News

Stay up-to-date with Western Oklahoma’s latest news on KECO Radio 96.5FM! Our seasoned journalist, Jared Atha, covers everything from breaking stories to local events and weather forecasts. Stay informed and engaged with our comprehensive coverage. Tune in or explore our News page for Jared’s reports.

KECO 96.5FM News Posts

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One Injured in Caddo County Collision

Caddo County, OK – A two-vehicle crash in rural Caddo County sent one man to the hospital Wednesday night. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports the collision happened around 9:25 p.m. on August 13 at the intersection of

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Snipes Named ODOT District 5 Engineer

Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has named Elk City native Will Snipes as the new District 5 Engineer for western Oklahoma. Snipes, a 1994 graduate of Elk City High School, will oversee all

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DPS Rolls Out New Driver License Design

Austin, TX – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has rolled out a new design on Texas driver license (DL) and identification (ID) cards. Beginning today, Aug. 18, all newly issued Texas DLs and IDs will

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Weatherford Man Killed in Caddo County Crash

Kiowa County, OK – A 21-year-old Weatherford man died Saturday morning in a single-vehicle crash in Caddo County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Troopers said Creed E. Kraus was driving south on State Highway 58, just

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Drone King

Carson Rutherford’s work has him looking to the skies. Only after the 2019 Merritt High School graduate had begun pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Oklahoma State University did he decide to study Aerospace Engineering as

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International Overdose Awareness Day 2025

Burns Flat, OK – On August 31, 2025, communities across the globe will unite to remember those who have lost their lives or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose. International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is observed

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Rain-Threat Alert for Western Oklahoma

FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT starting 4 PM today through Tuesday morning. Expect widespread runoff. Rivers, creeks, and low-lying spots could flood if heavier pockets of rain hit. Forecast calls for 1–2 inches of rainfall, with locally

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Reminder: Canute Bond Election is Tuesday

Canute, OK — Canute Public Schools voters will head to the polls Tuesday, August 12, to decide on two bond propositions that district leaders say will bring key upgrades without raising taxes. Proposition 1 would fund improvements

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Cheyenne Native Flew with Presidents

It’s not every day that a kid from western Oklahoma gets to spend time with the most powerful man in the world.   Kyle Bagzis flew in some rare air for 14 months and transported two men

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Highlights from Pickin’ in the Park 2025

A huge thank you to the incredible musicians who made Pickin’ in the Park an unforgettable community concert: Cody Brewer, JC of the Backroads, Caroline Grace, and J Rod Wald! Your talent truly made it a day to remember.

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Unsung Heroes

By Landry Brewer Elk City, OK – Shooting fireworks July 4th at Ackley Park is a lot of fun, but it leaves a big mess. Somebody has to clean that mess. About 100 City employees spent the morning

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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.

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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:

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Elk City High School Graduate Named OCU A.D.

Oklahoma City, OK – Elk City native Sadiaa Jones was recently hired as the new Oklahoma City University Athletics Director. The 1995 Elk City High School graduate has been Executive Athletic Director for Dallas College since 2021.

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The Time Kramer was Jailed in Cordell

By Landry Brewer Cordell, OK – Washita County Undersheriff Rusty Cannon and his wife, Carol, met a famous actor at the sheriff’s office a decade and a half ago. The celebrity was in Cordell then because of

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Election Officials Offer Voting Tips

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday for the Roger Mills County Special Election and the City of Clinton special election. Voting officials offer these important tips to voters—especially those who will be

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Registrations Open for SWOSU Music Camps 2025

Weatherford, OK – The Department of Music at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) invites middle- and high-school musicians to register for the 70th summer of SWOSU Music Camps hosted in Weatherford. The 2025 Music Camp offerings include

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Canute Man Arrested After Two-Day Manhunt

Canute, OK — A Canute man is facing multiple felony charges following a two-day manhunt that involved several law enforcement agencies. Jesse Lynn Davis, 42, of Canute, was booked into the Beckham County Jail at 8:16 p.m.

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Three Amigos

By Landry Brewer Elk City, OK – MacKinley, Quinn, and Spence Brewer are an Elk City High School first. In the ECHS tennis program’s half-century existence, they’re the first set of three siblings to play on the

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Early Voting Begins June 5th

Roger Mills County Election Board Press Release Cheyenne, OK – Early voting begins Thursday, June 5th for voters in Roger Mills County who are registered to vote within the municipal boundaries of the Town of Cheyenne. Voters

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SWOSU Alumni Board Adds Three New Directors

SWOSU Press ReleaseWeatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Alumni Association has announced the election of three SWOSU graduates to its Board of Directors.Tanner Bonham of Edmond graduated from SWOSU in 2017 with a Bachelor

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Tornado Strikes Ellis County

Arnett, OK – On Sunday evening an EF-2 tornado touched down southwest of Arnett in Ellis County. The storm damaged homes, outbuildings, oil field sites, and an Arnett school building. Power lines and trees were downed, and

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Teen Drowns at Canton Lake

Canton, OK — An 18-year-old Fairview man drowned Sunday evening at Sandy Cove Beach on Canton Lake, according to Blaine County authorities. Samuel Memphis Williams was swimming around 5:35 p.m. when he went after a ball that

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Voters Reminded of Election Day Laws

Cheyenne, OK – With the May 13 Election approaching, County Election Board officials are reminding voters of Election Day laws. PERSONS ALLOWED INSIDE ELECTION ENCLOSURE It is a crime for any person other than voters and election

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Election Day Reminders and Tips

Cheyenne, OK – Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, for the Roger Mills County Special Election. Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary Kelly Tice offers these important tips to voters—especially

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SWOSU Hosting Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremonies

SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host four commencement ceremonies on the Weatherford campus in May for the Spring 2025 graduating seniors. Eligible participants for the ceremonies include students who will

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Heavy Rainfall Totals Across Western Oklahoma

From April 25 to April 30, 2025, western Oklahoma experienced significant rainfall, with totals ranging from 2.5 to 3.6 inches across Beckham, Washita, Custer, and Roger Mills counties. These figures are based on data from the Oklahoma

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Local Librarian is Tennis Titan

By Landry Brewer Elk City, OK – Joni (Jordan) McConnell is the most successful Elk City High School tennis player of all time. McConnell’s parents, both teachers, played tennis and put her on the courts with them

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OSDH “Healthy” Awards Announced

Lawton, Okla. – The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has announced the 2024 Certified Healthy Oklahoma awardees, recognizing outstanding efforts in promoting health and wellness throughout the state. Among the honorees, schools and organizations from Beckham,

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Severe Weather Possible in Western Oklahoma

Western Oklahoma – Western Oklahoma residents—especially those in Beckham, Custer, Roger Mills, and Washita counties—should stay weather-aware through the rest of this week. The Storm Prediction Center continues to highlight the region with ongoing risks for severe

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SWOSU’S LPN to BSN Program Ranked 2nd in Oklahoma

SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU)’s LPN to BSN program has been ranked 2nd in the state for 2025 by PracticalNursing.org. PracticalNursing.org evaluates programs across the country that offer pathways for licensed

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SWOSU Announces 2025 Distinguished Alumni

SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced its 2025 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame honorees. Known as “SWOSU’s highest honor,” the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame was established in 1976 by

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Elk City Police Department Hiring Full-Time Officer

Elk City, OK – The City of Elk City is currently accepting applications for a full-time police officer position. This role involves enforcing laws, preventing crime, conducting investigations, issuing citations, controlling traffic, and supporting various law enforcement

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Mini-Golf Course Should be Big Fun

By Landry Brewer Elk City, OK – The new Ackley Park mini-golf course is on schedule for completion later this month. The 18-hole course will include a 3-hole practice green “The price will remain $3 per person

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Local Texas Elections Set for May

Wheeler County, TX – Local elections are just around the corner, with key seats up for grabs in Shamrock, Wheeler, and the Parkview Hospital in Wheeler, Texas. Voters will help shape the future of their communities by

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Voter Registration Deadline Approaches

Cheyenne, OK – Friday, April 18th, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the May 13th Roger Mills County Special Election, Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary

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New Elk City Mayor Sworn In

Elk City, OK – During the latest meeting of the Elk City Commission, newly elected Mayor Micah Kilhoffer was sworn into office alongside re-elected commissioners, Ward 2 Commissioner Rod Carver and Ward 3 Commissioner Rocky Andresen. Shortly

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Longtime Cloud Chief Firefighter Retires

Cloud Chief, OK – Longtime Cloud Chief Firefighter Bob Ogle has retired after 16 years of dedicated service to the community. Bob joined the Cloud Chief Fire Department in 2008, the same year the department was established,

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SWOSU Students Study Wildlife in Yellowstone

Weatherford, OK – Over Spring Break, students from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) traveled to Yellowstone National Park’s northern range to take part in an immersive field experience during the Yellowstone Ecology course. Led by Dr. Renan

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April 1 Election Results

Results will start to come in when polls close at 7 p.m. City of Elk City Elections: Mayor • Shannon McAbee • Micah Kilhoffer Commissioner, Ward 2 • Mike McFall • Rod Carver Commissioner, Ward 3 •

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Oklahoma Schools Win Sweepstakes at SWOSU SWIM 2025

Weatherford, OK – The annual Southwestern Oklahoma State University Interscholastic Meet (SWIM), the longest-running academic competition in Oklahoma, was held on March 27, 2025, at SWOSU in Weatherford. Established in 1913, SWIM has provided generations of students

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SWOSU Computer Club Hosts Annual Fundraising Lock-In

Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Computer Club recently hosted its annual fundraising lock-in at the Pioneer Event Center, bringing together students, faculty, and staff for a night of gaming, collaboration, and community. The

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Election Day Reminders and Tips

Roger Mills Co. Election Board Press Release Cheyenne, OK – Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 1st , for the Board of Education/Municipal General Elections. Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary

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Voters Reminded of Election Day Laws

Cheyenne, OK – With the April 1st Election approaching, County Election Board officials are reminding voters of Election Day laws. PERSONS ALLOWED INSIDE ELECTION ENCLOSURE It is a crime for any person other than voters and election

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Clinton Man Charged with Arson

A Clinton man has been charged with felony arson after allegedly setting a house on fire. The suspect later told authorities he started the fire because he believed the house was haunted. According to a probable cause

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Early Voting Begins March 27

Sayre, OK – Early voting begins Thursday, March 27th for voters in Beckham County. Voters who will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day, have the option of voting early at their

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OSBI Investigates Homicide in Clinton

OSBI Press Release Clinton, OK – On March 4, 2025, the Clinton Police Department requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to assist in a homicide investigation. Just before 12:30 a.m., officers responded to a shots fired

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Texas Fugitive Arrested in Custer County

Custer County, OK — A Texas fugitive accused of probation violation related to a child sexual assault case has been charged in Custer County, Oklahoma. According to court documents filed on February 19, 2025, Jess Lee Kolander,

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Teacher Training Fund Established at SWOSU

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the receipt of a major charitable gift from Ms. Marilyn Allred of Oklahoma City. This generous philanthropic contribution will be used to establish an endowment that will

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Elk City House Fire Quickly Contained

Elk City, OK – At about 11:30 a.m. Friday, firefighters rushed to the 900 block of Halsey Drive after receiving a call about a house fire. Engine 3, A-shift arrived to find heavy smoke billowing from the

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The Price of Progress

By Landry Brewer Elk City, OK – As Elk City’s Downtown Construction Project moves into its next phase, downtown businesses are doing their best to meet shoppers’ needs. Crews completed work at Main & 7th and have

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Elk City Fire Department Now Hiring Paramedics

Elk City, OK – The Elk City Fire & EMS Department is actively recruiting paramedics for a dedicated paramedic-only position. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced EMTs looking to advance their careers or for licensed paramedics

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Two More Victims ID’d in Jackson Co. Crash

Officials have identified two more victims of the tragic two-vehicle collision that occurred last Thursday near Duke. According to the latest information released by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the driver of the 2021 Ford Expedition has been

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Fastenal Supports SWOSU HERC

SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Fastenal has made a generous gift of equipment in support of Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s (SWOSU) National Aeronautics & Space Administration Human Exploration Rover Challenge (NASA HERC) Team for 2024-2025. Each

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SWOSU Jazz Festival Celebrates 55 Years

SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – The 55th annual SWOSU Jazz Festival is coming up on Feb. 13–14 in Weatherford, Okla. A tradition spanning over five decades, the festival is one of the region’s most anticipated music

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Busey Brothers Make Major Gift to SWOSU

SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has received a generous philanthropic gift from SWOSU graduates and brothers Philip Busey, ’04, and Brian Busey, ’05, both of Oklahoma City. The Busey brothers serve

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Students Attend Education Expo

By Landry Brewer Several area high school students mixed with college, university, and technology school representatives at the recent Western Oklahoma Education Expo at Elk City’s Convention Center. The 34th annual event sponsored by the Elk City

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OSBI Investigating Double Homicide in Granite

Granite, OK – On Sunday night, the District 3 Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to investigate a double homicide. Shortly after 10:00 p.m., deputies responded to a residence

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Elk City Man Charged with First Degree Rape

Elk City, OK – While investigating inappropriate messages sent to a 16-year-old, Elk City Police uncovered an alleged inappropriate relationship between a 23-year-old man and a 13-year-old girl. According to court records Gavin Chase Vermillion was arrested

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Couple Arrested for Alleged Child Neglect

Elk City, OK – A Carter couple, 39-year-old Tara Dyer and 43-year-old Matthew Dyer, are out on bond after being arrested on December 27, 2024, on allegations of enabling child neglect involving their 16-year-old son. Authorities report

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Shamrock Native Promoted to Texas Ranger

Matthew Ferguson of Shamrock, Texas has been promoted to the Texas Rangers Division. Previously serving as a Highway Patrol Sergeant in Pampa, Ferguson now becomes part of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s primary investigative branch. The

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Lucas Passed Over for Top House Financial Services Role

Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas of Cheyenne will not be the top Republican on the House Financial Services Committee, which oversees Wall Street, the Federal Reserve, and cryptocurrency. The committee’s decisions regarding banks and financial institutions have significant

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Woodward Fatal Shooting Update

More details have been released surrounding the shooting deaths of a father and daughter in Woodward. Police say the suspect, 30-year-old Shane Cole Allison, knew the victims and admitted to planning the attack. The victims have been

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Clinton Police Department Hosts Annual Awards Ceremony

On December 7, 2024, the Clinton Police Department celebrated their annual Awards Ceremony and Christmas Party, honoring officers and staff for their exemplary service throughout the year. The event recognized individuals for their dedication, achievements, and contributions

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SWOSU Hosts Legislative Leaders

SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently hosted Oklahoma legislative leaders Senator Chuck Hall (Perry – District 20); Senator Darcy Jech (Kingfisher – District 26); Representative Trey Caldwell (Lawton – District 63); and Representative Anthony

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Elk City Woman Arrested for Alleged Embezzlement

An Elk City woman has been arrested on embezzlement charges following an investigation into fraudulent activity involving forged checks and unauthorized credit card charges. According to a probable cause affidavit, 63-year-old Jo Elaine Earnest was taken into