October 17, 2026 Issue, Page 1 of 12

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‘Scare Tactic s Promote Early Detection tel Serving Western Oklahoma SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026 Weekend Edition ECPS Board Approves New Track and Election of Two Board Positions By Sheryl Ponce board then approved the Consent Agen- treasurers. It gives a comparison of the were scheduled tocollect. dollars less for the government this next da, that included the approval of the Sept. revenue from last year to where the district “There’ a lot of anticipation to see who year for the budget. I think those are some ‘The Elk City Public Schools Board of 8th board meeting, the Superintendent's is during the same time period. He said wins the governor’ race. I was at a meeting things we want to keep an eye on and be Education met for their regular monthly Financial Report, the Treasurer’s Report that they are currently $145,000 more in with some representatives and a senator, watchful for as we go through this school meeting Monday, Oct. 12th, at 6 p.m. in ending Sept. 30th, the Activity Fund report revenue at this time than last year, because and I think they're even a litte bit anxious year. Right now, ifthe school year ended, if the Board Room. With President Bran- ending Sept. 30th, and the new encum- some of it is the gift from the foundation, about what it might look like, depending we collect everything that we're supposed don Storm absent, Katie Archer called the brances and change orders as submitted. the $73,000, and then the district made on who wins the governor's race?” Sparks to collect, I stil think welll hit $25 million meeting to order and asked for any pub- In Sparks’ financial report, he pointed $45,000 on the vehicles that they received said. in revenue, Now that’s counting our car- lic comments, in which Superintendent out that there is a new look in the treasur- by auctioning. The Gross Production is “One of the numbers that they threw Mike Sparks said there were none, ‘The er’s report since the district has changed currently ahead of schedule for what they out there was that potentially $1.8 billion See BOARD page 2 GPRMC’s Community Connections Education Series Navigates Community Resources By Sheryl Ponce “For October's session, you'll learn more about GPRMC’s new FindHelp ‘The Great Plains Regional Medical website, which connects you with local, Center will be hosting their next Com- state and national resources, as well as munity Connections Education Series the Transportation Reimbursement on Wednesday, Oct. 2st, from noon Initiative Program (TRIP) designed to to 1 pam, at GPRMCS meeting room help overcome transportation barriers located at the far end of the cafeteria. to essential services like healthcare)” ‘The eventis free and open to the public. Chapman wrote about the session in Snacks will be provided, but RSVPs are the event announcement. encouraged by calling 580-303-5874. Make plans to attend this free ses- Kylee Chapman, MSN, RN, Commu- sion, The topic is useful and informa- nity Health Worker at the hospital will tive for all ages and community mem- be presenting the program and intro- bers, Walk-ins are welcome but reserve ducing the guest speaker, Jef Johnson, a spot now for this upcoming session of Mobility Navigator at South Western resources and information, Remember Oklahoma Development Authority. to call 580-303-5874. W, Valvoline Instant Oil Changes Opens with Customer Service a Priority LEADERSHIP wicaeeckee By Sheryl Ponce from 8 am. to 7 pm. and Sat- “a urday from 8 a.m. to 5 pm. At > LEARN. LEAD. LEAD. MAKE MAKE AN IMPACT. IMPACT. 4 Located at 2112 East 7th this time, they are not open on Street, Valvoline Instant Oil Sundays, but as business picks Change officially opened last up, they plan on opening on Friday for a special two days Sundays, also, of half-price oil changes. Area ‘They currently have six ‘Manager, Cody Taylor, and Ser- staff members that come from vice Center Manager, Jason Pol- Hammon, Sayre, Clinton, and lard, were on site to supervise Elk City. Although they do not and welcome new customers to require previous mechanical the new franchise, owned by In- experience, they go through ap- terstate Auto Care (IAC) Hold- proximately 270 hours of com- ing Co. Throughout those two puter-based and on-the-job- Pictured are the opening staff — Rebecca, S icia, Ethan, Jason, days they serviced 131 cars that training. Additionally, the shop Robert, Cody, Jay, Megan, lacob, Madyson, fany, Stephanie, included 75 on Friday and 56 on provides all of the necessary and Shane in front of the new Valvoline Instant Oil Change. Saturday. tools and training. They are cur- the business is working through Taylor said. ‘The facility provides preven- rently accepting applications, the severe weather conditions. ‘They willbe running specials tative maintenance, including which can be submitted online Whether it is cold, windy, or in the future through coupons cil changes, batteries, wipers, at the link jobs.vioc.com hot, the staff will be ready to take on their website and app. The transmission services, radiator According to Pollard, the best care of customers in a fun atmo- Valvoline team is striving to services, and tire rotations. The thing about a career at Valvoline sphere for both the customer and compete for the best possible shop operates on a first-come, is the atmosphere. They promote the team members. experience for the customers first-served drive-through basis. a positive environment and ad- “This has been a very in a competitive industry with- According to Taylor and Pol- here to strict safety proceduresby smooth opening. We are a very out compromising quality. The lard, they aim to perform the oil changes in 15 minutes. The shop is open Monday through Friday the communication between the team members while servicing any vehicle, The hardest part of team-oriented business and try tolook out for each other, which are the team and the customers? Valvoline experience is to make each customer smile and join in ona family type atmosphere. Applications for Leadership Elk City Open Rotary Club Previews Holiday Events with the Chamber By Sheryl Ponce ments and community systems; build- ing and cultivating connections with By Sheryl Ponce 6 p.m, on Oct. 22nd. The fol- ‘The Elk City Chamber of Com- long-lasting relationships among other lowing weekend the Red Car- merces Leadership, Elk City, is an in- leaders; and applying the skills for proj- The Elk City Rotary Club pet Community Theatre will vestment in the future. The Chamber ect management that includes team- held their regular weekly meet- be opening the musical, “Swee- is taking applicationsfor the new Lead- work, communication, decision-mak- ing last Thursday in the Meals ney Todd” It will run Oct. 23rd ership Class, which is a program de- ing and more. on Wheels dining room at through Nov. 3rd. signed to build and inspire participants ‘To bea part of the program, partici- noon. The guest speaker for the ‘The retail merchants Christ- to emerge as leaders by looking at the pants need to be prepared for monthly meeting was Karen Touchstone mas Open House will take place people, places, and programs that help full-day sessions with lunch provided. with the Elk City Chamber of Sunday, Nov. 8th, The down- strengthen the town. Leadership orientation and retreat will Commerce who was. present town retail merchants’ promo- ‘The groupof leaders will gain insight take place first, in which participants to give the Rotarians a preview tion will run through Dec. 17th, in economic development and the start on Friday evening and Saturday of upcoming events within the where shoppers may be present energy sector; local government and with meals being provided. Members community. She began by pass- for the ticket drawings at Main community services; and education will also travel to Oklahoma City for ing out a flyer about the upcom- Street Coffee. The community and workforce systems, Graduates of Legislative Day at the Capital that in- ing Moonlight Madness on Oct. will be hosting ‘Thanksgiving the program are encouraged to become cludes an overnight stay. The leader- 22nd, which will be held behind night shopping instead of Black active in local government and civicor- ship class will plan and implement a the Chamber office. Friday with some shops remain- ganizations. Additionally, the benefits service project that makes a difference She also said that Carnegie Pictured are Elk City Rotary President, Trish Southard presenting for each member of the class include in the community. Library will be hosting a Ghost a donation to Christmas in the Park in the name of the late Lewis leadership tools and expert training; ‘Town Roundup from 4 p.m. to See ROTARY page2 Gift to Kris and Jeff Waters along with grandchild, Jameson Waters. growth and knowledge of city depart- See LEADERSHIP page 2 | | | |, Weather a 65 / Vol. 122, No. 42 Mail delivery View online al l oag7o! 13151 tomorrow 75 cents 580.225.3000 elkcityoknews.com