May 17, 2022
By News Director Jared Atha
An Elk City man has been charged in Beckham County with, among other things, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after allegedly striking a man and a woman with a rifle.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Elk City Police, the incident took place in the early morning hours of May 14 in the 400 block of W. 7th in Elk City when 21-year-old Kendall Dewane Silvers allegedly approached a man and a woman in the back seat of a parked pickup, opened the rear passenger door, and began to strike the female with the barrel of a rifle. The affidavit stated that the strike caused a laceration to the backside of her right upper thigh. Police also observed a dark purple bruise with actively bleeding cuts on both sides.
The report said that Silvers allegedly continued swinging the barrel of the rifle, striking the male occupant of the vehicle on the right forearm causing an immediate visible bruise. The male victim quickly exited his side of the vehicle and got into the driver seat, where he would attempt to flee forward but realized there was no way out. He then placed the vehicle in reverse, as he was doing so, Silvers allegedly continued to strike the vehicle with his firearm.
Police said the driver backed quickly in an attempt to escape the situation, causing the driver side of his vehicle to collide with Silvers’ 2004 Nissan Xterra that was parked behind the pickup. The man eventually cleared the driveway and was able to leave the scene.
The affidavit stated that Silvers would turn himself into police later that day where he was arrested.
Along with the assault and battery with a dangerous weapon charge, Silvers was also charged with domestic assault with a dangerous weapon, third degree burglary, and placing an obscene, threatening, or harassing phone phone call – due to what one witness told police was for an alleged phone call made by Silvers where he would say that he was going to shoot the couple.
Copyright 2022 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
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
Kiowa Road Wildfire Burns More Than 300 Acres, No Structures Lost
Roger Mills County, OK – A wildfire burning near Kiowa Road in Roger Mills County scorched more than 300 acres of pasture land Tuesday afternoon before crews were able to bring it largely under control. According to
2025 Marked by Tragedy, Change, and Community Milestones Across Western Oklahoma
Western Oklahoma – From winter through late fall, 2025 delivered major headlines across western Oklahoma, including fatal crashes, a high-profile murder trial, a large-scale hazmat emergency, and significant changes at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, alongside Route 66
North Carolina woman charged after drug stop on I-40 near Clinton
Custer County, OK – A North Carolina woman is facing felony and misdemeanor drug charges following a traffic stop on Interstate 40 in Custer County. According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Custer County District Court,
Texas Panhandle Cities Unite Against Energy Company Over Historic Smokehouse Creek Fire
Texas Panhandle – Nearly a year after the Smokehouse Creek Fire scorched more than a million acres across the Texas Panhandle and into Western Oklahoma, the cities of Wheeler and Canadian, Texas are among eleven Panhandle communities
Sayre Water Service Restored After Christmas Day Main Break, Boil Advisory Pending Test Results
Sayre, OK – City officials in Sayre say water service has been fully restored following a major 12 inch transmission line break early Christmas morning, with testing now underway to lift the city’s precautionary boil water advisory.
One injured in early morning crash on I-40 in Beckham County
Beckham County, OK – One person was injured in a single vehicle collision early Sunday morning in Beckham County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The crash happened at about 3:22 a.m. on December 28 on westbound
Sayre Issues Boil Water Advisory After Christmas Day Water Main Break
Sayre, OK — Sayre city officials have issued a precautionary boil water advisory after a 12-inch transmission main broke on Christmas Day, cutting service for parts of the community and raising concerns about water safety. The City
Dr. Joel Kendall Named Interim President of Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Weatherford, OK — The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) and Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) today announced the appointment of Dr. Joel Kendall as Interim President of Southwestern Oklahoma State University, effective January 12, 2026. Dr.
Oklahoma’s Recognized Political Parties Keep Primaries Closed
Oklahoma City, OK – State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax announced today that no political party filed a notice to allow Independents to vote in its primaries and runoff primaries during the 2026-2027 election years. Since no
Clinton woman arrested following Walmart theft and fraud investigation
Elk City, OK – An Elk City Police investigation into reported theft and fraud at Walmart has led to the arrest of a Clinton woman on multiple felony charges. According to a probable cause affidavit filed in
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
Weapons Found During Child Abuse Investigation in Beckham County
Beckham County, OK – Beckham County Sheriff’s Office deputies recovered multiple firearms while serving a search warrant connected to an ongoing child abuse investigation in Beckham County, according to Sheriff Derek Manning. Sheriff Manning said detectives were
Investigation Uncovers Fraud Scheme Involving Jail Inmate
Sayre, OK – An investigation by the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office uncovered an attempted fraud scheme involving an inmate inside the Beckham County Jail, according to Sheriff Derek Manning. Manning said the case was uncovered through the
Bobbie Walker Announces Bid for Wheeler County Clerk
Wheeler County, TX – Bobbie Walker has announced her candidacy for Wheeler County Clerk, citing long-standing ties to the county and extensive experience in county government. Walker has lived in Wheeler County for 26 years and will
SWOSU Music Academy Now Open for Spring 2026 Registration
Weatherford, OK – Enrollment is now open for the Spring 2026 term of the SWOSU Music Academy, a program that connects young musicians with quality instruction and performance opportunities. The 10-week term begins February 2 and ends
Five Injured in Two-Vehicle Crash at SH-152 and SH-58 in Caddo County
Caddo County, OK – A two vehicle collision was reported Friday night at the intersection of State Highway 152 and State Highway 58 in Caddo County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at approximately
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 — Eddie & Tallina Brown
Santa’s Christmas Heroes, Eddie and Tallina Brown, make Christmas brighter for countless children every year. Together, they round up more than 50 new bicycles and tricycles annually to give to less fortunate kids, helping ensure those children experience the joy of Christmas morning.
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 — John & Monica Beecham
Santa’s Christmas Heroes, John and Monica Beecham, are always finding ways to give back to the community they love.
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 — Shelby Unruh
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Shelby Unruh Woods, truly embodies the joy and spirit of Santa through her constant service to others. She gives with such a caring and genuine heart that it inspires others to step in and help alongside her.
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 — Brandon Culver
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Brandon Culver, has one of the biggest hearts you will ever find. If he hears that someone is in need, he will stop whatever he is doing to help. He would truly give the shirt off his back without hesitation.
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 — Jon & Trina VanBuren
Santa’s Christmas Heroes, Jon and Trina VanBuren, are known for their generous hearts and constant dedication to helping those in need.
Beckham County Man Faces Multiple Felony Charges After Hospital Assaults
Elk City, OK – A Beckham County man is facing multiple charges after an incident at a local hospital escalated into assaults on medical staff and law enforcement, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning. Sheriff Manning
Amazon Plans 30,000 Square Foot Delivery Station in Weatherford Industrial Park
Weatherford, OK – Plans are moving forward for a new Amazon delivery facility in Weatherford, a development local leaders say will strengthen the area’s economy and create new employment opportunities. The company will build a 30,000 square
Last Call for Christmas in the Park Activities This Saturday Night in Elk City
Elk City, OK – Christmas in the Park is winding down, and this Saturday night, December 20, is your last chance to enjoy all the weekend activities in Elk City’s Ackley Park. The Christmas light display will
Texas AG Sues Xcel Energy Over Wildfire That Reached Western Oklahoma
Austin, TX – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Xcel Energy, alleging the utility’s negligence caused the 2024 Smokehouse Creek Fire, which burned more than one million acres in Texas and spread into
Elk City Celebrates Opening of New Airport Hangar and Terminal
Elk City, OK — City officials, state leaders, and community members gathered at the Elk City Municipal Airport today to celebrate the ribbon cutting of a new aircraft hangar and terminal building, marking a major milestone in
Two Injured in Late-Night Single-Vehicle Crash in Rural Custer County
Thomas, OK – A single vehicle injury collision was reported late Monday night in rural Custer County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The crash occurred on December 15, 2025, at approximately 10:06 pm in a wheat
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 — Rose Werth
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Rose Werth has selflessly volunteered her time to run the food bank at St. Matthew Catholic Church for nearly 20 years.
Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents Announces Resignation of SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell
Weatherford, OK – The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents today announced that Dr. Diana Lovell has submitted her resignation as President of Southwestern Oklahoma State University, effective December 31, 2025. RUSO and SWOSU
Two Contraband Incidents Detected at Beckham County Jail
Sayre, OK – Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning says heightened security measures at the Beckham County Jail led to two separate contraband incidents being detected last week, preventing illegal items from entering the facility. Sheriff Manning said
Wellington Woman Placed on Probation in Childress County Theft Case
Childress County, TX – Three pleas were entered Monday, December 8, in the 100th Judicial District Court in Childress County. Luke Inman, District Attorney for the 100th Judicial District, along with Assistant District Attorney Harley Caudle, prosecuted
PSO Brings Free LED Light Bulbs to Local Food Pantries Across Western Oklahoma
Tulsa, OK – Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) is helping families in Western Oklahoma save energy and money through its Shine a Light Project, delivering free LED light bulbs to food pantries in communities including Elk
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 — Bob Carr
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Bob Carr is a hero to the Brownfield family because of his selfless kindness and willingness to help, time and time again.
Weatherford Bridge Project Earns Top Statewide Honor from Contractors Group
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s Monday, Dec. 8 meeting opened with statewide recognition for a major western Oklahoma project, as the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s District 5 received one of the industry’s highest honors
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 – Abby Daniels
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Abby Daniels. She is selfless, compassionate, and driven to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 – Ashley Meadows
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Ashley Meadows. She is the heart behind Dream League, a program that gives mentally and physically challenged athletes the chance to play baseball in a fun, welcoming environment. The joy on the players’ faces says it all.
Santa’s Christmas Hero 2025 – Kole Sander
Santa’s Christmas Hero, Kole Sander. He serves as an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper and is known for his dedication and work ethic. He puts in long hours and makes daily sacrifices to keep Oklahomans safe.
Elk City Man Charged After Investigators Say He Sold Trafficking Amounts of Fentanyl-Laced Pills
Elk City, OK – A man living in Elk City is facing a felony drug trafficking charge after a controlled purchase at his home led to the discovery of pills containing a fentanyl precursor and methamphetamine, according
Washita County Sheriff’s Office Receives Grant for Speed Reduction and High-Visibility Enforcement Campaign
Cordell, OK – The Washita County Sheriff’s Office has received a National Highway Safety Grant to support a speed reduction awareness and high-visibility enforcement campaign aimed at reducing speeding-related crashes. Through the “Speeding Slows You Down” initiative,
Oklahoma Approves Construction of Specialized Hangar for Dawn Aerospace Spaceplane at Burns Flat
Burns Flat, OK – Oklahoma’s commission responsible for advancing the state’s space industry finalized a deal this week to construct a hangar for a $17 million spaceplane. The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission approved construction
