July 23, 2019 Issue, Page 1 of 8

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By Don He said lawmakers came up with supple- Munsch, Edi- ment money for Oklahoma counties and tor put money into other programs and other Community areas, including for the conservation pro- ‘ and business gram and pay raises for state employees. leaders dis- “We also funded some extra dollars cussed some into corrections,” he said. “That’s a big upcoming deal for Western Oklahoma and Beckham events coming County because of our prison we have this summer down the road. We’ve had lots of prob- and fall at the lems getting employees there. We’ve just Todd Russ got lots of issues with corrections, but we Elk City Cham- think we’re seeing that kind of getting bet- ber of Commerce Quarterly Breakfast ter and we're certainly focused on that.” Club Friday morning, with Oklahoma State He said lawmakers appropriated an ad- Rep. Todd Russ dropping by to give an ditional $203 million for education. Of update on this year’s legislative session. the state’s $8.3 billion budget, more Jim Mason, member of the Elk City Rotary Club, holds a container that would Russ, who represents District 55, said this than half will go into education, he said. hold books for the Rotary Club project that would get books into the com- past session was “probably one of the best “That included an additional $1,200 teach- munity. Staff photo by Don Munsch. sessions we’ve had since I can remember,” er pay raise over last year’s pay raise. That mentioning the revenue lawmakers had puts us number one in the region for teacher Project to help with books, food that they could use for numerous purposes. “Overall, statewide, we've seen a great re- pay in the state of Oklahoma,” he said, re- ceiving applause. He said $75 million was By Don Munsch, Editor items. The containers would too, but the container is in- bound for the state of Oklahoma and budgeted put in the state funding formula for schools, Elk City Rotary Club be placed around town. tended to be a lending li- probably the largest number in the history of and that money can be spent any way schools members want to help meet For the books, 16 brary, though, with the ex- the state,” Russ said, speaking at the breakfast want, for support staff and other expenses. a couple of needs in the boxes would be _ built. pectation that people will held at the Elkwood Assisted Living Center. See Breakfast page 2. community — reading and “The library is going to return the books. Containers food security - and hope provide us with some of will be stocked with books to do so with wooden con- the books that didn’t sell for children and adults. tainers that people can ac- at the book sale,” said Jim As far as where the con- cess for books and foods. Mason, project coordinator tainers would be installed, Club members will apply and Elk City Rotary Club Mason said people may ad- fora grant from Rotary Inter- member. “Anybody can vise him if they want one national to pay for materials come and pick up a book for their neighborhood. that can be used to construct and bring it back when “We'll have them mat- wooden boxes that would they’re through with it.” ted on a post, and it'll be store the books and food They can also keep it, See Containers page 2. es “i a Canton of Haldtre members include, from left,Debbie Mayle, Courtney Pey- ton, Shane Payton, Brittney Helfey and Rhonda Schmidt. The demo for the group will be Saturday at Ackley Park in Elk City. Submitted photo. Middle Ages group to hold demo By Don Munsch, Editor group, called the Canton of Haldtre and Debbie Mayle loves the _ times part of the Society for Creative Anachro- P= CH of the Middle Ages, when chiv- nism, will be dressed in attire from Middle Greater Oklahoma City Pickleball Club members, from left, Connie Riepl, Jill alry, civility and honor reigned. Ages. The demo, the first to be held here Bowler (bottom) and Mary Burns play pickleball Thursday at Rotary Park in “Nowadays, people aren’t so much into in Elk City, will include several activities. Elk City. Not pictured and just out of frame is Betsy Nielsen. The Elk City Ro- chivalry or manners, and that’s what I love The demo, for children and adults, tary Club recently taped lines on the court to allow for pickleball. Staff photo about it,” she said, adding that enjoys the is free, open to the public and begins by Don Munsch. pageantry and colors and putting on a fan- at 9 a.m. and continues into the eve- Anyone up for pickleball? cy dress and jewelry and having a gentle- man escort her from one place to another. ning. Monetary donations are accepted. “It’s a really cool feeling when you get Because of her fondness of that era, she your first award and somebody bows to By Don Munsch, Editor learning a lot of rules and that it does not participates in an organization that cel- you and calls you my lady or my lord,” Pickleball might be a funny name inflict a lot of wear and tear on the body. ebrates the Middle Ages, and her group said Mayle, who is the seneschal, simi- for a game, but it is gaining steam in “If you ever get hooked on pickleball, will hold a public get-together, or demo, lar to a president, of Haldtre. “It’s re- popularity, with Elk City residents it’s an addiction, and all of us have [the Saturday at Ackley Park in Elk City. Ev- spect. It’s manners. It’s the chivalry of the now having a court to play the sport. addiction] over here [today] as well as our eryone from the Middle Ages recreation See Middle Ages page 2. The game is played with a paddle and a club in Oklahoma City, which we started out with just a handful of people prob- Sizzlin’ Sidewalk Sale hollow ball and set on a court in a game that could be described as combina- ably about 10 years ago,” Cooley said. tion of tennis, ping-pong and badminton. “And now we’re up to about 700 peo- The Elk City Rotary Club recently installed ple in the Greater Oklahoma City area.” lines on the tennis courts at Rotary Park so Cooley understood some people would Want some hot deals during these sultry p.m., according to a chamber news release. that people may enjoy pickleball. On Thurs- be puzzled over pickleball, explaining they days? Then Elk City is the right place to be. There will be lots of shopping all day day, members of the Greater Oklahoma City would not be familiar with it. But it is the The Elk City Chamber of Commerce for the whole family, and the cham- Pickleball Club played on the courts. Pickle- fastest-growing sport in the country, she said. and Retail Merchants will team up for ber encourages visitors to eat at lo- ball is played on a smaller court than tennis. “t’sjustblossomingeverywhere,” shesaid. Elk City’s Sizzlin’ Summer Sidewalk cal restaurants while they are in town. Sale as retail merchants offer savings “These young ladies are going to show In the game, whose origins go back to The Chamber thanks all the participating us how it’s done,” said Rotary member the 1960s in the U.S., the ball resembles a for this once-a-year sale on Saturday. businesses in Elk City, Ponce Productions, David Atkinson, introducing Jan Cooley, a wiffle ball, complete with holes, but hard- Sales start at 9 am. at all par- Canute Cheerleaders and the City of Elk member of the pickleball club, and her col- er than a wiffleball. The game’s paddle ticipating Elk City merchants. leagues at the Rotary Club before Rotarians is a bit bigger than a ping-pong paddle. Ponce Productions will be provide mu- City for helping with some of its advertis- and club members went to Rotary Park. “As far as the sport, all ages can play,” sic from 10 a.m. to | p.m. and the Canute ing. For more information, contact the Elk Cooley characterized pickleball as hab- Cooley said. “You don’t have to be very Cheerleaders will have a fundraiser selling City Chamber of Commerce at 580-225- it-forming, as the game does not involve See Pickle Ball page 3. hot dogs, chips and drinks from 10 a.m. to 3 0207 or email [email protected]. Vol. 117, No. 59 Mail delivery View online . (LUO 0 . Weather tomorrow 95/78 75 cents, 8 pgs. 580.225.3000 elkcityoknews.com