The second quarter of 2017 was filled with end of school activities, wheat harvest, the Nescatunga Arts Festival, and the beginning of summer activities.

April

April began with coverage of the March 31 retirement reception for BJCC Warden Janice Melton. During the Department of Corrections board meeting held that morning, Dr. Chuck Gasaway was recognized as the ODOC Volunteer of the Year.

The Alva Friends of the Library raised more than $7,000 during the annual Chocolate Fantasy fundraiser at the Alva Public Library.

Mayor Kelly Parker discussed the future of Alva city government and services. In a message to citizens he described the recent budgeting problems of the city and the need to increase revenue.

Integrity General Contracting and Construction held an open house to show off their stock of metal and wooden art pieces, other products and services. Cancun Mexican Grill opened with new owners.

Alva Arena Authority unveiled a preliminary drawing of the proposed arena building in April. As 2018 begins, the trustees are finalizing that design.

An overflow crowd attended the first public hearing on new Alva utility rates April 11. Citizens expressed concern about how they would cope with proposed rate increases.

Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb spoke to those attending his annual turkey hunt in Alva. Used as an economic development tool, the hunt introduces business and industry leaders to opportunities in Alva and Woods County.

The Ministerial Alliance held Holy Week services at the First United Methodist Church during the week preceding Easter Sunday.

Youngsters won big prizes in the various age divisions during the annual Easter Egg Hunt held on Alva's downtown square. The popular egg drop contest followed.

Following the April 4 election, six members of the Alva City Council and the city treasurer received the oath of office April 17.

Bahama Breakaway for NWOSU students was held April 20 in Alva.

Youngsters enjoyed the Touch-A-Truck event held by Alva Headstart at the Woods County Fairgrounds.

Alva Board of Education announced the hiring of three principals: Stephanie Marteney at Alva Middle School, Madison Williams at Lincoln School, and Shane Feely at Washington School. Alyson Tucker moved from Washington to Longfellow School as principal.

NWOSU held an open house and dedication of the new Bill and Billie Buckles Robotics Lab.

May

Ridge Hughbanks of Alva was elected to lead the Oklahoma FFA for the 2017-18 year.

Northwestern's Spring Commencement was attended by a large crowd of relatives and friends.

The 2017 Kiwanis Little Olympics was held at the Alva High School football and track field.

Longfellow Elementary School held a spell-a-thon with winning students earning the chance to present pies in the face to Principal Steve Shiever.

End of school activities, honors and graduation dominate the month. Gina Denton, Lincoln Elementary, and Tracy Wynn, Washington Elementary, tied for Alva Teacher of the Year.

Former House Speaker Jeff Hickman was named as the new regent to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

June

Alva sisters MaKenzi and MaKale Hamil were seriously injured in a rollover wreck.

Wheat harvest began early with loads arriving May 30 at the Dacoma Co-op.

The 48th Annual Nescatunga Arts Festival was held on the downtown square despite intermittent rain showers.

Woods County Commissioners finalized the purchase of two road graders.

Alva City Council approves the new fiscal year budget including a pay raise for employees.

Marione Martin

The Alva School Resource Officer will travel in style in this newly wrapped patrol car provided by the sheriff's department.

The You Pick restaurant, owned by Renae Stewart, opened in Alva.

Youthful actors present "Annie, Jr." at the ACT I Theatre in Alva.

Barber County, Kansas, just north of the state line, was peppered with large hail and wind gusts of 70 to 80 mph.

The Alva Hospital Authority voted to purchase a digital mammogram machine.

Gulp and Gallop summer lunches are served at the Washington School cafeteria.

Go-Kart racing season began at the Alva Speedway.