August 8, 2026 Issue, Page 8 of 10

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NEWS 8• SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026 The Elk City News Oklahoma Lawmakers, Rural Leaders Urge U.S. Senators to Protect Reliable Rural Postal Service OKLAHOMA CITY — As the stand the importance of preserv- U.S. Senate considers nominees ing reliable service in rural states to the United States Postal Ser- like Oklahoma and ensuring ev- vice Board of Governors, Okla- ery community continues to have homa lawmakers and rural com- a voice in the future of the Postal munity leaders are urging the Service.” state›s U.S. Senators to ensure the State Rep. David Smith, R-Ar- Postal Service remains commit- pelar, an Army veteran and chair ted to dependable mail service of the House Veterans and Mili- for rural communities. tary Affairs Committee, said de- State Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk pendable mail service remains City, Majority Caucus Vice Chair, essential for many rural Oklaho- whose district spans parts of sev- mans. eral western Oklahoma counties, “In many parts of rural Okla- said reliable rural mail service is homa, the mailbox at the end of essential to the communities he the road is still a lifeline,” said represents. Smith. “Rural families don’t think “Reliable rural mail service is about the Postal Service until it deeply personal to me,” said Ar- isn’t there. Veterans waiting on cher. “My grandmother served as medications, ranchers running postmaster in Texola, Oklahoma, a business and neighbors living from 1987 until 2005. When she miles from town all depend on retired, the post office closed. I’ve reliable mail service. I hope the seen firsthand what the loss of Senate ensures the next Board postal service means to a small of Governors understands what rural community. In my district, that responsibility means for dependable mail remains critical communities like ours.” for producers, small businesses, The lawmakers’ comments seniors receiving medications, echo concerns recently raised by and families handling important the McAlester Area Chamber of documents. I hope our federal Commerce in a letter to U.S. Sen. delegation will vet these nomi- James Lankford regarding the nees carefully and ask how they USPS Board of Governors nom- intend to protect reliable service inations. and ensure rural states like Okla- “In rural Oklahoma, reliable homa continue to have a voice in postal service is more than a con- postal policy.” venience—it is infrastructure,” State Rep. Josh Cantrell, wrote McAlester Area Cham- R-Kingston, Majority Caucus ber of Commerce President and Secretary, said the people making CEO Caroline Russell. “Local decisions about the future of the businesses depend on timely Postal Service must understand shipping and delivery to serve the realities facing rural America. customers and remain compet- “The people making decisions itive. Families rely on mail for about the future of the Postal Ser- medications, bills, and essential vice should understand the real- services. Veterans, seniors, and ities facing rural America,” said residents in smaller communities Cantrell. “I encourage the Senate continue to depend on the Post- to carefully evaluate these nom- al Service in ways that are often inees and ensure they are com- overlooked in larger metropoli- mitted to maintaining reliable tan areas.” mail service for communities The McAlester Chamber also that don’t always have other op- urged the Senate to carefully tions. Rural Oklahoma deserves evaluate the nominees’ under- These are sample ballots for the 8-25-26 Primary Runoff Election. The two yellow Republican ballots are for Districts 1 and 2 without the County to know its voice will be repre- standing of the Postal Service’s Commissioner seat then District 3 with the County Commissioner seat. sented when those decisions are public service mission. made.” “Given the significance of State Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Law- these appointments, we encour- Northfork Electric to Host 87th Annual Meeting ton, Assistant Majority Whip, said the Postal Service’s commit- ment to serving every communi- age careful review of the nomi- nees’ qualifications, experience, and understanding of the Postal ty must remain a priority as the Service’s public service mission,” Route 66 is celebrating a big ion for members who would like to ter to win a pair of Apple AirPods. is again hosting a Vendor Fair in Senate considers nominees to the Russell wrote. “In particular, we milestone this year and so is North- be outside. Members will also have All kids registering will also receive the park in conjunction with the USPS Board of Governors. hope the Senate will seek assur- fork Electric Cooperative. While the option of remaining in their ve- a gold $1 coin. annual meeting. If you would like “The Postal Service’s obliga- ances that future Board mem- you’re planning your Route 66 hicle and listening to a (per instruc- This year’s grand prize winner to reserve booth space, contact Deb tion to serve every community bers recognize the importance of Centennial Road Trip this summer, tions during registration) short will take home a John Deere Z545R Hudson at 601-421-2149 or preliz- is a promise that should never maintaining reliable access and selecting those fun scenic desti- range FM broadcast of the meeting. 54-inch ZTrack mower, sponsored [email protected]. be taken for granted,” said Pae. service standards for rural states nations and roadside attractions, Western swing band, Sons of in part by Western Equipment. NFEC members should be look- “The Board of Governors should and communities that do not al- don’t forget to pencil in a stop at the the Sage, will return to provide The runner-up will receive $1,000 ing for their registration cards in be guided by leaders who under- ways have alternative options.” historic Sayre City Park for NFEC’s entertainment from 9 to 10 a.m. cash, sponsored by R&R Powerline. the mail. You’ll need to bring your 87th annual meeting! Following the entertainment, the The winners of those prizes will be card, along with a photo ID to reg- The meeting will be held under business portion of the meeting drawn when a quorum is met, usu- ister at the meeting. the pavilion at the park on Satur- will be called to order by Bandy ally around 10 a.m., and announced You can learn more about this day, August 15th. Registration will Silk, president of the board of trust- at the conclusion of the business year’s meeting by visiting the co- begin at 9 a.m., and all members ees. During this time, elections for meeting following the door prizes. op’s Facebook page. that register their attendance will trustee positions in districts three You must be present to win. Established in 1939, Northfork receive an NFEC cap and a paring (3), four (4) and five (5) will be con- Free swimming and miniature Electric Cooperative serves 6,528 knife. ducted. Currently serving in dis- golf will be available throughout meters through 2,605 miles of dis- Please use the northeast entrance tricts three (3), four (4) and five (5) the day. In addition to all the fun tribution lines in all or portions of to enter the park, where the newest are Jimmy Taylor, Brandon Hickey and prizes, it is our plan to provide Beckham, Custer, Dewey, Greer, Route 66 roadside attraction, the and Brad Harrison. a delicious barbecue meal, catered Harmon, Roger Mills and Washita giant horseshoe, is located. Drive Members in attendance will by Blue Mountain Smoke. The Red counties. The Cooperative’s head- thru registration will start at the RV be eligible to win numerous door Knights will be returning this year quarters are located at 18920 E park entrance. prizes. Kids’ prizes this year include to help serve the meal. 1170 Rd in Sayre, OK. Northfork Once registered, seating will be four bicycles for kids ages 10 and Additionally, the Dust Bowl Electric is an equal opportunity available in and around the pavil- under. Kids ages 11 to 17 can regis- Days Festival Planning Committee provider and employer. Governor Stitt Celebrates Oklahoma’s FY26 Revenue Close, Six Straight Years Above Estimate OKLAHOMA CITY (August when you cut taxes, trust Okla- income tax rate and the elimina- “During my administration, 4, 2026) - Governor Kevin Stitt homa families and businesses, tion of the 4.5% state sales tax on we have cut more than $1.6 bil- today celebrated Oklahoma’s and keep government account- groceries that took effect in 2024. lion in taxes and put Oklahoma Fiscal Year 2026 General Reve- able. Oklahoma’s economy is It also reinforces that Oklahoma on the path to a zero-income tax nue Fund closing $612 million, strong, our revenues are up, and can lower the burden on taxpay- state. Our economy is shining, or 7.4%, above estimate and $142 we’re proving year after year that ers while maintaining strong fis- and Oklahomans continue to million above Fiscal Year 2025 conservative leadership works,” cal health and delivering results. deliver tax revenue to meet the collections. This marks the sixth said Governor Stitt. OMES’ final FY26 report needs of core government ser- straight year Oklahoma has fin- The FY26 close follows sig- shows another year of revenue vices,” Stitt continued. ished above revenue estimates, nificant tax relief that continued performance above expecta- For more information, see following $1.6 billion in tax cuts in Governor Kevin Stitt’s second tions. It reflects Oklahoma’s fis- the OMES announcement here: since 2019. term, including a .50 percentage cal strength and economic resil- GRF closes FY 2026 ahead of es- “This is exactly what happens point decrease in the personal ience. timate, prior year. Have a photo to share? Send to [email protected] Congratulations Bentli Whitson and Kate Stewart! Yesterday they with a description! competed in the OSSAA All-State games in golf and volleyball. After graduating in May Bentli plans to attend Oral Roberts University, and Kate is attending Oklahoma State University