New superintendent at Ekalaka Public Schools

Charles Cook and his wife, Gail, moved to Ekalaka on August 1st. He started to learn about Ekalaka, though, shortly after Highway 323 became fully paved. Cook was working in administration at Poplar at the time, and started driving the newly finished highway on trips from Poplar to Belle Fourche, SD where he grew up.

"We purchased a home to renovate in Ekalaka in July for retirement," he told the Eagle on Wednesday.

Cook said the couple considered moving to many other small towns for retirement, but eventually picked Ekalaka because it fit their wants and needs.

"Ekalaka is unique for a small town. There's a new hospital, multiple churches, a new grocery store. Those things, good healthcare, they're important to us."

Cook worked alongside his father on a ranch and farming operation between Belle Fourche and Buffalo, SD until getting a degree in education in 1982.

He then taught first grade in Gillette, WY and spent six years teaching in North Carolina before working as an administrator, first in Farson, WY and then for sixteen years at Poplar. The Cooks retired in Belle Fourche before deciding to move to Ekalaka.

It wasn't long after they moved to Ekalaka that the superintendent position came open, and Cook said that the district deciding to split the administrator duties into two positions was a good fit for him to go back to work part-time as a superintendent while Mr. Purnell took over principal duties.

The Cooks have two grown children, one living in Utah and one in Hawaii. Both followed their father's footsteps and obtained degrees in education. They travel to Hawaii to visit each year (with the exception of two years due to COVID travel restrictions) and enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling while there. They also have three grandchildren.

When not busy with renovations, the Cooks also enjoy taking drives and seeing the countryside. They also appreciated the livestock shows during the Days of '85 and were very impressed with the community and local businesses for supporting the youth by purchasing livestock and cakes at the livestock sale.

The couple currently resides in the Carter Manor while they renovate their home. They have enjoyed living in Ekalaka since their arrival, Cook said.

"We've really enjoyed the hospitality, and living and meeting people here so far."