January 14, 2023 Issue, Page 1 of 10

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Saturday, January 14, 2023 Weekend Edition Elk City Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet Represents Unity in Community Se ‘“ lagen:| Volunteer of the Year Recipients Announced One of the last duties of the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Pam Muncrief, is to name the Pam Gregory's Ex- tra Mile Volunteer of the Year Award at the annual Chamber Banquet. The honor for 2022 was given to Mark and Joanna Norton. They were awarded the honor for their dedication to the chamber and to Elk City. “These two people have been volunteering to help out Kathryn Sikes and Susie Cupp. Staff photo by Sheryl Ponce. with the Farm and Home Expo, the Fall Festival, Christmas in the Park. In addition to volunteering and other events and “look back on the past year which went by very quickly, and being a helpful part of our community, they always go above I'm proud of the accomplishments that the Chamber has brought and beyond what is expected of them at each endeavor that about for our city businesses. Number one being the painting of they area part of. It's these qualities that we shouldall strive Presidents, Sikes and Muncrief. Staffphoto by Sheryl Ponce. the rig, the city brought forth the idea to the chamber to take the to demonstrate as we try to make our city the best that it can By Sheryl Ponce lead on the fundraising to raise the money that we take for this be this year,” Muncrief said. monumental task, and the fundraising efforts were very success- Mark and Joanna were married 31 years ago, and after ful. We have also had more donations recently. That will enable us they were married, they moved to Taos, New Mexico, where ‘The annual Chamber Banquet took place Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Elk City Civic Center. The theme of the evening was to add lighting to the rig and possibly a staircase to the deck. We he worked for Walmart. While they were there, they also called “Unity in Community’ under the direction of Executive are now on the planning stages of adding those features. The vi- managed the ski shop. Their daughter was also born in Taos. Director of the Chamber Susie Cupp who welcomed the guests sion is to make the historic Parker drilling rig, a place for visitors Then Mark was transferred to Kansas, where they lived for and dignitaries. After welcoming the crowd, Cupp led the Pledge to stop and enjoy an interactive experience and spend money in five years. That was where their son was born. of Allegiance, then she introduced Matt Bradshaw who gave the town while they’re here. We've had several successful block par- After moving to Oklahoma, Mark finished his 27-year ties downtown this summer. It’s exciting to see the crowds of career with Walmart. Now, he is the Executive Director for invocation. people who show up to enjoy the entertainment and food trucks ‘The entertainment was Jessie Osborn who sang and played the Elk City Housing Authority. He has worked there for the guitar. The photographer was Terri D. Chervenka Photogra- that are organized by dedicated chamber volunteers,” Muncrief See Volunteer page 2. said. phy to document the evening. Fred’s Steakhouse served prime rib, chicken breast with mushroom cream sauce, loaded mash po- ‘After the review, she presented the gavel to the new 2023 tatoes, veggie medley, green beans, salad, rolls cheesecake, and chocolate layer cake to the guests. Chamber President, Shaley Sikes. Sikes’ theme for the year is Unity in Community. She spoke about her vision for Elk City. Elk City Police “During my year as President of the Chamber of Commerce, Department Promotes After everyone had gone through the buffet line and ate, 2022 T'm excited to continue the mission of our chamber working to- Chamber President Pam Muncrief announced the Pam Gregory Extra Mile Volunteer of the Year award to Joanna and Mark gether to foster an environment of growth and prosperity. My North. She then talked about her year as president in a year in goal is to continue our development by focusing on unity and review. See Banquet page 2. Pictured are the 2023 Basketball Homecoming Court. Seventh grade attendants are Presley DeLeon and Miller Mayfield standing, Eighth grade attendants are Kylee Coffey and Cameron Nicholson. Senior queen candidates are Hailey Buie, Caylin Burton and Campbell Rainey, and king candidates are Kye Keyes, Cooper Church and Mason Schmidt. Represent- ing the freshman class are Aubrey Pogue and Kye Brott, and sophomore attendants are Abby Brown and Hooper Stover. Elk City Police Department promoted Matt Batchelor Junior attendants are Adyson and Alex Cupp. Sta/f photo by Rose Cummings. and Marc Daniel to Corporal. Courtesy Photos Vol. 120, No. 4 Mail delivery View online «OL Weather tomorrow 66 / 46 75 cents, 10 pgs. 580.225.3000 elkcityoknews.com