June 18, 2024
The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted against recommending clemency for death row inmate Richard Rojem Jr.
Rojem was convicted in 1984 for kidnapping, raping and murdering 7-year-old Layla Dawn Cummings, his former stepdaughter. Court records say Cummings was abducted from an apartment while her mother was working, and the girl’s body was later found in a field on the side of a county road in Burns Flat.
Rojem has maintained his innocence and has won two challenges to his sentence. After several re-sentencing trials, juries kept recommending the death penalty, which was upheld by the Court of Criminal Appeals.
Rojem is scheduled to be put to death on June 27 at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester.
Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Deadline to Request Absentee Ballot for November 5th Election Approaches
September 27, 2024 Roger Mills County Election Board Press Release Voters in Roger Mills County who want absentee ballots mailed to them for the November 5th General Election should apply now, County Election Board Secretary Jana Maddux
UPDATE: Driver of Fatal Accident Charged
September 27, 2024 The alleged driver of the semi that struck and killed a Granite man earlier this month has been formally charged in Beckham County District Court.
Local Sheriff Warns of Scam
September 27, 2024 Local authorities are warning the public of a new scam that has been circulating around in the area.
Sayre Man Arrested for Drug Possession at Local Splash Pad
September 26, 2024 Sayre, OK – A local Sayre man, Jose Angel Rodriguez, was arrested on charges related to drug possession after an encounter with police at the Sayre Splash Pad. According to the arrest report, Rodriguez
SWOSU President Lovell Attends Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony Honoring NASA’s Hidden Figures
September 25, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) President Dr. Diane Lovell attended the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony on September 18, 2024, at the U.S. Capitol.
November 5th General Election Deadlines Approach for Voter Registration and Absentee By-Mail Applications
September 25, 2024 October 11, 2024 is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the November 5th General Election, Custer County Election Board Assistant Secretary, Aleta Bowman, said
Wellington Man Receives Dual Probation Sentences for Felony Offenses in Childress County Court
Sept. 23, 2024 On Tuesday, September 10, the 100th Judicial District Court in Childress County saw one contested hearing and 11 plea agreements. District Attorney Luke Inman and Assistant District Attorney Harley Caudle prosecuted the cases for
Clinton Man Arrested for Vandalism and Aggravated Assault Following Series of Incidents
September 24, 2024 Clinton, OK — A Clinton man was arrested earlier this month after a string of incidents involving vandalism and assault.
Elk City Officers Honored with Prestigious Award for Outstanding Service
September 24, 2024 Elk City, OK — On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, during the Elk City City Commissioner’s Meeting, two local officers were honored with the Award of Commendation by the Oklahoma Association Chiefs of Police. This
Weatherford Man Dies Following Motorcycle Crash Involving Two Semis on I-40
September 24, 2024 Officials have announced that an accident last week involving two semis and a motorcycle has claimed the life of a Weatherford man.
Canute Day 2024: A Celebration of Community and Heritage
September 23, 2024 Canute, OK – The Canute community is gearing up for a fun-filled day at the Canute Route 66 Park on September 28, 2024, with activities for all ages during Canute Day. This year’s event
Blair City Hall Fire Destroys City Equipment, Community Center Closed Due to Damage
September 23, 2024 Blair City Hall in Jackson County was engulfed in flames on Wednesday, destroying city equipment. According to reports, the fire broke out around 3:30 p.m. in the building, which houses City Hall, a community
Erick Residents Charged with Animal Cruelty Following Disturbing Discovery
September 23, 2024 Erick, OK – Jacob Isaac Walker, 29, and Catherine Charnell Walker, 53, were charged with felony animal cruelty after Beckham County Sheriff’s deputies discovered six dogs living in harsh conditions at their residence on
Voter Registration Deadline Approaches
Sept. 23, 2024 Beckham Co. Election Board Press Release October 11, 2024, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the November 5, 2024, General Election, Beckham County
SWOSU & Weatherford Rotary Club Announce 2024-25 World Languages Scholars
Sept. 20, 2024 Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) and the Weatherford Rotary Club have jointly announced that Delaney Ferguson and Jeremiah Kagan have been named the newest SWOSU-Weatherford Rotary Club World Languages Scholars.
The Foundation at GPRMC Announces Long-Term Goal to Raise $800,000 for West OK Cancer Center
Sept. 20, 20241 GPRMC Press Release Elk City, OK – August 15th, 2024– The Foundation at Great Plains Regional Medical Center (GPRMC) is excited to announce its long-term goal to raise $800,000 over the next five years
Upcoming General Election: Important Dates and Information
Sept. 18, 2024 As the General Election approaches on November 5, residents are reminded of key dates and procedures to ensure their voices are heard.
Fatality Collision in Greer County Claims One Life
Sept. 19, 2024 A fatal off-road vehicle collision occurred on the night of September 10 at approximately 11:07 PM in a field near the intersection of North 2030 Road and East 1465 Road, about 4.5 miles south
51st Annual Elk City Fall Festival: Join the Largest Arts & Crafts Event in Western Oklahoma!
Sept. 19, 2024 Elk City Chamber of Commerce Press Release The Elk City Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to the 51st Annual Elk City Fall Festival on Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22. This year’s event
Granite Couple Arrested for Receiving Stolen Property and Obstruction
Sept. 19, 2024 A couple from Granite has been arrested and charged with receiving stolen property after being linked to a stolen vehicle reported earlier this month in Beckham County.
Elk City Woman Arrested in Oregon After Fleeing with Child in Custody Dispute
Sept. 18, 2024 More details released regarding the arrest of an Elk City woman who allegedly absconded with her child despite not having legal custody.
Early Morning Fire At Elk City Motorsports Business, Equipment Failure Suspected
Sept. 18, 2024 A fire broke out early Wednesday morning at a motorsports business in Elk City, located in the 700 block of South Main. The blaze started just after 6 a.m. and is believed to have
Black Vultures Spotted in Beckham and Washita Counties: Farmers Urged to Follow Laws When Protecting Livestock
Sept. 16, 2024 Farmers in Beckham and Washita counties are raising concerns over an increase in sightings of black vultures, particularly during the ongoing fall calving season. These birds are known to prey on newborn calves that
2024 SWOSU Homecoming Set for October 26
Sept. 16, 2024 SWOSU Press Release The 2024 Homecoming at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is set for the week of October 26.
Lightning Sparks Grass Fire in Black Kettle National Grassland
Sept. 16, 2024 A grass fire ignited by a lightning strike burned roughly 200 acres Saturday night in the Black Kettle National Grassland, located 3 miles east of Reydon in Roger Mills County. Fortunately, no structures were
