Looking back at the last quarter of 2019, both Alva High School and NWOSU held homecoming festivities in October. November brought veterans ceremonies and the dedication of an NWOSU building. December was dominated by Christmas concerts and presentations.

October

The Woods County Industrial Development Authority approved a request for $8,000 in matching funds to place a kinetic sculpture on the north side of the courthouse. Freedom West CDC received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts as part of their public art and signage program for Alva. The funds were needed to match the grant and pay for installation.

After a career in flying and music, Dave Eagleston of McKinney, Texas, published his first book "West of Alva." He held a book signing during the First Friday Art Walk.

Miss Oklahoma 2019 Addison Price was announced to emcee the Miss Cinderella Pageant on Oct. 25 at NWOSU.

Congressman Frank Lucas held a town meeting on the NWOSU campus. One topic was the move underway to impeach President Trump. He described procedures followed for impeachment.

The NRA Foundation presented $1,869.80 to the Woods County 4-H shooting sports program. Funds were used for ammunition, targets, archery equipment and support supplies.

The AHS Band traveled to Oolagah and received first place in Class 2A and third in drumline in the Stallion Batallion Invitational Marching Contest.

Thelma Crouch was selected as marshal of the annual Oct. 26 NWOSU homecoming parade.

Woods County author Sheldon Russell published "A Forgotton Evil," a historical fiction novel set in the period following the Civil War.

Garret Ritter and Payton Jones were crowned AHS homecoming king and queen at the Oct. 12 football game against Perry.

A third man was sentenced in the 2013 murder of Charles Nieman of Alva. Timothy Dees entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

The Alva First Christian Church celebrated their 125th anniversary Oct. 26-27.

Miss Perry Carli Seabolt won the 2019 Miss Cinderella crown during the NWOSU homecoming.

November

The Alva High School one-act team was named Class 4A state runner-up for their production of "The Miracle Worker."

The Woods County Commissioners agreed to a request from the Alva Arena Authority to haul an estimated 40,000 tons of rock for the parking area of the arena the arena when it is constructed.

Liberty Bird was named Miss Northwestern Oklahoma State University 2020. Emma Eckhardt was chosen as Miss Northwestern Star and Libby Williams was crowned Miss Northwestern Outstanding Teen.

The East Flynn and Meno intersection in Alva was opened to traffic after the city and county worked together to install new culverts to handle drainage. The intersection repairs won't be completed until asphalt season in the summer.

The Alva Robotics team won the robotics competition during Heartland BEST's "Off the Grid" event on Nov. 1-2. They competed against seven other teams from Oklahoma and Kansas and were headed for competition in Denver.

The 818 Diner opened on Oklahoma Boulevard with breakfast and lunch menus. The diner is owned by the Parsons family who also own the Holiday Motel.

Alva man Vernon Wayne Brock entered a guilty plea to hiring someone to commit murder. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 17.

The Alva Middle School honored veterans with a program and displays by students.

Northwestern celebrated their 1999 National Championship Football team 20 years later. Numerous members of the team were recognized during the Ranger football game Nov. 16.

NWOSU honored a local family's ties to the university in the dedication of Ryerson Hall, formerly the Fine Arts Building. The Ryersons were instrumental in the renovation of the building.

Alva High teacher Mary Tyree brought students to the Alva City Council meeting to tell about the high school science club's plans to improve the Hatfield Park walking trail.

Melvin Evans was appointed to supervise the City of Alva street department, and Ronnie Hoskins was appointed as sanitation supervisor. The city announced the resignation of Alex Mantz as economic director.

Ten members of the community spoke to elementary students at Lincoln School about possible future careers during a career fair.

Share Medical Center is still seeking a physician for the hospital. Share plans to change their telephone system to an internet-based system.

The Alva Tourism Committee agreed to funds for the 2020 Alva High School Reunion to be held during the Big Cruise and Car Show weekend and for the Alva Bull Battle V to be held in April 2020.

The annual Greenleaf Rural Fire Department Thanksgiving dinner was held at the Alva Middle School. On Thanksgiving Day, the First United Methodist Church served dinner to those who have no family dinner plans or who simply don't want to cook.

Winds reached a 54 mph peak in Alva on Nov. 26 causing a large tree to fall in the 400 block of Center Street.

December

The Alva School Board heard about the retirement longtime employee Verletta Eckels, child nutrition director.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in Alva Saturday, Dec. 7, in a parade held downtown. They heard Christmas wish lists from children in the Holtzclaw Pocket Park later.

The Alva fifth grade performed "The Nutcracker" onstage at the Alva High School auditorium.

The Alva Airport Commission approved their five year plan for the facility. Local pilot Todd Holder stopped by the meeting to tell about the importance of the turf runway when landing on a windy day.

Sen. Casey Murdock visited the Woods County Economic Development Committee meeting and commented on the importance of filling out forms in the 2020 Census. He was in Alva for a town hall meeting held at Northwest Technology. He and Rep. Carl Newton talked about plans for the upcoming legislative session opening in February.

The NWOSU winter commencement was held Dec. 8 with Dr. Chan Hellman as the guest speaker.

Alva second grade classes put on a play called "The Greatest Snowman.

The Alva Ladybugs ended 2019 with an 8-0 record in basketball after a game at Perry High School.