August 23, 2022
By News Director Jared Atha
Still time to vote in the runoff election before polls close later tonight.
Outside of the national and state seats that will be taking one more step to being filled, one local bond issue that will be decided is in Elk City.
Elk City School District patrons will be deciding on a transportation issue that, if passed, could bring the district up to 10 brand new buses, two of those being activity buses.
Superintendent Mike Sparks says right now the school’s fleet has at least 12, early to mid-2000 model buses with an average of 200,500 miles on them that are constantly needed maintenance attention which subsequently is eating into the school’s annual budget.
Along with the transportation bond, Sparks says the district has also applied for a federal grant that if awarded, would be used to purchase up to 6 electric buses and charging stations.
Sparks said he could hear if the district is awarded the grant funds as early as October. He said if the bond initiative passes, new buses could be purchased and put in use as soon as the middle of next month.
Some have asked where one can vote on the bond initiative. Polling places in Elk City are at the Western Technology Center Elk City campus, the Presbyterian Church, Grandview Church, the First Christian Church, the Church of God and the Link Church.
Polls remain open until 7 p.m.
Got a news tip? Send it in: Email news@kecofm.com
Copyright 2022 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
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
NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Weatherford Ammonia Leak
Weatherford, OK – The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary findings on the anhydrous ammonia leak that struck Weatherford on the night of November 12, an incident that injured dozens, forced large evacuations, and has
Arrest Made After Online Predator Investigation in Elk City
Elk City, OK – Elk City Police arrested a man following an online predator investigation that began December 6 at a convenience store on the east side of the city. Officers were notified about an adult male,
Santa’s Christmas Heroes
About KECO 96.5FM is spotlighting locals who do selfless good. Winners receive a $250 prize from a KECO sponsor. We announce on air and share photos on the KECO Facebook page. How it works Pick a nominee,
SWOSU to Host 2025 Fall Commencement Ceremony on December 12
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the upcoming 2025 Fall Commencement Ceremony, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m. in the Pioneer Event Center. The event will honor the academic accomplishments of
Friends of the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum Receive $71,000 Grant to Restore Glancy Motor Hotel Sign
Clinton, OK — The Friends of the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton were recently awarded a $71,505 grant from the Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program to help restore and display the iconic Glancy Motor Hotel neon
Weatherford Board Sends New High School Bond to February Ballot, Requires 60 Percent Approval
Weatherford, OK – The Weatherford School Board unanimously approved placing a proposal for a new Weatherford High School campus before district voters on February 10, 2026 during a special meeting Tuesday morning. Voters will see two separate
Helicopter Paramedic and EMS Director Accused of Stealing Narcotics in Burns Flat Case
Burns Flat, OK – Oklahoma investigators say a helicopter paramedic and EMS director stole morphine and fentanyl she was supposed to administer to patients, and now faces possible prison time. Court documents identify her as 44-year-old nurse
Head-on crash on US 281 leaves one dead, one injured
Lookeba, OK – A head-on collision Sunday afternoon on US-281 in Caddo County left one driver dead and another injured, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Troopers said the crash happened at 2:09 pm about a mile
SWOSU Professor Dr. Hardeep S. Saluja Honored with AAiPS Recognition Award
Weatherford, OK – Dr. Hardeep S. Saluja, Department Chair and Bernhardt Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), has received the Recognition Award from the American Association of Indian Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAiPS). The award
Two Suspects Charged After Deputies Find Stolen Copper at Custer County Wind Site
Custer County, OK – Two people have been charged in Custer County after deputies say they were caught with stolen copper and other items taken from a wind turbine site near Thomas. 29 year old Slayton McKinnon
Two Unattended Deaths on I-40 Reported in Beckham County
Beckham County, OK – Beckham County deputies responded to two separate unattended deaths last week, a pair of cases Sheriff Derek Manning says are uncommon but handled with the utmost care and procedure. The first call came
Wheeler Texas woman injured in rollover crash on I-40
Caddo County, OK – A Wheeler Texas woman was injured late Saturday night after her vehicle rolled multiple times along Interstate 40 in Caddo County. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports the crash happened at 10:23 pm Sunday
Scholarships Support Adult Learners in SWOSU’s Reach Higher Program
Weatherford, OK – The Reach Higher degree-finishing program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) awarded over $15,000 in scholarships to fourteen SWOSU students completing degrees through the program. Recipients received awards averaging about $1,100, supported through the
Busey Family Makes Major Gift to SWOSU Bulldogs Angels Fund
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced a major charitable contribution from longtime benefactors and alumni Philip Busey, Jr., ’04, and his wife, Heather (Ratcliffe) Busey, ’04, of Oklahoma City. This latest generous gift
School Board Filings Wrap Up Across Western Oklahoma Counties
Western OK – School board filings closed Wednesday in Beckham, Custer, Washita and Roger Mills counties, confirming a mix of uncontested races and a few competitive seats heading into the February election cycle. Custer County Clinton will
Long-term Traffic Plan Being Implemented Near New Fire Station
Elk City, OK – Elk City has three new temporary 4-way stops. The intersections at Washington & Broadway, Washington & 5th Street, and Washington & 6th Street have four stop signs each. These changes are part of
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,
Absentee Ballot Applications Available For 2026 Election Year
Clinton, OK – Voters in Custer County who want absentee ballots mailed to them for elections in 2026 can submit an application after January 1 of the coming year, Ann Brown said today. Any registered voter may
Beckham County Sees Light Holiday Crash Activity, Sheriff Manning Says
Beckham County, OK – Beckham County roads stayed relatively calm over the Thanksgiving travel period, according to Sheriff Derek Manning. Manning said that while his office monitored several wrecks in the area during the busy holiday stretch,
