Newspaper says 1123 barrels per day but check says less than 500 bopd, how can this be?

The 1123 BPD was probably the initial test of the wells production capability. Once the well is producing on a daily basis this could change. Also your check reflects the amount of oil sold, NOT PRODUCED, for the particular time frame shown on the check. Most oil wells have storage facilities on site that can store several 100 barrels of oil that you won't get paid for until it is actually sold.