Watonga Leaders Step Down; Officer Remains Under “Review”

2-609

August 21, 2024

Watonga is in turmoil after both the mayor and vice mayor resigned over the weekend, leaving the city without its top two leaders. Their resignations, announced on Friday during a special meeting intended to demote the city manager, follow recent controversies involving the Watonga Police Department.

The controversy includes two significant use-of-force incidents. In one case, John Sexton alleged his rights were violated by police while walking with his son on July 4. Though the Blaine County District Attorney’s Office did not press charges, the officer involved is under review. In another incident from June 2, the same officer reportedly punched a child with autism three times while trying to de-escalate a situation, resulting in bruises. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is currently reviewing this case.

Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

2506261525_2718121

SWOSU Announces Spring 2025 Graduates

SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the list of graduates for the Spring 2025 semester. Graduation ceremonies were held in May at the Pioneer Event Center on the Weatherford campus.

2506231320_128265

Beutler Wins Literary Award

By Landry Brewer Amarillo, TX – Randy is dandy at writing great books. Former Southwestern Oklahoma State University President Randy Beutler recently won the Finalist Award in Contemporary Non-Fiction for his book “Impresarios of the Rodeo Arena: