February 1, 2025 Issue, Page 1 of 12

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Serving Western Oklahoma Since 1901 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025 Weekend Edition Elk City Leadership Hall of Fame Inductees Announced Elk City, Oklahoma — The Elk City and DR. DENNIS FRIESEN, continued to the University of EIk City quickly became Elk City Leadership Hall of ideally have MD Oklahoma to earn his medical home, and Dr. Friesen and Judy Fame 2024 Inductees are Dr. attended Elk Dr. Dennis Friesen was born degree and then completed his decided to stay and raise their Dennis Friesen, MD, Allen City — Schools on July 12, 1947. He grew up in residency in Tulsa. three children here. Shelley, Al- Robinson and Debra Sise- at some point. the Oklahoma panhandle and In 1977, Dr. Friesen and his lison and Nathan all graduated more. They will officially be ‘They must have graduated from Adams High wife Judy, along with fellow res- from Elk City High School in inducted Tuesday February FRIESEN ROBINSON ‘SISEMORE brought _ posi- School. After graduating he ident Dr. John Perkins and his the 90's. Judy was well known 4, 2025, between the Elkettes room. Family and friends are tive pride and attended Panhandle State Uni- wife Jan, made the decision to to many for her time spent and Elks Basketball Games at welcome to come and congrat- recognition to Elk City for versity for a year before trans- begin their family practice in teaching at Rainbow Lane Pre- the Pioneer Center along with ulate them. Qualifications for exemplary leadership in their ferring to Southwestern State Elk City. A year later they were school. areception honoring them 5-6 honorees include...have been chosen occupation leading University, where he completed joined by Dr. Craig Phelps and Dr. Friesen continued his pm also at the Pioneer Center a resident or have worked in to city/state and/or national a degree in pharmacy in 1970. his wife Susan to complete their downstairs in the hospitality achievement. Furthering his education, he practice. See HOF page 2 Rotarians Learn About Trails and Disc Golf By Sheryl Ponce The Elk City Rotarians met for their regu- lar meeting Thursday, in the Elk City Golf and Country Club, at noon. President Rob Stephens welcomed the members and guests to the meet- ing, after which the flag salute and invocation were given. ‘There were several announcements that in- cluded Rotary scholarships are available, the Elk City Police Department’ Police Academy for citizens; the 100-year Elk City Rotary Club cel- ebration and meeting; and the Whiskey Tasting Fundraiser on April 5th. Rotary student of the month, Jennifer Man- ning, spoke to the Rotarians about what has been happening at the high school. Stephens then asked Dr. Erin Sloan to introduce the guest speaker for the day, which was Zak Stamm. He is Front: Member Kyler Welch, worship team Erin Womack, vice president lolee King, co-president Ella Sottile, representati Hunter Womack. Middle Row: Jennifer the soccer coach from Elk City High School. Keyes, member Kadre Duncan, representative Blakely Ball, representative Lucy 0’Har representative Gus O'Hara, Coach Jim Taylor. Back Row: member Brayden Sloan said that she likes to hike and bike around Duncan, representative Cade Green, member Luis Arrieta, co-president Bryce Mouse, secretary Kirbey Mouse, representative Campbell Garbarino, and representative Elk City especially if it is above 60 degrees, she Grant Cloud. will be kayaking at Elk City Lake. Stamm began Elk City FCA Huddle Leadership Plan to by talking about the trails that are around the lake and other parts of Elk City. He noted that See ROTARY page 2 Fast and Pray for Robinson Family By Sheryl Ponce of that money,’ Bryce Mouse, president of Elk his impact in the school. City’s FCA, said. “Will Robinson, a fellow coach, teacher, fa- ‘The Elk City’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes Vice president Jolee King said that she feels ther, and Christian man from Durant, Oklaho- (FCA) will be supporting the Robinson Family like it is really important they take this project ma, has given his life in an effort to rescue his of Durant by fasting and praying to support the on because helping out a Christian family in eight-year-old daughter Clara Robinson from a loss of Coach Will Robinson and his daughter, need is showing unity, which is what Jesus want- swollen drainage ditch in an accident near Sher- Clara. The family was in a tragic accident, which ed the church to be in general. man, Texas” had a devastating loss of the father and daughter “Having communities come together and help “As a local FCA school, we're asking any lo- pair. out this family when they are really struggling cal business, school, group, family, or individual ‘The meaning of FCA is becoming more trans- represents what Jesus would do,’ King added. to join us in a fast, where we think about how parent as the group plans to give up one lunch She believes that it gives them the opportunity great a Father we have. As we think about how and donating the funds they would have paid for tocome together to learn more about God. They God came to this Earth in an effort to save us, the meal to help the family through their time can spread light to the world. Things they do like His children, to live a life eternal with Him on of sorrow. “Courts of Faith” and singing at nursing homes, Christmas day. That is when Will gave his life “[think FCA is very important because it gives helps them to meet new people and spread light trying to rescue his child. us access to be in ministry inside the school and to everyone. “While fasting we will give a one-time gift that reach others for Christ. I also think this project Helping the Robinson family has been a proj- would amount to a meal we would have eaten is very important because fasting is important. ect of love that was started by their sponsor, at a local fast-food place or restaurant in town.” Elk City Elementary Jesus did it in the desert 40 day and 40 nights. Coach Jim Taylor who personally knew Will “If you want to take part in this ministry, you Itreveals our focus on God. While we are doing Robinson. Principal Earns Outstanding that, we can help people who are in a great need Coach Taylor talks about Will Robinson and See FCA page 2 Administrator Award By Sheryl Ponce Elk City Chamber of Commerce hosts the Education Expo Elk City Public Schools and the Oklahoma Literacy Association recently announced that Haley Price was chosen to receive the Okla- homa Literacy Association's Outstanding Administrator Award. “Principal Price's _litera- cy-minded leadership and deep-commitment to foster- ing student success are being recognized at our upcoming conference on February 28th? the OLA wrote in their announcement of her award on social media. The annual conference will celebrate Price EU Ciy Chainer of Coniaece hasta tha Edncallon Expo every Santor, which glvis area fanors and seniors an opportealty to visit with collages ad trade schools and help others to learn with other literacy lead- from across the state. This year there were 25 colleges represented along with Western Technology Centers and other trade schools. Ten schools brought their stu- ers and teachers from across the state. To attend dents to participate in the expo throughout the morning. the conference, go to tinyurl.com/OKLA2025. Vol. 121, No.5 Mail delivery View online Weather /40 \ 4 tomorrow 75 cents, 580.225.3000 elkcityoknews.com y a Il 13151