May 31, 2025 Issue, Page 10 of 10

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10• SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2025 The Elk City News Friends of the Library Poetry Contest The Friends of the Elk City pearls ISAIAH ARVISZU Friends, water, and the sun—eye out missing you. Carnegie Library held their an- Open a book TO THE BOY WHO LOVED candy Our world stopped turning a year nual Poetry Contest in April to and you can tell A symphony of chirps and calls, THE RAIN ago today. National Poetry Month. The the wish I made Nature’s canvas, vibrant, sprawls. I was born in a storm, Flowers bloom as fast as the river If heaven had a landline I would winners of the contest gath- in a wishing well. The trees stand tall, with stories old, a child of thunder and unspoken flows have so much to say. Each leaf a whisper, each branch a grief, Mother Nature has made amends I never thought I could feel pain like ered at Carnegie Hall on May Open a book hold. with the sun again this 13 to receive their awards and learning to love the taste of sorrow and I will too. as it dripped from the edge of my Arms around friends, sand enslav- No one can prepare you to lose a read their poems. The first and Read to me The brook flows gently, a silver ing your toes parent. sleeve. second place winners in adult, and I’ll read to you! seam, Minnows swim by—an atom is big- I never thought I would miss your high school, middle school, in- Reflecting hopes, a flowing dream. The world is cruel to boys like me ger than their fin late night drunken calls termediate school, and upper 2ND PLACE Sunlight sparkles on the water’s the ones who felt too much, All the things about you that drove elementary divisions received AURORA WISE crest, who saw the poetry in a dying leaf, Every step is like walking into glass me crazy is what I miss most of all. cash prizes and certificates of IT’S MY TIME A tranquil moment, a heart at rest. who mistook pain for love’s soft Face as red as the miniature crabs As much as I miss you I’m so glad achievement. The winners and Under the dark sky touch. The river is surrounded by tall you’re not in pain their poems are as follows. I wait for my name to be called As shadows melt and colors play, weeds and grass I know you gave your life to Christ The girl before me runs out The promise of a brand new day. I spent my days in borrowed books, Where are we? What time is it? No and I will see you once again. On her horse Embrace the warmth, let worries nights in whispered dreams, one is keeping tabs. The alcohol is gone and you are set UPPER ELEMENTARY Cease. In every dawn, find the free DIVISION It’s almost my time imagining a place where aching I get ready sweet release. hearts You head back to the car with all of Healed in the presence of Jesus is 1ST PLACE your friends peace for me. and then I hear my name were more than just a silent scream. LIBBY SHELTON 2ND PLACE So much for having cloth seats They say time heals all wounds but I rush out of the gate PANCAKES Fast as lightning NATHAN SHIPMAN But they called me weak, Sand is now encased inside the back that just isn’t true Pancakes make me smile seat that bends There’s nothing that can heal the When I put them in a pile. I start for the first barrel FISH IN THE TANK tore at my softness with their knives, Dirt flying in the air Fish in the tank, just swims all day forgot that flowers break through You’ve given up, sand has won your loss of you. Syrup paints the stack. concrete defeat I smell popcorn Goes back and forth, no special way Pancakes in a frying pan and drowning men still fight to rise. 2ND PLACE And hear people talking Water all around, nothing feels new Just like Superman The car turns over, and the engine KATY BARELA It’s almost like I can feel But sometimes he just feels blue With whipped cream on top, gets hot Their excitement So I ran where the rain ran with me, AN OILFIELD FAMILY They are as good as cherry pop. I round the first barrel It’s not the worst, just kind of the danced with ghosts that held my Speakers bleed the music into ev- Every year, Seasons come and Sea- Still going as fast as I can same name, eryone’s ears sons go. 2ND PLACE And then I drop my reigns No one to shame, no real game found myself in storm-lit puddles, Coins are jingling in their slot Pining, softly, much like DiCaprio. WILLIAM WALKER My heart sinks Just swimming around, not sure where the world could never tame. Nobody has any regrets, and now White lines and yellow dots mark FORTNITE But my horse keeps going what to be they feel no fears the distance. Fortnite after school I grab onto her mane Wishing for something, whatever And when they asked why I loved Late nights and wet cheeks com- But my mom doesn’t let me And hold on happens to me the downpour, You arrive at the campsite, everyone mand consistence I want to play it Dirt still flying why I never hid away jumps out Still, questions echo loud in per- And finally I walk down the hall I simply smiled, eyes full of echoes, Ashes are there from the previous sistence. I make it to the last barrel Not super sad, not very tall and said, “Because it stayed.” bonfire Begging for a chance in signifi- INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL You finally realize what this life is 1ST PLACE I run faster than I ever have I joke with some friends, then walk cance. I run to the gate alone checking my phone about Heavy hearts and big eyes wander LILY SKELTON 2ND PLACE And it all started with the roll of a My horse is tired and worn out MADDIE HARREL amidst. BOOKS, BOOKS The cheers can be heard from a mile Some days are gray, some days are tire Only assumptions tell who’s more Books, books! SHIFTING INTO YOUR away. fine FAVORITE GEAR missed. How wonderful they are ADULT DIVISION I laugh a bit, I feel just fine Top the car Watching his red tail lights grow to go places near and far! 1ST PLACE MIDDLE SCHOOL But deep inside, I kind of hope You’re in a swimsuit and sunglasses smaller. Open a book DIVISION I’m still just trying to grow “I hope the car will make it this BRANDY STANDRIDGE Thoughts impel him to make one and you will discover 1ST PLACE far…” ONE YEAR more dollar. Maybe I’m like a fish in the tank One year. As he’s greeted with silent suspense. the people and things LEAH KENT You say as another car passes Not stuck, just waiting to grow. 365 days. Messy chaos consumes her delu- which we uncover. WHISPERS OF THE DAWN sion. In the hush of morning’s light, You turn down into the river That’s how long it’s been since I’ve HIGH SCHOOL The old Bronco is yet to be sandy seen your face. Each but envious of a false pretense. Open a book Golden rays dispel the night. DIVISION The expectation of the land is sure Our hearts broke in two Abeyance evident in their conclu- and you can see Softly waking, the world unfurls, 1ST PLACE to deliver There’s not a day that goes by with- sion. anything you want to be. As dew drops dance on petals’ Make a Splash and Donate with Our Blood Institute Successful donors will receive tric Cooperative on Thursday, swimming, the need for blood ers, dining, shopping, attractions Looking to cool off as the sea- nation saves up to three lives. a limited-edition shark-themed June 5th from 9:30am – 1:00pm. donations never stops,” said Dr. and more for kids, adults and ev- son heats up? Look no further Appointments to donate can be T-shirt and choice of one free en- Look for the bloodmobile at John Armitage, president and eryone in between! Adrenaline than Six Flags Hurricane Har- made online at obi.org or by call- try to Frontier City or Six Flags Northfork Electric. CEO of Our Blood Institute. “By junkies won’t resist taking a ride bor for pulse-pounding water ing 877-340-8777. Walk-ins are Hurricane Harbor. Successful Our Blood Institute rolling up your sleeve, you’re on the classic Wildcat wooden slides, relaxing lazy rivers and also welcome. Get ready to dive in and make donors will receive a limited-edi- making a lifesaving impact for roller coaster or the Silver Bullet’s family-friendly play areas. There’s *16-year-olds must weigh waves! Make a splash by donating tion shark-themed T-shirt, while patients in need. It’s a simple act high-speeds coaster. Not one for something for the whole family at at least 125 pounds and pro- blood with Our Blood Institute supplies last.* Plus, donors will of generosity that keeps our com- thrill rides? Take a ride around Hurricane Harbor! vide signed parental permission; this May and June to help save get their choice of one free ticket munity strong.” the Grand Centennial Ferris Anyone who is healthy and 17-year-olds must weigh at least lives! to either Frontier City or Hurri- There’s no shortage of fun Wheel or drive back in time with 16 years old* or older can give 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must Our Blood Institute will hold a cane Harbor! at OKC’s Frontier City Theme Tin Lizzy’s electric-powered, an- blood. Donation typically takes weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo blood drive with Northfork Elec- “Just like sharks never stop Park! Experience thrilling coast- tique cars. only about an hour, and one do- ID required. By Sheryl Ponce a donation made by the Elk City WOHS Board Meets ship 92. Judy Haught was not ing. One of the artists was original- there were 1066 visitors. This is vehicles in the Farm and Ranch Rodeo of Champions for the Beut- present for the archives report, but ly from Elk City, Sheron Ousley. a lower number than the same Museum. They also voted to pay The Western Oklahoma Histor- ler Brothers chutes that have been Long said that the Delhi School He also encouraged members to time last year. He also said that for framing the pictures of an early ical Society Board of Directors met put up. documents are now on the WOHS purchase art from the artists who the gift shop brought in $8287, in graduating class. for their regular monthly meeting, The next item on the agenda was website. bring out their work for display. the month of April. He also said In old business, there is a vol- Tuesday, May 27th, at 11 a.m., in committee reports. There were no Donnie Jordan gave a report on He noted that it helps the artists, that the board is down one to two unteer group who gives programs Western Technology Center. Pres- reports from the Farm and Ranch the rodeo sculpture. He said that as well as brings more talent to the members, but they will be filled on volunteering. She ask them to ident Linda Long called the meet- chair and the Blacksmith Shop. thanks to Judy Haught they have facility. next month. come to the next board meeting, ing to order, followed by the invo- Jordan gave the flea market report. made a QR code to put on the Curator Anna Wray gave her re- In the docents’ report, it was on June 23rd. The board dis- cation given by Doug Haught. She said that the flyers and enve- chutes. The newest one gives a his- port. She said that she is working noted that the drug store is now cussed tourism funds, and possi- The minutes from last month’s lopes have been printed. tory of saddle bronc riding. They on some objects that needed to be open, but they always need more bly requesting funding for a new meeting were approved as read, Cindy Wood gave the mem- will be working on additional QR logged. Haggard complemented volunteers. project. and then Beverly Jordan gave the bership report. She said that there codes to be added to the display. her on a job well-done. Long continued into new busi- The meeting adjourned at 11:48 treasurer’s report. It was also ap- are two new family memberships, Randy Haggard reported on the Haggard gave the Museum ness. The first order was to approve a.m., they will be meeting again proved. She noted that there was which makes the total member- new artists in the Education build- Board report, stating that in April the purchase of stands for the old June 23rd. explained. presented their recommenda- Ranch building in the amount of $110,482.63. sioners about the downtown BUDGET After discussion of the tions for the FY 25-26, which of $59,800. The payment to Lochner for construction. They have com- Continued from page 1 change in price, the city refused included a three-year to five- The commissioners ap- the box hangar construction for pleted one side and would be to pay the extra charge for the year plan of building a mainte- proved the bid from Superior a total of $15,669.18, a budget- closing it to move to the other quoted. The city is now in a dis- rock. Ivester additionally said nance facility, renovating nine Commercial Roofing LLC, for ed item, was approved, as was side. The second item he spoke pute over the amount Martin that the company has stopped t-boxes, and the payment to the repairs and improvements the Pay App #11 for box hangar about was an airport project. Marietta wants for the rock and delivery of all rock until the the Elk City Golf and Country to Help, Inc., in the amount of construction in the amount of He indicated that someone the original quote. issue is resolved. As Ivester Club to manage the club. The $38,600. Additionally, they ap- $91,203.41. who has a jet would like to rent “They (Martin Marietta) came to the commissioners, he commissioners voted to pass proved the quote from Play by The commissioners ap- the new building. bid on the project, and they brought a compromise price the budget. Design for shade structures at proved payment to Culver Ivester commented on Rob received, or they got the bid of $110,447.68 to resolve the The commissioner approved the 5 plex fields in the amount Electric for Honeywell Alerting Bruner’s ability to navigate the from ODOT on this project, dispute. The commissioners Resolution No. 2025-11: A Res- of $34,964. System and installation at the parents and children at the and this project was in Septem- asked questions and eventual- olution of the City of Elk City to Pay App #4 to Ellsworth new fire department and old softball and baseball fields. He ber of 2023, and this project is ly approved to pay the amount re-apportioning sales tax reve- Construction for BJ Hughes fire department in the amount said that it is the third season complete. It’s over with, and all with the stipulation that the nue until July 1st, 2025, until Access Road improvements in of $91,232.39. They also ap- Bruner has been in charge of the rock has been ordered off city attorney, Ryan Meacham, June 30, 2026, and declaring it the amount of $17, 550, was proved PCCO #11 for Joe D. the complex, and he is doing a of this quote. All the rock has makes sure the situation is ap- an emergency. Meredith Mea- approved by the commission- Hall General Contractors, LLC, great job. been paid for off of this quote. propriate, and that they all sign cham then presented a pulmo- ers. The payment to Lochner for the Elk City Fire and Police Ivester told the commission- Now in June of 2024, which an agreement that no other nary 2025-2026 budget. As she for taxiway construction in the Construction in the amount of ers to mark June 2nd, on their would have been what eight, charges will be invoiced to the presented the numbers, several amount of $60,126.93 was also $11,499.37, a budgeted item. calendars, Lieutenant Gover- nine months later, we would city. commissioners had brief ques- approved. The Pay App #12 to Joe D. nor Matt Pinnell would be in have received another quote, Sandy Werner, chairman tions. The commissioners approved Hall General Contactors, LLC, town for the ribbon cutting at unsolicited from Martin Mar- of the CVB/Tourism Bureau, The bid that was received Pay App #5 to C-P Integrat- for the Elk City Fire and Police the new putt put complex. He ietta, which is your next page presented the budget for the Fy from Styler for the Video Sur- ed Services, Inc., for taxiway Construction in the amount also said that there could be a over dated June 13, of 2024, 25-26. Werner explained the veillance system for the new construction, in the amount of of $661,557. 80, a budgeted new manufacturing company for the same project, same budget and where the funds Animal Shelter in the amount $259,232.26, along with pay- item, was approved. The com- coming to Elk City. They will tonnage, but a vastly different will be spent, as well as projects of $19,000, a budgeted item, ment to Lochner for terminal missioners then approved the be making implements for gar- price. For example, number that are covered by the budget. was approved. They also ap- construction in the amount of Purchase orders FY 24-25 and dens. 67 rock was originally quoted Commissioners approved the proved the bid from Next $16,847.97. The commissioners recurring invoices for May 21st. The treasurer’s report was at $14.75 a ton. In this quote budget. Level Roofing for repairs and then agreed to pay Pay App #11 The City Manager’s Report given and approved. The meet- we received on in June, it was The chairman, Jeff Jackson, improvements to the Black- to W.P. Construction for termi- was next on the agenda. Ivester ing was adjourned after which quoted at $22.10 a ton,” Ivester of the Golf Committee then smith Shop and the Farm and nal construction in the amount began by telling the commis- it was seconded meeting.