May 10, 2024
Provided Press Release
The Elk City Rodeo Association installed new Preifert chutes last week.
The old chutes were in need of replacement, said Larry McConnell, chairman of the rodeo committee. They were made of pipe and wood and had been installed in the 1960s.
The old chutes were shorter than the new ones, and hinges sometimes broke, which caused problems during the rodeo.
In addition to the new chutes, the committee installed a new alleyway and stripping chute, where the cowboys’ riggings, saddles and bull ropes are stripped off the animal.
Several committee members, including Randy Hargis, Jason Simon, Jeff Johnson, and Andy Janning have spent many hours tearing out the old chutes, configuring the arena for the new chutes, and installing them.
The rodeo committee is always looking for ways to improve, and the new chutes are another step in doing so, McConnell said.
“They will make the rodeo run smoother. The old chutes caused us headaches in the past, when animals didn’t load as easily as they could have. We pride ourselves on running a smooth rodeo, and this will help.”
The old chutes have been donated to the Old Town Museum in Elk City, where they will be on display.
For years, McConnell and Gary Woody, a former rodeo committee member who still volunteers each year, have wanted to get new chutes. “This was on our bucket list,” McConnell said, “and we’re finally getting it done.”
This year’s rodeo will be held August 30-Sept. 1. Tickets will go on sale in early August.
For more information, visit the website at ElkCityRodeo.com.
Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
🎸 Wild Plum Jam Music Fest 2025 – July 19 in Sayre, OK
Get ready, Western Oklahoma — Wild Plum Jam Music Fest 2025 is back and it might get a little Western! 🤠 Join us on Saturday, July 19 at Sayre City Park for a full day of music,
SWOSU Aspiring Educators Association Hosts Initiation and Cording Ceremony
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University Oklahoma Aspiring Educators Association (SWOSU OAEA) hosted its inaugural initiation and cording ceremony on April 22. The event recognized both newly initiated members and current student
SBA Relief Still Available to Oklahoma Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Summer Drought
SBA Press Release Sacramento, CA. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Oklahoma of the June 2 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans
Fresno Man Arrested in Clinton on Drug Trafficking Charges
Clinton, OK — A California man was arrested in Clinton on January 13, 2025, after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of multiple illegal drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Kenneth Ray Moore, 58, of
Wheeler County Election Results Are In: Incumbents, Challengers Split Key Races
May 7, 2025 Wheeler County, Texas — Voters in Wheeler and Shamrock, Texas made their picks in several local races on Saturday, including city council contests and a competitive race for the Parkview Hospital Board. In Wheeler,
Oklahoma House Rejects Wind Energy Setback Bill; Rep. Archer Cites Property Rights Concerns
Oklahoma City, OK – On Tuesday evening, the Oklahoma House of Representatives narrowly defeated Senate Bill 2 (SB2) with a 44-49 vote. The bill aimed to impose new setback requirements for wind energy facilities, mandating that wind
SWOSU’s Commitment to Excellence: Dr. Tugba Sevin’s Online Teaching Recognized at State Level
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Dr. Tugba Sevin, Professor of Italian and Spanish and Coordinator of the World Languages Program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), has been honored with the Oklahoma Online Excellence Award for
Sayre Man Facing Multiple Child Exploitation Charges Following Predator Sting
Elk City, OK — A Sayre man is facing multiple felony charges after a joint investigation between Elk City Police and an independent investigative organization uncovered evidence linking him to disturbing online activity involving minors, including his
Amarillo Man Killed in Rollover Crash on I-40 Near Weatherford
Weatherford, OK – A fatal crash early Monday morning claimed the life of a Texas man on Interstate 40, just west of Weatherford in Custer County. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the collision occurred at approximately
One Dead, Two Injured in Early Morning Rollover Crash on I-40 Near Shamrock
Wheeler County, TX — A single-vehicle crash early Wednesday morning on Interstate 40 claimed one life and left two others injured, according to the Texas Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at approximately 3:39 A.M. on May 1,
Oklahoma Legislature Passes HB 1732, Empowering Schools to Broadcast Their Own Athletic Events – Awaits Governor's Signature
Oklahoma City, OK — On April 30, 2025, the Oklahoma Legislature passed House Bill 1732, a measure that affirms the right of public schools to broadcast their own athletic events, including preseason, regular season, and playoff games.
Request An Emergency Ballot For The May 13 Election
Roger Mills County Election Board Press Release Cheyenne, OK – Registered voters who become physically incapacitated after 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 28th and are unable make it to the polls, still have an opportunity to cast their
Voter Registration Deadline Approaches
Roger Mills County Election Board Press Release Cheyenne, OK – Friday, May 16th, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the June 10th Town of Cheyenne Special
SWOSU Students Join LSU for Herpetology Fieldwork at Ouachita Mountains
SWOSU Press Release Ouachita Mountains, AR – Students from Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s (SWOSU) Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences recently participated in a field experience at the Ouachita Mountains Biological Station in Arkansas. The trip, held
Voters Reminded of Election Day Laws
Cheyenne, OK – With the May 13 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
SWOSU Chapter Hosts TriBeta Regional Research Convention
SWOSU Press Release Cedar Hill, TX – Students and professors from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently helped organize and host the 2025 Southcentral Regional Convention of the TriBeta Biological Honor Society at Mt. Lebanon Camp and
Election Day Reminders and Tips
Cheyenne, OK – Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, for the Roger Mills County Special Election. Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary Kelly Tice offers these important tips to voters—especially
Dr. Patsy Parker Selected as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Patsy Parker as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective June 1, 2025. Dr. Parker brings
Elk City Chamber Secures Over $200K for Route 66 Revitalization Project
Elk City, OK – The Elk City Chamber of Commerce has been awarded more than $200,000 through the Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program, aimed at preserving and enhancing one of Elk City’s most recognizable landmarks—Parker Drilling Rig
SWOSU Psychology Students Present Research at Regional Convention
SWOSU Press Release Little Rock, AR – Seven undergraduate psychology students from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently presented their original research at the 2025 Southwestern Psychological Association (SWPA) Convention held in Little Rock, Ark. This regional
New Interdisciplinary Partnership Between Nursing and World Languages
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Department of Nursing and the World Languages minor program have launched an exciting new interdisciplinary partnership. This collaboration will allow nursing students to pursue a
SWOSU Hosting Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremonies
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host four commencement ceremonies on the Weatherford campus in May for the Spring 2025 graduating seniors. Eligible participants for the ceremonies include students who will
SWOSU Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences Hosting Plant Sale on May 3
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – The Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host a plant sale on Saturday, May 3, in the Old Science Building on the Weatherford campus.
Author David R. Slayton Headlines 2025 Westview Festival at SWOSU
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – The 2025 Westview Festival at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) featured award-winning fantasy author and Oklahoma native David R. Slayton as its keynote speaker. Held on Wednesday, April 16, at the
Address Confirmation Notices Mailed – Voters Urged to Respond
Washita Co. Election Office Press Release Cordell, OK – Some voters in Washita County will receive an Address Confirmation Notice in the mail soon. Washita County Election Board Secretary Ashton Hymer said the law requires that Address
