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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Rapid Response Stops Multiple Grass Fires in Roger Mills County Amid Ongoing Drought
Roger Mills County, OK – A coordinated, countywide emergency response helped stop four grass fires Friday afternoon, Jan. 16, with minimal damage despite ongoing drought conditions and elevated fire danger. According to information provided by Roger Mills
Rep. Nick Archer outlines energy priorities ahead of 2026 legislative session
Elk City, OK – With the 2026 Regular Session set to begin Monday, February 2, members of the Oklahoma House are finalizing bill filings and committee agendas. Rep. Nick Archer (R-Elk City) recently shared insight into that
SWOSU to Host 38th Alpha Mu Gamma National Convention
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host the 38th National Convention of Alpha Mu Gamma, the National Collegiate Languages Honor Society, from March 5–7, 2026. The event will bring together students, faculty, and language
Man Arrested After Alleged Police Chase Near Sayre
Beckham County, OK – An Elk City man is facing felony charges following an alleged pursuit and arrest near Sayre on Sunday, Jan. 4. According to court records, Kevin Lanell Scott, 36, was arrested after authorities attempted
SWOSU Staff Council Recognizes Staff for 435 Years of Combined Service
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) staff members were recognized Thursday, Jan. 8 during the 2026 Staff Day for a combined 435 years of service to the university. This collective total represents decades of commitment
Authorities Seeking Help in Missing Clinton Girl Case
Clinton, OK – A 15 year old girl is missing from the Clinton area, and authorities are asking for the public’s help. Amberlyn Blackwell was last seen at approximately 7:06 a.m. on December 29, 2025. Police say
Elk City Chamber Celebrates Leadership and Service at Annual Banquet
Elk City, OK – The Elk City Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Chamber Banquet Tuesday night, bringing together local leaders, businesses, and community members for an evening focused on leadership, service, and the community’s future. During
Elk City Police Facility Near Completion, Awaiting Next Generation 911 Installation
Elk City, OK – Elk City Police Chief John Cook says the department is essentially finished with its long awaited police and fire facility project, with one major piece still pending before full occupancy. The final step
High Speed Fiber Internet Goes Live in Burns Flat and Granite
Western Oklahoma – High speed fiber internet is now live for residents and businesses in and around Burns Flat and Granite, marking a major step forward for connectivity in western Oklahoma. Two broadband expansion projects serving Washita
SWOSU to Host 56th Annual Jazz Festival in February 2026
Weatherford, OK – The Department of Music at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host the 56th Annual SWOSU Jazz Festival on February 19–20, 2026 in Weatherford. This festival is open to the public and will feature
Deputy Arrests Driver After Near Miss on I-40
Beckham County, OK – A weekend traffic stop on Interstate 40 nearly turned dangerous for a Beckham County deputy and ended with a drug related DUI arrest, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning. Sheriff Manning said
Sayre man charged in vehicle theft investigation
Sayre, OK – A Sayre man has been charged in Beckham County District Court with larceny of a motor vehicle following an investigation that began just before Christmas. According to a probable cause affidavit, Kyle Lowell Minchey,
Deadline to Request Absentee Ballot for February 10th Election Approaches
Cheyenne, OK – Voters in Roger Mills County who want absentee ballots mailed to them for the February 10th Merritt School District Election should apply now, County Election Board Secretary Kelly Tice said today. Absentee ballots are
Three Defendants Sentenced Following Plea Hearings in Childress County District Court
Childress County, TX – On Thursday, December 11, 26 pleas were entered in the 100th Judicial District Court in Childress County. The cases were prosecuted by District Attorney Luke Inman and Assistant District Attorney Harley Caudle. Judge
Moore Says Budget Hearings Will Shape Final Weeks of January at the Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK — Oklahoma House Speaker Pro-Tem Anthony Moore says the next three weeks at the State Capitol will be critical in shaping budget decisions and policy priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Moore, who represents
John Cook Sworn In as New Elk City Police Chief
Elk City, OK – Following the retirement of longtime Elk City Police Chief Eddie Holland, the City of Elk City has officially named John Cook as its new Police Chief. Cook was sworn in on Dec. 31
Beckham County Sees Calm Holiday Season, Fewer Serious Incidents Reported
Beckham County, OK – Beckham County law enforcement saw a relatively calm holiday season this year, with fewer serious incidents than in years past, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning. Manning said the county avoided weather
Reckless Driver Arrested After Interstate Pursuit in Beckham County
Beckham County, OK – A reckless driving incident on Interstate 40 ended with an arrest after a brief pursuit and canine deployment Tuesday in Beckham County, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning. The incident began near
City of Erick Awarded Nearly $40,000 to Boost Wildfire Response
Washington D.C. – The City of Erick is receiving new federal funding to strengthen its local wildfire response capabilities. The U.S. Department of the Interior announced more than $5 million in nationwide funding through its Slip on
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
PSO Requests Rate Hike That Could Raise Electric Bills 15%
Tulsa, OK – Public Service Company of Oklahoma has gone public with a new rate hike request filed with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission that could increase customer electric bills by about 15% if approved. The request follows
ODOT Updates Clinton I-40 Interchange Project, Approves Engineering Contracts and Bridge Improvements
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Transportation Commission met Monday morning, receiving updates on major highway projects and approving several engineering contracts and bridge improvements across the state. Oklahoma Transportation Commission members heard from Oklahoma Department of
Forecasters Warn Western Oklahoma Could Face Early, Widespread Wildfire Threat in 2026
Western Oklahoma – Western Oklahoma could be facing another dangerous wildfire season as early as January, with forecasters warning conditions may be worse and more widespread than last year. Predictors with the National Interagency Fire Center say
Man accused of orchestrating forged check scheme from Beckham County Jail
Sayre, OK – A Sayre man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he organized a forged check scheme from inside the Beckham County Jail, allegedly directing others to obtain and use stolen checks to secure
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
