June 6, 2026 Issue, Page 10 of 10

Page Text

10• SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2026 The Elk City News Wedding Anniversary Wedding Anni- versary wishes are being sent to Ambrose & Melba Green, congratulating them on 68 years of marriage! Their anniversary was June 1. And the following message of love is being sent by this sweet cou- ple’s caregivers; Stacie, Sherri, Alvarez Publishes Elk City Stories Valerie & Creta. “Happy 68th Anniversary to our favorite duo! By Sheryl Ponce who have contributed in small The books will be available We are convinced and large ways to Elk City’s rep- at the Route 66 Festival on June that the secret Elk City News sportswriter, utation of being a great place to 12th and 13th, where he will to a healthy Alex Alvarez has announced live. be set up in Ackley Park. Each marriage is a mix the debut of his book called, “The idea came from com- book is $30. Stop by his booth of true love and selective hearing! “Portraits of Elk City.” It is a bining pictures with people at the festival to take a look at It is an absolute collection of 72 stories about who help Elk City ‘be on the who is included in the work of joy taking care people from all walks of life map.’” Alvarez explained. love. of you both and being here to witness your bond. Here’s to you and another Lemonade year of love, and laughter!” Blessings to you both and Happy Anniversary! Oklahoma Revenues Continue Positive Growth in May as Gross Production Tax Remains Strong OKLAHOMA CITY (June 2, homa’s rolling 12-month revenue derlying strength supported by 2026) – State Treasurer Todd Russ total, with the annual growth rate consumer spending and ener- released the May 2026 State Tax at 0.19%. gy-related activity. Revenue Report, showing total Total Monthly Revenue: $1.3 Economic indicators reflected a monthly revenue of $1.3 billion, billion, up 2.7% year-over-year, stable but mixed environment en- a 2.7% increase from May 2025. reflecting continued growth across tering the second quarter of 2026. While revenues declined 46.9% key revenue categories despite a Oklahoma’s Business Conditions from April’s tax-season peak, seasonal decline from April. Index showed modest improve- Oklahoma’s rolling 12-month rev- Gross Production Tax (oil & ment during April but remained Pictured are Brian and Janelle Hutchinson’s children as they once again sell lemonade to raise money for a enue total continued to strengthen, gas): $109.9 million, up 22.3% below growth-neutral levels, sig- favorite charity. The couple teaches them about family values and Biblical values with the project. Whatever reaching $17.83 billion, up $951 from last year, supported by con- naling continued caution among funds the children raise, the parents match their efforts which benefits the family and a local charity. million, or 5.6%, year-over-year. tinued strength in Oklahoma’s en- manufacturers despite stronger May also marked the ninth con- ergy sector. demand conditions. The state’s un- secutive month of positive annual Sales & Use Tax: $599.5 million, employment rate remained below revenue growth. up 4.6% year-over-year, signaling the national average at 4.0% com- “May’s report reflects contin- continued consumer spending sta- pared to 4.3% nationally. ued stability in Oklahoma’s reve- bility. Inflation pressures also re- nues, supported by strong gross Income Tax: $407.1 million, mained elevated, with the Con- production tax collections and down 0.9% from last year follow- sumer Price Index increasing 3.8% steady consumer activity,” said ing April’s peak filing month. in April, marking the 13th consec- Treasurer Todd Russ. “While rev- Motor Vehicle Tax: $127.4 mil- utive monthly increase as higher enue growth moderated following lion, down 2.9% year-over-year. shelter, food, and energy costs con- April’s seasonal tax collections, the Other Tax Sources: $73.6 mil- tinued to impact households and rolling 12-month total continues lion, down 5.4% year-over-year, re- businesses. to strengthen, reinforcing Oklaho- flecting mixed performance across “Oklahoma’s economy contin- ma’s long-term fiscal stability as we smaller revenue streams. ues to show resilience through move further into 2026.” strong energy revenues and stable REVENUE TREND AND ECO- employment conditions,” Treasur- KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE NOMIC CONTEXT er Russ added. “While inflation MAY 2026 TAX REVENUE May marked the ninth consec- and broader economic uncertainty REPORT utive month of growth in Okla- remain challenges, the state’s long- 12-Month Total: $17.83 billion, homa’s rolling 12-month revenue term fiscal outlook remains steady.” up $951 million (5.6%) year-over- total, extending a steady upward The complete May 2026 Tax SCAN year, continuing a steady upward trend in Oklahoma revenues. trend that began in the fall of 2025. While the pace of growth moder- Revenue Report is available at trea- surer.ok.gov, including break- Rolling 12-Month Growth: May ated following April’s seasonally downs by tax category, sector, and NOW marked the ninth consecutive month of positive growth in Okla- stronger tax collections, overall revenues continued to show un- month. Senator Chuck Hall Honored with OCA Find lost property easy by scanning the QR code or visiting: Legislative Appreciation Award [OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – er counties. In his role as Senate that private property rights and June 1, 2026] Senator Chuck Hall, Appropriations Chairman, Hall limited government are not YOURMONEY.OK.GOV District 20, was recently honored with the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s has been instrumental in help- ing secure major investments in talking points — they are founda- tional principles for agricultural Association’s (OCA) 2026 Legis- Oklahoma agriculture, including producers,” Kelsey said. “He has lative Appreciation Award. funding for the Oklahoma State also brought common sense re- It only takes a minute, plus it’s free. OCA annually honors legis- University Veterinary School and form ideas to tax policy and con- lators who have worked hard to the OSU Agronomy Research tinues to be a leader for reason- protect and promote the Okla- Farm. able, long-term discussion about Enter your last name to discover if you homa beef cattle industry in the “Chairman Hall understands Oklahoma’s tax structure. That is Oklahoma Legislature. OCA is at that agriculture is not only part especially important to agricul- are one of over a million Oklahomans the Capitol every day of the legis- of Oklahoma’s history, but also ture, whether it is preserving the sharing more than a billion dollars in lative session working with legis- a critical part of our future,” agricultural sales tax exemption lators to pass and block key leg- Kelsey said. “His work to support or understanding the importance unclaimed property. islation relative to Oklahoma beef the OSU Veterinary School and of sound ad valorem tax policy cattle producers, private property Agronomy Research Farm will for landowners and rural com- rights, rural communities and the benefit cattle producers, veteri- munities.” future of agriculture. narians, researchers, students and The OCA is the trusted voice “Chairman Hall has consistent- rural communities for genera- of the Oklahoma Cattle Industry ly demonstrated a willingness to tions to come.” and works to protect and empow- listen to cattlemen, understand In addition to his support for er Oklahoma cattlemen today, our issues and help advance good agricultural education and re- to serve tomorrow. OCA is the policies that strengthen Oklaho- search, Hall has long supported only voice that speaks solely for ma’s family ranching businesses,” cattlemen’s policy priorities, in- the cattlemen of Oklahoma and said Michael Kelsey, OCA Execu- cluding protecting private prop- represents beef producers in all tive Vice President. erty rights, promoting limited 77 counties across the state. For Senator Hall was elected to the government and defending the more information about OCA Oklahoma State Senate in 2018 ability of farmers and ranchers to membership, the theft reward and represents Senate District operate without unnecessary reg- program or membership activi- 20, which includes Pawnee, No- ulatory burdens. ties and events, call 405-235-4391 ble, Logan, Payne and Kingfish- “Chairman Hall understands or visit www.okcattlemen.org.