December 20, 2025 Issue, Page 1 of 10

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HOMETOWN INSIDE TIDINGS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2025 Weekend Edition ECPD Honors Their Own By Sheryl Ponce The Elk City Police Department held their annual Christmas Party last week where the department gath- ered to celebrate their year and hand out awards. The awards were voted on by everyone in the department and presented by Mayor Micah Kilhoffer. The Officer of the Year was awarded to Corporal Wyatt Anderson. The Dispatcher of the Year was given to Leslie Denley, and the Animal Control Officer of the year was presented to Amber Hartsell. ECFD Chief Gives Thanks for New Facility Being a public servant is something that is not re- warded with huge monetary gains, but it is done with a deep desire to help others. Led by ECPD Eddie Hol- By Sheryl Ponce land, the force has been instrumental in protecting the City of Elk City with dedicated officers and employees. Elk City Fire Chief Kyle Chervenka wrote a heartfelt It is with multitudes of thanks that the community is thank you to the City of Elk City and the residents on the able to live safely and with the confidence in those who Elk City Fire & EMS Facebook page. He thanked those serve. The efforts that each member of the force gives who supported a new chapter in the history of the de- to preserving the peace does not go unnoticed by most partment. Elk City residents. This is the season to give thanks, es- “Today marks a historic moment for the Elk City Fire pecially to those who give of themselves, both on and and EMS off the job. Department. After 74 years in our previous station, our crews are officially moving into the new station at 403 W 5th Street,” Chervenka began. He went on to say that the new facility represents an investment in the safety of the community. As a depart- ment, they are prepared and committed to honor the trust that has been bestowed them with this investment. The new station will prepare them in enhancing the op- erational readiness, the training capabilities, and the level of services provided to the residents of Elk City. Not only does this investment show an immediate increase in protection, but it is an investment to future CPL Wyatt Anderson generations. If the previous facility was in service for 75 years, this new building is expected to provide ECFD years of progress for the town. “We are grateful for the continued support of our City Commissioners, City Manager, project partners, and most importantly the citizens who made this project possible. This building is a reflection of your trust in us, and we will uphold that trust with professionalism and excellence,” Chervenka added. As the department settles into the new building, they will be finalizing small details as they put everything in place. They will host an open house in which the public will be invited to tour the building. When everything is in place, there will be a formal announcement of the date. Leslie Denley Amber Hartsell As the department uses the new facility, there are new traffic signs that have been installed. ECFD has been working to get moved and now they are prepared to pro- tect and serve the community in emergency situations. Give thanks to those who are there 24 hours a day, seven Myriad Counseling days a week, whenever they are needed. It is a true dedi- cation to their trade and expertise. Welcomed to the Chamber Last Friday morning, the Elk City Chamber of Com- merce welcomed Myriad Counseling Solutions as their Elk Supply Ace Hosts Grand Opening newest member with a ribbon cutting at their new lo- cation, 214 W. Broadway. The company was established in Elk City in June of 2024, but moved to this new loca- tion in November. The offices offer a professional atmosphere for those By Sheryl Ponce pany for 17 years. Lanitha Randle has been with the Elk City Ace for the lon- who serve the community and surrounding areas. This Celebrating the opening of Elk Sup- gest at 18 years. includes a front and back door for the convenience and ply, Ace Hardware, located at 2001 South According to George Browning the privacy of their clients. According to the company’s Main, the Elk City Chamber of Com- new building has been in the plans for website, they are a premier destination for exceptional merce held a ribbon cutting early Satur- five years. They planned to expand but mental health services. They provide compassionate day morning. Owners George Browning waited for the right location. He said that care and support to individuals, families, and commu- and Jim Bob Browning came in for the he wanted it to be at the new location for nities in Western Oklahoma. Grand Opening, along with the corpo- a long time. They have been working on Their team of trained and experienced therapists spe- rate officers. As customers grabbed their it for the past two years. cialize in various areas for children, teenagers, adults, carts to look over the new 90,000 sq. ft. Browning said that the best thing and families. They use evidence-based approaches in a store, at the cost of $5 million. about the new store is the drive through safe and inclusive environment. They offer individual Store manager Andy Miraglio and lumber pickup. No more standing out counseling, couple’s counseling, child/teen counseling, assistant manager Scott Boese explained in the cold to pick up lumber or other family counseling, and testing services. that process of moving and the impor- items, but the drive through gives cus- The staff includes Lauren Shelton, LPC, and man- tance of the new building. Miraglio has tomers added convenience. ager of the Elk City Branch; Sarah Senger, psychiatric Pictured in the front are George Browning, Manager Andy Miraglio, and Jim been managing Ace for the past four Bob Browning with the corporate staff and Elk City Chamber of Commerce years, and Bowes has been with the com- See ACE page 2 members to celebrate the grand opening. See MYRIAD page 2 Local Trainer and Manager Impacts Community By Sheryl Ponce tle to cancer, Friday, Dec.12th. Although he was devoted to his work, he spoke little, his love for family and Fitness, seeing it through from incep- Eli was born in San Pablo, Calif., to he first love was weight training. He friends was unwavering. tion to new owner, Joby Gray. There are individuals who come Norma (Wade) and Ronald Eli Allen became a personal trainer to work Eli became a part of the commu- Eli loved OKC Thunder, gaming, into people’s lives that leave a mark on Feb 8th, 1988. He was raised in with individuals at Modern Fitness. nity through his work at MJK and in and traveling with Christina to con- that lasts a lifetime. Eli Allen was Port Orchard, Washington, and brief- In the gym, Eli found his passion for the gym. He was an important part of certs. His family and friends knew to one of those individuals. His qui- ly moved to Texas before landing in fitness and helping others. Joe and Kelly Miller’s family as well listen to his quick wit and were com- et, reserved manner was infectious Oklahoma in 2012 to pursue a career Christina and Eli married June as Trey and Shannon McCain and forted by his meek smile. Although because he cared. He cared for his in the oil and natural gas industry. 13th, 2017, in Las Vegas. He was her Cody and Kodie Riley. He was one Eli was quiet, he smiled readily and devoted wife Christina (McCamon) He worked for Express Energy Ser- best friend and took Trevon as his son that many called friend because of helped everyone. He will be remem- Allen and son Trevon, and has left a vices, M2W, and finally JKM, LLC, so the three became a family. Eli was his caring and understanding nature. Eli Allen hole in their hearts, as he lost his bat- where he became their yard manager. a devoted family man, and although He was an important part of Modern See TRAINER page 2 Weather Vol. Vol. 117,121, No.No. 54 51 Mail delivery Home delivery Viewonline View online tomorrow 99/70 55 / 40 75 75 cents cents, 12 pgs. 580.225.3000 580.225.3000 elkcityoknews.com elkcityoknews.com