January 4, 2023
By News Director Jared Atha
Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas of Cheyenne (OK-03) lit into the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers after the two agencies in the Biden administration revised their definition of the controversial Waters of the United State (WOTUS) rules.
Lucas expressed that he was “extremely discouraged by the EPA’s actions regulating wetlands and waters in a manner inconsistent with the Clean Water Act,”.
He said the rule failed to provide certainty for America’s farmers and ranchers at a time when increased agriculture production and growth are critical.
In 2015, the Obama Administration’s WOTUS Rule significantly expanded the definition of “waters of the United States” and gave the federal government authority to regulate almost any waters; including streams, ditches, ponds, and creeks.
In 2020, the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR), finalized by the Trump Administration, revised the definition of WOTUS and reversed this overreach, bringing back a balance between federal and state jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act.
However, President Joe Biden signed an executive order shortly after being inaugurated which directed federal agencies to review all existing regulations, orders, guidance documents, policies, and any other similar agency actions promulgated, issued, or adopted between January 20, 2017, and January 20, 2021, including the Navigable Waters Protection Rule.
Under the direction of the order, the EPA and the U.S. Department of the Army announced their intent to revise the definition of WOTUS in June 2021. Lucas strongly opposed that order as well.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Help, Inc. Food Pantry — Thank You, Donors!
“Help Needs Help” Big gratitude to the community partners lifting up local families. Please share this to keep the momentum going—neighbors helping neighbors.
Public Relations and Marketing Team at SWOSU Earns Three Davey Awards
Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Office of Public Relations and Marketing has won three honors in the 21st Annual Davey Awards, an international creative competition that recognizes outstanding work by in-house teams, small
Partnership with Mexican Consulate Brings IME Becas Scholarships to SWOSU
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) continues to expand opportunities for its students through its ongoing partnership with the Consulate of Mexico in Oklahoma City and the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IME). Representatives from the
Helping the Community: Help, Inc. Food Pantry
No one should go hungry in Elk City. If you or someone you know needs a hand—or if you’re able to lend one—here’s how to connect …
Miss SWOSU Scholarship Pageant Set for November 15
Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) annual Miss SWOSU Scholarship Pageant will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the SWOSU Fine Arts Center. The event will begin at 7 p.m., bringing together seventeen
SWOSU Researchers Study Rattlesnake Predator Interactions at Wichita Mountains
Comanche County, OK – Researchers from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently conducted fieldwork at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, retrieving camera traps and snake replicas that had been deployed earlier this summer. The project is jointly
ECPD executes search warrant in child sexual abuse material case; one arrested
Elk City, OK — Elk City Police served a search warrant Tuesday at a home on West 2nd Street as part of a child sexual abuse material investigation that began with a CyberTipline report from the National
Deputies stage at county line as Roger Mills incident ends safely
Roger Mills County, OK – Beckham County deputies positioned at the Roger Mills County line late Friday after a report of a man firing from a vehicle with an AR-style rifle. Sheriff Derek Manning said he mobilized
Lawmakers weigh cleanup plan for abandoned marijuana grows. Beckham County sheriff describes local fallout
Oklahoma City, OK – Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning says a statewide surge in abandoned marijuana grow sites is leaving rural neighbors with trash, chemical waste, and rising calls for help. His office has fielded complaints about
Teen arrested after purse snatching leads to high-speed chase in Clinton
Clinton, OK — An 18-year-old Minnesota man was arrested Tuesday, Oct. 14, after a reported purse snatching in Weatherford and a high-speed chase that cut through west Clinton before ending at Oliver Avenue and Gary Boulevard, according
Clinton man charged after police say child-exploitation files found on devices
Clinton, OK — Jason Scott Denney, 37, was arrested October 12 on suspicion of possessing child sexual abuse material and violating Oklahoma’s Computer Crimes Act, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Custer County District Court.
Burns Flat man injured in Route 66 crash, OHP says
Canute, OK — A Burns Flat man was injured in a single-vehicle crash early Friday on Route 66, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Troopers said Jonathan C. McIntyre, 45, was driving west on Route 66 about
Driver killed in single-vehicle crash north of Putnam
Putnam, OK — A 78-year-old Lawton man died Thursday after a rollover crash on Highway 183 about 4 miles north of Putnam, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Troopers said the southbound vehicle left the right side
Government Shutdown Forces Cancellation of U.S. Marine Band Concert in Elk City
Elk City, OK – The highly anticipated performance by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, scheduled for Tuesday night at the Pioneer Center on the Elk City High School campus, has been canceled. The reason: the
Flu Vaccine Drive-Thru Coming to Jackson County Expo
Altus, OK – The Jackson County Health Department will host a Flu Vaccine Drive-Thru on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Jackson County Expo, located at 412 Todd Lane in Altus.
Search warrant: Man says SWOSU freshman died after fight, body left near Sulphur
Weatherford, OK — An 18-year-old charged in connection with the death of Southwestern Oklahoma State University freshman Logan Musil told investigators the student died after an accidental fall during a drug-fueled fight, according to a federal search
Voters approve $5.975 million bond for Hinton Public Schools
Hinton, OK – Hinton voters passed the district’s bond proposal Tuesday, approving $5.975 million for facility upgrades across the district. The proposition received 249 yes votes [70.9%], with 102 voting no [29.1%]. Total ballots cast: 351. District
Fatal SH-54 crash south of Gotebo
Gotebo, OK — A two-vehicle collision on State Highway 54, about 3.8 miles south of Gotebo, left one man dead and another injured early Tuesday, October 14, 2025, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. OHP says the
House interim study to target OSIDA funding and Burns Flat spaceport
Oklahoma City, OK — State Rep. Nick Archer of Elk City will lead a House interim study Thursday aimed at turning the Oklahoma Spaceport at Burns Flat into a driver of aerospace jobs and research. The hearing,
SWOSU Accepting 2026 Distinguished Alumni Nominations
Weatherford, OK – Nominations to the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) are now being accepted. Recognized as “SWOSU’s highest honor,” the Hall of Fame was established in 1976 by the
WTC Sayre adds advanced police training simulator, open to area agencies
Sayre, OK — Western Technology Center in Sayre has purchased a high-tech training simulator that local law enforcement can use for both driving and scenario-based response, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning. Manning said reserve deputy
Motorcyclist injured in Caddo County Crash
October 13, 2025 Caddo County, OK — A Cordell man was injured in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at 1:42 p.m. at County Road 1260 and State Highway 58, 7 miles north of Carnegie,
Moonlight Madness returns to Downtown Elk City Oct. 23
Elk City, OK — Costumes, candy, and downtown storefronts will set the scene for Moonlight Madness on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Downtown District. Families can trick or treat with downtown
SWOSU responds after death of student, urges care
Weatherford, OK — Southwestern Oklahoma State University has issued a campus message following the confirmation of student Logan Nathaniel Musil’s death and an arrest in the case. President Janet Cunningham, Ed.D., called the loss “devastating,” offered condolences
Missing SWOSU student found deceased, one arrested
Weatherford, OK — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says an 18-year-old Southwestern Oklahoma State University student reported missing last week has been found deceased, and another 18-year-old has been arrested. SWOSU Police asked the OSBI on
