November 15, 2025 Issue, Page 1 of 12

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2025 Weekend Edition City Manager Warns Rotarians of Proposed Water Rights Legislation By Sheryl Ponce that there is not a lot of water in which is Fort Worth, were growing their own set of rules. It is the only it’s flowing, if it’s a stream, if some- Western Oklahoma, but that when and needed some future water sup- special water district in the state of thing’s flowing into it, like Elk Lake, The Elk City Rotarians got a wa- he was elected to the Oklahoma plies,” he started. Oklahoma. is fed by several creeks, then the ter history lesson from City Manag- legislature, he witnessed the large As Tarrant County looked for a “Oklahoma Water law is basical- state of Oklahoma actually controls er Tom Ivester at their regular noon water fights that went on in South- future water source, they believed ly broken down into two categories, its use,” Ivester said. meeting at the Elk City Golf and eastern and Eastern Oklahoma they could buy it from Southeast- stream water and ground water. He continued to explain that it Country Club last Thursday. City during his tenure. ern Oklahoma. The battle began The stream water means that it is has to be permitted to get water Commissioners Jeff Waters, Rocky “They were fighting over an over Arbuckle Simpson aquifer actually flowing in a stream. The out of a river or ground water. It is Andresen, and Rod Carver were area where they had plenty of wa- and the Chickasaw’s. They came up state of Oklahoma regulates that controlled by the Oklahoma Water also present to answer questions ter. There was a large movement with a settlement that developed and permits its use. If it is a farm Resources Board. Groundwater from the Rotarians. about 15 years ago when the state as a special water district called pond, you’ve captured it and it’s not Ivester began his talk by saying of Texas, basically Tarrant County, the Arbuckle Simpson, which had flowing out, then it’s on you. But if See WATER page 2 City Manager Tom Ivester ECPS Board Votes to Give Performance Bonuses By Sheryl Ponce The Elk City Public School Board of Education met for their regular monthly meeting on Monday, Nov. 10th, at 6 p.m., in the Board Conference Room. With all mem- bers present, President Brandon Storm called the meet- ing to order and asked Superintendent Mike Sparks if anyone had requested to make a public comment. With none present, he continued to the consent agenda. The board approved the Consent Agenda that in- cluded the minutes from the Oct. 13th meeting and the financial transactions. During the financial trans- MPS – Miller Plumbing Services, Makes Quality, actions section of the agenda, Sparks told the board members that they would dip into the carryover funds by the end of the year. Clean, and Professional Services a Priority “If the things that are trending like they will, we will get into our carryover. I think we’re in great shape. I was at a meeting last week at CareerTech, and I’ve heard Senator Howard actually talk about this, too. He By Sheryl Ponce two journeymen plumbers, Nolan Rosales thinks the budget can be pretty flat this year for edu- and Sean Brown. Clint Powell and Guy Gar- cation. This is because of the tax credits, the private Last summer Grace and Brayden Miller rison are the apprentices on staff. The com- school stuff, and then also some of the cuts to the per- were not only expecting their first bundle pany specializes in residential plumbing, sonal income tax, they are going to see a difference in of joy, daughter Blaire, but they also stepped commercial plumbing, and septic tank in- their money that they have to work with. I think that’s into the independent business owner’s world stallation. They also offer a complete North something to just be mindful of, like we have been. I with MPS – Miller Plumbing Services. As lit- Star water softening system. just think we’re in good shape. But again, I don’t want tle Blaire begins to set her world on fire, so The newest addition to the company is in it to be a surprise to anybody when we get to the end,” are the Millers in growing their business. the area of septic tank repair and installation. Sparks said. The opened the doors at 211 E 7th St., on The qualification rules recently changed, and July 28th, 2024. They started out with two the person must be certified. This is a special- See BONUSES page 2 trucks and since have added an additional truck. Besides Brayden, the company has See MPS page 7 Elk City Rotarians Giving Away Money or Chamber Bucks By Sheryl Ponce Time is running out to purchase an opportunity to win $5000 in cash or in Chamber Bucks. The opportu- nity to be included in the drawing is a $50 ticket, but there are only 200 tickets to be sold for the Dec. 13th drawing at 8 p.m., during Christmas in the Park in 44th Annual Oklahoma National Jr. Heifer Show Scheduled Ackley Park. The proceeds for the drawing will go to the Elk City Rotarians’ projects, such as Rotary Park projects, Unit- By Sheryl Ponce come, first serve basis. The pre-entry be prorated and there will be no other Elk City FFA Chapter. ed Fund, Meals on Wheels, Miss Elk City/Queen of the deadline was Nov 3rd, but it is not too awards. Each heifer may show in only All exhibitors must be an eligible 4H West contest, and donating dictionaries to area third One of the biggest heifers show in late for the late entries. Late entries are one breed, and the classes will be bro- or FFA member. The weekend is two- graders. the United States will take place in Elk $50 and will be taken from Nov. 4th ken on Friday by 8 p.m. The judge is fold. Spend the 22nd in Elk City for the Contact a local Rotarian to purchase a ticket. Tom City on Nov. 22nd, starting at 9 a.m., through Nov 21st, Friday from 6 p.m. going to be Jennifer Hudlow. OK National Jr. Heifer Show and then Johnson is going above and beyond in giving area at the Elk City Convention Center to 8 p.m., registration is at the conven- Each exhibitor’s name will be placed move on to Clinton to the OK Western residents the opportunity to win the $5000. Other complex. This is the 44th year for the tion center. in a drawing for a chance to win one of Heifer Show on Nov. 23rd. members that may have tickets to sell include David national show, sponsored by Western All heifers must be born after Oct two prizes at the end of the grand drive. This is an excellent opportunity to Atkinson, Sheryl Ponce, Trish Southard, Chief Eddie Equipment. SC Show Supplies will be 31st, 2023. It is a blow and show; there- The winner does not need to be present see area kids show their heifer projects. Holland, Kelci Caswell, Damon Butcher, Lake Car- on location the day of the show for sup- fore, no adhesives may be used. There to win. The prizes are being donated by Special thanks to Western Equipment penter, Basil Weatherly, Gary McGinn, Sandy Werner, ply needs, as will S/S The Advantage. is a minimum of five head per breed, Sullivan Supply and SC Show Supply. for sponsoring this 44th annual Heifer Greg Britton, Jesse Griffin, Kenny Ruiz, Rob Stephens, Show stalls will be based on the first but if there are not five, the money will Concessions are to be provided by the show. Dr. Erin Sloan, among others. Weather Vol. Vol. 117,121, No.No. 54 46 Mail delivery Home delivery Viewonline View online tomorrow 99/70 53 / 28 75 75 cents cents, 12 pgs. 580.225.3000 580.225.3000 elkcityoknews.com elkcityoknews.com