Sept. 13, 2024
A late-night crash on Thursday claimed the life of a Granite man following a collision between a semi-truck and a car just south of Elk City.
The accident occurred at approximately 11:01 p.m. at the intersection of OK-6 and OK-152, about seven miles south of Elk City in Beckham County.
Authorities report that a 2016 Volvo semi-truck, driven by 53-year-old Jesus Herrera of Hialeah, Florida, was traveling westbound on OK-152 when it failed to stop at a stop sign. The truck collided with a 2000 Ford Crown Victoria, driven by 54-year-old Christopher L. Rains of Granite, who was heading southbound on OK-6. The semi struck the car on the driver’s side, resulting in a fatal impact.
Emergency responders from the Elk City Fire Department arrived shortly after the collision but were unable to save Rains, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Herrera, the truck driver, was not injured in the crash.
Authorities on the scene reported detecting the odor of alcohol on Herrera. The investigation points to a combination of alcohol and failure to stop at the intersection as key factors in the deadly accident. DUI charges are pending, and the condition of Rains at the time of the crash remains under investigation.
Herrera was taken into custody and booked into the Beckham County Detention Center. He faces charges of second-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol, and transporting an open container of beer.
Elk City Woman Arrested in Oregon After Fleeing with Child in Custody Dispute
Sept. 18, 2024 More details released regarding the arrest of an Elk City woman who allegedly absconded with her child despite not having legal custody.
Early Morning Fire At Elk City Motorsports Business, Equipment Failure Suspected
Sept. 18, 2024 A fire broke out early Wednesday morning at a motorsports business in Elk City, located in the 700 block of South Main. The blaze started just after 6 a.m. and is believed to have
Lightning Sparks Grass Fire in Black Kettle National Grassland
Sept. 16, 2024 A grass fire ignited by a lightning strike burned roughly 200 acres Saturday night in the Black Kettle National Grassland, located 3 miles east of Reydon in Roger Mills County. Fortunately, no structures were
Fatal Crash Near Elk City Claims Life of Granite Man
Sept. 13, 2024 A late-night crash on Thursday claimed the life of a Granite man following a collision between a semi-truck and a car just south of Elk City. The accident occurred at approximately 11:01 p.m. at
Two Arrested Following Death of Two-Year-Old Child
Sept. 12, 2024 Two Cordell residents were arrested after felony murder warrants were issued on September 11. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) announced the arrests following an investigation into the death of a two-year-old child
Great Plains Regional Medical Center Victim of Ransomware Attack
Sept. 12, 2024 It has been reported that Great Plains Regional Medical Center in Elk City is the victim of a ransomware attack, which has locked the hospital’s computer system and is demanding payment for its release.
High-Speed Chase in Oklahoma Uncovers Human Trafficking Scheme, Suspects Arrested
Sept. 11, 2024 More details have been revealed about the high-speed chase in western Oklahoma back in August, which uncovered a possible human trafficking case.
Child Safely Recovered in Oregon After Parent Violates Custody Agreement, Thanks to Multi-State Law Enforcement Efforts
Sept. 10, 2024 In a complex case that spanned across the country, the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office were called upon by the Department of Human Services (DHS) to assist in locating a parent who had absconded with
Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash Claims Life of Oklahoma City Man in Wheeler County
Sept. 9, 2024 A tragic single-vehicle crash claimed the life of 76-year-old Willie Curry of Oklahoma City on Friday afternoon. The crash occurred at approximately 3:41 p.m. on State Spur 556/Business I-40, roughly 1.6 miles west of
Troy Lee Named 2024 Clinton Citizen of the Year at Annual Chamber Banquet
Sept. 9, 2024 The Clinton Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual banquet last week, celebrating the contributions of community members across various sectors. The highlight of the evening was the recognition of Troy Lee as the 2024
Mercy Clinic Oklahoma Provides Major Sponsorship to SWOSU
Sept. 6, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced a major sponsorship from Mercy Clinic Oklahoma Communities, the university’s Official Sports Medicine Provider.
Medal of Honor Recipient and Merritt Graduate to Be Inducted into Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame
Sept. 5, 2024 Army Master Sergeant Earl D. Plumlee, a 2021 Medal of Honor recipient and Merritt graduate, will be inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame on October 26 at the Embassy Suites, located at
Weatherford Police Arrest Suspect in String of Burglaries
Sept. 4, 2024 A homeless man was arrested on charges of first-degree burglary following an investigation into a series of break-ins at a local trailer park in Weatherford. The incidents, which began on August 7th, led officers
UPDATE: Feed Provider Issues Statement
Sept. 3, 2024 The Beutler and Son Rodeo Co., a respected provider of rodeo livestock for over 90 years, recently faced a heartbreaking tragedy, losing nearly 70 bucking horses in the last two weeks. The cause has
Great Plains Regional Medical Center Welcomes Dr. Grant Detten to Orthopedic Clinic
Sept. 3, 2024 GPRMC Press Release Great Plains Regional Medical Center (GPRMC) is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Grant Detten, an accomplished Orthopedic Surgeon, to the Great Plains Orthopedics. Dr. Detten joins the team led
Erick Couple Arrested After Alleged Drug Use in Vehicle with Infant; Child Tests Positive for Methamphetamine
August 28, 2024 An Erick couple has been arrested and booked into the Beckham County Detention Center on $5,000 bonds each after authorities say they consumed controlled dangerous substances while in a vehicle with an infant present.
Investigation Underway After Dozens of Horses Die at Oklahoma Rodeo Stock Business; Faulty Feed Suspected
August 28, 2024 More information has been released regarding the investigation into the deaths of dozens of horses at a western Oklahoma rodeo stock contracting business.
Clinton Man Dies in Semi-Truck Collision Near Gruver, Texas
August 28, 2024 A tragic accident occurred on State Highway 136, four miles south of Gruver, Texas, resulting in the deaths of two truck drivers on Tuesday afternoon. One of the victims was from Clinton.
Reydon Man Accused of Stabbing
August 27, 2024 On August 24, the Roger Mills County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to investigate a stabbing incident. Around 3:00 a.m., deputies responded to reports of an injured
Burns Flat Woman Accused of Stolen Identity
August 23, 2024 In a case of mistaken identity, a woman tried to claim a jackpot that wasn’t hers, leading to her arrest. According to court records, 41-year-old Bonnie Renee Bookout from Burns Flat faces serious charges
Ridin’ For The Brand
August 26, 2024 Press Release Elk City, Okla. – August 26, 2024 – The Elk City Rodeo Association is proud to announce a new main sponsor.
Fatal Collision on OK-152 South of Elk City Claims Life
August 23, 2024 A tragic collision occurred last night on Oklahoma Highway 152, about 8.7 miles south of Elk City, resulting in one fatality. The accident, which happened around 8:57 PM, involved two vehicles and remains under
Fatal Crash on I-40 in Wheeler County
August 22, 2024 A fatal crash occurred on I-40 in Wheeler County early Thursday morning, resulting in one death. The incident took place around 8:44 a.m., approximately 2.7 miles east of Shamrock.
June Sales Tax Collections Show Promise
August 21, 2024 The latest sales tax numbers are in, and once again, two out of three of western Oklahoma’s larger communities collected over $1 million. The latest numbers reflect sales tax intake for the month of
Clinton Man Accused of Assaulting Officers
August 20, 2024 On Friday, August 9, a disturbance involving a Clinton man at a convenience store escalated into a violent altercation at another location in Clinton. The incident resulted in the arrest of the suspect and
