March 23, 2023
By News Director Jared Atha
The U.S. Drought Monitor has released it’s latest data for Oklahoma and despite some rain over the past several weeks, western Oklahoma still remains very dry.
As of Thursday, the majority of north west and south west part of the state are described as being in an extreme drought. This includes much of Custer County as well.
Beckham, Roger Mills, and Washita County’s conditions are slightly better – but still dry, as the monitor shows those counties as being in severe drought conditions.
Greg Hartman with the Beckham County OSU Extension Office says so far winter wheat in the ground is faring well despite the lack of moisture and over night dips in temperatures. However he says rain is desperately needed.
Elsewhere, the Oklahoma Panhandle is in an exceptional drought – the most extreme according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Drought Conditions Persist in Western Oklahoma
March 23, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha The U.S. Drought Monitor has released it’s latest data for Oklahoma and despite some rain over the past several weeks, western Oklahoma still remains very dry. As of Thursday,
Local High School Student’s Bill Get Unanimous Support in the House
March 23, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, on Wednesday secured unanimous passage of a bill in the House of Representatives that would alert residents in close proximity of a correctional facility in
Crash Victim Charged with Assault in Beckham Co.
March 22, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha A California man received assault charges in Beckham County recently after being involved in an accident on Interstate 40 last month. According to a probable cause affidavit filed by
Mann Honored by President
March 22, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha An Oklahoma woman with western Oklahoma ties was given one of the nation’s highest awards at the White House. Henrietta Mann, who was born in Clinton, was awarded the
Higher Education in Sayre Reaches Milestone
March 22, 2023 By Landry Brewer Students at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Sayre are continuing the tradition of higher education in the Beckham County seat that began 85 years ago. Which was before cell phones and
SWOSU Rover Dawgs to Compete in 2023 NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge
March 22, 2023 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s (SWOSU) Rover Dawgs were selected to participate in NASA’s 2023 Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC), held on April 20-22 at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in
State Attorney Gen. Praises Bills Authored by Local Lawmakers
March 21, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond praised state legislators today for approving a trio of measures aimed at addressing the rise of illegal marijuana grow operations in Oklahoma. The bills
Updating Elk City Projects
March 21, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha Elk City City Manager Tom Ivester gave an update recently of ongoing construction projects taking place in the city. He said that due to weather delays, the Aquatic Center
Clinton Teen Dies in Apparent Gun Accident
March 21, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha A Clinton teen is dead after an apparent accidental discharge of a gun. According to reports, police were dispatched to a home on North 15th Street Saturday morning to
Roger Mills Co. Polling Place Changed for April 4 Election
March 20, 2023 Roger Mills Co. Election Board Press Release The polling place for Precincts 202 and 303 has been temporarily moved due to damage to the Roger Mills County Ag Pavilion caused by the February 26
Western Oklahoma Well Represented at OYE
March 20, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha The 2023 Oklahoma Youth Expo wrapped up last week and once again youth from Western Oklahoma was well represented at this year’s event. With a wrap up of OYE,
NFCC Guard Accused of Inappropriate Relationship with Inmate
March 20, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha A Woodward woman is wanted in Beckham County after being accused of having an inappropriate relationship with an inmate at North Fork Correctional Center while she was correctional security
Rollover Accident Hospitalizes Elk City Man
March 17, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha The cause of a single vehicle accident west of Elk City Friday morning is under investigation. According to the accident report provided by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol the accident
Elk City Leaders Say Half Cent Sales Tax Extension Is a “Need” Not a “Want”
March 17, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha Elk City voters will be heading to the polls on Tuesday April 4 to decide if the existing voter-approved half cent sales tax, which began in 2015 for the
Shamrock’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration This Weekend
March 16, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha Shamrock is continuing their St. Patrick’s Day celebration this year with the three day family-friendly event beginning tomorrow (Friday). The town will have a carnival, followed by a banquet
Clinton Man Accused of Knife Attack
March 16, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha A Clinton man is wanted in Custer County after allegedly attacking another man with a knife. According to a probable cause affidavit, 40-year-old Brandon Cody Harrison is facing a
Students Honored at Distinguished Student Award Ceremony
March 16, 2023 SWOSU Press Release One hundred thirty-seven Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) students were recently honored for their academic achievements and service. The students were honored at a Distinguished Student Award ceremony/reception held on Feb.
Absentee Deadline and Early Voting Info
March 15, 2023 Custer County Election Board Press Release The deadline for requesting an Absentee Ballot for the April 4, 2023, Elections for Special Weatherford Schools, Special Career Technology for Thomas-Fay-Custer Schools, Town of Butler, Town of
Last Week to Request Absentee Ballots for April 4th Election
March 15, 2023 Beckham County Election Board Press Release The deadline to request absentee ballots by mail is approaching. Applications must be received by the County Election Board no later than 5 p.m. Monday, March 20th. Beckham
Treasurer Russ Comments on SVB Collapse – Oklahoma “OK”
March 15, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ (R-Cordell) said the state had no direct investments or holdings in the failed Silicon Valley Bank, the failure that shook the nation’s finance industry.
Sleet to Blame For Two Vehicle Greer Co. Collision
March 15, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha Yesterday’s (Tuesday) rain, snow, and sleet were to blame for a two vehicle accident near Granite in Greer County. According to the accident report provided by the Oklahoma Highway
Knife Attack Lands Sayre Man Behind Bars
March 14, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha A Sayre man was arrested and charged recently with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon – a felony, after allegedly attacking a man with a knife. According to
Double Fatality Accident in Dewey Co.
March 14, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha A semi versus semi accident in Dewey County Monday afternoon proved to be fatal. According to the collision report provided by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the accident happened just
Here’s Your Sign: Woman Accused of Assault Charged in Beckham Co.
March 13, 2023 By News Director Jared Atha A Weatherford woman is wanted in Beckham County after being charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. According to court documents the woman, 47-year-old Sherry Ann Hatfield,
Dr. Amy Barnett Wins Bernhardt Academic Excellence Award
March 13, 2023 SWOSU Press Release Dr. Amy Barnett, a professor in the Department of Education and Director of Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s (SWOSU) psychometry program, is the winner of the 2023 Bernhardt Academic Excellence Award. Barnett
