December 9, 2023 Issue, Page 1 of 10

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1. 5 Western Oklahoma Since 1901 Weekend Edition Local Athlete Hits the Court in Weapon Found at ECPS, Bulls’ Victory No Threat Found By Sheryl Ponce Elk City Public Schools went into action when the admin- istration received a notification from the Stop Ap that there was a gun on the campus of Elk City High School. According to ECPS Superintendent Mike Sparks, from the time they re- ceived the anonymous tip to locating the unloaded 22 Derrin- ger pistol in the waste can in the boys’ bathroom, it was about ten minutes. ‘The Elk City Police Department's report stated, “The School Police Officers (SRO) at the school board office, got the call at 10:37 a.m. and immediately went to the high school and began their investigation into the threat credibility. Within minutes of arriving, ECPD and school officials were able to validate the threat. By 10:48 a.m. they had the suspect apprehended and the gun recovered.” Sparks said that it happened very fast. They made the deci- sion to lock down the building because they already had the gun. They wanted to make sure they didn't have a second gun. “We wanted to make sure that they knew where all the kids were. Plus, they were getting ready to go to lunch. So, you're getting ready to release 600 kids, and you've got this going on. Thus, the decision was made to lock down and make sure everybody had every kid in place,” Sparks explained. When they determined that there was no threat to any oth- Rheaume defends the basket. See more photos on page 9. er school or campus, the parents of the high school students were notified by the school app and text messaged about the By Sheryl Ponce Sayre High School basketball coach, Nick Fowler, also saw more lock down situation. playing time, especially in the second half. According to the ECPD situational update, “If there had ‘The Western Oklahoma Bulls hit the court at the Arrowhead ‘Audience highlight was when Elk City’s Eric Rheaume hit the See Gun page 2. Center Sat. evening to face the Oklahoma Outlaws. The final court in the second half. Although he did not score, he was able to score was a 111 to 77 win, leading the game from the start. By guard the Outlaws and assist the team in bringing the ball to the basket. The crowd cheered him on, as he seemed to be a surprise the end of the first quarter the Bulls led with a 32-to-14-point lead, and they continued to ramp up their lead by 38 points at half with 74-36 score. player. Rheaume was emcee throughout the game and was instru- mental in getting the crowd involved in the event. RCCT Planning ‘A Red ‘The Bull’s next game will take place Dec. 18 in Shreveport, Big highlights for the first half were the thrilling four-point- ers made by the 6'5” forward, Jaylan Williams. 6’6”, Jon Mc- Donald was also instrumental in scoring and driving the ball to Louisiana, followed by a home court game against the New Mexi- co Bullshakes on Sat., Jan. 1st, at 6 p.m. in the Arrowhead Center. Carpet Christmas’ Tickets can be purchased online at westernokbulls.com. Other the goal throughout the game. 6'3” guard, Justin Miller from games on the schedule include home against the Knights on Jan. Thomas, who was coming off an injury, saw more court time. 13th, and home again on Sat., Jan. 20th. By Sheryl Ponce The Red Carpet Community Theatre will be holding a Elk City Commission Approves Lighting Update Christmas fundraiser on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 17th, at 2 p.m., in the theatre, located at 422 N. Jefferson. Several mem- bers of the community will be performing some favorite holi- at Red Rock Baseball Field day songs. In addition, there will be a live auction of various vintage furniture and other donated items. Some of those performing include Jeff and Gini Smith who will be singing “Have Yourselfa Merry Little Christmas,” Stephanie Ellis performing “The Christmas Song,” Sarah Byer is going to sing “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” Kalyssa Staggs will be singing “Twas the Month After Christmas,” Lisa ‘Thompson performing “O Holy Night,” Jeanie Spain will be singing “Where's the Line to See Jesus?” Joy Moore and Emily Barnes performing “Once Upon a December,” Cody Smith will be singing, “Mary Did You Know?” Kaydean Nalley will be per- forming “Snow Waltz,” and Case Nalley will be in a “Christmas Comedy.” ECPS Superindent Mike Not only will there be stellar performances that will be Sparks and Brandon Culver, bringing the sound and feelings of Christmas into the theatre, Culver Electric, talk to the Elk but the audience will be able to join in the spirit with select city Commission about ligh- numbers of Christmas songs. Simply Desserts will be there for ing at the baseball field. a taste of Christmas decadence. Season tickets for the 2024 season are available now at www.rect.org. Get on board to see a lineup of a variety of shows that will bring something for everyone. Starting off is By Sheryl Ponce remainder; repealing all ordinances in conflict herewith; and “Arsenic and Old Lace” by Joseph Kesselring, which is a hilari- declaring an emergency. City attorney was present and recom- ous show from the 1944 film starring Cary Grant. “Arsenic and ‘The Elk City Commissioners met Monday evening at 7 p.m. in mended tabling the item to make it an introduction to the or- Old Lace” will run March 22-24, and 29-31. City Hall for their regular monthly meeting. Commissioner Rick dinance. In addition, they were to consider making it an emer- ‘The second show of the year is the musical “Into the Woods.” Shelton stood in for Mayor Cory Spieker who was absent for the gency ordinance. It was not considered but tabled until a future Audiences will recognize many of the characters in this Sond- meeting. Rocky Andresen was also absent. After Shelton led the meeting. heim musical, which takes classic fairytales and turns them on invocation, Jeff Waters led the flag salute. ‘The commissioners approved the 2024 commission meeting their heads. “Into the Woods” will run June 14-16, and 21-23. ‘The first order of business was the approval of the minutes dates and city employee holidays. Then they heard from Elk City In the fall they will be producing a show called “Gaslight,” from the Nov. 15th meeting, followed by the approval of Ordi- Public Schools Superintendent Mike Sparks, who talked about by Patrick Hamilton. This show is also known as “Angel Street,” nance No, 1261: An Ordinance of the City of Elk City, amend- the lighting at the Red Rock Baseball Stadium. He explained as the main characters live on Angel Street in 19th century ing the Elk City Code of Ordinances: Chapter 20 Public Utilities, that he has coached in the stadium, and he believes it is a strong London. ‘This psychological thriller is perfect for the Hallow- een season. “Gaslight” will run October 4-6, and 11-13. Section 20-7 Bills Due; When; Delinquency. City Manager Tom asset to the community. The biggest drawback to the facility is Ivester said that this was introduced at the last meeting, and it the lighting. He predicts that someone will get hurt because the ‘The last production of 2024 is “The Wedding Singer.” The theatre is going back to the 80s with this amazing musical makes late payment, prior to becoming delinquent, must be paid lighting is out of date, and there is low visibility. The baseball by the 19th of each month, at 5 p.m. field is owned by the City of Elk City, therefore, the school is fi- based on the Adam Sandler hit movie. “Wedding Singer” will run December 6-8, and 13-15. ‘The second item on the agenda was the consideration to ap- nancially not able to contribute that much to the upkeep. Sparks ‘There is a possibility of a special season ticket discount if prove or disapprove Ordinance 1262: An Ordinance vacating a did commit to fixing the seating by removing the wooden bleach- purchased during the “Red Carpet Christmas” production. Be right of way easement previously dedicated to the City of Elk there to celebrate the season, and put a season membership in City providing that invalidity of a part shall not invalidate the See Commission page 8. a loved one's stocking for Christmas. Vol. 120, No. 98 8 04879 "13151 6 Weather tomorrow 3/31 75 cents, 10 pgs. Mail delivery 580.225.3000 View online elkcityoknews.com