October 8, 2024
The latest Drought Monitor shows that the driest areas of Oklahoma are concentrated in the southwest and parts of the northeast. According to the Oklahoma Mesonet Report issued Thursday, there’s a clear need for rain, especially as winter-wheat planting season approaches. While much of the state is parched, it’s unusual that the Panhandle and northwestern Oklahoma have experienced unusually heavy rainfall over the past few months.
Locally, Jackson, Harmon, and most of Greer and Kiowa Counties are classified as being in “extreme drought,” along with eastern Washita and southeastern Custer Counties. Meanwhile, Beckham County is listed in “moderate” to “severe” drought conditions.
These dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfires, particularly as a persistent heat wave continues to grip Oklahoma and much of the central U.S. The Oklahoma Forestry Division, in a Monday update, noted that while there has been no significant large fire activity yet, the potential for larger wildfires is growing due to the worsening drought and lack of rainfall.
“With no rain in the past ten days and continued warm temperatures, fuel moisture has degraded, making fire control more difficult,” the Forestry Division stated. “Average fire size is gradually increasing, and problematic fire behavior during initial attack operations is becoming more common.” The Division expects that fire control efforts will be successful early in the week but warns that larger fires, potentially over 300 acres, could emerge later in the week if hot and dry conditions persist.
Currently, burn bans are in place for Harmon, Greer, Kiowa, Jackson, and Caddo Counties, among others, as the state braces for potentially worsening wildfire conditions.
Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
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
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
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
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
Clinton Man Arrested for Liquor Store Burglary After Security Footage Links Him to Crime
On December 7, Ira Lamborn, 22, of Clinton, was arrested and charged with second-degree burglary after allegedly breaking into a local liquor store. According to a probable cause affidavit by the Clinton Police Department, the incident occurred
Two Sentenced to Prison in 100th Judicial District Court
On Monday, November 25, five pleas were heard in the 100th Judicial District Court. Among those cases, two individuals from Mobeetie and Wellington faced sentencing for felony offenses. Luke Inman, District Attorney for the 100th Judicial District,
Deadline Approaching: Register to Vote by December 20 for Clinton's Special Election
Custer County Election Board Press Release Friday, December 20, 2024, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the January 14, 2025 City of Clinton Special Election. Voters
SWOSU's Health Science in Healthcare Administration Program Achieves NAB Accreditation
SWOSU Press Release During the June 2024 Annual Meeting, the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) Board of Governors awarded accreditation to Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU)—Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science in Healthcare Administration
ECPD Hosts Annual Christmas Party, Honors Outstanding Team Members
The Elk City Police Department (ECPD) came together Tuesday night for its annual Department Christmas Party, celebrating the holiday season with employees and their families. This cherished tradition not only brings the department closer together but also
Fatal Collision Claims Life of Elk City Woman
A fatal car crash occurred on the evening of December 2, at approximately 6:15 PM, just east of the intersection of South Falcon Road and West 20th Street in Elk City. The incident involved a 2018 Nissan
SWOSU to Host 2024 Fall Commencement Ceremony on December 13
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the upcoming 2024 Fall Commencement Ceremony, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m. in the Pioneer Event Center. The event will honor the academic accomplishments of students who have
Woodward Fatal Shooting Update
More details have been released surrounding the shooting deaths of a father and daughter in Woodward. Police say the suspect, 30-year-old Shane Cole Allison, knew the victims and admitted to planning the attack. The victims have been
Weatherford Man Faces Felony Charges in Violent Incident
A Weatherford man, Anthony Rocky Garcia Jr., has been charged with multiple felonies following a violent incident on December 4, 2024. The charges, filed in Custer County District Court, include kidnapping, burglary, assault, and violating a protective
Clinton Police Department Hosts Annual Awards Ceremony
On December 7, 2024, the Clinton Police Department celebrated their annual Awards Ceremony and Christmas Party, honoring officers and staff for their exemplary service throughout the year. The event recognized individuals for their dedication, achievements, and contributions
Presidential Helicopter is Restored in Burns Flat
By Landry Brewer A retired Marine One just got a fresh coat of paint in Washita County. The aircraft flew from Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, to Premium Aerospace Center Oklahoma in Burns Flat for
DPS Reminds Texans of Vehicle Safety Inspection Program Changes Next Month
Texas DPS Press Release The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today launched a public safety announcement (PSA) video reminding Texans of the upcoming changes to the state’s Vehicle Safety Inspection Program beginning on Jan. 1, 2025.
SWOSU Hosts Legislative Leaders
SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently hosted Oklahoma legislative leaders Senator Chuck Hall (Perry – District 20); Senator Darcy Jech (Kingfisher – District 26); Representative Trey Caldwell (Lawton – District 63); and Representative Anthony
Game Wardens to Host Christmas Toy Drive in Elk City
The Oklahoma Game Wardens are inviting the Elk City community to spread holiday cheer by participating in their Christmas Toy Drive. This festive event aims to brighten the season for local children by collecting toy donations. The
Elk City Woman Arrested for Alleged Embezzlement
An Elk City woman has been arrested on embezzlement charges following an investigation into fraudulent activity involving forged checks and unauthorized credit card charges. According to a probable cause affidavit, 63-year-old Jo Elaine Earnest was taken into
