January 17, 2026 Issue, Page 1 of 13

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Weekend Edition SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026 ECPS Accepts Donation of Lincoln Teen Center By Sheryl Ponce Chamber Banquet, outgoing president Mark Norton Takes the Reigns for 2026 Chamber of Commerce By Sheryl Ponce The annual banquet for the Elk City Chamber of Commerce was held Tuesday, Jan. 13th, at the Elk City Convention Center. Karen Touchstone stood in for Executive Director Susie Cupp due to an emergency. After welcoming the guests and leading the group in the flag salute, Pastor Kevin Akins gave the invocation. The dinner was catered by Fred’s Steakhouse and served by their staff with the help of Elk City FFA. Once everyone was served, the program continued with 2025 Chamber President, Kevin Akins announcing the 2025 Pam Gregory Volunteer Award, which was given to Donna Sue Perry. Akins reminded the chamber members and guests about the accomplishments, trials, and triumphs over the past year. He described the events that impacted the community, as well as talking about the forward movement that sets Elk City above others across the state. After he finished the Year in Review, Akins presented the gavel to incoming president, Mark Norton. Norton accepted the token of leadership and presented Akins a plaque of appreciation for his hard work and dedication to the Chamber. Norton then introduced the incoming Board of Directors who include Ronda Smith, as president elect; Akins as past president; and Pam Muncrief as treasurer. The members of the board are Julie Byerly, Jo Ediger, Chrissy Jarel, Korbin Perkey, Teresa Kilhoffer, Cara Long, Michael Price, Sydney Smith, Shannon Whitson, Jessica Ford, Walker Hinds, Jennifer Olaveson, Karen Stout, and Lilly Vargas. Ex Officio members of the Board are Micah Kilhoffer, Tom Ivester, Corey Lively, Mike Sparks, and Jeff Daugherty. After the Board was introduced, Norton presented his theme for the year, which is “still Kickin’ Route 66 – A Century of Resilience, Adventure, and Promise.” He also told the audience about his history and personal path to becoming involved in the See CHAMBER page 2 The Elk City Public School Board of Education met for their regular monthly meeting Monday evening at 6 p.m., in the Board of Education Conference Room. President Brandon Storm called the meeting to order and noted that Katie Archer would not be present. There were no public comments, therefore, they continued to the approval of the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda included the approval of the minutes from the Dec. 3rd board meeting, as well as the financial transactions. Superintendent Mike Sparks told the board that the budget for the year was a little over $21 million, yet their goal was to spend $19.2 million. This would leave a carryover of $4.34 million. Sparks also touched on the Building Fund because there are a couple of projects that need to be completed and they have the funds to do so. One of those projects is the press box at the football field, and another press box on the guest’s side of the field. He noted that Culver Electric wired it last year. See DONATION page 2 ‘CASAblanca’ Gala Set to Support Abused and Neglected Children Mark Norton By Sheryl Ponce ECPD Gets New Chief and Promotes Three Others Last week the Elk City Commissioners recognized John Cook as the new police chief upon Eddie Holland’s retirement. Cook was sworn in at City Hall last Monday. He has been serving as the assistant police chief and will now take on the responsibilities deemed to the office of chief. Other promotions in the ECPD include the promotion of Scott Goodman to Major and Assistant Police Chief, and Brad George promoted to Captain of Patrol. Both officers have shown leadership, dedication, and commitment in serving the department and the Elk City community. “We are confident they will continue to lead with integrity and professionalism in their new roles,” the announcement said about the two officers. ECPD also announced that Wyatt Anderson was promoted to Sergeant for his hard work, professionalism, Sergeant Wyatt Anderson Captain Brad George Major Scott Goodman By Sheryl Ponce See ECPD page 2 ECPD Chief John Cook CASA of Western Oklahoma’s annual fundraiser will take place in Elk City at the Elk City Golf and Country Club, on Saturday, Feb. 7th. The speaker for the evening will be Afton Carter, in an atmosphere that will be reminiscent of old Hollywood and “Casablanca.” Registration and cocktails will start at 6:30 p.m., and themed attire is encouraged but not required. CASA’s goal is to raise $80,000 with the event, which will include a silent auction, a live auction, dinner, and dancing. The funds will be used to maintain and expand services for the 2026 year. Individual and corporate support will help abused and neglected children to be matched with a CASA volunteer. Those volunteers speak up for the child or children to make sure they receive services and support that are needed to achieve success. Reservations are limited and can be made through CASA of Western Oklahoma, Inc., which is a 501(c) (3). General admission tickets are $100 each, while sponsorships are also available. For more information about the event contact Jackie Aaron at 580-774-7257 or email her at [email protected]. They Said – ‘Don’t Do It’ By Sheryl Ponce What was I thinking? I was taken in by the adorable face and sweet look of a sixmonth old half Labrador Retriever and half Pyrenees puppy. I have raised four labs; therefore, I thought it would be a piece of cake. I spotted this puppy and his brother on the Elk City Animal Shelter’s website, so I reached out right away to see about adoption. I had to wait to meet the pair, but as soon as I could, I went to see them. Right away my puppy, who is now called Scout, came up to me, and that sealed the deal. I had to convince my Maltese, Jack, that it Weather tomorrow was a good idea to bring his new brother home. I really thought he would reject the monster puppy, because he has tried to fight other strange big dogs. The two dogs were buddies at first meeting. Now I had to decide whether to take the plunge into shedding, chewing, and a backyard of holes. Although those issues were not part of my decision-making process, all I could see were those big brown eyes and his sweet disposition. I committed to the puppy, the shelter, and the community to take care of him. Scout already knew how to sit and wait for a treat, but I was overconfident in my ability to teach him basic behaviors and 61 / 27 99/70 manners. At first he was a dream going into a crate. His intelligence had me fooled. Although Scout looks like an adult dog, he was just a puppy in an enormous body. He learned how to paw his way out of the crate; surf the countertops to grab anything to chew up; and eventually take the door facing off to play with. Forget about the seemingly thousands of toys, bones, and even dog puzzles he could have chewed up. No, he would rather shred paper towels, toilet paper, or simply a box I thought was way out of reach. I kept telling myself that nothing has been Vol. Vol. 117,122, No.No. 54 3 75 cents 75 cents, 12 pgs. See SAID page 2 Mail delivery Home delivery 580.225.3000 580.225.3000 Scout Viewonline online View elkcityoknews.com elkcityoknews.com