January 3, 2026 Issue, Page 8 of 10

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8• SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 2026 The Elk City News Swish City Adult Basketball New Year, New Resolve to Be Better Registration to Open By Sheryl Ponce me focused on being better and doing more for others? I’m not down to listening. That means reflective listening, as well as with whom I am talking. Can I do it, yes, but it will not be an Each year I resolve to live sure what works, except listen- listening, undistracted, with easy task. By Sheryl Ponce The divisions for the adult bas- better, be a better person, lose ing more, quieting my mind, my mind focused on their This is where I must solicit ketball include men’s five on five and weight, and/or get healthy. praying, and mediating. words and not what I will say some help from others. If I am Elk City’s Arrowhead Center and women’s three on three half court. Which ones do I follow It is more in the spiritual next. It means putting down talking to you, and I become Swish City Adult Basketball regis- There will be more information through? Probably not one realm that I find peace and un- my phone and not looking at distracted, I want you to bring tration will be opening Jan. 5th. The coming on the Arrowhead’s Face- of those, therefore, I resolve derstanding of others. I know my watch or other distractions it to my attention. It is with my sign-up deadline is Feb. 4th, and book page called Elk City Sports. not to resolve another thing. I that if I keep my mind off my- around me. Can I do that? deepest regret that I may have the coaches’ meeting will take place For more information contact the know that I should be work- self and my own worries, that it I am going to go out on a spoken to you without being on Feb. 8th. Games will begin Feb. league director, DeWantae Martin ing on being a better person, will allow me to be more open limb, and say yes I can, but I fully attentive. I do not want to 15th, and run through March 15th. at 580-303-4140. which includes being kinder to to others, and I truly want to will not be perfect at it. I may be that person either. others, having more compas- do that. need a reminder that I am Please, if you see me out, let sion for others, and be more What do I do to keep on a catching a glimpse of what is me get back on tract to love Letter to the Editor understanding to those who may not agree with me. path that gives others peace so he/she will feel heard and coming in on my phone. I don’t want to do that. I want to be more, care about others more, and be there for others as I Dear Editor, and value their lives, just as you and This year, what would keep loved? I believe that it comes fully attentive to each person navigate life. Federal officials have notified a I value ours. Sayre slaughterhouse that it recent- They can’t wait for the meat in- ly violated federal law when the dustry—or the law—to protect business owner had to shoot a steer four times with a captive bolt gun them from pain and suffering. That’s one of the reasons why When Care Feels Like Home: The Strength of a Rural ER and a firearm before finally render- PETA encourages everyone to By Angie Clinton, Director are ready to provide expert care ground and how to help him feel teamwork. Our board-certified ing the animal unconscious. eat vegan foods rather than ani- of Emergency Services, Great right here in Elk City, with the safe. Throughout the visit, the care physicians and nurses regularly Victims of these failed stunning mal-based ones. Plains Regional Medical understanding that the people we team remained patient, steady and complete continuing education attempts suffer tremendous pain Sincerely, Center serve are not strangers. They are compassionate. in pediatric emergencies, behav- and terror during their protracted Daniel Paden our neighbors, friends and fam- In her words, “In a moment that ioral health situations and trau- deaths, which occur disturbingly Vice President of Legal Advoca- During the holiday season, ily members. That community could have easily escalated or been ma response. They participate in often at slaughterhouses. cy emergency departments often see connection only reinforces our misunderstood, every single per- advanced life support training, But even the best-run slaugh- PETA a rise in visits related to season- commitment to treat every patient son involved chose empathy, pro- de-escalation techniques and terhouses are still violently killing 501 Front St. al illness, travel-related injuries, with respect, compassion and dig- fessionalism and kindness.” emergency simulations to ensure individuals with personalities and Norfolk, VA 23510 cooking accidents and other holi- nity. For our team, that approach is they are prepared to respond with feelings. Farmed animals feel pain 757-621-3376 day emergencies. In a rural com- One recent experience shared not an exception. It is the standard. both clinical excellence and com- every bit as much as humans do [email protected] munity like ours, those moments by a local parent highlights what This is the strength of a rural passion. can feel especially overwhelming. makes a rural emergency room emergency department. Personal Emergency care is fast-paced CBA That is why immediate access to so special. Her young son, who care is not an added benefit. It is and emotionally charged, but at high-quality emergency care, pro- is on the autism spectrum, was the foundation of everything we Great Plains Regional Medical vided by people you know and experiencing a severe meltdown, do. We take the time to explain Center, it is also deeply person- trust, matters so much when min- an understandably terrifying sit- what is happening, answer ques- al. Our emergency department utes truly count. uation for both child and parent. tions and provide reassurance team shows up the way neigh- At Great Plains Regional Medi- She described how, from the mo- during highly emotional situa- bors should, providing lifesaving cal Center, our emergency depart- ment they entered the ER, the tions. Patients are never just room care close to home and delivered ment team meets patients at some team responded with calm, co- numbers or chart entries. They are by professionals who understand of the most frightening moments ordinated urgency. Staff took the people who matter deeply to us. this community and are proud to of their lives. Every day, our phy- time to ask thoughtful questions That personal approach is sup- serve it. sicians, nurses and support staff about his sensory needs, his back- ported by ongoing training and CANUTE Looking back over this semester: A group of 6 CBA seniors had the amaz- ing opportunity to attend the Herzog leadership conference for free! They networked with other students from across the country and learned from excellent leaders of the faith. Mega Breeze & Mini Breeze We proudly support the students, Call For Pricing! Parts staff and administration Available! at Canute Schools 580-225-6554 ~ Great Plains Bank One of the largest metal 918 N. Van Buren suppliers between Elk City, OK 73644 ~ First National Bank OKC and Amarillo www.janningwelding.com Farmers Union Co-Op Gin 720 S. Main, Elk City 580-225-0191 620 Highway 66, Canute, OK 73626 banksovereign.com | Member FDIC www.elkcitycoop.com Josh Moran Only Retail Shop In The President/Owner State Where You Can Buy 319 Industrial PKWY Elk City, OK 73644 The Milford Spices! 580.225.2575 580-339-1937 MORAN SERVING 20792 E. 1095 Rd Canute, OK EQUIPMENT Oklahoma ~ Texas ~ New Mexico Brad and Mandy Beck Monday thru Friday 8-5 www.moranequipment.com Owners Saturday 8-12