January 11, 2022
By News Director Jared Atha
It was announced earlier today (Tuesday) that Elk City Public Schools will suspend in-person instruction, and return to virtual learning for the rest of the week.
Superintendent Mike Sparks says the decision was made based on a high number of teachers and support staff out due to COVID-19.
Sparks said that while the schools are empty all school sites will be deep cleaned and sanitized. He said all school buses will be cleaned and sanitized as well.
As for extra-curricular activities, Sparks said tonight’s Elk City at Weatherford high school basketball games have been postponed, however Friday night’s games at Cache are scheduled to take place.
Sparks went on to say that although this was one of the hardest decisions he’s made professionally, he commends his staff.
Sparks said in all, students will miss three in-person days of instruction, with Monday already scheduled as a professional day (no school).
Elk City Schools plans to resume in-person instruction on Tuesday (January 18).
It also announced today that the Wheeler Independent School District in Texas will remain closed until Monday due to a high number of COVID-19 cases involving both students and staff.
The Clinton Public Schools have also chosen to go virtual for the rest of the week and resume on Tuesday.
Copyright 2022 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Elk City School Board Approves EMT Program
November 12, 2024 The Elk City School Board met Monday night for their regular monthly meeting and, among other things, approved a new program that Superintendent Mike Sparks says will give high school students an opportunity to
Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell Tours Western Oklahoma for Route 66 Centennial Preparations
November 12, 2024 In preparation for the centennial celebration of Route 66, Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell has been busy visiting Western Oklahoma communities along the ‘Mother Road,’ gauging their needs and observing their preparations for the
Weatherford Man Charged with Soliciting Sexual Conduct with a Minor
November 12, 2024 A Weatherford man faces a felony charge of soliciting sexual conduct or communication with a minor via technology.
Recent Rains Ease Drought in Parts of Oklahoma, But Majority Still Impacted
November 11, 2024 Recent rains have certainly helped western and southwest Oklahoma’s drought status; however, more than 67 percent of Oklahoma remains in some degree of drought. According to the latest data released on Thursday by the
Latest Sales Tax Revenue for Local Cities Shows Mixed Results
November 11, 2024 Sales tax revenue figures for September 2024 reveal varied results across Western Oklahoma cities compared to the same month last year. Elk City led the gains with a 4% increase, amounting to $1,324,434.66, up
Preview: Elk City Board of Education Regular Meeting
November 11, 2024 On Monday, the Elk City Board of Education will hold its regular November meeting.
Reckless Driver Arrested in Beckham County with 47 Grams of Methamphetamine
November 8, 2024 More details have emerged about the woman arrested late last month in Beckham County after being found with illegal drugs during a traffic stop.
Clinton Man Charged with Sexual Battery While in Custer County Jail
November 8, 2024 A Clinton man faces charges of sexual battery while in custody at Custer County Jail.
Clinton City Council Approves Hospital Sale, Sets Special Election for Voter Approval
November 8, 2024 During a special meeting of the Clinton City Council on Thursday night, a letter of intent from Rural Hospital Solutions (RHS) was approved, allowing RHS to begin managing Clinton Regional Hospital on Monday.
Flood Watch Issued for Western Oklahoma as Heavy Rain Approaches
November 7, 2024 A flood watch is now in effect for several counties in western Oklahoma, including Beckham, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills, and Washita, extending through Friday evening. Heavy rainfall is forecasted
Elk City Man Charged with Second-Degree Burglary After Early Morning Break-In
November 7, 2024 A 52-year-old Elk City man is being held in the Beckham County Detention Center after being charged with second-degree burglary.
SW Oklahoma Organizations Received National Association of Development Organizations 2024 Impact Award
November 6, 2024 SWODA Press Release The Southwest Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) and the Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SORTPO) based in Burns Flat, Oklahoma, has received a 2024 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from the National
Multiple Sentences and Probations Issued in Childress County Court
November 6, 2024 On Thursday, October 24, 31 pleas took place in the 100th Judicial District Court in Childress County.
Oklahoma Election Day Results: Trump Dominates, Local Incumbents Retain Seats
November 6, 2024 Tuesday was Election Day across the country, and in Oklahoma, Republican Donald Trump maintained strong support, winning the state decisively with 66% of the vote. Locally, Trump’s backing surged even higher, receiving 75% of
SWOSU Announces 2024 Homecoming Court and Parade Float Winners
SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) wrapped up this year’s Homecoming festivities on Saturday, Oct. 26, where Landry Freeman and Carlie McKinnon were crowned 2024 Homecoming King and Queen. The announcement took place during halftime
Enid Man Arrested for Child Endangerment, Driving Violations, and Marijuana Possession
November 5, 2024 An Enid man faces multiple charges after being arrested last month for child endangerment, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended driver’s license, possession of marijuana, and speeding.
Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Connection with Elk City Fentanyl Death
November 5, 2024 A man from Elk City has been charged with first-degree murder following an overdose death. According to an affidavit filed in Beckham County, 36-year-old Jose Antonio Acevedo is accused of selling the deadly drugs
Sayre Couple Released on Bond After Facing Child Neglect Charges
November 4, 2024 A Sayre couple was recently released from the Beckham County Detention Center following charges of child neglect.
Beckham County Detention Center to Implement New Surveillance and Body Cams
November 4, 2024 The Beckham County Detention Center will be receiving upgraded surveillance equipment.
Election Preview: Western Oklahoma Voters Prepare for a Major Election Day
November 3, 2024 On November 5, 2024, voters will head to the polls for the General Election, deciding on high-stakes races and measures that span from local government seats to state and national issues. Early voting, which
Power Outage Affects 740 Beckham County Residents Due to Storms
Beckham County, Oklahoma — Severe storms have left 740 Beckham County residents without electricity, affecting approximately 6.7% of the county’s total customers. The outage, first reported earlier today, is expected to last as utility crews work to
WPLS and SWOSU Host Best-Selling Author James Patterson
November 1, 2024 SWOSU Press Release The Western Plains Library System (WPLS) and Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) hosted best-selling author James Patterson on Oct. 22, drawing a sold-out audience with all VIP Gold and Silver tickets
Miss SWOSU Scholarship Pageant Set for November 9
October 31, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s (SWOSU’s) annual Miss SWOSU Scholarship Pageant will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Weatherford Performing Arts Center. The event will begin at 7 p.m., bringing
Clinton Man Arrested on Assault and Battery Charges Following Domestic Dispute
October 31, 2024 Earlier this month, a Clinton man was arrested on assault and battery charges involving a household member. According to a probable cause affidavit, Clinton police responded to several disconnected 911 calls on Oct. 8.
Sheriff Offers Halloween Safety Tips
October 30, 2024 It’s Halloween, which means little ghosts, goblins, princesses, and maybe even a clown or two will be wandering the neighborhoods looking for treats. Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning offers tips to help ensure you
Early Voting Info For Western Oklahoma
October 30, 2024 Early voting for the upcoming election begins this Wednesday, October 30, in Oklahoma, offering residents a chance to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. Early voting runs through Saturday, November 2, in various
Medicare Open Enrollment Starts: Important Updates for 2025
October 28, 2024 Medicare Open Enrollment has kicked off. October 15th thru December 7th is when Beneficiaries can re-visit their current Drug plans and Supplements to make changes. 2025 brings several new changes and it’s more important
Teenage Officers, Members Added to National Honor Society
Elk City High School’s new honor society members have pledged their allegiance.
Reckless Driving Leads to Meth Discovery
October 28, 2024 A reckless driving case in Beckham County led to the discovery of methamphetamine.
Oklahoma Imposes Burn Ban in 44 Counties Amid Wildfire Risk
October 29, 2024 In response to the ongoing wildfire threat, Oklahoma officials have imposed a burn ban in 44 counties, including Greer, Harmon, Kiowa, Jackson, and Caddo. The ban, enforced by local fire marshals, prohibits all open
Virginia Fugitive Couple Arrested in Elk City Following Standoff
October 28, 2024 A Virginia couple, wanted on multiple charges including firearm possession and fugitive escape, were apprehended in Elk City on October 17, following a tense standoff involving local law enforcement and Troopers with the Oklahoma
Former “Home Improvement” Star Zachery Ty Bryan Arrested for DUI in Custer County
October 28, 2024 Zachery Ty Bryan, widely recognized for his role as Brad Taylor on the ’90s hit show “Home Improvement”, was taken into custody in Custer County on Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Public Meeting on the Future of Transportation in Cheyenne
October 28, 2024 Residents and stakeholders are invited to participate in a public meeting on October 29, 2024, to contribute to the Forward 45 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). Hosted by the Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization
Fatal Collision Near Reydon Claims Life of Local Man
October 28, 2024 A fatal accident occurred on Sunday night, October 27, 2024, approximately 10:09 p.m., roughly four miles south and three miles east of Reydon, Oklahoma, in Roger Mills County.
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
