March 11, 2023 Issue, Page 1 of 26

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y v. Serving m. _Western Oklahoma 4 Since 1901. aturday, March 11, 2023 Weekend Edition Baseball Field at Ackley Park Dedicated to Charlie Joy td a FORTHE PROPOSAL-YES — AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO Oklahoma Says No to Recreational Marijuana Charlie Joy’s children, Joe Joy, Diane Sizemore, and Cheryl Buchananwith the dedication memorial at Ackley Baseball Park.; Joe Joy talks about his father, Charlie Joy. Charlie’s baseball uniform hangs on the fence behind him. Sta/f photos by By Sheryl Ponce Sheryl Ponce ‘The unofficial results for State Question No, 820 Initiative By Sheryl Ponce loved his family and the community more than anyone. He was Petition No. 434, better known as the recreational marijuana open to giving advice on anything that troubled a person. question, was defeated by 61.68 percent saying no to the 38,32 ‘The cold weather did not stop the late Charlie Joy's family “[ listened to him in my head, and it told me to always try yes votes. There were 566,004 voters who made their wishes and friends from coming to the unveiling of a memorial plaque to leave the world a better place. Charlie is someone who loved known in the Tuesday, March 7th, election. that dedicates the Ackley Park Baseball Field to his memory, you like family. ‘You left our lives better because we had you in ‘The final numbers included 216,883 voting for the initia~ Wed. afternoon at 4 p.m. The mayor, Cory Spieker, welcomed it’ I hope everyone that sees this monument understands what you did for this community. I want to thank the family for treat- tive and 349,122 against it. There were 13,851 absentee mail the family and crowd to the ceremony and spoke about Joy. Matt Trotter came up with the dedication idea and went to ing me like one of your own, also to the city of Elk City, and our ballots cast, with 6,441 voting yes, while 7,419 voted no. Ad- the city commission to get the process started. He then spoke school administration. Thank you for the opportunity to pay ditionally, there were 34,403 early voters with 12, 554 affirma- about his old friend who came into his barber shop to get his tribute to a great man. In closing I have one more gift for Diane, tive votes and 21,849 no votes. On election day 517,750 voters hair cut and joked with Trotter about baseball. The two became Cheryl and Joe. Today March 7, 2023, will be known as Charlie turned out and of those 197,888 voted yes, and 319,882 voted good friends, which led to his desire to honor Joy. Joy Day,” Totter added. no. “really became close with him (Joy) about 20 years ago and Joe Joy then spoke. Although he fought back the tears, he ‘The statewide turnout was 25.35 percent. The total num- ever since then it was really great. had the privilege to witness was able to say thanks to everyone who came to the dedication. bers for Beckham County were 2,742 total voters, with 619 in what he contributed to this community, and it was nothing He said a few words about his father. short of admirable. He’s perhaps the most selfless man that I've “He was born and raised in New York. He came out here in favor of the proposition, while 2,123 were against it. had the pleasure of knowing. I can’t tell you how many times ‘55 and played out here. He loved three things. He loved God, he'd walk into the barber shop door and I would talk trash, main- ly about our Sox/Yankees rivalry. This man wouldn't even blink his family, and he loved baseball. He had one of the greatest baseball collections and memorabilia because he just loved the Moore Artist an eye with the comeback,” Totter said. He went on to say that Joy lived his life to the fullest, and he See Joy page 2. Commissioned to Revive Route 66 Museum Commissioners Retain Meacham Law Firm as City Lawyer and Address Dilapidated Buildings By Sheryl Ponce a 2011 John Deere Gator, a small JD tractor backhoe attach- ment, four 2010 Dodge Charger Police Units, 500-gal herbicide ‘The Elk City Commissioners met for their regular meeting spray rig, a 2008 Ford F-150 pick-up with no transmission, a Monday, March 6th, at 7 p.m. in City Hall with all commission- 2011 Street Sweeper, a 5’3” point spring tooth, two 2011 Dodge ers present except Rocky Andresen. They began their meeting Charger Police Units, and approximately 100 stackable chairs with an open hearing on 609 N. Randall being presented by City from Carnegie Hall. Dean Codner living the best life. Inspector Jackie Addington as a dilapidated structure. No one ‘The commissioners approved half payment to Spaces, Inc. for By Sheryl Ponce was present to speak on the behalf of the owners. furniture for the Aquatic Center in the amount of $151,830.55. After the hearing, they approved the minutes from the Feb. ‘They then turned their attention to more dilapidated struc- ‘The City of Elk City hired Dean Codner from Moore to 15th meeting, and then heard from Ryan Meacham on behalf tures. ‘The first one was previously discussed and tabled from touch-up and paint the various signs around the Route 66 of the Meacham Law Firm, Clinton. Meacham introduced him- April 20, July 20, Sept. 6, Nov. 7, and Feb. 6, located at 805 N. Museum. He is working with Chris Smith who is also helping self and spoke of the family legacy, which began in 1918. He Randall. The owner was present and asked for additional time him, he two are staying in tents at Elk Lake and riding their to remove the asbestos and take down a building. The commis- dirt bikes after they call it a day. said that the firm works with several municipalities in west- ern Oklahoma. The commissioners approved the contract, and sioners tabled the item until the April 3rd commission meeting. Codner said that they became involved in the project while Meacham took his seat on the commission. ‘The structure located at 609 N. Jackson has been tabled on they were painting the chicken for Chicken Express, both in- March 16, June 15, July 5, Sept. 6, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, and Feb. 6th. ‘The next item of business was the proposed dilapidated build- Addington told the commissioners that there has been a death side and outside of the building. He toured the museum, and ing located at 609 N. Randall. The owners were not represented, saw that there were issues that needed to be addressed. and the commissioners voted to approve the item, declaring it in the family of the homeowner and asked them to table the “My business has been in the sign/mural business, gym issue until April 3rd. They agreed and tabled it until April. The floors, urethane epoxy floors, and wall pads. I contacted Max- dilapidated and scheduled to be demolished. The commission- structure at 710 W. 8th was previously tabled in Dec., Feb., and ers also approved the purchase of five Watchguards in camera March 6. No homeowner was present to speak about the build- ine at the front office, and she told me that I need to contact the city manager about bidding on it. I got an interview with systems for installation on the new Ford Police Interceptors in ing, and the commissioners approved the item to declare it di- ‘Tom and brought my portfolio. He liked what I had, and said, the amount of $36,873. lapidated and ordered the removal, ‘Let’s go talk to the curator Charles (Wren).’ Charles looked at ‘They also approved 11 items to be declared as surplus and Next item on the agenda was the approval of Purchase Orders sold at the statewide county auction. Those included a three section batwing mower, three Military 60's model trailers, See Commissioners page2. See Artist page 2. 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