March 18, 2022
SWOSU Press Release
Through a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture, the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) College of Pharmacy Rural Health Center (RHC) in Weatherford has been awarded a $1 million grant to buy equipment to implement telemedicine in LeFlore County and western Oklahoma counties over the next three years.
The award was made March 11 at a luncheon on the SWOSU campus with U.S. Representative Frank Lucas on hand to make the presentation.
Dr. Randy Curry, director of the RHC, said in the first year of the grant, SWOSU is collaborating with Eastern Oklahoma Memorial Center (EOMC) in Poteau (LeFlore County) by putting telemedicine equipment in six rural public-school locations in LeFlore County. The use of telemedicine equipment to provide medical services to schoolchildren and faculty in rural communities will be instrumental in improving healthcare concerns in the rural setting.
The total population of the towns that are being served is over 15,000 people with 2,500 students. They include Bokoshe, Cameron, Hodgen, Monroe, Panama and Whitesboro.
“Bridging the digital divide isn’t just convenient for our communities—it’s necessary if we’re going to ensure our rural neighbors have the same access to health care, learning opportunities, and economic growth as our suburban neighbors. As Congress and federal agencies like USDA continue to invest in rural America, it’s programs like USDA’s Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program that are critically important to expanding medical and educational access across our communities,” said U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas. “I’m proud to join Southwestern Oklahoma State University in announcing a $1 million grant that will help students in our state’s schools tap into the enormous potential of modern telemedicine tools and expand upon the endless teaching opportunities for those going into healthcare. I applaud the leadership of Dr. Diana Lovell and Dr. Randy Curry at SWOSU and the SWOSU Center for Rural Health, and I look forward to continuing to support and advocate for the bridging of America’s digital divide.”
SWOSU will also have telemedicine equipment on the Weatherford campus in the School of Nursing, College of Pharmacy and the Health & Wellness Department to provide student training and opportunities. Through the purchase of telemedicine equipment, SWOSU will expand its resources to serve more students and communities, helping to reduce the shortage of healthcare providers in rural areas and provide the university’s Diabetes Prevention Program to the state of Oklahoma. This equipment will allow the Health & Wellness Department to provide telehealth visits with medical providers and opportunities for training with SWOSU students.
In the second and third years of the grant, SWOSU’s goal is to serve 18 rural schools in western Oklahoma counties. The total population of the towns that are being served is over 50,000 people with over 12,000 students. The towns include: Arapaho, Arnett, Burns Flat, Cheyenne, Clinton, Cordell, Elk City, Erick, Fargo, Hydro, Reydon, Sayre, Shattuck, Sweetwater, Taloga, Thomas, Vici and Weatherford.
“SWOSU looks forward to bringing telemedicine/telehealth resources to Oklahoma’s rural communities,” said SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell. “The university is so appreciative of this amazing grant that will assist our SWOSU College of Pharmacy Rural Health Center.”
Copyright 2022 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Public input sought for upgrades at North Fork Environmental Education Center
Sayre, OK – The North Fork of Red River Conservation District is preparing a grant application to improve the North Fork Environmental Education Center and is asking the community to weigh in. Residents can complete a short
Affidavit: Oklahoma City woman charged in Clinton truck case
Clinton, OK — Ashley Dawn Beal, 40, has been charged in Custer County District Court after a white 2012 Ford pickup reported stolen in Clinton was stopped by police early Oct. 19, according to a probable cause
Weatherford woman charged after short pursuit, police say
Weatherford, OK – A Weatherford woman is facing a felony after a short police pursuit on Saturday, Oct. 18, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Custer County District Court. Prosecutors charged Janel Frances Harper, 33,
Deputies seize 68 guns, arrest Elk City man after video shows shots fired near pickup, affidavit says
October 27, 2025 Elk City, OK – An Elk City man faces four charges after deputies reviewed home-security video that allegedly showed him chambering a handgun and firing twice near a pickup as it left his driveway,
Sheriff: Attempted break-in reported at former grow site south of Sayre
Sayre, OK — Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning says deputies are investigating an attempted break-in at a former marijuana grow site south of Sayre, where a resident still lives on the property. Manning said the call came
SBA sets Nov. 25 deadline for drought aid in Beckham County, Wheeler and Collingsworth
Elk City, OK — The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses and private nonprofits in Beckham County in Oklahoma and Wheeler and Collingsworth counties in Texas to apply by Nov. 25 for low interest Economic
Detective’s persistence leads to recovery of stolen property in Elk City
Elk City, OK — A Beckham County Sheriff’s Office detective recovered stolen property tied to an older theft and burglary from the Sayre area, after tracking leads to a home in Elk City. Sheriff Derek Manning credited
Elk City man loses control on wet I-40
Elk City, OK – 27-year-old Elk City man was injured Saturday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 40 eastbound at mile marker 38 in Beckham County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Troopers said Brandin R.
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
Cloud Chief firefighter retires after 20 years in service
Cloud Chief, OK — Landon Jones has retired from the Cloud Chief Fire Department after 14 years with the department and 20 years in the fire service overall. Jones joined Cloud Chief in 2011. Before that he
More Highway Sweeps Coming to Beckham County
Beckham County, OK – The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety says the I-40 port of entry sweep in Beckham County was only the start. More operations are planned, more often, and they will center on western Oklahoma.
Today in Ag Wheeler General Store Golf Tournament – 2025 Photo Gallery
Tournament Recap The inaugural Today in Ag Wheeler General Store Golf Tournament brought together local farmers, ranchers, and ag supporters for a great day at Sayre National Golf Club. Proceeds benefited the 4-H clubs of Washita, Beckham,
Rep. Nick Archer Leads Legislative Study on Oil and Gas Regulation Challenges
Oklahoma City, OK – Rep. Nick Archer of Elk City led an in-depth study before the Oklahoma House Energy Committee this week, focusing on how the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) regulates the state’s vital oil and gas
8th Annual “Draggin’ Main” Set for October 18 in Cheyenne
Cheyenne, OK – The streets of Cheyenne will come alive once again for the 8th Annual Draggin’ Main celebration on Saturday, October 18. The full day of fun features classic cars, local contests, music, and community spirit.
OSBI Assisting in Search of Missing SWOSU Student
Weatherford, OK – The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is now assisting Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Police in the search for a missing student. Eighteen-year-old Logan Nathaniel Musil, a current student at SWOSU, was reported
Two Clinton Women Arrested After Late-Night Shooting Incident
Clinton, OK — Two women were arrested following a late-night disturbance that led to gunfire on Hunt Avenue in Clinton on September 26, according to court records and police affidavits filed in Custer County District Court. Police
Traffic Stop Leads to Marijuana Trafficking Arrest on I-40
Beckham County, OK – A routine traffic stop on Interstate 40 led to the arrest of two Arkansas men after an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper discovered seven pounds of marijuana and THC products in their vehicle. According
Wanted Indiana Man taken into custody in northwest Roger Mills County
Roger Mills County, OK – Roger Mills County Sheriff Darren Atha confirmed on Facebook that Thomas McCoy was taken into custody in northwest Roger Mills County early Monday afternoon. McCoy was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant
Elk City Police Searching for Indiana Suspect Believed to Be in Area
Elk City, OK – The Elk City Police Department is actively searching for Thomas McCoy, a suspect wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant from the State of Indiana for child molestation. Authorities believe McCoy is currently in
Missing Weatherford Student: SWOSU Police Seek Public’s Help
Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University Campus Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating Logan Musil, an 18-year-old SWOSU student who has been missing since September 12, 2025. Musil was last seen
Clayton Hays Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder in 2024 Shooting
Elk City, OK – A Beckham County jury has found Clayton Samson Hays guilty of first-degree murder in the January 2024 shooting death of Colter Jake Vaught. The verdict was delivered Friday, October 3, 2025, after a
Thousands Attend Elk City Festival
Elk City, OK – Elk City’s 52nd Fall Festival ushered in the season. The annual event, held the 3rd weekend in September at the Elk City Convention Center and sponsored by the Elk City Chamber of Commerce,
Gift Made to Murdock Family Scholarship Fund at SWOSU
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the latest generous gift to the Murdock Family Scholarship Fund. This latest in a long series of thoughtful philanthropic investments was made possible by the estate of
Public Invited to Transportation Planning Meeting in Burns Flat
Burns Flat, OK – Residents across southwest Oklahoma are encouraged to take part in shaping the region’s future transportation system. The Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SORTPO) will host a public meeting in Burns Flat to
Lucille’s and Qdoba Provide SWOSU Homecoming Sponsorships
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Foundation, Inc. is proud to announce that Lucille’s Restaurant, Bar, & Hotel will serve as the official Welcome Back Party Sponsor, and Qdoba is the official Homecoming Brunch &
Saltwater leak suspected in cattle deaths along Five Mile Creek; tests show reservoir water safe
Eakly, OK — State regulators say a saltwater purge into Five Mile Creek is the likely cause of 25 cattle deaths reported earlier this month in Caddo County. Investigators with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission traced highly saline
