January 18, 2023
SWOSU Press Release
The Indigenous Student Association (ISA) at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will be hosting the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes’ Tradition Not Addiction program. Christian Wassana, founder of the motivational movement, “I Am, I Can, I Will,” is the guest speaker for this event, as he has worked closely with the youth and young adults about drug and alcohol prevention, culture, mental health, and suicide prevention.
SWOSU ISA invites the SWOSU community and the public to attend this free event on Monday, Jan. 22 in the East Ballroom of the Memorial Student Center at 6 p.m.
This program, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is an organization dedicated to preventing underage drinking and nonuse of medical prescription drugs within the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal service area, covering 10 counties. The Tradition Not Addiction program is part of the Prevention Programs, which focuses on raising awareness of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety and works to prevent tobacco and vaping usage among Native youth. The program achieves these goals by providing culture classes, in-depth messaging within classrooms, and hosting outreach events in communities and schools.
The classes and activities offered by the Tradition Not Addiction program are not exclusive to Native youth; they are open to anyone and everyone. Over the past two months, the program has partnered with Christian Wassana, who has been actively involved in the program. Wassana has been instrumental in reaching over 1,200 students in Weatherford, Canton, Geary, Anadarko, and will soon be speaking at Calumet and Norman public schools.
Since November 2023, Wassana has addressed youth audiences, delivering powerful messages about staying away from drugs and alcohol, reconnecting with one’s cultural roots, and pursuing aspirations and dreams. His presentations emphasize the importance of realizing one’s purpose in life and the significance of seeking help when needed.
SWOSU looks forward to the positive impact that Christian Wassana and the Tradition Not Addiction program will bring to the university and the broader university, reinforcing a commitment to well-being and the promotion of a substance-free lifestyle.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Two Killed in Head-On Crash Near Custer City
Custer County, OK — Two people were killed Friday afternoon in a head-on collision just west of Custer City. The crash occurred around 3:56 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 33 and E 920 Road, about two
Election Day Reminders and Tips
Roger Mills Co. Election Board Press Release Cheyenne, OK – Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 1st , for the Board of Education/Municipal General Elections. Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary
Voters Reminded of Election Day Laws
Cheyenne, OK – With the April 1st Election approaching, County Election Board officials are reminding voters of Election Day laws. PERSONS ALLOWED INSIDE ELECTION ENCLOSURE It is a crime for any person other than voters and election
Request An Emergency Ballot For The April 1 Election
Roger Mills Co. Election Board Press Release Cheyenne, OK – Registered voters who become physically incapacitated after 5:00 p.m. Monday, March 17th and are unable make it to the polls, still have an opportunity to cast their
California Man Arrested Duirng Beckham County Traffic Stop
Elk City, OK — A California man is facing felony charges in Beckham County following a traffic stop that led to a significant drug bust on I-40. According to a probable cause affidavit, 31-year-old Anastacio Obregon-Izazaga of
Routine Traffic Stop in Sayre Leads to Felony Drug and Weapons Arrest
Sayre, OK — A routine traffic stop in Sayre led to the arrest of a man on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including possession of a sawed-off rifle, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Authorities say a blue Chevy Silverado
Weatherford Gears Up for April 2025 Recycling Events in Honor of Earth Day
Weatherford, OK — The Weatherford Environment Group (WEG) has announced a month-long slate of Earth Day recycling events happening throughout April 2025. Residents are encouraged to participate by bringing recyclable materials to the Weatherford Materials Processing Building,
SWOSU Announces Endowment Gift from Bryan & Erika Evans Family
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the receipt of a major charitable gift from Bryan and Erika Evans of Edmond. Bryan Evans is the Co-Founder of the Evans & Davis Law Firm, which
Man Claiming to Be Arapaho Police Chief Arrested During Weatherford Traffic Stop
A man claiming to be the newly hired police chief of Arapaho was arrested during a traffic stop in Weatherford on March 9. Weatherford police say 46-year-old Jah Malachi Banks of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, was pulled over in
Final Sale of Champions at Jim Norick Arena Caps Off Historic 2025 Oklahoma Youth Expo
Oklahoma City, OK — After 60 years of tradition, the Jim Norick Arena saw its final curtain call Friday night as the 2025 Oklahoma Youth Expo wrapped up with the iconic Sale of Champions. This year’s sale
Wildfire Update: 840 Road Fire and Camargo Fire
Western Oklahoma – After a week since their ignition, fire crews are still battling wildfires in western Oklahoma. 840 Road Fire The 840 Road Fire, spanning Roger Mills and Dewey Counties, has burned approximately 27,855 acres and
Canute Sisters Shine at Historic Final OYE in Jim Norick Arena
Oklahoma City, OK – The 2025 Oklahoma Youth Expo marked the end of an era as the final Grand Champion Drive of the four market species took place in the historic Jim Norick Arena, closing out 60
Alva Woman Killed in Crash North of Foss
Custer County, OK – A two-vehicle crash claimed the life of an Alva woman Thursday night in Custer County. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says the wreck happened around 8:14 p.m. on March 20, about 3.5 miles north
Defendants Enter Pleas in Texas 100th Judicial District Court
Childress, TX – Defendants entered pleas in the 100th Judicial District Court in Childress County on Wednesday, March 12. The cases were prosecuted by District Attorney Luke Inman and Assistant District Attorney Harley Caudle on behalf of
Local Businesses Join Opioid Abatement Efforts to Combat Overdose Crisis
Custer & Beckham Counties, OK – In a concerted effort to address the ongoing opioid crisis, several local businesses and organizations have partnered with the Southwestern Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) to implement opioid abatement initiatives. These proactive
Paragon TV Sees Impressive Viewership for 2024-25 Basketball Season
Elk City, OK – The 2024-25 high school basketball season was a massive success for Paragon TV, drawing impressive numbers across multiple communities. With games broadcast between November 1, 2024, and March 8, 2025, thousands of viewers
Oklahoma Wildfires: Updates on 840 Road and Camargo Fires
Winds of up to 75 mph fueled multiple fast-moving wildfires in Oklahoma on Wednesday morning, prompting evacuation orders for towns in their path, officials said. Firefighters were battling blazes in Beckham and Roger Mills counties, including one
Clinton Man Charged with Arson
A Clinton man has been charged with felony arson after allegedly setting a house on fire. The suspect later told authorities he started the fire because he believed the house was haunted. According to a probable cause
Oklahoma Wildfires: 840 Road, Camargo, and 1980 Road Fires Continue to Challenge Firefighters
Elk City, OK – As of March 18, 2025, several significant wildfires are actively burning across Oklahoma, with the 840 Road Fire, Camargo Fire, and 1980 Road Fire among the most concerning. 840 Road Fire Spanning Roger
Illinois Woman Charged with Felony in Custer County for Alleged Check Fraud
Arapaho, OK — Authorities in Custer County have issued a felony charge against an Illinois woman accused of obtaining nearly $5,000 through fraudulent means. According to court documents, Drea A. Lindsey, 21, of Addison, Illinois, has been
Newcastle Man Accused of Identity Theft and Credit Card Fraud in Custer County
Weatherford, OK – A Newcastle man has been charged with identity theft and unauthorized use of a credit card after allegedly using a deceased individual’s financial information to make fraudulent purchases in Weatherford. James Adam Jenkins, 53,
Newcastle Man Arrested for Identity Theft and Credit Card Fraud in Custer County
Weatherford, OK – A Newcastle man has been charged with identity theft and unauthorized use of a credit card after allegedly using a deceased individual’s financial information to make fraudulent purchases in Weatherford. James Adam Jenkins, 53,
Beutler Book Named Among Finalist For Western Writers of America Award
Provided Press Release Former Southwestern Oklahoma State University president, state legislator, educator and cattle rancher Randy L. Beutler has been recognized as a finalist for the prestigious Spur Award from the Western Writers of America (WWA) for
Dirickson Among Finalists for Oklahoma Supreme Court Appointment
Oklahoma City, OK – Oklahoma’s Judicial Nominating Commission has selected Donna Lynn Dirickson as one of three candidates submitted to Gov. Kevin Stitt for appointment to the state Supreme Court. The vacancy arose after Justice Yvonne Kauger
Suspect Arrested Following Homicide in Mountain Park
OSBI Press Release Mountain Park, OK – On March 14, 2025, the Mountain Park Police Department requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate a homicide. Around 2:30 a.m., officers responded to a shooting call at
