Vetoed Oklahoma Water Regulation Bill May Resurface Next Session

5-30

October 3, 2024

It appears that a vetoed bill, which, if passed, would have enabled more regulation and understanding of how commercial irrigators use Oklahoma’s underground water stores, isn’t completely dead yet.

Senate Bill 1341, authored by Sen. Brent Howard (R-Altus), passed in both the House and Senate last spring but was vetoed by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Now, a new version of the bill could come to a vote during the next legislative session. Currently, interim studies are being conducted, and according to Elk City City Manager Tom Ivester, he was summoned by the Senate Energy and Environment Committee to the Capitol to speak on the matter.

Back in February, Sen. Howard stated that the original bill stemmed from recommendations based on a critical groundwater study conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Geological Survey. He explained that the bill would have applied only to the Upper Red River Basin in Southwest Oklahoma, which includes southern Beckham County. If it had passed, it would have required some irrigators, specifically those drawing from aquifers at risk of depletion, to install meters on their wells.

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

2511121214_1941244

SWOSU Computer Club Hosts Annual Fundraising Lock-In

Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Computer Club and SWOSU Esports hosted their annual Extra Life lock-in fundraiser, raising $1,000 to support the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. The funds help support needed medication, equipment, and

2511101440_1936306

Candidate Filing Begins For Board Of Education

Arapaho, OK – Candidates for the Board of Education in Arapaho-Butler, Clinton, Thomas-Fay-Custer and Weatherford Schools Custer County school districts will file Declarations of Candidacy beginning 8 a.m. Monday, December 1 2025. Ann Brown, Secretary of the

Santa and an elf wearing capes with a “Nominate a Hero” headline, $250 prize note, and the 96.5FM KECO logo.

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,

2511051328_1971799

Cupp Enters State Chamber Hall of Fame

Elk City, OK – The Elk City Chamber’s Cupp runneth over with award-winning experience. Susie Cupp, Executive Director of Elk City’s Chamber of Commerce, was recently inducted into the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives Hall of Fame.