
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 from $1,272,828.26 in September 2023.
Clinton also posted a slight increase of 1.9%, totaling $554,062.47, while Altus saw a minor dip of 0.7% to $1,159,382.98. Woodward experienced a more significant decline, dropping by 5.2% to $1,082,055.82. Sayre and Mangum faced the steepest drops, with Sayre down 15% to $136,044.95 and Mangum plunging 26% to $51,789.39.
Weatherford, usually a strong performer, saw a notable 9.9% decrease, recording $1,066,761.28 in September 2024, compared to $1,185,061.68 the previous year. Cordell’s intake remained almost flat, seeing a slight 0.25% decrease.
On a broader scale, the State of Oklahoma’s total sales tax revenue for September 2024 was $238,460,919.30, a 1.7% decrease from $242,708,616.13 in September 2023. These numbers reflect broader economic trends and varying local factors impacting consumer spending in each community.
While some cities saw growth, others faced declines, highlighting an uneven economic landscape as local governments assess their revenue projections for the upcoming fiscal year.
Dr. Joel Kendall Named Interim President of Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Weatherford, OK — The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) and Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) today announced the appointment of Dr. Joel Kendall as Interim President of Southwestern Oklahoma State University, effective January 12, 2026. Dr.
Oklahoma’s Recognized Political Parties Keep Primaries Closed
Oklahoma City, OK – 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. Since no
Clinton woman arrested following Walmart theft and fraud investigation
Elk City, OK – 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. According to a probable cause affidavit filed in
Stolen Vehicle Quickly Recovered in Erick
Erick, OK – A stolen vehicle reported in Erick was recovered within hours thanks to quick work by the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office. According to Derek Manning, the vehicle and an attached trailer were reported stolen by
Weapons Found During Child Abuse Investigation in Beckham County
Beckham County, OK – 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. Sheriff Manning said detectives were
Investigation Uncovers Fraud Scheme Involving Jail Inmate
Sayre, OK – 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. Manning said the case was uncovered through the
Bobbie Walker Announces Bid for Wheeler County Clerk
Wheeler County, TX – Bobbie Walker has announced her candidacy for Wheeler County Clerk, citing long-standing ties to the county and extensive experience in county government. Walker has lived in Wheeler County for 26 years and will
SWOSU Music Academy Now Open for Spring 2026 Registration
Weatherford, OK – 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. The 10-week term begins February 2 and ends
Five Injured in Two-Vehicle Crash at SH-152 and SH-58 in Caddo County
Caddo County, OK – 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. The crash occurred at approximately
Beckham County Man Faces Multiple Felony Charges After Hospital Assaults
Elk City, OK – 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. Sheriff Manning
Amazon Plans 30,000 Square Foot Delivery Station in Weatherford Industrial Park
Weatherford, OK – 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. The company will build a 30,000 square
Last Call for Christmas in the Park Activities This Saturday Night in Elk City
Elk City, OK – 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. The Christmas light display will
Texas AG Sues Xcel Energy Over Wildfire That Reached Western Oklahoma
Austin, TX – 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
Elk City Celebrates Opening of New Airport Hangar and Terminal
Elk City, OK — 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
Two Injured in Late-Night Single-Vehicle Crash in Rural Custer County
Thomas, OK – A single vehicle injury collision was reported late Monday night in rural Custer County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The crash occurred on December 15, 2025, at approximately 10:06 pm in a wheat
Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents Announces Resignation of SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell
Weatherford, OK – 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. RUSO and SWOSU
Two Contraband Incidents Detected at Beckham County Jail
Sayre, OK – 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. Sheriff Manning said
Wellington Woman Placed on Probation in Childress County Theft Case
Childress County, TX – Three pleas were entered Monday, December 8, in the 100th Judicial District Court in Childress County. Luke Inman, District Attorney for the 100th Judicial District, along with Assistant District Attorney Harley Caudle, prosecuted
PSO Brings Free LED Light Bulbs to Local Food Pantries Across Western Oklahoma
Tulsa, OK – 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
Weatherford Bridge Project Earns Top Statewide Honor from Contractors Group
Oklahoma City, OK – 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
Elk City Man Charged After Investigators Say He Sold Trafficking Amounts of Fentanyl-Laced Pills
Elk City, OK – 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
Washita County Sheriff’s Office Receives Grant for Speed Reduction and High-Visibility Enforcement Campaign
Cordell, OK – 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. Through the “Speeding Slows You Down” initiative,
Oklahoma Approves Construction of Specialized Hangar for Dawn Aerospace Spaceplane at Burns Flat
Burns Flat, OK – 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 Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission approved construction
NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Weatherford Ammonia Leak
Weatherford, OK – 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
Arrest Made After Online Predator Investigation in Elk City
Elk City, OK – 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. Officers were notified about an adult male,




