October 31, 2026 Issue, Page 11 of 13

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NEWS The Elk City News Auditions Set for “The Christmas Rose of Yuletide Gulch” and Olio Untitled Pop Up Theatre will be holding auditions for its Christmas show, “The Christmas Rose of Yuletide Gulch” and Olio, on Monday, November 2 and Tuesday, November 3 at 6:00 pm located at the First Presbyterian Church, 217 N Washington, Elk City. In this holiday Melodrama, Granny Winters warms the town’s children with stories on Christmas Eve, only for the wicked landlord Barnaby Blackheart to threaten foreclosure on the church by midnight, threatening to throw out Mary Faith, Granny Winters and all the orphans into the cold. Will the brave Caleb Trueheart save the day? Will Barnaby Blackheart’s frozen heart melt? The melodrama will be in conjunction with an Olio. What is an Olio? It is a variety show (like a talent show). So, if you have a talent you would like to showcase, we want you! Seeking ALL ACTS, ALL AGES! Seeking Actors, Musicians, Dancers, Comedians, Magicians, Annual Elk City Rotary Raffle Kicks Off By Sheryl Ponce It is time to purchase a ticket from the Elk City Rotary Club for a Grand Prize of up to $5000 cash or up to $5000 Chamber Bucks. It is a 50/50 Sweepstakes. The drawing will be held at “Christmas in the Park,” on Sat., Dec., 12th, at 8 p.m. The winner does not need to be present to win. The cost of one ticket is $50, and there are a limited number of tickets that will be sold. Purchase a ticket from one of the Elk City Ro- tary Club members. The best part of this drawing is that the winner does not need to be present to win. Contact a Rotarian to purchase a ticket or two. OSU announces new schools of Aviation and Space, Nursing and More! Auditions will consist of cold readings and open to all ages. Production dates are November 27, 28, and 29, 2026. We are excited to partner with Elk City’s Chamber of Commerce to help launch their opening weekend’s park festivities with this production at the Opera House. For more information and to fill out an audition sheet go to www.untitledpopuptheatre.com/ auditions. RV Adventurers Spend Night in Elk City Elk City’s Convention Center recently hosted several overnight guests traveling Route 66. Adventure Caravans Guided RV Tours brought 24 couples from across the United States in 24 RVs to town on their way from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, along the Mother Road. “Wagon Masters” Bob and Marcia Hanbury oversee the 53-day trip across all of Route 66 and coordinated the stop in Elk City. This was their third time to bring groups and stay the night here. Julie Brewer is the Convention Center Director, and the Hanburys have gotten to know her from their stops in town. “Julie is wonderful, just wonderful,” Marcia said. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2026 • 11 Elk City is about halfway between stops in Oklahoma City and Amarillo, but there’s another reason the Hanburys wanted their group to spend time here. “There are things to see and do dealing with Route 66,” Marcia said. The Route 66 travelers visited Elk City’s museum complex, which Marcia described as excellent. Brewer recommended that the visitors also see downtown to view the new murals, which they did. Marcia mentioned the Carnegie Library mural. “We also checked out the Lasso Lizard,” she said. The Elk City Convention Center has 430 parking spaces and 75 RV hookups, so there’s plenty of parking for both same-day and overnight guests. Oklahoma State University is establishing two new academic schools, building on rapid enrollment growth and growing workforce demand in two of Oklahoma’s most critical industries. OSU’s College of Education and Human Sciences will launch the School of Aviation and Space and the School of Nursing on July 1, 2027. “Establishing these schools reflects the extraordinary growth of both programs, their importance to Oklahoma’s workforce and the opportunities ahead for students, faculty and stakeholders,” College of Education and Human Sciences Dean Stephen Clarke said. “It also recognizes the exceptional work of our faculty, staff, students and partners who have contributed to their success.” The new schools, which will remain under the College of Education and Human Sciences, reflect the college’s commitment to preparing professionals who power the human and economic infrastructure, from healthcare providers and educators to aviation and aerospace leaders. School of Aviation and Space Aviation has a long and distinguished history at Oklahoma State University, dating back to the opening of the Civilian Pilot Training Program at then-Oklahoma A&M in 1935. In the last decade, enrollment across undergraduate degree options has increased substantially, doubling in aerospace security and professional pilot, and quadrupling in aviation management. More than 1,000 students apply annually to the bachelor’s degree in aerospace administration and operations, now the fifth-largest major by enrollment at OSU. The number of master’s and doctoral students has also doubled, attracting industry professionals from around the U.S. The Ray and Linda Booker OSU Flight Center opened in 2022 and has further strengthened capacity to provide outstanding aviation education and hands-on training. Currently, the program is part of the School of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Aviation. Aviation and aerospace play a vital role in Oklahoma, producing $52.5 billion in economic impact annually, according to the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. The School of Aviation and Space will strengthen OSU’s ability to support one of the state’s fastest-growing industries while expanding opportunities for education, research and industry partnerships in aviation, aerospace and the emerging space sector. SCHOOL OF NURSING OSU Nursing has grown remarkably since the introduction of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing on the Stillwater campus in 2023. This fall, the university welcomed more than 350 first-year nursing students, and total enrollment in the major surpassed 1,000. Currently, the program is within the School of Community Health Sciences, Counseling and Counseling Psychology. Faculty and clinical partners have been instrumental in supporting the growth and preparing students for the demands of professional nursing practice. The Mary K. Chapman Nursing Simulation Lab, which opened in spring 2025, has enhanced opportunities for students to develop the clinical skills and confidence essential to patient care. With strong first-time NCLEX pass rates and a 100% job placement rate, OSU is successfully preparing nurses who are ready to serve in hospitals and other healthcare settings. As Oklahoma continues to face a critical shortage of highly qualified nurses, OSU is well-positioned to help meet this workforce challenge. Establishing the School of Nursing will enhance the visibility of nursing programs, support the development of clinical and community partnerships, and provide a foundation for the future expansion of academic programs. “The creation of these schools represents an important investment in the future of our college and the communities we serve. It also reflects our commitment as a land-grant university to align academic excellence with the evolving needs of Oklahoma and beyond,” Dr. Clarke said. Meeting-Beckham/Roger Mills Unit of Oklahoma Retired Educators Association In the spirit of the season, members of OREA, Beckham/Roger Mills Unit gathered for a meeting October 9, at Elk City United Methodist Church. Friendly Jack-o-Lanterns and signs of Halloween cheerfully decorated the tables. President Linda Long welcomed members --- Cindy Wood, Judy Haught, Tana Feldman, Suzanne Walker, Janice Mollet, Mary Fern Carpenter, Glenda Ivins, Cathy Lewis, Stephanie Malone, DeAnne Bell, Larry Long, Dennis McRee, June Lovelace, Nan Hubbard, Linda Maberry, Carla Garrison and Sharon Thompson. June gave the invocation followed by Judy who led the flag salutes. There were no October birthdays to celebrate. Mary Fern presented a very meaningful devotional by shar- ing the other group of the Ten Commandments. In her eloquent words, she mentioned the importance of finding and counting the blessings in our own lives and learning not to worry. The minutes and the treasurer’s report were approved as presented. Suzanne, Chairman of the scholarship committee, reported she had presented the $600 Beckham/Roger Mills Unit of OREA Scholarship to Abbey Brawley, first year teacher at Merritt. Glenda, treasurer, reminded members to pay dues by November 1st for 2026-27. She noted the membership number is 63. Tana, Chairman of Volunteer Hours, encouraged members to be diligent in keeping a record of their hours. Linda gave the Legislative report. She noted that a panel of eight Legislators at OREA State Convention answered questions about protecting our pension system (TRS) and establishing a system for regular COLAS. Members were reminded to vote in the November 3rd election. Linda noted the importance of researching the pros and cons of each candidate in order to vote responsibly. The report on the recent OREA State Convention in Tulsa indicates a great success. Beckham/ Roger Mills Unit was well represented by Linda, Larry, June, and especially by Stephanie, VIM (Very Important Member) of this Unit. American Education Week is the 3rd week in November. Retired educators are having a lun- cheon on November 18th to celebrate the day set aside for retirees. Members are welcome to share new ideas for making changes in the Christmas Auction. Judy presented the program by taking members on a European Adventure. The slideshow, interesting bits of history, and the stories she shared from the trip were fascinating. The activity for the meeting was playing Halloween Bingo. Special prizes were presented to the winners. November 13th is the next OREA meeting. Janice Mollett will present the devotional. Dean Holland will share a “Tribute to Veterans from a Veteran.” All area, retired teachers are welcome to attend. Judy won the door prize. Linda adjourned the meeting. MERRITT 5th grade had a great day at the Outdoor Classroom, sponsored by North Fork of Red River Conservation District We proudly support the students, staff and administration at Merritt Schools ~ Great Plains Bank ~ First National Bank Yes Finance 1414 W. 3rd St., Elk City, OK 580.225.1525 LocalLoanGroup.com