December 13, 2025 Issue, Page 1 of 12

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2025 Weekend Edition ECPS Board Evaluates Sparks and Learns of District Accomplishments Reported by SDE By Sheryl Ponce that it has been approximately $12,000 saved without action or comment. ademic Growth. The district Overall had a situation than some of the others. We’re hit- on the electricity bill over last year’s bill. There were no items for consideration ‘B,’ but raised it to Academic Growth to an ting the top end, we’re getting the low end, The Elk City Board of Education met Sparks also talked about why the food but went on to employ Aaron Harrison for ‘A.’ This held true for economically disad- we are hitting the middle kids, we’re hitting for their regular monthly meeting, Mon- nutrition balance showed to be negative. In maintenance. Next was the Superintendent’s vantaged students, students with disabilities, everybody.” day, Dec. 8th, at 6 p.m., in the Board Office. his explanation, he said that they have not Report, in which Sparks gave the board an and minority students. “I think it is exciting, that as a district, we All members were present, while president been able to certify the numbers for the re- overview of the District’s Report Card pre- “When I look at that data, I see that re- still have things we can get better at, obvious- Brandon Storm called the meeting to order. imbursement, which is the same with other pared by Oklahoma’s State Department of gardless of a kid’s background, we’re meeting ly, and we want to keep doing that. Academ- There were no public comments, and the districts across the state. The state is three Education. the needs of all students. That doesn’t mean ically, we are hitting a lot of things for a lot group went on to the consent agenda. months behind, and once those invoices are In the report, Sparks pointed out that the we’re perfect, but if you were to see one of of kids. I wanted to show you that, because The consent agenda included the approval paid, the balance will return to the black. district has improved the achievement at those subgroups be a D or an F after we’ve I think it’s exciting, and especially when you of the minutes from the Nov. 10th meeting The board then voted to convene into every level, even with an absentee problem. had them in school, we’re failing that group. factor in that we have an F in attendance,” and financial transactions. Part of that was executive session at 6:07 p.m., for the super- He noted that the district received an “F” for We’re not failing those kids. You see all those Sparks explained. the Superintendent’s Financial Report. Mike intendent’s evaluation. They met without chronic absences, but despite that setback, kids are getting better. To me, this group that There was no new business to come be- Sparks told the board about the money saved Sparks at first, then asked him to join them. the students have gone up at least one letter says they have an A, which in a lot of those fore the board, and they adjourned the meet- with the new heat and air system. He noted They returned to open session at 7:05 p.m., grade from Academic Achievement to Ac- cases are going to be a different economic ing at 7:17 p.m. Leadership Class XI Graduates Eight By Sheryl Ponce The Elk City Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Elk City’s Class XI held their graduation Tues., Dec. 2nd, at Parties on Purpose. After a year of learning about community agencies, organiza- tions, and fundamen- tals of leadership, eight individuals went through an eve- ning of remembering and celebrating each other’s talents. The Class XI in- cluded Beth Boone, Matt Brown, Laura Walter Hinds Carlucci, Vanessa DeWilde, Walker Hinds, Cameron Rodriguez, Teresa Smith, and Lilly Vargas. The sponsors of the program were the City of Elk City, First National Bank & Trust, Great Plains Bank, GPRMC, MPLX LP, Momentum Transports, ‘Hometown Christmas’ Supports United Fund and Tom and Karen Johnson. The meal sponsors and providers were Anadarko Dozer and Truck- ing, Archer Cattle Co., Barber-Dyson Ford, Cloud’s Lawn and Irrigation, DJ’s Rentals and Sales, Elk City and Heart to Heart Pregnancy Clinic Rotary, Hutton, Inc., InterLinc, Janice’s Café, Legacy Bank, OK Representative Nick Archer, Pizza Hut, PK and Company, State Farm Insurance, United Country OK Sunset Realty and Auctions, Western By Sheryl Ponce tained the audience with what he called, “Dad Jokes,” Oklahoma Alzheimer’s Collaborative, and Wynden Shawn Wilson came to the stage dressed in Hawaiian Equipment. Purcy E. Walker joined forces with Jordan Cain to attire to fit the song, “Mela Kalikimaka.” present the first “Hometown Christmas” concert last Walker once again sang, “Silver Bells,” and Micah See LEADERSHIP page 2 week in the Susan Powell Auditorium. Cain produced Mullens thrilled the audience with her rendition of the show, which presented Walker’s vocals with Vance “Mary Did You Know?” The Nativity scene with Owen McDonald serving as emcee. The show was to raise McCoy came to the stage to remind the community of money for United Fund and Heart to Heart Pregnancy Care Center through donations only. the reason for the season. Finally, Walker ended the evening singing, “Silent Celebrate Christmas The program began with McDonald welcoming the Night.” The night was brought to a close with a deep crowd, which was a full house. Walker kicked off the show with “Jingle Bell Rock,” followed by “Walking in appreciation of community, togetherness, family, and Christmas. with Chamber the Winter Wonderland.” Walker was accompanied by local artists on the drums, keyboards, bass, brass, and There were laughs and even some sentimental tears shed throughout the production. Ornament and Shopping Beverly Baker as background singer. Donations can still be made by purchasing one By Sheryl Ponce The Elk City Jazz Band performed next, and then the of Walker’s Christmas albums or a direct donation Elk City High School Choir. After McDonald enter- through the QR code provided on the program. The Elk City Chamber of Commerce has another limited-edition Christmas in the Park ornament for sale. The 2025 ornament features the newly renovated Rotarians Tour New Airport Route 66 miniature golf course, which is pictured on the traditional commemorative ornament. The cost is $20, which may be purchased at the Chamber’s office on the corner of Broadway and Main By Sheryl Ponce had to have it built and open at a specific thresh- Street, the Transportation Building at the Route 66 old, which we got done. If you’ve never been there Museum Complex, City Hall, or the Ginger Bread Gift The Elk City Rotary Club met at the all new Elk before, the old terminal was set directly in front Shop on Friday and Saturday evenings during Christ- City Municipal Airport last Thursday, during their of us, and this was built. Once this was built and mas in the Park activities. All of the proceeds from the regular noon meeting. Rotarian, Jeff Waters, gave functional, then the term moved over here,” Waters sale of the ornament go to the Christmas in the Park the program with the help of the Bobby Southard, said. festivities. For more information call 580-225-0207 or Chairman of the Airport Board, Elesia Church and WP Construction, LLC, was the general con- stop by the Chamber at 102 S. Main. Susan Featherston from SWODA, and the airport tractor on the project, and contributed to the This holiday season, many businesses will be staying staff. timely completion. Once the new facility was com- open on Sundays, Dec. 7th, 14th, and 21st. The shops Waters began by saying that Church had been pleted, the old terminal was taken down. Waters that will be participating include Maurices, Shop Pop- working on grants to build the hangar and the taxi- continued to say that they are hoping to get more py, Main Street Market, The Vogue Boutique, The Sil- way for several years. The City of Elk City received jets passing through the town. ver Lining Collective, The Candy Shack, Everett Blake, notification that they were approved for $1 million The airport houses a pilot’s lounge, a shower, The Depot, CooCoo Swan, McGee Mercantile, 580 in matching fund grants. There were two other lo- flexible services, and cheaper fuel than other loca- Threads, Little Gray & Co., Buffalo Creek Boutique, cations that had been notified of the grant also. tions throughout the state. Southard told the Ro- and Carrol’s + BTB Records. The hours vary by store, The catch to receiving the grant was that the tarians that they flew to several different airports to therefore, check each shop for their specific hours. plans had to be done by 2:30 p.m., the same day. At come up with the Elk City design. The Elk City Chamber of Commerce and Conven- that point, the city manager, Tom Ivester, and staff They also have an outdoor seating area, a televi- tion and Visitors Bureau have been working tirelessly began to put it all in motion to meet their deadline. sion area, and a place to dine in. Next week there to have another hometown Christmas holiday. This They turned in the plans and the project began. will be a grand opening to officially open the ter- year will be another epic tradition to be carried forward “It happened very quickly, and then we minal. for years. Weather Vol. Vol. 117,121, No.No. 54 50 Mail delivery Home delivery Viewonline View online tomorrow 99/70 39 / 29 75 75 cents cents, 12 pgs. 580.225.3000 580.225.3000 elkcityoknews.com elkcityoknews.com