text stringlengths 237 126k | date_download stringdate 2022-01-01 00:32:20 2023-01-01 00:02:37 ⌀ | source_domain stringclasses 60 values | title stringlengths 4 31.5k ⌀ | url stringlengths 24 617 ⌀ | id stringlengths 24 617 ⌀ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
‘No significant changes or growth’ in Sunshine…
Boulder County crews said there were no significant developments in the Sunshine Wildland Fire overnight, and it is not yet known when evacuation orders might be lifted.
About 457 residents of the Pine Brook Hill area remain under evacuation orders Tuesday morning due to the 16-acre fire, which started after a structure fire in Sunshine Canyon on Monday afternoon.
The fire remains at 25% containment, and there was no update on how many structures were lost.
Officials have not yet been able to determine the possible cause of the initial structure fire, which did not spread to other homes in the area.
An evacuation area was established Monday at the East Boulder Community Center, 5660 Sioux Drive, and was open as a shelter overnight. | 2022-12-20T16:06:36Z | www.dailycamera.com | ‘No significant changes or growth’ in Sunshine Wildland Fire overnight – Boulder Daily Camera | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/20/no-significant-changes-or-growth-in-sunshine-wildland-fire-overnight/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/20/no-significant-changes-or-growth-in-sunshine-wildland-fire-overnight/ |
Chris Weidner: The rocks, the routes and the…
Chris Weidner: The rocks, the routes and the redpoints
The rain cuts diagonally through the sky, lashing the house so hard its windows hum and shudder in the storm. It’s the end of our first week in Sonora, Calif., and in just two days more than 3 inches of rain has fallen.
Sofia Gonzalez redpoints Sidesaddle (5.9) during her first lead climb ever. Because I took photos, Heather belayed with our son, Dallas, asleep in a pack on her back. (Chris Weidner / Courtesy photo)
Here, between the Bay Area to the west and Yosemite to the east, lie ancient remnants of massive lava flows, some of which manifest as basalt cliffs that tower above the landscape of rolling hills, rivers and open pasture. It’s one of relatively few zones in the lower 48 that offers reliably warm (but certainly not dry!) conditions for December sport climbing.
I’m here with my wife, Heather, our 1-year-old son, and our good friend and babysitter, Sofia, an avid climber herself. Heather and I have each zeroed in on a specific route — our so-called projects for the 3½ weeks we’re here.
“Projecting” is like a sub-genre of climbing, but it’s sport climbing’s raison d’être.
“Sport climbing is neither” went the late 1980s catchphrase, coined by the traditionalists who viewed the upcoming generation of climbers and their safer, performance-based climbing style as missing the point entirely. The slogan caught on so well, however, that soon, sport climbers themselves — those young, strong, gym-trained athletes at whom the dis was aimed — wore it proudly on tank tops and slapped it on bumper stickers.
After all, sport climbing was how the Europeans had become exponentially stronger than Americans at the time. While we quibbled about the “ethics” of placing bolts, the Euros had no qualms whatsoever, so they drilled bolts into steep, blank-looking cliffs and called them sport routes.
This new form of ascent replaced the danger and adventure of traditional climbing with the safer pursuit of physical limits. The point, then, was to see how hard one could climb by learning the intricacies of a route, rehearsing its moves over and over until finally climbing it bottom-to-top without falling.
This final performance — not unlike a perfected gymnastic routine — is dubbed a “redpoint.” Thankfully, sport climbing is now considered both (a sport, and climbing) by virtually everyone.
Nik Berry lowers into space after attempting Uhaul (5.14a), a 45-meter journey with multiple cruxes. A few days later he redpointed this marathon pitch, which had been his project for several weeks. (Chris Weidner / Courtesy photo)
My project is a 70-foot tall chunk of basalt that overhangs about 15 degrees past vertical. While I’ve climbed other routes here, mainly to warm up, I’ve thrown all my eggs into this one basket, as has Heather with her project. So far, in the 12 climbing days we’ve had, I’ve spent a total of 18 hours deciphering which holds to use and how to use them, practicing individual moves and trying to perfect them.
If this kind of project mentality sounds bizarre, well … it is. It takes a certain mindset (read: OCD) to try the same moves over and over, rehearsing until exhaustion. But as they start to flow into uninterrupted sequences, and then into longer sections of climbing, it’s absolutely thrilling. To dance up the same piece of rock that, just days or weeks earlier, felt utterly impossible to scale, is the sport climber’s way of discovering — and surpassing — one’s limits.
After a second weekend of 3-plus inches of rain, Heather’s project is soaking wet in places. Mine has a few wet holds but is mostly dry. By now, we’ve both learned enough that we’re going for the redpoint on every attempt, wet rock be damned. On the advice of our friend, Nik, we place a layer of aluminum foil on top of the wettest holds. This way, when we grab the holds our skin touches the foil instead of wet rock. It’s sub-optimal, no doubt, but a vast improvement over wet fingers.
Now, near the end of our trip, it’s possible that both of us, one of us, or neither of us will redpoint our projects. But you know what? I’m at peace with any outcome. In a very real sense we’ve already experienced what we came here for: an intense challenge, time together outdoors, and new friendships with people we’ve met along the way.
The rocks, the routes and the redpoints are all just reasons to do what we love, with the people we love.
And love, in the end, is all that matters.
Wicked Gravity | 2022-12-21T18:47:49Z | www.dailycamera.com | Chris Weidner: The rocks, the routes and the redpoints – Boulder Daily Camera | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/21/chris-weidner-the-rocks-the-routes-and-the-redpoints/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/21/chris-weidner-the-rocks-the-routes-and-the-redpoints/ |
Guest opinion: Stacy Washington: Inflation is…
By Stacy Washington
So, it was when, starting in March 2021, the era of low rates slammed to a close as the monthly numbers surged. First, it was 4.2% in April. Then 5% in May. As we saw the numbers go ever higher — 5.4 slowly grew to 7.0, which slowly peaked (to date) at 9.1% — economists and average Joes alike began to wonder: How high will it go? How will we make ends meet, and what can we do to get back to normal?
Inflation doesn’t affect everyone equally or in the same ways. The Minneapolis Fed outlines this nicely in their piece from earlier this year, “The Widely Varied Pain of Inflation.” As that article notes, “inflation is generally thought to impose a greater burden on people with lower wealth and incomes, leading some to declare it ‘the most regressive tax.’”Among the groups that inflation has hit particularly hard has been women. | 2022-12-21T18:48:01Z | www.dailycamera.com | Guest opinion: Stacy Washington: Inflation is disproportionately affecting women | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/21/guest-opinion-stacy-washington-inflation-is-disproportionately-affecting-women/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/21/guest-opinion-stacy-washington-inflation-is-disproportionately-affecting-women/ |
‘Les Temps des Fetes’ and other Boulder events…
‘Les Temps des Fetes’: The annual Revels show tells the story of intrepid fur traders, a crafty devil and a flying canoe. The name refers to a French-Canadian solstice celebration filled with song, story and dance; 7 p.m. Wednesday, Rocky Mountain Revels, Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder; $24-$30; thedairy.org.
Baking workshop: Learn how to make some cozy baked goods, including apple bread, lemon poppyseed muffins and cinnamon honey butter; 9 a.m. Wednesday, Food Lab, 1825 Pearl St., Boulder; boulderdowntown.com.
Winter Solstice dance camp: This three-day camp will offer a variety of dance styles, from creative and somatic dancing to ballet and contemporary. A performance will end this camp for family and friends to enjoy; 9 a.m. Wednesday, Kinesis Dance, 635 S. Brroadway, Unit D, Boulder; $350; kinesisdance.com.
Winter Solstice story time: Celebrate Winter Solstice with snowy stories, songs, and a craft; 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Lafayette Public Library, 775 W. Baseline Road, Lafayette; cityoflafayette.com.
Community conversations on equity and inclusion: Come together as a community to explore how society can move toward equity and inclusion; 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder; free; livingroomconversations.org.
Open mic at VisionQuest: Jam out with music-makers at this singer-songwriter open mic hosted by Jim Herlihy (of Boulder band Augustus). Sign up at 5:30 p.m., live music from 6 to 8 p.m. with three-song sets; 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Visionquest Brewery, 2510 47th St., Suite A2, Boulder; free; visionquestbrewing.com.
Winter Solstice candlelight meditation and gong: Celebrate the darkest day with meditation, and then rest and restore with a double gong relaxation; 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, YDM Meditation with Yashoda Devi Ma, 1829 Pearl St., Boulder; eventbrite.com.
Retro video game night: Sign up for the Super Smash Bros Melee tournament or just come to the brewery for free games; 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sanitas Brewing Co., 3550 Frontier Ave., Unit A, Boulder; eventbrite.com.
Winter Solstice yoga and sound healing: Join sound healers Kerry and Valerie for gentle yoga to wash away the day, and prepare to rest and feel the balance of the equinox with a sound bath; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Yoga Pearl, 900 Pearl St., Boulder; $25-$35; boulderdowntown.com.
Shawn Cunnane at Velvet Elk Lounge: A Los Angeles fixture for over a decade and originally from Philadelphia, Shawn Cunnane plays a role in the Americana and singer-songwriter scenes of southern California and Boulder, as well as the Grateful Dead Community; 9 p.m. Wednesday, Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St., Boulder; velvetelklounge.com. | 2022-12-21T18:48:13Z | www.dailycamera.com | 'Les Temps des Fetes' and other Boulder events for today | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/21/les-temps-des-fetes-and-other-boulder-events-for-today/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/21/les-temps-des-fetes-and-other-boulder-events-for-today/ |
The Sunshine Wildland Fire remains at 65% containment as firefighters are dealing with one more day of high winds and dry conditions before a cold front is expected to bring snow to the area.
Boulder County officials said Wednesday morning that 70 personnel are on scene fighting the 19-acre fire.
Boulder County is under a red flag warning due to high winds, with winds 25 to 35 with gusts up to 60 mph and relative humidity as low as 26%.
But the forecast also calls for a drop in temperatures and up to 5 inches of snow overnight.
“Firefighters are still working on the #SunshineWildlandFire,” Boulder County tweeted. “Thank you to all the first responders out working in this cold, windy weather.”
The Pine Brook Hill area is still under an evacuation warning and a soft closure remains in place at Linden Avenue and Timber Lane, but there are no mandatory evacuation orders at this time.
What started as a structure fire in the 2900 block of Sunshine Canyon on Monday afternoon quickly spread to wildland fueled by high winds.
About 1,000 people were under mandatory evacuation orders Monday. The initial structure was a loss, while another home on Bristlecone Way was damaged by the ensuing wildfire.
No cause has been released at this time for the initial structure fire. | 2022-12-21T21:42:08Z | www.dailycamera.com | Sunshine Wildland Fire in Boulder County still at 65% containment | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/21/sunshine-wildland-fire-still-at-65-containment/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/21/sunshine-wildland-fire-still-at-65-containment/ |
Boulder runs more tests after finding high meth…
Days after the Boulder Public Library closed when tests found high methamphetamine levels in restrooms, the city is now awaiting additional test results to determine whether the contamination spread to surface areas.
On Monday, the library announced its closure after testing that morning found “higher than acceptable” methamphetamine levels in restroom exhaust vents. Since then, it has hired a contractor who on Tuesday conducted tests of surface areas where the residue could have spread most easily, said Sarah Huntley, spokesperson for the city. The contractor on Wednesday conducted another set of tests on farther away surfaces inside the restrooms.
The city hopes to get the initial results back on Friday and the results from Wednesday’s testing by Monday. From there, the city will decide if it needs to test sections of the library outside the restrooms before determining when it will reopen, Huntley said.
Leading up to the closure, the city received about 15 reports regarding people smoking in the library restrooms in the past month. In response, it developed an extensive cleaning protocol and mandated that all cleaning staff wear personal protective equipment, Huntley said. The city next contacted a contractor to conduct testing.
“The step to do the testing was really an extra precautionary test,” Huntley said.
Huntley was not sure what the library’s initial test results were, but said the city based the closure off an understanding that any level above 0.2 ug/100cm2 is concerning. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, if any composite sample results are above 0.2 ug/100cm2 , the property owner must choose between the following two courses of action: Assume the property is a methamphetamine-affected property and have it assessed and decontaminated; or have a full clearance sampling conducted on the property by a state-certified consultant.
Boulder City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde consulted with Boulder County Public Health after the city received the results on Monday, and the county health department agreed the library should shutter until additional testing was completed, Huntley said.
Even before the decision to close was announced, two city library security guards resigned for reasons related to individuals using drugs in the library restrooms, Huntley said. A third security guard resigned about a month ago due to a dispute with Denver Metro Protective Services — the company the city uses to employ security guards.
Huntley said the city has requested additional security guards, but it has not heard back from Denver Metro Protective Services regarding its request.
“We’ve had difficulty staffing security for some time now,” she added.
Even then, the question of what the remediation process will look like is being asked by city officials.
What can be done to prevent drug use in the library and what can the city do to make sure that private spaces remain private are two questions city administrators are pondering, Huntley said.
Boulder elected officials have also begun asking similar questions.
“Despite having had a recent update on crime, I would ask (the Council Agenda Committee) to consider if it might be useful for us to have some dedicated time (study session, maybe?) to discuss the meth epidemic and the ripple effects it is having on community members suffering from addiction, on the broader community, on businesses, on our staff members, etc,” wrote City Councilmember Rachel Friend in an email to the committee on Monday.
“I think it may be helpful for us to have a dedicated conversation about the realities, obstacles, and possible paths through this difficult issue (which hasn’t happened during my years on Council).”
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Wallach added that the meth issue is a huge problem without an obvious solution.
“This is going to be a major issue when (City Council members) return from our winter break and may well be a major issue for the new library district moving forward,” he said. “No one wants to be uncaring about the unhoused community or restrict access to the library, but when it comes to the safety of children, the main consideration is clear: What has happened cannot continue to happen.”
City Councilmember Nicole Speer echoed her fellow council members saying there is no simple fix to the issue of meth addiction in Boulder but added that the problem is not unique to the unhoused community.
“This is something many housed members of our city struggle with, including our youth,” she said. “There are innovative, evidence-based treatment programs like contingency management that are showing a lot of success in other communities that are dealing with meth addiction. I am hopeful we can try those solutions here in Boulder County before too long because as the failed war on drugs showed us, criminalizing drug use does not stop addiction.”
BCPH and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment did not respond to questions before publication Wednesday night. | 2022-12-22T04:09:04Z | www.dailycamera.com | Boulder runs more tests after finding high meth levels in library bathrooms | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/21/boulder-runs-more-tests-after-finding-high-meth-levels-in-library-bathrooms/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/21/boulder-runs-more-tests-after-finding-high-meth-levels-in-library-bathrooms/ |
Women’s basketball: CU Buffs strong at both…
Head coach JR Payne wanted to see a crisp, thorough performance out of the Colorado women’s basketball team before the Buffaloes scattered for a brief holiday lull.
And that’s exactly what the Buffs put together on Wednesday. Using a hot-shooting offensive performance alongside yet another stifling defensive effort, CU posted a 71-48 victory at Marquette in the nonconference finale at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee.
Four CU players scored at least 13 points as the Buffs won for the sixth time in the past seven games. In each of those six victories, CU held its opponent to 48 points or fewer.
“I was very happy with how we played today,” Payne said. “I think that’s the best basketball we’ve played in a while. I thought we executed the game plan offensively and defensively. We were able to do some different things with different lineups. I feel bad that we shrunk the bench as much as we did, but that group that was playing was playing well. I felt like we needed to stay with it.
“Excited to go into the break with a great win. I think Marquette is a really good basketball team. They’re going to win a lot of games this year and it’s good for us to know that we can beat a good team like this on the road.”
CU (10-3) shot a red-hot 8-for-11 in the first quarter and barely cooled the rest of the way in a game the Buffs never trailed. Colorado led 19-4 at the end of the first quarter and 35-13 at halftime, with Marquette’s scoring totals counting as a season-low for a quarter and a half this season for the Golden Eagles. Marquette missed its first nine shots and the Buffs never looked back after scoring 12 consecutive points in the first quarter.
“The start was so important,” Payne said. “We talked throughout the last several days about wanting to be as disruptive as possible defensively and to really dictate what was happening on the floor. We must have said the words ‘box out’ 150 times in the last three days because these guys are so good on the glass. I thought we were phenomenal on the defensive glass.”
The Buffs outrebounded Marquette 38-25 and held the Golden Eagles to a .328 shooting percentage, including a 4-for-20 mark on 3-pointers.
Forward Quay Miller led the Buffs’ offense with 17 points and shared the team lead with seven rebounds. Miller also recorded four steals. Aaronette Vonleh went 8-for-11 with 16 points and six rebounds, while point guard Jaylyn Sherrod went 6-for-8 with 15 points, eight assists and three steals. Frida Formann was the final double-figure scorer for the Buffs, posting 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
The Buffs shot .596 overall and went 7-for-16 on 3-pointers.
“I think it started two days ago after our last game when we came back to practice,” Payne said. “Three different upperclassmen spoke up in the circle. Jaylyn, Quay and Frida just talked about raised levels of effort, focus and intensity. It starts with those upperclassmen setting the tone and everyone else buying into that because it was pretty evident from the jump that we were going to play like that.
“I feel great because we’ve not seen what we’re capable of doing. We’ve seen that we’re capable of executing both sides of the floor against a really good team on their home court. We were able to handle our business and do our job.”
The Buffs will break for the holidays and return to practice on Dec. 28 before resuming Pac-12 Conference play at Washington on Dec. 30.
Snapshot: CU Buffs women’s basketball at Marquette
Turning point: The Buffs led the entire way, recording a 12-0 run in the first quarter and never looking back.
Buff of the game: Quay Miller. Miller went 7-for-13 overall and 3-for-6 on 3-pointers, finishing with 17 points, seven rebounds and four steals.
What’s next?: The Buffs will enjoy a holiday break until next week before resuming Pac-12 Conference play at Washington on Dec. 30.
Vonleh 8-11 0-1 16, Miller 7-13 0-1 17, Sherrod 6-8 2-4 15, Jones 2-5 0-0 4, Formann 5-9 0-0 13, Sadler 3-6 0-0 6, McLeod 0-0 0-0 0, Wetta 0-0 0-0 0, Whittaker 0-0 0-0 0, Wynn 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 31-52 2-6 71.
Karlen 2-7 0-0 4, Marotta 3-11 2-2 8, Clark 0-1 1-2 1, Nkumu 0-3 0-0 0, King 4-9 1-1 10, Chapell 3-8 0-0 8, Hare 4-12 0-0 9, Kaifes 0-1 0-0 0, Williams 0-3 0-0 0, Okosun 1-2 0-0 2, Myles 3-4 0-0 6, Smith 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 20-61 4-5 48.
3-point field goals — Colorado 7-16 (Miller 3-6, Sherrod 1-1, Jones 0-2, Formann 3-6); Marquette 4-20 (Karlen 0-2, Marotta 0-1, Nkumu 0-1, King 1-3, Chapell 2-5, Hare 1-8). Rebounds — Colorado 38 (Miller 7, Formann 7); Marquette 25 (King 7). Assists — Colorado 22 (Sherrod 8); Marquette 13 (King 4). Total fouls — Colorado 15, Marquette 9. A — 2,019. | 2022-12-22T04:09:47Z | www.dailycamera.com | Women’s basketball: CU Buffs strong at both ends in romp at Marquette – Boulder Daily Camera | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/21/womens-basketball-cu-buffs-strong-at-both-ends-in-romp-at-marquette/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/21/womens-basketball-cu-buffs-strong-at-both-ends-in-romp-at-marquette/ |
Celebrate Hanukkah on ice at Winter Skate.
Hanukkah on Ice: Skate with family and friends to Hanukkah music at this amazing outdoor rink. Enjoy delicious sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and hot chocolate. There will be a menorah lighting at 5:30 p.m.; 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Winter Skate, 824 Front St., Louisville; boulderjcc.org.
Kids pasta workshop: Enjoy this fun cooking class for all ages where students will learn how to make fresh pasta, tomato sauce, pesto and zucchini chips; 9 a.m. Thursday, Food Lab, 1825 Pearl St., Boulder; boulderdowntown.com.
Boulder Tuesday Thursday Hikers: Join outdoor enthusiasts for a day hike with this leaderless, rule-following drop-in group that breaks into smaller groups and carpools to various trailheads. Drivers are reimbursed for expenses. Bring a lunch, water and snacks, and be prepared for all weather conditions; 9 a.m. Thursday, North Boulder Park, Seventh and Dellwood, Boulder; free; 303-494-8822.
Christmas story time with Santa Claus: Join Library staff and Santa Claus to celebrate the season with songs, stories, and a craft; 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Lafayette Public Library, 775 W. Baseline Road, Lafayette; free; cityoflafayette.com.
Mini Stars Tap and Ballet Combo: This combo ballet and tap class is designed to introduce students ages three to five years old to basic ballet and tap dance skills. Students will develop strength, dance technique, rhythm and body awareness in a caring, nurturing environment; 3:45 p.m. Thursday, Kinesis Dance, 635 S. Broadway, Unit D, Boulder; $65; kinesisdance.com.
Sturtz at Etown: This Boulder-based, acoustic quartet features the talents of Andrew Sturtz (vocals and guitar), Jim Herlihy (banjo), Courtlyn Carpenter (cello) and Will Kuepper (bass); 6 p.m. Thursday, Etown, 1535 Spruce St., Boulder; bandsintown.com.
Tapping party at Boulder Social: Boulder Social is now brewing Boulder Beer Co. Buffalo Gold with the original recipe from the original owner. Head to the brewery for the tapping party, and get one free Buffalo Gold beer; 6 p.m. Thursday, Boulder Social, 1600 38th St., Boulder; free; cli.re.
Ben Markhart — Ski Touring Thompson Pass in Alaska’s Chugach Mountains: Head to the Neptune Mountaineering to hear Ben Markhart talk about his latest adventures in Alaska. Tickets are free but limited to 150 guests; 7 p.m. Thursday, Neptune Mountaineering, 633 S. Broadway, Boulder; free; eventbrite.com.
Sip and Paint: Bring a friend to make a silly, campy, holiday-themed painting. Supplies are included in the ticket price; 7 p.m. Thursday, DV8 Distillery, 2480 49th St., #E, Boulder; $40; eventbrite.com. | 2022-12-22T20:24:28Z | www.dailycamera.com | Hanukkah on Ice and other Boulder events for today – Boulder Daily Camera | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/22/hanukkah-on-ice-and-other-boulder-events-for-today/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/22/hanukkah-on-ice-and-other-boulder-events-for-today/ |
December Nature Walk: Viele Lake
White-cheeked geese gingerly ice skate across Viele Lake as we watch through the cattails. (Glenn Cushman / Courtesy photo)
The sight of geese ice skating as they land on Viele Lake relaxes the stress of the holidays, and a walk around the lake relaxes both mind and body. Since the paved wheel-chair accessible path is only seven-tenths of a mile, many walkers stop at the numbered fitness stations for extra exercise after too much Christmas cheer.
The geese take up water skiing once the ice melts on Viele Lake. (Glenn Cushman / courtesy photo)
Although you can do an outer loop around the park, we prefer the inner loop that crosses an inlet of the lake. To do the loop in a counter clockwise direction, turn right from the parking area next to the South Boulder Recreation Center and cross the bridge over the inlet. At the point where the inner and outer paths join, a side path leads up to Gillaspie Drive and Julliard Street. Continue past the children’s playground and circle the end of the lake where a cattail marsh harbors red-winged blackbirds even in winter.
Watch for two benches on your right and the almost-overgrown nature trail that winds uphill through a grove of ponderosa pines and junipers. This small dirt path provides great views down to the lake and out to the Flatirons and foothills and is worth the detour.
For a longer hike, continue up to Gillaspie Drive and walk east to Greenbriar Boulevard. Turn right on Greenbriar and follow the sidewalk to the Greenbriar Connector Trailhead on the left side of the road just beyond Smuggler Way. As its name suggests, this trail connects to several other trails, some of which go up into the foothills.
A graceful bridge spans an inlet of Viele Lake. (Glenn Cushman / Courtesy photo)
To continue circling Viele Lake, return to the main path, which curves east. A small pier juts out over the water in a short distance. Stop for a moment to admire the distant view of Longs Peak with a graceful bridge in the foreground. From here you can either return to the paved walk or skirt the east side of the lake on a small dirt path. When the dirt and paved paths rejoin, another side trail leads up to Fairview High School. On reaching the recreation center, you’ll find a small wetland, tennis courts, volleyball courts, a pickleball court, and a disc golf course.
Benches are placed at strategic intervals around the lake that is probably named for Addie and Albert Viele, who ran a dairy farm at Cherryvale and South Boulder Road from 1884 to 1942. Picnic tables sit under large cottonwoods near the parking lot.
Many years ago a bubbler kept the water unfrozen all winter allowing many duck species, including rare wood ducks as well as a multitude of geese, to flourish. The bubbler was turned off, and the diversity of ducks dwindled to mostly mallards. But there are still geese to give you a giggle when they skate across the lake.
Viele Lake is in Harlow Platts Park next to the South Boulder Recreation Center on the east side of Gillaspie Drive.
Ruth Carol and Glenn Cushman are the authors of Boulder Hiking Trails, published by West Margin Press | 2022-12-23T18:41:04Z | www.dailycamera.com | December Nature Walk: Viele Lake – Boulder Daily Camera | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/23/december-nature-walk-viele-lake/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/23/december-nature-walk-viele-lake/ |
Letters to the editor: Marshall Fire…
Rob Scott: Marshall Fire: Investigation results could provide closure
As I read the Daily Camera last week, I was struck by the Maxtor Technologies satellite image on page 9 in the Business Section showing the Marshal fire burning homes last year. One of my neighbors yesterday asked a very good question in our neighborhood chat. His question was: “Has anyone seen or know if any agency is reviewing or has reviewed satellite photography of the beginning of the Marshal Fire?”
I for one am very frustrated and disappointed that nearly a year from the day my home of 30 years was destroyed by this fire, we have no answers as to the cause of it. Further, only photos and videos east of Cherryvale Road were released in the latest update. Sheriff Pelle, it’s been a year now. Over a thousand families’ homes and businesses were lost in this fire. Two citizens and many of our beloved pets died. Most of us are underinsured and continue to endure multiple, significant stressors attempting to navigate rebuilding. Many will not be able to rebuild. We can thank our irresponsible insurance companies for this. Please release the results of your investigation asap to provide us with a small measure of closure for the holiday season.
Rob Scott, Louisville
Ian Court: Road paint: Luminous lines on roads can save lives
Why doesn’t the city use luminous paint to define road lanes? Luminous white lines can save lives and property.
I know the initial answer because I once asked the city attorney that same question. His reply was that it was too expensive, and the snow plows scrape off the paint.
If you are driving on a major city street in Boulder at night, you are almost in the dark because the current streetlights, apart from those on 18th street off Baseline, are pretty useless for seeing anything (a topic for another letter). Worse, if there are vehicles coming towards you on dipped headlights, you can’t see the white lines in the middle of the road. If it’s raining, or the road is covered in slush, you are left to guess where the lines are.
Is this false economy? Absolutely. Does this false economy cause more accidents, injuries, property damage and deaths than necessary? Absolutely.
I called one of the largest road line painting companies, who gave me the name of two major road paint suppliers. They told me that, on interstate highways, they cut a quarter-inch deep groove, the shape of the white lines, and fill that groove with the “glass-bead” white paint. That stops the snow plows from scraping the paint off the roads in winter. What a great, ingenious and simple, idea!
The next time I drove south on 36, I looked down at the road ahead. Sure enough, I could see those grooves. (Not a wonderful idea at 65 mph, I should add!)
I have written two letters highlighting the millions spent on the single pedestrian underpass at Colorado and 30th. Surely a few cans of luminous white paint would be a far more comprehensive solution to road safety.
Ian Court, Boulder
Michael Shea: CU Boulder: With Eastman appointment, CU outdid itself
On December 19 Congress made a criminal referral of John Eastman to the Department of Justice. By appointing Eastman as a visiting professor the University of Colorado has finally been able to outdo the appointment Ward Churchill as a CU professor, something I would have once thought impossible.
Michael Shea, Boulder | 2022-12-24T19:13:22Z | www.dailycamera.com | Letters to the editor: Marshall Fire investigation; luminous road lines; Eastman appointment | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/23/letters-to-the-editor-marshall-fire-investigation-luminous-road-lines-eastman-appointment/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/23/letters-to-the-editor-marshall-fire-investigation-luminous-road-lines-eastman-appointment/ |
Emergency Family Assistance Association: This nonprofit is welcoming food donations weekdays between the hours of 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. Come by 1575 Yarmouth Ave. on the north side of the building. Weather permitting, you can leave your donation on a table outside and fill out your own receipt, or you can knock on the door for help. EFAA accepts unopened cans and packages that are no more than one year beyond their date. EFAA asks for nutrient-dense, healthy products. Foods the group needs the most: canned chili, canned fruit and canned vegetables. Our greatest nonfood needs are toothpaste, shampoo and diapers in sizes 5 and 6. We have set up an Amazon Wish List of food items that you can choose to buy and send directly to us at a.co/7cIzwwP. For more information, email Walter O’Toole at walter@efaa.org, or call 303-951-7667. Food bank hours are noon to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and noon to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
There With Care: This nonprofit helps families and children facing critical illness. At the direction of hospital social workers, it is continuing to deliver support to these families. Its wish list includes size 6 baby diapers, baby bottles, baby hygiene items, oatmeal, sweet/salty snacks, pop-top soup, easy mac cups, disinfecting wipes, dish soap and card games. A complete list is available at bit.ly/TWCWishList to order from Amazon, or items can be delivered to 2825 Wilderness Place, Suite 100, Boulder. There also are drop-off bins at its locations. For more information, go to bit.ly/TWCBinList, call 303-447-2273 or email info@therewithcare.org. | 2022-12-25T17:06:04Z | www.dailycamera.com | Benefits for Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022 | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/25/benefits-for-sunday-dec-25-2022/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/25/benefits-for-sunday-dec-25-2022/ |
Religion briefs 12/24
Global meditation in place
Come together to meditate for spiritual growth and inner peace with Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, who will conduct this streamed event that is attended by people from all around the world; 8 a.m. Sunday, Science of Spirituality, Longmont; sos.org.
Mystical group meditation and satsang
Participants will be guided into meditation with a mantra by the Rev. Jack Groverland, followed by sound healing resonance of Tibetan singing bowls, performed by Norma Groverland, then 10 minutes of silent meditation. The gathering concludes with an inspirational visual meditation video; 9 a.m. Sunday, Unity of Boulder Spiritual Center, 2855 Folsom St., Boulder; unityofboulder.com.
Spiritual service at Unity
This service embraces the commonalities of all walks of faith on the spiritual path. Each Sunday will feature an uplifting experience with an insightful message from spiritual leader Syntysche Groverland. The spiritual philosophy is a universal blend of multiple faiths, from Native American ritual to Hindu and Christian beliefs; 11 a.m. Sunday, Unity of Boulder Spiritual Center, 2855 Folsom St., Boulder; unityofboulder.com.
This free event has varied weekly offerings that include guided imagery, mindfulness, intention manifesting, goal-setting and more. All levels welcome; 7 p.m. Monday, Anahata Massage, 2130 Mountain View Ave., Suite 204, Longmont; visitlongmont.org.
Release and Renew to Shine into the New Year
Embark on a journey of self-discovery, where participants come together to let go of the old paradigms of themselves and step into new beginnings; 10 a.m. Friday, Kelly’s Barn, 1360 Sumac Ave., Boulder; $55; eventbrite.com. | 2022-12-25T17:44:31Z | www.dailycamera.com | Religion briefs for Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022 | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/09/religion-briefs-12-24/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/09/religion-briefs-12-24/ |
Letters to the editor: With Twitter’s downfall,…
Brian Keegan: Twitter: With Twitter’s downfall, we need new tools
The Boulder Reporting Lab’s Tim Drugan reported on December 4 about Boulder emergency services’ reliance on Twitter for disseminating emergency information. The Twitter accounts for the Daily Camera’s Mitchell Byers, Boulder OEM, Boulder Police and local politicians have all been sources of timely information during local emergencies like the pandemic lockdowns, the King Soopers shooting and Marshall fires.
In the space of just eight weeks, the petulant “freeze peach” billionaire who bought Twitter left more than a hundred local residents without jobs weeks before the holidays, undermined a critical trust and safety feature to launch a new revenue stream, re-granted insurrectionists access to their audiences, indulged pandemic conspiracy theorists with a queerphobic joke about prosecuting Dr. Anthony Fauci, banned the accounts of critics while releasing private data about his former employees to supplicants, and blocked the dissemination of information about alternatives to this clown show cavalcade.
The December 19 Sunshine wildland fire started in the hills only a mile west of Boulder in dry, high-wind conditions with terrifying similarity to the day of the catastrophic Marshall Fires. People were justifiably on edge and desperate for timely and reliable information about where and how to react. It goes without saying that people went to Twitter for information because that’s where journalists, emergency agencies and public officials were sharing important information. But as Drugan’s reporting foreshadowed, why should anyone have to rely on Twitter in the first place for emergency information?
As a once essential service rapidly deteriorates, it is increasingly important that journalists, emergency agencies, political officials, and everyone else who operates in the public interest develop practices to share timely information through alternatives to private platforms. The health and safety of Boulder residents should not require using the product of a dangerous narcissist.
Brian Keegan, Boulder
Willie Dickerson: Housing: Let’s make 2023 the year we end homelessness
Sad to read about the homeless memorials, reflecting the deaths of individuals passing, often due to the harshness of homelessness (“Boulder County homeless memorials honor lives lost this year,” by Dana Cadey, Daily Camera, Dec. 20). Let’s take action to make 2023 the year we end homelessness in the world’s richest nation. Beyond the many local efforts, Congress could pass a renters’ tax credit to stop the flow of homelessness. This critical credit would be modeled after the Child Tax Credit (which needs to be renewed) that reached people immediately with relief, lifting millions out of poverty. If enough of us ask our representatives and senators to pass these two ladders out of poverty, there will be less homelessness and more hope in America’s future.
Willie Dickerson, Snohomish, Washington
Roz Lynn Dorf: Libraries: Who will monitor drug use in library bathrooms?
I have to wonder how many people would have voted for the new Library District if they knew that the restrooms at the main library were being used to smoke meth. Did the mothers who wrote letters to the editor stating how much they love bringing their children to the main library know that people smoked meth in the restrooms? I’m not delighted that my property taxes are being raised so people can smoke meth in the main library restrooms.
Who, from the new Library District, is going to monitor the restrooms to prevent people from smoking meth?
Roz Lynn Dorf, Boulder | 2022-12-26T19:00:43Z | www.dailycamera.com | Letters to the editor: With Twitter's downfall, we need new tools; ending homelessness in 2023; monitoring drug use in the library | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/26/letters-to-the-editor-with-twitters-downfall-we-need-new-tools-ending-homelessness-in-2023-monitoring-drug-use-in-the-library/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/26/letters-to-the-editor-with-twitters-downfall-we-need-new-tools-ending-homelessness-in-2023-monitoring-drug-use-in-the-library/ |
Hundreds marched in Longmont on June 11, joining a national calling to demand gun safety action in the wake of numerous mass shootings and instances of gun violence.(Cliff Grassmick/Staff Photographer)
After the shooting in an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, that killed 19 students and two teachers, Boulder County, Boulder, Superior and Louisville all passed a variety of gun safety ordinances. Loveland-based Rocky Mountain Gun Owners filed lawsuits against the cities.
In June, Boulder City Council unanimously voted to pass gun control ordinances. The ordinances would ban the sale of assault guns, raise the purchasing age, require a 10-day waiting period and prohibit concealed carry in certain areas. Boulder County, Louisville and Superior passed similar ordinances.
After the King Soopers shooting in March 2021, Gov. Jared Polis signed three gun control bills, one of which would allow local governments to create their own gun regulations.
In July, a temporary restraining order was passed that would prevent Superior from enforcing the gun control ordinance. A similar restraining order was given to Boulder County. Rocky Mountain Gun Owners first sued Superior in July, citing the U.S Supreme Court decision that government can regulate but can not prohibit the public carrying of firearms. A lawsuit for Boulder County, Louisville and Boulder was filed in August.
Rocky Mountain Gun Owners then consolidated the individual lawsuits against the municipalities into one lawsuit, citing that the town’s worked collaboratively to create gun control ordinances. The municipalities have not enforced any new gun regulations.
Lafayette also passed a variety of gun safety ordinances. It would require signage outside gun shops, regulate possession of unserialized guns and prohibit open carry in public spaces and on city property. Lafayette gun ordinances do not include raising the gun purchasing age, banning assault weapons or a mandatory waiting period. Rocky Mountain Gun owners has not filed a lawsuit against Lafayette. In September, Lafayette further refined the exact buildings and areas where firearms are prohibited. | 2022-12-27T17:55:23Z | www.dailycamera.com | Top 10: No. 5: Gun control ordinances and lawsuits | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/27/top-10-no-5-gun-control-ordinances-and-lawsuits/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/27/top-10-no-5-gun-control-ordinances-and-lawsuits/ |
Cannabis investors sue Colorado companies over…
By Ken Amundson | BizWest / Prairie Mountain Media
Investors in a marijuana grow and retail business in Michigan have filed suit against the Boulder-based company and its founder that created an entity in the Great Lakes State that subsequently foundered.
This article was first publCCished by BizWest, an independent news organization, and is published under a license agreement. © 2022 BizWest Media LLC.
Ken Amundson is managing editor of BizWest. He lives in Loveland and has covered business news and general news in Northern Colorado since 1987. He and his wife, JoEllen, also own and operate a small business in Loveland. | 2022-12-27T23:39:30Z | www.dailycamera.com | Cannabis investors sue Colorado companies over failed Michigan operation | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/27/cannabis-investors-sue-colorado-companies-over-failed-michigan-operation-2/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/27/cannabis-investors-sue-colorado-companies-over-failed-michigan-operation-2/ |
• Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Ave., in the parking lot south of Eighth Avenue and Pratt Street near Roosevelt Activity Pool.
• Garden Acres Park, 2058 Spencer St., in the parking lot at 18th Avenue and Tulip Street.
• Kanemoto Park, 1151 S. Pratt Parkway, in the parking lot at S. Coffman Street.
• Centennial Park, 1100 Lashley St., in the parking lot at Alpine Street and Verdant Circle. | 2022-12-28T04:32:52Z | www.dailycamera.com | 'Tis the season for Christmas tree recycling | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/27/christmas-tree-recycling-offered-throughout-boulder-county/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/27/christmas-tree-recycling-offered-throughout-boulder-county/ |
Letters to the editor: Responsibility for…
Dave Daney: Wildfires: People who start fires should be held responsible
As a victim/survivor of the 2010 Four Mile Fire, a brief article in Wednesday’s Camera about a small fire near the ten-mile mark in Four Mile Canyon Tuesday piqued my interest. So I took an hour to drive up and see for myself what had gone on. Indeed, right at Sunset, where the old Switzerland Trail forks, a grassy area of about 1/10th an acre was burnt.
What the article did not mention was the narrow escape from a major wildfire that might have burnt down half of Boulder County. The authorities reported “nothing suspicious” about the fire. To me, it appeared that someone had a logging/firewood operation going and that the ignition source was a slash pile, not a “mulch pile” as reported. Was a citation issued, or was this another case, as in the 2010 Four Mile Fire, where the culprit was, in my understanding, a good-old-boy, and immune? Or like the Cal Wood Fire where nobody knew anything?
It is clear to me that the biggest threat of wildfire in Boulder County is not climate change but people. Some are simply ignorant and clueless about the risks and nature of fire in nature. Others, who know better, let a fascination with fire and hubris get the better of them. The 2010 Four Mile Fire (179 homes lost) and New Mexico’s 2022 Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak Fire (over 340,000 acres burnt and 900 structures lost) which was started by the U.S. Forest Service — whoops — are, in my opinion, good examples of hubris caused fires. Regardless of position or social standing, it is essential that people who start fires must be held responsible for them. I remain skeptical this is the case in Boulder County.
Dave Daney, Boulder
Joseph La Camera: Listening: Sometimes the best thing we can do is just listen
I have always been a little bit obsessive. Many years ago, I was traveling from Ohio to Colorado in my truck with my three-year-old daughter. We were driving off the interstate on the back roads of Kansas when Lynn said, “ Daddy, I’m hungry for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.” I said, “Absolutely, we can stop and find a restaurant for you.” The first place we stopped didn’t have any peanut butter. After the fourth restaurant said no to my request, I knew I was in trouble. I promised her, and I was going to get what she wanted. So! I found a convenience store where I could get a jar of both peanut butter and jelly. I was happy that my little girl got what she wanted. It took an hour to find the store that had what I needed. But! I did it.
Recently, I was reminiscing with Lynn and asked her if she had any memory of our trip, and she said that she did and couldn’t understand why we had stopped at so many restaurants. All she wanted was something to eat. Really! Is that all it would have taken? Sometimes, we think that we need to go the extra mile when all we have to do is listen and forget our obsessiveness.
On that same trip in 1965, we got caught in a flash flood situation. I don’t have room to tell that story here, but can you imagine? My daughter remembers.
Joseph La Camera, Boulder
Jon Hochschartner: Animal welfare: Senators should support cultivated meat
If Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennett care at all about animal welfare, which most politicians pay lip service to, they should support increased funding for cultivated-meat research. For those who don’t know, cultivated meat is grown from livestock cells, without slaughter. It has the potential to do so much good.
Jon Hochschartner, Granby, Connecticut | 2022-12-28T14:59:26Z | www.dailycamera.com | Letters to the editor: Responsibility for wildfires; learning to listen; cultivated meat | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/28/letters-to-the-editor-responsibility-for-wildfires-learning-to-listen-cultivated-meat/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/28/letters-to-the-editor-responsibility-for-wildfires-learning-to-listen-cultivated-meat/ |
Makerspace open studio at Boulder Public…
Zack Weaver, left, helps Kari Erickson (not pictured), and her son, name not given, make buttons at BLDG 61 Makerspace at the Boulder Public Library on October 26, 2022. Makerspaces like Longmont Public Media and BLDG 61 in Boulder offer free, inclusive environments for community members to engage their creativity. Spaces exist for both digital media and physical media. (Cliff Grassmick/Staff Photographer)
Open Studio: Visit during open studio hours to see the makerspace in action, learn about equipment or get hands-on with a project. Staff is available for guidance with tools and materials. All experience levels and ages are welcome; 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder; free; calendar.boulderlibrary.org.
Community Grief and Gratitude Project: Beginning Wednesday, community members are invited to share their words of mourning and hang ribbons to share gratitude on the railing of the Boulder Creek pedestrian bridge through Jan. 8; 3 p.m. Wednesday, Boulder Civic Creek Area Pedestrian Bridge, 900 Canyon St., Boulder; free; earthjusticeweek.org.
‘Lived Experience’ Exhibit at Canyon Gallery: This analog photography project gave 25 unhoused participants single-use cameras to capture glimpses of their lives on the Boulder streets. It will be on display through Jan. 14; 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. Wednesday; Main Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder; boulderlibrary.org/exhibits.
‘Radical Lafayette — Exploring the Violence Amid 1920s Coal-Mining Strike’: This exhibit explores an era when the Industrial Workers of the World fanned the flames of discontent. Lafayette became the center of the IWW’s radical workers’ rights movement. The exhibit prominently features the roles played by women as labor leaders and the massacre wrought by members of the KKK; 10 a.m. Wednesday, Lafayette History Museum, 108 E. Simpson St., Lafayette; free; lafayettehistoricalsociety.org.
Woodshop guided access: Head to the woodshop to start a new project. Tools in the “Yellow” category require the least staff guidance. Tools in the “Green” category require some guidance. And, tools in the “Pink” category require the most supervision. Pick the best session, and start crafting; 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder; free; calendar.boulderlibrary.org.
Screenprinting at the Library: Screenprinting is a technique where a mesh stencil is used to transfer ink onto a shirt, poster or other material. Learn from staff about this art form; 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder; free; calendar.boulderlibrary.org.
Spirit of Nia dance class: Experience the joy of movement, self-expression and soul connection with the body, while getting in a good workout. Nia is a fitness practice that combines dance, martial arts and mindfulness; 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Unity of Boulder Spiritual Center, 2855 Folsom St., Boulder; $10-$13; unityofboulder.com.
Gregory Alan Isakov and Reed Foehl at Gold Hill Inn: These iconic local singer-songwriters performing a two-night stint at the Gold Hill Inn; 6 p.m. Wednesday, Gold Hill Inn, 401 Main St., Boulder; $55; goldhillinn.com.
John Sevy Quartet at Muse: Denver native, avid drummer and professional quarter-note enthusiast John Sevy will guarantee a night of creativity, laughter and energy through original compositions and arrangements of jazz standards; 7 p.m. Wednesday, Muse Performance Space, 200 E. South Boulder Road, Lafayette; $10-$20; museperformancespace.com.
Delta Sonics Duo at Velvet Elk Lounge: The Delta Sonics music takes a Chicago blues base and seasons it with swing, delta, New Orleans R&B and some early rock ‘n’ roll; 9 p.m. Wednesday, Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St., Boulder; free; velvetelklounge.com. | 2022-12-28T14:59:32Z | www.dailycamera.com | Makerspace open studio at Boulder Public Library and other area events for today – Boulder Daily Camera | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/28/makerspace-open-studio-at-boulder-public-library-and-other-area-events-for-today/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/28/makerspace-open-studio-at-boulder-public-library-and-other-area-events-for-today/ |
Top 10: No. 4 Table Mesa King Soopers in…
King Soopers grocery worker Kerry Cox, center, listened and watched speakers during a ceremony to reopen the Table Mesa store in Boulder on Feb. 9. Cox said she had been working for King Soopers since 1973 and started her career at the Table Mesa store. (Matthew Jonas/Staff Photographer)
The King Soopers on Table Mesa Drive in Boulder reopened Feb. 9 after being redesigned following a mass shooting at the grocery store last year.
The Table Mesa King Soopers was closed for nearly a year while under construction. The redesign, which is based on feedback from employees and the community, features a new entryway, large windows and lifted ceilings, among other details.
The new look also included space for a memorial garden that commemorates the 10 people who were killed during the March 22, 2021 shooting.
The changes were largely inspired by feedback from King Soopers employees and community members. As the grocery store began to work on its plans, it solicited recommendations that informed decisions throughout the process.
The store no longer has the familiar King Soopers layout. Instead, it has more natural light and an open feel. That’s all thanks to suggestions from the community, according to spokesperson Jessica Trowbridge. She said many people expressed a desire for a store with an open presentation and natural light that captured the view of the mountains.
Instead of an east and west entry, the new concept features a central “grand vestibule,” with a large mural of the Flatirons painted by local artist Lael Har, greeting people as they enter the store.
Other updates inside the grocery include a larger floral department, an updated Starbucks kiosk and an expanded produce section.
Additionally, the parking lot has been reconfigured with a “totally new flow,” Trowbridge noted.
There have been safety enhancements at the store, but Trowbridge did not elaborate on any specifics, saying it was proprietary information that could not be revealed without potentially putting the business at risk.
Of about 200 total employees at the Table Mesa grocery, King Soopers has said that 50% returned to work there. | 2022-12-28T14:59:57Z | www.dailycamera.com | Top 10: No. 4 Table Mesa King Soopers in Boulder reopens after mass shooting | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/28/top-10-no-4-table-mesa-king-soopers-in-boulder-reopens-after-mass-shooting/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/28/top-10-no-4-table-mesa-king-soopers-in-boulder-reopens-after-mass-shooting/ |
Top 10: No. 3: Boulder voters uphold CU South…
Andrew Cole, left, McKenzie Watson-Fore and Michael Watson- Fore watch local election results at the watch party for the CU South ballot measure during election night in Boulder. (Cliff Grassmick — Staff Photographer)
Continuing through Saturday, the Daily Camera will count down the top stories of the year, as selected by the newspaper’s editors.
After years of debate and a lawsuit, Boulder voters in November decided to keep the city’s CU South annexation agreement in place.
Ballot Issue 2F, which failed during the recent general election, would have reversed the agreement approved last fall between Boulder and the University of Colorado Boulder that annexed a 308-acre site at Table Mesa Drive and U.S. 36 known as CU South, into city limits.
In exchange for city services, the campus agreed to give Boulder a portion of land for the 100-year South Boulder Creek flood mitigation project that is expected to protect some 2,300 residents and 260 structures downstream in the area known as the West Valley.
As part of the agreement, the area that will be protected by the 100-year project was among the hardest hit in the 2013 flood. In addition to flood protection, the project could bring affordable housing, a transportation mobility hub and it will maintain some of the property as open space.
Boulder Utilities Director Joe Taddeucci, in a previous interview, said city staff continued with the design phase of the flood mitigation project at the direction of the City Council. That work will continue into next year with permitting and construction scheduled for 2024 and construction concluding in 2026. If the annexation agreement was reversed, the project timeline could have been set back years, he added.
The annexation agreement provides Boulder with 36 acres of land for flood mitigation and 44 acres for open space. In addition, CU Boulder has designated 119 acres for open space, though the Open Space – Other designation alone does not ensure protection for open space. But the CU Boulder South’s guiding principles, which serve as a guide for the agreement, prioritizes the minimization of disturbance to protect open space, according the annexation agreement summary.
That land agreement and the open space designation, and any additional land the city may purchase from CU Boulder, will give the city about half of the 308-acre site, Taddeucci said.
CU South | 2022-12-29T13:26:06Z | www.dailycamera.com | Top 10: No. 3: Boulder voters uphold CU South annexation, allowing it to go forward | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/29/__trashed-38/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/29/__trashed-38/ |
Letters to the editor: Detective unit failings;…
Helen E Browne: Policing: Failures of detective unit validate certain perceptions
It has been interesting to follow your recent coverage of the failures of the Boulder police detective unit. It validates the complete lack of interest our residents feel from the Police Department in response to a major break-in at our facility in early December.
An exterior door to the garage was forced open and locks were broken on all the storage closets to provide entry. Items of value were then stolen. Unlocked vehicles were also searched for valuables. When our on-site administrator called to report the incident, he was told to file a report online and upload security film footage. We were assigned a case number and to this day have neither heard from nor been visited by a police officer.
Two residents attempted to provide items they thought might provide DNA evidence but could not obtain access to police headquarters. When they telephoned to make an appointment, they were put off for two weeks. At that time the officer said he was leaving and could not provide a clear line of referral. Our residents have felt violated and unsafe in the aftermath. It is more than a little disheartening that the Police Department could not provide even a moment of attention.
Helen E Browne, Boulder
Jud Valeski: City Council: Police Oversight Panel doesn’t need activists
Oversight panels are not places for activism, rather, they are places for level consideration by our community. When it comes to our Police Oversight Panel, I ask that the City Council deny the selection committee’s suggestion of Lisa Sweeney-Miran as a panel member.
Lisa is actively suing the City of Boulder and our chief of police, and through plenty of public statements, her position regarding one of Boulder’s more challenging policing dynamics, encampments, is antagonistic and biased. If she were to remove her name from the suit, she would likely still represent an extreme perspective. Allowing her to serve on the panel is a conflict of public interest, and injects bias into any considerations on the part of the Police Oversight Panel.
There are plenty of options for panel members that can help our city with Police oversight, please go with another.
Jud Valeski, Boulder
Steven A. Ottem: Politics: Politicians need term limits, taxpayers need a balanced budget
Isn’t it great that the two political parties could come together to spend a trillion dollars that we don’t have? Will anyone be surprised if we come to find out the congressmen raised their own salaries or benefits? Business as usual from both parties.
We taxpayers need two things, term limits and a balanced budget amendment. We will get neither from the Democrats or the Republicans.
You can do something about term limits. Go to https://www.termlimits.com/petition. Sign the petition. Details are on the website. After you sign, you will get an email asking for a donation. You can ignore the request. You can unsubscribe from further emails.
Do your bit to remove and prevent future Nancy Pelosis, Chuck Schumers, and Mitch McConnells.
As for a balanced budget, neither party will limit themselves from using money we don’t have to reward their supporters who helped them get their job.
What can you do about that? Don’t vote for either a D or an R. Another bit of bipartisanship, a myth both parties promote, if you vote for anybody other than a D or an R, you wasted your vote.
If you vote for a D or an R, you voted for the status quo. Is that really what you want?
Steven A. Ottem, Loveland | 2022-12-30T16:54:17Z | www.dailycamera.com | Letters to the editor: Detective unit failings; oversight panel activists; term-limited politicians | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/30/letters-to-the-editor-detective-unit-failings-oversight-panel-activists-term-limited-politicians/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/30/letters-to-the-editor-detective-unit-failings-oversight-panel-activists-term-limited-politicians/ |
Boulder police are searching for a driver who caused a crash earlier this month and fled the scene.
According to social media posts by Boulder police, the crash occurred at 12:17 p.m. Dec. 23 at the intersection of Baseline Road and Inca Parkway.
Police said the driver of a dark truck turning onto eastbound Baseline Road from Inca Parkway failed to yield right of way to a vehicle heading east on Baseline.
Video posted by police shows the other vehicle swerved on the snow-covered roads to avoid the truck and lost control, veering into oncoming traffic and hitting two other vehicles headed west on Baseline.
Boulder Police Traffic officers are trying to find a driver involved in a crash that occurred around 12:17pm on Dec. 23. A dark-colored truck/SUV did not yield the right of way at Inca & Baseline. A vehicle driving east on Baseline swerved to avoid hitting the truck/SUV 1/2 pic.twitter.com/AP0F8FEOjt
Police said two people suffered serious injuries in the crash.
Anyone with information about the driver of the suspect truck or SUV is asked to contact Boulder police Traffic Officer Bergh at 720-648-0546 and reference case No. 22-12589. | 2022-12-31T02:22:41Z | www.dailycamera.com | Boulder police investigating hit-and-run crash – Boulder Daily Camera | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/30/boulder-police-investigating-hit-and-run-crash/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/30/boulder-police-investigating-hit-and-run-crash/ |
Women’s basketball: CU Buffs knock off…
SEATTLE – Colorado’s Quay Miller puts up a layup against the Washington defense during a game at Alaska Airlines Arena on Dec. 30, 2022. (CU Athletics)
SEATTLE – Even with a 19-point lead in the second, the Colorado women’s basketball team knew closing out a conference win on the road wouldn’t be easy.
It wasn’t, but the Buffaloes found a way to get the job done at Alaska Airlines Arena on Friday, knocking off the Washington Huskies, 64-56.
CU (11-3, 1-1 Pac-12) overcame a late rally by the Huskies (9-3, 1-1) to snag its first conference win of the season.
“In mostly every Pac-12 game, teams are gonna go on runs,” sophomore Kindyll Wetta said. “That’s just what happens. Being able to just stay calm and stay collected during those runs is important.”
Back-to-back 3-pointers by Wetta gave the Buffs a commanding 52-33 lead with 3 minutes, 40 second to play in the third quarter. But, the Buffs didn’t hit another field goal for more than nine minutes, as the Huskies went on a 13-1 run to pull within 53-46.
The Buffs made enough plays down the stretch, however, to get out of Seattle with a win.
SEATTLE – Colorado’s Jaylyn Sherrod, right, drives to the basket against Washington’s Jayda Noble during a game at Alaska Airlines Arena on Dec. 30, 2022. (CU Athletics)
“I wish the full 40 minutes had looked like the first 20, but that doesn’t always happen,” CU head coach JR Payne said. “So, when it’s ugly, when it’s not going your way, when you’re not doing what you necessarily need to do, to find a way to get it done sometimes it’s enough. For today it was enough. Another day, it may not be, but I thought we sort of dug in and did what we need to do.”
Former Huskies Quay Miller and Tameiya Sadler had plenty to do with the result. Both transferred from Washington to CU a year ago and were playing in Seattle as visitors for the first time.
Miller had a team-high 14 points and eight rebounds, along with four assists, three blocks and three steals. Sadler came off the bench and shot just twice, scoring three points, but added six steals, three rebounds and a block.
Wetta contributed with 12 points, including a career-high three 3-pointers, while Jaylyn Sherrod had 10 points and six assists, Aaronette Vonleh had 10 points and Tayanna Jones had six points and six boards.
“It’s incredible and I love that we have that type of balance to have different people (contribute) and a pretty unselfish group,” Payne said. “For Tameiya to play as hard as she was to have six steals and only took two shots in 24 minutes, finding a way to contribute and impact the game besides just scoring is very unselfish. And I love that about our team.”
For Wetta, it was a much-needed performance. During the first 44 games of her career before Friday, she was 9-of-43 on 3-pointers (20.9%). She made her first three attempts on Friday.
“It felt really good,” she said. “I’ve been working a lot on my shot, it just hasn’t been falling. To be able to hit three 3s today really gives me a boost of confidence and hopefully I can carry that into other games.”
The Buffs are hoping this type of result can carry over to other games. They lost their Pac-12 opener, 85-58, at No. 11 Utah on Dec. 14, but put together a much better effort on both ends of the floor Friday.
“Especially after Utah, that was a tough, tough first road game,” Wetta said. “But then also a tough first road loss, so to come on the road a second straight time and get a win feels pretty awesome.”
Next up is a trip to Pullman, Wash., to face Washington State, and Payne is happy her Buffs got the road trip started on the right foot.
“It’s huge,” Payne said. “To not really play your best and still win on the road, it’s tough to do that in this league. We’ve just got to make sure that we don’t have those lapses (on offense and defense) because it’s hard to do that against the teams in this conference.”
CU blocked a season-high seven shots. It was the most by a CU team since having seven against Texas Southern on Nov. 23, 2021. … Washington’s only lead was 2-0 and that lasted for only 35 seconds. … CU has won its last three against the Huskies and five of its past six. This was CU’s second consecutive win in Seattle. Washington is scheduled to face the Buffs in Boulder on Feb. 12.
Turning point: Although CU had to weather a late Washington run, the main turning point came midway through the second quarter. UW had pulled within 25-20 and CU responded with a 13-3 run to close the half, highlighted by five points from Aaronette Vonleh.
Buff of the game: Quay Miller. The former Husky had 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks against her former team.
What’s next?: The Buffs visit Washington State on Sunday at 5 p.m. MT.
COLORADO (11-3, 1-1 Pac-12)
Sherrod 3-10 4-4 10, Jones 3-6 0-0 6, Formann 3-8 0-0 7, Miller 6-9 1-2 14, Vonleh 4-9 2-3 10, Sadler 1-2 0-0 3, Wetta 3-5 3-4 12, Wynn 1-1 0-0 2, Whittaker 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 24-52 10-13 64.
WASHINGTON (9-3, 1-1 Pac-12)
Schwartz 4-6 3-4 12, Noble 5-9 0-0 14, Van Dyke 3-8 0-0 7, Daniels 4-7 1-2 9, Oliver 0-2 0-0 0, Stines 1-4 2-2 4, Brown 1-2 0-0 3, Grothaus 2-4 1-2 5, Ladine 1-7 0-0 2, Rees 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 21-50 7-10 56.
3-point goals – CU 6-14 (Wetta 3-4, Formann 1-5, Miller 1-3, Sadler 1-1, Sherrod 0-1), Washington 7-24 (Noble 4-6, Van Dyke 1-5, Schwartz 1-3, Brown 1-2, Ladine 0-5, Stines 0-2, Grothaus 0-1). Rebounds – CU 26 (Miller 8), Washington 32 (Noble 6). Assists – CU 15 (Sherrod 6), Washington 14 (Noble 5). Steals – CU 14 (Sadler 6), Washington 6 (Schwartz, Van Dyke 2). Turnovers – CU 15, Washington 22. Total fouls – CU 17, Washington 13. Fouled out – None. A – 2,318. | 2022-12-31T06:13:57Z | www.dailycamera.com | Women’s basketball: CU Buffs knock off Washington for first Pac-12 win – Boulder Daily Camera | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/30/womens-basketball-cu-buffs-knock-off-washington-for-first-pac-12-win/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/30/womens-basketball-cu-buffs-knock-off-washington-for-first-pac-12-win/ |
$2M for CU Boulder’s JILA lab renovation…
Jun Ye, a physicist at JILA, explains his research to U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse on Dec. 16, 2021 in this file photo. US Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Lafayette, visited CU Boulder’s Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA) for a tour and to talk about the federal infrastructure bill. (Cliff Grassmick/Staff Photographer)
The 2023 omnibus government spending bill includes $2 million for lab renovations at the University of Colorado Boulder JILA, formerly known as the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics.
• $250,000 for the Latino Chamber of Commerce Mobile Office
• $1,080,000 for the Boulder County Sheriff Long Range Acoustical Device
• $575,000 for the Lyons Emergency & Assistance Fund
• $650,000 for the Veterans Community Project Transitional Housing in Longmont
Boulder announces New Year's holiday closures | 2022-12-31T08:18:24Z | www.dailycamera.com | $2M for CU Boulder's JILA lab renovation included in omnibus government funding bill | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/29/2m-for-jila-lab-renovation-included-in-omnibus-government-funding-bill/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/29/2m-for-jila-lab-renovation-included-in-omnibus-government-funding-bill/ |
Opinion: Priscilla Dann-Courtney: Even a…
I was on my way for a cup of morning tea when my quiet morning was interrupted by a frightening moment. As I drove through a sleepy neighborhood, a young girl sped out of an alley on her small scooter greeting my passenger side with a crash and a thud. In that moment I thought her life and my life were changed forever. Thankfully the only casualty was my side view mirror, and she only sustained a few scrapes. But even though she avoided serious physical injury, the psychological toll for both of us was unavoidable. As I left my car running in the middle of the street still in shock, I walked her and her pink scooter to her front door. In a quiet voice, she begged, “Please don’t tell my parents.” Of course, the parents were so kind and embraced her as we all tried to recover with comforting words. But the cracked mirror has brought days of reflection for me.
Sadly, all of us went to a place of guilt and shame. The little girl was self-critical about not being more careful. Her mother reprimanded herself for not reminding her to look both ways, and I thought I should have seen her coming. We all went to a place of criticism.
Shame is a difficult challenge for most of us. Brene Brown, a professor and lecturer, explains that shame is “I am bad.” Guilt is “I did something bad.” We do need to take responsibility for our choices and learn from them, but the tendency is to go to a place of “badness” about ourselves versus our internal goodness, and that we may have just made a mistake. Shame does nothing to comfort us when we need it the most to heal. It becomes an escape route from other feelings underneath. I believe it took us away from the fear of what could have been and the sadness that it had happened at all. No matter how uncomfortable shame can feel we sometimes unconsciously defer to it instead of allowing the fear, sadness or grief. Yet it only adds insult to injury and in this case both physically and metaphorically. I did bring her a card and cupcake a few hours later hoping to reassure her — and myself — that everything was going to be ok. I found it important to let her know how scary that must have been but how brave she was, and that she certainly was speedy on that scooter. But it was a card I was also writing to my younger self who often felt shame versus self-compassion when I made an innocent mistake. So often a shaking finger substitutes for a loving embrace. Responsibility for our actions and our feelings is enhanced when shame is left by the side of the road.
Acknowledgment of feeling is also core to the building of self-esteem. Research indicates that self-esteem is strengthened by our ability to identify and express emotion more that our outward achievements. Esteem for our emotional self builds self-esteem. With increased self-esteem and reduced shame, our healing does depend on “looking both ways.”
Given this was a trauma for all of us on some level, healing needed to be looked at from two directions. One was telling the story with concrete details and the other was compassionate sharing from the heart as to how it made us feel. “Both ways” are integral to recovery from trauma. In the days after, I found myself often flashing back to the incident and seeing the little girl with no way to avoid her and hearing the deafening thud. Driving and passing cyclists on the road made me anxious. There was a sense of uneasiness that was difficult to shake. I share this just to outline that although trauma is on a continuum where it can be extreme as with experiences of physical abuse, sexual abuse, shootings, fires, or floods, less serious trauma can often cause symptoms that hopefully will heal over time. But we must move gingerly in the face of injury no matter the severity. That will include emotional sharing with friends and family, taking care of ourselves physically and doing our best to complement our strengths versus criticizing ourselves. We also hold trauma in our bodies and to “shake” it off, movement through exercise, dance, or yoga can both soothe and heal.
It was a pleasure to meet this little girl and her family. I just wish it had been under different circumstances. Yet even with a cracked mirror I could see clearly and was reminded our emotional self-care builds self-esteem and is the road to healing. And a cupcake is always sweeter than shame.
Certain details have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved. | 2022-12-31T14:33:02Z | www.dailycamera.com | Opinion: Priscilla Dann-Courtney: Even a cracked mirror can provide emotional clarity | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/31/opinion-priscilla-dann-courtney-even-a-cracked-mirror-can-provide-emotional-clarity/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/31/opinion-priscilla-dann-courtney-even-a-cracked-mirror-can-provide-emotional-clarity/ |
Marshall Fire: For Bill Stephens, ‘There’s…
Marshall Fire: For Bill Stephens, ‘There’s this odd sense of loneliness’
Pastors Bill and Jackie Stephens, at Ascent Community Church in Louisville. They, alongside over 20 families at their church, lost their home during the Marshall Fire. (Andrea Grajeda, Staff Writer)
Bill and Jackie Stephens, pastors at Ascent Church in Louisville, watched their neighborhood burn down on the news.
They were in Washington when they first heard about the fire, and could not save any belongings left in the house. They said that a friend of theirs hiked into the Rock Creek neighborhood area that was ravaged in Superior, and gave them confirmation that their house was gone.
Bill Stephens said he feels the grief of losing a home come back a year after the fire. He said that while devastated after the fire, he had to shift into survival mode. Jackie Stephens said that the first few months were spent dealing with insurance and trying to stabilize themselves, and then the grief crept in. But addressing insurance, HOA rules, finding new housing and trying to rebuild left little room for grieving.
Bill Stephens expressed that now that he has an idea of how he will recover, the pain and grief that had to be pushed aside is coming back.
Jackie Stephens said it can be easy for people who were not affected by the fire to expect others to move on quickly. Bill Stephens urged people to not move on from the fire too hastily, as they risk forgetting that it still affects the community to this day.
The reality, the couple said, is that while the fire is gone, the disaster is ongoing. Jackie Stephens wants to share the truth of how difficult it has been, so that the community does not forget.
“The grief that you felt in month one was met with a lot of support, but in month 11, there’s this odd sense of loneliness,” Bill Stephens said during an interview at Ascent Church.
While many people have indeed moved on, there are also many for whom doing so is not an option. Bill Stephens said his loneliness grows as the once-overwhelming show of support starts to decrease over time. He wants to let people know that they are not alone.
Jackie and Bill Stephens said they want to support neighbors and members of the church who lost their homes.
“I want to do all I can to be someone that says ‘I get you,’ to our community,” Bill Stephens said.
He added that losing his own home helped him be a better pastor at Ascent.
Beth Lillstrom, executive pastor at Ascent, said Bill Stephens has always been vulnerable, and has frequently offered teachings that invite people into the mess of life. Lillstrom encouraged him to share the truth of his situation.
“Your life is not tied up in a bow. This process is not gonna be tied up in a bow and it would feel so dishonoring to everyone else to say it was,” Lillstrom said.
Jackie Stephens said that over 20 families in the church also lost their homes. She expressed that it is not easy to be a leader and personally grieve at the same time, but it is important for her to show the struggle of recovering. She said she does not want to appear that she has it all together, because no one does. Pretending that everything is fine would only hurt others, she said.
“If I were to just brush it aside and act strong and pretend that we’re all good, how would that feel to them?” Jackie Stephens asked.
The Stephens currently live in a rental home with the same floor plan as their house that is now gone. They said the familiarity can be both comforting and haunting. Bill Stephens said it can be odd to know exactly where things should be, but not have his belongings there.
For Jackie Stephens, one of the most exhausting things has been having to break out of habitual thoughts and actions. Instead of just having to open a cabinet to grab her dishware to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner, she had to stop and think about everything she needed that was lost in the fire.
Bill Stephens said that after living in his old home for 20 years, he even misses the things that used to drive him crazy. He even misses the leaky irrigation system that always gave him problems in the winter
The Stephens are in the process of rebuilding. Bill Stephens used to say “It’s just stuff,” until he lost it. He said that those belongings were blessings, and part of his life story.
Life after the fire has been filled with managing finances and measuring the cost of building against insurance payouts. His family has been slowly recovering, and replacing sentimental objects as a way to reclaim memories.
Bill Stephens believes he and others should take stock of their blessings in life more often.
“When you’re sitting on your back porch that you love and crafted a really great life with your family there, stop for a second and say, ‘This is great,’ because something like that can be taken really quickly,” he said. | 2022-12-31T16:07:18Z | www.dailycamera.com | Marshall Fire: For Bill Stephens, 'There’s this odd sense of loneliness' | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/14/marshall-fire-for-bill-stephens-theres-this-odd-sense-of-loneliness/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/14/marshall-fire-for-bill-stephens-theres-this-odd-sense-of-loneliness/ |
New Year’s Eve midnight sound meditation
Celebrate the new year with ecstatic dance, community ritual, experiential art installations, healers, psychics and a midnight sound healing ceremony; 7 p.m., Saturday, The Experience Building, 473 Main St., Longmont; $55; bandsintown.com.
New Year’s Eve meditation
Enter into 2023 with a heart-centered, peaceful connection to spirit and body. Norma Groverland and Jack Groverland will host this event to celebrate the changing year; 11:15 p.m., Saturday, Unity of Boulder Spiritual Center, 2855 Folsom St., Boulder; unityofboulder.com.
Burning bowl ceremony and new beginnings
Participants in this service can renew their commitment to themselves at Unity’s annual ritual. The ceremony consists of a person writing down any negative condition in their life and throwing it in a fire; 11 a.m. Sunday, Unity of Boulder Spiritual Center, 2855 Folsom St., Boulder; free; unityofboulder.com.
Great Ideas reading and discussion group
Participants will be asked to complete a brief reading and then join the group once every two weeks to discuss readings from “Great Books of the Western World,” compiled by Mortimer J. Adler, an American philosopher. Some of the topics will include chance, religion and history. The sessions will be led by community member Brian Hansen; 3 p.m., Thursday, Longmont Public Library, 409 Fourth Ave., Longmont; longmontcolorado.gov. | 2022-12-31T18:53:09Z | www.dailycamera.com | Religion briefs for Dec. 31-Jan. 6 | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/31/religion-briefs-12-24/ | https://www.dailycamera.com/2022/12/31/religion-briefs-12-24/ |
Bill to create scholarship for potential teachers in OK passes House
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) - State lawmakers are hoping to encourage more students to become teachers and stay in Oklahoma classrooms.
House Bill 3564 would create a scholarship fund where recipients would have to agree to teach in an Oklahoma Public School for five years.
In exchange, they would get $1,000 for the first three years of college, followed by $2,500 for their final year.
In addition, the bill would allow State Regents to make incentive payments after a student graduates, up to $4,000 for up to five years.
The bill was approved by the House, and is now heading to the Senate. | 2022-03-16T13:40:03Z | www.kswo.com | Bill to create scholarship for potential teachers in OK passes House | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/14/bill-create-scholarship-potential-teachers-ok-passes-house/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/14/bill-create-scholarship-potential-teachers-ok-passes-house/ |
Dayspring Community Church releases spring schedule
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Daniel Wall, the recreational director at Dayspring Community Church, and Pastor Robert Smith joined 7News to talk about upcoming events they have coming up.
Dayspring Community Church will kick off their spring events with Brave Hearted, a camp for children with special needs.
The camp will be held on Saturday, March 26 at the Lawton Christian School Gym, with registration starting at 9:30 a.m.
Events begin at 10 a.m. with basketball, corn-hole, arts and crafts, and more. The camp ends at 12:30 p.m.
Also coming up is the Kickball for All kickball league, which is a Co-Ed kickball league.
The cost to participate is $25 per person or $100 per family of 4.
Practices will be held once a week and games kick-off on April 9.
For more information, you can check out the Dayspring Community Church Facebook. | 2022-03-16T13:40:34Z | www.kswo.com | Dayspring Community Church releases spring schedule | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/14/dayspring-community-church-releases-spring-schedule/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/14/dayspring-community-church-releases-spring-schedule/ |
Representative Daniel Pae gives details on proposed bill
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Representative Daniel Pae gave details on proposed bill he co-authored to help bring relief to victims of PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, depression and more.
The bill, House Bill 3414 would allow universities, institutions of higher education and research facilities in Oklahoma to conduct clinical trials on psilocybin and psilocin, which is found in certain mushrooms, for those dealing with mental health issues. | 2022-03-16T13:42:44Z | www.kswo.com | Representative Daniel Pae gives details on proposed bill | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/14/representative-daniel-pae-gives-details-proposed-bill/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/14/representative-daniel-pae-gives-details-proposed-bill/ |
Suspect arrested, accused of hitting officer, spitting on medical personnel in Lawton
Andrew Garcia-Pena(Comanche County Detention Center)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A man is facing charges after he allegedly spit on a police officer and medical personnel in Lawton.
Andrew Garcia-Pena is facing several charges including assault and battery on a police officer and assault and battery on a medical provider.
According to court documents, police were called out on March 10 to a man standing at the center median of NE Rogers Lane and I-44.
When an officer spoke with the man, identified as Garcia-Pena, who they said smelled heavily of alcohol, had slurred speech and was unsteady on his feet.
He was arrested for public intoxication, and on the way to a hospital to be checked out, police said he broke off the handle of the police cruiser he was in.
After being released from the hospital, police said he kicked out the back window of the cruiser he was in and then jumped out.
Medical personnel responded to the scene, where investigators said Garcia-Pena then spit on them and an officer before he was taken back to a hospital to be checked out due to injuries he sustained while jumping out of the cruiser.
An officer who then took him to the Lawton City Jail said Garcia-Pena headbutted him in the chest when he went to pick him up.
According to court documents, Garcia-Pena was taken to the jail in an ambulance so he couldn’t kick out another police cruiser’s window.
A preliminary hearing conference has been set for May 16. | 2022-03-16T13:42:57Z | www.kswo.com | Suspect arrested, accused of hitting officer, spitting on medical personnel in Lawton | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/14/suspect-arrested-accused-hitting-officer-spitting-medial-personnel-lawton/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/14/suspect-arrested-accused-hitting-officer-spitting-medial-personnel-lawton/ |
David Beckner has been charged with first-degree manslaughter in the death of Jeffery McClung.(Comanche County Detention Center)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A man has been charged in connection to a death on SW Bell Ave. in Lawton.
David Beckner has been charged with first-degree manslaughter in the death of Jeffery McClung.
According to court documents, witnesses saw Beckner chasing after McClung down Bell Ave. before he caught up to him and a fight broke out.
They told investigators they then noticed McClung was hurt badly and bleeding, so they called police.
Beckner told investigators that someone tried to break into his home He said when he went outside, he saw McClung a few doors down under someone’s window, so he confronted him, but McClung took off.
Investigators said McClung was found in the road in the 500 block of NW Bell Ave., dead from a large laceration to his throat and torso.
Beckner’s bond has been set at $500,000, with a preliminary hearing conference set for April 26. | 2022-03-17T20:34:38Z | www.kswo.com | Man charged in NW Bell Ave. homicide | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/15/man-charged-nw-bell-ave-homicide/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/15/man-charged-nw-bell-ave-homicide/ |
ALTUS, Okla. (KSWO) - A wild hog hunt will take place later this month in Altus.
Jeff Blevins, owner of 4B Outfitters, and Amy McTague, owner of PrimeTime Taxidermy, gave details on National Wildlife Turkey Federation’s 2022 Wild Hog Hunt in Altus next weekend.
The 2022 Wild Hog Hunt presented by the Southwest Oklahoma Regional Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is March 25 through 27.
It will kick off with a shotgun start at 6 p.m. at the Altus Airport Hangar 36, with weigh-ins at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The event will include kids activities, a special Meet N’ Greet Fundraiser and a load of different raffles.
The entry fee is $50 per person and at least one member of each team must be present for the shotgun start.
More information can be found by calling 580-471-8558. | 2022-03-17T20:34:53Z | www.kswo.com | National Wild Turkey Federation will host Wild Hog Hunt | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/15/national-wild-turkey-federation-will-host-wild-hog-hunt/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/15/national-wild-turkey-federation-will-host-wild-hog-hunt/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - It’s been a hot topic for several years, but heated up amid the Covid pandemic. School districts across the state, all facing the same challenge.
“There is a teacher shortage, there is not nearly enough students coming through the teacher pipeline,” said Betty Collins, a Tulsa Public Schools teacher.
“Nobody wants to be a teacher, there’s not enough pay and too much work you have to do,” Angela Statum, another teacher at Tulsa Public Schools said.
The dwindling number of teachers isn’t new to Oklahoma. It’s an issue that’s been around long enough that steps have been made to combat it.
State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister touts a recent win - paying student teachers working toward a degree in education.
“So paying for a student teaching internship is something that’s never been done before in Oklahoma and the state used resources to help bring 1,300 new teachers a year into that paid student teaching,” Hofmeister said.
Education majors at Cameron University are taking advantage of it.
Jennifer Dennis, the Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies says they’ve gone an extra step to help.
“Cameron has supplemented the student teaching semester with a $500 stipend to all of our student teachers to help pay for their testing expenses,” said Dennis.
But not all colleges can sustain their education programs.
Oklahoma City University recently made headlines after the school announced it would be suspending its program because of the low enrollment.
Cameron, however, has seen fluctuating, but healthy numbers.
In 2019, 45 students graduated from the traditional teacher prep program, 58 students in 2020, and last year, Cameron University graduated 49 students who declared a major in education.
“That’s not enough to fill the demand in SWOK and our graduates don’t stay here,” said Dennis. “We wish there were more, but we have some healthy numbers and healthy sized enrollment in our education programs.”
Despite the efforts being made to graduate traditionally certified teachers, schools continue to fall short. Oklahoma’s emergency certification program aims to lessen that blow but even that is a double edged sword.
“We’re appreciative of them, the fact of the matter is they didn’t go through the same four years of teaching school that those of us who are more traditionally certified,” Collins said. “Things like classroom management, Special Education law, teachers who are emergency certified get into the classroom and don’t know what to expect.”
In order for these emergency certified teachers to catch up in areas essential to the classroom, Superintendent Hofmeister proposes providing them with the necessary resources to make an impact in children’s lives.
“That is something that every parent that sends their child into a classroom that they have confidence that their teacher knows how to teach reading, understands the science of reading,” said Hofmeister.
Until that support is given to emergency certified teachers, some say they’ll quit the profession all together and the shortage will continue.
“If you don’t have the skills and capability because you didn’t practice that, you’re overwhelmed and feel you don’t have the support you need to be in the classroom,” said Collins.
This legislative session, two bills have been filed to help address the teacher shortage. Senator Jessica Garvin has filed Senate Bills 1119 and 1144.
SB 1119 would remove the 270-hour limitation adjunct teachers can teach per semester in a classroom, while 1144 would remove the limit on number of school days certain substitute teachers may teach. | 2022-03-17T20:37:01Z | www.kswo.com | Despite efforts, Oklahoma teacher shortage remains | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/16/despite-efforts-oklahoma-teacher-shortage-remains/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/16/despite-efforts-oklahoma-teacher-shortage-remains/ |
Kendra Horn announces run for Oklahoma U.S. Senate.(COURTESY)
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) - Democrat Kendra Horn is the latest candidate to announce plans to run for Oklahoma’s soon-to-be vacant U.S. Senate seat.
The attorney plans to fill the position to be left by outgoing Senator Jim Inhofe.
Horn pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the 2018 midterm elections when she defeated then U.S. Representative Steve Russell.
She served one term before losing the seat in 2020 to Representative Stephanie Bice.
Several high-profile Republicans have already announced plans to run, including Representative Markwayne Mullin, former Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon, state Senator Nathan Dahm and Inhofe’s longtime Chief of Staff Luke Holland. | 2022-03-17T20:37:34Z | www.kswo.com | Kendra Horn announces U.S. Senate seat candidacy | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/16/kendra-horn-announces-us-senate-seat-candidacy/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/16/kendra-horn-announces-us-senate-seat-candidacy/ |
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) - In a legislative effort to address the state’s teacher shortage, the Oklahoma Senate has approved a measure that would have districts conduct teacher exit interviews.
The author of Senate Bill 1630 said companies in the private sector already use exit interviews to get feedback on what they can improve.
The proposal calls for a standardized form created by the State Department of Education, and that data would go on to inform decisions on professional development and the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability.
Now, the measure heads to the House for consideration. | 2022-03-17T20:38:15Z | www.kswo.com | OK Senate approves bill allowing for teacher exit interviews | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/16/ok-senate-approves-bill-allowing-teacher-exit-interviews/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/16/ok-senate-approves-bill-allowing-teacher-exit-interviews/ |
18-year-old Johnny Sapcut of Elgin was arrested for a murder that took place in Indian County.(Comanche County Detention Center)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A man from Comanche County has been indicted in federal court for the murder of his grandmother.
Johnny Sapcut was indicted on one count of Murder in the Second Degree in Indian Country.
He’s accused of killing his grandmother on Feb. 14.
According to court documents, officers responded to the home in the early morning hours of Feb. 15 to find Sapcut covered in blood. He allegedly told them “my grandma’s dead” before pointing them to a knife.
Since both the victim and suspect in the case are part of the Comanche tribe, federal investigators have taken over the case. | 2022-03-17T20:38:38Z | www.kswo.com | Sapcut indicted in federal court for Comanche County murder | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/16/sapcut-indicted-federal-court-comanche-county-murder/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/16/sapcut-indicted-federal-court-comanche-county-murder/ |
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KSWO) - Oklahoma’s Congressional delegation have shared their thoughts after hearing from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the ongoing crisis there.
Senator James Lankford, who was in attendance for the speech, reiterated Zelenskyy’s calls for President Joe Biden to aid the nation as it is being attacked by Russia.
“You could hear President Zelenskyy clearly say it towards the end of his message to everyone,” Lankford said. “Is to say to President Biden, ‘Don’t just be the leader of America, be the leader of the world, be a leader for peace. Provide what is needed to actually provide peace.’ That’s not an unreasonable request from a person who has taken inbound 1,000 missiles in the last three weeks.”
Congressman Tom Cole said U.S. lawmakers have their part to play in aiding Ukraine.
“As an ardent defender of freedom, it is critical that the United States support Ukraine in their most dire hour and send a clear message to Vladimir Putin that America will not stand for his lawless behavior,” Cole said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on the specifics of how and when to help Ukraine in their fight for freedom, but I would challenge any lawmaker to say they left that meeting today without knowing that it is the right thing to do.”
President Biden announced after Zelenskyy’s address that he would send more anti-aircraft systems and drones to Ukraine. | 2022-03-18T07:59:10Z | www.kswo.com | Oklahoma Congressmen share thoughts on Zelenskyy address | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/16/oklahoma-congressmen-share-thoughts-zelenskyy-address/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/16/oklahoma-congressmen-share-thoughts-zelenskyy-address/ |
Bethlehem Baptist Church hosts Mental Wellness Panel
LAWTON, Okla. - Wednesday evening a local congregation reached out to the Lawton Fort Sill community for a discussion on mental health.
The Mental Wellness Panel was held at Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Several experts spoke on ways people can be mindful of mental wellness and caring for people, whether its finding resources for loved ones or figuring out how to help someone who doesn’t want to be helped.
The discussion was held in recognition of Mental Health Month, Pastor Willie Smith said they were happy to share this much-needed information with the community.
“Mental illness is a real human condition and it really needs a real human conversation and that’s what we had tonight one out of five adults in America suffer with some form of mental illness they are us and we want them to know you don’t have to suffer in silence we hear the encourage you there are resources out here for you and it’s OK to say I’m not OK,” he said
Smith said one of the most important things the community can do is work to remove the stigma from asking for help. | 2022-03-18T17:22:17Z | www.kswo.com | Bethlehem Baptist Church hosts Mental Wellness Panel | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/17/bethlehem-baptist-church-hosts-mental-wellness-panel/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/17/bethlehem-baptist-church-hosts-mental-wellness-panel/ |
Car chase out of Jackson County ends in Harmon County after a car crashes.
According to Altus Police, the chase started when officers attempted to stop Tommy Lynn Hall of Amarillo, Texas, for a traffic violation in the 100 block of West Broadway around 2:30 Thursday.
Hall was rescued by law enforcement.
He was taken to a hospital in Oklahoma City where he was in critical condition at last check. | 2022-03-18T19:39:54Z | www.kswo.com | Suspect identified in Jackson County chase | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/18/suspect-identified-jackson-county-chase/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/18/suspect-identified-jackson-county-chase/ |
Charles Woods(Stephens County Sheriff's Office)
KERN COUNTY, Calif. (KSWO) - A man wanted in Stephens County for rape and lewd acts with a minor has been caught in California.
A warrant was issued for Charles Lynn Woods in late January.
According to jail records in Kern County, California, a man with the same name and birth date was arrested there on March 15.
The booking information has him arrested for an out of state warrant matching the same charges as well.
His bond was set in Oklahoma at $10,000.
It’s not clear when he will be extradited. | 2022-03-19T01:18:41Z | www.kswo.com | Wanted Stephens County man arrested in California | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/17/wanted-stephens-county-man-arrested-california/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/17/wanted-stephens-county-man-arrested-california/ |
By Tyler Boydston and Alex Rosa-Figueroa
COMANCHE COUNTY, Okla. (KSWO) - UPDATE 10:00 P.M. - Comanche County officials said a major grass fire east of Indiahoma burned around 400 acres since it sparked Friday afternoon.
The fire sparked around 2 p.m. off U.S. 62 and Bandy Road.
Windy conditions caused the fire to spread.
Comanche County Emergency Management said the fire burned through two sheds and two vehicles, but none of the nearby homes were damaged.
Every fire crew in the county worked to contain the fire, and two firefighters were injured, one due to a minor car wreck and another from smoke inhalation.
Emergency Management said the fire is about 50 percent contained.
Fire crews have been monitoring the area throughout the evening.
Emergency Management has asked people to avoid the area at this time.
UPDATE 4:22 P.M. - U.S. 62 is open to one lane after it was initially closed due to a large outside fire near Indiahoma.
ORIGINAL STORY - Brush trucks from nearly every department in Comanche County have been called in to help with a series of large outside fires that broke out near Indiahoma Friday.
The calls first came in around 2:40 p.m. of several fires near Bandy Road and U.S. 62.
U.S. 62 was shut down in both directions near Indiahoma after fire jumped across the highway, with law enforcement directing people to turn around.
So far, there is no word of any injuries or how many structures may be involved. | 2022-03-19T15:08:17Z | www.kswo.com | UPDATE: fire in Indiahoma burns hundreds of acres | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/18/crews-respond-several-outside-fires-near-indiahoma/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/18/crews-respond-several-outside-fires-near-indiahoma/ |
MARLOW, Okla. (KSWO) - A Marlow nursing facility is under investigation by the Oklahoma State Department of Health after photos allegedly taken there surfaced on social media this week.
A former employee snapped and posted them on Facebook Sunday, saying the residents there need help.
The pictures show everything from dirty bedrooms, bathrooms and toilets to patients with open wounds and bed sores.
Tabitha Hulsey started working as a nurse at Marlow Nursing and Rehabilitation on 9th Street last June.
She said from the start, she felt like the facility was filthy and did not provide adequate care for patients, so she started taking photos to document it.
Hulsey alleges a neglectful staff that sometimes forgets to feed patients.
She felt it was her responsibility to step up and speak for the voiceless.
“A lot of them can’t do the talking for themselves. A lot of them try to and they get shut down. They don’t know how to help themselves,” Hulsey said. “They don’t know who to speak up to. These are people who are in their daily lives trying to take care of them, and if these people are threatening them or treating them bad, they may be scared to go forth to talk to them about something.”
Crystal Ross worked at the facility for several months as a nursing assistant and said it’s a family’s worst nightmare.
She quit earlier this month.
In telling one horror story, she said she watched a resident almost bleed to death after he got a new catheter.
“I went and got the nurse and I was like, ‘Well, he’s complaining that he’s got sharp pains and that he can’t urinate, that he feels like he needs to pee and she said, “Okay.’ Well, she went in there and checked. Well, blood came out,” Ross said.
Ross said the facility is severely understaffed. She would sometimes care for up to 15 people at a time all by herself.
That’s when she decided to walk away from the job.
“I stayed for so long and kept hurting myself because I thought I could make a difference and that is the only reason why I stayed,” Ross said. “I love them. They’re not just people. I love them like they’re my family.”
District 51 Representative Brad Boles’ office helped Hulsey report the conditions.
In a statement, Boles said quote, “I received some very concerning pictures and information this week regarding a local nursing home’s treatment of residents within their care in my district and my office immediately reported this information to my contact at the OK Health Department so that they can look into this issue.”
Friday, a representative for the Oklahoma State Department of Health told 7NEWS “This is a pending investigation. The OSDH is not able to provide any further comment.”
Hulsey said she was fired last month, with management telling her she’d missed too much work, but she believes it’s because she was collecting evidence.
She hopes this will encourage other families to check on loved ones who live in facilities.
“I just hope people can pay attention and pay attention to their family members that are inside of nursing homes. Go and check on them more often make sure they’re okay,” Hulsey said. “Don’t just take word for it. Go in there and see because you could most definitely be being lied to... so check up on it yourself.”
When 7NEWS reached out to Marlow Nursing and Rehabilitation, a woman told us “We don’t have comment at this time.”
You can count on us to keep you updated as the health department’s investigation continues. | 2022-03-19T15:09:10Z | www.kswo.com | OSDH investigating Marlow Nursing and Rehabilitation facility | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/18/osdh-investigating-marlow-nursing-rehabilitation-facility/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/18/osdh-investigating-marlow-nursing-rehabilitation-facility/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - High gas prices are affecting everyone, including fire departments across Southwest Oklahoma.
Cox’s Store Assistant Fire chief Jake Stallings said his department has helped fight about 20 different fires just this month.
Each time they are dispatched, seven to eight vehicles get loaded up and taken out.
And with high gas prices, they have seen a huge dent in their funds.
”It depends, if you’re talking about grass brush truck, it’s gasoline and costs about 70 to 80 dollars to fill it up,” Stallings said. “If you’re looking at our tankers, it’s 700 to 800 dollars.”
Volunteer departments depend on one monthly city tax check at around $1,000, and being a non profit organization they rely heavily on donations from the community.
Now with half of their money going towards gasoline and diesel, they are struggling to budget for other things that are constantly in high demand.
”Fuel, gear equipment is needed, tires servicing trucks and so on so forth,” Stallings said.
Just this week, several departments fought a 11,000 acre fire in Kiowa County, and one local farmer donated diesel to help them out.
I reached out to the Indiahoma Volunteer Fire Department.
They say community support goes a long way.
”Some months we have 1 to 2 calls, and some months we have 20 to 25 calls,” Stallings said. “It all depends on what the community needs, but we’re always there to serve.”
If anyone would like to donate any supplies or funds, they can reach out to their local volunteer firefighters, or they can contact to their county’s Emergency Management. | 2022-03-19T15:10:44Z | www.kswo.com | Local volunteer fire departments face high gas prices | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/19/sarae-pkg/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/19/sarae-pkg/ |
If you have plans to get out on this Saturday night, you will have near-perfect weather to do so. Tonight will be mostly clear as temperatures fall down into the low 40s with winds out of the southeast at 5-10 mph.
Sunday for us here in Texoma will be mostly sunny with slightly higher temperatures than today in the low 80s due to the overhead high pressure system and warm air from the south due to strong wind flow. Winds will be breezy tomorrow out of the south at 15-25 mph, gusting up to 30-40 mph. These warm temperatures and strong winds, combined with low relative humidity will allow for critical fire weather conditions to return to the entire area. A Red Flag Warning will go into effect Sunday afternoon for all counties in Texoma, lasting until the evening hours. Make sure to continue to follow fire safety guidelines and obey local burn bans.
Our next shot at rain will arrive on Monday due to an approaching upper-level trough and low pressure system. Starting up during the morning hours, widespread showers and thunderstorms will fire up across Texoma throughout the entire day into the overnight hours on Tuesday. By Tuesday, the rain will begin to move off to the east, with isolated coverage for parts of Southwest Oklahoma until the end of the day. Strong storms will be possible for portions of Texoma on Monday, with potential concerns being hail up to the size of quarters, gusty winds up to 60 mph, and localized flooding. Right now, models are showing future rainfall accumulations of up to and over an inch for most places. Highs on Monday will be in the mid 60s.
The middle of next week will witness a comfortable cooldown for the Southern Plains behind a cold front that will move through early in the day on Tuesday. Highs on Tuesday will fall down to the upper 50s, with Wednesday being the coldest day next week in the mid 50s. Sunshine returns near the end of next week, warming us back up to near-average temperatures for next weekend. | 2022-03-20T06:57:40Z | www.kswo.com | 7News First Alert Weather: Critical Fire Weather conditions tomorrow, but showers and storms arrive soon after | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/19/7news-first-alert-weather-critical-fire-weather-conditions-tomorrow-showers-storms-arrive-soon-after/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/19/7news-first-alert-weather-critical-fire-weather-conditions-tomorrow-showers-storms-arrive-soon-after/ |
DUNCAN, Okla. (KSWO) - A Duncan musician is using southwest Oklahoma as inspiration for songwriting and now the landscape as a backdrop for music videos.
Originally from south Texas, Clancy Jones now calls southwest Oklahoma home.
About a decade ago, he walked away from the oil industry to give his true passion -- music -- a chance.
His blend of genres including Americana, blues, folk and rock ‘n roll makes for a unique sound.
“I just enjoy traveling and seeing different places and people and meeting people. It kind of drives me and inspires me to write more songs about it and just Texas, Oklahoma, man. It’s a beautiful, beautiful landscape and I really enjoy living here,” Clancy said.
Clancy’s newest music video, Blacktop Bound, dropped last week.
It was filmed in his wife Jilli’s hometown Duncan.
They’d originally planned to shoot it in Martha, Texas but realized everything they needed was right here.
“I’m just so honored,” Jilli said. “It’s just so nice to see the full circle in life, coming back here and being married and seeing him just utilize all the resources that the town and the outskirts of the town can offer him.”
Music is in the blood for Clancy, who’s related to Moon Mullican, AKA the King of the Hillbilly Piano Players.
But the real inspiration came from his father.
“My dad got me inspired to play music just by listening to him every Sunday. He’s gather us up as kids. I’m from a big family, so he’d gather us up and we’d listen to him play music. He’d let us play the guitar or try to,” Clancy said.
He said it was tough for him at first because he can be a little shy, but music helps him open up.
“Once I get on stage and start playing the guitar, once the chords start moving and flowing, it’s kind of like I turn into a whole other person and I just feel this a joy come out of me. It’s better than anything I’ve ever did,” Clancy said.
Clancy’s new album Found My Way is out May 13th, with a performance at the Foreman Prairie House in Duncan.
You can find his Jones’ music on Spotify and YouTube as well as follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates.
And visit his website clancyjones.com to find out about upcoming performances. | 2022-03-20T06:58:15Z | www.kswo.com | Artist uses Duncan as backdrop for music video | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/20/artist-uses-duncan-backdrop-music-video/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/20/artist-uses-duncan-backdrop-music-video/ |
First Alert Forecast 6:30 am
Continuing yesterday’s trend of an enjoyable sunny and warm day, today will be much of the same, although it will be slightly warmer and much windier. Today we will be caught in between a high pressure ridge moving off to the east and a trough moving in from the west, meaning we will be experiencing strong southerly flow both at the surface and aloft. Temperatures will rise into the low 80s as winds pick up out of the south at 15-25 mph, gusting up to 30-40 mph. Critical fire weather conditions will be evident across the entire area today as all counties in Texoma will be under a Red Flag Warning this afternoon.
Through the morning hours and into the early afternoon, we will see a combination of widespread showers and storms increasing in coverage. By the afternoon hours, thunderstorms and heavy rainstorms will be the dominant form of precipitation. During this time and into the early evening, there is a chance we could see a few strong-to-severe storms fire up in Texoma. Concerns look to be large hail up to the size of quarters, gusty winds up to 60 mph, and localized flooding as most places could see between 0.5″ and 1″ of rainfall. The tornado risk is on the very low end compared to the other threats, but not entirely zero. Temperatures will only warm into the low 60s by the afternoon, but it all depends on the timing of the cold front later that day. Winds will still be breezing out of the southeast at 10-20 mph.
Rain chances will fall off by the early morning hours of Tuesday, but there will still be the chance for some isolated showers and storms in parts of Southwestern Oklahoma until the mid-to-late morning hours. For far northwestern counties near I-40, there could be the possibility for some light wintry mix, although impacts will be very minimal if this happens with no accumulation. The rest of the day on Tuesday will be partly cloudy with daytime high temperatures falling into the mid-to-upper 50s and winds out of the northwest at 15-25 mph following the passage of the cold front. | 2022-03-20T19:55:31Z | www.kswo.com | 7News First Alert Weather: Celebrating the first day of spring with a Red Flag Warning this afternoon | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/20/7news-first-alert-weather-celebrating-first-day-spring-with-red-flag-warning-this-afternoon/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/20/7news-first-alert-weather-celebrating-first-day-spring-with-red-flag-warning-this-afternoon/ |
First Alert Forecast 5:30 pm
Red Flag Warning will continue until 9:00 PM this evening for all of Texoma as wildfires have raged across Texoma this afternoon. A Wind Advisory is also in place for portions of Southwest Oklahoma and North Texas until 8:00 PM due to sustained wind speeds of 25-30 mph and wind gusts up to 40 mph.
Through the morning hours and into the early afternoon, we will see a combination of widespread showers and storms increasing in coverage. By the afternoon hours, thunderstorms and heavy rainstorms will be the dominant form of precipitation. During this time and into the early evening, there is a chance we could see a few strong-to-severe storms fire up in Texoma. Concerns look to be large hail up to the size of quarters, gusty winds up to 60 mph, and localized flooding as most places could see between 0.5″ and 1″ of rainfall. A flash flooding risk will also be a concern for areas along and east of I-44. The tornado risk is on the low end compared to the other threats, but not entirely zero. Depending on the timing of the cold front later that day, we could see afternoon temperatures only reach as high as the low 60s. Winds will still be breezing out of the southeast at 10-20 mph.
Rain chances will fall off by the early morning hours of Tuesday, but there will still be the chance for some isolated showers and storms in parts of Southwestern Oklahoma until the mid-to-late morning hours. The rest of the day on Tuesday will be partly cloudy with daytime high temperatures falling into the mid-to-upper 50s and winds out of the northwest at 15-25 mph following the passage of the cold front. | 2022-03-21T06:41:28Z | www.kswo.com | 7News First Alert Weather: Widespread showers and thunderstorms tomorrow with strong-to-severe weather possible | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/20/7news-first-alert-weather-widespread-showers-thunderstorms-tomorrow-with-strong-to-severe-weather-possible/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/20/7news-first-alert-weather-widespread-showers-thunderstorms-tomorrow-with-strong-to-severe-weather-possible/ |
The immediate evacuation for residents one mile north and one mile west of Lasso Loop and 60th has been lifted and residents can return.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crews are still battling flames near Lasso Loop in Southeast Comanche County and is 75% contained, the evacuation order is still in effect, the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The King Road and Ellsworth fire is also under investigation by the State Fire Marshall.
The original story can be find below.
Officials from Comanche County Emergency Management are calling for an immediate evacuation for residents one mile north and one mile west of Lasso Loop and 60th.
You can count on your 7NEWS team for the latest information and updates. | 2022-03-21T06:42:09Z | www.kswo.com | UPDATE: Evacuation for residents in Lasso Loop and 60th | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/20/evacuation-residents-lasso-loop-60th/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/20/evacuation-residents-lasso-loop-60th/ |
Altus Air Force Base will conduct severe weather exercise
ALTUS, Okla. (KSWO) - The 97th Air Mobility Wing will conduct a severe weather exercise on Tuesday, March 22.
The main gate will be closed for approximately 10 minutes between 10:00 a.m. and 10:10 a.m. All base personnel and individuals with business on the installation are encouraged to avoid entry or exit during this time.
Altus Air Force Base said personnel, residents and visitors will hear exercise alerts and radio messages from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The City of Altus will also activate sirens at about 10 a.m. and emergency response vehicles and first responders will be responding accordingly to this exercise.
For further information about the exercise, residents can contact the 97th Public Affairs Office at 580-481-7700. | 2022-03-23T06:49:39Z | www.kswo.com | Altus Air Force Base will conduct severe weather exercise | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/21/altus-air-force-base-will-conduct-severe-weather-exercise/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/21/altus-air-force-base-will-conduct-severe-weather-exercise/ |
Southwestern Medical Center offers lecture on women’s health
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Southwestern Medical Center is offering a free, community-wide lecture for women’s health.
From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, Hormones: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, will take place at the Lawton Country Club, located at 4601 West Gore Boulevard in Lawton.
Age-related hormone changes can begin in women as early as their mid-30s with perimenopause and transition into menopause as they grow older.
Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Tracy Wilkerson, will address how hormone fluctuations are responsible for symptoms of “the change” and how hormone replacement therapy can help with symptom management. There will also be a discussion on other non-hormonal options for special populations, such as cancer patients.
Seating will be limited and reservations can be made online or by calling 580-531-4740. | 2022-03-23T06:52:30Z | www.kswo.com | Southwestern Medical Center offers lecture on women’s health | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/21/southwestern-medical-center-offers-lecture-womens-health/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/21/southwestern-medical-center-offers-lecture-womens-health/ |
COMANCHE COUNTY, Okla. (KSWO) - The Comanche County/Lawton Emergency Management offices has released new information about the death of a local firefighter who died battling a blaze on Sunday.
According to officials, the firefighter was a member of Edgewater Park Fire Department and was identified as April Partridge, 55. They say she became separated from her fire truck which lead to her death.
Partridge’s cause of death is under investigation from the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner. The cause of the fire is being investigated by a number of agencies including the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s office, the Lawton Fire Marshal’s office, Oklahoma State Forestry Service, Comanche County Sheriff’s office, local emergency management and fire departments.
The fire is currently 90% contained according to officials. | 2022-03-23T06:52:43Z | www.kswo.com | UPDATE: New information released in fatal Sunday fire | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/21/update-new-information-released-fatal-sunday-fire/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/21/update-new-information-released-fatal-sunday-fire/ |
UPDATE: Fire at home in north Lawton caused by smoking materials
By Chase Scheuer and Mandy Richardson
LAWTON, Okla. - Lawton firefighters responded to a fire which broke at a home in northwest Lawton.
Fire Crews were called to the scene around 5 a.m. on Tuesday morning at the 1800 block of northwest Taft Avenue.
When crews got there, smoke could be seen coming from the attic of the home, but they were able to get it under control.
Following an investigation, the cause of the fire was discovered to be improperly discarded smoking materials.
There were no injuries reported with the fire.
The Lawton fire department worked to get a fire out at a home in the 1800 block of Northwest Taft Tuesday morning.
Crews were called to the scene around 5:00 A.M. When our Photographer got there, he said he saw smoke coming from the top of the house, but firefighters were spending a majority or their time focusing inside of the garage.
If we find out more information we will try to pass that along. | 2022-03-24T07:51:20Z | www.kswo.com | UPDATE: Fire at home in north Lawton caused by smoking materials | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/22/fire-home-north-lawton-keeps-fire-fighters-busy/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/22/fire-home-north-lawton-keeps-fire-fighters-busy/ |
Lawton Public Library receives thousands in grant funds
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) announced the Lawton Public Library has been awarded a grant through the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program.
The library has been awarded $20,000 for their Microfilm Digitization project, which will allow the library to have 6,000 rolls of microfilm scanned, digitized and hosted in their library. The collection includes films from local newspapers.
The grant program is a grants-in-aid program offered by OHS to collect, preserve and share Oklahoma history. It’s open to tribal and municipal governments and not-for-profit historical organizations located in Oklahoma.
It’s registered with the Oklahoma secretary of state and offers funding ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 for various projects.
Applications for this annual program open in the fall and award announcements are made in January.
More information can be found at www.okhistory.org/grants.
The total amount of funds which will be distributed this year through the grant program is over $500,000. | 2022-03-24T07:52:11Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton Public Library receives thousands in grant funds | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/22/lawton-public-library-receives-thousands-grant-funds/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/22/lawton-public-library-receives-thousands-grant-funds/ |
MacArthur High School hosts Street Cleanup
MacArthur High School's JROTC will clean their adopted street on March 25.(Lawton Public Schools)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - McArthur High School’s JROTC will clean a street later this week.
MacArthur High School will host a Street Cleanup and check presentation from the American Legion from 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 25.
The check presentation will be at the MacArthur High School JROTC building and the street cleanup will be on East Gore Blvd. from 45th Street and Flower Mound Road. The street is adopted by MacArthur JROTC.
The American Legion is presenting a check to the organization and Chick-Fil-A meals to every cadet as a reward to celebrate the JPA success.
The event is collaboration with the American Legion and will highlight the battalion’s work throughout this school year. | 2022-03-24T07:52:25Z | www.kswo.com | MacArthur High School hosts Street Cleanup | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/22/macarthur-high-school-hosts-street-cleanup/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/22/macarthur-high-school-hosts-street-cleanup/ |
LAWTON, Okla. - Dancing for Children United event comes to Apache Casino Hotel.
The event will take place from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 9.
It will be held in the ballroom at Apache Casino Hotel in Lawton.
Tickets are $50 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
All proceeds go to help build an all-inclusive playground at Elmer Thomas Park.
More information can be found on the Children United Facebook page. | 2022-03-24T23:05:04Z | www.kswo.com | Apache Casino Hotel hosts Children United event | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/24/apache-casino-hotel-hosts-children-united-event/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/24/apache-casino-hotel-hosts-children-united-event/ |
Oklahoma House of Representatives approves Agriculture Day.(KSWO)
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) - The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved a resolution declaring Thursday, March 24, 2022, as Oklahoma Agriculture Day.
House Resolution 1046 was authored by House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee Chair Rep. Dell Kerbs.
The resolution states agriculture is one of Oklahoma’s leading industries and its associated production, processing and marketing segments provide a major source of employment for the state’s workforce.
It also states the performance of the agriculture economy is vital to maintaining the strength of Oklahoma’s economy, the standard of living for Oklahomans and the state’s presence in world trade markets. | 2022-03-24T23:06:38Z | www.kswo.com | House of Representatives approves Agricultural Day | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/24/house-representatives-approves-agricultural-day/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/24/house-representatives-approves-agricultural-day/ |
Multiple tornadoes touched down across North Texas
Tornado reports in Texoma(KSWO)
By Josh Reiter and Noel Rehm
A total of four confirmed tornadoes were reported to have touched down in Texoma during the severe weather event on Monday, March 21st. All tornadoes were located in either Jack or Montague counties in Texas. Here are the official storm survey reports that were conducted by the National Weather Service office in Fort Worth.
An EF-1 tornado touched down 5 miles southwest of Bowie, TX at 4:31 PM. Peak wind gusts were estimated to be around 95 mph. Path length of the tornado was around 2 miles, with a path width of 150 yards. It began on the north side of Lake Amon G. Carter along Hanging Tree road, where damage was found to multiple small barns and farm outbuildings, roof damage to several single family homes in the area, and tree damage resulting in snapped tree trunks and large broken limbs. A partially full water tank was transported from Hanging Tree road to FM-2583 road as the storm continued east-northeast. As the tornado moved northeast of the lake to Timber Oaks court, it caused heavy damage to a farm outbuilding where the roof was lifted and multiple walls collapsed. The tornado is believed to have lifted after crossing Elgin road around 4:36 PM.
An EF-1 tornado touched down 2 miles southeast of Bowie, TX at 4:34 PM. Peak wind gusts were estimated to be around 110 mph. Path length of the tornado was 5.2 miles, with a path width of 440 yards. It began on the south side of Bowie along State Highway 101 where damage was found to multiple single family residences including one home that shifted off the foundation causing the walls and roof to collapse caused by the aforementioned peak wind speeds. There were 3 injuries reported with damage in this area. As the tornado moved north-northeast along the eastern side of Bowie, many structures spanning from FM-3043 to just south of State Highway 59 and Haney road were damaged including several single family and manufactured homes where the roofs and walls where lifted and destroyed in places. Just before the tornado lifted, a manufactured home was destroyed with damage spanning 1/4 mile by this point in the path. The tornado was believed to have lifted around 4:39 PM.
Tornado Damage Surveys Near Bowie(KSWO)
Tornado in Bowie, TX
An EF-1 tornado touched down 6 miles east-southeast of Nocona, TX at 4:58 PM. Peak wind gusts were estimated to be around 110 mph. Path length of the tornado was around 5.2 miles, and a path width of 100 yards. It began on the southeast side of Nocona near Old Bonita road where a few sheds and small barns sustained damage along with damage to a number of large pecan trees across the area. As the tornado moved northeast it passed through a heavily wooded area with additional tree damage throughout before crossing Redbud Creek. As the tornado crossed FM-1956, a manufactured home in the path was separated from its undercarriage while a nearby single-family home sustained damage to its roof, several windows, and a small barn on the property. Tree damage extended through Saunders road to Cottonwood Creek road before the tornado is believed to have lifted around 5:06 PM.
Nocona tornado(KSWO)
An EF-3 tornado touched down 2 miles west-southwest of Jacksboro, TX at 3:45 PM. Peak wind gusts were estimated to be around 150 mph. A survey crew identified at least a 35 mile track of tornado damage stretching from southwest to northeast in Jack County. The heaviest damage was on the west and north side of Jacksboro, including extensive damage to an elementary school and a high school. There were a total of 9 injuries, in which was determined to all be minor. Further assessment continues from the NWS for the estimated path width and end time of the tornado.
Tornado Damage Survey Jacksboro(KSWO)
In Haskell county, multiple structures with roofs were gone and trailers were flipped over, one person had to be rescued from inside the trailer. A definite 100 yard path of damage occurred.
Other nearby reported tornadoes include:
- Kingston, OK (EF-1, 90 mph peak wind speeds)
- Buncombe, OK (EF-2, 115 mph peak wind speeds)
- Possum Kingdom Lake, TX (EF-1, 95 mph peak wind speeds)
- Fort Worth, TX (EF-1, 100 mph peak wind speeds)
- Wise County, TX (EF-0, 85 mph peak wind speeds)
- Cooke County, TX (EF-1, 105 mph peak wind speeds)
- Grayson County, TX (EF-2, 130 mph peak wind speeds)
Here are the total amount of tornado reports across the south recorded over the last several days. The National Weather Service has surveyed more than 70 tornado sites that were reported down Monday and Tuesday. We are awaiting the final number of tornadoes from the NWS that should be confirmed within the upcoming days.
Tornado reports across the south(KSWO) | 2022-03-24T23:08:18Z | www.kswo.com | Tornado Damage Assessment from Severe Storms on Monday | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/24/tornado-damage-assessment-severe-storms-monday/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/24/tornado-damage-assessment-severe-storms-monday/ |
Lawton officers respond to an injury accident by the Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport.(KSWO)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Lawton Police Department is investigating a single car crash which occurred on Tuesday night.
The call came in around 9:45 p.m. and happened on 11th Street near I-44 by the Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport.
The car ended up in a field and an officer on scene said the driver went to a local hospital for treatment. | 2022-03-25T04:11:04Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton police respond to an injury crash | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/23/lawton-police-respond-an-injury-crash/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/23/lawton-police-respond-an-injury-crash/ |
Oklahomans for the Arts launches dashboard
Oklahomans for the Arts launches a new dashboard for communities.(COURTESY)
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) - Oklahomans for the Arts launched the Oklahoma Arts Education Dashboard on Wednesday.
The goal of the dashboard project is to increase awareness about the state of arts education in Oklahoma public schools and create efforts for equity in arts education across the state.
The dashboard displays six years of arts education data for all schools and districts in Oklahoma to illustrate status, disparities and opportunities for arts education in the state.
The dashboard was developed as a part of the national Arts Education Data Project, a nationwide initiative with 21 states including Oklahoma. Oklahoma State Department of Education has been an active contributor in data for the dashboard.
A toolkit is also available for those interested in advocating for the arts in their area and sharing its launch on social media.
The dashboard is now live and anyone can access it. | 2022-03-25T04:11:45Z | www.kswo.com | Oklahomans for the Arts launches dashboard | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/23/oklahomans-arts-launches-dashboard/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/23/oklahomans-arts-launches-dashboard/ |
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma to host spring choir concert
CHICKASHA, Okla. (KSWO) - Since the start of the pandemic, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma’s Concert Choir will present their spring concert for an in-person audience.
The performance will be at 7:30 p.m. on April 12 at the university’s Alumni Chapel. The event is free and open to the public.
The program will feature a variety of music ranging from the medieval period to popular contemporary songs.
The Latin chant “Ave Maria” will be sung in its original monophonic setting along with two additional arrangements for mixed choral voices from the Classical and Romantic periods.
The concert will also present music from diverse cultures, including a traditional Bantu folk song from South Africa, and several choral selections from film and music theatre are programmed as well.
Noah Holden of Muskogee will present Mozart’s setting of “Ave Maria” for voices and piano.
Lydia Wills will lead the choir in “Omnia Sol,” composed by former Oklahoma State University Director of Choral Activities Z. Randall Stroope.
Jan Hanson, professor of music, serves as the Concert Choir conductor, while Rhenada Finch, instructor in music, will serve as the collaborative artist on piano.
The Concert Choir has performed in collaboration with local public school and university choirs.
For more information, contact Hanson at 405-574-1298 or jhanson@usao.edu. | 2022-03-25T04:13:09Z | www.kswo.com | University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma to host spring choir concert | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/23/university-science-arts-oklahoma-host-spring-choir-concert/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/23/university-science-arts-oklahoma-host-spring-choir-concert/ |
Cameron University unveils Aggie Books & Brew coffee shop
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Cameron University students, faculty and alumni gathered Wednesday for their grand opening of the library coffee shop.
The Aggie Books & Brew coffee shop was unveiled.
The name chosen was one of many introduced, which students voted on, and was submitted by an alumna.
Ronna Vanderslice, the Vice President of Academic Affairs, said based on the turnout they had, she can tell the students are excited.
”I think this is a wonderful thing for our students,” Vanderslice said. “Because as they are here in the library, it’s an additional place for them to sit, study and hang out with their friends as well as get refreshments, coffee and any kind of snacks. They’re going to have a really nice selection of those for out students there.”
She said they can’t thank the McMahon Foundation enough for their continued support.
Of the 532 votes they received on names, Aggie Books & Brew received 30 percent of the votes. | 2022-03-25T20:39:17Z | www.kswo.com | Cameron University unveils Aggie Books & Brew coffee shop | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/23/cameron-university-unveils-aggie-books-brew-coffee-shop/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/23/cameron-university-unveils-aggie-books-brew-coffee-shop/ |
Lawton Xtreme Bulls to be held at Great Plains Coliseum
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A bull riding event will take place this weekend.
Kade Rogge, the announcer for Lawton PRCA Xtreme Bulls, joined KSWO to explain more about the upcoming event which will be from 7:30 p.m. on April 1 and 2 at Great Plains Coliseum.
Attendees will have a chance to see cowboys go head to head with some of the best bulls in the world.
Tickets are $20 for general seating or $25 for reserved seating.
Tickets can be purchased on Outhouse and more information can be found online.
You can purchase tickets on Outhouse by following the link on your screen. | 2022-03-25T20:39:54Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton Xtreme Bulls to be held at Great Plains Coliseum | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/23/lawton-xtreme-bulls-be-held-great-plains-coliseum/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/23/lawton-xtreme-bulls-be-held-great-plains-coliseum/ |
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) - Legislation allowing members of a public body to participate in virtual meetings has been approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
House Bill 3415 would allow a public body to hold meetings virtually where the community may participate online.
The bill prohibits members of public bodies from participating virtually in more than 25 percent of the regular and special meetings in any calendar year and must attend form a single fixed location.
The bill aims to protect public participation by requiring the public meeting to indicate if the meeting includes electronic or in-person participation.
The measure also allows public bodies to conduct emergency meetings electronically if the governor has declared a statewide state of emergency, or if there has been a local state of emergency declared by local elected officials.
HB3415 passed the House 70-21 and may now be considered in the Senate. | 2022-03-25T20:40:09Z | www.kswo.com | Online meeting bill passes House | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/23/online-meeting-bill-passes-house/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/23/online-meeting-bill-passes-house/ |
Young Professionals Lawton joins 7News in studio
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A program dedicated to connecting young professional members with leaders from a variety of industries and businesses has an event coming up.
Joining us now is Frank Myers, Vice Chair of Young Professionals of Lawton, to talk about their Mentor Network event.
The Young Professionals of Lawton Mentor Network will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday at JPL Productions located on 10 northwest Mission Boulevard.
For more information on this event and registration can be found on the YPL website. | 2022-03-25T20:40:42Z | www.kswo.com | Young Professionals Lawton joins 7News in studio | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/23/young-professionals-lawton-joins-7news-studio/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/23/young-professionals-lawton-joins-7news-studio/ |
The Minnesota Department of Revenue estimated it will have to repay about $67 million, plus interest, in rebates over the next two years for overtaxing some trust accounts. It also expects to collect about $34 million less per year in trust-related taxes.(Source: AP)
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) - A bill which would reduce the number of abortions performed in Oklahoma has passed the House.
House Bill 4327 will allow private civil lawsuits to be filed against any person who knowingly performs or attempts to perform an abortion except in cases of medical emergency to save the life of the mother.
The bill also would allow civil action against anyone who knowingly engages in, conducts to aid or abet an abortion. This includes paying for or reimbursing the cost of an abortion through insurance or otherwise.
There would be statutory damages of no less than $10,000 for each abortion performed or induced. Nominal and compensatory for harm suffered and court fees and costs would also be paid by those who violate the law.
The language in the bill mirrors the Texas heartbeat bill and similar legislation passed in Idaho, which has withstood multiple legal challenges to date. This measure specifies human life begins at conception and not only when a fetal heartbeat is detected. | 2022-03-25T20:40:49Z | www.kswo.com | Bill to limit abortions passes house, moves to Senate | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/24/bill-limit-abortions-passes-house-moves-senate/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/24/bill-limit-abortions-passes-house-moves-senate/ |
Cameron University hosts business forum on Wednesday, March 23.(KSWO)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Cameron University’s Bill W. Burgess Jr. Business Research Center (BBRC) hosted a business forum on the problems and prospects of renewable energy.
The event took place at Mary Lou and W. Carey Johnson Auditorium in Ross Hall.
The forum looked at issues, prospects and various options for renewable energy in Oklahoma.
Travis Roach, chair of the Department of Economics and Director of the Central Policy Institute at the University of Central Oklahoma, served as keynote speaker.
Roach was joined by Matthew Newman, an advocate for sustainability and an advisor to Kenneth E. Wagner, Secretary of Energy &and Environment; Russell Philpott, co-founder and lead consultant, Precise Building Performance LLC; and Jay Watson, director of Workforce Development, Canadian Valley Technology Center. | 2022-03-25T20:40:56Z | www.kswo.com | Cameron University hosts business forum | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/24/cameron-university-hosts-business-forum/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/24/cameron-university-hosts-business-forum/ |
A fire in Kiowa County burns down a home.(KSWO)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A house has burned down in Kiowa County.
Snyder and Mountain Park Volunteer Fire Departments were called to the fire on Highway 183 north of Mountain Park.
Officials said they were able to contain the fire between two homes in about an hour, but one was a complete loss.
Mountain Park’s Fire Chief said it had no power to it and suspects it was vacant. | 2022-03-25T20:41:25Z | www.kswo.com | Kiowa County fire destroys home | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/24/kiowa-county-fire-destroys-home/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/24/kiowa-county-fire-destroys-home/ |
FORT SILL, Okla. (KSWO) - Ten Fort Sill Soldiers are turning the page on their military careers, during Fort Sill’s monthly retirement Ceremony.
Among those soldiers, a civilian employee also retiring alongside their uniformed counterparts.
First Sergeant Crystal Davis was announced as one of the retirees.
Davis said she’s traveled all across the world, from Korea and then to Germany before getting deployed to Iraq, where she said she had the most exciting time of her life.
“I’m going to try and take a vacation or two. But probably within the next 6 months or so I’m going to look into a GS Job and see what that’s all about,” Davis said. | 2022-03-26T18:39:29Z | www.kswo.com | Fort Sill holds retirement ceremony | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/26/fort-sill-holds-retirement-ceremony/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/26/fort-sill-holds-retirement-ceremony/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The City of Lawton is trying connect those needing help, and those looking to help out, with their first Community Service Open House.
The event was held at Owen’s Multi Purpose Center Friday.
Everyone was welcome to attend and they received a free lunch.
Housing and Community Development Administrator for the City of Lawton Gary Brooks said the open house represented lower- to middle-class groups.
“All of the agencies here have something to do with providing service to the low and middle income people of Lawton, so this is our opportunity to showcase them,” he said.
Over a dozen organizations had representatives at the event, who offer a range of services including health and mental health services, feeding our city’s homeless and even employment opportunities for veterans.
Organization’s present included the Salvation Army, the Lawton Housing Authority, Marie Detty, Teen Court, and more.
Janet Smith, the director of City Planning and Community Services said the open house was necessary.
“Open House is based on the concept that, ‘hey today, we want you to see what’s available’ and connect with the right people for whatever your needs might be,” she said.
While this is the first event of it’s kind here, both Brooks and Smith hope to make it an annual event that continues to grow. | 2022-03-26T18:39:36Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton holds Community Services Open House at Owen’s Multipurpose Center | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/26/lawton-holds-community-services-open-house-owens-multipurpose-center/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/26/lawton-holds-community-services-open-house-owens-multipurpose-center/ |
This Saturday night will be very comfortable with clear skies, mostly calm winds out of the east at 5-10 mph, and overnight lows in the mid 40s.
The warming trend we have been on for the last few days is going to continue into tomorrow and through much of early next week as temperatures will be in the range of summer-like to end off the month of March. A stationary front will stay situated across Texoma through the next couple days, and will ultimately determine how warm some of us get Sunday and Monday afternoon. For tomorrow, skies will stay clear as highs range between the upper 70s for those close to I-40, to the low 90s in our far southern regions of North Texas, with a majority of Southwest Oklahoma and those along the Red River being in the mid 80s. Winds will begin to pick up out of the south on Sunday at 5-15 mph, with wind gusts up to 20-25 mph. Elevated fire weather conditions will be in place across Texoma tomorrow.
Monday looks to be even warmer with most of us in the upper 80s and low 90s. This combined with dry air and strong winds out of the south at 10-20 mph, gusting up to 30-35 mph, will lead to near-critical fire weather conditions. For much of the day on Tuesday, near-critical to critical fire weather conditions will be in place with winds out of the south at 15-25 mph and temperatures reaching the mid 80s by the afternoon, with an approaching dryline bringing in dry conditions across Western Oklahoma.
Late in the day on Tuesday, as the dryline moves east with a deepening upper-level trough behind it, it will interact with a large moisture pool, allowing for showers and thunderstorms to fire up across portions of Texoma into the evening and nighttime hours. Precipitation coverage will increase the farther east in Texoma you go, with the greatest chance of showers and storms east of I-44. All modes of severe weather are possible, but coverage of severe weather and their exact parameters (i.e. hail, winds, tornadoes) are still unknown at this time and will become more evident the close we get to the middle of next week.
Showers and storms will continue for Texoma as we head throughout the overnight hours into Wednesday morning, where we could still see a few isolated showers in the afternoon. By the end of the day on Wednesday, nearly all chances for rain will have moved out of our area. A cold front will sweep through on Wednesday, lowering temperatures down to the mid 60s.
KSWO 10 PM - clipped version | 2022-03-27T10:26:59Z | www.kswo.com | 7News First Alert Weather: As we close out this month, weather in Texoma will begin to feel a little bit like Summer | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/26/7news-first-alert-weather-we-close-out-this-month-weather-texoma-will-begin-feel-little-bit-like-summer/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/26/7news-first-alert-weather-we-close-out-this-month-weather-texoma-will-begin-feel-little-bit-like-summer/ |
APACHE, Okla. (KSWO) - Several area fire departments partnered to host a fundraiser in honor of late Edgewater Park firefighter April Partridge Saturday morning.
She tragically died while fighting a grassfire in Comanche County, last Sunday.
”Its heartbreaking. I am still not really accepting it. My mom was not only my mom, she was my best friend, my hero, my confidant, she was my everything,“ said Partridge’s daughter Skylar Wilkin.
The benefit was held at the Apache High School Warrior Event Center in the cafeteria.
“We’re doing a benefit breakfast, it is by donation only. We have pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, all the drinks their just coming in. They make any type of donation they’d like to, and they get a full breakfast,” said Assistant Fire Chief Tina Johnson.
The benefit was aided by volunteers from communities and Fire departments around the area.
They started planning for the event just soon after the tragic news of the Edgewater Park firefighter’s passing.
“My department decided to get together and do a breakfast fundraiser for the family,” said Apache Fire Chief Bobby Claborn. “We came together and decided to put this on with other departments from Caddo County, Comanche County, and there are some Grady County departments here also.”
Wilkin was also in attendance, and despite all of the support and love from the volunteers and firefighters, she is still coping with the loss of her mother.
Wilkin said that her mom was not only just a firefighter, but a role model and a best friend. Her mother’s support for her and drive allowed for many to call her mom as well because she was a beautiful person inside and out.
Wilkin said that her mom wanted to leave a mark for the community and surrounding areas.
”She wanted to leave a mark on the world,” Wilkin said. “She wanted to leave behind something that other people can look at and say ‘She did it, I can do it too.’ She wanted to be motivational and she was for me. I mean, she just beat breast cancer in October. So loosing her like this is really a shot to the heart.”
Partridge’s memorial service is set for 11 a.m. this Tuesday, March 29, at McMahon Auditorium in Lawton, followed by a procession at Fort Sill National Cemetery. | 2022-03-27T10:30:16Z | www.kswo.com | Fire departments fundraise for fallen Comanche Co. firefighter’s family | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/27/fire-departments-fundraise-fallen-comanche-co-firefighters-family/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/27/fire-departments-fundraise-fallen-comanche-co-firefighters-family/ |
7News First Alert Weather: First Alert Weather Day Tuesday
Critical fire weather ahead of a line of strong-to-severe storms tomorrow
For tonight, increasing clouds and slow-to-cool with overnight lows falling into the upper 50s and low 60s. Winds will be out of the south at 10-20 mph.
On Tuesday, a few peaks of sunshine otherwise mostly cloudy skies. Critical fire weather conditions will be present during the afternoon with unseasonably warm temperatures topping out in the low-to-mid 80s, winds out of the south at 15-25 mph with wind gusts up to 40-45 mph, and relative humidity as low as 15-45%. Fires that break out will have the tendency to spread rapidly and be hard to contain. The dry line will move into the western half of Texoma and storms will begin to fire up along and east of a Elk City-Altus-Crowell line sometime around and just after sunset. Several strong-to-severe storms are possible with the main threats including damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, hail up to the size of golf balls and an isolated tornado or two can’t be ruled out. It will be mainly a nocturnal event, therefore have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, turn your phone notifications and alerts on and have a flashlight with fresh batteries at bedside. A few lingering storms are possible east of I-44 after midnight with clearing taking place overnight as storms move east of I-35.
In the wake of the cold front, significantly cooler temperatures are expected on Wednesday with a high temperature met around midnight with falling temperatures into the upper 40s and low 50s during the day. Wind chills will be in the low 40s throughout the afternoon.
A gradual warming trend ahead of another cold front that arrives on Friday. At the moment, global models are not agreeing on the amount of moisture, which ultimately will determine if we see another shot of rain to end the workweek.
Looking ahead into the upcoming weekend, it’ll be more seasonable in nature with temperatures topping out in the upper 60s and low 70s. | 2022-03-29T02:36:21Z | www.kswo.com | 7News First Alert Weather: First Alert Weather Day Tuesday | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/28/7news-first-alert-weather-first-alert-weather-day-tuesday/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/28/7news-first-alert-weather-first-alert-weather-day-tuesday/ |
Hilton Garden Inn receives wave in debt.(KSWO)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Comanche County Industrial Development Authority has decided to waive over a million dollars of debt on a loan granted to the owners of the Hilton Garden Inn.
The CCIDA would waive $1.7 million from the loan granted to build the conference center.
Lawton Lodging Lenders will still need to pay a total of $740,000 to the Authority; split between an upfront payment of $500,000, followed by monthly payments of $20,000.
The hotel’s owners said their bottom line suffered a serious hit due to the pandemic, one they and other hotels are still working to recover from. | 2022-03-29T02:36:53Z | www.kswo.com | Development authority forgives Hilton’s million dollar loan | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/28/development-authority-forgives-hiltons-million-dollar-loan/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/28/development-authority-forgives-hiltons-million-dollar-loan/ |
Governor Kevin Stitt appoints John Nash as Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs.(COURTESY)
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) - Governor Kevin Stitt announced Monday a new appointed Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs.
John Nash enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve at 17 before graduating at McLoud High School.
He was commissioned as an officer through the University of Oklahoma’s Army ROTC program.
“John Nash’s background as a loyal member of the armed forces combined with his leadership and business skills will ensure we are serving our veterans with honor and supporting the brave Oklahomans who have risked their lives to defend our freedom,” Stitt said.
Nash graduated from a variety of military schools including Airborne School and Ranger School and served in multiple leadership and command roles in the Army. He has served for over a decade in special operations, national security and diplomatic roles including multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Nash has worked to support the families of fallen U.S. service members. | 2022-03-29T02:37:12Z | www.kswo.com | Stitt appoints new Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/28/stitt-appoints-new-secretary-military-veterans-affairs/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/28/stitt-appoints-new-secretary-military-veterans-affairs/ |
Walters residents will vote on bonds this week
WALTERS, Okla. (KSWO) - The town of Walters will soon vote on a $1.77 million bond to renovate multiple buildings for Walters Public Schools.
The middle school, administration building and bus barn will see renovations for the first time in over 50 years.
If passed, the school will get new flooring, roof and windows, lockers and handicap accessible restrooms.
The Admin building will be completely replaced with a new building.
There is also a proposed $100,000 bond for a new activity bus to transport students.
All buildings have not seen major renovations for over 50 years.
Superintendent Jimmie Dedmon said because they are a smaller rural school, they are only able to upgrade gradually over time.
“It’s important to continue after we do this election, in 5 to 10 years, we need to keep making improvements so things don’t have to be done in a grand scale,” he said. “We we’re blessed in 2010, we received a $3.5 million grant to renovate the high school. If we haven’t received that, we would be in a real bind facility wise.”
Dedmon said the students would benefit from the renovations.
”Our students deserve it, they deserve a nice clean environment to learn in. They deserve a nice, safe
Early voting will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Thursday and Friday, at the Walters Court House.
The official election will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 5. | 2022-03-29T02:37:44Z | www.kswo.com | Walters residents will vote on bonds this week | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/28/walters-residents-will-vote-bonds-this-week/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/28/walters-residents-will-vote-bonds-this-week/ |
CHICKASHA, Okla. (KSWO) - The University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) Art Department will host its 2022 Art Career Lecture Series via Zoom.
The series will be from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on March 20 and feature alumni Jon Corea and Chad Eggar, who will discuss how they have each turned their undergraduate education into careers as working artists.
Corea earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a teacher certification from USAO. He owns and operates Pinot’s Palette, a “paint and sip” business on Norman’s Main Street, where customers learn the fundamentals of painting in a fun environment.
Eggar completed his BFA at Science and Arts in 2017 before earning a Master of Fine Arts in painting from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 2020. He returned to Science & Arts to serve as creative services coordinator after graduation, and accepted a position as a graphic designer for an OKC-based public relations firm.
More information can be found by calling 405-574-1302 or emailing jknapp@usao.edu. | 2022-03-29T02:38:16Z | www.kswo.com | USAO continues annual Art Career Lecture Series | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/29/usao-continues-annual-art-career-lecture-series/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/29/usao-continues-annual-art-career-lecture-series/ |
CHICKASHA, Okla. - The 21st season of the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma’s (USAO) Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series will end at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 31.
The event will feature an original poetry performance from Foreign Tongues, an Arkansas-based spoken-word poetry collective, in the Science & Arts Ballroom on the second floor of the Student Center.
Students will participate in writing and performance workshops and audiences will have an opportunity to connect with the artists.
Tickets are $15 for the general public and seating is limited. Season ticket holders will have priority access.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit usao.edu/dwpas or call (405) 574-1213 | 2022-03-29T02:38:25Z | www.kswo.com | USAO’s Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series concludes | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/29/usaos-davis-waldorf-performing-arts-series-concludes/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/29/usaos-davis-waldorf-performing-arts-series-concludes/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Authorities are on the hunt for a man suspected in a high speed chase on Monday.
According to dispatch, it started around 6 p.m. in downtown Lawton.
The chase sped through the area before coming to a close near 45th and Lee Boulevard.
The suspect was reported to have left his car and ran off, going through nearby backyards.
Lawton Police, Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Comanche County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the search.
As of 10 p.m. the person has not been arrested. | 2022-03-29T08:46:04Z | www.kswo.com | Authorities search for chase suspect | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/29/authorities-search-chase-suspect/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/29/authorities-search-chase-suspect/ |
Logan was serving a 60-year sentence before his escape.(Oklahoma Department of Corrections)
ALTUS, Okla. (KSWO) - Altus police say they have taken an escaped inmate from the Oklahoma State Reformatory into custody.
Chief Tim Murphy says officers responded to reports of a suspicious subject in the 100 block Val Verde Dr. around 9:15 on Tuesday morning.
Murphy says officers were able to positively identify Frank Logan, 56, who escaped from OSR in Granite on Saturday evening.
Logan reportedly surrendered without incident and was transported to the Jackson County Jail.
Logan was serving a 60-year sentence before his escape. | 2022-03-29T18:39:22Z | www.kswo.com | Prison escapee captured in Altus on Tuesday morning | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/29/prison-escapee-captured-altus-tuesday-morning/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/29/prison-escapee-captured-altus-tuesday-morning/ |
Cameron University offers workforce Organizational Leadership bachelor’s degree
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A new program at Cameron University (CU) will help adults in the workforce get their college degrees.
The CU Reconnect Program is designed to help those employed to navigate college and receive their B.A. in Organizational Leaders Leadership.
Those accepted, will have a lower tuition rate due to a state initiative.
The newfound program gives applicants the choice to have a focus.
Krystal Brue, the Chair Department of Business & Associate Professor of Management at Cameron, said this helps those adults in working fields that want to take the next step with a college degree.
“Most of the benefit of this program, that we found after speaking with students, is that they want to excel in their career field,” Brue said. “So they are working, but they can’t go to the next level unless they have a college degree. Or they want to get into an area, but they’re just not able to get into because they don’t meet that minimum education requirement.”
Brues said those who may be hesitant, because of their busy lifestyles, will have a flexible schedule.
“Take one step at a time, and move forward. You don’t have to be a full time student to be in this program, you can take one class at a time,” Brue said. “If you take one class to begin with, and if you find it interesting and you can fit it into your schedule, then next semester take another class, or maybe take two.”
The Organizational Leadership Degree will have a focus range from: Corporate, Industrial, Government and non-profit work.
Cameron set up two virtual Reach Higher events, where those interested can talk directly to faculty and admissions.
Financial advisors will also be on standby to answer any questions.
The next session is from 5 p.m to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 31. | 2022-04-01T00:39:43Z | www.kswo.com | Cameron University offers workforce Organizational Leadership bachelor’s degree | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/30/cameron-university-offers-workforce-organizational-leadership-bachelors-degree/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/30/cameron-university-offers-workforce-organizational-leadership-bachelors-degree/ |
FORT SILL, Okla. (KSWO) - Tuesday was National Vietnam War Veterans Day and Vietnam veterans were invited to Fort Sill for a recognition ceremony at Post Exchange.
Every vet received their own lapel pin commemorating the event and the Post Exchange put out their Vietnam Veteran show truck.
The national day of observance first began on the war’s 50th anniversary in March of 2012 by former President Obama.
March 29 is the day when the last U.S. troops left Vietnam in 1973
Fort Sill’s Garrison Commander Col. Rhett Taylor helped honor those at the event.
“We’re really here to welcome them home,” he said. “They didn’t have that when they came home. And I think that the soldiers today kind of take that for granted; that support that they get from the community. We just got to take time and recognize our Vietnam Veterans, what they contributed, and what they sacrificed. And just welcome them home, and let them know that we haven’t forgotten and the nation is grateful for their service.”
Taylor said events like this are important for soldiers who serve or have served.
“It means a lot to be a part of this, to truly honor them for their sacrifice,” he said. “When I’m in ceremonies like this, it really reminds me what we’re here for. It’s not just for the soldiers that are serving today, but it’s for those who have served.”
The ceremony happens every year at Fort Sill. | 2022-04-01T00:41:13Z | www.kswo.com | Fort Sill celebrates National Vietnam War Veterans Day | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/30/fort-sill-celebrates-national-vietnam-war-veterans-day/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/30/fort-sill-celebrates-national-vietnam-war-veterans-day/ |
Lawton Police Department is nationally recognized for Women’s History Month
Lawton Police Department's Facebook post is nationally recognized.(Lawton Police Department)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - During Women’s History Month, Lawton Police Department received national recognition for their support of current female officers.
The department was mentioned in a story for their support during the month.
LPD posted a collage of the women who serve the community in Facebook post earlier this month.
Women’s History Month takes place every year in March. | 2022-04-01T00:42:01Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton Police Department is nationally recognized for Women’s History Month | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/30/lawton-police-department-is-nationally-recognized-womens-history-month/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/30/lawton-police-department-is-nationally-recognized-womens-history-month/ |
northern lights forecast tonight(KSWO)
A Coronal Mass Ejection occurred roughly 48 hours ago and has arrived within the Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field.
Space Weather Prediction Center issued a G3 watch for Earth
The Northern Lights can be seen along the horizon as far south as I-40 tonight depending on the amount of cloud cover in place
A Coronal Mass Ejection, or CME, is a a large explosion of solar plasma from the surface of the sun, that on some occasions can reach the Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field. When the particles from the CME interact with molecules in the upper atmosphere of the Earth, their collisions can cause the molecules in Earth’s atmosphere to release energy in the form of light. That is what creates the phenomena such as the Aurora Borealis. If these CMEs are strong enough, Auroras can extend as far south as the Southern Plains.
aurora borealis(KSWO)
A couple days ago, multiple CMEs were observed heading towards Earth, and are expected to reach us this evening. The high concentration of energetic particles will cause an Aurora event to extend far down south into the United States, and will be visible across much of the northern states. The furthest extent of the Aurora however, will be visible on the horizon in Northern Oklahoma and OKC. While we here in Southwest Oklahoma might just be on the outside of this range, places north of I-40 might be lucky enough to see a weather phenomena that is usually only visible in Canada and Alaska.
how auroras form(KSWO)
When the CMEs were observed a few days ago, the SWPC, or Space Weather Prediction Center, issued a G3 watch for Earth, which means that Earth can expect to be hit with a strong geomagnetic storm. These particles from the CMEs also interact with the Earth’s magnetosphere, or magnetic field, and could cause disruptions to electronics. Most of the time they usually cause frequency disturbances in radios and satellites, such as GPS, but if strong enough they can cause region-wide blackouts. The most recent CME looks to cause a strong radio blackout, particularly for the Earth’s western hemisphere. CMEs are also measured on a planetary K-index, which is used to measure the magnitude of a geomagnetic storm, and is the tool that is used to help provide tonight’s Aurora forecast. The K-index is rated on a scale from 0-9, of which tonight/tomorrow is rated as a high 7.
Tonight’s forecast looks to be clear for the first few hours after sunset, but clouds will be building in across Texoma just after midnight. Partly cloudy skies early tomorrow morning could impede visibility for viewing the Aurora tonight, which will be close to the horizon here in Oklahoma. The best chance to try and see this phenomena will be in the hours after sunset before clouds increase overnight.
tonight's forecast for Lawton(KSWO) | 2022-04-01T12:07:02Z | www.kswo.com | Cornonal Mass Ejection could allow for Northern Lights to be seen as far south as I-40 tonight | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/30/cornonal-mass-ejection-could-allow-northern-lights-be-seen-far-south-i-40-tonight/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/30/cornonal-mass-ejection-could-allow-northern-lights-be-seen-far-south-i-40-tonight/ |
Voters to decide on Sterling Public Schools bond proposals
STERLING, Okla. (KSWO) - Sterling voters will take to the polls next week to decide on a school bond proposal, totaling $410,000.
School officials are hoping the community will say “yes” to building improvements and more.
If the proposal passes, funding will purchase new textbooks for teachers like Janie Ingram and the facilities around them will be updated, too.
With over 300 children in the district, Sterling Public School officials are looking to provide students with the most up-to-date information in textbooks and new windows in the gym and classrooms to help with ventilation.
Janie Ingram has taught at the district for over a decade.
She said the time to provide the youth with a quality education is now.
“It’s all about the kids,” Ingram said. “That’s why we’re here. That’s why we’re in this business right here is to educate and we’re here for them, so investing in our kids, we can’t lose.
The General Bond is $305,000.
It includes a fresh coat of paint on buildings and new carpet and a new projector in the auditorium, which is also used by the community for memorial services and other events.
Superintendent Kent Lemons said the school is the heart of the community.
“It’s important for us to keep our school going and try to do what we can to keep it up, so that it can remain in the school because if you lose your school, then your community has a hard time staying put together,” Lemons said.
$105,000 is set aside for the transportation bond to purchase a 72 passenger bus.
According to Principal Marty Curry, students in rural areas deserve the same advantages as those in larger districts.
“We have people that have come out of here that have been doctors and lawyers and professors and all kinds of stuff,” Curry said. “The rural school kids have a lot of opportunity just like the bigger schools do as well, and we want to make sure we have the facilities and everything up to date where we can provide that and continue to provide that for our kids.”
They also plan to replace an ag vehicle that takes students back and forth across the state.
For residents, there will be no tax increase if it passes.
“This is such a win-win situation because your taxes won’t be raised in this process and then we’re going to benefit as a school. The kids are going to benefit, the staff is going to benefit, the community,” Ingram said. “It’s good for everybody.”
The election is next Tuesday, April 5.
Early voting starts Thursday at the Comanche County Courthouse.
If you have any questions about the proposals, you can call Sterling Public Schools at 580-365-4307. | 2022-04-01T12:07:33Z | www.kswo.com | Voters to decide on Sterling Public Schools bond proposals | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/30/voters-decide-sterling-public-schools-bond-proposals/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/30/voters-decide-sterling-public-schools-bond-proposals/ |
Governor Kevin Stitt appoints new board of regents member
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) - Governor Kevin Stitt has appointed Inasmuch Foundation Chairman and CEO Robert J. Ross to the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents on Wednesday.
Prior to joining Inasmuch Foundation, Ross was an attorney at McAfee & Taft.
“Serving the University of Oklahoma as a regent is a high honor that comes with great responsibility. As a fourth generation Oklahoman, I have a deep commitment to our state and to the university,” Ross said. “I am incredibly thankful to Governor Stitt for his confidence in me and I am dedicated to ensuring the university continues to focus on producing the next generation of leaders in Oklahoma. I look forward to working with President Harroz and my fellow regents to position OU to excel amidst the changes in higher education and our economy.”
Ross has served on the board of directors for various groups, including Acorn Growth Companies Advisory Board, Colorado College, Freedom Center of Oklahoma City, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, Oklahoma Public School Resource Center and the Oklahoma State Fair.
He has also received awards, including the OU Regents’ Alumni Award in 2009, the Plaza District Association’s Urban Pioneer Award in 2011, the OKC Beautiful Mayor’s Award for Distinguished Service in 2012, the Oklahoma Center for Non-Profits’ Visionary Impact Award in 2013, the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s John Rex Community Builder Award in 2015, the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City Service to Youth Award in 2018 and OKC Friday’s OKCityan of the Year in 2019. | 2022-04-01T12:08:13Z | www.kswo.com | Governor Kevin Stitt appoints new board of regents member | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/31/governor-kevin-stitt-appoints-new-board-regents-member/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/31/governor-kevin-stitt-appoints-new-board-regents-member/ |
Clothing giveaway will be held in Lawton
A clothing giveaway will be held at Owen's Recreation Center on April 2.(COURTESY)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - There will be a clothing giveaway later this week at the Owen’s Recreational Center.
The event will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 2 and is sponsored by Neonetta Miller Palace #12.
More information can be found by emailing lareina61@yahoo.com. | 2022-04-01T21:36:02Z | www.kswo.com | Clothing giveaway will be held in Lawton | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/31/clothing-giveaway-will-be-held-lawton/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/31/clothing-giveaway-will-be-held-lawton/ |
Lawton Academy of Arts and Sciences student earns third state gold medal
By Asante Hardin, Natascha Mercadante and Xavier McClure
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Piper Martin, a Lawton Academy of Arts and Sciences student, has won first place prize in the Oklahoma Engineering Foundation’s state competition.
Martin, who is 13-years-old, has competed since she was 10 and has won several winning plaques and bridges over the last three years of competition.
Her bridge building skills stem from her inclination toward architectural design, being in advanced courses throughout her time in school and fascination of her father’s engineering career.
“Well I like to draw and I am interested in architecture and engineering,” Martin said. “I plan on getting a Master’s degree in the engineering field, I am not sure which one yet though.”
Every February annually, the Oklahoma Engineering Fair holds a statewide contest and is hosted at the Oklahoma Science Museum.
Schools are notified about a winning candidate whom is able to receive a plaque and a cash prize of $500.
Despite the school participating in the building contest in years past, with a max weight of 297 pounds, Martin was the first student to win a first place monetary prize.
“For here,” she said. “I used inspiration from the interior of plane wings and I looked at various bridge competitions around the world.”
Martin built her bridge within a couple of months, after competition students are able to review their projects for re-entry.
Michelle Smith, the principal of Lawton Academy of Arts and Sciences, said Martin is a motivation to her peers, due to her drive and repeated success.
“She has now three years in a row gotten first place and walked home with lots of money and sure is a motivator to the rest of the engineering kids because they want to do what she does,” Smith said.
Gary Martin, is proud of his daughter, Piper, and said he would assist her to earn a Masters degree.
“Absolutely, I tell her of all of my daughters she is my favorite, of course she is the only one,” he said. “We’ll help Piper out in education and as far as she wants to go. She said she wants to get a Master’s Degree, so we will do everything we can to achieve that.” | 2022-04-01T21:37:13Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton Academy of Arts and Sciences student earns third state gold medal | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/31/lawton-academy-arts-sciences-student-earns-third-state-gold-medal/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/31/lawton-academy-arts-sciences-student-earns-third-state-gold-medal/ |
By Chase Scheuer
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Thursday morning, residents of a Lawton Apartment complex were woken up to a fire in one of the units.
The Lawton Fire Department was called out to the 82nd Premier apartments off of 82nd street around 2:15. When we arrived on scene there wasn’t much to see in terms of fire, smoke, or damage.
However, we did speak to one person who lived at the complex, and he said he had to help rescue a family as the fire spread throughout one of the buildings.
Christopher Robin Hoover who helped with the rescue said, “For them to come out their front door and go down the stairs it would put them right into the fire. They had to come out their window and there were a couple of other residents at the bottom right under the window by the bush, and then I got over there we had a blanket and then they dropped the kids out the window to us.”
While we were also on scene we did see EMS crews working on at least one person in the back of an ambulance. Although its unknown why they were being looked at.
When we learn more information, we’ll be sure to pass it along. | 2022-04-01T21:37:23Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton kids caught from window to escape fire | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/31/lawton-kids-caught-window-escape-fire/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/31/lawton-kids-caught-window-escape-fire/ |
New State Medicaid Director announced
SoonerCare members are advised to update information to maintain benefits.(KSWO)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Oklahoma Health Care Authority has named Traylor Rains as the agency’s new State Medicaid Director, effective April 1.
Rains succeeds State Medicaid Director and Chief Operating Officer, Melody Anthony, after announcing her intent to retire. Anthony will continue in her role as COO until her retirement on Sept. 1.
With more than 15 years of public service with the State of Oklahoma, Rains has served as Senior Director of Policy and Provider Regulation at the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and Chief Operating Officer for the Department of Human Services. He has also served as OHCA’s Deputy State Medicaid Director.
Rains has worked on the planning and implementation of Oklahoma’s Health Homes for Adults with Serious Mental Illness and Serious Emotional Disturbance, the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Model and the state’s Medicaid expansion.
“I am honored and excited to step into this role,” Rains said. “I look forward to helping the dedicated OHCA team optimize the accessibility and the quality of health care for our members.” | 2022-04-01T21:37:45Z | www.kswo.com | New State Medicaid Director announced | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/31/new-state-medicaid-director-announced/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/31/new-state-medicaid-director-announced/ |
KSWO_Stitt signs anti trans bill(KSWO)
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) - Governor Kevin Stitt has signed a bill into law that prevents transgender girls and women from competing on female sports teams.
The Save Women’s Sports Act, the bill took effect immediately with the governor’s signature.
The new law was panned by civil rights groups as unnecessarily targeting a group of people who already are marginalized.
During the signing, Stitt was flanked by more than a dozen young female athletes, including his eighth-grade daughter. | 2022-04-01T21:38:08Z | www.kswo.com | Save Women’s Sports Act signed into law | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/31/save-womens-sports-act-signed-into-law/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/31/save-womens-sports-act-signed-into-law/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Cameron University Department of Art, Music and Theatre Arts is presenting their 2022 Senior Art Exhibition on Saturday, April 2.
“Emergence,” will be featured at the Leslie Powell Gallery at 620 southwest D avenue
The opening reception begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Artwork on display for the exhibition, which will run through April 30, will be available for purchase. | 2022-04-01T22:36:14Z | www.kswo.com | Cameron University art show begins this month | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/01/cameron-university-art-show-begins-this-month/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/01/cameron-university-art-show-begins-this-month/ |
COMANCHE COUNTY, Okla. (KSWO) - Officials with the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge said conditions this weekend will be ideal for a prescribed burn.
The burn will take place Saturday, April 2, weather permitting.
Wildland fire staff will conduct the burns near the Crater Lake area of the refuge.
It will extend along the east side of Highway 115 from Cache Gate.
Then over to the Highway 49 intersection near the Visitor’s Center.
And finally, east along the south side of Highway 49 to the cattle guard.
Visitors and local residents should prepare for delays.
Burn areas are closed to the public during fire operations and visitors will not be allowed to enter.
Smoke will likely be visible from a great distance after the burn and residual smoke may persist in the area for a few days. | 2022-04-01T22:39:08Z | www.kswo.com | Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge will conduct prescribed burn | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/01/wichita-mountains-wildlife-refuge-will-conduct-prescribed-burn/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/01/wichita-mountains-wildlife-refuge-will-conduct-prescribed-burn/ |
Crews contain fire on Highway 7
COMANCHE COUNTY, Okla. (KSWO) - Despite this week’s rainfall, fire crews responded a large grassfire in east Comanche County.
It started a little after 10 a.m. on Highway 7 near Pumpkin Center.
Several volunteer fire departments and the Comanche County Sheriff’s Department were called out.
It took over an hour to contain the fire, but no injuries have been reported at this time. | 2022-04-02T05:26:27Z | www.kswo.com | Crews contain fire on Highway 7 | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/31/crews-contain-fire-highway-7/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/31/crews-contain-fire-highway-7/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - There was a little singing, a little dancing, and a whole lot of fun at the Annual Mr. and Miss LHS contest.
Students, teachers and parents gathered to watch the Lawton High School (LHS) program, which has been a tradition since the 1980s.
Thursday was the second time the school included the Miss LHS side of the program, which was introduced in 2019.
The contest was a load of fun, with a group dance number, a fashion show, a talent section, and a formal interview.
But the best part, according to Activities Director at Lawton High School Kylee Montgomery, was seeing the community come out to support the participants.
”This is one of my favorite parts of my job,” she said. “It’s just getting to see the buy in from our students, our faculty, and the community, especially the parents. I couldn’t be successful without them. And I truly believe that it takes a village to make this happen, and that is what we are doing. Just seeing the loyalty, honor, and spirit throughout Lawton has been amazing.”
Mr. and Miss LHS allows students to raise money for special organizations and future activities at LHS.
The five candidates who raised the most money, moved on to compete for the title of Mr. and Miss LHS.
Miss LHS was Zaninya Maddox and Mr. LHS was Gavin Taylor. | 2022-04-02T05:29:11Z | www.kswo.com | Winners of Mr. and Miss LHS contest announced | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/31/winners-mr-miss-lhs-contest-announced/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/31/winners-mr-miss-lhs-contest-announced/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A situation out of Lawton that started as a report of shots fired near Hugh Bish Elementary.
This was reported just before 4:30 p.m. just west of 52nd street near Rogers Lane.
There doesn’t appear to be any danger to the community at this time.
We’re still working on confirming the details of this event.
We will update you as more information is released. | 2022-04-02T17:36:03Z | www.kswo.com | Shots fired reported in Lawton | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/31/shots-fired-call-lawton/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/31/shots-fired-call-lawton/ |
City of Lawton asks for earthy craft donations
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - City of Lawton’s Parks and Recreation Department is asking citizens to donate craft supplies.
The city is asking for donations of recyclable items to be used for Earth Day children’s crafts.
These include: plastic bottles, egg cartons, old prescription bottles (without labels), magazines, newspapers and other items. However, the department will not take tin cans due to safety reasons.
Donations can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the department in the Owens Multipurpose Center.
They’ll accept donations until April 22.
More information about Earth Day crafts will released at a later time.
Questions can be directed to Lawton Park’s and Recreation at 580-581-3400. | 2022-04-02T22:35:59Z | www.kswo.com | City of Lawton asks for earthy craft donations | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/01/city-lawton-asks-earthy-craft-donations/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/01/city-lawton-asks-earthy-craft-donations/ |
Two people were taken to hospitals by air evac.(KSWO)
STEPHENS COUNTY, Okla. (KSWO) - Two people were rushed to the hospital by helicopter after a wreck in Stephens County.
According to Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the crash happened just after 8 a.m. on Friday, April 1, on State Highway 7 and 2880 Road, just five miles east of Duncan.
Two residents of Duncan were to various hospitals by air evac. One was admitted in fair conditions with injuries to their head, leg and other parts of their body. The other was treated and released.
OHP reported the cause of the crash was due to excessive speeding, followed by evasive action after the truck, driven by Burleson, started veering off the road. | 2022-04-02T22:36:40Z | www.kswo.com | Two people flown to hospitals after crash | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/01/two-people-flown-hospitals-after-crash/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/01/two-people-flown-hospitals-after-crash/ |
A car rolls over on 2nd Street under the I-44 bridge.(KSWO)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Traffic was blocked off as crews responded to a rollover crash off downtown Lawton Friday night.
It happened around 8:30 p.m. on Friday at 2nd street and I-44.
There a car flipped over, though at this time it’s not clear what caused the crash, or if anyone was hurt.
We’re working to get more information from Lawton Police Department.
You can count on us to keep you updated. | 2022-04-02T22:39:17Z | www.kswo.com | Rollover crash in Lawton blocks traffic | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/02/rollover-crash-lawton-blocks-traffic/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/02/rollover-crash-lawton-blocks-traffic/ |
A man has been sentenced to five years in prison after admitting he fatally punched a Sioux City man and then fled to Mexico.(AP)
LAWTON, Okla. - A 20-year-old Broken Arrow man pleaded guilty in Federal Court, for building an explosive device made with fireworks, large fish hooks and screws.
Zane Paul Bennet pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful manufacture of a destructive device.
In Bennet’s plea agreement, he admitted to manufacturing the device in January and he planned on using it to blow up watermelons.
He was taken into custody on January 24, after the device was discovered in his girlfriend’s car.
It was then analyzed and destroyed by the Tulsa Police Department’s Bomb Squad. | 2022-04-02T22:39:51Z | www.kswo.com | Tulsa man pleads guilty in federal court | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/02/tulsa-man-pleads-guilty-federal-court/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/02/tulsa-man-pleads-guilty-federal-court/ |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.