May 1, 2026 Issue, Page 12 of 12

Page Text

NEWS 12• SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026 The Elk City News Governor Stitt Signs Bill to Accelerate Path to Zero Income Tax, Secure Oklahoma’s Historic Savings OKLAHOMA CITY (April 23, “This is a pivotal moment for will then be transferred into the ernment services and allow for 2026) - Governor Kevin Stitt has Oklahoma and our path to zero state’s General Revenue Fund. targeted investments that benefit signed House Bill 4072 into law, income tax. During my admin- States like Alaska, North Dakota, all Oklahomans. Saving now is a creating the Oklahoma Taxpayer istration, we’ve been disciplined and Wyoming have used a sim- prudent financial move that will Endowment Trust Fund to even- and we’ve built up over $3 bil- ilar approach to invest savings pay dividends later.” tually eliminate the state’s income lion in savings,” said Governor and use the payouts to fund core “I believe one of the most re- tax. The Governor called on the Stitt. “This is about securing services. sponsible things we can do is plan Calling Area Artists for Legislature to establish this fund in his State of the State address. Modeled after existing funds Oklahoma’s future, growing our savings wisely, investing respon- sibly, and leaving our state stron- “Just like families set aside money for a rainy day or unex- pected emergencies, the Oklaho- not just for the next year, but for the next generation,” said House Appropriations and Budget ‘Paint the Route Art Show’ in other conservative, low- or no-income tax states, this long- term investment fund will grow ger for the next generation.” The fund is structured with strict safeguards, including a ma Taxpayer Endowment Trust Fund is a serious investment in the state’s financial future that Chairman Trey Caldwell. “The Oklahoma Taxpayer Endowment Trust Fund allows us to take a By Sheryl Ponce piece. No matter what medium is Oklahoma’s savings and one day lock-up period and protections will give all taxpayers some portion of today’s savings and in- chosen, it is a place to display local eliminate the need for an income to ensure the principal remains peace of mind,” said Senate Ap- vest it in a way that strengthens The Elk City Chamber of Com- creativity for Route 66 travelers to tax. The legislation invests $200 untouched while it grows. Once propriations Chairman Chuck our long-term financial position merce will be hosting another art enjoy. million of existing state savings the fund matures, a limited por- Hall. “Over time, it will generate while creating a path toward show for the Route 66 Days and The show will take place June and locks it away, so it can grow. tion of the investment earnings new revenue to support core gov- eliminating the state income tax.” the 2026 Route 66 Centennial cel- 13th, in the Opera House at the ebration. The show will take place museum, where the artwork can be June 13th during the festival. It will viewed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is be a judged show that is open to time to celebrate the “Mother Road” artists from ages ten years old and older. The entries should be Route 66 themed pieces. Those entered in visually to inspire the spirit of the iconic Route 66. Some of the art could be oil or Live Alzheimer’s webinars offered at no charge the show will have an opportunity to acrylic, watercolors, photography, For Alzheimer’s family care- to deal with this potentially costly Building Brain-Healthy Habits June 9 win Chamber cash prizes. graphics – including pencil, pen, givers, or those who have not yet disease. – 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 Building Brain-Healthy Habits: An application to enter the show and ink, graphics II – charcoal, experienced the disease in your The upcoming online webinars ALZ Talks: When Down Syn- 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 23 is required. There will be ten art proj- scratchboard, pottery, sculptures, family but want to learn more, the (all times listed are Mountain drome and Alzheimer’s Intersect Like all of the programs and ects that will recieve a 4x4 wooden ceramics, or mixed media. Appli- Alzheimer’s Association is offering Time) are: – noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 21 services of the Alzheimer’s Asso- Route 66 shield to transform into a cation or submission forms may be an informative series of free, on- ALZ Talks: Scam-Safety for The Empowered Caregiver: ciation, the webinars are offered one-of-a-kind piece. All artwork will picked up at the Elk City Chamber’s line webinars. Those Living with Alzheimer’s – Communicating Effectively – 5 to at no charge. To register go to be displayed throughout the sum- office. Submit a photo example of Seven upcoming webinars will noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 30 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 2 https://www.alz.org/help-support/ mer along Route 66 in Elk City. the project or piece of art. Applica- cover a broad range of topics from Managing Money: A Caregiv- The Empowered Caregiver: resources/live-learning-webinars Applications are due by May 8th. tions will close May 8th. healthy habits for preserving our er’s Guide to Finances – 3 to 4 p.m. Responding to Dementia-Related or call the Association’s free 24/7 This show provides area artists the For more information call 580- brain health to managing finances Thursday, May 7 Behaviors – 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Helpline at 800-272-3900. opportunity to submit a completed 225-0207 or email the Chamber at piece of art that may be a feature [email protected]. ELK CITY Students from across Oklahoma were recognized for their work in Dance, Theatre, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Piano and Visual Arts. Pictured is Luke Friesen who was honored for vocal music. With teachers, Allyson Biscaino and Justin Ediger, he was honored for vocal music. Congratulations on another great team win for the ECHS Boys tennis team today at the Elk City Invitational at OKCTC! Individual Results: Quinn – 1 Singles Champion Kade – 2 Singles Champion Rafe & Spence – 1 Doubles Champions Members of ECHS STUCO enjoyed an end of the year trip to the zoo last week! The weather was great, and students had a blast! Mario & Kollin – 2 Doubles 3rd Place We want to wish you a great season! We hope each of you have a great season! We hope you have Elk City Nursing Home a great 301 N. Garrett, Elk City 580-225-2811 580.243.0466 year! *UHDW3ODLQV 1DWLRQDO%DQN 2017 W. Third | 1300 S. Main | gpbankok.com 2017 W. Third | 1300 S. Main | Elk City Wal-Mart | gpbankok.com 580-225-2265 Good Luck Teams! Good Luck Area Teams! :UG6W 1210 S. Main St, Elk City (ON&LW\2. 580-225-0100   Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. www.elksupply.com ZZZSL]]DKXWFRP ELK CITY: 2714 W. 3rd St. • 102 S. 580-225-2580 Main St.•580.225.2580 https//www.fnbec.bank &DUU\RXW‡&XUEVLGH‡'HOLYHU\ Carry-out • Hut Lane • Delivery SAYRE: 711 NE Highway 66 • 580-928-2580