News

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The Mural of the Story

Elk City, OK – Paintslinger Bailee the Kid is killin’ it in Elk City and across Oklahoma, leaving a trail of beauty in her wake. Artist Bailee Green’s latest masterpiece, “Mutualism,” adorns the Elk City Carnegie Library’s

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2026 SWOSU Homecoming is October 31

Weatherford, OK – The 2026 Homecoming at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is set for October 31, with a full week of events leading up to the big game. The University is leaning into the Halloween event

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Archer Elected Chairman of The Energy Council

Albuquerque, NM – Oklahoma State Rep. Nick Archer of Elk City has been elected chairman of The Energy Council for the 2026-27 term, giving a western Oklahoma lawmaker a leadership role in an organization representing major energy-producing

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Fall Festival Draws Nearly 5,000

Elk City, OK – Elk City’s 53rd Fall Festival ushered in the season with larger crowds than last year. Just under 5,000 attendees turned out for the two-day extravaganza, including 2,900 on Saturday and 2,000 on Sunday.

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Starks Memorial Scholarship Established at SWOSU

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the establishment of a new scholarship endowment benefitting students studying in SWOSU’s College of Pharmacy (SWOSU COP). The Craig Masterson Starks Memorial Scholarship fund has been generously

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Repository Road

Elk City, OK – Follow the Fab Four’s example, and “Come Together” with friends and family at Elk City’s museum complex. In recognition of the September 26 anniversary of the 1969 release of “Abbey Road,” the last

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Munson to Hold Meet-and-Greet in Cordell

Cordell, OK – Oklahoma House Democratic Leader and gubernatorial candidate Cyndi Munson will make a campaign stop in Cordell on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Munson will host a community meet-and-greet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the

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Elk City Sales Tax Collections Jump Again

Oklahoma City, OK – Elk City recorded a double-digit increase in sales tax collections in September, according to the latest distribution figures from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. The September 2026 distribution to Elk City totaled $1,538,259.60, up

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Elk City Chamber Announces Rodeo Parade Winners

Elk City, OK – The Elk City Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners from Saturday’s Rodeo Parade, with local businesses, schools, organizations, churches and individuals earning honors in several categories. In the Commercial division, Sigma Bar-S

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Elk City Hosts Fetching Animals

Elk City, OK – Dog days returned to the Elk City Convention Center. The West Central Oklahoma All-Breed Kennel Club Dog Show was held there Aug. 27-30. The annual event brings 750 to 1,000 dogs and their

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Winning Runs, Winning Rides in Elk City

Elk City, OK – A Nebraska man, via Wisconsin, came to Oklahoma to win the saddle bronc riding at the Elk City Rodeo of Champions. Lavern Borntrager, Elsmere, Nebraska, scored 86 points on the Beutler and Son

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Dowdell Announces Campaign for Clinton Mayor

Clinton, OK – Clinton City Councilman Ernie Dowdell has announced his campaign for mayor, challenging current Clinton Mayor David Berrong. Dowdell said his decision to run is centered on city leadership, accountability, economic development and long-term planning.

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Two Killed in I-40 Crash East of Hydro

Caddo County, OK – Two Oklahoma City residents were killed and four others were injured in a two-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon on Interstate 40 in Caddo County. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the collision occurred at

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Car vs Deer Injures Binger Woman

Caddo County, OK – A Binger woman was injured Wednesday morning after her vehicle struck a deer and rolled in Caddo County. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the collision occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m. Aug. 26

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Elk City Sets Revenue Record

Elk City, OK – Local businesses have generated more sales-tax money than ever. According to the most recent one-month tax numbers for the state, Elk City businesses generated $1,579,175.38 in sales-tax revenue. It’s an all-time high and

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Absentee Early Voting

Clinton, OK – Early voting for the Runoff Primary Election, and the City of Weatherford Municipal Primary Election, on August 25th, will begin Thursday, August 20, and Friday, August 21st from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and

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Wanted Duo Arrested in California

Sayre, OK – Following a rapidly unfolding investigation Monday afternoon by the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office, two wanted individuals, Cole Hinkle and Beverly Binion, were taken into custody by Los Angeles Police officers at a bus station

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Enrollment Open for Fall 2026 SWOSU Music Academy

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has opened enrollment for the Fall 2026 term of the SWOSU Music Academy. The academy offers music instruction for children, teens, and adults through group classes and ensembles, private

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Honoring an American Milestone

Because of men who were willing to risk their lives, livelihoods, and honor 250 years ago, Americans are celebrating two and a half centuries of independence. Specifically, we’re celebrating a document that, consistent with 18th-century American political

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Merritt Graduate is New Game Warden

Oklahoma City, OK – They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Jarrett Smith may be in that situation. The 2019 Merritt High School graduate and avid outdoorsman is

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Single-Vehicle Crash Injures Sentinel Man

Sentinel, OK – A 21-year-old Sentinel man was injured Tuesday night in a single-vehicle collision west of Sentinel, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at approximately 8:52 p.m. on State Highway 55 and County

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Early Voting Begins June 11

Cheyenne, OK — Early voting begins Thursday June 11th for voters in Roger Mills County. Voters who will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day, have the option of voting early at

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Election Day Reminders and Tips

Cheyenne, OK — Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 16th, for the Roger Mills County Primary Election. Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary Kelly Tice offers these important tips to voters—especially

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Voters Reminded of Election Day Laws

Cheyenne, OK — With the June 16th 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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Lake Carpenter Named RUSO Board Chair

Oklahoma City, OK – The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents selected Lake Carpenter to serve as chair of the board at its May 27 meeting. Carpenter, who previously served as vice chair, was

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Absentee Deadline and Early Voting

Clinton, OK – The deadline for requesting an Absentee Ballot for the June 16, 2026, Primary Election, is Monday, June 1, 2026 at 5 p.m., said Ann Brown, Secretary, Custer County Election Board. An application can be

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Brewer Named All-Stater

Elk City, OK – Quinn Brewer just graduated as one of the most successful players in Elk City High School Tennis history. A regional champion, state champion, and winner of 87.5% of his four-year-career matches, Brewer added

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SWOSU Faculty Senate Honors 2026 Retirees

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recognized five retiring faculty and staff members during a retirement reception hosted by the SWOSU Faculty Senate in the SkyView Room of the Pioneer Event Center. Together, the retirees

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SWOSU Names Neparko Scholarship Recipients

Weatherford, OK – Four students at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) have received the Neparko Family Chemistry Scholarship for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. The Neparko Family Scholarship was established by Mary Neparko (’70) and the late Dr.

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Student Research from SWOSU Earns Recognition at SWAN

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) students presented research at the 73rd Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Association of Naturalists, held April 23–26 in Tyler, Texas. The conference brings together biologists from across the southwestern

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SWOSU Names North Family Scholars

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s (SWOSU) Rover Dawgs recently competed in NASA’s 2026 Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC), held at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The annual competition, sponsored by NASA’s

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Two-Vehicle Crash Reported in Washita County

Colony, OK – A two-vehicle collision was reported early Monday morning, May 4, in Washita County near Colony. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 7:22 a.m. at the intersection of County Road

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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