December 20, 2023 Issue, Page 1 of 8

Page Text

G> Serving Western Oklahoma af Since 1901 Wednesday, December 20, 2023 Miss Elk City/Queen of the West Crowned was named Miss Congeniality for the Miss Elk City category, and Emma Valgora was Queen of the West Miss Congeniali- ty. All of these ladies received $100 in cash awards. ‘The first runners-up includ- ed Katie Davis as the Miss Elk City Teen, Kayla Peeler as Miss Elk City, and Emma Valgora as Queen of the West. Each run- ner-up also received a mone- tary scholarship, along with the title winners. Scholarships were provided by the Miss Elle City Organization and the Elk City Rotary Club. The winner's bouquets were provided by Hylton’s Flowers. Each competitor was ECHS Graduate judged in the following cate- Pictured with the Miss Elk City organization co-chairs, Rylee Varnell and AbigailChit- gories: onstage conversation, wood, are Lexi Neahring- Queen of the West, Samantha Rother~ Miss Elk City Teen, and health and fitness, performing Publishes Angela Nichols - Mi: Elk City. Staff photo by Sheryl Ponce. arts talent, her story presen- By Sheryl Ponce ing named Miss Elk City Teen, tion categories. Angela Nichols crowned Miss Other awards that were tations, and evening gown. Each of these categories were Self-Help Book weighted by points. Judges for The tradition continued Elk City, and Lexi Neahring presented were the Miss Con- By Sheryl Ponce the competition were Winston with the Miss Elk City/Queen was presented the Queen of geniality titles. Those were vot- Banta, Dr. Maybree Lawrence, of the West Contest Saturday the West crown. Lake Carpen- ed on by the other competitors Bill Helton, Melissa Valencia, Just in time for a perfect Christmas gift, Elk City High evening at 6. p.m., in the Kelli ter was the host for the event in each category. They were Au- School grad Amanda Burch Barker, published her first book. O'Hara Performing Arts Cen- and kept the show moving brey Lamar in the Miss Elk City It is called “365 Day Encouragement Journey, Building Oth- ter, with Samantha Rother be- through the various competi- Teen category, Kayla Peeler See Crowned page 2 ers Up, Motivating Yourself.” Although this is her first book, it is not her first experience in ministering to others. Barker has spent years teaching others through classes Hometown Christmas Makes and ladies’ events. She uses the subject of encouragement coupled with biblical teachings to help others in their own Brighter Holiday for Winners journey in life. She has a unique way of helping others by encouraging them to look outside of themselves in achieving peace and happiness in Christ She has found that when she is helping others, she feels better and more motivated in her own life. Barker loves pho- tography and design. Her greeting cards and other creations can be found on Etsy. For questions or speaking engage- ments, she can be reached by email at authoramandabarker@ gmail.com Barker is the daughter of Ricky and Cathy Burch of Elk City. She is married to Brock Barker, an officer in the Air Force. She has two grown children, Xander Williams, Kansas City, and Alyssa Williams, student at OSU. See the next issue of GoWest magazine to learn more about Barker's story. Christy Lovelace, $100 365 Day Encouragement Journey Building O: s Motivati David McGee, $300 winner Esta Pletcher, $100 winner Jaime Partain, $200 win- Joyce Roberts, $300 win- ner ner By Sheryl Ponce time for the drawing, There hopper to Main Street Coffee good as cash at the participat- ‘The cold and rain did not were Christmas cookie dec- and Café so shoppers could ing merchants. stop shoppers from spend- orating contests, individual drop their tickets in just prior ‘The businesses that won ing an evening in downtown store specials, as well as Santa to the drawing. With standing the window display contest Elk City’s “Hometown Christ- Claus and the Grinch roaming room only in the coffee shop, were Buffalo Creek Boutique, mas.” The annual Chamber of the streets. Touchstone began rolling the Dragonfly Interiors Design, Commerce drawing was held At 7:30 p.m. Executive Di- hopper at 8 p.m. sharp. Cupp and The Vogue. The winners Amanda Barker ‘Thursday, Dec. 14th, at 8 p.m., rector of the Elk City Chamber drew ten tickets that were of the Chamber Dollars draw- although the shops were open of Commerce Susie Cupp and worth $300, $200, or $100 in ing were Linda Ware, Joyce from 5 p.m. up until it was Karen Touchstone brought the Chamber Dollars. They were as See Winners page 8. 8 IM uh, Weather tomorrow /49 Vol. 120, No.101 75 cents, 8 pgs. Mail delivery 580.225.3000 View online elkcityoknews.com