September 19, 2026 Issue, Page 12 of 14

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12• SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 The Elk City News NEWS Chamber Announces Rodeo of Champions Parade Winners By Sheryl Ponce third place was Merritt FFA; sec- mer’s Collaborative; and first place ond place was the Rio Vintage was Elk City Carnegie Library – With the Rodeo of Champions Market and Mercantile; and first Hooked on Books. in the rearview mirror, it is time to place was the Pennington Family. In the Church Category the win- look back to see who won the an- In the School/school organiza- ners were – third place, Primera nual Rodeo parade. The Elk City tion category winners were third Iglesia Hispana; second place, One Arapaho-Butler Elementary School students and staff join representatives from Devon Energy and the Cal Chamber of Commerce sponsors place – Merritt FFA; second place - Church; and first place Christ Lu- Ripken, Sr. Foundation for a ribbon cutting at the school’s new STEM Center. the parade each year. They orga- was Elk City High School Football; theran Church. (Photo courtesy of Clinton Daily News) nize it, line up the entries, and then and first place was Elk City Middle The Best Themed Float was – present the awards for outstanding floats and other entries. School Cheerleaders. The Beauty Pageant Category first place, Ashton Cockrell, Chey- enne Arapaho Ol Settler’s Queen. Devon Energy, Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation Open STEM They awarded first through the winners included - third place, The Best School Themed Float third places in each category. The winners in the first category, Com- Miss Washita County Queens; sec- ond place, Bailey Gossen, Miss Elk – Elk City Middle School Cheer- leaders. Center at Arapaho-Butler Elementary School mercial Category, included G-6 City Teen; and first place was Ash- The Best Window Décor were – ARAPAHO, OK (Sept. 10, aho-Butler Elementary School. by doing and build skills that will Operating, third place; Stockman’s ton Cockrell, Cheyenne Arapaho. third place, Christies Thrift Store; 2026) — Students at Arapa- “This STEM Center gives our serve them well into the future.” Vet Clinic, second place; and first Riding Club category winners second place, 580 Threads; and first ho-Butler Elementary School students a place to explore their The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation place was Sigma Bar-S. were – third place, Donna Sue Per- place, The Attic Door. celebrated the opening of a new ideas, work through challenges has installed almost 900 STEM In the Antique Vehicle division, ry; second place, Thompson Car- Winners will need to go by the STEM Center, made possible and see what they can accomplish. Centers across the United States, third place was Oooh La La by riages and Red Hills Express, and Elk City Chamber office on Main through a partnership between We’re thankful to Devon Energy expanding access to hands-on Gayle Noreuil; second place was first place was Kerosene Cowgirls. and Broadway to pick up their priz- Devon Energy and the Cal Rip- and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Founda- learning tools and resources for The Rio Vintage Market and Mer- Clubs and Organizations Cat- es. With participation and commu- ken, Sr. Foundation. tion for bringing these new op- students and educators. cantile; and first place was Pen- egory included – third place, AM nity support, the Elk City Rodeo Students and community lead- portunities to our school.” Steve Salem, president and nington Family. The next category Creative Studio; Second place of Champions Parade once again ers marked the occasion with a Jason Hildebrand, vice pres- CEO of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foun- was the School Organizations. In was Western Oklahoma Alzhei- outshined all others. ribbon cutting and demonstra- ident of the Anadarko & Eagle dation, said the centers are de- tions of the center’s interactive Ford Business Units at Devon signed to make STEM approach- learning tools, including Snap Energy, said providing students able and engaging for students Circuits Extreme 750R, STEM with opportunities to engage with while giving educators additional OHCA Expands Access to Opioid Pathways Kits, Intelino Smart Trains and more. The equipment gives students opportunities to put STEM concepts into practice STEM is an important part of in- vesting in the communities where Devon operates. “Giving students the chance to resources to support learning. “Educators make a lasting im- pact, and we want to make sure they have the tools and resources Use Disorder Treatment During while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. “The best learning happens when students are excited to ask experiment, build and solve prob- lems can help them discover in- terests they may carry with them for years to come,” Hildebrand to bring STEM learning to life,” Salem said. “By supporting teach- ers, we can help create more op- portunities for students to explore National Recovery Month questions and discover the an- swers for themselves,” said Chan- da Shepherd, principal of Arap- said. “We’re proud to work with our wonderful partners to create a space where students can learn STEM in meaningful, hands-on ways.” OKLAHOMA CITY – The implement a VBA and remains a specifically fell from an estimat- Oklahoma Health Care Author- pioneer in this space. ed 55,296 in 2024 to 44,564 in ity (OHCA) has implemented “Value-based agreements 2025, though the toll remains a new value-based agreement keep Oklahoma at the forefront significant. (VBA) for Brixadi, a long-acting of efforts to improve health out- Medication-assisted treat- injectable medication used in comes for the people we serve,” ment is widely recognized as medication-assisted treatment said Aaron Morris, OHCA In- the gold standard for treating (MAT) for opioid use disorder terim CEO. OUD. Research shows MAT sig- (OUD), further establishing “During Recovery Month, nificantly reduces overdose risk, Oklahoma as a national leader we’re reminded that access to ef- improves long-term recovery in value-based pharmacy con- fective treatment can be the dif- outcomes and is associated with tracting. ference between someone stay- substantially lower mortality This latest agreement al- ing in recovery and falling out of rates compared to no medica- lows for the removal of the pri- care. By partnering with willing tion treatment. or authorization requirement drug manufacturers on innova- By removing barriers to for Brixadi, giving SoonerCare tive, value-based care models Brixadi, OHCA aims to help members open access to the like this one, we can keep build- members overcome common treatment without administra- ing pathways that support our obstacles to recovery, including tive barriers. Brixadi is available members throughout their re- missed doses, adherence chal- in weekly or monthly injectable covery journey.” lenges and treatment disrup- formulations, offering members September is National Recov- tions. The change is expected The first Delta Air Lines Boeing 757 to be painted inside of Hangar 234 at Premium Aerospace Center Okla- a long-acting alternative to daily ery Month, and new federal data to particularly benefit members homa in Burns Flat medication. underscores both progress and in rural and underserved areas, Premium Aerospace Center Value-based agreements are continued urgency in addressing where daily dosing requirements payment models that tie the the opioid crisis. The Centers for can be difficult to sustain. Over cost of medical services or pre- Disease Control and Prevention time, OHCA expects expanded scription drugs to how well they recently released preliminary access to effective OUD treat- Oklahoma Lands First Delta 757 work and the health outcomes 2025 data showing an estimated ment to translate into fewer opi- they achieve, rather than paying 14% decrease in drug overdose oid-related hospitalizations and solely for the quantity of care de- deaths since 2024, the third con- emergency room visits, a key livered. OHCA was the first state secutive year of decline. Opi- indicator of a healthier member Medicaid agency in the nation to oid-involved overdose deaths population. Washita County’s aeronau- countable Manager Jose Gon- they begin aviation careers in tical artists are getting to work zalez. Washita County. on a high-flying canvas. The job will take 15 days to Gonzalez reached out to The first of five Delta Air complete. Delta before PAC’s inception Lines airplanes landed at Burns Four more of Delta’s Boe- to ensure that work would be Flat’s Premium Aerospace ing 757s are also scheduled for available prior to expansion Center (PAC) Oklahoma run- painting at PAC this year. and investment dollars were way for a fresh coat of paint. “Delta pilots will return to spent. The Boeing 757 will be Burns Flat with the next air- PAC operates in Burns Flat painted in PAC’s new, state-of- craft to be painted and then at historic Clinton-Sherman the-art Hangar 234. fly the freshly-painted plane to Air Force Base, which, as a “Hangar 234 is a paint han- the next destination,” Gonzalez Strategic Air Command base, gar with a ventilation system said. housed nuclear-armed B-52 that has 100% air exchange ev- The crew painting the Delta Bombers during the most dan- ery 10 minutes with the ability airplanes will be a mix of ex- gerous years of the Cold War. to reach temperatures up to perienced personnel original- It also boasts one of the longest 120 degrees to help the paint ly from other areas who will runways in the country. curing process,” said PAC Ac- train less-experienced locals as The Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma and the PASS TIME Oklahoma State Fair Welcomes Back Momentum Refresh Mobile Restroom and Accessibility Initiatives IN LINE. Oklahoma City, OK – The Developmental Disabilities excited to return to the Okla- homa State Fair to ensure ev- lies. These growing partnerships READ THE Council of Oklahoma (DDCO) eryone has the opportunity to and expanded accommoda- is excited to announce the re- participate and enjoy the spirit tions reflect an intentional turn of the Momentum Refresh of community!” dedication to creating an open, Mobile Restroom and Univer- The Oklahoma State Fair will welcoming environment where sal Changing Station for its also feature dedicated calming everyone can fully participate NEWSPAPER. third consecutive year at the Oklahoma State Fair. The Momentum Refresh Mobile Restroom can be found stations during the length of the fair for those who just need a break from the excitement of everything the fair has to offer. in and enjoy the fair. “Accessibility is at the heart of building an inclusive com- munity, and our continued in front of the Modern Living If the crowds, noises, smells are partnership with the Oklaho- Building at The Circle. Stop by too much for you or your loved ma State Fair shows that ev- and take a tour and learn more one, the fair offers Sensory eryone is welcome to join in about this private, fully acces- Friendly time on Sunday, Sept. the tradition and fun that the sible space that is equipped 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. fair has to offer,” said Jenifer with specialized amenities, a While you’re there on Sept. Randle, Executive Director of large changing table with ceil- 20, be sure to drop by the sec- the Developmental Disabilities ing hoist, room for caregivers, ond annual Accessibility Expo Council of Oklahoma. and a dedicated calming/lacta- from 12-5 p.m. at the Modern For more details on specif- tion room. Living Building. The Acces- ic fair accessibility resources, “Momentum Refresh is de- sibility Expo is a celebration visit the Oklahoma State Fair signed so no one has to cut of inclusion, innovation, and accessibility page at https:// their day short or worry about community with organiza- okstatefair.com/information/ how they’ll handle a person- tions, artists, vendors, and accessibility/. Additional in- al care break at the fair,” said advocates who are working to formation about the mobile In Print. Online. In Touch. Dan Lusk, Executive Director of Momentum Refresh. “We’re support and empower disabled Oklahomans and their fami- units is available at https://mo- mentumrefresh.com/.