August 9, 2025 Issue, Page 1 of 10

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, 2025 Weekend Edition Commissioners Convene in Executive Session over DEQ Litigation By Sheryl Ponce Environmental Quality Notice of Violation or conduct a pending investigation or pro- of Elk City in the amount of $18,699.57, a ed item, which was approved. The project (NOV)No, S-11504-23-2 for operational ceeding in the public interest. The commis- budgeted item. They also approved the re- was scheduled for later in the year, but City The Elk City Commissioners met for violations at the wastewater treatment facil- sioners included Cliff Jackson in the meet- newal of Microsoft Licensing for all depart- Manager Tom Ivester, told the commis- their regular bi-monthly meeting, Mon- ity (WW#TF) pursuant to 25 OS., Sec 307 ing, as they approved the session. ments through Softchoice in the amount of sioners that because Culver Electric was day, August 3rd, at 7 p.m., in City Hall (4) upon city attorney’s (Ryan Meacham) They were in session from 7:46 p.m., and $49,704.06, a budgeted item. already completing Phase 1, while they with Mayor Micah Kilhoffer presiding. The advice that confidential communications returned at 8:18 p.m. Kilhoffer announced The commissioners discussed approv- were at the park it would be best to finish mayor gave the invocation, and Jeff Waters between the City /commission and its at- that no action would be taken on item 18, al of Phase 2 and Phase 3 for new electri- the project. The commissioners asked if it led the flag salute. They then approved the torney concerning a pending investigation, in which they would approve or disapprove cal in Ackley Park between 3rd and 2nd would be completed before Christmas in minutes of the July 16th meeting. claim or action if the public body with the action discussed in executive session. Street around the ponds and north of the the Park, but that was not a guarantee. Late in the agenda, the commissioners advice of its attorney, determines that dis- In other business, the commissioners ap- pool with decorative bollards with outlets, The next item on the agenda was the voted to go into executive session to discuss closure will seriously impair the ability of proved the quote from Softchoice for email new wiring and conduit by Culver Elec- litigation matters regarding Department of the City Commission to process the claim protection software DarkTrace for the City tric in the amount of $151,495, a budget- See DEQ page 2 First Responders, Downtown Merchants, Venders, and Live Music Shake Up Chamber Block Party By Sheryl Ponce The last Block Party for the summer season was Friday, Aug. 1st, behind the Elk City Chamber of Commerce offices downtown. The evening was a tribute to the first responders meet and greet, which seemed to be a hit with children and adults alike. Free t-shirts were also a big draw for the attend- ees. The live music was provided by Nikki Jackson and Bottom of the Barrel, who were all from the Oklahoma City area. While Interlinc Mortgage, Legacy enjoying the music, some spec- Bank, Barber/Dyson Ford, the Mountain View Artists on Display in tators picked up dinner at the food trucks stationed around the parking lot. Susie Cupp City of Elk City, Great Plains Bank, PK Company, PLLC, AutoZone, H&R Block, NAPA, First National Bank & Trust of from the Chamber was there to Route 66 Museum’s Education Building welcome the community to the event. The sponsors for the Block Elk City, ITL, Haines and Sons, Great Plains Regional Med- ical Center, Crow Insurance By Sheryl Ponce John paints every day, starting around 11 Party music included the Elk Agency, Walker’s Body Shop, a.m. and sometimes through the night. He City Route 66 Festival, the Elk New artwork is on display in the Western said that Sunday evening, after returning City Chamber of Commerce, See PARTY page 7 Oklahoma Historical Society’s Education from the rodeo, in Cheyenne, Wyoming he Building on the National Route 66 Museum painted until 3 a.m. As a professional artist, he Complex. Along with the other artwork on spends most of his time in the studio, if they display, John Tracy II and his wife, Mickey, are not on the road. from Mountain View spent most of the day, As John pursued his degree at Southwest- Monday, Aug. 4th, putting up their fine art- ern Oklahoma State University in commer- work for the public to admire and purchase. cial art, he met Randy Haggard and Donnie The Tracys’ Studio of Fine Art is where they Jordan. The three soon became friends and work and display their art, along with a num- respected each other’s talents. Knowing how ber of other places around the country. important John’s work has become in the art The Tracy’s have been artists for the past world, Haggard invited him to put his art on 57 years. The couple has traveled all over the display in the museum. country, where they have attended art shows Stop by the museum to look at their work. and shown their artwork. John specializes in There are additional small paintings to be landscapes and wildlife that reflect his home purchased, as well as the larger ones. For in Western Oklahoma. He has been a fulltime more information about the Tracy’s Studio of artist since 1971. Mickey makes the Native Fine Arts or to purchase one of his paintings, American artifacts that are framed and also call 405-250-8660. on display. The Tracy’s artwork is a once in a lifetime They work together, cutting mats, glass, opportunity to see their work up-close. To and framing the art themselves. They work purchase a piece, call his number. For more together, travel together, and return to their on the Tracys, watch for the next GoWest that home and studio in Mountain View. will come out in the Fall. ECPD Warns of Scams By Sheryl Ponce ECPD warns the public not to Economic Development Strategist Develops Relationships for Elk City The Elk City Police Department recently announced that they have click the link if any scammer sends one. The local police do not issue citations or threats through texts. By Sheryl Ponce Springer served as Direc- HSC, in Pediatric Infectious Diseases where she been aware of a texting scam going Real agencies do not demand im- tor of International Trade performed scientific research. around. The text perpetrates being mediate payment through random The Elk City Commissioners contracted and Foreign Investment and “In working with Elk City to work towards from the Oklahoma Department links. This type of scam is a phish- Jennifer Spinger, Principal, with Strategic Eco- an economist in the Re- achieving some economic development goals, of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or has ing attempt to steal personal infor- nomic Partners, LLC, several months ago as a search division specializing there are couple of the things that we will be the names of local police depart- mation or money. consultant and economic expansion for the City in international recruitment. working on. One is business retention and at- ments. The message says that there If anyone receives one of these of Elk City. She works as an economic develop- Furthermore, Springer was traction, so making sure our local businesses is an unpaid traffic ticket. It threat- scam messages, ECPD says, “Don’t ment project consultant, an economic develop- SPRINGER appointed as Vice-Chair have the infrastructure they need to be able to ens penalties if the citation is not respond; don’t click any links; re- ment strategic planner, and in the area of polit- to the Investment Adviso- expand and add jobs, as well as looking at re- paid immediately. port it; and delete the message.” ical affairs. ry Council under the Secretary of Commerce, cruiting opportunities,” Springer explained. According to the announce- If someone is unsure about With 14 years of experience, Springer will be Wilbur Ross. She said that the town has already done a lot ment the message says, “Oklaho- whether the message is legitimate, helping the city with economic growth and ex- She is a member of Leadership Oklahoma, to encourage economic development over the ma DMV or police department contact the Elk City Police De- pansion. She has been the Director of Business Class of 35, where she was recognized by The past couple of years. Springer noted that they Final Notice: Penalties begin on partment or check with the official Development for the Oklahoma Department of Journal Record in 2022, as one of the “Top 50 have put almost $60 million into improvement a certain date. Traffic citation un- Oklahoma DPS or court websites. Commerce where she was a team leader for the Women Making a Difference in Oklahoma.” projects that have helped push economic devel- paid. If not resolved by a certain ECPD wants to work with the state’s economic development activities. In that Springer holds a master’s degree in econom- opment forward, such as the airport improve- date, you face: DMV violation; public to stop scams before they role she was a leader in business recruitment ics from the University of Oklahoma, special- ments. license and registration suspen- spread. Furthermore, they warn and expansion as she provided strategy in in- izing in emerging economics. Prior to earning sion; debt collections (+35%); everyone to be cautious and help creasing investment in the state. her master’s degree, she worked at the university See STRATEGIST page 2 and court action.” them get the word out. Weather Vol. Vol. 117,121, No.No. 54 32 Mail delivery Home delivery Viewonline View online tomorrow 99/70 90 / 69 75 75 cents cents, 12 pgs. 580.225.3000 580.225.3000 elkcityoknews.com elkcityoknews.com