October 23, 2024
SWOSU Press Release
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host the Smithsonian Institution’s traveling exhibition, Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, beginning Oct. 26 at the Al Harris Library. This free exhibit opens during SWOSU’s Homecoming, ensuring that many alumni, students, and community members will have the opportunity to visit. Notably, SWOSU is the only university in Oklahoma selected to host this display, demonstrating the university’s commitment to promoting discussions on democracy and civic engagement. The exhibit will be available for viewing from Oct 26 to Dec. 7.
Event Schedule:
October 26, 2024
10 a.m.: SWOSU Homecoming Parade
12 p.m.: Exhibit Opening/Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at the Al Harris Library
12–5 p.m.: Stafford Archive open for tours
October 28, 2024
7–8 p.m.: Panel Discussion at Gen. Thomas P. Stafford Center, room 104
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at noon, and the public is invited to attend. The exhibit features historical and contemporary photographs, educational videos, and interactive displays. Visitors can explore games and view historical objects such as campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest materials. An educational component, “American Experiments,” includes a traveling trunk with activities designed for exhibition visitors and classroom students. Interactive challenges invite participants to express their views on significant American figures and issues, while a voting game encourages reflection on democracy and citizenship.
Throughout the summer, SWOSU engaged with county school districts to schedule visits for local middle and high schools to experience the Voices and Votes exhibit. For more information and to schedule a visit, please visit the following website: https://library.swosu.edu/forms/visitvv.html. Additionally, SWOSU has collected stories from residents in smaller cities and towns about their experiences with democracy for an Oral History project, which will be featured in the exhibit to provide a local perspective.
On Oct. 28, SWOSU will host a panel discussion titled Democracy in Action: Voices and Votes Through History. This discussion will take place at 7 p.m. in room 104 of the Gen. Thomas P. Stafford Center, and it is open to the community. It will feature SWOSU President Diana Lovell, Mayor Mike Brown, Publisher Philip Reid, Connections Food & Resource Center Executive Director Elizabeth Amen, and Moderator Jeff Berrong. The panel will explore the nature of American democracy, particularly in rural Western Oklahoma. To view the livestream of the panel, click here: https://www.youtube.com/live/fWk9kh3kpOE.
The exhibit is adapted from the Smithsonian’s display, American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith, developed under the guidance of Harry Rubenstein, Curator Emeritus. SWOSU invites the community to engage with this educational exhibit, which offers insights into the history and significance of democracy in America.
To learn more about the exhibit and the scheduled activities, visit this page: https://libguides.swosu.edu/voices_and_votes.
Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
SWOSU Hosts Smithsonian’s Voices and Votes Exhibit
October 23, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host the Smithsonian Institution’s traveling exhibition, Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, beginning Oct. 26 at the Al Harris Library. This free exhibit opens during
OWRB To Host Meeting at Quartz Mountain
October 23, 2024 The Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) is set to continue its series of statewide meetings with water utility suppliers, regulated industries, commercial agricultural producers, and economic development groups. The fourth round of meetings kicks
Wellington Man Sentenced to Six Years Probation for Burglary in 100th Judicial District Court
October 23, 2024 Press Release On Monday, October 21, one plea took place in the 100th Judicial District Court, via the internet-based meeting app Zoom.
Clinton Man Arrested for Allegedly Stealing $4,250 Lawnmower
October 23, 2024 A Clinton man was recently arrested and charged with grand larceny after allegedly stealing a lawnmower.
Weatherford Man Arrested After Allegedly Stealing Go-Karts from Clinton Store
October 23, 2024 A Weatherford man was recently arrested and charged after allegedly stealing go-karts from a Clinton store.
Voters Reminded of Election Day Laws
October 23, 2024 With the November 5th Election approaching, County Election Board officials are reminding voters of Election Day laws.
Two Men Arrested in Clinton for Allegedly Threatening Juvenile with Assault Rifle
October 23, 2024 Two men were arrested on October 16 after allegedly threatening a juvenile with an assault rifle, according to the Clinton Police Department. Aldan Ray Whiteshirt and Lucious Eckiwaudah, both 21, were taken into custody
Moonlight Madness Returns to Downtown Elk City
October 23, 2024 The Elk City Chamber of Commerce is bringing back “Moonlight Madness” to downtown Elk City this Thursday, October 24th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This family-friendly event promises fun for all ages with
17-Year-Old Arrested for Stabbing Two Teenagers After Clinton Festival, Faces Attempted Murder Charge
October 22, 2024 A 17-year-old male was arrested on the evening of October 12 in Clinton, facing charges of assault and battery with a sharp object, and attempted murder, after allegedly stabbing two teenagers following a festival
Public Meeting on Forward 45 Regional Transportation Plan in Elk City
October 21, 2024 The Southwest Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SORTPO) invites the public to participate in a community meeting for the Forward 45 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) tomorrow, October 22, 2024, at the Arrowhead Center, located at
Fatality Collision in Dewey County
October 21, 2024 A fatal car accident occurred on Saturday morning, at approximately 9:53 AM, at the intersection of US-270 and E 780 Rd, located just east of Oakwood in Dewey County.
Beckham County Sheriff’s Office to Offer Security at County Precincts on Election Day
October 21, 2024 The Beckham County Sheriff’s Office will be providing security at county precincts during the upcoming election on November 5th. In light of recent events, Sheriff Derek Manning says he has been in contact with
Tahlequah Couple Arrested After High-Speed Chase in Custer County with Infant in Car
October 15, 2024 A couple from Tahlequah was recently arrested after leading authorities on a high-speed pursuit in Custer County. The couple allegedly had an 11-month-old child in the car during the chase.
Sample Ballots Available for November 5th General Election
October 15, 2024 Sample ballots are now available for the November 5th Election.
Elk City Couple Released from Jail After Child Neglect Charges Stemming from Drug Use Investigation
October 15, 2024 An Elk City couple has been released from the Beckham County Detention Center after being charged with child neglect.
Request an Emergency Ballot for the Tuesday, November 5th Election
October 18, 2024 Roger Mills County Election Board Press Release Registered voters who become physically incapacitated after 5:00 p.m. Monday, October 21st and are unable to make it to the polls, still have an opportunity to cast
State Lawmakers Discuss Groundwater Regulation During Study
October 18, 2024 State lawmakers haven been busy preparing for the next legislative session slated to begin next spring.
SWOSU Partners with Cohlmia Family to Boost Life Skills Education
October 15, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the receipt of a major charitable gift from longtime SWOSU benefactors George and Karla Cohlmia of Edmond.
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America Event Concludes with a Day of Celebration
October 15, 2024 Cheyenne, OK – Saturday is the final day of the Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit Voices and Votes: Democracy in America will be hosted by the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma Humanities, and the Cheyenne/Roger Mills
Clinton Traffic Stop Leads to Arrests for Fentanyl Trafficking
October 15, 2024 A man and woman were arrested in Clinton for allegedly trafficking fentanyl. According to a probable cause affidavit, 47-year-old Kristi Dawn Smith of Clinton and 42-year-old Cody Pahdocony of Shawnee were taken into custody
Last Week to Request Absentee Ballots for November 5th General Election
October 15, 2024 98 The deadline to request absentee ballots by mail is approaching. Applications must be received by the County Election Board no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, October 21st.
Elk City Man Charged with Drug Possession at Beckham County Jail
October 15, 2024 88 An Elk City man was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of marijuana in the Beckham County District Court on October 7th.
Woman Arrested in Clinton for Armed Robbery and Assault
October 15, 2024 A Clinton woman has been charged with multiple felonies following a series of violent incidents on October 5th, 2024. Angelique Nicole McLendon, 42, faces four charges: first-degree robbery, attempted robbery, and two counts of
James Patterson to Speak at SWOSU’s Fine Arts Center on Oct. 22
October 15, 2024 Bestselling author James Patterson will appear at Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s Fine Arts Center in Weatherford on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. The event is co-hosted by SWOSU and the Western Plains Library
ODOT Announces Ramp Closures for I-40/US-183 Bridge Construction in Clinton
October 15, 2024 The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has provided updates for motorists near the bridge construction at Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 183 in Clinton. Here’s the schedule for upcoming ramp closures as part of the
