Drought Conditions Deteriorate Across Western Oklahoma

Clinton, OK – A Clinton man was arrested following a high-speed chase involving a four-wheeler through public streets, parking lots, and open pastures on January 4, 2025. The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Mark Vincent Herndon, faces charges

The Elk City School Board convened for its regular session on Monday night, making a pivotal decision regarding the district’s leadership. During an executive session, the board discussed the contract of Superintendent Mike Sparks. Following deliberations, the

In yesterday’s (January 14) election, Elk City voters overwhelmingly approved two key propositions that will significantly shape the city’s future management of resources and services. Proposition 1, addressing the allocation of revenue from the sale, marketing, and

Cordell, OK – 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. Monday, January 27th 2025. Washita County Election Board Secretary Assistant

The latest sales tax report for November 2024 provides insights into sales tax revenues across western Oklahoma cities, including percentage changes compared to November 2023. Elk City Elk City reported $1,294,700.49, an increase of $15,545.84 or 1.22%

Elk City, OK – During Monday night’s regular meeting of the Elk City School Board, it was announced that the Oklahoma Department of Education’s School Improvement Division will be visiting the district after the school has shown

Residents of Western Oklahoma should prepare for a significant drop in temperatures this weekend as an arctic blast moves into the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Norman has issued a warning for below-average temperatures beginning

Clinton, OK – A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a Clinton man, on charges of first-degree burglary, violation of a protective order, and assault and battery with a sharp weapon with intent to injure.

Elk City residents will head to the polls tomorrow, January 14, to vote on two key propositions that will significantly influence the city’s future management of resources and services. Proposition 1 addresses the allocation of revenue from

Elk City, OK – The Elk City Board of Education is set to hold its regular meeting on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Board Conference Room at 300 N. Boone Ave, Elk City,

Oklahoma City, OK – Authorities have confirmed the arrest of a man identified as 46-year-old Sidney Hudson of Sayre, stemming from an extensive investigation into allegations of sexual assault. The suspect was apprehended by Oklahoma City Police

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Beckham, Custer, Washita, and Roger Mills counties until 8:00 AM CST on Friday, January 10. Additional snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches are expected, leading to slippery road

Sayre, OK – A meeting to establish a Prescribed Burn Association for Beckham County is set for Tuesday, January 14, at 6:00 PM. The event will be held at the Beckham County Activity Barn in Sayre. The

A 30-year-old Elk City man is being held in the Beckham County Detention Center on charges of second and subsequent domestic abuse and obstruction. The investigation began on December 23 when Sayre Police were notified of an

Residents of western Oklahoma should prepare for winter weather as a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service, effective from 6:00 AM Thursday, January 9, until 8:00 AM Friday, January 10. What to

Custer County, OK – Voters in Custer County who want absentee ballots mailed to them for elections in 2025 should apply now, County Election Board Secretary Ann Brown said today. Any registered voter may request absentee ballots

Elk City, OK – An Elk City man has been charged with first-degree burglary and violating a protective order. According to a probable cause affidavit, The incident occurred on December 8 when Elk City Police responded to

Arapaho, OK — A Butler man faces serious charges after being accused of impersonating a police officer and obstructing law enforcement in Custer County. Buddy LaRue Sr., 77, was arrested on December 29, 2024, after reportedly driving

Elk City firefighters, alongside crews from the Berlin Fire Department, responded to a large grass fire west of town near Highway 6 and 1900 Road on Friday afternoon. Authorities have deemed the fire suspicious in nature, prompting

Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Transportation Commission met on Monday to review and approve several infrastructure projects and initiatives aimed at improving the state’s transportation network. During the meeting, all agenda items were unanimously approved, with

Elk City, OK – Great Plains Regional Medical Center (GPRMC) is delighted to announce the arrival of the first baby of the year, born this weekend. Baby girl, Lettie Collins, was born to proud parents Jordan and

Residents of Western Oklahoma should prepare for a blast of winter weather as a cold front is set to move into the area later this week. The National Weather Service predicts a drop in temperatures, bringing the

Roger Mills County, OK – A tragic two-vehicle collision occurred early Sunday morning, January 5, 2025, at approximately 5:16 a.m. on US-283, seven miles south of Cheyenne near E 1040 Road. The accident claimed the lives of

Burns Flat, OK – The South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) honors the retirement of two remarkable leaders, Debora Glasgow and Robin Selman, whose combined decades of service have left an indelible mark on the organization and

Elk City, OK – While investigating inappropriate messages sent to a 16-year-old, Elk City Police uncovered an alleged inappropriate relationship between a 23-year-old man and a 13-year-old girl. According to court records Gavin Chase Vermillion was arrested

Burns Flat, OK – The Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SORTPO) proudly announces the launch of its Safety Assessment Digital Map Survey, an interactive online tool designed to pinpoint safety concerns on a regional map. This

Elk City, OK – A Carter couple, 39-year-old Tara Dyer and 43-year-old Matthew Dyer, are out on bond after being arrested on December 27, 2024, on allegations of enabling child neglect involving their 16-year-old son. Authorities report

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) encourages small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations hit by severe storms, straight line winds, tornadoes and flooding that occurred April 25-May 9,

From devastating tragedies to inspiring resilience, 2024 was a year that tested the strength and spirit of Western Oklahoma. The region witnessed heartbreaking losses, shocking scandals, and natural disasters, balanced by moments of courage, community, and leadership.

Yukon, OK – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter: “America has lost a faithful and selfless public servant. While he faced a number of political challenges throughout

A tragic collision early Tuesday morning left one person dead and another injured on US-183 near E 860 Rd, approximately 13 miles north of Arapaho in Custer County. The crash occurred at approximately 12:06 a.m. and involved

A two-vehicle collision on US Highway 83, approximately six miles north of Shamrock, Texas, resulted in the death of a Kansas man. The crash occurred on December 17, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. According to authorities, the crash

A devastating collision on Monday claimed three lives and left a young child injured. The accident occurred around 6:02 PM on OK-44 and E 1440 Road, approximately four miles south of Lone Wolf. The crash involved a

Current Clinton Public Schools ag teacher Rick Dillinger is facing alleged felony embezzlement charges after being arrested this weekend, according to the Elk City Police Department. Dillinger, who previously was the ag teacher for Elk City Public

The Oklahoma State Department of Education released the 2024 Oklahoma School Report Cards last week, revealing a wide range of performance grades for schools in western Oklahoma. The report cards measure academic achievement, growth, attendance, and other

GPRMC Press Release The Elk City Homemakers recently donated over 50 stuffed animals to Great Plains Regional Medical Center (GPRMC) to bring comfort to pediatric patients. This generous gesture reflects the group’s commitment to supporting the local

A single-vehicle collision involving a semi-truck temporarily shut down the eastbound lanes of I-40 near the 11-mile marker in Beckham County on Thursday, December 19, 2024. The accident occurred at 11:11 a.m., approximately four miles east of

The Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board has awarded funding to the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) to combat the ongoing opioid crisis. According to a press release, the funds aim to expand resources and services to save

An Elk City man is being held in the Beckham County Detention Center on a $40,000 bond after being charged with trafficking methamphetamine and destroying evidence. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. The

A Clinton woman, 35-year-old Alicia Ruth Smith, also known as Alicia Ruth Dunn, faces felony and misdemeanor charges following an incident involving a Custer County Deputy on December 13, 2024. According to court records, Smith has been

An Indiana man was recently arrested in Beckham County following a high-speed pursuit. According to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning, 21-year-old Arthur James Mhoon Jr. of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was arrested on December 18 after county employees

A single-vehicle accident in Elk City early Sunday morning, where a car crashed into a pond, remains under investigation. According to Elk City Fire Chief Kyle Chervenka, the accident sent an unidentified man to an Oklahoma City

A tragic accident claimed the life of a 15-year-old Sayre resident on Sunday, December 22, 2024. The fatal crash occurred at approximately 7:57 PM on N 1900 Rd and E 1120 Rd, about four miles north of

A registered sex offender, Donald Joseph Smith, was arrested on December 2, 2024, after authorities discovered he was residing in violation of Oklahoma residency laws. Smith, 43, was also found in possession of drug paraphernalia during the

Oklahoma Farm Bureau members selected two new state board members during the organization’s 83rd annual meeting in Oklahoma City. Jimmy Taylor, from Roger Mills County, was chosen as the District 2 director. He will serve a three-year

The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Department of Music recently celebrated those who have contributed to the success of the SWOSU Piano Campaign with a donor recognition event at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA.) The

House Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert has unveiled a new committee structure designed to improve the deliberation and vetting process for proposed legislation. The reorganization introduces a two-tiered structure of committees and oversight committees, creating opportunities for more thorough

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently hosted a luncheon featuring Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) Chancellor Sean Burrage and Oklahoma House of Representatives Speaker-elect Kyle Hilbert. The luncheon was held at SWOSU’s Pioneer Event Center

Matthew Ferguson of Shamrock, Texas has been promoted to the Texas Rangers Division. Previously serving as a Highway Patrol Sergeant in Pampa, Ferguson now becomes part of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s primary investigative branch. The

The man accused of leading multiple agencies on a high-speed pursuit last month has formally been charged. A Granite, Oklahoma man, Samuel Herman Pence, 24, was taken into custody on November 15th, 2024, after a high-speed chase