Sept. 10, 2024
In a complex case that spanned across the country, the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office were called upon by the Department of Human Services (DHS) to assist in locating a parent who had absconded with their child. The child, initially in DHS custody for a brief period, was returned to the parent under specific conditions, one of which was that the parent was not permitted to leave the state. Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning said when DHS officials began experiencing concerns and attempted to retrieve the child, they discovered that the parent and child were no longer within reach, prompting them to seek assistance.
He said the county’s dispatch team successfully located the parent and child in the state of Oregon.
However, the operation faced challenges with the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), the system used to list missing persons. Law enforcement in Oregon was unable to proceed based on the DHS report alone and required a formal NCIC entry.
Sheriff Manning said county officials worked diligently to resolve the issue.
“Finally got that resolved, and then the law enforcement agencies went in and were able to take the child into custody and that we’ve got her safely back in DHS custody. We were happy to help. It just took us a little while to get this one done. But again, it goes back to the incredible work of my dispatch crew.”
Manning said it was unclear why the parent chose to go to Oregon, saying he suspects there could be family in the area or the parent was simply trying to get as far away from Western Oklahoma as possible.
Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
SWOSU Accepting 2026 Distinguished Alumni Nominations
Weatherford, OK – Nominations to the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) are now being accepted. Recognized as “SWOSU’s highest honor,” the Hall of Fame was established in 1976 by the
WTC Sayre adds advanced police training simulator, open to area agencies
Sayre, OK — Western Technology Center in Sayre has purchased a high-tech training simulator that local law enforcement can use for both driving and scenario-based response, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning. Manning said reserve deputy
Motorcyclist injured in Caddo County Crash
October 13, 2025 Caddo County, OK — A Cordell man was injured in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at 1:42 p.m. at County Road 1260 and State Highway 58, 7 miles north of Carnegie,
Moonlight Madness returns to Downtown Elk City Oct. 23
Elk City, OK — Costumes, candy, and downtown storefronts will set the scene for Moonlight Madness on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Downtown District. Families can trick or treat with downtown
SWOSU responds after death of student, urges care
Weatherford, OK — Southwestern Oklahoma State University has issued a campus message following the confirmation of student Logan Nathaniel Musil’s death and an arrest in the case. President Janet Cunningham, Ed.D., called the loss “devastating,” offered condolences
Missing SWOSU student found deceased, one arrested
Weatherford, OK — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says an 18-year-old Southwestern Oklahoma State University student reported missing last week has been found deceased, and another 18-year-old has been arrested. SWOSU Police asked the OSBI on
Cloud Chief firefighter retires after 20 years in service
Cloud Chief, OK — Landon Jones has retired from the Cloud Chief Fire Department after 14 years with the department and 20 years in the fire service overall. Jones joined Cloud Chief in 2011. Before that he
More Highway Sweeps Coming to Beckham County
Beckham County, OK – The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety says the I-40 port of entry sweep in Beckham County was only the start. More operations are planned, more often, and they will center on western Oklahoma.
Today in Ag Wheeler General Store Golf Tournament – 2025 Photo Gallery
Tournament Recap The inaugural Today in Ag Wheeler General Store Golf Tournament brought together local farmers, ranchers, and ag supporters for a great day at Sayre National Golf Club. Proceeds benefited the 4-H clubs of Washita, Beckham,
Rep. Nick Archer Leads Legislative Study on Oil and Gas Regulation Challenges
Oklahoma City, OK – Rep. Nick Archer of Elk City led an in-depth study before the Oklahoma House Energy Committee this week, focusing on how the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) regulates the state’s vital oil and gas
8th Annual “Draggin’ Main” Set for October 18 in Cheyenne
Cheyenne, OK – The streets of Cheyenne will come alive once again for the 8th Annual Draggin’ Main celebration on Saturday, October 18. The full day of fun features classic cars, local contests, music, and community spirit.
OSBI Assisting in Search of Missing SWOSU Student
Weatherford, OK – The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is now assisting Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Police in the search for a missing student. Eighteen-year-old Logan Nathaniel Musil, a current student at SWOSU, was reported
Two Clinton Women Arrested After Late-Night Shooting Incident
Clinton, OK — Two women were arrested following a late-night disturbance that led to gunfire on Hunt Avenue in Clinton on September 26, according to court records and police affidavits filed in Custer County District Court. Police
Traffic Stop Leads to Marijuana Trafficking Arrest on I-40
Beckham County, OK – A routine traffic stop on Interstate 40 led to the arrest of two Arkansas men after an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper discovered seven pounds of marijuana and THC products in their vehicle. According
Wanted Indiana Man taken into custody in northwest Roger Mills County
Roger Mills County, OK – Roger Mills County Sheriff Darren Atha confirmed on Facebook that Thomas McCoy was taken into custody in northwest Roger Mills County early Monday afternoon. McCoy was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant
Elk City Police Searching for Indiana Suspect Believed to Be in Area
Elk City, OK – The Elk City Police Department is actively searching for Thomas McCoy, a suspect wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant from the State of Indiana for child molestation. Authorities believe McCoy is currently in
Missing Weatherford Student: SWOSU Police Seek Public’s Help
Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University Campus Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating Logan Musil, an 18-year-old SWOSU student who has been missing since September 12, 2025. Musil was last seen
Clayton Hays Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder in 2024 Shooting
Elk City, OK – A Beckham County jury has found Clayton Samson Hays guilty of first-degree murder in the January 2024 shooting death of Colter Jake Vaught. The verdict was delivered Friday, October 3, 2025, after a
Thousands Attend Elk City Festival
Elk City, OK – Elk City’s 52nd Fall Festival ushered in the season. The annual event, held the 3rd weekend in September at the Elk City Convention Center and sponsored by the Elk City Chamber of Commerce,
Gift Made to Murdock Family Scholarship Fund at SWOSU
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the latest generous gift to the Murdock Family Scholarship Fund. This latest in a long series of thoughtful philanthropic investments was made possible by the estate of
Public Invited to Transportation Planning Meeting in Burns Flat
Burns Flat, OK – Residents across southwest Oklahoma are encouraged to take part in shaping the region’s future transportation system. The Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SORTPO) will host a public meeting in Burns Flat to
Lucille’s and Qdoba Provide SWOSU Homecoming Sponsorships
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Foundation, Inc. is proud to announce that Lucille’s Restaurant, Bar, & Hotel will serve as the official Welcome Back Party Sponsor, and Qdoba is the official Homecoming Brunch &
Saltwater leak suspected in cattle deaths along Five Mile Creek; tests show reservoir water safe
Eakly, OK — State regulators say a saltwater purge into Five Mile Creek is the likely cause of 25 cattle deaths reported earlier this month in Caddo County. Investigators with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission traced highly saline
Day Three of Hays Murder Trial Brings 12 More Witnesses in Beckham County Court
Sayre, OK – After a full day of 11 witnesses called to the stand on Tuesday, day three of the murder trial of 38-year-old Clayton Samson Hays of Carter continued Wednesday in Beckham County District Court. Jury
SWOSU Professor Contributes to Global Study Published in Science Journal
Weatherford, OK – Dr. Renan Bosque, Professor in the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is part of an international research team whose work has been published in Science. The study
