May 17, 2023
Press Release
Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, today commented on the governor signing into law a bill that creates an Orange Alert to notify residents in close proximity of a correctional facility in the event of a prisoner escape.
House Bill 1546 directs the Oklahoma Department of Corrections to develop an Orange Alert communication system at each correctional facility in the state to notify any resident within a 40-mile radius of the facility when a prisoner has escaped. The legislation was drafted by Katie Edelen, a high school senior from Arapaho-Butler Public Schools – a constituent in Moore’s House District 57.
“This is phenomenal work by a young woman who took a frightening personal experience and turned it into a law that will better protect all Oklahomans” Moore said. “I am so proud of Katie’s courage, insight and leadership on this important issue. Residents deserve to know if their lives are in danger, and this alert will help protect their safety.”
Moore explained that Edelen’s family lived through a frightening situation in which her aunt, Jamie Allen, was kidnapped by escaped inmates.
After that experience, Edelen attended “Capitol Camp” last summer. The program, held at the State Capitol, is hosted by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau for high school FFA and 4-H students. The goal is to help students learn about the legislative process and how bills become laws. During the camp, Edelen drafted the proposed legislation.
“I am excited to know that the Orange Alert is becoming a law,” Edelen said. “I hope that with this bill I can keep everyone more safe and maybe potentially save a life.”
Allen related her experience and her gratitude toward her niece for creating and pursuing the Orange Alert legislation.
“On March 12, 2006, one of the first things I saw when I opened my front door was orange jumpsuit pants. That signaled forever change in my life,” Allen said. “Katie Sue’s work on and the passing of the Orange Alert signals another forever change for Oklahomans. Katie Sue has brought a ray of sunshine to a dark situation. Although many positive things have come from what happened to me that day, I never want anyone else to have to travel through it. The Orange Alert will help raise awareness to ensure that it doesn’t happen to anyone else. Genesis 50:20 says ‘As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.'”
Moore said the alert created in HB1546 would work similar to Amber Alerts that people receive on their cell phones.
The measure passed unanimously in both the House and Senate.
Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, is the Senate author of the bill.
“House Bill 1546 increases public safety as area residents will be more aware of potential danger,” Jech said. “A more efficient public notification process will also aid law enforcement in locating escaped prisoners. I greatly appreciate Representative Moore for his work on the bill, as well as the governor for signing this legislation in to law as it not only benefits Senate District 26, but all of Oklahoma.”
HB1546 takes effect Nov. 1.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
SWOSU Student Charged as Court Probes Death
Ada, OK – Court proceedings are underway in the case of a Southwestern Oklahoma State University student who was found dead near Veterans Lake in Sulphur last month. According to court documents, Cameron Lewis, a SWOSU student
Weatherford Lifts Shelter In Place After Overnight Anhydrous Ammonia Leak
November 13, 2025 Weatherford, OK – Shelter in place orders were lifted Thursday morning in Weatherford after an overnight anhydrous ammonia leak from a tanker truck sent a toxic cloud across parts of the city, forcing evacuations
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
Troopers: 16-year-old ejected in rollover on SH-9 in Greer County
Greer County, OK — A 16-year-old Blair driver was injured Sunday after a rollover crash on State Highway 9, 9 miles west of Mangum, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Troopers say the vehicle left the roadway
Beckham County Deputies Participate in Active Shooter Response Training
Sayre, OK – Beckham County deputies took part in intensive active shooter and emergency response training on November 4th and 5th, coordinated by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety’s School Security Institute. Sheriff Derek Manning said the
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
Beckham County Sheriff Warns of Utility Scam Targeting Local Residents
Beckham County, OK – Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning is warning residents to be on alert after reports of a phone scam involving local utility companies. According to Sheriff Manning, the scammers are posing as representatives from
Sheriff Manning: Suspects Identified in Farm Burglary Near Sayre, urges simple steps to deter thieves
Sayre, OK — Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning says his office is investigating a recent burglary at a farm just outside Sayre, where intruders forced entry into a barn and an outbuilding and took equipment. Manning said
Clinton man charged with arson, assault after November 5 incident
Clinton, OK – A Clinton man with multiple prior felony convictions faces new charges in Custer County District Court after prosecutors say he assaulted a woman and set fire to a rental home earlier this month. According
Cordell Woman Charged in $10,000 Embezzlement Case
Custer County, OK — A Cordell woman is facing felony charges after investigators say she embezzled thousands of dollars from her employer, a local company based in Clinton. According to a probable cause affidavit filed November 5
Tulsa Man Charged with Felony Stalking in Custer County
Arapaho, OK – A Tulsa man has been charged in Custer County District Court after investigators say he used a hidden GPS device inside a child’s stuffed unicorn to track his former partner’s location. Prosecutors filed a
Alabama Man Charged in Custer County with Animal Cruelty, Abandonment After Dog Found in Shopping Cart
Clinton, OK – An Alabama man faces felony and misdemeanor charges in Custer County after authorities say he abandoned a small, severely neglected dog outside a Clinton grocery store in late September. According to a probable cause
Deputies seek Sayre man after motorcycle pursuit down riverbed
Sayre, OK — On Nov. 3, 2025, Beckham County deputies attempted to stop a blue motorcycle in Sayre for traffic violations. The driver refused to pull over and led deputies on a pursuit through town, then west
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,
Moore to seek re-election to House District 57 in 2026
Clinton, OK — State Rep. Anthony Moore (R-Clinton), the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma House, says he will run for another term in 2026. Moore has represented House District 57 since 2020. The district includes Custer,
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.
Wheeler County judge won’t seek second term; Finsterwald enters race
Wheeler County, Texas — Wheeler County Judge Pat McDowell said he will not seek a second term as the filing period opens for the March primaries. McDowell called serving taxpayers “an honor, privilege, and a blessing,” but
Police probe suspected antifreeze poisoning of cats in Weatherford
Weatherford, OK – Weatherford Animal Control Officers are investigating a possible animal cruelty case after multiple cats were found sick or dead in the city, with evidence one may have consumed antifreeze. According to a Weatherford Police
Pharmacy Student Represents SWOSU as Brad Henry International Scholar
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) student Rena Cole has been selected as a 2026 Brad Henry International Scholar, earning the opportunity to study abroad at Swansea University in Wales. The scholarship, administered by the
Two women found safe in Kiowa County after multi-agency search
Kiowa County, OK – Beckham County deputies helped locate two women who became lost in Kiowa County during last week’s first cold snap, according to Sheriff Derek Manning. Manning said Kiowa County requested assistance after family reported
Clinton Man Charged with Burglary, Firearm Possession, and DUI After Alleged Home Invasion
Clinton, OK – A Clinton man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly breaking into a home, assaulting a resident, and later being found driving under the influence with a firearm and drugs in his
Clinton man charged with felony stalking after repeated calls despite warning
Clinton, OK – A Clinton man has been charged in Custer County District Court with felony stalking after police say he repeatedly attempted to contact a woman despite being formally warned to stop. According to court documents
Elk City Man Arrested After Alleged Threats Toward Family
Beckham County, OK — An Erick man was arrested recently after allegedly making violent threats toward a family member and attempting to persuade a minor to help him harm her mother, according to a probable cause affidavit
Lincoln Teen Center Aims to Reopen After Insurance Setback
Elk City, OK – Just days after announcing the Lincoln Teen Center would close its doors permanently, longtime director Chuck Hargrove says there’s renewed hope for reopening. In a new Facebook post, Hargrove said efforts to reinstate
Driver Injured in Single-Vehicle Crash South of Snyder
Kiowa County, OK – A 55-year-old man from Ripon, California, was injured Saturday night in a crash two miles south of Snyder, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Troopers said the crash occurred at 10:39 p.m. on
