The final quarter of 2017 was marked with the tragic deaths of two young men, Dustin Goodrich and Cory Washburn. The Goldbug football team made history in the their path to the playoffs, making it all the way to the semi-finals before losing to Millwood.

October

October news opened with an OSBI investigation launched in the homicide death of Dustin Goodrich.

The Fall Festival featured a decoration contest, pumpkin painting, craft booths and other fun on the downtown square.

Lincoln School held a Math-a-Thon with many teachers plastered with whipped cream pies by the winners.

Alva High School and Middle School presented their fall vocal concert directed by Kenneith McIntosh.

Mary Shklar of Waynoka, a student at NWOSU, was named Miss Tulsa State Fair.

The Cherokee Strip Museum held a new event "Talk of the Town." The tour of interesting sites and characters in Alva was sold out Oct. 15.

Stetson Jones and Morgan Gluth were named Alva High Band King and Queen.

Drew Cunningham joined his father Rick at Cunningham Law in Alva.

The Alva City Council learned the Oklahoma Water Resources Board was scheduled to vote on their loan application Nov. 1.

The annual Ranger Rodeo was held Oct. 26-28 with a Wednesday Rodeo on the Square for students.

Ribbon cuttings were held at the Erikson Steel site on the south edge of Alva and the new Shepherd's Travel Center on the east side of Alva.

Northwest Family Services celebrated their 40th year in operation in Alva.

Share Medical Center announced they have the opportunity to apply for critical access status which would increase federal government reimbursements such as Medicare.

Nancy Denner McGowan, who grew up in Alva, was honored with a reception at the Cherokee Strip Museum. A room at the museum has been designed around her success as Miss Alva, Miss Oklahoma and second runner-up at the Miss America Pageant.

The Alva robotics team TechnicGold competed in the Heartland BEST game day, winning the game award and the BEST award. They qualified for regional competition.

November

Macy Malone of Valley Center, Kansas, was named Miss Northwestern. Addisyn Gordon of Alva was named Miss Northwestern's Star and Carli Seabolt of Perry was crowned Miss Northwestern Outstanding Teen.

Young Alva businessman Cortney (Cory) Washburn was critically injured in a plane crash that killed pilot/instructor David Thomas Chael of Enid. He died of his injuries on Nov. 7.

The Alva High School one-act play cast took runner-up in state competition, losing out to neighboring Cherokee. Both Alva and Cherokee teams are coached by Alva High graduates.

Alva Tourism Tax funds are approved to finish work on the Alva fire training facility which can be used for training of area firefighters.

The Alva High School football team advanced to the state quarterfinals after winning 14-7 in overtime against Lindsay. The Goldbugs hosted Adair for the quarterfinals and won 40-8. They lost to Millwood in the semifinal game on Dec. 2.

A fire that started near Anderson Creek east of Freedom brought back memories of the big Anderson Creek wildfire that started in the same area and spread into Kansas. This time, area fire departments were able to bring the fire under control quickly.

The Alva City Council approved a bid for construction of a new water storage tank at Young Street. The approval was contingent on Alva's receiving loan approval from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. That approval was delayed until December due to a missing DEQ approval.

December

The Alva High football playoffs caused a delay in the start of the high school basketball season. Santa was set to arrive Saturday, Dec. 2, in the Christmas parade. The afternoon events were moved earlier so people could travel to Enid for the football game.

Charges were filed against Brian Poggemeyer and Lisa Melton in the death of Dustin Goodrich.

ACT I Theatre presented "Christmas Belles" Dec. 14-16.

Lynn L. Martin

The girl on the left, Ariann Scott, age 5, was very reluctant to visit with Santa at the Kids & Cops breakfast. However, she agreed when Lanna Fraire, age 5, eagerly took a seat on the right. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Corr made the call to the North Pole to enable Santa's visit.

AHS football coach Taylor Schwerdtfeger was named coach of the year for District 2A-1. Twelve players were named to the first and second all-district teams.

Schools held holiday concerts before ending classes for the holiday break.

The Kids and Cops breakfast with Santa was held at the Alva Fire Department with a large crowd attending.