January 24, 2026 Issue, Page 11 of 13

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NEWS The Elk City News SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2026 • 11 Information and Assistance Available for Seniors Across Southwest Oklahoma By Joanie Swanson As we welcome the New Year, the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) Area Agency on Aging (AAA) remains committed to supporting older adults and their caregivers throughout southwest Oklahoma. The SWODA AAA Information and Assistance (I & A) program is available to help individuals age 60 and older connect with services and resources that promote independence, health, and well-being in the year ahead. The I & A service provides information, referrals, and assistance for a variety of needs, including caregiver respite services, hearing aids, limited transportation, legal assistance, nutrition programs, health care services, housekeeping, weatherization, and other concerns affecting older adults. For those unsure where to turn, knowledgeable staff are ready to help guide individuals and caregivers to appropriate resources. Older adults and caregivers are encouraged to start the New Year informed and supported by reaching out for assistance. To learn more about available services, please get in touch with Joanie Swanson, the SWODA Aging Services Information Assistant, at 580-562-5026, or call the statewide toll-free Senior Info Line at 1-800-211-2116. These services are funded in part by state funds and the Older Americans Act through SWODA DAR Meets The Cafe Clinton on January 12, 2026 the regular meeting of the Washita Chapter NSDAR was held with the Regent Kay Hagerman opening with the DAR Ritual. The Pledge of Allegiance, The American’s Creed, The Preamble to the Constitution , Salute to the Oklahoma Flag and a Patriotic song was given by assorted members. The President General’s message given by Marci Grant emphasized the importance of a chapter’s yearly reports. It not only highlights the chapters work and accomplish- ments but contributes to the DAR’s mission areas. National Defense Report, given by Roberta Diggs on Thomas Payne’s pamphlet, Common Sense. Payne wrote it in 1776 showing the need for independence from Britain and convinced many colonists that it was the only option. The Oath of Membership was given to Tina Lovelace and welcomed into the chapter by Regent Kay Hagerman, Chaplain Robetha Farris and Registrar Linda Stewart. The program given by Judy Tracy was the presentation of life and times in the life of Alice Blackburn whose had also the name of “Sunshine Alice”. She raised ten children in the Grimes, Berlin and Cheyenne area of Roger Mills County. In addition to raising a family she was a newspaper writer and advocate for more schools in that area as well as teacher education “ The group will meet at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2025 for lunch at the Cherokee Trading Post followed by a tour of the Hinton Museum Director, Art Peters. It will be a combined meeting of the Chisholm Fork and the Washita Chapters. Delegates chosen for Continental Congress were Honorary State Regent Nancy Lisle, Regent Kay Hagerman, and Vice Regent Marci Grant. The meeting was closed with the reading of The Daughter’s Pledge Members attending were: Roberta Diggs, Robetha Farris, Ann Graham, Marci Grant, Kay Hagerman, Kathryn Harrison, Tina Lovelace, April Miller, Linda Stewart, Judy Tracy and Vera Willamson. Annual Elk City Leadership Hall of Fame Induction Written up by A. Moore The annual Elk City Leadership Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Honoring Sadiaa Jones, Roger Shockey and Dan Storm, DDS will be held on Friday, January 30th 2026. This event will be held at the Elk CIty Convention Cen- ter Hospitality room located at 1221 N Pioneer Rd in Elk City. There will be a reception from 5:00-6:00pm. The inductee presentations Area Agency on Aging and the Oklahoma Human Services Aging Services. SWODA is one of 11 Councils of Government in Oklahoma and serves Beckham, Custer, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills, and Washita counties. SWODA works year-round to strengthen the economic and social development of the region through services such as Aging Services, 911 Administration, Community and Economic Development, Geographic Information Systems, Rural Fire Defense, and Workforce Development. SWODA AAA serves all eligible individuals without regard to race, national origin, ancestry, color, religion, gender, age, or disability. GPRMC-ER Needs Supplies for Blessing Box By Sheryl Ponce Great Plains Regional Medical Center’s – ER has had high traffic, yet there has been a drop in donations because of the holiday and/ or economy. Reach out to Chelsea Marie McGowan or Shay-Lynn Nicole to meet up, pickup, or drop-off donations. The supplies that are low include body soaps, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, oral hygiene products, and small snack items. As the weather becomes colder, the needs become greater. Reach out to donate items of need. CBA will be between the Elk City Elkettes and Elks basketball games at the Pioneer Center Gymnasium. CANUTE CBA congratulates Kate Stewart on her achievement of scoring 1,000 points during her high school career. Kate has been a 4-year starter for the Lady Crusaders. During the Pioneer game, she made a 3 pointer in overtime to score her 1,000th career point. CBA would like to recognize and celebrate Kate for this accomplishment. Congratulations to both JH teams on placing Runner-Up in the JH West Central Tournament. The Canute Pre-K classes have read another 500 books. They celebrated by eating donuts. Mega Breeze & Mini Breeze Call For Pricing! Parts Available! 580-225-6554 One of the largest metal 918 N. Van Buren suppliers between Elk City, OK 73644 OKC and Amarillo www.janningwelding.com We proudly support the students, staff and administration at Canute Schools ~ Great Plains Bank ~ First National Bank Farmers Union Co-Op Gin 720 S. Main, Elk City 580-225-0191 www.elkcitycoop.com Josh Moran President/Owner 319 Industrial PKWY Elk City, OK 73644 580.225.2575 620 Highway 66, Canute, OK 73626 banksovereign.com | Member FDIC MORAN EQUIPMENT SERVING Oklahoma ~ Texas ~ New Mexico www.moranequipment.com