The Penny News Feed

Western Oklahoma Students Attend Inaugural STEAM Dawg HOUSE Academy at SWOSU

SWOSU Press Release — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:26:00 GMT

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) welcomed 38 sixth and seventh grade students from across western Oklahoma to campus for the inaugural SWOSU STEAM Dawg HOUSE Summer Academy on July 16. The one-day academy was held at the SWOSU Wellness Center and gave students a chance to work through STEAM activities with support from SWOSU faculty, students and community partners.

The academy was coordinated by SWOSU faculty and funded through support provided to SWOSU by Devon Energy. Engage Learning led the day’s two main workshops, STEAM City and Sports Lab, in collaboration with Devon Energy interns.

In STEAM City, students used design thinking, coding and engineering concepts to build a town for Ozobots. They worked together to plan, test and adjust their designs while addressing challenges built into the activity. In Sports Lab, students combined physical activity with data collection to study movement, performance and related scientific concepts.

Dr. Sarah Yount and Dr. Lisa Appeddu from the SWOSU College of Pharmacy served as lead coordinators for the academy. Dr. Krista Brooks from the College of Pharmacy, Dr. Shawna Ellis from the Department of Chemistry and Physics, and Dr. Jessica Salmans-Meditz from the Department of Language and Literature also assisted during the camp. SWOSU students Anna Christie, Maggie Larson and Lily Warnock helped guide students through the day’s activities.

The summer academy is part of SWOSU Dawg HOUSE Academy, a program that provides STEAM learning opportunities for P-12 students and educators in rural western Oklahoma. The program connects students with activities in areas such as engineering, aerospace and health-related fields.

For more information about SWOSU Dawg HOUSE Academy, visit https://www.swosu.edu/about/pre-college-programs/stem-dawg-house-academy/index.php.

Governor Kevin Stitt to Visit Cordell for Community Meeting August 14

Paragon Staff — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:08:00 GMT

Cordell, OK – Residents of Washita County and surrounding communities will have an opportunity to meet with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt during a public gathering on Friday, Aug. 14, at the historic Washita Theater in downtown Cordell.

The event will begin at 2:10 p.m. at the Washita Theater, 111 S. Market Street, Cordell. According to organizers, the governor will meet with local legislators, county officials, city leaders, and members of the public to discuss the future of southwest Oklahoma and hear from area residents.

The gathering is intended to provide an opportunity for conversations about issues affecting local communities and to strengthen collaboration between state and local leadership.

Guests attending the event will also be treated to a grazing station provided by Bean & Ladle, with organizers expressing special appreciation to the City of Cordell for its support.

The event is being presented as a collaborative effort between Great Plains Country and Travel Oklahoma, with support from the Cordell Chamber of Commerce.

Community members are encouraged to attend and take advantage of the opportunity to hear directly from Governor Stitt and local elected officials about the future of the region.

Event Details

What: Community meeting with Governor Kevin Stitt
When: Friday, Aug. 14, at 2:10 p.m.
Where: Washita Theater, 111 S. Market Street, Cordell
Who: Open to area residents, local legislators, county and city officials, and community leaders.

CMV Rollover Carrying Hazardous Material Closes OK-47 Near Leedey for Nearly Eight Hours Thursday

Paragon Staff — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:56:00 GMT

Leedey, OK – A commercial motor vehicle rollover carrying hazardous material shut down a portion of Oklahoma Highway 47 near Leedey for nearly eight hours Thursday.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, all lanes of OK-47 were closed in the vicinity of North 2020 Road, approximately two miles south and three miles west of Leedey, following a single vehicle commercial motor vehicle (CMV) rollover.

The highway was closed beginning at 11:00 a.m. and reopened at 6:55 p.m., for a total closure time of 7 hours and 55 minutes.

Roger Mills County Emergency Management said the commercial vehicle was transporting hazardous material. However, officials have not confirmed the type of material involved.

Emergency officials also reported that the driver was ejected from the vehicle during the crash.

The identity of the driver, the extent of the driver's injuries, and the driver's current condition have not been released.

As of publication, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol has not released an official collision report, and the cause of the rollover remains under investigation.

The story will be updated as additional information becomes available.

SWOSU, Mexican Consulate Renew Scholarship Partnership for 2026

Paragon Staff — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Weatherford, OK – A renewed partnership between the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Foundation and the Consulate of Mexico in Oklahoma City will provide $9,000 in scholarship support for students of Mexican origin in 2026. This year’s funding brings the total scholarship support made available through the three-year partnership to $25,000. Nine SWOSU students will benefit from the latest award as they continue working toward their degrees.

The funding comes through the Government of Mexico’s Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IME) Becas program, which helps students of Mexican heritage overcome financial barriers to higher education. The Mexican government provided $4,500 through the Consulate, and the SWOSU Foundation will match that amount. This year’s combined support increased by $1,000 from 2025.

Dr. Tugba Sevin, SWOSU professor of Italian and Spanish and faculty sponsor for the Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO), will launch the application process for the scholarships.

“Partnerships that support SWOSU students personally and help them reach their academic goals are exciting,” said Dr. Ed Klein, dean of the SWOSU College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. “I’ve seen the positive impact this partnership has on recipients and have seen them grow as leaders and strong ambassadors for SWOSU.”

The Consulate held this year’s funding presentation on July 28 in Oklahoma City. Klein represented SWOSU at the ceremony. Consul Edurne Pineda and Vice Consul Claudio Uribe represented the Mexican government and help coordinate the program.

The continued support from the Mexican government and the SWOSU Foundation allows the IME Becas funding to reach more students this year. The partnership helps students remain on track toward graduation while recognizing the cultural backgrounds and experiences they bring to the SWOSU community.

About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves more than 5,000 students and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.

For more information about Southwestern Oklahoma State University, visit www.swosu.edu.

SWOSU Rural Health Center Receives Microgrant to Support Rural Health Access

SWOSU Press Release — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:29:00 GMT

Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Rural Health Center within the College of Pharmacy has received a Community-Led Wellness Microgrant through the Oklahoma Rural Health Transformation Program. The $199,941.98 award will support a mobile resource van and community resource kits that will bring health education, screenings, and essential supplies to Roger Mills and Washita counties.

The project will help expand access to preventive health education, early intervention services, medical equipment, safety supplies, and health-related resources in rural western Oklahoma. The funding will help bring resources closer to residents in communities where access to health services and supplies can be limited.

SWOSU received $99,944.02 for Roger Mills County, which will go toward the purchase of the mobile resource van. SWOSU also received $99,997.96 for Washita County, with part of that funding covering the remaining cost of the van. The rest of the award will support essential medical equipment, safety supplies, and health-related resources for community education, school, hospital, pharmacy, and baby kits.

Supplies are expected to include scales, thermometers, glucose and blood pressure monitoring kits, AEDs, car seats, and safe sleep items. The mobile resource van and kits will be purchased before Oct. 30, according to the grant contract. Community events in surrounding counties are expected to begin in spring 2027.

SWOSU will work with partners in Roger Mills and Washita counties, including Cordell Memorial Hospital through the Community Health Worker program. These partnerships will support community-based outreach and help connect rural residents with prevention-focused resources, screenings, and education.

“At the SWOSU Rural Health Center, we believe meaningful change begins with strong community partnerships,” said Dr. Kalie Kerth, director of the SWOSU Rural Health Center. “This microgrant allows us to expand innovative, prevention-focused resources that meet people where they are and improve access to care throughout rural western Oklahoma. We are excited to work alongside our partners to build healthier communities and create lasting opportunities for generations to come.”

The award comes as SWOSU prepares for the first semester in the new Jerry & Margaret Hodge College of Pharmacy and Rural Health Center. The center will support rural health education, community partnerships, and hands-on learning opportunities for SWOSU students preparing for careers in health care.

For more information about the SWOSU Rural Health Center, visit https://www.swosu.edu/pharmacy/rhc/index.php.

Funding acknowledgment: Rural Health Transformation Program publication is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of a financial assistance award totaling $223,476,948.62 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS.

About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

For more information about Southwestern Oklahoma State University, visit www.swosu.edu.

Burns Flat Police Chief Fired Following Misdemeanor Charges

Paragon Staff — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:17:00 GMT

Burns Flat, OK – Burns Flat Police Chief Keith Smith was terminated Monday evening during a town hall meeting after being charged with two misdemeanor crimes stemming from an off duty traffic stop that allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation with a driver.

Smith faces one count of unlawful detention and one count of assault and battery. The charges were filed July 31 in Washita County.

According to court records, the alleged incident occurred in May while Smith was off duty and not wearing his police uniform. Investigators say Smith was driving a Burns Flat police vehicle when he observed what he believed to be a traffic violation and followed a female driver to her residence.

The driver reportedly called 911 after arriving home and locked her vehicle doors while waiting for assistance.

Court documents allege that after the driver briefly unlocked the vehicle to allow a friend inside, Smith entered the vehicle without legal authority and grabbed the driver's wrist. Investigators say Smith then issued a traffic citation before releasing the driver.

According to court records, Smith had originally intended to issue only a warning before the situation escalated.

The Washita County Sheriff's Office requested that the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation conduct an independent investigation. After completing its investigation, the OSBI submitted its findings to the Washita County District Attorney's Office, which filed the misdemeanor charges.

Following Smith's termination Monday night, Burns Flat police officer Gary Neuwirth was appointed interim police chief.

The criminal case remains pending in Washita County.

Wanted Duo Arrested in California

BKSO Press Release — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Sayre, OK – Following a rapidly unfolding investigation Monday afternoon by the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office, two wanted individuals, Cole Hinkle and Beverly Binion, were taken into custody by Los Angeles Police officers at a bus station in California.

Hinkle and Binion were wanted on warrants for Trafficking in Methamphetamine with bonds of $200,000 each. They have been on the run since mid-July after fleeing from a hideout on the bank of the Northfork of the Red River south of Sayre. Several officers and agencies have been involved in the search for the pair over the last couple of weeks.

Over the weekend, Beckham County Sheriff’s Office deputies developed information that an acquaintance of Binion’s in Elk City had been wired cash to be given to Hinkle. BKSO secured surveillance footage from a local business which identified the individual who picked up the cash. That individual later admitted that he was instructed to drop off the money and some food at another residence in Elk City.

When deputies searched that residence Monday afternoon, they learned that Hinkle and Binion had been hiding there for a couple of days previously, but had then been driven to a bus station in Amarillo Sunday where they boarded a bus for California.

BKSO’s dispatch division then went to work tracking the bus route and its location, notifying the appropriate agencies that appeared to have the best chance to intercept the bus. Those actions eventually led to the arrest of the pair early Monday evening as they stepped off the bus in the Los Angeles area.

Sheriff Derek Manning said he was proud of the exceptional teamwork of his staff that led to the arrests. “This was a long, drawn-out chase of two very motivated fugitives,” Manning said, “and it ended peacefully and with no one being hurt. That has been our goal all along. I appreciate LAPD for their assistance. And, I can’t say enough about the great police work of my undersheriff, Jeff Miller and our dispatch captain, Zachary Allen. Their tenacity and efficiency as they developed this information and brought the search to a successful conclusion today was impressive. These two professionals knew that time was of the essence, and they took care of business. I’m very proud of their efforts.”

Manning said once the extradition process is taken care of, his office will be responsible for bringing the pair back to Oklahoma to face the warrant charges which stem from an Elk City case.

Truck Crash Tangles Cable Barriers, Shuts Down Westbound I-40 Near Elk City

Paragon Staff — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:16:00 GMT

Elk City, OK – A crash involving two semi trucks temporarily shut down the westbound lanes of Interstate 40 early Monday morning near Elk City after the vehicles became tangled in the highway's cable barrier system.

Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning said a truck driver called 911 to report that his truck had become entangled in the cable barriers. When deputies and officers with the Elk City Police Department arrived, they discovered two trucks had become caught in the cables, dragging the barrier across both westbound lanes.

The incident occurred just outside Elk City near the 38 mile marker.

Law enforcement immediately shut down the westbound side of the interstate while crews worked to safely remove the damaged barrier. Manning said the Oklahoma Department of Transportation responded quickly despite the overnight hour.

"I was very impressed with their response time for being in the middle of the night," Manning said. "They got out there within about 25 minutes."

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol also responded to assist with traffic control while ODOT crews cut away and untangled the cable barriers from the trucks.

According to Manning, the interstate remained closed for approximately an hour and a half before traffic was allowed to resume.

Despite the disruption, no secondary crashes were reported during the closure.

"If you've got to shut the interstate down about three in the morning, it's not a bad time to do it," Manning said. "It's never totally stopped out there, but that was a little bit of a mess for a little while."

Authorities credited the coordinated response by the Elk City Police Department, Elk City Fire Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and Oklahoma Department of Transportation for reopening the interstate safely and efficiently.

Absentee Ballot Deadline Approaching for Oklahoma Runoff Primary Election

Paragon Staff — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:04:00 GMT

Oklahoma City, OK – The deadline for requesting an Absentee Ballot for the August 25, 2026, Runoff Primary Election is Monday, August 10, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Registered voters may apply for an absentee ballot online or download an application at www.ok.gov/elections. Applications may also be obtained from your local County Election Board office. Completed applications must be submitted online, by fax, by mail, or in person to your County Election Board by the deadline.

Early voting for the election will be held Thursday, August 20, and Friday, August 21, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, August 22, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at your local County Election Board office. There is no early voting on Monday prior to the election.

On Tuesday, August 25, voters should cast their ballots at their regular polling place. If you have questions about your voter registration or polling location, visit www.ok.gov/elections or contact your local County Election Board.

A valid proof of identity is required for both early voting and voting at your polling place.

For more information about absentee voting, early voting, polling locations, or voter registration, visit www.elections.ok.gov or contact your local County Election Board.

Downtown Elk City Block Party to Kick Off Oklahoma's Tax Free Weekend Friday

Paragon Staff — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:50:00 GMT

Elk City, OK – Downtown Elk City will be the place to be Friday evening as residents and visitors can enjoy live music, food vendors, family activities, shopping, and Oklahoma's annual Tax Free Weekend during the Downtown Elk City Block Party.

The event will take place Friday, August 7, from 5 to 9 p.m. in the heart of downtown Elk City. The celebration coincides with the first day of Oklahoma's 2026 Sales Tax Holiday, giving shoppers an opportunity to save on qualifying clothing and footwear purchases while enjoying an evening of community festivities.

Throughout the evening, downtown businesses will remain open until 7 p.m., allowing shoppers to take advantage of tax free savings before enjoying the entertainment.

Live music begins at 5 p.m. with JMM Driftwood Junction performing until 6:30 p.m. The Bottom of the Barrel will take the stage from 7 to 9 p.m.

Families can enjoy inflatables for children, browse local vendors and food trucks, and meet area first responders during a First Responder Meet and Greet. The evening will also feature the American Legion drawing at 6:30 p.m. and continue Elk City's yearlong celebration of the city's 125th birthday.

Oklahoma Tax Free Weekend

Oklahoma's Tax Free Weekend runs from Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 9. During the three day sales tax holiday, state, county, and municipal sales taxes are waived on qualifying clothing and footwear priced under $100 per item.

Items regularly priced above $100 may also qualify if a sale or coupon reduces the purchase price below the $100 threshold. Eligible online and catalog purchases also qualify as long as payment is accepted by the retailer during the tax free weekend.

Not all purchases are exempt. School supplies such as notebooks, pencils, binders, pens, and scissors remain taxable. Accessories including jewelry, handbags, wallets, luggage, watches, and umbrellas are also excluded. Athletic and protective footwear or clothing, such as cleats and sports uniforms, do not qualify unless they are designed for everyday casual wear.

City officials encourage residents to bring their shopping lists, enjoy the local businesses, and stay downtown for an evening of music, food, and family fun.

The Downtown Elk City Block Party is free to attend and runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, August 7, in downtown Elk City.

Clinton Chamber Honors Community Leaders at Route 66 Centennial Banquet

Paragon Staff — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 08:20:00 GMT

Clinton, OK – The Clinton Chamber of Commerce recognized several outstanding community members during its annual awards presentation Friday, July 31, as part of the Route 66 Centennial Banquet at the Frisco Center.

Receiving the community's highest honor, Mart Tisdal was named Clinton's 2026 Citizen of the Year. Tisdal, a longtime Clinton attorney and steward of the M.T. and Helen Gholton Trust, was recognized for his dedication and lasting contributions to the Clinton community.

The annual awards ceremony highlighted individuals whose leadership, volunteerism, business accomplishments, and service have helped strengthen Clinton and improve the lives of its residents. The event also celebrated the 100th anniversary of the historic Route 66, recognizing both the city's rich heritage and the people continuing to shape its future.

Several other community members were honored during the evening.

Volunteer of the Year awards were presented to Wilma Jackson, Pepper Hernandez, and Adeline Enochs for their commitment to serving the community through volunteer efforts.

Cheri Lou Gastineau received the Ambassador of the Year Award for her dedication to promoting and supporting the Clinton Chamber and local businesses.

Kaci Klein was recognized as the AMBUCS Woman of the Year, while Dara Moser earned the Rotary Businessperson of the Year Award for outstanding leadership in the local business community.

Linda Parker received the Clinton Public School Foundation's Goldie Pettle Award in recognition of her contributions to education and support of Clinton Public Schools.

The Chamber's annual awards banquet remains one of Clinton's signature community events, celebrating the people whose service and leadership continue to make a positive impact across the city while marking the Route 66 Centennial milestone.

Beckham County Sheriff's Office Warns Public About Phone Scam Using Spoofed Sheriff's Office Number

Paragon Staff — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:36:00 GMT

Sayre, OK – The Beckham County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about an ongoing phone scam involving individuals who are impersonating law enforcement officers.

These scammers are spoofing the Beckham County Sheriff's Office phone number, making it appear as though the call is coming directly from our office. The caller claims you have an active warrant, missed jury duty, failed to appear in court, or have another legal matter that requires immediate action. They then demand payment and threaten arrest if the money is not sent immediately.

Do not fall for this scam.

The Beckham County Sheriff's Office will never call you to demand money, request payment to clear a warrant, or ask you to purchase gift cards, send money through payment apps, or transfer cryptocurrency to avoid arrest.

If you receive one of these calls:
Hang up immediately.
Do not provide any personal or financial information.
Do not send money.
If you have any doubts, contact the Beckham County Sheriff's Office directly using our official non-emergency phone number to verify the information.

Unfortunately, phone number spoofing allows scammers to make it appear as though they are calling from a legitimate law enforcement agency. Seeing our phone number on your caller ID does not guarantee the call is actually coming from us.

We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and share this information with family members, friends, and neighbors—especially older adults, who are often targeted by these scams. By spreading awareness, we can help prevent others from becoming victims.

If you believe you have been targeted by this scam or have already sent money, please report it to the Beckham County Sheriff's Office as soon as possible.

Solar Cars Roll Into Elk City as Route 66 Centennial Tour Reaches Western Oklahoma

Paragon Staff — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 15:23:00 GMT

Elk City, OK – The future of transportation rolled down the Mother Road Friday as the Electrek American Solar Challenge made an official Stage Stop at the National Route 66 Museum, bringing student-built solar race cars from around the world to western Oklahoma.

The stop marked the end of Stage 3 of the more than 1,500 mile competition, which began in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and concludes Saturday in Amarillo, Texas. Teams arrived throughout the day before preparing their vehicles for the final sprint to the finish line.

"My name is Gail Lueck and my title is Event Director of the Electric American Solar Challenge," Lueck said. "Today we have a stage point here in Elk City, Oklahoma. This is the end of stage three for their event, and they'll be starting here tomorrow morning for the one-day sprint to Amarillo, Texas."

The event is especially fitting for Elk City, as 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66. The National Route 66 Museum served as an official Route 66 Centennial Project site, giving visitors the chance to see cutting-edge solar technology alongside one of America's most historic highways.

The sleek, low-profile vehicles turned heads as they arrived, looking more like spacecraft than traditional automobiles. But behind each solar car is years of engineering, testing, and teamwork.

"For many of these teams, it's a two-year design-build process to get the car designed, get all the parts procured and made, put the whole car together, and hopefully leave some time for testing before coming out to the event," Lueck explained.

Before ever reaching the open road, each team faced a demanding qualification process at Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota. Vehicles underwent extensive mechanical and electrical inspections, followed by dynamic testing and a three-day endurance event on a 3.1 mile race course.

The competition itself is designed to push both the cars and the students to their limits.

"We had 39 colleges and universities arrive in Brainerd with solar cars," Lueck said. "About 30 made it onto the track, and 19 qualified to leave Minneapolis. We've had teams drop out with intense heat, rainstorms, and technical issues. There are 14 solar cars still on the road."

The remaining competitors represent universities across the United States, Canada, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Lueck said seeing the field shrink during the event is expected.

"This is really the proving ground for what they designed on paper and then built," she said. "This is putting it to the real-world test, covering more than 1,500 miles from Minneapolis to Amarillo."

Unlike many cross-country races, the American Solar Challenge intentionally avoids interstate highways whenever possible. Instead, organizers route competitors along scenic byways and historic roads.

"We've been taking Route 66 through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, now Oklahoma, and tomorrow Texas to finish in Amarillo," Lueck said.

The route changes every two years, allowing different communities to host the event and giving students new challenges each time.

"It provides a new challenge for the teams and moves it around the country so more communities like Elk City get the opportunity to see the solar cars, meet the drivers, and take a peek inside the cars during evening charging," she said.

Residents had the opportunity Friday evening to view the vehicles during charging at the National Route 66 Museum before the teams depart at 9 a.m. Saturday for the final leg to Amarillo.

The Electrek American Solar Challenge is held every two years and showcases the innovation, engineering, and endurance of collegiate teams as they test solar-powered vehicles under real-world conditions across North America.

Burns Flat Police Chief Charged Following OSBI Investigation

Paragon Staff — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:35:00 GMT

Burns Flat, OK – The chief of the Burns Flat Police Department has been charged with two misdemeanor offenses following an investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

Keith Allan Smith was charged Thursday, July 30, in Washita County District Court with one count of unlawful detention and one count of assault and battery. The charges stem from a traffic stop that occurred in May 2026 in Burns Flat.

According to the OSBI, the Washita County Sheriff's Office requested the agency conduct an independent investigation into the incident. After reviewing the OSBI's findings, the Washita County District Attorney's Office determined there was sufficient evidence to file the misdemeanor charges.

OSBI officials said Smith surrendered to authorities Thursday following the filing of the charges.

Authorities have not released additional details regarding what allegedly occurred during the traffic stop. The case remains pending in Washita County District Court.

Under the U.S. legal system, criminal charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Reserved Seating Coming to Elk City Rodeo of Champions for 2026

Paragon Staff — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:33:00 GMT

Elk City, OK – Fans attending this year's Elk City Rodeo of Champions will notice a major change aimed at making the rodeo experience more convenient.

For the first time, reserved seating will be available in the west grandstands during the 2026 Elk City Rodeo of Champions, scheduled for Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4 through Sept. 6. Each reserved grandstand ticket will correspond to a specific numbered seat, allowing fans to arrive without worrying about finding an open spot.

The new reserved seating includes all five west grandstand sections. The center section, Section 103, located at the "50 yard line", will be priced slightly higher than the surrounding sections because of its premium location.

General admission seating will remain available in the bleacher sections and will continue to operate on a first come, first served basis.

Another addition for 2026 is new chairback reserved seating at the top of the south grandstands. The new section features four rows of 38 seats, each equipped with a seat back for added comfort during the performances.

Tickets for the Elk City Rodeo of Champions go on sale Friday, Aug. 1, through ElkCityRodeo.com. Beginning Aug. 31, tickets will also be available at Circle A Western Wear (credit card purchases only) and at the rodeo grounds through Sept. 4.

Advance ticket prices are:

Reserved Grandstand Section 103: $25 (or $30 during the rodeo)
Reserved Grandstand Sections 101, 102, 104 and 105: $20 (or $25 during the rodeo)
South Chairback Reserved Seating: $20 (or $25 during the rodeo)
General Admission Bleachers: $12 (or $14 during the rodeo)
Children's Bleacher Tickets (ages 6 to 12): $10 (or $12 during the rodeo)

The Elk City Rodeo of Champions returns Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4 through Sept. 6, bringing three nights of rodeo action, entertainment, and one of western Oklahoma's longest standing traditions. The addition of reserved seating is expected to make attending the popular event easier and more enjoyable for rodeo fans.

Western Oklahoma Unemployment Rates Tick Up as Statewide Labor Market Softens

Paragon Staff — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 08:13:00 GMT

Oklahoma City, OK – Unemployment rates increased across Oklahoma in June, and western Oklahoma counties were no exception, according to the latest county employment report from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.

The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 4.2 percent in June, up from 4.1 percent in May. More notably, every one of Oklahoma's 77 counties posted a higher unemployment rate than it did one year ago, signaling a broad but gradual cooling of the labor market.

Among the western Oklahoma counties highlighted in the report:

Beckham County: 4.2%
Greer County: 4.4%
Washita County: 3.6%
Roger Mills County: 3.6%

All four counties remained below the state's highest unemployment levels, which were reported in Hughes County (7.1%), Love County (6.9%), and Seminole County (6.5%). Meanwhile, nearby Dewey County posted one of the lowest unemployment rates in Oklahoma at just 2.8 percent.

Despite unemployment increasing statewide compared to June 2025, most counties remained below the 5 percent mark. The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission said the data suggests the labor market has softened over the past year, but not because of widespread job losses.

Employment trends also varied across the state's largest metropolitan areas. The Oklahoma City metro added an estimated 1,100 nonfarm jobs over the past year, led by growth in education, health services, and construction. In contrast, the Tulsa metro lost an estimated 900 jobs as declines in manufacturing and leisure and hospitality offset gains in construction.

The monthly county employment report provides labor force, employment, and unemployment estimates for each of Oklahoma's 77 counties and supplements the commission's statewide employment report.

When Elk City Prepared to Survive the Unthinkable

Landry Brewer — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:26:00 GMT

Elk City, OK – Long before Y2K, a crisis began 65 years ago this summer in Austria that resulted in a German wall and made Elk Citians stockpile food, water, and medicine to live through a nuclear war.

President Kennedy met with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev in Vienna, Austria, in June 1961 to discuss the increasingly tense situation in the German city of Berlin. Since the end of World War II in 1945, Berlin had been divided, with the Soviets controlling the city's east side and an American presence in the west.

The entire country of Germany was divided into eastern and western occupation zones at war's end, and Berlin was in the Soviet-controlled eastern zone, which, by summer 1961, had become the communist country East Germany.

More than 300,000 East Germans a year were fleeing East Germany and communism by crossing from Soviet-controlled East Berlin into free West Berlin. Khrushchev was desperate to stop the mass exodus.

At Vienna, he issued a six-month deadline to Kennedy for the Americans to leave Berlin, or the Soviet Union would sign a treaty with East Germany, ending occupation rights and granting the communist country and Soviet client state complete control of the city.

Khrushchev warned that Americans could either leave or risk nuclear war with the Soviet Union.

During this Berlin Crisis of 1961, Soviet Foreign Minister Andrey Gromyko threatened U.S. Ambassador Llewelyn Thompson, saying, “You know, you’ve got to recognize that if you allow Berlin to become the flash point for a war, we will incinerate New York City in 24 hours.”

Thompson replied that Soviet bombs would, no doubt, inflict damage on some American cities, "but you also know that the entire Soviet Union will become a rubble heap within 24 hours. It’s your choice of time frame; it will take a lot less than that.”

This crisis triggered a nuclear-war scare in the United States, including western Oklahoma.

The continued mass exodus from East Germany also triggered building the Berlin Wall, dividing that city and stopping free passage from its east to its west, on August 13, 1961.

The same month, the Kennedy administration asked Congress for money to stock public spaces around the nation with two-weeks' worth of food and sanitation and medical supplies as fallout shelters for Americans to live in and hopefully wait out the danger posed by atmospheric radiation after nuclear-bomb blasts.

Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara told Congress that, while "perhaps several tens of millions" of Americans could die in a nuclear attack, the administration hoped to save 50 million Americans, about a fourth of the nation's population, in public fallout shelters.

While people within the blast radius of a Soviet nuclear bomb’s explosion would die, the hope was that people beyond it could survive the lingering atmospheric radioactive fallout by living in at-home fallout shelters or public fallout shelters for two weeks until the air outside was safe again.

With the nuclear-weapons-assembly Pantex Plant in Amarillo to the west, nuclear-armed B-52 Bombers housed at Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base in Burns Flat, and 12 Atlas F intercontinental ballistic missile sites near Altus Air Force Base to the south, Elk City was uncomfortably close to presumed Soviet bombing targets.

Federal fallout-shelter signs with three yellow triangles in a black circle were placed on buildings that met the federal government's criteria. This let the public know where to seek shelter while away from home during an attack, and where they could live for two weeks while, hopefully, the atmosphere became livable.

Elk City's public federal fallout shelters included the basements of the First Baptist Church building, the Casa Grande Hotel, Community Hospital, and the building just south of the Post Office that housed both the Elk City Police Department and the Elk City Fire Department.

They were provided with radiation-detection equipment, water barrels to be filled locally, sanitation supplies, and medicines like aspirin, Eugenol, penicillin, and phenobarbital, plus bandages, gauze, and forceps.

Shelters here were also stocked with two weeks' worth of four foods provided by the Office of Civil Defense—survival biscuits, survival crackers, carbohydrate supplements, and bulgur wafers. They were packaged separately in sealed cans with an estimated shelf life of between 5 and 15 years.

They stayed in local fallout shelters much longer.

After the Cold War ended in 1991, the remaining civil-defense supplies from 30 years earlier went into storage at the Elk City Municipal Airport.

In November 2020, the storage was emptied. Some of the remaining Cold War-era civil-defense artifacts were donated to the Oklahoma Historical Society, and some were donated to Elk City's Old Town Museum, where they are on display.

Those artifacts evoke memories of crisis and fear 65 years ago when two superpowers threatened each other with possibly civilization-ending nuclear weapons and drove Americans, including Elk Citians, to stockpile supplies and prepare to survive what may have been unsurvivable.

Landry Brewer is Bernhardt Assistant Professor for Southwestern Oklahoma State University and teaches History and Political Science classes at SWOSU’s Sayre location. Brewer is also the author of “Cold War Oklahoma,” “Cold War Kansas,” and “Cold War Texas.”

Enrollment Open for Fall 2026 SWOSU Music Academy

SWOSU Press Release — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:56:00 GMT

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has opened enrollment for the Fall 2026 term of the SWOSU Music Academy. The academy offers music instruction for children, teens, and adults through group classes and ensembles, private lessons, and specialized instruction. Enrollment is open through Aug. 24, and the fall term runs from Sept. 14 through Nov. 22.

The Music Academy includes opportunities for a variety of ages and levels of experience. Young children can begin exploring music through Preschool Pups and Rhythm Rovers, while older students can participate in string ensembles, aural skills training, private lessons, and college audition preparation. The academy also offers adaptive music lessons designed for neurodivergent students.

Preschool Pups is open to children ages 3 to 4 and introduces music through singing, play, and age-appropriate activities. Rhythm Rovers serves students in kindergarten through first grade and focuses on singing, movement, music reading, and playing activities.

Students in grades 3 through 7 can enroll in Festival Youth Strings, a 10-week beginning string ensemble that does not require an audition. Festival Youth Orchestra is available for intermediate string students in grades 5 through 9 and requires an audition. Students in grades 7 through 12 may also enroll in Aural Skills, a 10-week course taught by Dr. Daniel Farris that develops singing and listening skills.

Private instrumental and voice lessons are available for all ages through SWOSU junior faculty members. Families may choose from several lesson packages with flexible scheduling and 30- or 60-minute options. Adaptive lessons are supervised by licensed and board-certified music therapists. High school juniors and seniors may also enroll in College Audition Prep with SWOSU music faculty as they prepare for college auditions.

The fall term concludes with a student recital at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, in Berrong Recital Hall. The recital gives students an opportunity to perform for family, friends, and the community after completing the 10-week term.

Enrollment closes Aug. 24. For more information about the SWOSU Music Academy, visit https://www.swosucamps.com/music-academy.html.

Oklahoma Among Five States Selected to Pursue Nuclear Innovation Campus

Paragon Staff — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:38:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – Oklahoma is one of five states selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to continue exploring the development of a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, a project state leaders say could bring billions in investment, thousands of high-paying jobs, and position Oklahoma at the forefront of America's next generation of energy production.

The Department of Energy recently announced Oklahoma, Utah, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Idaho as potential host states after reviewing 28 applications from 26 states. The proposed campuses are designed to strengthen the nation's nuclear fuel supply chain while supporting activities such as fuel fabrication, uranium enrichment, advanced manufacturing, nuclear reactor deployment, and power generation.

The selection does not guarantee Oklahoma will receive a campus, but it advances the state into the next phase of discussions with the Department of Energy.

State Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, said the opportunity aligns with Oklahoma's long history of solving America's energy challenges.

"I'm excited," Archer said. "The state of Oklahoma has built its economy solving problems and this opportunity is no different. If we are ultimately selected, national labs generate billions of dollars into their parent state's economy. That means new workforce pipelines for engineers, scientists, skilled lab technicians, those types of things. Positions Oklahoma doesn't currently have to offer my kids and our grandkids."

Archer said the project represents more than economic development. He believes it would help keep future generations of Oklahomans in the state by creating career opportunities in science, engineering, and advanced technology.

"And so I'm excited," Archer continued. "Oklahoma has a chance not just to lead in oil and gas production, but to also lead America's next generation of energy innovation."

Gov. Kevin Stitt also welcomed the announcement, calling it "a new frontier" for Oklahoma's energy industry. He said the state has long been a leader in oil and natural gas production and now has the opportunity to add nuclear energy to its growing portfolio.

According to the Department of Energy, a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus could attract up to $50 billion in capital investment, generate as much as $10 billion in state and local tax revenue, and create nearly 25,000 jobs once fully established.

The proposed campuses would support the entire nuclear fuel lifecycle, including fuel fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing of used nuclear fuel, final fuel disposition, advanced manufacturing, and potentially advanced reactor deployment and data centers.

The five selected states will continue working with the Department of Energy to evaluate potential sites and negotiate future hosting agreements before any final locations are chosen.

ASAP Energy Inc. is Underwriting Sponsor for 2026 SWOSU Athletic Auction & Benefit Dinner

SWOSU Press Release — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:49:00 GMT

Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Athletic Association is pleased to announce that longtime SWOSU benefactor ASAP Energy, Inc. is serving as Underwriting Sponsor of the 20th Annual SWOSU Athletic Auction & Benefit Dinner.

ASAP Energy, Inc. is owned and operated by Rick and Sheila Koch. Additionally, the Kochs own subsidiaries including ASAP General Stores, Rick's Boots & Outfitters, Lucille’s Roadhouse Restaurants, and Lucille’s Hotel.

Rick Koch’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1979 when he opened his first gasoline station, laying the foundation for ASAP Energy, Inc. Since then, the Koch Family and their related enterprises have been steadfast supporters of SWOSU by contributing to the growth and success of many academic and athletic programs and by volunteering in a wide variety of capacities.

“Partners like ASAP Energy are essential to the continued success of SWOSU Athletics,” said SWOSU Athletic Director Todd Helton. “This generous sponsorship will strengthen and expand the scholarships available for our student-athletes.”

Proceeds from the auction benefit SWOSU’s athletic scholarships and recruitment efforts. Silent auction bidding opens on July 27 at www.SWOSUAthleticAuction.com and runs through August 7. The main event on August 8 at the Pioneer Event Center will kick off with a cocktail hour and silent auction at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner served at 6:30 p.m. The live auction will follow, featuring a wide variety of exclusive items and experiences.

Tickets and tables for the SWOSU Athletic Live Auction & Benefit Dinner are available at www.SWOSUAthleticAuction.com. Single tickets are $100, and reserved tables for 8 are $1,000. For more information, visit the website or contact SWOSU Assistant Director of Athletic Advancement, Aaron Jeffreys, at Aaron.Jeffreys@swosu.edu, 580-774-3122.

SWOSU Extends Application Deadline for New English Education M.Ed. Program

SWOSU Press Release — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:46:00 GMT

Weatherford, OK – Prospective students interested in the new Master of Education in English Education program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) now have additional time to apply. The application deadline has been extended to Aug. 1, providing future students another opportunity to join the program's first cohort this fall.

Offered through the Department of Language and Literature, the fully online graduate program was created for educators and other professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge of literature, writing, and teaching while continuing to build their careers. Courses are offered in eight-week sessions, which allow students to complete the degree in as little as 18 months while balancing work and other responsibilities.

The degree was developed to meet the needs of working adults and educators seeking a flexible graduate option while also creating new opportunities for students interested in English education and related fields.

Students may choose between two pathways based on their professional goals. The Foundational English Education track provides graduate-level study in English education, writing instruction, literature, and pedagogy. The Advanced Practice English Education track is designed for experienced educators who want to refine their teaching practices and prepare for advanced teaching opportunities.

The program also supports students pursuing teacher certification and includes a certificate pathway for teaching college-level writing. Graduates can use the degree to advance their current teaching careers or prepare for opportunities in college instruction, instructional coaching, curriculum development, educational consulting, academic leadership, and related fields.

Applications for the fall 2026 cohort will be accepted through Aug. 1.

Questions about the program may be directed to Dr. Anika Rohla, coordinator of the English Education M.Ed. program, at anika.rohla@swosu.edu.

For more information or to apply, visit https://www.swosu.edu/academics/degrees/english-med.php.

Oklahoma Voter Registration Deadline Set for July 31

Paragon Staff — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:40:00 GMT

Oklahoma City, OK – Oklahoma residents who plan to vote in the August 25 Run-Off Primary Election must register to vote or submit a voter registration application by Friday, July 31.

To be eligible, applications must be received by the appropriate county election board or postmarked by the July 31 deadline. Applications submitted after that date will not be processed until after the August 25 election.

Eligible applicants must be United States citizens, Oklahoma residents, and at least 17 1/2 years old to register. However, voters must be at least 18 years old to cast a ballot.

Residents who have moved to a different Oklahoma county or moved to Oklahoma from another state must complete a new voter registration application. Those who have moved within the same county can update their address through the Oklahoma Voter Portal or by submitting a voter registration application.

Voter registration applications are available through county election boards, most tag agencies, public libraries, post offices, and other official voter registration agencies. Once an application is approved, voters will receive a Voter Identification Card by mail.

For more information, contact your local county election board or visit the Oklahoma State Election Board website.

Pilot Car Driver Injured in Roger Mills County Rear End Collision

Paragon Staff — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:38:00 GMT

Roger Mills County, OK – A Woodward man was injured in a two vehicle collision Thursday morning, July 23, in Roger Mills County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

The collision occurred at approximately 10:22 a.m. at the intersection of North 1790 Road and 1010 Road.

Troopers reported that a commercial motor vehicle driven by 38 year old Edgar A. Ortega Montes of Woodward was traveling north on North 1790 Road and stopped to make a right turn at the T intersection. A second vehicle, driven by 34 year old John Thomas Richard Ray of Woodward, was serving as the pilot car for the commercial vehicle when it struck the rear of the truck.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Ray was following too closely and driving inattentively at the time of the collision.

Ray was injured in the crash. Ortega Montes was not injured. No passengers were involved in either vehicle.

The report noted that all occupants of the commercial vehicle were wearing seat belts. Ray was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.

The collision was investigated by Troop H of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Beckham County Sheriff's Office Conducts Taser Training for Field Personnel

Paragon Staff — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:28:00 GMT

Sayre, OK – The Beckham County Sheriff's Office recently completed Taser certification and refresher training for nearly all of its field personnel, reinforcing the department's commitment to using force responsibly, legally, and only when necessary.

Sheriff Derek Manning said the training was made possible through the support of Bowtech in Sayre, which provided space for the session.

"I want to thank John Currid and the folks at (Western Technology Center) in Sayre for giving us the space and helping set this training up," Manning said.

The training covered more than simply operating a Taser. Deputies received instruction on state law, department policy, ethical considerations, and the proper decision making required before deploying a less lethal device.

"We try to stay trained up on all of our tools so that when we do need to use them, everybody knows how, when, and the legal and ethical ways to use those devices," Manning said. "We want to make sure we use only the force that is necessary and the force that gets the job done without going overboard."

Manning said Tasers remain an important option for deputies in the field, although they are not used as frequently as they once were.

"I don't see as much use of it as we used to," he said. "I'm not sure if that's because we've got other options available now or if the circumstances just haven't come up."

The sheriff noted that detention officers also carry Tasers inside the county jail but often rely on OC spray when additional force becomes necessary.

One of the advancements highlighted during the training was the department's newer training equipment, including a protective suit that allows officers to participate in realistic scenario based exercises using Velcro training cartridges that simulate an actual Taser deployment.

The department also utilizes Axon Taser systems that automatically activate an officer's body worn camera when the device is deployed.

"They're designed to set off the cameras," Manning explained. "That way you've got a recording without the officer having to stop and think about turning the body camera on."

While Manning oversees the department, he joked that he does not personally carry a Taser.

"I don't carry one. I never have," he said with a laugh. "If somebody needs tased, I just grab the nearest deputy."

Instead, Manning said he still carries the baton he used during his years with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

The sheriff emphasized that continuous training ensures deputies are prepared to respond professionally while protecting both officers and the public.

"It was good training for these guys," Manning said. "They all enjoyed having it."

Beckham County Sheriff Explains Four Unattended Death Investigations in One Week

Paragon Staff — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:11:00 GMT

Beckham County, OK – The Beckham County Sheriff's Office investigated four unattended deaths over the course of one week, an unusually high number for a county the size of Beckham County, according to Sheriff Derek Manning.

Manning said while the number of cases was uncommon, investigators have found no evidence at this time to suggest any of the deaths were suspicious.

"It was a large number for a county our size in a week's time," Manning said.

An unattended death occurs when someone dies without medical personnel present or actively providing care. Because there is no attending physician to immediately determine the cause of death, law enforcement is required to conduct an investigation.

Manning said unattended deaths can involve a wide variety of circumstances, including natural causes, suicides, accidents, or criminal activity. Investigators must examine each scene to determine whether the death occurred naturally or if another factor contributed.

"We have to show up, perform some type of investigation to try to determine if this death was something that was going to happen anyway or if it was somehow caused either by that person or by another person," Manning said.

As part of the process, deputies examine the scene, gather available evidence, speak with family members when possible, and notify both the district attorney's office and the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

In many cases, Manning said, investigators find the deceased had significant preexisting health problems, making a natural death the most likely conclusion. After reviewing the information, the medical examiner may authorize the body to be released to a funeral home without visiting the scene.

However, one of last week's cases prompted the medical examiner to travel to Beckham County for a closer examination.

"The medical examiner said, 'I've got a couple of questions based on what you've told me, so we're going to come down and take a look at that with you,'" Manning said.

Investigators left the scene undisturbed until the medical examiner arrived to assist in determining whether the death resulted from natural causes or another factor. Manning said an autopsy is expected to be performed in that case to rule out any other possibilities.

The recent stretch of hot weather has also raised questions about whether extreme temperatures contributed to any of the deaths.

Manning said investigators have not found evidence linking the heat to the cases so far.

"Not that we know right away," he said.

One of the deaths occurred outdoors and involved a woman in her 80s who had a history of medical problems. Manning said investigators are still reviewing the circumstances because the location of the death requires additional examination, but nothing has raised concerns of foul play.

The remaining deaths appeared to be the result of natural causes, according to Manning.

Although four unattended deaths in one week is unusual for Beckham County, Manning emphasized that every unattended death receives a thorough investigation before authorities determine the cause and manner of death. At this time, investigators have found no indications that any of the four cases involved criminal activity or suspicious circumstances.