February 17, 2021 Issue, Page 1 of 10

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¢ e ‘ il iy Serving >. _ Western Oklahoma 74 | Since 1901 Weekday Edition media showcase his handcrafted woodwork and keen eye for the trade. But, ever the public servant, Fletcher was eager for more when he stumbled upon a new career grading cattle for the United States Department of Agriculture. “A buddy of mine named Josh, also a fellow Ranger, runs cattle with his brand Ranger Cattle, out by Austin, raising Waygu beef. He met this guy who said he was looking for two military guys for a position with the USDA in Oklahoma. He had several other people who had taken the job, but it just hadn’t worked out with them. ‘Then they talked to the big boss in Pennsylvania and he said, ‘Ole Gene might be interested.’ It just kind of went from there,” Fletcher explained. ‘The USDA management had been clear in their preference for a candidate with military service due to their work ethic and dili- gence. While that gave Fletcher an in for the job, his truest advan- tage is a lifelong work history with agriculture. “This is getting back to my roots,” he grinned. “I always loved working around cattle, being in the outdoors. I love to eat beef, I love being in the outdoors and in sale barns and I like being around cattle people.” Within just days of learning of the job opening, Fletcher was Gene Fletcher interviewed by the woman who has been in a leadership position From the 52 couples who entered their picture on The with the USDA. Elk City News FaceBook page for the “This is Love” By Shonda Little ‘The two met for their interview at OKC-West sale barn near El Valentine giveaway, Santiago and Adela Gonzales, Reno. from Carter, were drawn out as the 1st place winners. When Gene Fletcher graduated from Merritt High School in “It was supposed to be about a fifteen minuted interview, but. ‘The received an assortment of gifts valued at $275. 1989, he had no idea the many places that life would take him, spe- three hours later, we were still talking,” Fletcher laughed. ‘Those merchants who donated gift certificates include, cifically while working for the United States government. Confident in his interview, Fletcher was still excited when he was Rib Crib, Oak Creek Floral and Gifts, Fred’s Steak- After the terrorists flew hijacked planes into the Twin Towers offered the job. house, Mountain Man Hatchet Throwing and Grub, and Pentagon, he felt the call of duty. By then, Fletcher was enter- “I started in January. All these other guys have big parts in their Pedro’s Mexican Grille, Broadway Flowers, Boomtown ing his early 30s, but skills he had picked up checking cattle and resumes from going to college. I was honest with her when I said Grill, Sonic, Homeland Grocery, Main Street Coffee and Café, Elk City News, and Monterrey’s Mexican constructing houses with his bare hands made him an easy pick for that I hadn't done that, but I've loved working around cattle my Food, in Burns Flat. A big “Thank You” goes to each of the Army Rangers. whole life and I like to learn and will work hard at it. I don’t know them for their generosity. Staff photo by Neva Pyatt. He and his fellow Rangers, with the 175th Ranger Regimen, why, but they decided to go with me,” the ornery veteran quipped. served multiple tours in high intensity combat. Recounting the And to sweeten the pot, Fletcher's former Ranger friend and hand-to-hand combat he experienced, Fletcher is casual as he men- business partner Nick Smith was also hired on ina similar position. tions his Purple Hearts and other military decorations. “That's about as good as it gets, working with Nick,” Fletcher said. “I did that for nine and half years,” Fletcher recalled. “It was the Fletcher's position with the USDA may be unfamiliar to many, time of my life. You know, I liked serving my country.” but is vital for American cattle markets traded on the Chicago Mer- ‘As much as he loved being in the Rangers, he was also excited cantile Exchange. to return back to his western Oklahoma hometown and his agri- “It is kind of a dream job for the kid in me,” Fletcher advised. “I cultural background. He founded Red Spear Tactical with fellow had worked for places like the Farris Ranch. Now I get to get paid to Ranger Nick Smith, specializing in custom made firearms and tac- go to sale barns all day and grade the cattle that are being sold and tical training. record what they are sold for. That helps set the market for Fletcher also began a construction company. His photos on social See Fletcher page 2. Elk City School Board holds February Meeting Elk City Street Department By Shonda Little fund has a slightly higher balance year-to-date with $3,216,148.51, spends weekend preparing up from $3,083,440.06 from the previous year. ‘The Elk City School Board held their regularly scheduled monthly ‘The money spent was also slightly higher at $1,281,994.58, up meeting on February 8 at 6 pm at the Elk City Board of Education. from $1,211,210.72 the year prior. for winter weather ‘The meeting mostly addressed regular housekeeping associated The building fund, however, showed a sharp increase to By Shonda Little with rehiring existing staff. $367,246.69, up from $237,398.33 in the previous year. ‘The meeting began by first openingto public comment. According ‘The board voted to rehire Assistant Superintendent Cindy Buck- to board policy, any person wishingto make a public comment must master, Curriculum and Professional Development Director Robin Early last week, Oklahoma meteorologists were taking to their notify the superintendent more less than 24 hours prior. Caufman, Elementary Principal Haley Price, Elementary Assistant nightly broadcasts and social media to warn the state's residents No public comments were made and board then accepted the Principal James Cook, Intermediate Principal Dee Willemstad, Mid- of a historically long cold streak dipping below freezing tempera- board meeting minutes from the January 11 meeting. dle School Principal Richard Moran, High School Principal tures. New 9's meteorologist Lacey Swope said that the Sooner State ‘The superintendent’s financial report showed that the general See Board page 2. hadn't seen that number ofpredicted days below 32 since 1983, jok- ing that it was longer than she had been alive. By mid-week on Wednesday, broadcasters then began warning that the frigid cold would be amplified by large amounts of possible Meet the City sometimes citizens can direct undue blame toward her when an ar- rest warrant is issued for an unpaid citation, she also noted that the snow and ice accumulation. joys of serving the public far outweighs those stresses. ‘The massive winter storm stretched from Austin, Texas, to the Hailing from a family full of law enforcement, Kilhoffer initially northern most tip of Maine. Elk City was no exception. thought she might pursue the family tradition. While attending col- And as the various stochastic forecasts and prediction models ‘The Elk City News is featuring a lege at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, she was seemed to caution that upwards of 10 or more inches of winter different city employee to introduce redirected to a degree as a drug and alcohol counselor. precipitation could reek havoc upon western Oklahoma, Elk City’s citizens and visitors to the people “T loved being a drug and alcohol counselor,” Kilhoffer recounted. Street Department Superintendent Eddie Bagby and his dedicated and departments that make the City “L knew I wanted to do something in law enforcement since both of crew were staying up-to-date on the latest reports and tirelessly of Blk City work my parents did that. I went to work at the prison in Alva as a drug working to stay ahead of the storm. ood and alcohol counselor. Then, I went to work for Red Rock when we “We are hoping for the best and preparing for the worst,” Bagby \7"8) a By Shonda Little first moved to Elk City and worked with the drug court program to laughed. “We start preparing days out and my guys are willing to put work with deferred regimented sentences for young adults.” in whatever it takes to keep the roads as safe as possible.” The goal of most municipal She briefly moved with her family before returning to Elk City. Bagby, who is in his eighth year in the supervisory position, ex- 1 leaders is for a city to run so “T always wanted to be able to stay home with my children for plained that groundwork for a successful snow and/or ice cleanup seamlessly that its citizens don’t their first year,” Kilhoffer explained. “I had been able to do that with actually starts months ahead of time. have to give much thought into my oldest son. Then, I had gone back into the work field before I got “We start making sure we have all the stuff we will need in Oc- the numerous working parts that pregnant with my youngest. Again, it was really important for me to tober just in case we get bad weather early.” Bagby stated. “Most have to coordinate, day in and stay home with him for the first year no matter what and I was able years we don't get it that early, but this year was a good reminder day out, for a smooth operation. to do that again. When he got old enough, I knew I wanted to find a as to why we do. Then we are constantly watching the weather two However, behind the often un- job that would work with having young kids so I could be able to be weeks out to be ready for anything that could hit us. We make sure Rachel Kilhoffer known and overlooked functions involved in their activities.” we have all the supplies we will need and that all our equipment is of a city are the people who actu- Just as she was ready to re-enter the work force, the position of ready to go.” ally execute those duties. In an effort to both showcase those tasks Elk City Municipal Court Clerk became open. ‘Then, as the forecasts tighten and a winter storm appears more and the people who do them, the Elk City News continues our ongo- “This seemed like somethingI might like because it was still get- eminent, Bagby and his crew go to work. Their long days do not end ing series on the numerous jobs that actually make the city work. ting to work around law enforcement. I just decided to apply and I until the streets are once again safely cleared. Rachel Kilhoffer is an eight year veteran with the City of Elk City, ended up getting picked,” she said. “Two to three days before a storm hits, we put out a brine of pre serving as the municipal court clerk. Although she admitted that See Kilhoffer page 2. See Winter page 2. Vol. 119, No. 14 a Te Weather tomorrow /15 75 cents, 10 pgs. Mail delivery 580.225.3000 View online elkcityoknews.com