December 16, 2021
By News Director Jared Atha
President Joe Biden on Thursday awarded the Medal of Honor — the country’s highest military award for valor — to three U.S. soldiers for their conspicuous gallantry in Iraq and Afghanistan.
One of the recipients is from right here in western Oklahoma.
Master Sergeant Earl D. Plumlee, who was born in Clinton, received the honor for the actions he took as he engaged insurgents at a U.S. base near Ghazni, Afghanistan on August 28, 2013.
Plumlee joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1998, and following his high school graduation from Merritt High School in 2000, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served until 2008. In 2009, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.
In Afghanistan, when insurgents blew a sixty-foot breach in the base’s perimeter wall and poured into the base, wearing Afghan National Army uniforms and suicide vests, Plumlee sprung into action.
Along with five special operations members, Plumlee mounted two vehicles and raced to the detonation site. Plumlee engaged the insurgents — killing two of them, one with a well-placed grenade and the other by detonating the insurgent’s suicide vest using precision sniper fire, according to the White House.
At one point, Plumlee ran to a mortally wounded soldier, with no regard for his own safety, and brought him to safety, rendering first aid.
President Joe Biden recognized Plumlee’s actions during Thursday’s ceremony.
Plumlee currently serves as a Senior Weapons Sergeant with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Special Forces Group at Fort Lewis, Washington.
Copyright 2021 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Last Week to Request Absentee Ballots For February 11th Election
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
Sales Tax Collections Rise in Elk City and Nearby Areas
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 School Recognized for Success: State Education Department Plans February Visit
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
Arctic Blast Set to Bring Bitter Cold to Western Oklahoma – Again
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 Man Wanted for Alleged Break-In, Assault, and Protective Order Violation
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 and Clinton Voters Face Pivotal Decisions on Resource Management, Infrastructure, and Healthcare
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 School Board Prepares for January Meeting
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,
Sayre Man Arrested Following Extensive Investigation – Receives Rape Charge
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
Winter Weather: Hazardous Travel Expected Friday
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
Prescribed Burn Association Meeting Scheduled for Beckham County
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
Elk City Man Arrested on Domestic Abuse and Obstruction Charges
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
Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Western Oklahoma: Snow Expected Thursday into Friday
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
Absentee Ballot Applications Available For 2025 Election Year
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 Man Charged with Burglary and Protective Order Violation
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
Man Charged with Impersonating Police Officer in Custer County
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
Grass Fire Contained West of Elk City, Investigation Underway
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 Transportation Commission Approves Key Projects in Washita and Custer Counties
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
Great Plains Regional Medical Center Welcomes First Baby of the Year
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
Winter Weather Approaches Western Oklahoma
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
Fatal Collision Claims Two Lives in Roger Mills County
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
Celebrating a Legacy of Service: Debora Glasgow and Robin Selman Retire from SWODA
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 Man Charged with First Degree Rape
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
Interactive Safety Map Launched for Forward45 Transportation Plan
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
Couple Arrested for Alleged Child Neglect
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
Deadline Approaching for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans
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,
Top Stories of 2024: Western Oklahoma's Most Notable News Events
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.
Lucas Statement on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter
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
Fatal Crash Claims One Life, Injures Another North of Arapaho
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
Fatal Crash on US Highway 83 Near Shamrock Claims One Life
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
Tragic Collision Claims Three Lives Near Lone Wolf
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
Former Elk City Ag Teacher Arrested for Alleged Felony Embezzlement
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
2024 Oklahoma School Report Cards Released: Western Oklahoma Schools See Mixed Results
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
Elk City Homemakers Donate Over 50 Stuffed Animals to GPRMC for Pediatric Patients
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
Semi-Truck Crash Shuts Down I-40 Eastbound Lanes Near Erick
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
SWODA Receives Opioid Abatement Funds to Expand Life-Saving Resources in Western Oklahoma
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
Elk City Man Arrested for Meth Trafficking, Faces Up to 20 Years in Prison
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
Clinton Woman Charged with Assaulting Custer County Deputy
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
Indiana Man Arrested in Beckham County After High-Speed Chase
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
Man in Critical Condition After Car Crashes into Pond in Elk City
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
15-Year-Old Dies in Rollover Accident North of Sayre
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
Registered Sex Offender Arrested in Elk City for Violating Residency Laws and Drug Possession
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
Taylor Elected to Oklahoma Farm Bureau State Board at Annual Meeting
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
SWOSU Hosts Reception in Honor of Piano Benefactors
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
Archer Named Chair of House Energy Committee as Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert Announces Restructuring
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
SWOSU Hosts Chancellor & Speaker-Elect, Honors Sammons & Robinson
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
Shamrock Native Promoted to Texas Ranger
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
Man Formally Charged After High-Speed Chase Following Stolen Vehicle Crash
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
Lucas Passed Over for Top House Financial Services Role
Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas of Cheyenne will not be the top Republican on the House Financial Services Committee, which oversees Wall Street, the Federal Reserve, and cryptocurrency. The committee’s decisions regarding banks and financial institutions have significant
SWOSU Nursing Department Offers a JumpStart Application Option
The Department of Nursing at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is thrilled to unveil innovative new pathways designed to streamline nursing school admission. Jump Start Application for Pre-Nursing Majors First, the Jump Start Application process provides early
Man Released on $50K Bond After Trafficking 120 Pounds of Marijuana in Beckham County
A 41-year-old man, Mahdi Ishmael J. Alston, was released from the Beckham County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond after being charged with trafficking illegal marijuana. The investigation began on December 8 when an Oklahoma Bureau of