LS)--Distance learning will continue in to early December for Enid Public Schools, as the number of new COVID-19 cases per day topped out at an average of 72.5 per 100,000, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health report released today. Enid district officials established when the OSDH's risk map shows the county with more than 50 daily new cases on average that schools will go to distance learning for two weeks, which began last Friday. Enid schools began distance learning this week and will be out next week for Thanksgiving break. With the average staying more than 50 in today’s report, schools will be out the week following the break. “As it stands right now, the earliest date for in-person instruction would be Monday, December 7," according to district officials. Enid News and Eagle reports in Enid today, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center reported 28 patients positive for COVID-19 and one new death. Integris Bass Baptist Health Center had 19 COVID-19-positive patients as of Thursday evening.
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ER)--The recall election of Ward 3 Enid City Commissioner Ben Ezzell will proceed as planned on February 9, 2021. A District Judge on Thursday ruled against Ezzell’s objection to the sufficiency of the recall petition circulated by Enid Freedom Fighters, a group headed up by Ward 3 voters. Ezzell filed his objection in Garfield County District Court on Aug. 17, several weeks after Enid City Clerk Alissa Lack verified 87 of the 204 collected signatures were sufficient for a recall to be ordered under Enid City Charter rules. According to Enid News and Eagle, Ezzell said Thursday he hadn’t yet decided whether he would appeal. Municipal Candidate filing is in December. Whoever receives the highest number of votes in Ward 3 would win the February recall vote and serve the three months remaining of Ezzell’s term. That same day is the election to choose Ezzell’s successor on the commission, who will take office in May when Ezzell’s term expires.
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IR)—The Downtown Ice Rink opened at 3:00 this afternoon. An estimated 15,000 visitors will enjoy Enid’s first outdoor ice rink throughout this holiday season. As title sponsors, Jiffy Trip and Williams Media Group (My Country 103.1 and Talk 100.9 KGWA) are joining Main Street Enid, the Stride Bank Center and Visit Enid in bringing an outdoor ice rink to downtown Enid. It will be located at 400 S. Independence in the parking lot between the Stride Bank Center and the art installation Under Her Wing was the Universe. The rink will be open to the public through January 3.
Main Street Enid executive director Natalie Beurlot says they have a contract with Oklahoma City-based Express Ice to install the 75-foot by 45-foot rink. Operating hours will be 3:00 pm-9:00 pm Monday through Thursday, 3:00 pm-11:00 pm Friday, 12:00 pm-11:00 pm Saturday and 12:00 pm-9:00 pm Sunday. Single day tickets will be $12 for general admission, which includes skate rental. A $60 Season Pass and special group and holiday party rates are also available. Tickets are available through the Stride Bank Center ticket outlets including area Jiffy Trips, or on site. Stride Bank Center general manager Kevin Boryzcki adds the arena will provide concessions on site. Visit the ice rink website, SkateInEnid.com, or look for the ice rink on Facebook and Instagram at SkateInEnid.
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CV)— Fifteen more virus-related deaths and 2,921 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state since Thursday, according to daily numbers released late this morning by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
There have been 3224 positive COVID-19 cases, and 33 deaths in Garfield County. 2940 of those cases and all 33 deaths have been in Enid. In surrounding counties: Kingfisher County has reported 773 cases, Major 367, Blaine County is at 306 cases, Alfalfa 271, and Grant 187.
COVID-19 Oklahoma Test Results
11.20.20
|
Cases |
167,261 |
|
*Total Cumulative Negative Specimens to Date |
1,739,925 |
|
*Total Cumulative Number of Specimens to Date |
1,917,639 |
|
*Currently Hospitalized |
1,428 |
|
Total Cumulative Hospitalizations |
11,020 |
|
Identified Deaths in the Past 24 hours |
0 |
|
Total Cumulative Deaths |
1,603 |
*The total includes laboratory information provided to OSDH at the time of the report. Total counts may not reflect unique individuals. Data Source: Acute Disease Service, Oklahoma State Department of Health. As of 2020-11-20 at 7:00 a.m.
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CP)--The Enid Symphony Orchestra subscription concert featuring early music ensemble Cecilia’s Muse, scheduled for Nov. 28, has been postponed due to COVID-19. Douglas Newell, ESO music director said three of the featured musicians scheduled to perform are currently quarantined due to exposure to the virus. Newell said ESO is committed to rescheduling the program once health conditions in Oklahoma are under control allowing for the safety of audience and musicians alike. For more information, go to www.enidsymphony.org, or find ESO on Facebook.
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TS)--In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the City of Enid Administration offices, Enid Animal Welfare, Enid Public Library, and Recycle Center will be closed on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27. The Thursday trash route will not be collected on the 26th. Thursday’s trash route will be altered with pick up dates as followed:
• Monday, November 23
• Monday, November 30
• *Thursday, December 3 (normal schedule resumes)
Friday’s trash route will be picked up on Friday as usual. The landfill and Meadowlake Golf Course will be open on Friday, November 27. Enid Public Transportation Authority (EPTA) will not be operating on Thursday, November 26 or Friday, November 27 in observance of the holiday.
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TL)--City of Enid officials say residents may continue to dispose of tree limbs and debris for free through November 30th at the City Landfill, located at 1313 East Southgate Road. The operating hours are: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; and Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. As a reminder, to prepare for removal of debris and tree limbs, residents are asked to do the following:
- Stack tree limbs near the curb away from obstructions like fire hydrants, mailboxes, trash cans, and water meters
- Piles should NOT be below electric power lines or low hanging branches
- Cut tree limbs and logs into sections 10 feet long or shorter
- Set debris and limbs in a separate pile from trash waste pickup
City officials are asking all residents to be patient during this extensive cleanup project as it will take crews several weeks to remove all debris.
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CP)--The City of Enid Parks and Recreation presents “Christmas in the Park” at Meadowlake Park for the 2020 holiday season. The event is scheduled for November 28th, December 5th, 12th, and 19th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This event is free for all ages and will be held at Meadowlake Park. Christmas in the Park will be a drive-thru only event this year to keep everyone safe; however, each vehicle will be given a bag of goodies as you enjoy your Christmas cruise. There will be lights and characters posted on both the North and South side of the park. When you enter the park from the North side entrance, you will be greeted by one of many holiday and winter characters such as Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Rudolph, Frosty, and many more. The City of Enid will also be hosting a toy drive for Toys for Tots and will have a drop-off section for collecting new, unwrapped toys. Check out the Christmas in the Park Promo video: https://youtu.be/LL8kUQGemdU. For more information, contact the Special Events Coordinator at (580) 616-7210 or specialevent@enid.org. To check out upcoming events, go to: Enid.org/ParkEvents.
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