January 17, 2026 Issue, Page 12 of 13

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NEWS 12• SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026 The Elk City News Beckham/Roger Mills Unit of Oklahoma Retired Educators Association Elk City United Methodist Church was the meeting place for Beckham/Roger Mills Unit of Oklahoma Retired Educators, January 9, 2026. Although there was no snow in sight, cheerful snowmen and snowflakes graced the tables. President Linda Long welcomed members Glenda Ivins, Judy Haught, Janice Mollet, Cathy Lewis, June Lovelace, Dennis McRee, Sharon Gilliland, Larry Long, Mary Fern Carpenter, Stephanie Malone, Carla Garrison, Tana Feldman, Jan Attocknie, Joyce Roberts, and Pam Holland, District Director. June gave the invocation. Judy led the flag salutes. Mayor Micah Kilhoffer presented the program. The information he shared regarding the ongoing projects and future projects in Elk City were impressive. He mentioned Elk City as being in great financial shape due to outstanding planning. Mayor Kilhoffer described the completion of the expansion of the airport as well as some of the upcoming additions to Elk City. Future plans include a New Ag Expo Center, various interchanges that will affect Elk City’s flow of traffic, and a new park site. The location of this park is planned for the corner of E. State HWY 66 and N. Madison Street. It will welcome tourists traveling The Mother Road from the east to the west in addition to being an excellent addition to Elk City’s celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of Route 66. Mayor Kilhoffer reminded the group to “Save-the-Date” for the Route 66 Centennial Festival, Ackley Park Rd, Elk City, OK, June 12-13, 2026. Dennis McRee’s January birthday was celebrated with the singing of the Happy Birthday song. Carla shared the devotion- al with this saying from Muhammed, “True wealth is the good a person does in this world.” Those who place wealth ahead of doing good are missing the best part of life. She closed the devotional with a prayer. The minutes and the treasurer’s report were approved. Glenda reported 68 members. Tana encouraged members to remember to record all of their volunteer hours. Linda reported on activities happening in the Legislature. She noted several bills that are being filed regarding education with none affecting retired educators at this time. Bills to be aware of include SB172 (Pension), SB90 (2%Cola), SB1986 (2%Cola), SB174 (2%Cola). The deadline for filing bills is January 15. District Director Pam Holland shared information from the state level and noted that Linda does a great job keeping track of the happenings at the Capitol. She follows the legislative decisions and keeps this Unit informed of bills that could affect teacher’s retirement. Linda reported on the Scholarship Auction. She also reminded members to take notice of the candidates running for State School Superintendent in the 2026 election. The OREA Board Meeting is January 14. This Unit meets on February 13 with Cindy to present the devotional and Judy to give the Valentine’s Day program. Glenda won the door prize. Linda adjourned the meeting. Note to Beckham/Roger Mills Retired Educators—write OREA on the calendar, February 13, 10:30 a.m. as a reminder to check out the next OREA gathering for fun, food, and fellowship. There Is Strength in Numbers! Happy New Year! Book Club Celebrates Ten Years Local book club, Beckham Bookends, is celebrating their tenth anniversary. In 2016 a group of ladies formed a club for readers and lovers of literature. Since that time the group has met every month to discuss books and all things literary. The group currently has eleven members. Four of the members—Mary Fern Carpenter, Sara Fryman, Carla Garrison, and Judy Haught—are original members. Over the years new people have joined, and five members have passed on. For each of the members who passed away, the club donated books to the Carnegie Library in her memory. Something that makes Beckham Bookends different from other organizations is that they do not elect officers, collect dues, or take minutes. The purpose of the club is to read and discuss books with others who enjoy the same. Recently, the club purchased commemorative shirts to celebrate ten years of dedicated reading. The inscription on the shirts reads, “Turning pages through time.” The club is open to all book lovers. Dedicated readers wishing to join should leave their name and phone number at the Carnegie Library, and someone will contact them. ELK CITY Students in Mrs. Miller’s elementary class earned a movie afternoon after filling up their compliment chart! Their teacher is so proud of the kindness and teamwork they show every day! Congratulations to the 7th grade Girls & Boys basketball ball teams! Both were Champs of the Weatherford Tourney! We hope each of you have a great season! We want to wish you a great season! Elk City Nursing Home 301 N. Garrett, Elk City 580-225-2811 Good Luck Teams! 1210 S. Main St, Elk City 580-225-0100 www.elksupply.com *UHDW3ODLQV 1DWLRQDO%DQN 2017 W. Third | 1300 S. Main | gpbankok.com 580-225-2265 2017 W. Third | 1300 S. Main | Elk City Wal-Mart | gpbankok.com 580.243.0466 We hope you have a great year! Good Luck Area Teams! :UG6W (ON&LW\2.   ZZZSL]]DKXWFRP Carry-out • Hut Lane • Delivery &DUU\RXW‡&XUEVLGH‡'HOLYHU\ Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. ELK CITY: 2714 W. 3rd St. • 580-225-2580 102 S. Main St.•580.225.2580 https//www.fnbec.bank SAYRE: 711 NE Highway 66 • 580-928-2580