April 1, 2020 Issue, Page 1 of 10

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Western Oklahoma Since19g1 Weekday Edition WOFCC seeing more demand during slowdown This is the fifth story in a series on how coronavirus is af- fecting Elk City. Crews continue work for the Highway 6/Interstate 40 bridge project in Elk. Staff photos by Don Munsch. By Manda Smith, Contributing writer Economic conditions are prompting more people to seek Construction moves on in help from a local agency in Elk City. The Western Oklahoma Family Care Center has seen a rise in the number of people in need in recent weeks. The spite of COVID-19 crisis slowdown of the oil and natural gas industry paired with widespread layoffs in response to the coronavirus has had a significant effect on local families. “We have had lots of requests for assistance, for people By Don Munsch, Editor Asphalt will be laid this week, and the paving crew prob- needing things like diapers, wipes, and formula for their Southbound lane work continues on the roadway along ably will come in next week and then other work will be little babies,” said Neva Pyatt, chairman of the board for Highway 6 and the Interstate 40 bridge in Elk City, which done on the bridge. Completion date is mid to late summer. WOFCC. “If people would like to donate any of those will have a diverging diamond interchange when work ends Both northbound and southbound traffic travels on the goods, we wouldn’t turn them away, but there is an issue this summer. of how are we’re going to get them and get them to the But even with the coronavirus causing all kinds of havoc road now, with temporary striping done before the north- family in need while still staying safe. Right now, because nationally and statewide, Oklahoma Department of Trans- bound lanes opened. Work on the southbound lanes of the of COVID-19, we would ask that people make monetary portation moves on with its project in Elk City and works bridge and nearby roadway started in January. donations or gift cards. That also helps with the issue of not under the same deadlines previous to when coronavirus The DDI seeks to make traffic run smoother on both sides knowing what size of diapers a family might need, or what spread reached the state. of the road. ODOT said on its website that the existing twin type of formula. We don’t know until we receive the request Stan Hinds, construction inspector specialist for ODOT, for assistance.” who is based in Clinton, said employees practice social dis- bridges on Highway 6 over Interstate 40 were deemed struc- As COVID-19 cases rise across the state, more businesses tancing at the work site. turally deficient in 2015, “meaning the roadway is safe for are closing down and laying people off, but WOFCC is still “As much as they can,” Hinds said. travel but in dire need of repair.” For a detailed look at the open and offering help and hope to people. The crew is hanging the beams this week after some of DDI, access https://www.ok.gov/odot and then type in Di- “We are still here, Monday through Thursday, but our them arrived last week. No crew members have been out doors are locked,” Pyatt said. “For the safety of our staff because of illness, and no layoffs have occurred. verging Diamond Interchange under search. and clients, we ask that you please call to make an appoint- Truck rental company ment.” WOFCC has served families in need in Beckham, Custer, Washita and Roger Mills counties for more than 10 years. The organization has few paid employees, with most of not hit hard by downturn their staff being volunteers, including doctors, dentists and nurses. These volunteers spend their downtime helping peo- ple experiencing hard times. The WOFCC is run entirely on donations and grants. F Mons roe See WOFCC page 2. GA Hartman seeking third term as county clerk Danny Dawson, who works for Haines Wrecker Service in Elk City, cleans a U-Haul truck at the wrecker business, located on West Broadway Avenue. The wrecker service also includes a U-Haul rental opera- tion. Staff pictures by Don Munsch. By Don Munsch, Editor day, he had a rental going to Chickasha. While many businesses are struggling with uncertainty The coronavirus has affected U-Haul business in the met- now because of the economic downturn caused by the coro- ropolitan areas, especially the counties that have had cases, navirus, at least one business in Elk City is not experiencing Estrada said. [Beckham County, as this story was written, Leasa Hartman any ill effects. had not had a positive COVID-19 case. That changed Mon- Leasa Hartman announced Friday she is seeking her third Michael Estrada, who works at the U-Haul location at day with news of a case here.JLike the Broadway Avenue term as Beckham County Clerk. 2623 W. Broadway in Elk City, said people are still rent- location, the other three U-Haul locations in Elk City have A Republican candidate, Hartman has been county clerk ing trucks for all kinds of needs. At this U-Haul location, not been hurt business-wise, either, he said. for nine years and and said she would like the opportunity Haines Wrecker Service is the primary business, which Es- “[t really hasn’t changed anything out here,” Estrada said. to continue to work for the residents of Beckham County trada owns. “[ know the numbers in the bigger cities have changed and for another four years. She said in a news release she has “We've been very blessed here,” Estrada said Friday. “I the rentals have changed, but out here, we still haven’t seen worked every position in the office since being hired in July think with the way the economy had downturned and the the effects of it, in the moving side of it.” 1996. price of oil and gas and everything down, people are still As far as layoffs in the energy sector triggering truck rent- Hartman has completed the Oklahoma State University moving. We’re still renting trucks and trailers for people that als for people leaving, he said that has touched U-Haul in a County Training Program, the release stated. She received are moving locally in town from house to house and we're hit and miss way. The people who are higher up in the oil basic and advanced certification. still also renting equipment for who are moving way.” and gas industry, they will move or get transferred to jobs in On Friday, he had one rental going to Tulsa, and on Satur- See Uhaul page 2. As the principal record keeper of Beckham County, See Harta paee'ds Weather Vol. 118, No. 24 Mail delivery View online Rc il!Inn tM « ~ tomorrow / 41 75 cents,: 10 pgs. 580.225.3000 elkcityoknews.com