in calendars to loosening cur- precautions as the other day- munity gathering areas such helping them face-time or as dining rooms or salons video chat with friends and ties at the high school, such the school and community.” As far as annual activi- rent restrictions on funds cares in town, such as con- tinually disinfecting and not The news release stated — aimed at giving districts are temporarily closed, ac- family. We have also had as prom, Brown and White greater flexibility to respond allowing anyone unneces- cording to a news release. If friends and family members ceremony and graduation, OSDE will provide distance sarily into the facilities. a resident chooses to leave a come up to see their loved learning frameworks and re- to the needs of their students the district also is trying to sources on its website in the and communities. “At Kids Korner, because health center or assisted liv- ones through the windows. determine how those events all of the parents are medi- ing center for anything other “Even with all of the chaos will be held, with Garrison cal personnel or work at the than a medically necessary going on in the world right saying he has heard some Charles Levi Beach hospital, we do not let any of appointment, they will not now, they’re keeping their creative ideas being bandied them inside at all,” she said. be allowed to return during heads up,” she said. “We’ve about. Charles Levi Beach, 89, “We have to take that ex- passed away peacefully on this time of national emer- been sticking to protocols, Garrison said he’s proud March 23,2020. He was born tra precaution because they gency. If a resident of any and the residents have been of how Elk City Public in Odell, Texas on Septem- come into contact with more residential living in a con- in pretty good spirits.” Schools teachers, campus ber 2, 1930 and was raised in people that could be sick.” gregate building leaves for She also said if people are administrators and_ staffers Altus, Oklahoma by wonder- Keeping the parents from anything other than a medi- out there self-isolating with have responded through the ful parents, Levi and Bonnie coming inside is the easy cally necessary appoint- nothing to do, they can send beginning of this crisis. Beach. part; getting kids to keep ment, they will be required a letter or postcard to their In a news release from the Charles was a graduate of their distance from each oth- to self-quarantine in their local nursing home. State Department of Educa- Altus High School in 1948 er is the hard part. apartment for 14 days. “They can still receive tion, State Superintendent and notes some of his favorite “We are separating the Jason Davis, a represen- mail, and they would love to Joy Hofmeister said districts memories of Altus as being kids into smaller groups tative for Baptist Village, hear from you,” she said. will devise their own dis- a baseball pitcher and being tance learning plans. Begin- named outstanding boy of his ning April 6, districts will be class. He received a scholar- Rose Bow! in 2003 with his DAR encourages pub ic to fly flags Sunday ship to attend the University son, Bill. expected to provide distance of Oklahoma where he re- Charles is survived by his Marilyn Wilson of the National Vietnam War celebrated each year on Nov. learning for the rest of the ceived a degree in geological Washita Chapter of the Na- Veterans Day is celebrated school year, the release stat- wife of 55 years, Frances Sha- 11, as it marked the end of engineering. ron Beach, his brother, T m. tional Society Daughters on March 29 in the United ed. District leaders will also Charles was married to States and was recently World WarI in 1918. Beach of Rossville, Georgia, of the American Revolu- Residents are encouraged provide assurances to the Frances Sharon Phipps in his three children, Bill Beach tion said there will not be a made a recognized annual Oklahoma State Department 1964 and settled in Altus and of Chicago, Illinois, Carmel Vietnam Flag raising at the holiday in 2017 when it was to fly the U.S. flag in honor of Education (OSDE) of a then later in Clinton, Oklaho- ‘Wood of Frisco, Texas and Roger Mills Courthouse this signed into law by President of those who served in the Distance Learning Plan and ma. Charles was employed by Mary Lynn Parkhurst of Am- year, but the Washita Chap- Donald Trump. March 29 is Vietnam War as a way to ensure services continue for Phillips Petroleum and later arillo, Texas. He is also sur- ter encourages everyone to the day that the last of the thank the veterans and all English learners and special the engineering division of vived by four grandchildren, recognize and thank people troops were withdrawn in education students. the Oklahoma Department of Abbey Northcutt, Garrett for their service during that 1973. those who made sacrifices “Oklahoma has tremen- ‘Transportation for 38 years. Parkhurst, Leah Parkhurst and time and to fly an American This holiday is separate during one of the longest dous educators — strong, He was an active member of Emma Wood. flag. from Veterans Day, which is wars in American history. dedicated, tenacious and both the First United Method- Funeral services will be ist Church of Clinton and the Lions Club during his working held at 11:00 am, Friday, March 27, 2020 at the Martin- Facility in Clinton taking precautions cial distancing by staying at least six feet away from years. Following his retire- Dugger Funeral Home Chapel ment in 1995, Charles enjoyed The Indian Health Ser- and support staff will work instead of the waiting area others and staying home as his time with his morning cof- with Rev. Ben Pascoe officiat- vice-Clinton Service Unit is with patients by phone to de- until it is time to be seen. much as possible. Take care fee groups in both Clinton and ing. Burial will be at River- taking extra precautions to termine each patients’ health The main entrance will of yourself by ensuring you Elk City. side Cemetery at 2:00 p.m, in ensure the safety of patients care needs and devise a plan remain open at each facil- take all chronic medication In 2011, Charles and Sharon Mangum, Oklahoma. Servic- and staff during the national of care. ity. All patients, staff and as directed, get enough sleep moved to Elk City to be near es are under the direction of emergency of the spread of “We want to let patients visitors will be screened and stay hydrated.” family. Charles had a love for Richard and Tammy Dugger coronavirus, also known as know CSU is here to serve upon entering the facility, rock hunting which he invest- and the staff of Martin-Dugger COVID-19 updates are ed his time in every year on Funeral Home. ‘The funeral COVID-19. them if they are sick,” Bry- and only one visitor will be available at https://www.ihs. services will be live streamed “CSU’s three outpatient ant said. “To reduce the risk allowed per patient, the re- gov/. the family’s annual mountain trips to Colorado. at www.Facebook\Martin- clinical facilities of Clin- of COVID-19 exposure, we lease stated. Information from the CDC His favorite passion was Dugger Funeral Home. ton, El Reno and Watonga are asking for patients to CSU encourages patients on COVID-19 is available all things related to his be- Memorial contributions can Indian Health Centers fol- avoid coming to the clinic to fill prescription medica- loved Oklahoma Sooners. He be made to the US disaster at —_https://www.cde.gov/ lows guidelines set forth by unless necessary. We will tion by mail. For those who watched all Sooner football relief fund through UMCOR, coronavirus/2019-ncov/in- the Centers for Disease Con- provide care over the phone need to travel to the clinic games faithfully, and he also United Methodist Committee trol and Prevention (CDC) for patients who develop for medication refills, curb- dex.html. enjoyed Sooner basketball, on Relief in care of Martin- to protect patients and staff mild symptoms or are in side pharmacy services have People can stay up-to- baseball and softball. His fa- Dugger Funeral Home, P.O. from potential exposure to need of follow-up on regular been set up to deliver medi- date with CSU by visiting vorite trip was the chance to Box 707, Elk City, Oklahoma COVID-19,” said Joe Bry- care.” cations to the patient’s car its Facebook page at Clinton get to see his Sooners in the 73648. ant, CSU chief executive The use of telehealth and by CSU staff. Indian Health Service. officer, in a news release. care by phone is being used “We must be vigilant in “CSU is open for patient to limit the number of pa- our efforts to slow the spread Better water for better living. care, but we are creating an tients in the waiting areas, of infection among our pa- atmosphere to foster social CSU said. Clinton Indian tients and within the com- SALES ¢ SERVICE ° RENTALS distancing and limiting pa- Health Center has estab- munities we serve,” Bryant * Water Softeners * Salt Delivery & Filter Changes tient and staff exposure as lished a sick area and well said. “The best measures # Reverse Osmosis Systems © Free Water Analysis much as possible.” area for patients. Officials at to prevent infection are the (580) 323-2041 You could give your people CSU said during the dura- El Reno and Watonga Indian ones we already know about. tion of the COVID-19 na- health centers are asking for ‘They include hand-washing, (800) 310-6336 Culligan Water tional emergency. providers patients to wait in their car good hvgiene. practice so- culligan.com