February 14, 2026 Issue, Page 1 of 13

Page Text

Weekend Edition SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2026 ECPS Hears Food Management Report By Sheryl Ponce The Elk City Public School’s Board of Education met for their regular monthly meeting on Monday, Feb. 9th, in the Board Conference Room. President Brandon Storm opened the meeting with all present, except Katie Archer. There were no public comments, and they went on to a presentation by OPAA Food Management Presentation by the director of nutrition Shella Stewart. Stewart went over the statistics for the school system over the year. The number of students who are eating meals have increased since OPAA has taken over. She went over the staff that serves Elk City Public Schools, as well as the corporate staff. Stewart also suggested ways to increase the number of meals served over the next year. These are all free meals to the students and their families. Superintendent Mike Sparks also commented on the OPAA service and that the district has not been out any funds because of the free meals. They are offering a second breakfast that is very popular at the Intermediate and high school. He also said that Stewart has been instrumental in getting the district involved in Hunger Free Oklahoma program. After the board heard the food nutrition report, they went See REPORT page 2 Marty Quinn and Todd Russ Rotarians Learn about Insurance By Sheryl Ponce The Elk City Rotary Club held their regular weekly meeting at noon on Thursday in Grandmas House. President Rob Stephens opened the meeting followed by the introduction of the guest speaker by Todd Russ, State Treasurer. He was not there in his official capacity, but visited the Rotarians to introduce his friend, Marty Quinn. Quinn is running for the state insurance commissioner, but he was there to talk to the Rotary Club and insurance and the importance of the commission. He a founding member of the National Christian Legislators Association. He has been married to Kelly to for 41 years, and they have two children. He has been a Shelter Insurance agent in Arkansas, Kentucky, and Oklahoma. He talked about the factors that affect the insurance rates in Oklahoma, which includes homeowners and auto insurance. The location and local risk are based on the frequency of hail, wind, tornadoes, flooding, and the proximity to coastlines or flood zones. The property characteristics of a home is also a factor in the cost of insurance. This includes the age and condition of the home, the age and material of the roof, the replacement cost, the plumbing and electrical systems, and the distance to the nearest fire department and/or hydrant. Quinn also talked about the cost of vehicle insurance, which includes the make/model/year along with the safety features, also theft/statistics for the model, and repair costs. He also told the Rotarians about the coverage choices and claims history. The market competition and capacity of how many companies actively write policies in Oklahoma and their appetite for certain risks. Personal factors such as driving record, age, marital statistics, household drivers, credit and See ROTARY page 2 RCCT Director Announce Cast for ‘Harvey’ By Sheryl Ponce Benjamin Dobbs, the Red Carpet Community Theatre’s director for the next production of “Harvey” announced the cast of characters. His assistant director is Sarah Byer; the prop manager is Lexi Snyder; the costume manager is Christy Dobbs; the light technician is Malcolm Byer; the sound technician is Melissa Williams; the stagehands are Rose Carter and Emily Barnes; the stage manager is Julie Carter; and the stage crew are Sidda Willis and Chantel Senz. Dobb’s cast includes Gantt Carter in the role of Elwood P. Dowd; Basil Weatherly will be playing Dr. William B. Chumley; Camren Olveson is going to be playing Dr. Lymam Sanderson; Jeff Johnson is going to be Wilson; Tim Bodenstein is going to be in the role of Judge Omar Gaffney; Sara Marie Bodenstein is playing Veta Louise Simmons; Bailey Carpenter is in the role of Myrtle Made Simmons; Delaney Acuna is cast as Ruth Kelly; Joy Hale Moore will be playing Ethel Chauvenet; Donna King will be Betty Chumley; Jess Cenami is in the role of E.J. Lofgren; and the maids will be played by Sidda Willis and Changel Senz. “Harvey” by Mary Chase will open March 20th and run the 21st, nd 22 , 27th, 28th, and close on the 29th. Get season tickets to catch all of the shows in the 2026 lineup of shows. Go to www.rcct.org for purchasing single tickets or a season ticket package. Gary McGinn WOHS Membership Drive Kicks Off By Sheryl Ponce The Western Oklahoma Historical Society is beginning their annual membership drive. It is the members of WOHS have helped support the National Route 66 Museum Complex, along with other local events. Some of those events include the Route 66 Flea Market, the WOHS Hall of Fame Banquet, and the art and historical exhibits. The organization is a 501c3 nonprofit, which gives WOHS members the opportunity to provide tax deductible donations. The organization has a 26-member board of directors that meet each month Weather tomorrow on the fourth Monday, at 11 a.m., in Elk City’s Western Technology Center. Once a year the board holds their Annual Meeting on President’s Day in Feb., which will take place Feb. 16th. During the Annual Meeting, the new slate of officers will be voted in, the committee chairs give their 68 / 45 99/70 annual reports, along with the treasurer’s report that is expected to be approved. This meeting is going to be held at 6 p.m., in the Opera House. All members are welcome to attend the meeting. There are several types of WOHS memberships. The Lifetime Member is a $1000 donation that will Vol. Vol. 117,122, No.No. 54 7 75 cents 75 cents, 12 pgs. be deposited in a Trust Fund with the income used for WOHS projects. This membership entitles the members and their guest to unlimited visits to the museum complex during their lifetime. The guests must be accompanied by the lifetime member. The Heritage Membership is Mail delivery Home delivery 580.225.3000 580.225.3000 $500 and entitles the members and their guests to unlimited visits to the museum complex during the year. The guests must be accompanied by the member. The Pioneer Membership costs $100 and entitles the members and See XXXX page 2 Viewonline online View elkcityoknews.com elkcityoknews.com