The Elk City News SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2024 + 3 ‘National Association of — DAR Club News Regent Kay Hagerman “The Oklahoma Women's called the Washita Chapter Veteran's Organization” is NSDAR to order on Septem- one of the State Regent's ‘National Association of ber 9 2025 with the chap- projects and was briefed by lain Robetha Farris assist- the State Regent. ing. The group participated Committee Reports: in the Pledge of Allegiance, American Indian given by ‘The American's Creed, A Pa- Virginia Reid on the impor- triotic Song, The Preamble tance of the Squash Blossom to the Constitution and the and its place in Navajo His- Oklahoma Flag Salute. tory and Culture. Ameri- Guests were —_intro- canism-Regent Hagerman duced: Oklahoma State reported that she and several Regent Grace Edgeworth, daughters had attended the Frontier District Director Citizenship Ceremony in Vanassa Steward and Dr. Oklahoma City of 50 new prin ‘@qaDo Heather Katz . Nancy Lsle, citizens from 23 countries Honorary State Regent was Commemorative Events giv- also acknowledged. en by Doris Minor spoke on Doris Minor gave the Pres- the Lafayette Farewell Tour Sea ident General’s Message. She of August 15,1824-Septem- encouraged the Daughters ber 9, 1825. Lafayette was to be active in the acknowl- the last surviving General edgement of — Constitu- of the American Revolution tion Week with displays and and his scheduled three- resources available to public, month tour lasted thirteen to reach out and participate months... Historic Preser- in the scholarships that are vation by Marilyn Wilson Dana Church, Debora Glasgow (Executive Director of SWODA), Julie Sanders (Transportation Director of SORTPO), and Cristi Williams, all available to students. She and the proposed dedication employees of SWODA, proudly accept the 2024 Excellence in Regional Transportation Award from the National Association of Develop- also encouraged the partici- of the Custer City Cemetery ment Organizations (NADO) for their Mini Transportation Planning Grant program. pation in the annual work this fall. Women’s Issues, day on October 11. Robetha Farris reported that ‘The National Defense re- September is Health, Career, Southwest Oklahoma Regional Planning Partners Receive port given by Ellena Womack and Family focus month. . On September 9,, 1776 the Project Records stated that 2024 Excellence in Regional Transportation Award from new name that was adopted both Doris and Lu had spent by the Second Continental many hours indexing over Congress for the “United the summer on records. Lu the National Association of Development Organizations Colonies” was United States is now on the National Patri- of America. September 17, ots Records Project. 1787 , the last day of the ‘The meeting was closed Constitutional Conven- with the Daughters Pledge. Washington, DC - The Grant program benefiting mu- noteworthy projects and prac- ity of life in regions around the tion, the final draft of the Those attending were: South Western Oklahoma De-nicipalities with funding pro- tices in rural and small met- United States,” shared current United States Constitution anne Eisler, Robetha Farri velopment Authority (SWO- vided in part by the State Plan- NADO President and Ark- ropolitan transportation plan- was signed by 39 of the 55 Ann Graham, Marci Grant, DA) and its partners the As- ning & Research (SPR) grant ning, program delivery, and Tex Council of Governments delegates, after long months Kay Hagerman, Kathryn sociation of South Central and local match. special initiatives. Award win- Board Director Chris Brown. of debate and revision. “The Harrison, Marilyn Wilson, Oklahoma Governemnts NADO is a Washington, ners received national recogni- “Programs and projects like framing of the preamble Ellena Womack, Kay Hager- (ASCOG) and the Southwest DC-based association that tion during the 2024 National the SPR Mini Transportation with the immortal words of man, Doris Minor, April Oklahoma Regional Transpor- promotes programs and poli- Regional Transportation Con- Planning Grant foster com- “WE the People’, the sourc- Miller, Associate member tation Planning Organizaton cies to strengthen local gov- ference in Greenville, SC, July munity and economic con- es of government’s power Carolyn Rawlings Virginia (SORTPO) has been awarded ernments, communities, and 30th to August Ist. nections and promote effec- is proclaimed” {taken from Reid, Honorary State Regent a 2024 Excellence in Regional economies through regional “The Excellence in Regional tive transportation networks.” the National Defender) Nancy Lisle, Pat Sides, Vera Transportation Award from cooperation, program deliv- Transportation Awards pro- What is even more astound- Dr. Heather Katz, Associ- Williamson Guests were OS- the National Association of ery, and comprehensive strat- gram showcases effective and ing is this Organization also ate Professor of Political Sci- DAR State Regent Grace Els- Development Organizations egies. The Excellence in Re- creative transportation initia- received the 2023 Excellence ence at SWOSU presented worth, Vanessa Seward, Dr. (NADO). This award is for a gional Transportation Awards tives that improve accessibil- in Regional Transporation the program—“The Making Heather Katz, and Prospec- Mini Transportation Planning showcase organizations for ity, mobility, safety, and qual- Award. ofthe Constitution”, tive Member Roberta Diggs. Governor Stitt issues the Oklahoma Phone-Free School Challenge OKLAHOMA CITY — To- day, Governor Kevin Stitt is- sued the Oklahoma Phone- room. I know we can't solve a missions will be reviewed for problem like this with a top- inclusion in an Oklahoma down, heavy-handed govern- Phone-Free Schools _ best cell phones, As we explore the idea of cell phone-free schools, we'll put student mental health WANTED: Free School _ Challenge, inviting students, teachers, and superintendents _ state- ment mandate,’ said Governor practices report, which will Stitt. “I know our students and be compiled by Secretary of teachers have the creative and Education Nellie Sanders and first, approach it with empathy, and take our classrooms back.” “I applaud Governor Stitt Land for lease wide to propose solutions for innovative minds to solve this Chief Advisor of Health and to run cattle for his proactive stance on managing cell phone use in problem in their classroom, Mental Health Ellen Buettner. cell phone use in Oklahoma so I want to empower them to schools,” said Buettner. “By 1500-2000 acres needed schools. The initiative address- “Student attention is be- es concerns over distractions, do just that. That's why we're ing challenged in ways we've launching the Oklahoma bullying, and learning difficul- launching the Oklahoma The never faced before,’ Sanders Phone-Free Schools Chal- ties associated with cell phone challenge starts today, and id. “Students are enduring lenge, we are taking a criti- usage. participants have until Nov. a mental health epidemic that cal step toward safeguarding “Cell phones are useful tools, but far too often, they 29 to submit their ideas, poli- can't be ignored, and we have students’ mental health and cies, and best practices to the an opportunity to eliminate enhancing their educational Call Governor's Office. These sub- one of the driving culprits: experiences. This effort will cause distractions in the class- provide valuable insight into Mike Harrison the impact of cell phones on academic performance and 580-497-7044 All 77 counties to receive sheriff office assistance mental health” grants through Attorney General's Office OKLAHOMA CG — All 77 “This funding to all 77 counties Drummond’ office is reviewing counties have applied for grant will help sheriff's offices statewide all grant applications and will begin funding through a new program strengthen their operations and sending agreements to sheriffs and administered by Attorney General enhance public safety.” Drummond county commissioners later this Gentner Drummond's office to bol- said. “I appreciate the work of the month. Grants can be used for sher- Protect your family. ster law enforcement services. House Bill 2914 created the Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association in iffoffice operations including train- helping to ensure all counties re- Oklahoma Sheriff's Office Funding ceive support” ing, technology, equipment, capital improvements and more. Safely store all Assistance Grant Program during this year’s legislative session and ap- propriated $18 million to the fund, Counties were invited to apply for oe one ond Aap, in medications. grants from $150,000 to $300,000, depending on their total tangible property valuation. PUBLIC NOTICE obra The ‘Oklahoma Sheriff's Office Funding Assistance Grant Program ANNUAL TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING Canadn of the 7 Cleveland CHEYENNE AND ARAPAHO TRIBES Tonnche Program funded by Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Cre will be held on Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Center for Substance Abuse Gav Prevention, SWODA, and local coalitions. Saturday, October 5", 2024 at 10:00 am <A. OKLAHOMA Bok Mental He SAFER R.E.Sp.E.C.T GYM USE STORAGE 220 East Black Kettle Blvd. @ Mental Health & DISPOSAL Abuse <> Concho, Oklahoma Pononstonia Nowa Rogers ‘Sepheos | — Ohfunkee Tues Tease Pees Washington | Woods —|— Roger Mis ‘Woodwaxd—| Tian