GC)---The 2020 U.S. Census population numbers were released recently showing a 3.9% increase in Enid, putting the city over the 50,000 mark. Lisa Powell, Executive Director of the Enid Regional Development Alliance, said passing the threshold of 50,000 people classifies Enid as a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and the 9th largest city in the State, just behind Midwest City. Enid remains the largest population center north of I-40 and west of I-35 and serves a trade area of over 150,000 people who shop, see their doctors, and conduct business in Enid weekly. With short commute times, a low crime rate, state of the art school facilities, 2 regional medical centers, new athletic facilities, and a thriving public art and music scene, Enid's growth is only accelerating.
--00—08 Sept 21 10a
RW)--The City of Enid Engineering Department announced the roadway on South Wheatridge Road between West Owen K. Garriott and West Rupe will be closed to through traffic beginning Thursday. Construction crews will be working on South Wheatridge at the entrance to Tennyson Manor Apartments to allow crews to install a low water crossing and repair the entrance approach. It is expected to take one to two weeks to complete and only local traffic will be allowed on South Wheatridge using the posted detour routes. Motorists are encouraged to follow posted detour and traffic control signs and to drive with caution in this area during the construction efforts.
--00—08 Sept 21 7a
CV)— Two newly confirmed virus-related deaths and 1,300 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state since Tuesday, according to daily numbers released late this morning by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Currently, 20,432 Oklahomans are considered active cases in the state, with 1,511 people currently hospitalized in Oklahoma for treatment of the virus. The seven-day rolling average for new cases reported was 2,532.
Situation Update: COVID-19
Data shown are preliminary and subject to change
as additional information is obtained
|
COVID-19 Cases |
572,223 |
|
New Cases |
1,300 |
|
New Cases 7 day Average |
2,532 |
|
Active Cases |
20,432 |
|
CDC/NCHS Provisional Deaths |
9,370 |
There have been 8610 positive COVID-19 cases, and 144 deaths in Garfield County. 7603 of those cases and 133 deaths have been in Enid. In surrounding counties: Kingfisher County has reported 2340 cases, Alfalfa 1209, Blaine County is at 123 cases, Major 1077, and Grant 619.
--00—08 Sept 21 12n
FW)--The 2021 Walk 4RKids will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at Meadowlake Park. The annual walk raises funds to support 4RKids Foundation, which was founded in 2003 and helps promote community awareness of individuals with special needs and provides vocational, educational and social/recreational opportunities for children and adults with special needs. Organizers said the walk is one of 4RKids’ biggest fundraisers. More than $33,000 in corporate sponsorships has already been raised, and the teams participating in the walk will bring in about $15,000 to $20,000. Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m., and the walk will start at 11:00 a.m. The top three teams with the most money raised will be awarded prizes. The walk is a family-friendly event and will include other activities such as food trucks, rides, carnival games, a silent auction and more.
--00—08 Sept 21 7a
AE)--Enrollment is open for Lincoln Adult Education Center’s Academic Improvement Classes. Those interested must visit Lincoln, 600 W. Elm, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only, or call 580-366-7200 to enroll by phone no later than September 15. Students must be 18 or older to enroll. Limited seating is available. Lincoln offers FREE classes to help participants prepare for the new high school equivalency test, as well as to improve their academic skills. Students receive academic assessments to ensure proper placement. Curriculum includes instruction by quality teachers and reinforcement through the school’s computer lab software. Classes will be available in four core subjects: Math, English, Science and Social Studies. Classes begin September 7 and will be conducted Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, 6 to 9 p.m. Lincoln also offers free English as a Second Language class. The classes will begin on September 7 and will be conducted Tuesdays and Wednesdays 6 to 9 p.m. The HiSet (High School Equivalency Test) is also administered at Lincoln on Tuesdays and Wednesdays weekly. To register for the test, log on to hiset.ets.org or call 580-366-7200 for additional information. The program is sponsored by Enid Public Schools and the Adult Education Section of the Oklahoma Department of Career & Technology Education.
--00—
KO)--United Way of Enid and Northwest Oklahoma will launch its 2021-22 campaign at David Allen Memorial Ballpark at 6:00 p.m. Sept. 16. The kickoff rally is a free family event to raise awareness and support for its 15 nonprofit partner agencies. “This one-of-a-kind event will be a unique experience as we have axe throwing, cornhole, a dunk tank, games, free food and more. Dueling Pianos will be on hand to provide music and fun,” said co-campaign chairs Dr. Barry and Roxanne Pollard. Alex Williams, president of the United Way board, said the campaign kickoff is a way for people to see what United Way does. In addition to the all the activities, the 15 United Way Partner agencies will be there sharing information and providing giveaways, popcorn, games and more. On the day of the event, all proceeds go to benefit United Way and its partner agencies. Sponsors of the event are KOFM/KGWA, Jiffy Trip, Enid News & Eagle, Great Plains Bank, Pope Distributing, and NextEra Energy Resources.
--00—
WF)--City of Enid officials announced that the 2021 Enid Walk of Fame (WOF) ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, September 18th at 9:00 a.m. in Grand Ballroom C at the Stride Bank Center and will honor both 2021 and 2020 honorees. The 2020 ceremony was postponed last year to provide extra caution on gatherings during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 Walk of Fame honorees are Kyle Williams and Walter Scheffe. The 2020 Walk of Fame honorees are Clayton Nolen and Oscar Curtis.
Williams, a businessman and philanthropist, has dedicated his life to the mission of serving Enid, small town communities in Oklahoma, and communities in surrounding states by providing multiple services that accommodate and improve the quality of life to meet the needs of those communities.
Scheffe, the posthumous honoree for 2021, dedicated his life to serving the Enid community in a business capacity and in service on many community and national organization boards. He was well-known for his three Scheffe Prescription Shops in Enid.
Nolen is a former city commissioner, speech pathologist, educator, and founder of an African-American Male Mentor Program. He is well-known in the community for being active on many boards and serving the community in various capacities.
Curtis, the posthumous honoree for 2020, was a former city commissioner. During his life, he was active in the community on various boards and managed the JC Penny Company.
To view information about the Enid Walk of Fame award, past honorees, and biographies of both the 2020 and 2021 honorees, go to the following webpage: Enid.org/WalkofFame.
--00—
AN)--Main Street Enid, the downtown revitalization program, has 13 finalists in the 32nd annual Oklahoma Main Street award competition. A couple of big events from 2020 are up for honors. Main Street Enid’s winter ice rink, Holidays on Ice, was nominated for a premier special event with over 1,000 attendees, while the rink’s Holiday Market was nominated for an event under 1,000 attendees. Main Street partner Settlers Brewing Co. was nominated for two awards: best facade rehabilitation over $10,000 and for best building/business branding. Enid Brewing Co. & Eatery got a nod for best new business. Main Street Enid Board President Roxanna Costello was nominated for statewide board member of the year. Other finalists are:
• Main Street Hero: Thomas Rowe.
• Best Business Practices: Park Avenue Thrift Enid.
• Best Placemaking Project: “Under Her Wing was the Universe.”
• Best Retail Event: Comic Con Crazy Days.
• Best Visual Merchandising: No. 5 Findings Store.
• Outstanding Image Promotion: Downtown Promotional Banners and COVID Curbside Pickup Signs.
Winners will be announced Sept. 20 at the awards banquet in Oklahoma City.
--00—
