February 10, 2024 Issue, Page 1 of 20

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Serving Western Oklahoma Since 1901 A | EADERS ELK CITY Ca Chamber Names . \E Pictured are members of Leadership Class X Greta Louis, Eric Rheaume, Phillip O’Donnell, Kayla Maddox, Michael ad Valentine Day Fisher, Jimmy Cooksey, Cassandra Ausher, Julie Byerly, Serena Jones, and Tim Carter. Courtesy photo. Business Winners By Sheryl Ponce ‘The Elk City Chamber of Commerce announced the win- ‘The Elk City Chamber of Commerce announced the mem- ners of the Valentine Day's window decoration. The business bers of Leadership Class X in their inaugural introduction. They stared their journey on Jan. 11 at the new Elk City Golf and that came in first was Dragonfly Interiors and Design. The sec- Country Club. The steering committee welcomed them with the ond-place winner was The Candy Shack-Elk City, and Everett materials they will be reading that included “The Five Voices” and Blake Society came in third place. “The 100X Leader.” Dr. Casey Merrifield will be their trainer and Stop by these shops and tell them congratulations for mentor. their spectacular window decorations. ‘The members of the class include Greta Louis, Julie Byer- ly, Kayla Maddox, Cassandra Ausher, Serena Jones, Phillip O'Donnell, Tim Carter, Michael Fisher, Eric Rheaume, and Jim- my Cooksey. ‘They went on their first excursion Jan. 26th and 27th to ECPD Eddie Holland, Steering Chair Valentines Hold Multiple Meanings Quartz Mountain State Park. This was the Leadership Retreat where they learned more about each other and began to unravel the training. Each one has learned about city and state govern- communication and leadership styles. It was also a time to begin ment, community programs, and leaders within the town. A lot brainstorming about their class project, as well as a time to learn of the members have gone on to become leaders in Elk City and more about the program. the state. By Sheryl Ponce ‘The Leadership program is sponsored by the Chamber of For more information about Leadership Class contact Susie Commerce, There have been nine classes that have experienced Cupp at the Chamber of Commerce. I'm not sure whether it is as big ofa deal for children today to go to the store to pick out their Valentines as it was when I was a child. Then they secretly drop the perfectly chosen cards into the sacks that had been crafted as they line the tables of City Manager Reports Delay on the classroom. It was a huge deal when I was a kid, although some were heartbroken by the end of the day, and others were Downtown Project giddy with delight at their Valentine haul. After school we would go home and mull over each one once again, saving the ones that meant the most to us. It seemed to be the same each year. Some parents would shower their By Sheryl Ponce had turned the property around with the renovations they had children with candy, teddy bears, and/or flowers, but in those completed so far. It is not finished, but he recommended another ‘The Elk City Commissioners met for their regular meet- extension. They tabled the property until the April 1st meeting. days, that was the exception rather than the rule. ing Mon., Feb. 5th, at 7 p.m. in City Hall. Mayor Cory Spieker ‘Then they talked about the property at 1016 W. 8th. The As I became a high school teacher, tables were lined up out- opened the meeting with the invocation, and he was followed by owner was present, but Addington told the commissioners that side of the office for local florists to bring in huge bouquets of Jeff Waters leading the flag salute. Prior to beginning the meet- nothing had been done since it was tabled at the Nov. 6th meet- roses or flowers for the kids. Each hour the girls, and the boys, ing agenda, the commissioners held a public hearing concerning ing. The property has been on the agenda since May 2022. The would drop by the office to see if they received a Valentine. It two dilapidated buildings. commissioners questioned the owner and told him this would be seems like there were thousands of dollars’ worth of Valentines ‘The first building that City Inspector, Jackie Addington spoke the last extension. It was tabled until the April 1st meeting with delivered, and each year it grew. I think it got to be too much, to the commissioners about was one located at 416 W. 6th. He a vote of four to one. and the tradition of sending them to the school was stopped. said it was recently sold to renovate, but he recommended re- City Manager, Tom Ivester, went over the purchase orders When growing into adulthood, getting married, and moving the structure. Both owners were present and spoke on FY 23-24 and recurring invoices for Feb. Sth that were over settled, the Valentines also changed. I'm not sure whether it behalf of saving the house. The other structure was located at $10,000. The commissioners approved all the purchase orders. was me, or if the thrill of the day had a different meaning. It He then proceeded to give the City Manager’s Report. 1309 Railroad, Lincoln Park. Addington said he has been unable ‘Ihe first report was given by the city attorney, Ryan Meacham. seemed to be the one day that was more for showing other's to reach the owner, and no one was there to speak about the property. He talked about working with the DEQ in regard to permit re- how much you love your spouse, rather than the secret display Spieker closed the public hearing, and the commissioners views at the septic lagoons where cattle have been grazing. There of affection that a couple holds. then approved the minutes from the Jan. 17th meeting. The have been contracts or feed licenses for them to be on the prop- Valentine love changed over the years, and as I grow older first item on the agenda was to vote on declaring the structure at erty, but there are two tracts that DEQ will not permit because the love grows deeper and has a deeper meaning than a card, a 416 to be dilapidated and removed. They approved the motion; of the cattle. Meacham sent letters to two owners of the cattle flower, or candy. It means the unconditional and constant love therefore, the structure will be removed. The next item was the informing themof the situation. He said that he heard back from of trust and dependability. Love with the confidence that the approval of removing the structure at 1309 Railroad. one of the owners, but there is a question about the LLC that other person will be there, no matter what, to make sure that The commissioners approved a quote from Hugg and Hail owns the cattle on the other tract of land. He said he will keep all is well at home and in our lives. Equipment Co, for the repairs to the Rock Yard shuttle wagon in the commissioners informed about the situation, and he hopes Love is fluid, on Valentine’s Day, and throughout the year. the amount of $89,223.30. There was discussion about the cost they do not have to go into litigation concerning the issue. Ivester reported that it is a slow time at the museum with ‘The meaning is more. It is a look, a touch, a glance, and a softly of purchasing a new one compared to fixing this one. They voted 84 visitors last week, but from Jan 27th to Feb. Sth there were a spoken, “I love you, too.” I have heard that Valentine's Day is to repair this one. ‘The next two items on the agenda concerned the payment little over 4000 people going to the Arrowhead Center. He com- commercial and not really about love at all. I'm not sure that is mended the staff for the way they have been able to handle the true, but it is a time to turn to the ones we love and say, “I love of Lochner invoices. The commissioners approved both of them. One was $25,600 and the other one was $11,900. These invoices crowds, which included maintenance and cleaning of the facility. you.” Whether it is a friend, a spouse, or a relative, it is an op- are the start of the airport remodel and renovations. He continued to note that the park crew sprayed 1380 gallons of portunity to convey the words, no matter how it is said. ‘The commissioners turned their attention to the property lo- mix for weeds in the parks and right of ways. The city averaged Celebrate the holiday with purpose and genuinely give love cated at 943 W. 2nd, which had been tabled from Sept. 20, and freely, unconditionally, and without hesitation. Love one an- Dec. 4th. Addington told the commissioners that the owners See Project page 2. other, as you would have others love you. Vol. 120, No. 10 Mail delivery View online 8 04879 "13151 6 Weather tomorrow 55 / 39 75 cents, 10 pgs. 580.225.3000 elkcityoknews.com