The Penny News Online

Western Oklahoma is entering the early stages of a major winter storm as Arctic air pours into the state Friday morning.

Early voting for the Merritt Public Schools bond election will begin Thursday, Feb. 5, according to the Beckham County Election Board.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 of 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.

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.

A Clinton man is facing a felony charge after a high-speed police pursuit through Clinton that ended in a crash north of town.

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.

A significant winter storm is expected to impact western Oklahoma Friday night through the weekend, with Beckham, Custer, Washita, and Roger Mills counties likely seeing some of the most impactful conditions.

The deadline to request absentee ballots by mail is approaching.

The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority Board met Wednesday, January 21, 2026, and approved two funding items related to ongoing pavement work at Clinton-Sherman Airport in Burns Flat.

Clinton Public Schools placed all campuses on a soft lockdown late Tuesday morning following an anonymous threat reported at Clinton Middle School.

The SWOSU Department of Allied Health Sciences will host the third annual Anatomage Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

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, Clinton and surrounding areas.

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.

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.

With the 2026 Regular Session set to begin Monday, February 2, members of the Oklahoma House are finalizing bill filings and committee agendas.

SWOSU will host the 38th National Convention of Alpha Mu Gamma, the National Collegiate Languages Honor Society, from March 5–7, 2026.

An Elk City man is facing felony charges following an alleged pursuit and arrest near Sayre.

SWOSU staff members were recognized Thursday, Jan. 8 during the 2026 Staff Day for a combined 435 years of service to the university.

A 15 year old girl is missing from the Clinton area, and authorities are asking for the public’s help.

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.

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 Department of Music at SWOSU will host the 56th Annual SWOSU Jazz Festival on February 19–20, 2026 in Weatherford.

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.

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.

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.