January 17, 2026 Issue, Page 2 of 13

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NEWS 2• SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026 The Elk City News MISDEMEANORS & FELONIES MISDEMEANORS State of Okla vs Shonda D Wallweber DUI. TOC State of Okla vs Dylan J Abla DUS State of Okla vs Aaron M Brown Domestic assault & battery State of Okla vs Jose Vasquez-Zavala Possession of CS & paraphernalia State of Okla vs Brandon L Hughes DUS. Possession of CS & paraphernalia FELONIES State of Okla vs Keeland J Alexander Sexual battery. Domestic assault & battery State of Okla vs Kyle L Minchey Larceny of vehicle State of Okla vs Kevin L Scott Eluding & resisting an officer State of Okla vs Sabu W Beltran DUI. No insurance. Leaving the scene of an accident State of Okla vs Taira Landa Child neglect. Enabling child abuse. Possession of firearm State of Okla vs Gene A Rayevich Conspiracy. Child neglect & abuse "There will not be any changes or exceptions to the publication of these records." Nick Archer CHAMBER Continued from page 1 Chamber and being hired as the Executive Director of the Elk City Housing Authority. Norton also described the love he has for Elk Kevin Akins and Donna Sue Perry Karen Touchstone and Nick Archer City and his vision of the upcoming year. Once Norton’s talk drew to a close, he introduced the keynote speaker, Nick Archer, District 55 Representative. Archer talked about the pride and resilience of Elk City. He mentioned the num- ber of people who come to town because it is a progressive place to be because of the people. His talk was inspirational because he loves Elk City and understands why it is a place that outshines other communities across the state. The evening was closed with Touchstone presenting Archer with an Elk statue to show him appreciation for taking time to be at the banquet, as well as an inspiration to the community. She encouraged everyone to continue the momentum of the evening and enter 2026 with pride in Route 66 celebration. more duties to do in one day? Is the constant stress of how to teach Scout manners worth the unconditional love he gives? I would have to say, he has been a blessing. I am even getting used to the white hair that covers my clothes, floors, and furniture. Scout watches over the house and backyard when I am gone. His bark is loud, and when he feels something is not right, he is relentless. Scout has been a blessing so far. As he puts those huge paws on me not to not stop petting or scratching his belly, my heart melts. Dog lovers understand this type of affection. I try to be the leader of the pack, and Scout is such a quick learner that I know I have to be consistent. I know he cannot be released to his own boredom or devices throughout the day. I have to keep an eye on the trash, what is left out, and where he is at all times. I love Scout, and I love Jack. I’m not sure that Jack still loves Scout as much as Scout loves Jack. My poor Maltese’s tail is down to a single hair, and his ears are totally matted, but I have seen Jack egg him on with a growl or a nip on the neck. Jack just cannot take what he gives out. Every minute with these two pooches has been full of love, energy, frustration, and companionship. I would not trade Scout or Jack for anything, even a little peace and quiet. They said don’t get a dog; I say baloney. Get a dog, and life will never be the same. Rescue dogs are better lovers, just my opinion. MARRIAGES & DIVORCES MARRIAGES Bryce Harrison, Elk City – Kassidy Paul, Elk City Michael Ballard, Elk City – Ashley Griffith, Elk City Justin Mills, Elk City – Heather Maxwell, Elk City DIVORCES Heath McKelvey vs Brittny McKelvey Lindy Christian vs Dustin Christian Cori Lowry vs Clint Lowry SAID Continued from page 1 (USPS # 173-020) 580-225-3000 Is published once weekly by Beckham County Media, LLC 109 W. Broadway, Elk City, OK 73644-4736 Periodicals Postage Paid at Elk City, OK 73644 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to PO BOX 964, Elk City, OK 73648 Sheryl Ponce, Staff Writer SUBSCRIPTIONS Deliverd by mail: $50/yearly print only $60/yearly print & online $40/online only No refunds on subscriptions. [email protected] [email protected] Neva Pyatt, Advertising Director Ashley Moore, Advertising Director [email protected] Nancy Karnowski, CSR destroyed beyond repair, which is absolutely true. Then there is Scout’s excitement for my return each day. He loves to run, jump on me until he knows that I will give him hugs and scratches. He is great on a leash but has not conquered the art of “heel.” He has learned to be patient when visitors come, sitting and waiting for someone else to adore him. What was I thinking? I need Information and Assistance Available for Seniors Across Southwest Oklahoma By Joanie Swanson As we welcome the New Year, the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) Area Agency on Aging (AAA) remains committed to supporting older adults and their caregivers throughout southwest Oklahoma. The SWODA AAA Information and Assistance (I & A) program is available to help Providing comfort and support for End of Life choices Hospice care provides medical services, emotional support, and spiritual resources for people who are in the last stages of a serious illness, such as cancer or heart failure. Hospice care also helps family members manage the practical details and emotional challenges of caring for a dying loved one. For questions regarding hospice service or eligibilty, contact: Carrie Perry, RN - Administrator Brianna Barker, RN - MANAGER OF PATIENT CARE SERVICES SOME OF THE MOST COMMON CONDITIONS ARE: • Cancer • Failure to Thrive • End Stage Cardiac Disease (CHF) • End Stage Cerebrovascular Disease (CVA) • End Stage Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) • End Stage Pulmonary Disease (COPD) • End Stage Liver Disease • End Stage Renal Disease • AIDS/HIV • End Stage Neurological Disease such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s Professional, Passionate Advance, Attentive ... Our Difference is Our Care individuals age 60 and older connect with services and resources that promote independence, health, and well-being in the year ahead. The I & A service provides information, referrals, and assistance for a variety of needs, including caregiver respite services, hearing aids, limited transportation, legal assistance, nutrition programs, health care services, housekeeping, weatherization, and other concerns affecting older adults. For those unsure where to turn, knowledgeable staff are ready to help guide individuals and caregivers to appropriate resources. Older adults and caregivers are encouraged to start the New Year informed and supported by reaching out for assistance. To learn more about available services, please get in touch with Joanie Swanson, the SWODA Aging Services Information Assistant, at 580-562-5026, or call the statewide toll-free Senior Info Line at 1-800-211-2116. These services are funded in part by state funds and the Older Americans Act through SWODA Area Agency on Aging and the Oklahoma Human Services Aging Services. SWODA is one of 11 Councils of Government in Oklahoma and serves Beckham, Custer, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills, and Washita counties. SWODA works year-round to strengthen the economic and social development of the region through services such as Aging Services, 911 Administration, Community and Economic Development, Geographic Information Systems, Rural Fire Defense, and Workforce Development. SWODA AAA serves all eligible individuals without regard to race, national origin, ancestry, color, religion, gender, age, or disability. DONATION school and it would remain in the school system, he was thankful to Hargrove. It would cost the district nothing. Storm also commented on the gift, “I will say thanks to Chuck and Nancy for doing that. I think it’s great to have it back in the system. I hope it continues to live on as his vision. I was there the day that he walked through in the beginning, to show what his intention was and what his plans were. It’s been phenomenal to watch it grow and develop. I am proud to say that we need to carry that on. So absolutely tell them, thanks.” The board went on to approve the Capacity Limits for Elk City Public Schools, which must be done once a quarter. There are a total of 2051 students enrolled in ECPS. They continued to employ Mysty Elledge as a high school teacher and Jeremy Cantrell as a Middle School soccer coach. Sparks said that Elledge is replacing a retiree who was not able to complete the year. She has been a student teacher in the district, as well as substituting throughout the year. The next item on the agenda was the Superintendent’s Report. Sparks said that the district is due to get an expense analysis report concerning the utility bills each month that looks at the energy use. He will be presenting that data in the February meeting. They will also look at the visitor’s side press box cost. With no new business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:41 p.m. The next meeting will take place Feb. 9th, at 6 p.m. in the conference room. Continued from page 1 “Financially, we’re in pretty good shape right now,” Sparks said. The board voted to go into executive session at 6:03 p.m., to discuss the employment of Mike Sparks, Superintendent and the Lincoln Teen Center. They returned to open session at 6:33 p.m., to go into the items for consideration. The first item was the acceptance of the generous gift of the Lincoln Teen Center from Mr. Charles Hargrove. The board unanimously accepted the gift. Sparks said that because of the historical significance of the building, which was once a Have you ever considered becoming a hospice volunteer? A fulfulling experience in the spirit of giving and receiving. THE BRANDING IRON restaurant $15.99 Thursday Night Steak & Shrimp Buffet $12.99 Friday Night Catfish & Ribs Buffet Carrie Perry, RN Locally owned & operated. Proudly serving central western Oklahoma since 2011. Dine-In or Carryout Available 1200 S. 10th Street • Clinton, OK • 580-323-5554 ECPD Continued from page 1 and leadership. The departmental post said that he has had a positive influence in community and in the department. The promotions that have taken place over the past two weeks are for those dedicated to the badge and to Elk City. Congratulate all four for their accomplishments that have brought them to accept the new roles for the department.