September 30, 2024
ADA, OK – Students from Burns Flat-Dill City High School were among over 350 Oklahoma high schoolers who gathered in Ada on Monday to participate in Southern Oklahoma Student Aero Day 2024. The event kicked off at East Central University, where students had the opportunity to hear from key state legislators and aviation leaders.
Senator John Haste, Chair of the Senate Aeronautics and Transportation Committee, and Representative Ronny Johns, House Transportation Chair, spoke about the critical role aerospace plays in Oklahoma’s economy. Captain John Keilty, a retired Navy pilot, delivered an inspiring keynote, encouraging students to pursue their passion in aviation.
One of the highlights for Burns Flat-Dill City students was the hands-on breakout sessions held at Ada High School and Ada Regional Airport. Here, they interacted with industry and military representatives, explored career pathways, and even viewed commemorative aircraft. The students, who are enrolled in the AOPA “You Can Fly” High School curriculum, gained valuable insights into the growing opportunities in aerospace and aviation.
Paula Kedy, Statewide Aerospace STEM Education Manager for the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), helped organize the event alongside leaders from East Central University and Ada City Schools. Burns Flat-Dill City students were recognized for their dedication to the “You Can Fly” program, a curriculum aimed at preparing students for careers in aviation.
Grayson Ardies, Executive Director for ODAA, commended the work being done in schools like Burns Flat-Dill City, stating, “The aerospace education happening in Oklahoma classrooms is remarkable, and it’s students like those from Burns Flat-Dill City who are leading the way into aeronautical careers.”
Burns Flat-Dill City High School was one of 117 schools across Oklahoma offering the AOPA curriculum, contributing to Oklahoma’s top ranking in the nation for schools participating in the “You Can Fly” program.
Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
🎸 Wild Plum Jam Music Fest 2025 – July 19 in Sayre, OK
Get ready, Western Oklahoma — Wild Plum Jam Music Fest 2025 is back and it might get a little Western! 🤠 Join us on Saturday, July 19 at Sayre City Park for a full day of music,
One Dead, Two Injured in Early Morning Rollover Crash on I-40 Near Shamrock
Wheeler County, TX — A single-vehicle crash early Wednesday morning on Interstate 40 claimed one life and left two others injured, according to the Texas Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at approximately 3:39 A.M. on May 1,
Oklahoma Legislature Passes HB 1732, Empowering Schools to Broadcast Their Own Athletic Events – Awaits Governor's Signature
Oklahoma City, OK — On April 30, 2025, the Oklahoma Legislature passed House Bill 1732, a measure that affirms the right of public schools to broadcast their own athletic events, including preseason, regular season, and playoff games.
Request An Emergency Ballot For The May 13 Election
Roger Mills County Election Board Press Release Cheyenne, OK – Registered voters who become physically incapacitated after 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 28th and are unable make it to the polls, still have an opportunity to cast their
Voter Registration Deadline Approaches
Roger Mills County Election Board Press Release Cheyenne, OK – Friday, May 16th, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the June 10th Town of Cheyenne Special
SWOSU Students Join LSU for Herpetology Fieldwork at Ouachita Mountains
SWOSU Press Release Ouachita Mountains, AR – Students from Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s (SWOSU) Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences recently participated in a field experience at the Ouachita Mountains Biological Station in Arkansas. The trip, held
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
SWOSU Chapter Hosts TriBeta Regional Research Convention
SWOSU Press Release Cedar Hill, TX – Students and professors from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently helped organize and host the 2025 Southcentral Regional Convention of the TriBeta Biological Honor Society at Mt. Lebanon Camp and
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
Dr. Patsy Parker Selected as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Patsy Parker as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective June 1, 2025. Dr. Parker brings
Elk City Chamber Secures Over $200K for Route 66 Revitalization Project
Elk City, OK – The Elk City Chamber of Commerce has been awarded more than $200,000 through the Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program, aimed at preserving and enhancing one of Elk City’s most recognizable landmarks—Parker Drilling Rig
SWOSU Psychology Students Present Research at Regional Convention
SWOSU Press Release Little Rock, AR – Seven undergraduate psychology students from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently presented their original research at the 2025 Southwestern Psychological Association (SWPA) Convention held in Little Rock, Ark. This regional
New Interdisciplinary Partnership Between Nursing and World Languages
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Department of Nursing and the World Languages minor program have launched an exciting new interdisciplinary partnership. This collaboration will allow nursing students to pursue a
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
SWOSU Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences Hosting Plant Sale on May 3
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – The Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host a plant sale on Saturday, May 3, in the Old Science Building on the Weatherford campus.
Author David R. Slayton Headlines 2025 Westview Festival at SWOSU
SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – The 2025 Westview Festival at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) featured award-winning fantasy author and Oklahoma native David R. Slayton as its keynote speaker. Held on Wednesday, April 16, at the
Address Confirmation Notices Mailed – Voters Urged to Respond
Washita Co. Election Office Press Release Cordell, OK – Some voters in Washita County will receive an Address Confirmation Notice in the mail soon. Washita County Election Board Secretary Ashton Hymer said the law requires that Address
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
Elk City and Canute Students Receive OERB Petroleum Scholarships
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB) has awarded over $523,000 in scholarships to 97 students pursuing petroleum-related degrees at Oklahoma universities. Among the recipients are two local students: Brance Pitzer from Canute —
Relay For Life of Southwest OK Set for June 20 in Hobart
Hobart, OK — The American Cancer Society is gearing up for the 40th annual Relay For Life of Southwest Oklahoma, taking place on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 6PM to 10PM at the Hancock Event Center, located
Convicted Driver in Elk City Crash That Killed Six Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry
Oklahoma City, OK – Jose Paxtor-Oxlaj, the man convicted of causing a crash that killed six people near Elk City in 2023, has pleaded guilty to illegally re-entering the United States after a previous deportation. Federal authorities
CASA Volunteer Training Begins May 19 to Help Local Foster Children
Sayre, OK – CASA of Western Oklahoma will begin a new volunteer training session on May 19, 2025, and is calling on community members to step forward and make a lasting impact on the lives of foster
Fatality Crash on I-40 Claims Life of California Man
Beckham Co., OK – A single-vehicle crash Monday evening on Interstate 40 near Sayre, Oklahoma, left one man dead. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the collision happened around 7:12 p.m. at the 15-mile marker eastbound, about
Tornado Watch in Effect for Western Oklahoma Through 11 PM?
Norman, OK – The National Weather Service has issued Tornado Watch 182, effective until 11:00 PM CDT tonight, for several counties including Beckham, Custer, Washita, and Roger Mills. This watch encompasses key areas such as Elk City,
Old Greer County Museum & Hall of Fame, Inc. Awarded State Grant to Preserve Local History
Mangum, OK – The Old Greer County Museum & Hall of Fame, Inc. in Mangum has been named one of the recipients of the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program, securing funding to support its mission of preserving
