July through September filled with activities and controversy
January 5, 2020
The end of summer and beginning of fall is packed with activities in Alva. The 4th of July is followed by Lights Over Alva, the Woods County Fair and the Big Cruise and Car Show. It was also a time of controversy in 2019 with the defeat of the bond election to pay for renovations and repairs at the Alva Swimming Pool and protests about the Alva medical marijuana ordinance.
July
July literally started with a bang with the annual 4th of July festivities in Hatfield Park. The Alva Rotary Club hosted a full day of fun capped off by a spectacular fireworks display.
Bill Johnson Correctional Center held their annual marching competition honoring the late Craig Beavers and his wife Lisa.
Mach Resources CEO Tom Ward spoke at the Woods County Mineral Owners meeting and explained how to make drilling pay in this area.
Avard Rail Authority discussed an infrastructure project and the need for a dependable water source at the rail park.
The Alva Regional Airport Commission discussed ways to improve security at the terminal building when it is unattended.
The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge said water was finally receding from the May and June flooding.
About 50 people participated in a public hearing on the fate of the Alva Swimming Pool. Meeting at the pool, the mayor and city council members explained the problems detailed by the state health department and the cost of repairing or replacing the pool. They answered numerous questions during the one and one-half hour meeting.
The Kids & Cops organization announced a poker chip run to be held in conjunction with the Big Cruise and Car Show.
Nearly 300 high school students gathered on the NWOSU campus for OASC BASIC camp.
Hopeton State Bank celebrated a century of service with an open house July 19.
The Alva City Council heard from Trisha Woodward about the importance of the 2020 Census. A proclamation was signed designating Aug. 3 as Freedom Riders Day in Alva in conjunction with a stopover by the American Legion Riders.
The Alva Tourism Committee approved $5,250 for the Lights Over Alva event to be held Aug. 17 welcoming NWOSU students for fall classes.
August
Roxie Faulkner Kirk, formerly of Alva, held a book signing during the First Friday Art Walk. Her debut novel, "The Red Dirt Hymnbook," draws heavily on her growing up experiences in Alva.
Bill Johnson Correctional Center held a GED graduation on Aug. 2 with Shane Hansen, NWOSU instructor, as the speaker.
The American Legion Freedom Riders arrived in Alva on Aug. 3 on their way from Texas to their destination in Kansas along US 281.
Alva Councilman Daniel Winters spoke to the Woods County Democrats about the swimming pool problems and the upcoming bond election set for Aug. 13. The bond election failed to pass, dashing city council plans for replacing the pool with a new modern and somewhat smaller swimming pool.
Alva High School landed an aviation education grant to implement instruction in aeronautics and technology.
Sentences were handed down for two of the three defendants in the 2013 Charles Nieman murder. Zachary Wilson was sentenced to life in prison with all but 25 years suspended. Jeremy Scott also received a life sentence with all but 35 years suspended.
The Lights Over Alva concert drew a large crowd on the downtown square despite the near 100 degree temperature.
The Alva Mural Society instigated a major facelift for the Alva sign on the downtown square with vinyl wraps on the front and back featuring drawings and photographs related to the community.
Protests against the Alva medical marijuana ordinance dominated the August Alva City Council meeting.
Share Medical Center announced their downtown medical clinic would be moving to the hospital location in October.
The Alva Friends of Play spoke to the city council about their plans for ADA compliant toys to be added to Hatfield Park. They also discussed the new surfacing planned to replace old surfaces around the toys.
The Alva City Council turned down the new ONG franchise agreement so no election has been held.
Kylee Harzman won the 2019 Miss Alva Pageant.
September
The Woods County Fair was held the first weekend of September at the fairgrounds south of Alva.
Patty Barker of Alva had books for sale at the First Friday Art Walk. The books feature newspaper columns written by her late husband Jim Barker and his father E.M. Barker.
In an emergency meeting held Sept. 5, the Alva City Council's ordinance committee presented recommendations for amending the city ordinance regulating the sale and growth of medical marijuana. The city council approved the amended ordinance on Sept. 16.
It was also announced that Alva's street and sanitation supervisor Bennie Perks was retiring Oct. 11.
Alva High School Band royalty were introduced at the first home football game of the season. Trevor Pharis was named king and Carmen Montoya queen.
Downtown Alva was packed for the three days of the Big Cruise and Car Show held Sept. 20-22.
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