June 4, 2024
Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) has named Dwayne Apple as the company’s new vice president of Distribution Operations. Apple replaces Jennifer Ellis who has assumed a new leadership role with PSO’s parent company, American Electric Power (AEP). Apple will be based in PSO’s Tulsa office and will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the electric distribution system for more than 575,000 customers throughout Oklahoma.
Previously, Apple served as Director of Safety and Health for AEP where he led the region’s team of safety and health professionals and was responsible for the strategy and implementation of safety standards and performance. He joined PSO in 1987 as an apprentice lineman and has held various leadership roles with PSO and AEP over the course of his career.
Dwayne earned his bachelor’s degree in organizational management and is a graduate of the AEP Leadership program at Ohio State University. He also holds an associate degree in Electric Construction Technologies.
Dwayne and his wife Tammy reside in Jenks, Oklahoma and enjoy spending time with their three children and three grandchildren.
About PSO
PSO, a unit of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP), is an electric utility company serving over 575,000 customer accounts in eastern and southwestern Oklahoma, powering a cleaner, brighter energy future for its customers and 232 communities. Based in Tulsa, PSO has approximately 4,500 megawatts of diverse generating capacity that primarily includes wind and natural gas. It maintains and operates more than 20,000 miles of distribution lines and 3,800 miles of transmission lines and is one of the largest distributors of wind energy in the state. Find news releases and other information at www.PSOklahoma.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, NextDoor and Instagram @PSOklahoma.
About American Electric Power (AEP)
American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is powering a cleaner, brighter energy future for its customers and communities. AEP’s approximately 16,700 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 224,000 miles of distribution lines to safely deliver reliable and affordable power to 5.5 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 31,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 6,900 megawatts of renewable energy. The company’s plans include growing its renewable generation portfolio to approximately 50% of total capacity by 2030. AEP is on track to reach an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and has committed to achieving net zero by 2045. AEP is recognized consistently for its focus on sustainability, community engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion. AEP’s family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information, visit aep.com.
Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Primary Election Results for Cordell and Altus
The primary election for Cordell Public Schools and the City of Altus city council races have concluded, with results now finalized. The race for Office No. 5 on the Cordell School Board has narrowed down to two
Elk City Man Wanted for Allegedly Exploiting Mother Arrested
The Elk City man wanted for allegedly exploiting his elderly mother has been located and arrested. According to the Elk City Police Department, 38-year-old Robert Wade Leyja was located and arrested by Sayre police in Sayre on
Two More Victims ID’d in Jackson Co. Crash
Officials have identified two more victims of the tragic two-vehicle collision that occurred last Thursday near Duke. According to the latest information released by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the driver of the 2021 Ford Expedition has been
Fastenal Supports SWOSU HERC
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Fastenal has made a generous gift of equipment in support of Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s (SWOSU) National Aeronautics & Space Administration Human Exploration Rover Challenge (NASA HERC) Team for 2024-2025. Each
SWOSU Jazz Festival Celebrates 55 Years
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – The 55th annual SWOSU Jazz Festival is coming up on Feb. 13–14 in Weatherford, Okla. A tradition spanning over five decades, the festival is one of the region’s most anticipated music
SWOSU Faculty Member Earns National Pharmacology Educator Award
Weatherford, OK – Dr. Wael Eldahshan, an Assistant Professor in the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) College of Pharmacy, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Pharmacology Educators Award by the American Society for Experimental Pharmacology
SWOSU’s Dr. Todd Wiggen Appointed Editor-in-Chief of Management Teaching Review
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Dr. Todd Wiggen, Associate Professor in the Everett Dobson College of Business and Technology at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in Weatherford, has been named the new Editor-in-Chief of Management Teaching
Busey Brothers Make Major Gift to SWOSU
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has received a generous philanthropic gift from SWOSU graduates and brothers Philip Busey, ’04, and Brian Busey, ’05, both of Oklahoma City. The Busey brothers serve
Update on Elk City Police Department Renovation Project
Elk City, OK – Last April, Elk City voters approved the extension and re-purposing of an existing half-cent sales tax for eight years to fund expansions and upgrades for the city’s fire station and police department. During
Elk City Man Faces Charges for Alleged Firearm Purchase Attempt Despite Active Warrant
Elk City, OK – An Elk City man is facing legal trouble after allegedly attempting to purchase a firearm while having an active warrant for his arrest. According to an affidavit filed on January 28, 27-year-old Isaac
Board of Education Primary Election Set for February 11 in Washita County
Washita County, OK — Voters in Washita County will head to the polls on Tuesday, February 11, for the Board of Education Primary Election, determining the next member for Office No. 5 of the Cordell Public Schools
Western Oklahoma Braces for Wintry Mix: Ice, Snow, and Travel Hazards Possible
A winter storm is set to sweep across Western Oklahoma, bringing a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain over the next 24 hours. The most significant impacts are expected Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with meteorologists
Traffic Stop on I-40 Leads to Drug Arrests in Custer County
Custer County, OK – A routine traffic stop along Interstate 40 in Custer County led to the arrest of two men on felony drug charges, according to court records. 39-year-old Antonio Gonzalez and 49-year-old Matthew Daniel Boyd
President Trump Appoints Cordell Native as EPA South Central Regional Administrator
EPA Press Release DALLAS (February 6, 2025) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that President Donald J. Trump has appointed Scott Mason IV to serve as the 14th regional administrator of the EPA’s South Central
Elk City’s Thomas Brothers Earn Back-to-Back Bids at National Western
(ELK CITY, Okla.) — Luke Thomas of Elk City, Oklahoma, once again showcased his dedication and hard work at the 2025 National Western Stock Show Junior Livestock Auction, earning a second consecutive winning bid from Bluepeak for
Three Perish, One Critically Injured in Fatal Collision Near Duke
Jackson County, OK – A tragic two-vehicle collision claimed the lives of three individuals and left another in critical condition Thursday afternoon near the intersection of US-62 and South County Road 194, approximately three miles east of
Candidate Filing Concludes with Races Developing in Thomas and Cordell
The filing period for municipal office candidates in Oklahoma ran from Monday through Wednesday, with candidates submitting their declarations for city council positions in Custer and Washita counties. Custer County Candidates Filing at the Custer County Election
Elk City Police Department Launches Free Citizen’s Police Academy
Elk City, OK – The Elk City Police Department is inviting community members to participate in its first-ever Citizen’s Police Academy, a free program designed to provide insight into local law enforcement operations. The academy aims to
Fatal Crash Near Sharon Claims Life of Woodward Woman
Woodward County, OK — A fatal crash occurred early Wednesday morning on OK-34 near E County Road 46, approximately five miles north of Sharon. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the collision happened at approximately 7:20 a.m.
Sheriff’s Office Scam Targets Residents with Fake Warrants and Intimidation Tactics
Beckham County, OK – Scammers posing as law enforcement officers are targeting residents with a fraudulent scheme designed to trick victims into providing personal information or sending money. The scam, often conducted over the phone, involves criminals
OSBI Investigating Homicide and Fire in Ellis County
Ellis County, OK – The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is investigating a homicide in Arnett at the request of the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office. According to a press release provided by the OSBI, just after
Homicide Investigation Triggers Lockdown at Vici Public Schools
Authorities say a homicide investigation led to a lockdown at a western Oklahoma school district on Monday. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) reported that a person was found dead near County Road 200, just west
Fire Crews Battle Grass Fire in Rural Beckham County
Fire crews in the area were busy battling a grass fire in rural Beckham County, northwest of Elk City, on Monday afternoon. Elk City Fire Chief Kyle Chervenka said his crews were called out to the blaze
Texas Man Facing Felony Firearms Charges in Custer County
Weatherford, OK – A Texas man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges in Custer County after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of firearms in his vehicle. Dunyale Latroy Rainer, 43, of Amarillo, Texas,
Fire Crews Rescue Three Dogs from Elk City Camper Fire
Elk City, OK – Firefighters are returning to service this morning after battling a camper fire on the north side of Elk City. Crews arrived on the scene to find heavy smoke pouring from the camper, with
