August 15, 2026 Issue, Page 1 of 10

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2026 Weekend Edition ECPS Board Accepts Waters Resignation and Votes in Replacement By Sheryl Ponce Mike Sparks’ financial report, the treasurer’s The next item on the agenda was to vote to go report ending July 31st, the activity fund report into an executive session to discuss the employ- The Elk City Public Schools Board of Edu- ending July 31st, and the new encumbrances ment, resignation, termination, or appointment cation met for their regular monthly meeting and change orders as submitted. of all persons listed on the nights agenda and to on Monday, at 6 p.m., in the District’s Board In Sparks’ financial report, he told the board discuss Board Seat Number 1, the track facility, Room. All members were present when Pres- that the district would get their Estimate of and bus drivers. They went into executive ses- ident Brandon Storm called the meeting to Needs next month; therefore, they will have an sion at 6:03 p.m. and returned at 6:32 p.m. order and asked for public comments, which official budget. He also noted that they are tran- When they returned to open session, they there were none. sitioning from former treasurer Lisa Barber to went directly into the Items for Consideration. The Board went on to approve the Consent the new treasurer. He said that the vehicles the The first item was to approve the resignation of Agenda, which included the July 13th board board put out to auction as surplus brought in Kris Waters from Board Seat Number 1, which minutes and the financial transactions. The fi- $50,000. They used Purple Auction which did nancial transactions included Superintendent not charge the district anything. See BOARD page 2 Swearing in Joe Ediger by Brandon Storm. Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning Talks Crime with Rotarians By Sheryl Ponce The Elk City Rotary Club welcomed Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning to their regular meeting last week, at noon, in the Meals on Wheels dining room. He began his talk with giving cred- it and thanks to the county’s school resource of- ficers (SRO) that will be working in several schools throughout the county. He not- Elk City Celebrates 125 Years Strong ed that they have two officers in three dif- ferent schools. Those include Merritt Public By Sheryl Ponce Schools, Erick Public Schools, and Sweet- The Elk City Chamber of Commerce water Public Schools. put together the last Block Party for the One of the main pri- community in celebration of the town’s Derek Manning orities for their SRO 125th year anniversary last Friday from program has been to 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The city’s success could provide security and safety for the students and be contributed to the city forefathers, faculty at each campus. the chamber, and the people of Elk “‘We’ve got a West Side SRO that basically City, since 1901. They handed out free covers Sweetwater and Erick who splits his time t-shirts to commemorate the occasion between those two schools. That program’s been with the help of the following sponsors a great program and something that we’re very – Camrock Lubrication and Filtration, proud of that we developed with the sheriff ’s of- Anadarko Dozer and Trucking, Can- fice and cooperation with the schools,” Manning yon Oil Field Services, Champs Graph- explained. ics, Great Plains Bank, Visit Elk City, Prior to placing the SROs in the districts, he and Elk City Chamber of Commerce. added that they were responding to calls and go- While the anniversary celebration ing to the schools to conduct investigations when was key, the weekend was also the NAPA, O’Reilly Auto Parts, PK Com- pany, PLLC, Shannon’s Custom Paint needed. This included child abuse cases as well as Tax-Free Weekend and stores stayed sexual assault cases. Now they are able to have of- open until 7 p.m. Included in the Block and Body, Walker’s Body Works, Yow Auto Supply, Elk City Parks Depart- ficers on campuses to address issues with technol- Party was a First Responder Meet and ogy or misuse of technology and social media in a Greet, inflatables for the kids, Ameri- ment, and Elk City Police and Fire De- partments. more timely manner. can Legion drawing, and food trucks Manning also said that the officers are working and vendors. The event was sponsored The Bottom of the Barrel featured live music. The crowd took advantage on education programs that consist of dangers of by First National Bank and Trust of Elk the internet, as well as things that are illegal on City, Great Plains Bank, Barber/Dyson of the tables and food vendors while listening to the variety of their musical the internet, especially for minors. They are try- Ford, Cudd Pressure Control, GAS, Interbank, Lucky Star Casino, Bank of talents. This is their second appearance at an Elk City Block Party. Downtown See MANNING page 2 Western Oklahoma, Crow Insurance Agency, Culver Electric, Great Plains merchants were able to let the commu- Regional Medical Center, H & R Block, nity shop because they stayed open lat- er. They then headed to the parking lot nesses who sponsored the events. The the love and pride that the community Hutton, Inc., Legacy Bank, Beckham County AFR, 580, Route 66 Meet Pro- cessing/Beggs Bar B Que, D.J. Rentals behind the Chamber building after tak- ing advantage of the tax-free weekend. weather held together, and everyone could take advantage of the late shop- holds for the town of Elk City, the retail merchants, and the Chamber of Com- ‘Rays of Love’ for Suicide Stop by the Chamber and the busi- ping hours. The evening demonstrated merce. and Sales, Inc., Innovative Technology, Prevention and National Recovery Month Planned Chamber Welcomes By Sheryl Ponce In recognition of Suicide Prevention and National New Salon Recovery Month, South Western Development Au- thority (SWODA) is sponsoring the “Rays for Love” Elk City Community Walk, on Saturday, Sept. 12th, at 10 a.m. to By Sheryl Ponce Those interested in working in the noon, with registration opening at 8 salon can contact Edwards. a.m. The event will take place at the The Elk City Chamber of Com- To make an appointment, use walking path in Ackley Park West, merce welcomed EC Hair, Co., lo- their convenient online booking at located at 501 N. Pioneer Rd. Use cated at 900 W. 3rd St. The salon is Vagaro.com/echairco. Call 580-729- the QR code to register. owned by Connie Jo Edwards. It is a 1357 for more information. Their There will be vendors in the park from 8 a.m. to full-service salon that offers cuts for hours are Monday through Friday noon, so people will be able to shop, support the cause, women, men, and children, along from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and make a difference for those suffering and in recov- with color, extensions, facials, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appoint- ery. The morning of the walk sign in, pick up a shirt, waxing. ment. and support walkers or join in the walk. They offer Natural Aveda Concept The chamber welcomes each new Contact DeShawna Smyth at [email protected] Salon Products, with seasoned and business to the community. This is or call 580-562-5039. This event supports awareness, experienced cosmetologists. Soon one example of how Elk City com- hope, recovery, and prevention. Every step along the they will be offering tanning, mas- munity supports and encourages walk brings hope because every life matters. sage therapy, and Japanese Head Spa. new businesses to thrive. More Photos, page 10 “Don’t walk alone, stay strong, and be the light.” Weather Vol.No. Vol. 117, 122,54 No. 33 Mail delivery Home delivery Viewonline View online tomorrow 99/70 103 / 73 75 75 cents,cents 12 pgs. 580.225.3000 580.225.3000 elkcityoknews.com elkcityoknews.com