February 28, 2026 Issue, Page 1 of 14

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2026 Weekend Edition Day Shelter and Utility Aid Keep Neighbors Safe as Charity Faces Budget Gap By Sheryl Ponce The Western Oklahoma Family Care Center (WOF- CC) staff were the guest speakers at the Rotary Club’s weekly meeting last Thursday at noon. Representing the center were the executive director, Abby Daniels, administrative assistant, Crystal Lamb, and case man- ager, Shaylee Gonzalez. Daniels gave the Rotarians a brief history and data about their services and dona- tion shortfalls. WOFCC serves the three counties of Beckham, Washita, and Roger Mills. They are dedicated to giving Hay Rats to the Rescue: Northfork Convoy hope and help to those in need. They serve the most vulnerable members of these communities with com- passion, dignity, and unwavering support. “Our mission is to respond to the evolving needs of Brings Relief to Burned-Out Ranches our community through financial assistance and per- sonalized case management, fostering stability, safety By Sheryl Ponce “We will probably end up taking 400 to 500 bales midity gets up, then they can put a dent in it because all together and 20 tons of cattle feed. Yesterday at you can see where it is going.” See GAP page 2 The Ranger Road Fire, which began Tuesday in the Smith Ranch there were eight to ten ranchers Clark told a story of a farm truck that pulled up to Beaver County, and expanded into Clark and Co- that came to get what they needed,” Clark said. the convey asking who was in charge. The man said manche counties in Kansas, burned an estimated He said that they would be going again, but prob- that he does not have hay or equipment to move it, 283,283 acres. The need for assistance with ranchers ably to another ranch between Elk City and Beaver, therefore ,he handed Clark eight $100 bills and told in the area was heard throughout Western Oklaho- around Knowles. The loss of cattle won’t be tallied him to use it for fuel to deliver the supplies. ma. The Northfork of the Red River Hay Rats came for another week or two, but Clark knew of one That was one example of how people are pitch- to help ease their burden with their remaining cattle rancher who lost 200 pair of mama cows and their ing in to help a neighbor in need. The stories of help throughout this devastating fire. Elk City’s Jimmy babies. pouring in continue. Clark and the Hay Rats will be Clark round up the Hay Rats to pull together a cara- “What people don’t understand is that the fire making another trip north to assist those suffering van of hay and feed to take to the ranchers. started at Beaver, and it headed northeast because from the fire. Others involved in the convoy besides Clark in- the wind was out of the west. That fire was moving “For those who want to help, contact Oklahoma cluded Bradey and Nelson Britton, Chad Rippetoe, five to seven miles an hour. So that doesn’t sound Farm Bureau or the Oklahoma Cattle Association Donnie Walker, Justin Passmore, and Roy Hunt, very fast, does it,” Clark began to donate. They will get the donations to those who along with numerous others in Beckham and Dew- “Well, it’s a fire and if you’re straight east, ahead of need it. Others can also purchase feed at one of their ey Counties who donated hay and cake. the fire, 15 miles east of the fire, that gives you, about local feed stores in the area,” Clark said. “What we do is to haul it up there, and we take an hour, and 15 minutes to get wherever you need He also wants others to know that there is help by WOFCC Staff it to a central place. Yesterday, we took it to the to get. This is to get your cows or to gather the cows calling 988 for immediate mental health, substance Smith Ranch just a couple miles south of Engle- up, and that’s a slow pace. It is hard to get cattle out use, or suicide crises, and they can connect individ- wood, Kansas, but we were on the Oklahoma side. of the way. You got to find them somewhere that is uals to trained counselors. Calling 211 can give in- We unload there. A lot of us have dump trailers or green, to get them out on a wheat pasture away from formation and referrals for essential social services. hay bale dumping trailers. They’ll load us, and we’ll the fire. Not everybody’s lucky enough to have green Because the fire wiped out ranches and their life’s take them to ranches that don’t have equipment to wheat pasture, and that’s not big farming country up work of building their herd individual ranchers may unload the hay,” Clark explained. there.” need help to cope with his/her losses. He went on to say that he has seen a lot of fires, He explained how hard it is to get cattle to a safe The donations seem to be rolling in for those but in seeing the aftermath of one of the hottest fires place. One other rancher has five herds of cows but in need. Clark will continue to provide assistance was devastating. There was nothing left but T-posts. could only get one out of the way. Clark repeated where he can and advocate for those who lost so The fires were over 115 miles long and 12 miles wide something the fire chief in Englewood told him. much. Ranchers and farmers seem to be a tightknit at the widest point and started at Beaver. “Protect the structures until night falls and the hu- family that comes to the aid of one another. ECPS Takes Reservations for Damon Butcher The Citizens’ Police Academy Seniors’ Prom By Sheryl Ponce community polic- ‘Diamonds and The Elk City Police Department an- nounced that they will be holding the Sec- ond Annual Citizens’ Police Academy start- ing and ethics, ba- sic constitutional law, criminal law, traffic, local ordi- Donned ‘A Night Denim’ Gala Planned ing on April 2nd, every Thursday evening for ten weeks from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the ECPD Gun Range. Chief John Cook began the class last year, nances, interper- sonal skills, human diversity, domestic crisis intervention, to Remember’ and because of the success, they will be of- defensive tactics By Sheryl Ponce by Help, Inc. fering the class once again. The mission of the Academy is to give or use of force, pa- trol procedures, Good Shepherd Hospice, Homestead Assisted Liv- ing, and Bell Avenue Nursing and Rehab are joining community members a better understand- firearms, vehicle By Sheryl Ponce ing of police training, procedures, and stops and opera- together to host a “Senior Prom” for the residents of hand-on-instruction conducted by area law tions, crime scenes, nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the com- For the first time, Help Inc, A Food Source, an- enforcement officers. specialized units, munity that will take place on April 9th, at 5 p.m., in nounced that they are planning a fundraiser called The spots are limited, therefore, resi- training scenarios, Parties on Purpose. Currently they are looking for “Diamonds and Denim.” The gala will take place on dents need to apply early by picking up and open forums with current issues. business donations and/or sponsorships. May 1st, at Parties on Purpose, located at 1309 Airport an application at the ECPD, located at 422 For more information about the academy, “We are excited to announce our upcoming Senior Industrial Rd., at 7 p.m. The evening will include a din- E. 3rd St; request an application through contact Chief John Cook at 580-225-1212 or Prom Night for our residents. This special event is de- ner, silent auction, and dessert. email at [email protected]; or scan the QR email him at [email protected]. signed to give our elderly residents a chance to relive There will be more information released as time gets code. This program is a perfect way to get to the joy of prom --complete with music, dancing, pho- closer. For more information and for sponsor informa- The requirements to participate include know police procedures and understand tos, and unforgettable memories,” they announced. tion, contact Wendy Walker at 580-243-0770 or email being 18 years of age or older; no criminal how the local police department works. The Many of the residents have not been to a dance, [email protected]. record because a record’s clearance check ECPD’s commitment to the community and much less a prom, for years if they experienced one at Help Inc. is located at 609 W. E Ave., in the old Ar- will be completed; and must have an affilia- their citizens is apparent through programs all. The evening will be filled with laughter, friendship, mory building. The organization serves Washita Coun- tion with Elk City, such as live, work, or own such as this. It is a great way to becoming in- and celebration. ty, Dewey County, and Beckham County. They are property in Elk City. volved with the local law enforcement. Sign helping Western Oklahoma, one meal at a time. The course and training will include up now. See PROM page 2 Weather Vol. Vol. 117,122, No.No. 54 9 Mail delivery Home delivery Viewonline View online tomorrow 99/70 47 / 31 75 75 cents cents, 12 pgs. 580.225.3000 580.225.3000 elkcityoknews.com elkcityoknews.com