November 10, 2021 Issue, Page 1 of 18

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Serving Western Oklahoma ince 1901 Wednesday, November 10, 2021 Weekday Edition Elk City High School Comforting Hands graduate awarded National Hospice to hold American FFA degree Christmas tion as an employee.” In addition, “recipients must also complete memorial and dinner 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through completion of a long list of FFA and community activities.” The organization shares that less than one percent of FFA members earn the Amer- ican FFA Degree. In being recognized for their achievements, at the convention those receiving the degree are also bestowed a gold American EFA Degree key and certificate. Lex Dugger, a member of the Elk City High School Class of 2020, was one of this year’s less than 4,000 recipients of the prestigious award. He is currently in his second year in the Service Careers Department at the Burns Flat campus of Western Technology Center. Though Lex does differ from most of his fellow Ameri- can FFA Degree recipients in that he has Down Syndrome, his By Burgundy Lee Hanrahan mom, Tammy Dugger, says that “Lex does not really realize he has Down Syndrome, he thinks he is just like everyone else. We Julie Western, Community Liaison for Elk City Comfort- know he knows that he has Down Syndrome but if you ask him, ing Hands Hospice (CHH), says that CHH was established he says he doesn’t - he is just like everyone else.” in 2011 and celebrated their ten-year anniversary this past Tammy also shares, “We all are so very proud of Lex and his March. Western also shares that November is National Hos- achievement and the hard work he has put into this award.” Hard pice and Palliative Care month and in celebration, Mayor Nick work just might be an understatement; Tammy says that when ‘Archer signed a proclamation last week. Lex first found out about the degree his freshman year, he told his family that he wanted to earn it and so, his family supported CHH offers an annual memorial around the holidays as part him in his dream. In fact, Tammy says that they started calling of their bereavement program. This year’s memorial will be him “Mr. FFA” because “that is all he talked about and wanted to held at Copper Hart Manor on Friday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. CHH do.” Lex has been involved in FFA since his freshman year in high invites all to “celebrate the lives of our loved ones who have Lex Dugger. school all the way through his senior year and even held officer died” during the evening of “reflection and remembrance” positions, serving as chaplain his junior year and treasurer his with a dinner catered by Shelina Rios and featuring special By Burgundy LeeHanrahan senior year. Throughout his time in FEA, Lex has put out flags, guest speaker and sculptor Bob Willis, a hospice bereavement showed pigs, participated in speech competitions and “had lots ‘The 94th National Future Farmers of America Convention and of fun,” though his favorite part is showing pigs and hanging out counselor of 17 years whom specializes in grief and loss. Expo was held in Indianapolis, Ind. Oct. 27 - 30. One feature that with his FFA instructor, Mr. Dillenger. Western shares that Willis “has a unique and captivating style always takes place during the annual event is the honoring of FFA In order to earn the American FFA Degree and gold key, Lex of discussing extremely sensitive and emotional material as members who show “the utmost dedication to the organization showed pigs and also raised and sold basset hound puppies as. he sculpts a broken heart in clay.” through their desire to develop their potential for premier leader- ship, personal growth and career success through agricultural ed- well as taking part in other activities such as community service Comforting Hands says that with the help of their participat- ucation.” This is done through the presentation of the American and competitions with his FFA Chapter. ing sponsors, this evening will be free to all who attend. They FFA Degree, an award that “recognizes demonstrated ability and Lex is proud of himself for earning this degree that he put so do ask that those who join them for the special evening please outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, much time and effort into working towards, as he should be. The bring an ornament to place on the memorial tree to honor processing or service programs.” In order to earn the award, FFA Duggers share that “this degree proves that FFA is an organiza- their loved one. members “must have earned and productively invested $10,000 tion that believes in supporting the students and making leaders through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in out of each one of them.” Anyone that wishes to attend is asked to call (580)225-1738 which they own their own business or hold a professional posi- Congratulations, Lex! by Monday, Nov, 29 to RSVP, You can also call that number for information about the services that CHH offers. Police chase leads to felony Southwest Rustic Market is charges for Elk City man this weekend assault and battery with a dan- a failure to stop. ‘The report states that the ve- By Burgundy Lee Hanrahan gerous weapon following an ‘The vehicle then turned north hicle eventually slid in a ditch, October police chase. on South Pioneer, remaining at ‘The Southwest Rustic Market Craft Show has been held since coming to a rest on its driver's At approximately 1:54 am. the same speed. side. 2018. This year they had a show in both February and May and on Oct. 24, an Elk City Police ‘The vehicle reportedly turned An Oklahoma Highway Patrol- a third will be held this weekend, Nov. 13 and 14 at the Elk City Department officer reportedly on Broadway before turning man got on top of the pas- Convention Center. Organizers say that the November show has observed a vehicle with a non- on Johnson Lane onto Third senger side of the vehicle and been taking place for years, though it recently changed names functional lamplight. The ve- Street at a “slow pace.” to the Southwest Rustic Market. They say that they will be open broke out the passenger side hicle also reportedly swerved The pursuit then reportedly window to assist the driver, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to two times and almost struck a continued to County Road later identified as Derek Ed- 4 p.m. With over 50 booths as well as a concession stand and curb. 1970, reaching speeds of 90 food trucks set to be there, they say that there will be something ward Rylant. ‘The officer activated his emer- miles per hour. to meet everyone's shopping needs this holiday season. From gency lights to conduct a traffic ‘The officer alleged that the Rylant allegedly “passively re- Derek Rylant stop near 20th Street and Oil- driver did a “brake check.” sisted arrest.” jewelry to lotions, bath bombs to Scentsy, Tupperware, baked Rylant was transported to goods, vintage Christmas items, Avon, Colorstreet, Norwex, Os- field Drive. A second ECPD officer joined By Shonda Little ‘he vehicle allegedly did not Great Plains Regional Medical the pursuit. The reporting of- bourne Books, tumblers, knives, toys, clothes, decor, jewelry art, stop and continued at speeds Center and reportedly agreed ficer later learned that the sec- Christmas ornaments and much, much more, organizers invite A 36-year-old Elk City man of 30-40 miles per hour. ond officer was also reportedly toa blood test. everyone out to help support their local businesses. Find some- has been charged with driving ‘The officer contacted the ECPD “brake checked.” Rylant was bonded out of jail thing for everyone on your gift list in one convenient place this under the influence, attempt- dispatch and informed them ‘The driver also allegedly hit the for $10,000 and is due back in weekend. There is no cost to get into the craft show. For more in- ing to elude police officers and that the vehicle was considered second officer's patrol car. court on Dec. 6. formation, you can find Southwest Rustic Market on Facebook. LHL HEN Weather tomorrow om 65/41 Vol. 119, No. 90 75 cents, 8 pgs. Mail delivery 580.225.3000 View online elkcityoknews.com