October 24, 2026 Issue, Page 1 of 10

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Serving Western Oklahoma a Since 1901 ie ey SATURDAY, O “TOBER 24, 2026 Weekend Edition Murder, Meat Pies, and Mystery: The Shocking Tale of ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber ofFleet Street’ By Sheryl Ponce The 1979 musical, “Sweeney Todd: ‘The Demon Barber of Fleet. Street? will open Friday, Oct. 23rd, at 7:30 p.m. and runs Saturday, Oct. 24th, Sunday Oct. 25th, Friday, Oct. 30th, and Sat- urday Oct. 31st at 2 pm. and 7:30 p.m., at the Red Carpet Community Theatre. Tickets are on sale at wwwarectorg. ‘The music and lyrics are by Stephen Sodhem based on the book by Hugh Wheeler, from an adaption by Chris- Dawn Aerospace Breaks Ground topher Bond. The original director on Broadway was Harold Prince, with orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick. It was produced on Broadway by Richard By Sheryl Ponce project brings commercial spaceflight to an Barr, Charles Woodward, Robert Fryer, Todd. He seeks revenge against a cor- established aviation site that could give op- Mary Lea Johnson, Martin Richards in rupt Judge Turpin who wronged Todd. Space transportation company, Dawn portunities for businesses and workers as association with Dean and Judy Manos. Aerospace, broke ground at their new home operations develop. ‘Todd then partnered with the owner of ‘This show is being directed by Chris- a pie shop, Mrs. Lovett. They turn his in Burns Flat with local and state dignitaries “Aurora is designed to change the eco- ty Russell Dobbs, with the music direct- barbershop victims into meat pie fill ‘on Oct 13th. The company is a space trans- nomics of spaceflight by making it possible ed by Laura Lee Julian. This musical ings. portation network that connects the Earth to fly more frequently, with aircrafi-like thriller is considered PG and is a grue- ‘This dark comedy blends the tale of with space economies. They are building operations and rapid reusability” said Ste- somely dark show, Over 80 percent revenge with a macabre sense of hu- flight-proven green chemical satellite pro- fan Powell, CEO and Co-Founder of Dawn of the play is set to music, either sung mor. It plays out like a gothic horror pulsion systems which advances a reusable Aerospace at the groundbreaking. “To make or underscored dialogue. ‘The show is story brought to life through the ex- space plane. that possible, we need more than a runway. about Benjamin Barber who returns ‘The suborbital spaceplane called, Aurora, We need a place where we can prepare the to London under the name Sweeney See SWEENEY page 2 isa remotely piloted aircraft that has afford- aircraft, manage missions, and support our able access to suborbital space at speeds over customers, Oklahoma offers a unique com- Mach 3. This is the performance ofa rocket bination of capabilities and partners who with the reliability and versatility of an air- understand what were trying to achieve. craft This facility is a major step toward bringing According to the Dawn Aerospace web- for the Aurora spaceplane. that vision into service” site, “Aurora makes high-altitude and high- Grayson Ardies, CEO of OSIDA and Ex- ‘The project is targeted to be completed speed flight a routine, repeatable part of your ecutive Director of ODAA said, as report- in the fall of 2027. The new facility includes program. In turn, helping you to test, iterate, ed in the press release, “Today represents a mission control, avionics and payload work- and demonstrate faster” turning point for Infinity One Oklahoma spaces, a flight simulation office, conference In their press release about the ground- Spaceport. For years, we've talked about rooms and supporting operational areas. breaking, this is a major step toward be- Oklahoma’ potential in commercial space- ‘The hangar accommodates Aurora space- coming a national hub for commercial flight. Now we're putting that potential into plane and has space for preparation and spaceflight. The Oklahoma Space Industry motion. Dawn Aerospace is bringing a fun- maintenance activities. Development Authority (OSIDA), along damentally different approach to reaching Dawn is also a leading supplier of turn- with the Oklahoma Department of Aero- space, one that uses a conventional runway key nitrous oxide propulsion systems, with space and Aeronautics (ODAA) were rather than a traditional rocket launchpad. hardware now operating on over 50 space- present for the mission control facility and ‘That's exactly the kind of innovation we crafts. Loop, its refueling network, is being spaceplane hangar at Infinity One Oklaho- want to attract to Infinity One” developed to allow spacecraft to refuel in orbit, maneuver more freely, and remain op- Elk City and Merritt Host ma Spaceport. ‘The new Aurora is an attractive addi- ‘This is a $7.5 million project that is fund- tion to the space industry because it can be rational for longer. Founded in 2017, Dawn ed by the Oklahoma legislature. It includes a flown again within hours, which accelerates employs more than 150 people across the 5000 square foot mission control and opera- science and learning, They are on target Netherlands, France, Germany, New Zea- tions facility and a 10,000 square foot hangar to complete up to 100 flights in 2028, This land, and the United States Haunted’ Fundraisers Leadership Class XII Makes a Difference By Sheryl Ponce By Sheryl Ponce ing food insecurities. The Leader- No need to go out oftown to have an ship team stepped up to help fill evening of fright and flight during this ‘The Elk City Chamber of Com- food orders, stock shelves, load haunting season. The Elk City Class of merce’s Leadership XII Class put groceries into vehicles, and break 2027 is hosting their “Haunted Trail” It their best foot forward by spend- down boxes. They also donated begins Saturday, Oct. 24th, at 7:30 pm., ing their Saturday giving back to $500 to the organization, which and runs to 11 p.m, at the north en- the community, The Leadership will support the bank’ ongoing trance of the bike trail on Lakeview in Classes have switched from rais- needs, The food bank is open Elk City. The cost is $10. They will also ing funds for a needed project to Monday y from 9 am. to 1 p.m; be open Oct. 31st. conductinga class service project. ‘Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. to 6 pms ‘The Merritt cross country and track a free t-shirt and $30 registration fee. Clas XII chose to volunteer at Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 pm, athletic programs will have their first ‘The late registration is $35, but there Help Inc,, A Food Resource Cen- and the third Saturday of every annual “Runnin’ Sacred” fun run, on is no t-shirt guarantee. Children five ter. This organization is one that month from 9 a.m. to noon. Oct. 30th, at Elk City Lake. The one- and under are free. Use the QR code makes a huge difference in the According to the HELP. Inc., mile run/walk will start at 6 p.m.,and to register. lives of individuals and families website, “Help Inc., is here for the 5K run will begin at 7 p.m. There ‘Two different events that support who reside in Beckham Coun- you! We understand that no one will be food trucks along with tricks two school programs from two differ- ty, Dewey County, Roger Mills wants t 0 ask for help, but some- and treats, This is a family friendly ent schools. Make plans to support the County, and Washita County. times i tis simply unavoidable. event, and costumes are encouraged youth by participating or simply mak- Help, Inc., serves more than and prizes will be awarded. ‘Those ing a donation. All proceeds of the two 2000 families and individuals fac- See LEADERSHIP page 2 registered by Oct. 14th, will receive go to great causes. Donate Medical Equipment to Those in Need By Sheryl Ponce these health aides that are in good is accepting all donations for the thing. Western suggested that in- NO' IG condition. expo. She works with area health dividuals who may want to donate, Western Oklahomans need help | [ As people age, they may have care professionals to offer these contact her to confirm accepted with medical equipment. Durable a time in their lives that durable items free to the client. items and arrange a donation. Dig equipment such as_ wheelchairs, DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT medical equipment are neces- “They are currently offering what out the medical equipment that is walkers, canes, and shower chairs Help Western Oklahomans in need sary, yet they are unable to pay for they have in storage at no cost, no longer being used. are just a few of the items needed them. Other items needed include and the rest will be on display at “Give it a new purpose. Help a for the Life and Legacy Health and in Ap il, 2027. According to Julie pice, there are individuals within lift chairs, beds, shower chairs, ex- the Expo in the Share Corner for neighbor? Western said in the flyer Wellness Expo that will happen ‘Wester mn, Comforting Hands Hos- the area communities who can use tenders, lfis, and supplies. Western everyone who is in need of some- about the donations. Weather Vol. 122, No. 43 Mail delivery View online a Il 13151 9 tomorrow 75 cents 580.225.3000 elkcityoknews.com