October 26, 2024 Issue, Page 1 of 12

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Serving Western Oklahoma Since 1901 Weekend Edition Blindness Awareness Month: What People Should Know By Sheryl Ponce ‘As part of Blindness Aware- ness Month, the story of James Mooney’ experience navigat- ing his world with Retinitis Pig- mentosa (RP) can serve as an example of one person's view of living blind. This is a genetic eye disease that people are born with. His symptoms started in child- hood, and like many others with the disease eventually lost most of his sight. Mooneygrew up in Oklahoma, and after a career as a senior engi- dog Lockhart. neer with Border Patrol now lives in South Texas. He was forced to is when a white cane, that is the retire when he could no longer bane of blind people’ existence, perform his job because of the serves as an extension of one’s loss of his sight. arm,’ Mooney said. “My blindness is caused by RP, Not only does he rely on a a genetic disorder for which there white cane to make his way in the isno cure or treatment yet. Since I community, he has a guide dog was born with the defective gene, named Lockhart that has helped the progression has been slow him. Former Mayor and current State Rep Nick Archer Trying to get to 15th! — Lost by a step to young Grey Foster! and relentless over my entire life? “As I said when I received Mooney explained. the dog (Lockhart), I wish I With “Beat Nick Archer” Incentive He continued to explain the had done it sooner. He has most difficult part of being blind brought a new sense of freedom is the constantly changing land- and independence” Mooney WOEFCC 5-K Run a success scape of barriers and impedi- added. ments, When a person approaches “Even in familiar surround- with his/her guide dog, he sug- ings, things can change so T have State Representative Nick Archer Went to Run for WOFCC... “No Golf Saturday!” to be ever vigilant and alert. That See BLIND page 2 By Alex Alvarez WOECC, or the full name, he/she probably won't WOCS Hosts Annual know who they are or what they do, but we hope Instead of chasing a white ball while in town, that this race is the beginning of a great “adver- which he likes to do once in a while, Mr. Archer tisement” for this worthy organization that helps Hamburger Fry and Raffle chased many other runners, exactly 15 runners so many citizens in different Western Oklahoma ahead of him at the end, as he came up in 16th counties. place in this fun and fundraising 5 Kilometer Run Before we go into the results of the race (posted ‘on October 19th, taking off from the Arrowhead in the sports section), let's see what WOFCC does: Center's parking lot. THANK YOU! Since 2008, WOFCC has been dedicated to as- By Sheryl Ponce and $5 for kids. For more infor- mation about the event, call 580- Kudos to the Western Oklahoma Family Care sisting those in need across Western Oklahoma. ‘The Western Oklahoma Chris- 323-9150. Center (WOFCC) who hosted their first ever 5K ‘Their mission is to provide hope and help through tian School’ Hamburger Fry and ‘There is also an online auction & Fun Run fundraiser event - “Mission to Move a range of services aimed at improving the qual- 5K & Fun Run? The event was organized by the ity of life for the people they serve. These services Raffle has been set for Nov. Ist, at that can be accessed at www.ent- Oklahoma Race Company and Arrowhead Center, include benevolent assistance such as support with the Elk City Convention Center zauction.com or scan their QR and chaired by board member Cheyenna Villare- rent, utilities, fuel, and other financial needs. from 11 am. to 1:30 p.m, and 5 code for access. The two raffles al-Lively (Cheyenna works for Jackson Healthcare In addition, WOFCC organizes events like the pm, to 7:30 pam. They will also consist of Raffle A, which is a hold two raffles. One will be for Savage Axis SP6.5 Creedmoor out of Alpharetta, GA) If you ask the average citizen in Elk City about See RUN page 10 a rifle with a scope, and the other 3-9x40 scope, or Raffle B, 60 Ibs. 1st - Kyle MeCoy one will be a beef grilling pack- of steak that includes filet, ribeye, age. The drawing will take place strip, and sirloin along with 40 at the convention center during Ibs. of 1/31b. hamburger patties. Trick or Treat and Free Admission at Museum the Hamburger Fry. Tickets are $20 each or six tickets The lunch and/or dinner in- for $100, The winner does not cludes the choice of a hamburger need to be present on Nov, Ist to By Sheryl Ponce or Treat event for the com- the museum, the museum while grabbing or hotdog with sides, cobbler for win, munity and visitors on Sat., ‘The museum complex is some candy for an early Hal- dessert, and a drink for those who These fundraisers will ben- The National Route 66 Oct. 26th, from 9 a.m. to 5 located at 2717 W. 3rd. Get loween treat. dine-in. Participants may dine- efit all of the WOCS campuses Museum and Complex an- p.m. Those who come in cos- costumes ready to spend ‘The event is sponsored by in or drive through to pick up a at Clinton, Weatherford, and Elk nounced their annual Trick tume will get free entry into the morning or afternoon at the museum and their staff. meal. Tickets are $10 for adults City. Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Welcomes Nine Members to Board of Trustees, Names Lee Ann Bratten DeArman President OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Raegan King, volunteer Creek Consulting, Tahlequah; and Michelle DeArman, who leads talent and employ- sector, holding various corporate commu- Foundation for Excellence has welcomed at Vian Public Schools, Sutton, attorney and lobbyist at Capitol Re- ee engagement initiatives for the University nications and culture roles at Sonic, Chesa~ nine new members to its Board of Trustees Vian; Dr. Terry L. Mills, source Group, LLC, Broken Arrow. of Oklahoma Foundation, is a 1992 recipi- peake Energy, Enable Midstream Partners and named a new board president, Lee Ann owner and principal “The foundation is truly honored to ent of OFE’s Academic All-State Award. A and VSP Vision, and for the University of Bratten DeArman. of Strategic Health welcome this group of knowledgeable, en- Midwest City High School graduate, she Oklahoma. She leads the JEDI (Justice, Eq- Appointed to serve three-year board Consulting, Tulsa; Dr. thusiastic supporters of public education received a bachelor’s degree in economics uity, Diversity, Inclusion) Committee for terms are Katie Archer, architect and proj- ARCHER Ronald S, Ramming, to our board,’ said OFE Executive Director from the University of Oklahoma before the Leadership OKC Alumni Board. ect manager at REES Associates, Elk City; president of Connors Elizabeth Inbody. “We look forward to the heading to Scotland as a Rotary Foundation DeArman, who will serve a two-year Michelle Blosch, founder of Blosch Tutor- State College, Warner; Dr. Mike Simpson, fresh perspective and expertise they bring, Ambassadorial Scholar and earninga grad- term, is the third consecutive Academic ing, Jenks; Carter Jennings, founder of superintendent of Guthrie Public Schools; which will help us advance our mission and uate degree from the University of Glasgow. Carter Jennings Law Firm, Oklahoma City; Michael Stopp, managing partner of Swift strengthen our impact across the state” She has previously worked in the corporate See PRESIDENT page 9 Weather ya) Vol. 120, No. 41 Mail delivery View online tomorrow OD / 60 75 cents, 580.225 3000 elkcityoknews.com 8 il 13151 |