September 12, 2026 Issue, Page 11 of 12

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The Elk City News SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 • 11 NEWS Chamber’s Leadership Class Learns More than Leadership By Sherl Ponce tions that make a lasting impact on the lives of those in the community. The Elk City Chamber of Com- The Tourism and Quality of Life merce’s Leadership Class XII began Day was held on August 18. The with a weekend retreat to kick off class spent the day exploring local their journey to learn about being attractions, recreational spaces, a leader in a multitude of avenues. and community assets that make The members include Wesley Elk City a great place to visit and Flores, Shelton Hagerman, Jeremy call home. The class toured the Na- Justus, Kayla Scheideger, Amber tional Route 66 Museum Complex, Miller, and Shilo Sellers. The par- Thunderbird Bay and Puttin’ at the ticipants learned the history of Park, along with hearing from the the program and began building Elk City Tourism Board Chairper- connections while exploring their son about the role tourism plays individual leadership voices along- visited the Beckham County Elec- observe both House and Senate in the community. They also vis- side the Steering Committee and tion Board, as well as the Sheriff ’s during the Floor Sessions. They ited the Beutler Brothers’ Rodeo Leadership Coach Casey Merri- Office and Detention Center. also met with several Oklahoma Grounds, the 5-Plex ball fields, and field, PhD. The class additionally spent the government officials, including Ackley Park. The day wrapped up The class began in February Infrastructure Day with city offi- Governor Kevin Stitt, State Trea- with an up-close look at the Parker with the Entrepreneurship and cials and employees on April 15. surer Todd Russ, Senator Brent Drilling Rig, one of Elk City’s most Business Financials’ Day where They strengthened their leader- Howard, and Representative Nick recognizable landmarks. members started their leadership ship voice with the coaching, while Archer, among others. It was a rare The Leadership Class XII has journey with coaching from Dr. exploring key infrastructure sites opportunity for the class members put in the time to develop a keen- Casey Merrifield. The group dove across the community. The class to meet with local legislators. er sense of what it means to be a into studying entrepreneurship heard from current and former city The Elk City Emergency Ser- ations, including Elk City Police De- ing the health and well-being of the public servant, as well as a leader and business financials from Burl leaders about the essential services vices’ Day was held on June 10. The partment, Elk City Fire Department, community. They visited Western among their peers. Each year an- Stricker. The next special study was that ensure a reliable water sup- class explored the facilities and ser- Elk City Municipal Airport, Animal Oklahoma Family Care Center; other leadership class is formed to the Beckham County Government ply which contributes to Elk City’s vices that help keep the community Control Facility, the Gun Range, they heard from a representative of help develop new leaders for local Day on March 11. The members, quality of life. Their day included running every day. They met those and City Hall Offices. From public the Beckham County Health De- government, state government, along with Steering Committee tours of the Water Collection Plant, people who service behind the safety and emergency responses to partment, the members of the class give back to the community, and chairs, spent the day exploring Water Treatment Plant, City Land- scenes. They had the privilege of city administration and infrastruc- volunteered at Help Inc., and they beyond. No matter which mem- county government operations. fill, and the Arrowhead Center. hearing from Dr. Casey Merrifield, ture, the class learned what it means learned about the history of Great bers of the class move on to become They also toured the Beckham Legislative Day took place on who shared leadership insights and to serve the community. Plains Regional Medical Center a city commissioner or a state leg- County Courthouse to observe May 5th and 6th. The class trav- perspectives. On Health, Wellness, and Hu- while touring the facility. It was a islator, each one gained personally court proceedings and received an eled to the Oklahoma State Capi- Throughout the day, Class XII man Services’ Day, July 15, the class meaningful day of learning, ser- through the camaraderie and sac- informative presentation on CASA tol, where they toured the Capitol, and steering committee members explored the organizations and vice, and gaining a deeper appreci- rifice of their time throughout the of Western Oklahoma. The team and they had the opportunity to toured several important city oper- professionals dedicated to support- ation for the people and organiza- classes. MERRITT Game 1 v Mooreland, 32-12 Player of the Game #6 - Jaden Hartman Offensive Player #9- Gavin Bashaw Defensive Player # 13- Jaxton Hartman Gummy Graphing Lineman of the Game # 3- Hunter VanBuren & review puzzles in Mrs. Dil- linger’s Physical Science class. Yes Finance 1414 W. 3rd St., Elk City, OK We proudly support the students, staff and administration at Merritt Schools ~ Great Plains Bank 580.225.1525 ~ First National Bank LocalLoanGroup.com