
February 18, 2022
By News Director Jared Atha
Footprints in snow were all police needed to pin a burglary case on a Clinton man.
That man, 42-year-old Carlos Chavez Sr., was formally charged in Custer County District Court on February 7.
According to court records, the incident took place on February 4, when police were dispatched to a Clinton home in reference to a stolen vehicle. The victim would tell police that she had started her vehicle to warm it up, and when she returned it was gone.
Shortly after the vehicle was reported stolen, police would spot the vehicle and attempted to pull it over, however the driver, later identified as Chavez, would not comply and began to elude police.
Eventually after a short pursuit, the car became disabled in a snow drift where police were able to arrest the defendant.
Later, while investigating where the car was taken, police would discover footprints in snow, and a broken wooden fence at a nearby residence. The police were able to match the footprints to the suspect’s boot.
Chavez received one charge each of unauthorized use of a vehicle, eluding a police officer, and malicious injury to property under $1,000.
His first court date is scheduled for February 28, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 11.
Copyright 2022 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Annual Voter Registration Report Released in Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma State Election Board has released its official annual voter registration report, showing a total of 2,406,168 registered voters statewide as of January 15, 2026. Republican voters make up the largest share
Weatherford woman charged with first-degree arson after trailer fire
Weatherford, OK – A Weatherford woman has been charged with first-degree arson following a November 2025 fire at a residence in the University Drive trailer park in Weatherford. According to court records filed in Custer County District
SWOSU Natural History Museum Leads Science Outreach at Stafford Elementary
Weatherford, OK – Faculty and students from the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Natural History Museum visited Lt. General Thomas P. Stafford Elementary School to provide a hands-on science experience for third-grade students. The outreach focused on
Clinton Lawmaker Co Authors Bill to Limit Lawsuits Against Oil and Gas Industry
Oklahoma City, OK – A bill filed ahead of the Oklahoma Legislature’s 2026 session would significantly limit civil lawsuits against oil and gas companies, including claims tied to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. House Rep. Anthony
State Rep. Nick Archer Files Bill to Grow Oklahoma’s Nuclear Energy Sector
Oklahoma City, OK — As the second session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature gets underway, Elk City’s own Rep. Nick Archer has introduced House Bill 3175, a measure aimed at positioning Oklahoma for growth in advanced nuclear
Voters Reminded of Election Day Laws
Cheyenne, OK – With the February 10th 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
Election Day Reminders and Tips
Cheyenne, OK – Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Februart 10th, for the Merritt School District Special Election. Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary Kelly Tice offers these important tips to voters—especially
Request an Emergency Ballot for the February 10th Elections
Cheyenne, OK – Registered voters who become physically incapacitated after 5:00 p.m. Monday, January 26th and are unable make it to the polls, still have an opportunity to cast their ballot. Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary
Elk City Leadership Hall of Fame to Induct Three Tonight
Elk City, OK – Elk City will honor three distinguished community leaders tonight during the Elk City High School basketball doubleheader, with the Leadership Hall of Fame induction ceremony taking place between the girls and boys games.
SWOSU Names Hartley as 2025-2026 Dr. John Hays Scholar
Weatherford, OK – Mason Hartley of Baxter Springs, Kansas is the recipient of the Dr. John Hays Scholarship for the 2025-2026 Academic Year at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU). Hartley is a junior at SWOSU majoring in
SWOSU Announces Fall 2025 President’s and Dean’s Honor Rolls
Weatherford, OK – The President’s Honor Roll and Dean’s Honor Rolls at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon have been announced for the fall 2025 semester. The lists include students from 22 states
Loneman Named First Recipient of Hook Family Scholarship at SWOSU
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is proud to announce that D’Qwan Loneman is the first-ever recipient of the Hook Family Scholarship. Loneman is a junior from Watonga, Oklahoma, pursuing a degree in Mathematics Education.
Dr. Valerie Reimers of El Reno Makes Substantial Gift to SWOSU Bulldog Angels Fund
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Foundation, Inc. is proud to announce that Dr. Valerie Reimers of El Reno, Oklahoma, has made a substantial gift to the SWOSU Bulldog Angels Fund, further strengthening a program
Charles Vang Named Dr. Sara Nell (Bergstrom) Marquis Memorial Scholar at SWOSU
Weatherford, OK – Charles Vang of Owasso, Oklahoma has been named the Dr. Sara Nell (Bergstrom) Marquis Memorial Scholar for the 2025-2026 Academic Year at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU). Vang hods a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma
Election Filing Deadlines and Early Voting Dates Announced for Wheeler and Shamrock
Wheeler, TX – Voters in Wheeler County will see several local elections on the ballot in the coming months, including city council races, a school board election, and the March joint primary election. Officials are reminding residents
Man arrested in Custer County on aggravated marijuana trafficking charge
Clinton, OK – A Mustang man has been charged in Custer County District Court with aggravated trafficking in illegal drugs after Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers allegedly discovered more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop
Tabor Marlatt Named 2025-2026 Ashenfelter Scholar at SWOSU
Weatherford, OK – The 2025-2026 Dr. Melody Ashenfelter Scholar at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is Tabor Marlatt of Sharon, Oklahoma. The Ashenfelter Scholarship is awarded annually to a student studying in the Everett Dobson College of
Sheriff Warns Public About Phone Scam Targeting Families of Recent Arrests
Sayre, OK – Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning is warning residents about a scam targeting families shortly after an arrest is made. According to Manning, scammers are using publicly available arrest information to contact family members and
Sheriff Urges Caution on Area Roads Following Winter Storm
Elk City, OK – Drivers across western Oklahoma are urged to continue using caution following the recent winter storm that moved through the region, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning. While the area avoided some of
Winter Storm Brings Widespread Snow to Western Oklahoma
Norman, OK – A winter storm that moved through Western Oklahoma over the weekend delivered a wide range of snowfall totals, with several communities picking up significant accumulations. According to preliminary estimates from the National Weather Service
Dangerous Cold Lingers After Winter Storm Blankets Western Oklahoma
Western Oklahoma is beginning to dig out after a powerful winter storm moved through the state over the weekend, dumping heavy snow and creating hazardous travel conditions that continue into the new week. While snowfall is tapering
UPDATE: Winter Storm Arrives
Norman, OK – Western Oklahoma is entering the early stages of a major winter storm as Arctic air pours into the state Friday morning. Temperatures are falling rapidly, wind chills are plunging below zero, and dangerous travel
Early voting set for Merritt school bond election
Sayre, OK – Early voting for the Merritt Public Schools bond election will begin Thursday, Feb. 5, according to the Beckham County Election Board. Early voting will be held Thursday, Feb. 5, and Friday, Feb. 6, from
The Latest Winter Weather Update
Norman, OK – As of 6 AM Thursday morning, January 22, the winter storm expected to impact western Oklahoma is coming into clearer focus, with some important changes to timing and impacts. The biggest change is that
Archer introduces bill to position Oklahoma for future national research labs
Oklahoma City, OK – Rep. Nick Archer has introduced legislation aimed at positioning Oklahoma to compete for a future U.S. national laboratory and other major federal research centers. House Bill 3176 would create the Oklahoma Gas, Artificial
SWOSU Names Cindy Hunt as Ann Gillingham Memorial Scholar
Weatherford, OK – Cindy Hunt of Hydro, Oklahoma has been named the Ann Gillingham Memorial Teaching Scholarship winner at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) for the 2025-2026 academic year. Hunt is an educator at Hydro-Eakly Public Schools
SWOSU Names 2025-2026 Bill & Elois Muncy Memorial Scholars
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has named Amanda Wood, Mattie Pritchett, and Mesa Flippo, all of Geary, Oklahoma, as the Bill and Elois Muncy Memorial Scholars for Academic Year 2025-2026. Wood is a freshman
SBA Offers Drought Relief Loans for Area Businesses, Nonprofits
Washington, D.C. – Small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Beckham, Caddo, Greer, and Washita counties now have access to low interest federal disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration following a drought declaration affecting much
Winter Weather Approaches, PSO and Safety Officials Urge Residents to Prepare Now
Western Oklahoma – As winter weather approaches across Oklahoma and neighboring states, utility and public safety officials are urging residents to prepare now to reduce risks and stay safe during cold temperatures, ice, and potential storms. Public
Clinton man charged with felony eluding after high-speed pursuit
Clinton, OK – A Clinton man is facing a felony charge after a high-speed police pursuit through Clinton that ended in a crash north of town. According to court records, Daydrean James Malone, 33, was charged in
Local Election Filing Periods and Voting Information Announced for Shamrock and Wheeler
Wheeler County, Texas – Voters and potential candidates in Shamrock and Wheeler have several upcoming election-related deadlines and voting dates to be aware of, according to official notices released this week. The City of Shamrock General Election
Oklahoma City Man Charged in Custer County Bogus Check Case
Arapaho, OK – An Oklahoma City man has been charged in Custer County with a felony count of obtaining merchandise by bogus check, according to court records filed this month. Frashon Allen Ford, 30, of Oklahoma City,
Clinton Public Schools lift soft lockdown after investigation
Clinton, OK – Clinton Public Schools placed all campuses on a soft lockdown late Tuesday morning following an anonymous threat reported at Clinton Middle School. According to the district, the precautionary lockdown was initiated at approximately 11:44
Registrations Open for Third Annual Anatomage Tournament at SWOSU
Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Department of Allied Health Sciences will host the third annual Anatomage Tournament, in collaboration with Anatomage, on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at the Pioneer Event Center. The tournament
Winter Weather Headed to Western Oklahoma This Weekend
Oklahoma City, OK – A blast of Arctic air and winter precipitation is on the way to western Oklahoma, bringing the first real chance of measurable snow and icy conditions of the season for Elk City, Weatherford,
Wheeler VFD Honors Firefighters at Annual Awards Banquet
Wheeler, TX – The Wheeler Volunteer Fire Department recently held its annual awards banquet, recognizing the dedication, sacrifice, and hard work of its firefighters over the past year. The banquet honored countless hours of training, emergency response,
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




