September 12, 2026 Issue, Page 1 of 12

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 Weekend Edition Rep. Archer Explains Oklahoma’s Space in the Nuclear Researach as a Finalist in US Dept. Energy’s Nuclear Innovation and Research Campus By Sheryl Ponce Rep. Nick Archer, who serves as advanced manufacturing. Those Mile Island and Chernobyl, are not the Hamm Institute for Ameri- the chair of Oklahoma’s House En- benefit skilled technicians and doc- an issue with modern safety mea- can Energy. The institute merges Oklahoma has been notified that ergy and Natural Resources Over- torate researchers. sures and the existence of the Nu- education, research, and policy the state made the top cut for the sight Committee, joined Oklaho- “Our mission today is to cut clear Regulatory Commission. The to redefine the energy landscape. US Department of Energy’s pro- ma’s Scott Mitchell for an in-depth through all the political noise and current nuclear reactions in the Archer said that there is a need posal for the nuclear lifecycle in- discussion about what nuclear look directly at the hard facts in United States have operated safely for commitments from the federal novative campus. The department energy could mean to Oklahoma, our source materials. We’re going for decades without negative health government to support workforce received 28 applications from 26 data center benefits, and the pro- to evaluate the economic poten- impacts. This conversation touches training and educational programs different states vying to host the tections lawmakers have put in tial, the mechanical realities, and on educating the public about the within the state. initiative. Oklahoma was one of the place to protect customers from of course, the very real risks sur- safety improvements in modern Oklahoma’s existing workforce five final contenders. rate hikes. rounding this massive federal ini- nuclear technology. in radiography and advanced weld- The economic impact on the The state is also addressing the tiative,” District 55 representative, The timeline for the announce- ing could be used to leverage new Rep. Nick Archer talks about Nucle- state would be significant. The an- ar Innovation Project data center’s concerns, and they Nick Archer explained. ment about receiving the grant was opportunities. There is potential ticipation for Oklahoma is a $50 are advocating efficient permitting The media’s focus seems to be July 4th, and the final decision will for creating a new industry that billion impact, and an additional tion and ecosystem development. processes and responsible for water on the negative aspects of nucle- be made sometime this year. There supports the new opportunities in 25,000 jobs. This initiative aims Oklahoma’s proposal emphasizes usage. The project is expected to ar technology, particularly small was an extensive team effort in workforce training and education to create a “Silicon Valley for the workforce training and private sec- encompass various advanced tech- modular reactors. The historical putting the proposal that included atom,” which focuses on innova- tor collaboration. nologies, including robotics and nuclear incidents, such as Three- the Department of Commerce and See ARCHER page 2 GPRMC’s Covenant Kingdom Community Ministries Seeks Connections Support Presents By Sheryl Ponce ‘Building a Elk City’s Covenant Kingdom Ministries, Inc. is an outreach program for the community by Ezra and Melanie Randle. This ministry is actually one that lends a helping hand to those in need. Healthy They are looking to raise funds to continue God’s work by making a difference in people’s lives. Randle is currently work- Financial ing on raising funds for the ministry. He has packing tape, six for $10; new R22 freon for Future’ $425; and ten-foot cell phone cables for $10. The purchase of one or more of these items will By Sheryl Ponce help him and his wife continue their ministry in the areas of Great Plains Regional Medical interpreting dreams, mentor- Center has started a monthly ed- ship, music therapy/acoustic ucation series. Two local financial guitar, community outreach, experts will be presenting “Build- hospice ministry, text messag- ing a Healthy Financial Future,” es of encouragement, as well as on Wed., Sept 16th, in the meeting teaching guitar, bass, and drum Ezra Randle shares his talent room at the hospital. Justin Koch, lessons. with a special music ministry. CFP, CPWA, CEPA Wealth Advi- Covenant Kingdom Minis- sor and President of Copper Sky tries is a 501c3 non-profit organization. They also have the Cov- Wealth and Robert Stephens, CFP, enant Kingdom Foundation that is also an outreach tool for the AAMS Financial Advisor from kingdom. Edward Jones Financial Advisor “We must live and lead by example; we must love the unlovable; will be presenting the program on we must approach the unapproachable; and reach and teach the preparing for a financially healthy unreachable. We must give edification for the spirit man, and ed- future. The public is welcome to at- See SUPPORT page 2 tend this free program. Snacks will be provided, but RSVP is en- couraged, although not required. Walk-ins are welcome. To reserve WOHS Wants a place for this edition of Commu- nity Connections for Sept. 16th, call 580-303-5874. “Financial health is an im- ECHS Grad Named to Nominations for Induction portant part of overall well-be- ing,” said Corey G. Lively, CEO of the GPRMC announcement. “Through Community Connec- NextGen30 Under Class into the Hall of Fame tions, we’re excited to bring in By Sheryl Ponce building relationships with other young men and By Sheryl Ponce local financial experts to help women who share a common desire to make Okla- our members of our community Elk City High School 2015 graduate, Parker Broad- homa a better place to live. It is time to nominate a deserving individual to be inducted into navigate finances, no matter what bent, has been nominated and selected to be included “There was certainly no shortage of laughs, great Western Oklahoma Historical Society’s Hall of Fame. Nominations stage of life they’re in.” in the 2026 Oklahoma NextGen 30 Under class. He conversations, and stories throughout the day, are due by Oct. 1st, to be returned to Linda Long at WOHS, P.O. This community hospital is the currently works as the Pre-Enrollment Technician at and I’m excited to see where the relationships built Box 542, Elk City, OK 73648, or scan the application and email largest health care provider in American Fidelity Assurance, where he has worked through this experience lead,” Broadbent continued. to [email protected]. Anyone who nominates an individual to be Western Oklahoma. They offer for the past five and one-half years. The class will meet again on Friday, Nov.20th, at inducted into the Hall of Fame must be a member of the WOHS. a full range of medical services, “I’m especially grateful for the opportunities and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Muse- The person nominated must be living and able to attend the ban- which include obstetrics and experiences I’ve had throughout my career at Amer- um, for their final awards ceremony in Oklahoma quet, which will take place on Nov. 17th, at 6:30 p.m., in the United women’s health departments. This ican Fidelity which have allowed me to continue City. Broadbent will be a part of the final recognition Methodist Church. Tickets will be $25 each, and reservations need regional hospital is home to 50 growing professionally and personally while con- for his hard work within an industry and among oth- to be made prior to Nov. 9th. Payment may be made at the door on physicians. Together, they deliver necting with people across Oklahoma,” Broadbent er young leaders in the state. the night of the banquet. The meal is going to be catered by Cattle high-quality, cost-effective care said in his announcement of the honor. Broadbent continued his education at Oklahoma Call and served by the Elk City FFA members. within 25 general and specialty The award is a leadership and award recognition State University and graduated in 2019 with a de- To nominate an individual, fill out the Hall of Fame Nomination areas. program that was founded in 2011. There have been gree in business management and a second degree in Form that includes the person’s contact information, along with a GPRMC operates a 24-hour 4900 past winners selected from various companies marketing. He then went on to achieve his master’s summary of why this person should be inducted into the Hall of emergency department that is and organizations across Oklahoma. Their mission is in business administration from Oklahoma City Uni- Fame. This includes communities where the person has lived and physician-staffed. They also have to identify and honor talented young people to en- versity in 2025. served along with the date, title, honors, leadership, achievements, a 24-hour general and orthopedic courage them to follow their family and career goals He is married to Madison Broadbent and the son and any other pertinent information. surgery center. The hospital is a in the state. of Vickey Fletcher and Lynn, and Cindy Broadbent. To join WOHS, choose one of the following categories – individ- nonprofit accredited by The Joint Broadbent was able to spend the day at the state The young leader has been active in a multitude of ual, $20; family, $35; Pioneer, $100; Business, $500; and Lifetime, Commission. To learn more, go capital, networking with other honorees and legisla- areas that have enhanced his leadership skills. He is $1000. Make checks payable to the Western Oklahoma Historical to gprmc-ok.com. tors. Throughout the day, he was able to look outside ready to share his experiences with other leaders and Society and mail them to the above address. For more information his specific healthcare industry to share ideas and professionals of all industries and career paths. contact Long at 405-834-3242. Weather Vol.No. Vol. 117, 122,54 No. 37 Mail delivery Home delivery Viewonline View online tomorrow 99/70 95 / 73 75 75 cents,cents 12 pgs. 580.225.3000 580.225.3000 elkcityoknews.com elkcityoknews.com