November 26, 2024
SWODA Press Release
The Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SORTPO), as part of its ongoing regional transportation planning efforts and development of the Forward 45 Regional Transportation Plan, hosted Walkability Workshops in Weatherford and Duncan, Oklahoma.
The workshops featured Jeff Speck, renowned city planner, speaker, and author of Walkable City and Suburban Nation. Speck shared his expertise on creating walkable cities that promote healthy, interconnected lives. His presentation answered the critical question, “What makes a city great?” by exploring strategies to enhance walkability, improve urban design, and create vibrant, livable communities.
The workshops were held in Weatherford on October 15 and in Duncan on October 16. Local sponsors that helped with the success of the workshops were City of Weatherford,Oklahoma State Department of Health Regions District 1 & 8, Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO), Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma, Pathways to a Healthier You, First Baptist Church of Duncan and City of Duncan.
The Walkability Workshops are one of many steps in SORTPO’s efforts to develop a comprehensive regional transportation plan for Southwest Oklahoma. These regional planning initiatives aim to address the unique needs of the area, from walkability improvements to tackling transportation barriers in rural communities.
About SORTPO:SORTPO, a program under SWODA (South Western Oklahoma Development Authority), leads transportation planning efforts across a 16-county region. Its mission is to foster sustainable development and improve regional connectivity for residents and businesses alike. Go to www.Forward45.com to view the current planning process.
For more information about this workshop or SORTPO’s regional transportation planning efforts, please contact Julie Sanders at julie@swoda.org or 580-562-5010.
Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum to Host Open House for Clinton’s Festival of Lights Celebration
November 26, 2024 The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum will kick off the holiday season with an open house on Tuesday, December 3, from 1-4 p.m. This annual event will coincide with Clinton’s Festival of Lights.
SWOSU Reach High Program Awards Nearly $90,000 in Scholarships
November 26, 2024 SWOSU Press Release The Reach Higher degree-finishing program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) awarded nearly $90,000 in scholarships to students involved in Reach Higher degree programs. Fifty-five students received scholarships averaging around $1,700
Yukon Man Arrested for Burglary After Being Found in Elk City Vehicle
November 26, 2024 A Yukon man is being held on a $2,500 bond in the Beckham County Detention Center after being charged with third-degree burglary.
Guatemalan Man Arrested in Elk City for Cocaine Possession Following Suspicious Activity Report
November 26, 2024 A Guatemalan man was arrested earlier this month after allegedly being found him in possession of cocaine.
Candidate Filing Begins For Board of Education In Beckham County
November 26, 2024 Candidate filing for the Board of Education begins Monday, December 2, 2024 for four Beckham County school districts.
Building Better Communities: Southwest Oklahoma Hosts Walkability Workshops
November 26, 2024 SWODA Press Release The Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SORTPO), as part of its ongoing regional transportation planning efforts and development of the Forward 45 Regional Transportation Plan, hosted Walkability Workshops in Weatherford
Beckham Co. Inmate Charged with Weapon Possession
November 25, 2024 A Bessie man has been charged with possessing a weapon as an inmate and with malicious injury to property valued at less than $2,500. At the time, 46-year-old Tony Ray Glassburn was reportedly already
Oklahoma Sees Major Drought Relief Following Heavy Rains, Drought Coverage Drops to 18%
November 25, 2024 Recent heavy rains have significantly alleviated drought conditions across Oklahoma. State Climatologist Gary McManus reported that the state’s drought coverage decreased from 84% to 18%. Severe (D2) and Extreme (D3) drought areas dropped from
Woman Pleads No Contest to Impersonating Teacher in Racially Charged Facebook Case
November 25, 2024 A woman accused of impersonating a Clinton Public Schools teacher to send racially charged messages has entered a plea.
Candidate Filing Opens for Board of Education Positions in Roger Mills and Custer Counties
November 21, 2024 The filing period for Board of Education candidates in Roger Mills and Custer Counties opens Monday, December 2, and runs through Wednesday, December 4, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Candidates must file
Rep. Archer Elected House Republican Caucus Vice Chair
November 21, 2024 Oklahoma House Republicans this week selected their leadership team for the 60th Legislature, with Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, stepping into a prominent role as Caucus Vice Chair. The 81-member Republican majority maintains its
Elk City Commissioners Give Unanimous Support for City Manager
November 20, 2024 After a nearly two-and-a-half-hour executive session, the Elk City Commission on Wednesday publicly showed unanimous support for City Manager Tom Ivester.
Lawsuit Filed Against City of Shamrock Over Cattle Deaths Linked to Contaminated Water
November 20, 2024 The City of Shamrock, Texas is facing a federal lawsuit after Kellen Allison Cattle Company and related businesses claimed city water caused the deaths of 650 cattle, leading to damages exceeding $1 million. Originally
Custer County Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest for Major Drug Trafficking
November 19, 2024 A traffic stop on Interstate 40 Eastbound led to the arrest of a Florida man for trafficking over 200 pounds of marijuana on November 11. The suspect, identified as Samuel Wayne Waters, 76, from
Anthony Moore Elected Speaker Pro Tempore of Oklahoma House
November 19, 2024 District 57 Representative Anthony Moore (R-Clinton) has been elected Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of Representatives by the Oklahoma House Republican Caucus.
Elk City Commissioners to Address Key Issues
November 19, 2024 The Elk City Commission is set to convene on Wednesday afternoon in the Commission Chambers at City Hall. The agenda includes several significant topics, including going into an executive session to discuss the performance
$17M Broadband Expansion Projects Kick Off in Western Oklahoma
November 19, 2024 Oklahoma’s push to expand broadband services with federal funding took center stage in western Oklahoma this week, as eight new projects totaling over $17 million were launched.
Governor Stitt Appoints Donna Dirickson as District Judge for Oklahoma’s Second Judicial District
November 19, 2024 In an official announcement on Friday, Governor Stitt appointed Donna Dirickson as the district judge for Oklahoma’s Second Judicial District.
Ransomware Attack Confirmed By Great Plains Regional Medical Center
November 18, 2024 Great Plains Regional Medical Center has confirmed a ransomware attack that compromised the personal information of over 133,000 patients. In a statement, the hospital said it discovered the attack on September 8; however, investigators
Elk City High School Launches Aviation and Drone Pathways for 2025-2026 School Year
Elk City Public Schools Press Release During the 2025-2026 school year, Elk City High School will make available to students, The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) four-year pathways of coursework.
Granite Man Hospitalized, Faces Charges After Multi-County High-Speed Pursuit
November 18, 2024 A Granite man was hospitalized and now faces multiple charges after leading authorities on a high-speed pursuit through multiple counties. According to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning, 24-year-old Samuel Herman Pence allegedly stole a
Fatality Motorcycle Accident Near Snyder
November 16, 2024 A tragic motorcycle accident claimed the life of a 64-year-old Altus man on Saturday. The fatal collision occurred at approximately 4:35 PM on US-62 near the 55-mile marker, about five miles west of Snyder
Candidate Filing Begins For Board of Education
November 15, 2024 Roger Mills County Election Board Press Release Candidate filing for the Board of Education begins Monday, December 2nd for 9 Roger Mills County school districts.
Miss SWOSU 2025 Scholarship Pageant Winners Announced
November 15, 2024 SWOSU Press Release The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the winners of the Miss SWOSU 2025 Scholarship Pageant, held on Nov. 9 at the Weatherford Performing Arts Center. Mia Macias from Leedey
Custer County to Host Launch of $11.2M Broadband Grant Initiative
November 15, 2024 The Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) has been awarded an $11,233,311 grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to help new internet users effectively access and utilize online services. This funding aims to
