January 31, 2026 Issue, Page 11 of 13

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NEWS The Elk City News SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026 • 11 Lankford Joins Oklahoma Small Business Leaders to Highlight Working Families Tax Cut Act OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) met on Wednesday with leaders from five Oklahoma chambers of commerce to celebrate the Working Families Tax Cut Act, which was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on July 4, 2025. Business leaders from the Choctaw Area, Del City, Harrah, Midwest City, and Spencer Chambers of Commerce gathered at HeavenLee BBQ in Choctaw, Oklahoma, which opened its doors following passage of the Working Families Tax Cut Act. “If we didn’t pass the Working Families Tax Cut Act, every single taxpayer in Oklahoma would see their taxes go up significantly this year,” Lankford told reporters at the event. “That would create a major economic downturn for our state and for the country.” Chamber members applauded Lankford’s provision making full, immediate expensing permanent, allowing businesses to deduct investments in equipment and technology upfront—helping drive job creation and business expansion. “It makes no difference to the federal treasury because the tax revenue is exactly the same,” Lankford told business owners. “But it makes a big difference to individual businesses. I fought to get that done, and it’s now permanent tax policy in America. It doesn’t expire. It’s just common sense.” Lankford also answered questions about his provision restoring a tax deduction for non-itemizers—up to $2,000 per couple—which will help more Americans support charities, houses of worship, and nonprofits, particularly those serving the most vulnerable. “We have three safety nets in America: families, churches and nonprofits, and government,” Lankford said. “Our nation is built on families and nonprofits. If we don’t have strong families and strong nonprofits, there’s no way government can keep up. So, let’s build incentives into the tax code that encourage people to give to the nonprofit of their choice.” Lankford also highlighted other ways the Working Families Tax Cut Act is already benefiting Oklahomans, including no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and an increased standard deduction for seniors on social security included in last year’s bill. CBA SWOSU Jazz Festival Returns with Concerts, Clinics, and Big Band Festival Tickets are available for the 56th annual SWOSU Jazz Festival, scheduled for Feb. 19–20 at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in Weatherford. The festival features two full days of live jazz, including public concerts and educational clinics. As part of the event, the SWOSU Big Band Festival brings middle school, high school, junior college, and university bands from across the region for a non-competitive day of performances and professional feedback. The festival begins Thursday, Feb. 19 with a free public concert at 7 p.m. in the SWOSU Fine Arts Center Auditorium. Trombonist Andy Martin will perform alongside the Stockton Helbing Trio for an evening of small-group jazz. A kickback will follow at 9 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Lobby Lounge, providing a relaxed setting for conversation after the concert. Snacks will be provided by the SWOSU Music Department. On Friday, Feb. 20, the SWOSU Big Band Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring bands from across the region. Participating ensembles receive ratings and written comments from judges, many of whom are SWOSU alumni. Admission to Big Band Festival performances and clinics is free and open to the public. In addition to the Big Band Festival, guest artist Andy Martin will present free jazz clinics at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Friday in the Hilltop Theatre. The SWOSU Jazz Orchestra will present concerts at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday in the SWOSU Fine Arts Center Auditorium, featuring Andy Martin and the Stockton Helbing Trio as guest artists. A Jazz Sip and Slide Happy Hour will also take place at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Timothy D. Day Business Enterprise Center. Tickets for Friday’s concerts are currently available and priced at $25 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $10 for students. Additional tickets are available for the Jazz Sip and Slide Happy Hour. Tickets can be purchased online at share. swosu.edu/swosujazzfest26. Schools planning to participate in the SWOSU Big Band Festival are reminded that registration closes on Jan. 23, 2026. Certificates will be awarded to outstanding high school and middle school soloists in each band, with two soloists receiving free tuition scholarships to a 2026 SWOSU Music Camp of their choice. Registration details are available at www.swosu.jotform. com/252358241442857. The SWOSU Jazz Festival is supported by the SWOSU Foundation. Donations help provide participating school bands with masterclasses and support guest artists and festival organizers. Those interested in supporting SWOSU Jazz can visit www.swosufoundation.com/give/give-to-swosujazz/. For more information, contact Dr. Richard Tirk at [email protected] or visit www.swosujazzfest.com. ABOUT THE ARTISTS Andy Martin is a nationally recognized jazz trombonist known for his work as a soloist, lead player, and educator. Based in Los Angeles, Martin has performed with major big bands including Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, the Tom Kubis Band, and the Bill Holman Big Band. His recording career spans jazz, television, and film, with appearances on more than 150 motion picture soundtracks and numerous television productions. Martin is also a frequent guest artist and clinician at colleges and universities across the United States. The Stockton Helbing Trio features drummer and bandleader Stockton Helbing alongside pianist Peter Rioux and bassist James Driscoll. Helbing is an active performer, composer, and educator who has released eight albums as a leader and worked with artists such as Maynard Ferguson, Doc Severinsen, and Arturo Sandoval. Pianist Peter Rioux is rooted in blues and jazz traditions and has performed throughout Canada and the Dallas–Fort Worth area, collaborating with a wide range of jazz and blues artists. Bassist James Driscoll has been a fixture of the Dallas–Fort Worth jazz scene for more than two decades and has performed with nationally known musicians across jazz and commercial genres. Braxton Souza earns Second Quarter Outstanding Student in Electrical Trades at Western Technology Center. CBA wins the Area Academic Championship. They will be heaing to State on January 31st. CANUTE Mega Breeze & Mini Breeze Call For Pricing! Parts Available! 580-225-6554 One of the largest metal 918 N. Van Buren suppliers between Elk City, OK 73644 OKC and Amarillo www.janningwelding.com We proudly support the students, staff and administration at Canute Schools ~ Great Plains Bank ~ First National Bank Farmers Union Co-Op Gin 720 S. Main, Elk City 580-225-0191 www.elkcitycoop.com Josh Moran President/Owner 319 Industrial PKWY Elk City, OK 73644 580.225.2575 620 Highway 66, Canute, OK 73626 banksovereign.com | Member FDIC MORAN EQUIPMENT SERVING Oklahoma ~ Texas ~ New Mexico www.moranequipment.com