November 7, 2020 Issue, Page 1 of 10

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Serving Western Oklahoma Saturday, November 7, 2020 Weekend Edition Legendary Elk City restaurant hopes to Great Plains Regional re-open in new location this weekend Medical Center invests in UVC technology to ensure the cleanest environment possible eupdates to their new location at 2500 South Main, bbefore they open for business targeted for this weekend. Staff photos by D’Ann Brasiell. By Shonda Little picked out the designs while decorations were of oilfield legends of yesteryear. When Pedro's first opened its doors to western Oklahomans and ‘The combination was a hit for Elk City and the Beecham family world travelers alike, owners John and Monica Beecham weren't had no plans of abandoning their home away from home, even when much older than their children are now. it felt more like a work horse. Back in 2005, the Beecham family bought the building that But, life sometimes has different plans. Tru-D robot inactivates unwanted pathogens with leading- housed the long-heralded Flamingo. It is hard to live up to legends, In their case, that life change came in the form of a fire that broke yet somehow they did. out in their kitchen area not long after closing last February. edge technology Nestled upon Route 66 in a hotel reflective of the fame road’s hey- ‘The Elk City Fire Department was quickly on the scene and Great Plains Regional Medical Center has added the Tru-D® day, the Flamingo was famous from old timers eating breakfast, a deemed the fire an accident. UVC robot, a pathogen-eliminating UVC disinfection robot, to its salad bar before they were cool and meringue as thick as the ciga- “Tt was one of the worst days of our lives,” Monica recounted. “It already impressive list of cleaning protocols to provide patients rette smoke. was like losing a member of our family because losing that building and staff with a germ-free health care environment. ‘Though forevera legend to Elk City’s history, when the Beecham’s also meant we couldn’t see the employees and customers who were ‘The Tru-D device, now part of PDI Healthcare's market-leading acquired the building, it was in definite need of a revamp. like family” infection prevention solutions, is one way GPRMC is elevating What they came up with was completely different business. Fresh Anticipation for their re-opening was high. After all, the restau- the level of care it provides to all patients. It is critical for hos- tile and bright colors replaced a beige and cream decor. Homemade rant had a loyal following. pitals to ensure that their health care facilities are as clean as tortillas took the place of pies. Battles with insurance companies delayed their re-opening, Co- possible to prevent unwanted pathogens from harming patients. But for the customers who darkened their doors, the love was the vid-19 pushed it back further. same. But, their restaurant would not be the only casualty in 2020. A Now, more than ever, this hyper-vigilance offers an extra layer of Pedro's might have been the only restaurant that could replace the spot inside a different hotel would open up after its tenants decided ‘security to our patients and team members. Flamingo. to close. “This technology will help ease the minds of our patients and For nearly 15 years, Pedro's community attachment grew to rival Each day, the Beechams would drive by it on their way home. staffto let them know that we are taking every precaution and the decades-long owners and employees of the Flamingo. Finally, they approached the hotel owner and struck a deal. investing in innovative solutions to ensure a clean and germ-free After all, Pedro's had a loyal following so strong that multiple 2500 S. Main Street would become the new home of Pedro’s, or at environment,” said Corey Lively, CEO. menu items were named from them. least temporarily. ‘The Tru-D device, which works by emitting UVClight energy, Monica laughs that her husband may have jumped the gun telling Eventually, they built a cantina on to the south end of the build- is the only portable UVC disinfection system on the market with their eager customers that they would re-open. ing called the Location — a tribute to the oilfield and all the men patented Sensor360 technology, which calculates the dose of and women who have served in the dangerous patch. Wife Monica See Pedro’s page 2. UVC energy needed to disinfect a room while compensating for room variables such as size, shape, surface reflectivity and con- tents. The device delivers one, measured dose of UVC energy Elk City Commissioners appoint See UVC page 2. SWOSU makes changes Jennifer Rainey as treasurer to Spring semester 2021 By Shonda Little permission to purchase water rights without consideration from the city commission of Elk City. For many years, Elesia Church served as the treasurer for the city If approved, this would be capped at a value of $500,000 total. of Elk City. Through many job titles, she learned the inner workings Tom Ivester, recently appointed city manager, explained that this of the city of Elk City. Recently, she left the position to take a posi- did not mean that he was currently looking to secure such a deal. He tion with SWODA, leaving the anchor position within the city wide mentioned possible water rights near the Sayre area, but nothing open. was in talks. This was just to help the city in the future. During the first scheduled commissioner's meeting for November Mayor Archer referenced a former city manager who reportedly that vacancy was addressed. City Hall had been seeking the right said approving such could help prevent the city from being drawn candidate for several weeks. Through the lengthy interview process, into a bidding process that would leave them outbid or having the Jennifer Rainey was voted to become the new city treasurer during price ran up on them. this week’s meeting. Ivester stated that he did not have a deal in mind. Before the commissioners addressed this item, though, the meet- ‘The issue was explained to be just in case an opportunity was pre- ing began first with a prayer offered by Commissioner Jeff Jackson sented in the future. before the Pledge of Allegiance. ‘The commissioners voted to approve that 5-0. As part of Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s strategy ‘The commissioners first considered a bid from OCT Equipment, ‘The third agenda item was related to Rainey becoming the city LLC, for one New Case 1021 G Wheel Loader to be used for the rock treasurer. to promote the health and safety of its community, SWOSU has yard in the amount of $299,480.42. ‘The commissioners agreed they were impressed with her inter- made changes to its spring 2021 calendar for the Weatherford and ‘This is a budgeted item. view during the prior meeting, Sayre campuses. Before the vote, commissioners discussed the piece of equipment ‘The commissioners agreed to appoint Rainey. For the spring 2021 semester, SWOSU will start on the regularly they were buying on behalf of the city. Mayor Archer congratulated her upon her hiring and said they scheduled date of January 11 but will not offer a traditional spring It was explained that this was a “demo” model with 60 hours. looked forward to good things. break. By doing so, students will end the spring semester one week One commissioner asked if, because it had hours, if that would ‘The commission then approved payment for purchase orders from earlier in April rather than the normal time in May. The last day of have a warranty. the fiscal year 2020-21 and reoccurring payments. It was explained that it would. City Manager Ivester said that there were 30 pages of these pur- the spring semester will now be April 30. Mayor Nick Archer said that it would have premium seating, chase orders. They included making payments on a $56,000 loan for “Students, faculty and staff have been resilient this fall in doing which he said he knew from his time in tractor sales. water improvements within the city and $10,000 for fuel, as well as their part to keep SWOSU safe,” SWOSU President Randy Beutler ‘The second agenda item was to consider establishing prior ap- a payment to Meyers for the landfill. said. “The university takes safety protocols very seriously and is proval for the Elk City city manager or another designee to have See Rainey page 2. See Spring page 2. LM Weather tomorrow ae 74/ Vol. 118, No. 90 75 cents, 10 pgs. Mail delivery 580.225.3000 View online elkcityoknews.com