February 7, 2026 Issue, Page 12 of 13

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NEWS 12• SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2026 The Elk City News Changes in VA Law May Affect How Veterans’ Claims Are Processed Over the Recent Years OKLAHOMA CITY — Veterans who applied for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits in the past — or who have never applied — may want to review their eligibility as changes in federal law and VA policy can affect how claims are processed. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a federal agency, administers benefits through separate systems with different eligibility require- ments. VA health care is managed by the Veterans Health Administration, while disability compensation and other benefits are handled by the Veterans Benefits Administration. Eligibility decisions in one system do not automatically determine eligibility in the other. Recent updates to VA law and policy, including expanded presumptive conditions and revised service-connection guidance, may affect how claims are reviewed today. Veterans who were previously denied, paused the claims process, or have not revisited their eligibility in several years may benefit from having their information reviewed. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA), a state agency, works with the federal VA to help veterans understand the claims process and available options. Veterans are encouraged to review their service history and medical conditions and to speak with an accredited Veteran Service Officer (VSO). VSOs provide free assistance and help ensure claims are submitted with current information. In addition to claims assistance, ODVA offers state-level programs for veterans and their families, including a Women Veterans Program, employment assistance, en- trepreneurship support, long-term care services, and the Oklahoma Veterans Registry, which helps connect veterans with available resources and outreach opportunities. Veterans seeking more information can contact the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs at 405-523-4026 or visit oklahoma. gov/veterans. ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS: The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) delivers high-quality care, benefits, and support to Oklahoma veterans and their families through programs such as State Veterans Homes, Claims & Benefits, OKVetWorks, Women Veterans, Health & Wellness, Mental Health, and the Veterans Registry. Oklahoma CareerTech celebrates CTE Month in February Oklahoma CareerTech is celebrating Career and Technical Education Appreciation Month in February by showcasing its leadership in connecting Oklahomans and business and industry through education and training. Gov. Kevin Stitt recently issued a proclamation declaring February to be Career and Technical Education Appreciation Month in Oklahoma. “Oklahoma CareerTech is transforming lives and powering our state’s economy by equipping students with real-world skills from K-12 through apprenticeships and beyond. I’m proud to proclaim February as Career and Technical Education Appreciation Month, celebrating the record-breaking enrollments, new facilities and 94% placement rate that make Oklahoma a national leader in workforce development,” Stitt said. CTE Month provides an opportunity to reflect on Oklahoma CareerTech’s leadership in changing the lives of individuals through education and workforce development and in providing skilled employees for Oklahoma business and industry, said CareerTech State Director Brent Haken. “CareerTech is a national leader in showing what people can do when education is aligned with real workforce needs,” he said. “Every day, we work hand in hand with business and industry, we open doors of opportunity for students of all ages, and we strengthen Oklahoma’s economy and communities. “During Career and Technical Education Appreciation Month, it’s especially meaningful to celebrate the impact of CareerTech and the success stories happening in classrooms, labs and workplaces across our state. It is a great joy of mine to share the good news of CareerTech and the difference it makes for Oklahoma.” Oklahoma CareerTech shared plenty of good news last year, including reaching a five-year goal two years early. When Haken became state director in January 2023, he set a goal to increase K-12 enrollments from 138,000 to 150,000 by 2028. In fiscal year 2025, more than 151,000 Oklahoma middle, junior high and high school students participated in CareerTech programs. The increase, including an 84% rise in fifth graders participating in CareerTech programs, was the result of an increase in funding in FY24 that allowed CareerTech to add 280 new career readiness programs in K-12 schools, giving students earlier career exposure and training, Haken said. Oklahoma CareerTech’s Skills Centers School System also recently opened a new facility at Northern Oklahoma Community Corrections Center in Vinita. The NOCCC skills center opened in 2022, but without a dedicated facility, classes were held in the maintenance and warehouse areas of the correctional center. Classes in career readiness, welding/fabrication and transportation, distribution and logistics have now been moved into the new facility. The Skills Centers School System specializes in delivering career and technology education to inmates under the supervision of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and to juveniles under the supervision of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs. In FY25, the system had 1,286 graduates. CareerTech has also taken the lead for apprenticeships in Oklahoma, serving as the state’s hub for U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeships, along with Oklahoma certified apprenticeship models that tie to other rigorous and focused workbased learning opportunities hosted by CareerTech. “Apprenticeships connect education and careers, people and industry, and that’s what Oklahoma CareerTech is about,” Haken said. Oklahoma CareerTech recorded more than half a million enrollments in FY25. Systemwide enrollment was 517,752. Technology center enrollments -- business and industry training, adult and career development, secondary and postsecondary full-time programs and single-course programs -- were 352,663. Secondary technology center enrollments were 24,662. CareerTech offered programs in 394 K-12 school districts in FY25. Its 29 technology center districts had 63 campuses. The 63rd campus was added in May when Gordon Cooper Technology Center added a fifth instructor to its aviation maintenance technology program. Enrollment in adult education and family literacy was 11,089, with 49 providers offering AEFL programs at 125 sites. CareerTech program completers have a positive placement -- finding jobs, continuing education or entering the military -- of 94%. CareerTech student organization membership reached a record high for the fourth consecutive year, with 122,929 members in Business Professionals of America; DECA; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; FFA; HOSA; SkillsUSA; and Technology Student Association. Oklahoma CareerTech also served 10,604 businesses in FY25, helping them to increase their profitability and contribute to the state’s economic growth. OKLAHOMA CAREERTECH: OKLAHOMA’S WORKFORCE LEADER The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 63 campuses, 394 PK12 school districts, 20 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 49 adult education and family literacy providers. The agency is governed by the State Board of Career and Technology Education and works closely with the State Department of Education and the State Regents for Higher Education to provide a seamless educational system for all Oklahomans. SUPER BOWL LX Enjoy the Big Game this Sunday with 50 cent Boneless Chicken Wings! DINE IN ONLY! Price Good February 8 All-time records from the NFL’s biggest game of the year At one point during the second quarter of Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, a game that ended with the Eagles hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the second time since 2017, 138 million people were watching. Such viewership is a testament to the popularity of the National Football League and its championship game, which has become a cultural phenomenon that attracts diehard fans, casual enthusiasts and even those who don’t know a first down from a facemask penalty. The chance to win the biggest game of the year in professional football has inspired many teams and athletes to produce record-breaking performances. As fans gather for this year’s big game, they can consider these records and see if any are broken this February. • Most Super Bowl wins (player): 7, Tom Brady, New England Patriots (6) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1) • Most Super Bowl wins (head coach): 6, Bill Belichick, New England Patriots • Most Super Bowl losses (player): 5, Gale Gilbert, Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers; Cornelius Bennett, Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons; and Glenn Parker, Buffalo Bills and New York Giants • Most Super Bowl losses (coach): 4, Don Shula, Baltimore Colts and Miami Dolphins; Bud Grant, Minnesota Vikings; Dan Reeves, Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons; and Marv Levy (Buffalo Bills) • Most passing touchdowns (single game): 6, Steve Young, Super Bowl XXIX, January 29, 1995 Brown Ales & Liquor Get your refreshments for the Big Game Day 10am - 9:00pm, Mon-Thur 10am -10pm, Fri & Sat 319 E. 3rd St, Elk City, OK • 580-303-4986 Come in for lunch or dinner with us! 2103 S. Main Street, Elk City, OK 210 580-225-3463 E www.boomtowngrill.net • Most rushing touchdowns (single game): 3, Jalen Hurts, Super Bowl LVII, February 12, 2023, and Terrell Davis, Super Bowl XXXII, January 25, 1998 • Most receiving touchdowns (single game): 3, Jerry Rice (twice), San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl XXIX, January 29, 1995, and Super Bowl XXIV, January 28, 1990 • Most sacks (in a single game, player): 4, L.C. Greenwood*, Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl X, January 18, 1976 * Greenwood is not the official record-holder, as sacks did not become an official statistic until 1982. Various players have recorded three official sacks in a Super Bowl since 1982. • Field goals made (single game): 4, Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs, Super Bowl LVIII, February 11, 2024, and Don Chandler, Green Bay Packers, Super Bowl II, January 14, 1968 • Longest Super Bowl game (in game time): 74 minutes, 57 seconds, Super Bowl LVIII, Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers, February 11, 2024 Whether you are a football fanatic or just hanging out, we have what you need for your next party! 822 W. 3rd St Elk City, OK • 580-225-5300