August 1, 2026 Issue, Page 1 of 10

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ģnģĊė 6DW      )L    SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2026 Weekend Edition New Community Health Worker Gives Rotarians a Rundown of Coordinated Services Provided by GPRMC By Sheryl Ponce After going over current Rotarian business, Elk City Rotary president, Trish Southard, in- troduced Kylee Chapman, MSN, RN, who is the new Community Health Worker with Great Plains Regional Medical Center. She is someone who connects individuals with healthcare, in- surance, community resources, education, guid- ance, and support. Chapman explained, “I started this position on the first of June, and I’ve already helped patients sign up for SoonerCare. If we have patients come in that are self-pay in the ER and they qualify, I can assist with that application for healthcare.” She came from the Western Technology Cen- ter where she was teaching the health careers program at the Sayre campus for the last nine years. She then returned to GPRMC, where her Cheyenne Arapaho Tribes Break See RUNDOWN page 2 Ground on Elk City Casino By Sheryl Ponce completed, they had to wait two more Compliance Officer Bill Tall Bear groundbreaking. It is significant to years before borrowing $75 million to then introduced himself and wel- the creation and development of jobs For years there have been rumors start the resort casino. comed everyone to the special occa- and attracting visitors. Kilhoffer con- and questions about when the casino After closing on the $75 million sion. Tall Bear quoted Warren Buffet tinued to talk about the significance would be built at the Cheyenne Arap- loan, the tribes gathered at the casino about the importance of past actions. of the Cheyenne Arapaho Tribes for aho Tribal land located at the I-40 sight to officially break ground. With He also explained the history of land their commitment to their people intersection close to Walmart. The approximately 300 tribal leaders and acquisition, as well as including the and communities. He thanked the process has been in the works for a dignitaries, the ceremony began importance of the project in creating community and individuals who very long time. The 50 acres of land with Pastor Delfred Whitecrow, Jr. jobs and how it can benefit the com- contributed to the project that in- was purchased in two separate plots. introducing himself, followed by a munity. cluded tribal leadership, architects, They then had to make a Tribal coun- prayer to thank God for the day and Mayor Micah Kilhoffer took the engineers, and contractors. cil request for a Limited Waiver of the smooth execution of the ground- mic to welcome everyone but then Sovereign Immunity. After that was breaking event. touched on the importance of the See CASINO page 12 Comforting Hands Hospice Invites the Public to ‘Grief & Share’ WOHS Board Approves Sidewalk and Prepares for Flea Market By Sheryl Ponce By Sheryl Ponce nie Jordan gave the education/ center. Members of WOHS met When a loved one passes away, grief can be daunting. art exhibit report. He noted that with Anna Wray, curator, about It is a process not a beginning or an ending. Julie Western The Western Oklahoma His- Greg Skaggs is the guest artist, where the equipment could go. from Comforting Hands Hospice announced their 13- torical Society (WOHS) Board and Jenny Jarnigan will be re- They found a potential place to week GriefShare Support Group, which is a welcoming met for their monthly meeting turning with her artwork for a move it. place for those who have lost a loved one. on Monday, July 27th, at 11 a.m., second showing. Storm also talked about the “Grief can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to in Elk City’s Western Technolo- The docents’ summer sched- bid for extending a sidewalk face it alone. It is a welcoming place where those who have gy Center. President Dr. Dan ule is going well, and the vol- around the bucking shoots. The experienced the loss of a loved one can find understand- Storm, DDS, called the meeting unteer staff is full. The next cost is going to be $4450. The ing, encouragement, and hope alongside others who truly to order followed by the invoca- report was to be given by Ran- board voted to approve the bid understand. Whether your loss is recent or years ago, you tion given by Doug Haught. The dy Haggard, but he was not for the new walkway. are welcome,” Western posted on Facebook. board approved the minutes present. Therefore, Storm gave The next item on the agenda This 13-week program consists of video sessions, from the June meeting, as well his report. He talked about a was old business. The first item group discussions, and practical resources. It is a support as the treasurer’s report. donation from Davis Printing. was the alumni weekend. The for those to navigate the grief journey at their own pace. Storm called for standing The museum board has not board voted to take the extra It will begin Tuesday, Sept. 8th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 committee reports. In the area voted on it, pending on mov- “Rising from the Prairie” books p.m., at Comforting Hands Hospice, located at 401 E. 3rd. of membership, Cindy Wood ing the equipment. He said that to the alumni weekend and sell St., Suite B, in Elk City. said that there has been one the old Davis Printing building See BOARD page 2 For more information or to register, contact Julie West- new family membership. Don- was being made into an event ern, LMSW at 580-1738. Miss Elk City/Miss Queen of the West Scholarship Pageant Date Set By Sheryl Ponce the amount of $750, Rookie Talent Award in the amount of $300 Scholarship, Overall Talent The Executive Director of the Miss Elk City/ Award in the amount of $500 Scholarship, and Miss Queen of the West Pageant, Abgail Luna, Top 13 Semi-Finalist to Miss Oklahoma’s Teen announced the date for the 66th Annual com- in the amount of $1000; and the Miss Queen of petition which will be held on Sept. 19th, at the the West’s Teen Macy Barnett was awarded the Pioneer Center. The announcement said that Oklahoma Order of Excellence Bronze in the they are currently accepting applications for amount of $250. the pageant. It is time to look at applying to be a part of The current titleholders walked away with Western Oklahoma’s history by participating in over $21,000 in scholarship awards at the Miss this scholarship experience. The board is cur- Oklahoma Pageant. Miss Elk City Landri Jones rently taking in paperwork to enter the com- was awarded the Oklahoma Order of Excel- petition. Because the spots are limited and will lence Bronze in the amount of $500 and Entre- be filling up fast, email misselkcityorg@gmail. preneurial Spirit in the amount of $500 scholar- com. ship; Miss Queen of the West Leah Hughes was The Miss Elk City is open to anyone living awarded Oklahoma Order of Excellence in the within a 70-mile radius of Elk City while the amount of $500, Overall Talent Winner in the Miss Queen of the West is open to anyone liv- amount of $1500 Scholarship, and Runner-up ing in Oklahoma. The first three entries may to Miss Oklahoma in the amount of $7000; pick their placement, along with prize packag- Miss Elk City Teen Bailey Gossen was award- es to be announced. Watch for updates on the ed the Oklahoma Order of Excellence Gold in Miss Elk City Organization’s Facebook page. 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