September 19, 2026 Issue, Page 1 of 14

Page Text

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 Weekend Edition Commissioners Approve Collective Bargaining Agreement with FOP By Sheryl Ponce The Elk City Commissioners met for their bi-monthly meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 8th, at 7 p.m., in City Hall. May- or Micah Kilhoffer called the meeting to order and gave the invocation, while Rocky Andresen led the flag salute in the absence of Jeff Waters and Rick Shelton. They then proceeded to approve the minutes from the Aug. 19th meeting, followed by the introduction of Ordinance No. 1271: An Ordinance of the City of Elk City, Amending the Elk City Comprehensive Plan, Volume Three, Zoning Ordinance/Subdivision Regulations Pertaining to the Area and Height Regulations in C-2 Highway Commercial Rec- reation Zoning District. No action was taken on the ordinance because it was an introduction to the change. According to City Manager Tom Ivester, this would change the maximum height of 85 feet of signs, in which there was a conflict in the ordinance. This would clarify the conflict and grandfather against any existing signs. The next item on the agenda was the purchase approval See APPROVE page 11 Lockheed T-33 Renovation Underway By Sheryl Ponce As visitors pull off I-40 and onto Route 66 through Elk City from the east, one of the first iconic sym- bols of the airport and welcome sight is the Lockheed T-33 military aircraft that sits on display approxi- Pictured at the Blessing Box in front of GPRMC are mately 30 feet in the air. The aircraft has been there Misty Carter, CPO; Trish Southard, Rotarian President; for over 60 years, which has been weathered by the Kylee Chapman, MSN, RN, Community Health Worker; sun, rain, wind, and ice. Having battled the storms, Hayden Porter, CEO Assistant; and Corey Lively, CEO. what was a bright and shiny exterior now needs a makeover. In 2023, the plane was painted to bring it back to what it once was, but it has not lasted as expected. GPRMC Installs Over the past year, City Manager Tom Ivester looked to refresh the plane, especially since it is one of the first things visitors see as they enter the town. Finding someone to complete the mission was difficult, but Blessing Box By Sheryl Ponce Elk City native, Syvan Syribouth, came to the rescue. Syribouth works for RealClean Aircraft Detailing, Great Plains Regional Medical Center recently put a company out of Oklahoma City that cleans the up a new “Blessing Box,” that is voluntarily filled with interior and exterior of aircraft, paint revitalization, non-perishable items for the community. Kylee Chap- protective coatings, window polishing, leather repair, man, MSN, RN, who is the new Community Health and sells detailing products. The company came to prevail once it is completed. Worker with GPRMC, has been instrumental in the Elk City, presented a bid, and the commissioners To protect the finish, a ceramic coat will be ap- placement and installation of the new box. voted to proceed with the renovation. Because the plied. It will need to be reapplied every two years to “The Blessing Box is more than just a place to leave company specializes in aircraft, they can complete maintain the plane, as well as cleaning the plane twice or receive food—it represents compassion, generosity the process that takes Lockheed T-33 back to its near a year. Syribouth will also oversee repainting of the and the willingness of a community to take care of its original glory. lettering, stars, stripes, and small decorative shapes own. I am incredibly proud to be part of a community According to Syribouth, the company uses an using professional aircraft to paint for longevity. The that continues to show up for one another, and I am acid wash and an aluminum deoxidizer to prepare red tanks will also be repainted, but as he pointed out, grateful for the opportunity to give back to the place I the metal for a three-step polish. They have a spe- they must be careful due to the existing rust. have always called home,” Chapman said. cialized drum buffer that rolls over the plane, rather The company will not be repairing any of the She continued to say, “I am especially grateful to than spins like rotary tools to prevent swirl marks structural repairs. Throughout the process, Syri- everyone who helped make the Blessing Box possible. and leave straight lines instead. The process involves bouth noted that there are loose plates or screws that Thank you to Jim Brown for building such a beautiful using wool pads, followed by a combination of wool and cotton pads to achieve the high shine that will See RENOVATION page 2 See BLESSING page 2 Grant Writer Explains Economic Development and SWODA to Rotarians By Sheryl Ponce She explained the Rural Health Initiative grant that provides fund- The Elk City Rotary Club met ing for healthcare transportation for their regular weekly meeting in rural areas. The program reim- last Thursday, at noon, in the Meals burses individuals $.60 per mile on Wheels dining room. President for medical trips, including doctor Trish Southard opened the meet- visits, physical therapy, and mental ing and continued to introduce health counseling. The program Elesia Church to talk about South- got national recognition and is Western Oklahoma Development being considered for modeling by Authority (SWODA) and grant writing for the area. CMS and Medicaid from Wash- ington D.C. Chamber Welcomes AT&T Membership Church began by introduc- The next thing, Church spoke By Sheryl Ponce store, along with Catrina, Ty, Seth, Devin, Jean, and ing herself and talking about her about was the Oshkosh Air Show, Luke. experience as a grant writer for where she represented Oklahoma The Elk City Chamber of Commerce held a The newest iPhone 18 Pro pre-order started on SWODA and the City of Elk City. and the City of Elk City. The show ribbon cutting to welcome AT&T as their newest Sept. 12th, prior to the official launch on Sept. 18th. Over the past six years, working at attracts attendees from 98 different member. They are located at 502 W. 3rd Street and They also offer home internet for $35 a month. Stop SWODA, she has secured over $70 countries and features over 100 can be reached at 580-713-7965. Store manager by the store for a free account review to see how they million in grants. One of the most Clint Hemken, and assistant manager Johnathan can help make the best individual technology needs recent grants was $7 million. See GRANT page 2 Dowdy, are ready to help customers as they visit the for their customers, as well as potential customers. Weather Vol.No. Vol. 117, 122,54 No. 38 Mail delivery Home delivery Viewonline View online tomorrow 89 / 99/7064 75 75 cents,cents 12 pgs. 580.225.3000 580.225.3000 elkcityoknews.com elkcityoknews.com