The Penny News Online

The Regional University System of Oklahoma and SWOSU today announced the appointment of Dr. Joel Kendall as Interim President of Southwestern Oklahoma State University, effective January 12.

State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax announced today that no political party filed a notice to allow Independents to vote in its primaries and runoff primaries during the 2026-2027 election years.

An Elk City Police investigation into reported theft and fraud at Walmart has led to the arrest of a Clinton woman on multiple felony charges.

A stolen vehicle reported in Erick was recovered within hours thanks to quick work by the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office.

Beckham County Sheriff’s Office deputies recovered multiple firearms while serving a search warrant connected to an ongoing child abuse investigation in Beckham County, according to Sheriff Derek Manning.

An investigation by the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office uncovered an attempted fraud scheme involving an inmate inside the Beckham County Jail, according to Sheriff Derek Manning.

Bobbie Walker has announced her candidacy for Wheeler County Clerk, citing long-standing ties to the county and extensive experience in county government.

Enrollment is now open for the Spring 2026 term of the SWOSU Music Academy, a program that connects young musicians with quality instruction and performance opportunities.

A two vehicle collision was reported Friday night at the intersection of State Highway 152 and State Highway 58 in Caddo County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

A Beckham County man is facing multiple charges after an incident at a local hospital escalated into assaults on medical staff and law enforcement, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning.

Plans are moving forward for a new Amazon delivery facility in Weatherford, a development local leaders say will strengthen the area’s economy and create new employment opportunities.

Christmas in the Park is winding down, and this Saturday night, December 20, is your last chance to enjoy all the weekend activities in Elk City’s Ackley Park.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Xcel Energy, alleging the utility’s negligence caused the 2024 Smokehouse Creek Fire, which burned more than one million acres in Texas and spread into western Oklahoma.

City officials, state leaders, and community members gathered at the Elk City Municipal Airport today to celebrate the ribbon cutting of a new aircraft hangar and terminal building, marking a major milestone in the city’s long term aviation and economic development efforts.

A single vehicle injury collision was reported late Monday night in rural Custer County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents today announced that Dr. Diana Lovell has submitted her resignation as President of Southwestern Oklahoma State University, effective December 31, 2025.

Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning says heightened security measures at the Beckham County Jail led to two separate contraband incidents being detected last week, preventing illegal items from entering the facility.

Three pleas were entered Monday, December 8, in the 100th Judicial District Court in Childress County.

Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) is helping families in Western Oklahoma save energy and money through its Shine a Light Project, delivering free LED light bulbs to food pantries in communities including Elk City, Clinton, Weatherford, Hobart, and Cheyenne.

The Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s Monday, Dec. 8 meeting opened with statewide recognition for a major western Oklahoma project, as the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s District 5 received one of the industry’s highest honors for bridge construction.

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 to a probable cause affidavit filed in Beckham County District Court.

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.

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 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 already prompted a civil lawsuit against AirGas and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

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.

SWOSU has announced the upcoming 2025 Fall Commencement Ceremony, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m. in the Pioneer Event Center.

The Friends of the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton were recently awarded a grant from the Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program to help restore and display the iconic Glancy Motor Hotel neon sign.

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.

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.

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.