
June 10, 2022
By News Director Jared Atha
High winds were to blame for a one vehicle accident on Interstate 40 early Friday morning in Custer County.
According to the collision report provided by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the accident occurred just after 2 a.m. near mile marker 65 in the eastbound lanes when 32-year-old Nicholas A. Porter of Rocky Mount, North Carolina lost control of the 2013 Freightliner he was driving due to high winds coming from a storm that was passing through the area. OHP said the vehicle went off the road to the left into the center median and struck the cable barrier before overturning and coming to rest on the driver’s side.
Porter was transported to Alliance Health Clinton where he was admitted in fair condition with arm and trunk external injuries.
OHP also reported that a separate, non-injury semi rollover accident near mile marker 65 closed the roadway for 33 minutes early this morning as well.
Copyright 2022 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
SWOSU Nursing Welcomes Class of 2028 at Orientation Sessions
Weatherford, OK – The Department of Nursing at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) welcomed the nursing class of 2028 to Parker Hall on April 28 and April 30 for orientation sessions. The events gave students an early
SWOSU Dobson College Announces 2026 Outstanding Students, Scholarship Recipients
Weatherford, OK – The Everett Dobson College of Business and Technology at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently recognized students during the 4th annual Dobby Awards on April 28. The ceremony also included scholarship presentations for the
SWOSU Engineering Physics Students Receive Scholarships and Program Honors
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Engineering Physics students gathered at the Stafford Air & Space Museum for the program’s annual Spring Banquet. Students were recognized for their work in the classroom and involvement in
SWOSU Student Grant Elam Earns Second Place at State Capitol Research Event
Weatherford, OK – Grant Elam, a senior chemistry major at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), earned second place in the Regional-University category at the 31st annual Research Day at the Capitol. Elam, of Edmond, was recognized for
SWOSU Faculty Senate Honors 2026 Retirees
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recognized five retiring faculty and staff members during a retirement reception hosted by the SWOSU Faculty Senate in the SkyView Room of the Pioneer Event Center. Together, the retirees
Western Oklahoma Sales Tax Collections Show Mixed Results in Latest OTC Distribution
Oklahoma City, OK – Sales tax collections in several Western Oklahoma communities showed mixed results in the latest monthly distribution released by the Oklahoma Tax Commission on May 8, 2026. The figures primarily reflect local sales activity
Gas Prices Continue Climbing Across Western Oklahoma as Summer Travel Season Approaches
Western Oklahoma – Gasoline prices continue climbing across Western Oklahoma as drivers head toward the busy summer travel season, with some counties now reporting some of the highest averages in the state. According to fuel tracking data
Altus Man Charged After Nearly $2,000 Mistakenly Deposited Into Clinton Bank Account Is Not Returned
Clinton, OK – An Altus man is facing a felony charge in Custer County after investigators said he withdrew nearly $2,000 that had been mistakenly deposited into a business account and failed to return the money after
Arkansas Man Charged With Seven Counts of Arson in Beckham County Grass Fires
Beckham County, OK – An Arkansas man is facing seven felony arson charges in Beckham County after investigators alleged he intentionally set multiple grass fires north of the intersection of State Highway 6 and State Highway 283
Arkansas Man Charged After Allegedly Providing False Information During Firearm Purchase Attempt
Beckham County, OK – An Arkansas man is facing a felony charge in Beckham County after authorities say he provided false information while attempting to purchase a firearm in Elk City. According to a probable cause affidavit
Last Week to Request Absentee Ballots for June 16th Election
Cheyenne, OK – The deadline to request absentee ballots by mail is approaching. Applications must be received by the County Election Board no later than 5 p.m. Monday, June 1st. Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary Kelly
Butler Man Killed in Tractor Accident North of Butler
Custer County, OK – An 82-year-old Butler man died Wednesday evening after being run over by a trailer attached to a tractor in rural Custer County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The incident happened around 5:39
Historic Route 66 Neon Sign to Shine Again in Erick
Erick, OK — A piece of Route 66 history will officially come back to life on Thursday, May 22, as the restored West Winds Court neon sign is relit during a special public ceremony in Erick. The
Former Nurse Charged With Sexual Battery, Arrest Warrant Issued
Beckham County, OK – A former nurse anesthetist at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in Elk City is facing felony charges after multiple female employees accused him of sexual misconduct while working at the hospital. Michael Todd
Elk City ICAC Investigations Result in Lengthy Prison Sentences for Two Offenders
Elk City, OK – Two separate Internet Crimes Against Children investigations conducted by the Elk City Police Department Criminal Investigations Division have resulted in guilty pleas and lengthy prison sentences for two offenders. The sentencing information was
Large Hail Pounds Elk City, Fire Chief Warns Residents About Storm Repair Scams
Elk City, OK – Elk City residents are still assessing damage after a severe hailstorm moved through the area, dropping hailstones reportedly measuring more than three inches in some locations. Elk City Fire Chief Kyle Chervenka told
Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June 16 Primary Election
Clinton, OK – Friday, May 22, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the June 16, 2026, Primary Election. Brown said that persons who are United States
Main Street Lamp Posts Get Full-Metal Enhancement
Elk City, OK – It’s a banner day for downtown Elk City. Several new pole-mounted metal banners adorn Main Street’s lamp posts between 3rd and 7th Streets, with more on the way. “While they function similarly to
Watonga Man Charged After Stolen Oilfield Equipment Recovered in Custer County Investigation
Oklahoma City, OK – A Watonga man is facing two felony counts of grand larceny after authorities say stolen oilfield equipment and vehicles were recovered from his property following an investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies. According
Washita County Officers Honored at Oklahoma Law Enforcement Memorial
Oklahoma City, OK – Two Washita County law enforcement officers were honored for their service and sacrifice during the 58th Annual Oklahoma Law Enforcement Memorial. According to a post from the Washita County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy David
Erick Man Injured in I-40 Rollover Crash in Beckham County
Elk City, OK – A 50-year-old Erick man was injured Sunday evening in a rollover crash on Interstate 40 in Beckham County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The collision occurred at approximately 6:25 p.m. on westbound
SWOSU Names Charles & Mary Abercrombie Scholar
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has selected Eli Goodman as the Charles & Mary Abercrombie Scholar for the 2025- 2026 academic year. Goodman is from Vernon, Texas, and is studying pharmacy at SWOSU. The
SWOSU Names Charlie M. & Olivia Downs Abercrombie Scholar
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has selected Zadyn Johnson of Camargo, Oklahoma, as the Charlie M. & Olivia Downs Abercrombie Scholar for the 2025- 2026 academic year. Johnson is a junior majoring in Early
SWOSU Awards Dr. Donald I. Hamm Memorial Scholarship
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has selected Ty Elliott of Weatherford as the recipient of the Dr. Donald I. Hamm Memorial Scholarship for the 2025- 2026 academic year. Elliott is a senior majoring in
Herrmann Named Kristi Rozell Memorial Scholar at SWOSU
Weatherford, OK – Jasmyn Herrmann of Weatherford is the recipient of the Kristi Rozell Memorial Scholarship at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) for the 2025-2026 academic year. Herrman is a senior majoring in Special Education. The Kristi Rozell
SWOSU Names Neparko Scholarship Recipients
Weatherford, OK – Four students at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) have received the Neparko Family Chemistry Scholarship for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. The Neparko Family Scholarship was established by Mary Neparko (’70) and the late Dr.
Student Research from SWOSU Earns Recognition at SWAN
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) students presented research at the 73rd Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Association of Naturalists, held April 23–26 in Tyler, Texas. The conference brings together biologists from across the southwestern
Outdoor Classroom Features SWOSU Faculty and Student-Led Activities
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) students presented research at the 73rd Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Association of Naturalists, held April 23–26 in Tyler, Texas. The conference brings together biologists from across the southwestern
SWOSU Rover Dawgs Compete at NASA’s 2026 Human Exploration Rover Challenge
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s (SWOSU) Rover Dawgs recently competed in NASA’s 2026 Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC), held at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The annual competition, sponsored by NASA’s
SWOSU Names North Family Scholars
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s (SWOSU) Rover Dawgs recently competed in NASA’s 2026 Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC), held at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The annual competition, sponsored by NASA’s
SWOSU Names Rebecca Reddin Jones Scholarship Recipient
Weatherford, OK – Mariah Yell of Union City, Oklahoma, has been named the Rebecca Reddin Jones Scholarship at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) for the 2025-2026 academic year. Yell is a sophomore at SWOSU, majoring in Early
Merritt High School Students Participate in Impaired Driving Awareness Program
Merritt, OK – On April 15, Beckham County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers Wendi Holland and Richard Jones partnered with the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office and Oklahoma Highway Patrol to provide Merritt High School students with a
Beckham County Deputies Teach Tornado Safety at Merritt Elementary
Merritt, OK – The Beckham County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers, Wendi Holland and Richard Jones, spent April 20-23 teaching tornado safety and severe weather preparedness to Merritt Elementary kindergarten through second grade students. During the presentations,
Wheeler Teen Dies in Armstrong County Rollover Crash Early Thursday Morning
Armstrong County, TX – A 19-year-old Wheeler, Texas man was killed in a single-vehicle rollover crash early Thursday morning in Armstrong County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The crash occurred at approximately 4:15 a.m.
Deadline to Request Absentee Ballot for June 16th Election Approaches
Cheyenne, OK – Voters in Roger Mills County who want absentee ballots mailed to them for the June 16th Primary Election should apply now, County Election Board Secretary Kelly Tice said today. Absentee ballots are available to
Beckham County SROs Present Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program to Merritt Elementary Students
Merritt, OK – From March 23 through April 1, Beckham County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers Wendi Holland and Richard Jones presented the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program to pre-kindergarten through fourth-grade students at Merritt Elementary School. The
Two Sentenced After Probation Violations in Collingsworth County Court
Wellington, TX — Two defendants were sentenced to prison Wednesday in the 100th Judicial District Court in Collingsworth County after violating the terms of their probation. Winfred Dale Lenz, 22, of Wellington, was sentenced to 18 years
Two-Vehicle Crash Reported in Washita County
Colony, OK – A two-vehicle collision was reported early Monday morning, May 4, in Washita County near Colony. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 7:22 a.m. at the intersection of County Road
Former Mountain Park Mayor Charged with Embezzlement
Mountain Park, OK — A former mayor in southwestern Oklahoma is facing a felony charge following an investigation into the misuse of city funds. According to authorities, 45-year-old Adam Ney, former mayor of Mountain Park, has been
Hinton Woman Charged With Embezzlement in Beckham County
Elk City, OK — A Hinton woman is facing an embezzlement charge after an investigation into missing funds from a local business, according to court documents filed in Beckham County District Court. Angie Sue Ellis, 46, of
SWOSU Senior Lola Bruner Wins First Place at Regional History Conference
Weatherford, OK – Lola Bruner, a senior history major at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), won first place for Best Undergraduate Paper in American History at the Oklahoma Regional Phi Alpha Theta conference on April 25. Her
Oklahoma Passes Law Limiting Climate Lawsuits Against Oil and Gas Industry
Oklahoma City, OK – Oklahoma is set to implement a new law aimed at shielding oil and gas companies from certain climate-related lawsuits, a move supporters say will protect a key state industry while critics warn it
Shamrock, Wheeler County See Voter Turnout in May 2 Election
Wheeler County, TX – Voters across Shamrock and Wheeler County went to the polls May 2, deciding city leadership, school board races, and multiple school propositions. In the City of Shamrock mayoral race, incumbent Kenneth Campbell secured
THE LATEST: Death of Politician Remains Under Investigation
Sayre, OK – Authorities in Beckham County played a key supporting role in the search and discovery of Oklahoma Senate candidate Barry Christian, whose body was later found inside his vehicle in a remote area near Erick.
2026 SWOSU Dobson Golf Classic Raises Over $107,000 for SWOSU Athletics
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) alumni and friends gathered on April 27, 2026, for the annual SWOSU Everett Dobson Golf Classic. Held at the prestigious Oak Tree National Golf Course in Edmond, the sold-out
Elk City Police Conduct Compliance Checks, Seek Public’s Help Locating Registered Offender
Elk City, OK – The Elk City Police Department has completed a recent compliance operation targeting registered sex offenders and violent offenders within the city. According to officials, the department’s Criminal Investigations Division conducted random compliance checks
Warr Acres Man Arrested in Roger Mills County Arson Investigation
Cheyenne, OK – A Warr Acres man has been arrested following an investigation into multiple fires in Roger Mills County earlier this year. According to the Roger Mills County Sheriff’s Office, Nolan Chad Hayden Eagleston has been
Leedey Man Arrested in Roger Mills County on Sex Crime Allegations
Cheyenne, OK – A Leedey man has been arrested in Roger Mills County in connection with allegations involving the sexual assault of a child and violations related to sex offender registration. According to the Roger Mills County
Registrations Open for SWOSU Music Camps 2026
Weatherford, OK – The Department of Music at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) invites middle and high school musicians to register for its 2026 summer music camps. Celebrating their 71st year, the camps offer a variety of
CUDD Facility Expands
Elk City, OK – CUDD Pressure Control in Elk City is making a $9 million investment in the future. The construction project at the 723 S. Merritt Road coiled tubing site is needed to accommodate a squad




