September 30, 2022
Press Release
The Oklahoma Legislature has appropriated $20 million to aid the agriculture industry across the state during the ongoing drought.
House Bill 1006XX designates $20 million to the Emergency Drought Relief Fund from any monies not otherwise appropriated from the General Revenue Fund of the State Treasury. During the regular session in the spring, lawmakers also approved House Bill 2959 to designate $3 million for the fund.
The fund was created in 2013 to provide funding for emergency drought relief activities once a drought emergency has been declared. Funds must be expended solely on efforts to relieve drought conditions.
Earlier this month, Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an emergency drought declaration to reactivate the emergency drought commission, which will determine how legislative appropriations are used. The commission is comprised of members from the state’s agriculture, water resources and conservation agencies.
HB1006XX was presented on the House floor Thursday morning by Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee.
“The vast majority of farms in our state are family-owned, many of which have been operating for generations,” said Kerbs, who chairs the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. “We need to take care of our farmers and ranchers because they’re the ones who take care of us, and this bill gave us an opportunity for the legislative body to help those in need now while also mitigating future situations.”
Data from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows over half the state is facing extreme drought, while nearly 14% of the state falls under exceptional drought, the highest level.
“Farmers and ranchers in our state are struggling with the ongoing drought,” said Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, who serves as vice chair of the Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee. “Because of no fault of their own, some are being faced with the possibility of giving up on their livelihoods. We must do what we can to help them get through this difficult time. This money will go a long way to this worthy goal.”
HB1006XX passed both chambers overwhelmingly and will move to the governor’s desk for consideration.
Got a news tip? Send it in: Email news@kecofm.com
Copyright 2022 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Marquis Memorial Gift Made to SWOSU Bulldog Angels Fund
Weatherford, OK – The family of the late Dr. Sara Nell (Bergstrom) Marquis, ’76 & ’03, has made a major charitable gift to the Bulldog Angels Fund at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU). The contribution was made
Oklahoma City man arrested after struggle with law enforcement at Sayre truck stop
Sayre, OK – An Oklahoma City man is facing multiple felony charges after an alleged struggle with law enforcement at the Flying J truck stop off Interstate 40 in Sayre on Tuesday, according to a probable cause
Study Co-Authored by New SWOSU Biology Faculty Member Published in New Phytologist
Weatherford, OK – A recent study co-authored by Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Assistant Professor Dr. Liedson Carneiro has been published in New Phytologist, one of the world’s leading journals in plant science. The paper is titled
Sales Tax Surges Across Western Oklahoma in Latest Distribution
Oklahoma City, OK – Sales tax collections are in for the November 10, 2025 distribution, reflecting local transactions from September 16–30 and estimated sales from October 1–15. The report from the Oklahoma Tax Commission shows most area
Laverne’s Bentley crowned Miss SWOSU 2026
Weatherford, OK – The spotlight belonged to freshman Selah Bentley on Saturday night as she was crowned Miss SWOSU 2026 in the annual Miss SWOSU Scholarship Pageant at the SWOSU Fine Arts Center. Bentley, of Laverne, is
Update: Weatherford man charged in fatal shooting of friend
Weatherford, OK – A Weatherford man has now been charged with manslaughter after investigators say he fatally shot a friend while handling a handgun at a Weatherford home last week. Jonathan David “Zombie” Bridges, 24, of Weatherford,
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,
Three Charged With Meth Trafficking After Custer County Traffic Stop
Custer County, OK – A Studio City, California woman has been charged in Custer County with trafficking methamphetamine after a November traffic stop, according to newly filed court documents. Prosecutors allege that Kristen Lea Chenoweth, 37, along
Update on Weatherford Ammonia Leak
Weatherford, OK – Weatherford officials released new details following the major anhydrous ammonia leak that occurred late Wednesday night behind the Holiday Inn Express. The leak was reported around 9:58 p.m., prompting a large multi-agency emergency response.
SWOSU Names Magill to Presidential Order of Merit
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly presented Bruce Magill, ’70, with the university’s prestigious Presidential Order of Merit. The award was presented by SWOSU’s Acting President, Dr. Janet Cunningham, during the recent Fall
SWOSU Names Birdsong to Presidential Order of Merit
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly presented Carl Birdsong, ’83, with the university’s prestigious Presidential Order of Merit. The award was presented by SWOSU’s Acting President, Dr. Janet Cunningham, during SWOSU’s Homecoming football
SWOSU Alumni Association & Washita DAR Honor Hibler, Kauger
Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Alumni Association and the Washita Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) partnered this Fall to honor two outstanding SWOSU graduates with the DAR’s prestigious Women
Wilkes Named to SWOSU Presidential Order of Merit
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) proudly recognized longtime benefactor and SWOSU Alumni Association Past President Mike Wilkes, ’75, with the prestigious Presidential Order of Merit. The award was presented by SWOSU’s Acting President, Dr.
Clinton Regional Hospital secures state approval for Rural Emergency transition
Clinton, OK – Clinton Regional Hospital has cleared a major hurdle in its effort to convert to a Rural Emergency Hospital, a move hospital leaders say is aimed at securing the facility’s long-term future. On Friday, CRH
Weatherford Man Arrested After Fatal Shooting On Texas Avenue
Weatherford, OK – A 24-year-old Weatherford man is in custody after a fatal shooting at a home on Texas Avenue Thursday morning. According to the Weatherford Police Department, officers and medical personnel were called to 406 Texas
Elk City Meals on Wheels Needs Community’s Help To Keep Serving Seniors
Elk City, OK – Elk City Meals on Wheels has been serving local seniors for 56 years. Today, the program is quietly feeding nearly 100 people a day and is asking the community for help to keep
Candidate Filing Begins For Board of Education
Sayre, OK – Candidate filing for the Board of Education begins Monday, December 1, 2025, for four Beckham County school districts. Those who wish to file for a Board of Education office must submit a Declaration of
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
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 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
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
