News

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News

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CUDD Facility Expands

Elk City, OK – CUDD Pressure Control in Elk City is making a $9 million investment in the future. The construction project at the 723 S. Merritt Road coiled tubing site is needed to accommodate a squad

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Madge Lenz Jordan Scholars Named at SWOSU

Weatherford, OK – Seven students have been named as the Madge Lenz Jordan Scholars for the Academic Year at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU). The recipients of the Madge Lenz Jordan Scholarships are: Luis Corral is a

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Voter Registration Deadline Approaches

Cheyenne, OK – Friday, May 22nd, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the June 16th Oklahoma Primary Election, Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary Kelly Tice

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SWOSU Announces May 2026 Commencement Ceremony Schedule

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host four commencement ceremonies in May on the Weatherford campus for Spring 2026 graduates. Students completing associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees following the spring and summer semesters

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SWOSU Dedicated Mogg Conference Room

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the dedication of the Jim & Freda Mogg Conference Room in the new Jerry & Margaret Hodge Center for Pharmacy & Rural Health at the institution’s main

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Elk City Public Schools Honors Staff of the Year

Elk City, OK — Elk City Public Schools recognized two standout employees during a professional development day last Friday, naming its 2025–2026 Support Staff and Teacher of the Year. Superintendent Mike Sparks said the annual awards highlight

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Old Town Museum is Getting New Look

Elk City, OK – An Elk City landmark is showing its true colors. According to museum curator Anna Wray, the Old Town Museum has undergone lots of structural work from top to bottom, and this is being

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SWOSU Names Gerry & Phyllis Church Scholar

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has named Danni Sottile of Elk City, Oklahoma as the Dr. Gerry & Phyllis Church Scholar for Academic Year 2025-2026. Sottile is a senior majoring in Mathematics Education. The

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Two Injured in Jackson County Crash on U.S. 283

Jackson County, OK – Two drivers were injured in a two-vehicle collision Thursday morning along U.S. Highway 283, approximately 10 miles south of Altus, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m.

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Coordinated Effort Leads to Arrest in Threat Case

Sayre, OK – A coordinated response between local law enforcement agencies helped prevent a potentially dangerous situation in Beckham County, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning. Sheriff Manning said his office assisted the Mangum Police Department

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SWOSU Names Dr. Ken Rose Memorial Scholars

Weatherford, OK – Five students at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) have been named Dr. Ken Rose Memorial Scholars for the academic year 2025-2026. The 2025-2026 Dr. Ken Rose Memorial Scholars are: Janae Barker of Sayre, Oklahoma,

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SWOSU Names Dr. Jerry G. Nye Memorial Scholars

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has selected the Dr. Jerry G. Nye Memorial Scholarship recipients for the 2025- 2026 academic year. Makinly Raulston is a senior from Elk City, Oklahoma. Grayson Williams is a

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Election Day Reminders and Tips

Cheyenne, OK – Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 7th, for the Reydon School District Board of Education General Election. Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary Kelly Tice offers these important

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Top Oklahoma Schools Recognized at SWOSU SWIM 2026

Weatherford, OK — The annual Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Interscholastic Meet (SWIM), one of the longest-running academic competitions in Oklahoma, was held March 26, 2026, on the SWOSU campus in Weatherford. The first SWIM contest was

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Saving Millions

Elk City, OK — Fiscal discipline has allowed the City of Elk City to pay off nearly $20 million in outstanding debt since the end of the 2020 fiscal year. Doing this has saved almost $3 million

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Candidate Filing Begins Aprils 1st

Sayre, OK – Statewide election activity officially begins at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 1st, when the candidate filing period opens, the Secretary of the Beckham County Election Board said today. Candidates for state offices file with the

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Early Voting Begins April 2nd

Sayre, OK – Early voting begins Thursday, April 2nd 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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Mountain Park Homicide Suspect Found Guilty

Mountain Park, OK – On March 14, 2025, the Mountain Park Police Department requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate a homicide. Around 2:30 a.m., officers responded to a shooting call at a residence off

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Fires Being Investigated in Roger Mills County

Roger Mills County, OK — Local firefighters responded Monday to three separate grass fires in Roger Mills County, with authorities saying evidence suggests the fires may have been intentionally set. According to Roger Mills County Sheriff Darren

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Fatal Crash Reported South of Foss

Foss, OK – A fatal two-vehicle collision occurred early Thursday morning, March 5, on State Highway 44 in Washita County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The crash happened at approximately 4:14 a.m. at the intersection of

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Celebrating 125 Years of Excellence at SWOSU

Weatherford, OK — On March 6, 2026, the SWOSU community will come together to celebrate an incredible milestone, 125 years of Southwestern Oklahoma State University. For more than a century, SWOSU has been a place where tradition,

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Voter Registration Deadline Approaches

Cheyenne, OK – Friday, March 13th, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the April 7th Reydon Board of Education General Election, Roger Mills County Election Board

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SWOSU Announces 2025-2026 World Languages Scholars

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has selected the SWOSU World Languages Scholars for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. These scholarships benefit students studying in the Department of Language & Literature who have designated World Languages

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SWOSU Announces 2026 Distinguished Alumni

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced its 2026 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame honorees. Known as “SWOSU’s highest honor,” the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame was established in 1976 by SWOSU to recognize

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SWOSU selects Dr. Jason Johnson as provost

Weatherford, OK — Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the appointment of Dr. Jason Johnson as the University’s next provost and vice president for academic affairs. Johnson will officially begin his role April 1, pending approval

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Voters Reminded of Election Day Laws

Cheyenne, OK – With the February 10th 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, Februart 10th, for the Merritt School District Special Election. Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary Kelly Tice offers these important tips to voters—especially

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UPDATE: Winter Storm Arrives

Norman, OK – Western Oklahoma is entering the early stages of a major winter storm as Arctic air pours into the state Friday morning. Temperatures are falling rapidly, wind chills are plunging below zero, and dangerous travel

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The Latest Winter Weather Update

Norman, OK – As of 6 AM Thursday morning, January 22, the winter storm expected to impact western Oklahoma is coming into clearer focus, with some important changes to timing and impacts. The biggest change is that

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Voter Registration Deadline Approaches

Cheyenne, OK – Friday, January 16th, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the February 10th Merritt School District Special Election, Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary

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Ball and Weatherly Pin SWOSU Graduates

Weatherford, OK – A former Elk City teacher and a long-time Elk City businessman and civic leader recognized new alumni at the recent Southwestern Oklahoma State University fall graduation ceremony in Weatherford. Sue Ball, Basil Weatherly, and

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Stolen Vehicle Quickly Recovered in Erick

Erick, OK – A stolen vehicle reported in Erick was recovered within hours thanks to quick work by the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office. According to Derek Manning, the vehicle and an attached trailer were reported stolen by

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Hefley enters race for Wheeler County Judge

Wheeler County, TX – Wheeler County’s March primary ballot is continuing to take shape as another candidate has stepped forward to run for county judge. Chalone Hefley announced she is seeking the Republican nomination for the office,

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SWOSU Foundation Names Four New Trustees

Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Foundation, Incorporated (SWOSUF) has announced the accession of four SWOSU graduates to the organization’s governing Board of Trustees. The newest SWOSUF Trustees include: Brian Aneshansley of Clinton, SWOSU

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SWOSU Foundation Names New Board Leaders

SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – The Board of Trustees of the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Foundation, Inc. Board of Trustees held its Fall 2025 session recently on Thursday and Friday, November 6 and 7, in

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Mayor’s Toy Drive Sign Ups Begin

Elk City, OK – Elk City families needing a little extra help this holiday season can begin signing up for the annual Mayor’s Toy Drive starting November 24. Registration will run through December 5 at Elk City

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Nicholas & Judy Rains Make Major Gift to SWOSU

SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is excited to announce the receipt of a major charitable contribution from Nicholas Rains, ‘02, and his wife, Judy, endowing the Nicholas & Judy Rains Computer

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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Elk City’s Lincoln Teen Center Closing

Elk City, OK – Elk City’s non-profit hangout for teenagers will permanently close its doors Friday. Chuck Hargrove, President of LTC, inc., made the announcement today on Facebook. “It saddens me to post this! The Lincoln Teen

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Elk City man loses control on wet I-40

Elk City, OK – 27-year-old Elk City man was injured Saturday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 40 eastbound at mile marker 38 in Beckham County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Troopers said Brandin R.

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Fatal SH-54 crash south of Gotebo

Gotebo, OK — A two-vehicle collision on State Highway 54, about 3.8 miles south of Gotebo, left one man dead and another injured early Tuesday, October 14, 2025, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. OHP says the

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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

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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

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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

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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,

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Incident at Thomas School Under Investigation

Thomas, OK – An investigation is underway after a reported sexual assault at Thomas-Fay-Custer High school in Custer County. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the allegations, while Thomas-Fay-Custer Schools notified families with a letter

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Child Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash Near Minco

Grady County, OK — A 10-year-old child was killed in a two-vehicle crash Saturday morning on State Highway 152, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Troopers said the crash happened around 10:25 a.m. at SH-152 and County

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The 2025 SWOSU Family Day is September 27

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host its 2025 Family Day activities on September 27. Students are invited to bring their parents and family members to the Weatherford campus in conjunction with the annual

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Rep. Archer Elected Vice Chair of Energy Council

Anchorage, AK – During The Energy Council’s annual meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, it was announced that Rep. Nick Archer (R-Elk City) has been elected vice chair of the council. The Energy Council is an international, nonpartisan organization

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2025 SWOSU Homecoming Set for October 25

Weatherford, OK – The 2025 Homecoming at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is set for the week of October 25. This year’s SWOSU Homecoming theme is “Bulldog Blueprint.” The authorized 2025 SWOSU Homecoming logo is accessible for

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Elk City Man Arrested on Kidnapping Charge

Elk City, OK – An Elk City man has been arrested and charged with kidnapping after police say he took a 10-year-old girl without permission and transported her to multiple locations around town while intoxicated. According to

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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