October 3, 2024
It appears that a vetoed bill, which, if passed, would have enabled more regulation and understanding of how commercial irrigators use Oklahoma’s underground water stores, isn’t completely dead yet.
Senate Bill 1341, authored by Sen. Brent Howard (R-Altus), passed in both the House and Senate last spring but was vetoed by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Now, a new version of the bill could come to a vote during the next legislative session. Currently, interim studies are being conducted, and according to Elk City City Manager Tom Ivester, he was summoned by the Senate Energy and Environment Committee to the Capitol to speak on the matter.
Back in February, Sen. Howard stated that the original bill stemmed from recommendations based on a critical groundwater study conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Geological Survey. He explained that the bill would have applied only to the Upper Red River Basin in Southwest Oklahoma, which includes southern Beckham County. If it had passed, it would have required some irrigators, specifically those drawing from aquifers at risk of depletion, to install meters on their wells.
Skinny on Sports Report – Tue Dec 3rd
Your browser does not support the audio element. Click above to hear today’s Skinny on Sports Report HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS TONIGHT There are a slew of high school basketball games coming at you tonight on the paragon
Game Wardens Investigate Horse Shooting in Roger Mills County
Oklahoma Game Wardens are investigating after a horse was shot and killed on private property adjacent to the Black Kettle National Grassland in Roger Mills County last week. In a social media post, Wardens reported being called
SWOSU Collegiate Farm Bureau Wins Outstanding Collegiate Chapter Award
Dr. Jerry Dunn and students from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) attended the 2024 Oklahoma Farm Bureau (OKFB) Annual Meeting from November 8–10, 2024. The meeting included general sessions and updates on the agriculture industry, as well
Altus Woman Arrested for Thanksgiving Homicide
An arrest has been made in connection with a homicide investigation in Altus. The Altus Police Department reports that 52-year-old Tammy Lockman has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after a deadly incident on Thanksgiving in
Fatality Collision Near Bridgeport
December 2, 2024 A fatal crash occurred on Saturday morning at approximately 10:30 a.m., along Old Route 66 Road, 4/10 mile east of County Road 2590, near Bridgeport in Caddo County.
Skinny on Sports Report – Mon Dec 2nd
Your browser does not support the audio element. Click above to listen to today’s Skinny on Sports Report HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS RANKINGS RELEASED The first high school basketball rankings were released this afternoon for class 2A, A,
Hammon Tournament of Champions Basketball
Don’t miss the excitement of the Hammon Tournament of Champions at TBT on Tuesday, December 26! The tournament promises an action-packed night, with the girls’ game tipping off at 6:30 PM, followed by the boys’ game at
Hammon at Arnett Basketball
Get ready for an exciting night of high school basketball as the Hammon Warriors travel to face the Arnett Wildcats on Wednesday, December 20! The girls’ game tips off at 6:30 PM, followed by the boys’ game
Yukon Man Arrested for Burglary After Being Found in Elk City Vehicle
November 26, 2024 A Yukon man is being held on a $2,500 bond in the Beckham County Detention Center after being charged with third-degree burglary.
Guatemalan Man Arrested in Elk City for Cocaine Possession Following Suspicious Activity Report
November 26, 2024 A Guatemalan man was arrested earlier this month after allegedly being found him in possession of cocaine.
Woman Pleads No Contest to Impersonating Teacher in Racially Charged Facebook Case
November 25, 2024 A woman accused of impersonating a Clinton Public Schools teacher to send racially charged messages has entered a plea.
Elk City Commissioners Give Unanimous Support for City Manager
November 20, 2024 After a nearly two-and-a-half-hour executive session, the Elk City Commission on Wednesday publicly showed unanimous support for City Manager Tom Ivester.
Custer County Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest for Major Drug Trafficking
November 19, 2024 A traffic stop on Interstate 40 Eastbound led to the arrest of a Florida man for trafficking over 200 pounds of marijuana on November 11. The suspect, identified as Samuel Wayne Waters, 76, from
Ransomware Attack Confirmed By Great Plains Regional Medical Center
November 18, 2024 Great Plains Regional Medical Center has confirmed a ransomware attack that compromised the personal information of over 133,000 patients. In a statement, the hospital said it discovered the attack on September 8; however, investigators
Granite Man Hospitalized, Faces Charges After Multi-County High-Speed Pursuit
November 18, 2024 A Granite man was hospitalized and now faces multiple charges after leading authorities on a high-speed pursuit through multiple counties.
Elk City School Employees to Receive Bonuses
November 15, 2024 Good news for employees of the Elk City School District!
Train Derails Near Lone Wolf; No Injuries Reported
November 14, 2024 Crews responded to a train derailment Wednesday near Lone Wolf in southwestern Oklahoma.
Child Neglect Arrest in Elk City Apartment
November 13, 2024 A child neglect case has emerged following an eviction at an Elk City apartment, with disturbing conditions leading to the arrest of two adults.
Weatherford Man Charged with Soliciting Sexual Conduct with a Minor
November 12, 2024 A Weatherford man faces a felony charge of soliciting sexual conduct or communication with a minor via technology.
Scotty McCreery shares video for ‘Fall of Summer’
Scotty McCreery has released the official music video for his single, “Fall of Summer,” directed by McCreery’s frequent collaborator, filmmaker Jeff Ray. The song is written by McCreery, Frank Rogers, and Brent Anderson and produced by Rogers,
Take a listen to Tim McGraw’s song ‘People Like Us’
Tim McGraw has shared his track “People Like Us”, written by Scooter Carusoe and Tom Douglas and produced by Byron Gallimore and McGraw. Tim says of the song: “Music has a way of touching our hearts and
Latest Sales Tax Revenue for Local Cities Shows Mixed Results
November 11, 2024 Sales tax revenue figures for September 2024 reveal varied results across Western Oklahoma cities compared to the same month last year. Elk City led the gains with a 4% increase, amounting to $1,324,434.66, up
Clinton City Council Approves Hospital Sale, Sets Special Election for Voter Approval
November 8, 2024 During a special meeting of the Clinton City Council on Thursday night, a letter of intent from Rural Hospital Solutions (RHS) was approved, allowing RHS to begin managing Clinton Regional Hospital on Monday.
Flood Watch Issued for Western Oklahoma as Heavy Rain Approaches
November 7, 2024 A flood watch is now in effect for several counties in western Oklahoma, including Beckham, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills, and Washita, extending through Friday evening. Heavy rainfall is forecasted
Oklahoma Election Day Results: Trump Dominates, Local Incumbents Retain Seats
November 6, 2024 Tuesday was Election Day across the country, and in Oklahoma, Republican Donald Trump maintained strong support, winning the state decisively with 66% of the vote. Locally, Trump’s backing surged even higher, receiving 75% of
