August 15, 2023
Despite the recent heat wave that’s lingered in the region, drought conditions have been held at bay thanks to a wetter than usual summer.
According to the latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, the majority of the state is shown not to have any drought condition as of August 10. Locally in western Oklahoma, Custer and Roger Mills Counties remain drought free, while the majority of Beckham and Washita Counties are shown to be “abnormally dry” the lowest of any drought conditions.
Parts of Jackson County along the Red River, however, are described to be in an “extreme drought”.
A big thanks for the favorable conditions has to go to mother nature with an abundance of rain that’s swept through the area this summer.
Last weekend a series of storms provided much needed rain to the area with much of the area receiving over an inch and a half of rain – if not more.
Oklahoma lakes and reservoirs are also staying full despite the heat.
Foss Lake in Custer County is shown to be full as well does Fort Cobb Lake in Caddo County.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Scholarships Support Adult Learners in SWOSU’s Reach Higher Program
Weatherford, OK – The Reach Higher degree-finishing program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) awarded over $15,000 in scholarships to fourteen SWOSU students completing degrees through the program. Recipients received awards averaging about $1,100, supported through the
Busey Family Makes Major Gift to SWOSU Bulldogs Angels Fund
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced a major charitable contribution from longtime benefactors and alumni Philip Busey, Jr., ’04, and his wife, Heather (Ratcliffe) Busey, ’04, of Oklahoma City. This latest generous gift
School Board Filings Wrap Up Across Western Oklahoma Counties
Western OK – School board filings closed Wednesday in Beckham, Custer, Washita and Roger Mills counties, confirming a mix of uncontested races and a few competitive seats heading into the February election cycle. Custer County Clinton will
Long-term Traffic Plan Being Implemented Near New Fire Station
Elk City, OK – Elk City has three new temporary 4-way stops. The intersections at Washington & Broadway, Washington & 5th Street, and Washington & 6th Street have four stop signs each. These changes are part of
Hefley enters race for Wheeler County Judge
Wheeler County, TX – Wheeler County’s March primary ballot is continuing to take shape as another candidate has stepped forward to run for county judge. Chalone Hefley announced she is seeking the Republican nomination for the office,
Absentee Ballot Applications Available For 2026 Election Year
Clinton, OK – Voters in Custer County who want absentee ballots mailed to them for elections in 2026 can submit an application after January 1 of the coming year, Ann Brown said today. Any registered voter may
Santa’s Christmas Heroes
About KECO 96.5FM is spotlighting locals who do selfless good. Winners receive a $250 prize from a KECO sponsor. We announce on air and share photos on the KECO Facebook page. How it works Pick a nominee,
Beckham County Sees Light Holiday Crash Activity, Sheriff Manning Says
Beckham County, OK – Beckham County roads stayed relatively calm over the Thanksgiving travel period, according to Sheriff Derek Manning. Manning said that while his office monitored several wrecks in the area during the busy holiday stretch,
SWOSU Foundation Names Four New Trustees
Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Foundation, Incorporated (SWOSUF) has announced the accession of four SWOSU graduates to the organization’s governing Board of Trustees. The newest SWOSUF Trustees include: Brian Aneshansley of Clinton, SWOSU
Cordell Woman Charged With Aggravated Trafficking After Traffic Stop in Weatherford
Weatherford, OK – A Cordell woman is facing multiple felony drug trafficking charges after a large quantity of fentanyl and methamphetamine was allegedly found during a traffic stop in Weatherford on November 23. According to a probable
Guymon Woman Accused in Walmart Theft Ring Arrested in Elk City
Elk City, OK — Three women are facing charges after Elk City police say they worked together to steal hundreds of dollars in merchandise from Walmart. One of the suspects, identified as 51-year-old Holly Jo Garcia of
OKC Philharmonic Bringing Christmas Magic to Elk City Dec. 17
Elk City, OK – Elk City residents are in for a holiday treat as the Oklahoma City Philharmonic returns with its spectacular seasonal concert, “Merry & Bright, Songs of Christmas,” on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. The performance
Pursuit Ends Safely on I-40; Two Juveniles Taken Into Custody
Beckham County, OK – A Sunday morning pursuit on Interstate 40 ended without injuries after law enforcement stopped a speeding vehicle driven by two juveniles, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning. Manning said the call came
SWOSU Biology Students Present Research at Oklahoma Academy of Science Meeting
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Twenty-two students from the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences presented their research at the 2025 Annual Technical Meeting of the Oklahoma Academy of Science, held
Field Study Trip Gives SWOSU Students Insight into Oklahoma Prairie Ecology
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Students from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) visited the Four Canyon Preserve for a full day of field observations and ecological study. The visit provided hands-on experience with Oklahoma’s native mixed-grass
Candidate Filing Begins For Board Of Education
Roger Mills Election Board Press Release Cheyenne, OK – Candidate filing for the Board of Education begins Monday, December 1st for 9 Roger Mills County school districts. Those who wish to file for a Board of Education
SWOSU Foundation Names New Board Leaders
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – The Board of Trustees of the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Foundation, Inc. Board of Trustees held its Fall 2025 session recently on Thursday and Friday, November 6 and 7, in
Mayor’s Toy Drive Sign Ups Begin
Elk City, OK – Elk City families needing a little extra help this holiday season can begin signing up for the annual Mayor’s Toy Drive starting November 24. Registration will run through December 5 at Elk City
OHP Troopers Praised As Heroes After Saving Man On I-40
Custer County, OK – Oklahoma Highway Patrol is crediting the quick actions of Trooper Eric Burchett with saving a man’s life after a violent incident along Interstate 40 near Clinton on the morning of November 16. According
Wheeler Man Hurt After Rear-End Crash On I 40 In Custer County
Custer County, OK – A Wheeler, Texas man was injured Saturday afternoon in a two vehicle collision on Interstate 40 in Custer County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Troopers reported the crash at 3:49 p.m. on
Nicholas & Judy Rains Make Major Gift to SWOSU
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is excited to announce the receipt of a major charitable contribution from Nicholas Rains, ‘02, and his wife, Judy, endowing the Nicholas & Judy Rains Computer
Four sue AirGas, Holiday Inn after toxic gas leak at Weatherford hotel
Weatherford, OK – Four people have filed a civil lawsuit against AirGas and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Weatherford after a massive anhydrous ammonia leak sent 34 victims to hospitals, including two in critical condition,
Troopers work busy Saturday on western Oklahoma highways
Elk City, OK – Western Oklahoma highways were busy for state troopers Saturday, with three separate crashes in Washita, Blaine, and Dewey counties sending multiple people to the hospital, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The first
Archer: Oklahoma’s ‘next frontier’ taking shape at Air & Space Port
Elk City, OK – State Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, says Oklahoma is starting to turn talk about space into real-world jobs and investment, and western Oklahoma is right in the middle of it. During a recent
Wanted Elk City man captured after standoff in Shamrock
Shamrock, Texas – A man wanted out of Elk City was arrested Wednesday in Shamrock, Texas after deputies found him hiding underneath a house and used a K-9 to take him into custody, according to law enforcement.
