April 18, 2026 Issue, Page 1 of 12

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SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026 Weekend Edition Rotarian’s Whiskey Tasting Speakeasy, a Learning Event By Sheryl Ponce The Elk City Rotarians held their sec- ond annual whiskey tasting educational event that was held as a Speakeasy style at the Elk City Golf and Country Club, Saturday, April 11th, at 7 p.m. Robert Stephens was the host and speaker for the evening. Each participant was able to taste different blends of whiskey, and this year they were also taught how to make mixers from the various brands. There were approximately 50 people in attendance, and in order to get into Golden Oldies Prom, a Night the “Speakeasy,” each person had to give his or her own special password. Most guests were dressed in the 20s style with feathers, flappers, and even ers, United Fund, Meals on Wheels, as some garters were seen on the best cos- for the Young at Heart well as Miss Elk City and Queen of the tumes. West competitions. Look for next year’s This is one of the Rotarian’s fundrais- whiskey taking fundraiser to be a part ers that support the many local proj- of learning more about the history of ects. Some of those projects include the age old liquor. By Sheryl Ponce donating dictionaries to area 3rd grad- Thanks to a generous community and those who care about the aging population. Last week the residents in the area nursing homes and assisted living facilities gath- ered at Party on Purpose for a “Golden Oldies Prom.” The event was courtesy of Good Shepherd Hospice, Bell Avenue Nursing Center, and Homestead Assisted Living. Lindy Smith, Trevor Theissen, Julie Byerly, and a host of other volunteers made the event special for each and ev- ery resident that came out for the occasion. Jon and Trina Van Buren of Poppy’s Pit and Grill do- nated a full meal for the prom. After the partiers ate, they began to dance the night away, while names were called randomly to pick out a gift that had been donated for the occasion. Then Prom King and Queen were announced by Dr. Treva Graham. Prom King was Tom Collins, while the Prom Queen was Marie Pixton. Instead of the traditional kiss, the two very politely shook hands. As the party began to slow down, the seniors gath- ered on the shuttle busses to return to their perspective homes. The smiles and gratitude for an evening out that was made especially for the residents and senior citizens could be felt as each one slowly left the building. It was an evening that will be remembered by all. It seemed that the helpers had just as much fun as the seniors who beamed in their special suits and dresses. A heartfelt thank you for all who donated or helped ECPS Approve Volleyball in any way to bring some joy to those who rarely get out. The idea may have been novel for Elk City, but with the positive response and outcome, it won’t be the last Gold- en Oldies Prom. and Press Box Bid By Sheryl Ponce (FY) 26/27 at all. I am looking down the road two years, (FY) 27/28 is Western Previews Life & Legacy Health The Elk City Board of Educa- tion met for their regular monthly going to be the year that we could possibly would not see shortfalls, meeting on Monday, April 13th, at but just leaner times financially and Wellness Expo for Rotarians 6 p.m., in the Board of Education. Katie Archer stood in for President than what we’ve had over the last, really seven years, going back to By Sheryl Ponce that will take place outside the North Parking Brandon Storm, who was absent Mr. Garrison, to be honest,” Sparks Lot. From 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the OBI Blood from the meeting. After calling explained. Western Oklahoma Alzheimer’s Collabo- drive will take place. The blood mobile will be the meeting to order and no public “Looking at those things, we rative Board Member, Julie Western, was the parked in front at the north parking lot. Ad- comments, the board approved the want to continue to be good with guest speaker for the Elk City Rotary Club’s ditionally, Durable Medical Equipment Share Consent Agenda. our money. We want to continue regular weekly meeting, at noon, in the Meals Corner will be available all day, as will the The Consent Agenda included to look at every teaching spot or on Wheels’ dining room. President Rob Ste- Caregiver 101 Q and A and demonstrations. the March 9th Board Meeting Min- support staff that does come open, phens introduced her to the group, where Cooking demonstrations will also be given utes and the Financial Transactions. or when somebody that leaves and she explained the Life and Legacy Health and by Alex Thomison, the Western Technology In Superintendent Mike Sparks’ there is a spot, we ask if we have to Wellness Expo that will be held on Thursday, Center’s culinary arts instructor. At 1 p.m., he report, he warned the board about have it, or is it a luxury to have all April 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the Elk will be demonstrating Rich and Creamy Cur- collections and expenditures for the those things. We will continue to City Convention Center. ry; at 2 p.m., he will present Balanced Starch- current year, which he said that in weigh those things to make sure we This first health and wellness expo is being es and Blood Sugar; and 3 p.m., he will be regard to child nutrition, they are will be in a good shape financially.” presented by Comforting Hands Hospice. It demonstrating Cooking for Two on a Budget. behind in reimbursements. The The next item on the agenda will begin with CARFIT from 9 a.m. to noon. numbers appear that they are in the was whether to go into executive This is a driver safety program for older adults See EXPO page X negative, but the funds for the next session. The board voted not to; months have not been received. therefore, they went on to item sev- Sparks also talked about the bills en, Items for Consideration. In the that have been brought up during first one, they voted to approve the Main Street Grand Opening Scheduled this legislative session concerning ad valorem taxes. There have been five bills introduced, and there is one that continues to get traction employment of Stephen L. Smith Corp., as financial consultants to the School District for FY 26-27. This is a yearly action that the board By Sheryl Ponce deals the entire day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and taking advantage of special deals and According to the announcement, “After treats all along Main Street.” from the Speaker of the House and votes on, which is the company that In conjunction with the Elk City Cham- months of hard work and transformation, Make plans to head to downtown Elk City the Senate Pro Tem. sells the bonds for the elementary ber of Commerce and Carroll’s Shoe Corner, it’s time to officially celebrate the completed as Main Street returns to the original glory of “I don’t see a way that there’s not school. there will be a celebration of the Main Street Main Street Project, and welcome everyone shopping, visiting friends and families, while some type of ad valorem reduction The board voted to approve item completion and reopening. There will be a back to the heart of our community. Spend helping the local merchants recover after the which will affect the money we get 7B. This is where in the absence ribbon cutting at noon, on Saturday, April the day shopping your favorite local stores, construction has ended and front doors have from the local level. When you look 18th. There will be shopping and special enjoying delicious eats from food trucks, reopened. at our money, I don’t worry about See VOLLEYBALL page X Weather Vol. Vol. 117,122, No.No. 54 16 Mail delivery Home delivery Viewonline View online tomorrow 99/70 76 / 46 75 75 cents cents, 12 pgs. 580.225.3000 580.225.3000 elkcityoknews.com elkcityoknews.com