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Lawton Community Theatre puts on production of Steel Magnolias
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Lawton Community Theatre is kicking off their production of Steel Magnolias this weekend.
You might be familiar with the 1989 film starring Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts and Sally Field.
The story follows a group of women who share a close bond and often meet at a local salon.
Through the years, the ladies endure tragedy and good times together.
LCT veteran actress Allison Offield plays Truvy Jones and said you won’t want to miss this timeless show.
“Particularly as women, that we are there for one another in good times and bad,” Offield said. “Those very best female relationships are there to catch one another and be there and be supportive and help laugh through tears.”
You can buy tickets at www.lawtoncommunitytheatre.com/tickets/ or call 580-355-1600.
Performances continue with a matinee tomorrow at 2 p.m. and next week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the evening. | 2022-04-03T18:07:13Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton Community Theatre puts on production of Steel Magnolias | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/03/lawton-community-theatre-puts-production-steel-magnolias/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/03/lawton-community-theatre-puts-production-steel-magnolias/ |
Life Ready Center teacher receives state award
Scott Smith at Ready Life Center is this year's visual art educator recipient.(Lawton Public Schools)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A teacher from Life Ready Center has been selected to be this year’s visual art educator recipient from the Oklahoma State Superintendent’s Award for Excellence.
Scott Smith was nominated by a colleague and there will be a ceremony at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19, at the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple in Guthrie.
Joy Hofmeister said the award is given in collaboration with the Oklahoma Alliance for Arts Education and the Oklahoma Masonic Fraternity. | 2022-04-04T23:08:22Z | www.kswo.com | Life Ready Center teacher receives state award | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/04/ready-life-center-teacher-receives-state-award/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/04/ready-life-center-teacher-receives-state-award/ |
Community is invited to book sale in Lawton
Friends of the Lawton Public Library will host its annual book sale this week.(Lawton Public Library)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Those who are in need of books can visit Lawton’s Central Plaza for a book sale.
The Friends of the Lawton Public Library will host their annual Book Sale on April 7 through 10.
Thursday, April 7 at 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, April 8 at 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 9 at 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, April 10 at 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The sale will be located on the east side of the Plaza and is free and open to the public to browse.
Volunteers hope people come back each day to discover more.
There will be a selection of western, science fiction and mystery books this year as well as homeschooling, home repair and more.
Prices are 50 cents for paperback and $1 for hardback, unless otherwise marked.
CDs, DVDs, audio tapes and jigsaw puzzles will also be available for purchase.
Proceeds from the book sale go to the Friends of the Lawton Public Library, which helps fund library programs and activities throughout the year.
More information can be found by calling 580-581-3540 ext. 1711 or by email at tanya.organ@lawtonok.gov. | 2022-04-05T09:54:01Z | www.kswo.com | Community is invited to book sale in Lawton | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/04/community-is-invited-book-sale-lawton/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/04/community-is-invited-book-sale-lawton/ |
The wreck happened around 4 p.m. near the intersection of County Road 2770 and Camelback Road near Empire.(KSWO)
EMPIRE, Okla. (KSWO) - A fatality collision happened at 4:03 p.m. on Monday, April 4.
The crash happened on west Camelback Road three miles away from Duncan.
A driver of a Lincoln Town Car was pronounced dead on the scene by Survival Flight EMS and was transported to Oklahoma City.
The driver of a Dodge Ram was transported to an area hospital and was treated and released.
According to an Oklahoma Highway Patrol report, the driver of the Dodge Ram was heading eastbound and, for an unknown reason, departed the roadway to the left, veered right and overcorrected back to the left and was then hit by the Lincoln in the passenger side.
The driver of the Lincoln was pinned for about an hour and a half before extracted by Empire Fire Department.
The original story can be found below.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and other first responder agencies responded to a fatal wreck near Empire on Monday afternoon.
The wreck happened around 4 p.m. near the intersection of County Road 2770 and Camelback Road near Empire.
Our 7News photographer said it appeared the wreck was a head on collision and was confirmed to be fatal.
No other details about the crash have been released. You can count on us to keep you updated as more information becomes available. | 2022-04-05T09:54:07Z | www.kswo.com | UPDATE: Officials release more information on fatal Stephens County wreck | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/04/deadly-stephens-co-wreck-being-investigated-by-ohp/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/04/deadly-stephens-co-wreck-being-investigated-by-ohp/ |
Polls open Tuesday for Sterling, Walters residents
SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA, Okla. (KSWO) - Two school bonds will be voted on Tuesday as a part of area elections in southwest Oklahoma.
In Sterling, school officials are hoping a new bond will provide the campus with numerous updates, including up-to-date textbooks for students.
The overall bond would cover new windows, fresh paint for classrooms and a new 72-passenger bus.
Residents will not see an increase in their taxes if the bond passes.
“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,” Sterling Public Schools Superintendent Kent Lemons said.
Meanwhile, voters in Walters will decide on a $1.77 million bond, which would go towards renovations for the administration building and bus barn.
The bond will also fund renovations for the middle school; including new floors, lockers and handicap-accessible restrooms.
“It’s important to continue after we do this election, in 5 to 10 years to, we need to keep making improvements so things don’t have to be done in a grand scale,” Walters Public Schools Superintendent Jimmie Dedmon 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.”
Polls will be open tomorrow from 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
More information can be found by calling County Election Board office at 580-353-1880 and visiting the Oklahoma elections website. | 2022-04-05T09:54:36Z | www.kswo.com | Polls open Tuesday for Sterling, Walters residents | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/04/polls-open-tuesday-sterling-walters-residents/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/04/polls-open-tuesday-sterling-walters-residents/ |
Rachel Jones, associate professor of biology and environmental science at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma will join an archeological site in northern Israel.(University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma)
CHICKASHA, Okla. (KSWO) - The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma received over $104,000 from 327 separate gifts during this year’s Giving Day. This year’s goal was to raise $75,000.
The Division of Science and Physical Education program raised the most money, while the Division of Arts and Humanities had the greatest number of individual gifts.
In Drover Athletics, the esports program raised the most money and the golf team had the largest number of donors.
The Alumni Association’s scholarship program was the first university office to reach 25 donors. Each of these offices will receive an extra $1,000 as a challenge gift.
“I send my sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who participated in Giving Day 2022,” JP Audas, vice president for advancement, said. “It is inspiring and energizing to see our campus come together to invest in our collective future.”
For more information about Giving Day visit usao.edu/giving. | 2022-04-05T09:55:49Z | www.kswo.com | USAO receives thousands in donations for Giving Day | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/05/usao-receives-thousands-donations-giving-day/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/05/usao-receives-thousands-donations-giving-day/ |
DUNCAN, Okla. (KSWO) - A Duncan couple is searching for answers as to why their son has been working at a restaurant without earning a dime for nearly a month.
Now, the Papa John’s that still hasn’t paid Adrian Baker is closing down permanently, according to the owner.
April Albert and David Harrison say their 19-year-old son has worked at Papa John’s in Duncan for nearly a month without receiving a paycheck. Despite reaching out to corporate offices and the owner, Adrian Baker is still owed hundreds of dollars.
Baker spent his own money paying for gas to make deliveries for Papa John’s.
“He’s been offered cash instead of a paycheck and there’s no tracking of how many deliveries he’s done to even get paid for that,” Albert said. “The run around, time after time for his paycheck, then one minute he is for sure going to get paid and the next they just don’t show up.”
Tuesday, the general manager told Baker he’d pay him with money from the cash register and safe.
When they got to the restaurant, the GM told Baker he couldn’t pay him because another employee stole all the money in the store.
“He just kept on trying to give them the benefit of the doubt,” Albert said. “He kept on saying, ‘Something’s not right, something’s not right.’ And then we was like, ‘Today’s the day, today’s the day. They’re telling him.’ He even showed us messages that he was going to get paid and the day never came.”
The owner alleged that he tried to pay Baker via wire transfer, Venmo or CashApp, but his mother said they never even heard back after reaching out to him.
“He’s always been a hard worker,” Baker said. “He’s had his own car and now it’s like he’s on ground level and it’s heartbreaking. It’s really affected him tremendously.”
18-year-old Eric Mayes worked there up until last month and his parents had to get involved, contacting corporate for answers, in order for him to get a final paycheck.
“If I’m going to work, drive my own vehicle around to Comanche, Marlow, drive around Duncan, I expect to get paid,” Mayes said. “I make $300 car payments for my car. If I don’t get a paycheck, I’m not going to make that. Some people can’t eat without pay.”
Albert and Harrison said they just want the owner to step up and do the right thing.
“I would hope that they would right their wrongs,” Harrison said. “There’s been many employees that currently working there. There are some that are past employees that are still yet to be paid, and I feel that if you work hard for your money, you should be paid.”
Albert and Harrison say the next step is reaching out to the State Department of Labor.
7NEWS reached out to Papa John’s corporate office to see if they’re aware of the situation, but we haven’t received a response.
The owner told us “the store is no longer operational due to multiple employee theft issues from the safe.” | 2022-04-06T02:12:00Z | www.kswo.com | Alleged theft by employees leads to closure of Duncan restaurant | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/05/alleged-theft-by-employees-leads-closure-duncan-restaurant/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/05/alleged-theft-by-employees-leads-closure-duncan-restaurant/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Cameron University Department of Education will host CU Become a Teacher.
The virtual workshop is for anyone who is considering entering the teaching field.
The Zoom presentation will be Tuesday, April 5, at 5:30 p.m. and the presentation will focus on the multiple pathways for becoming a teacher.
Registration is online and will offer information to those who have not earned college cred or have earned a college degree or credit. | 2022-04-06T02:12:23Z | www.kswo.com | Cameron University hosts virtual presentation | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/05/cameron-university-hosts-virtual-presentation/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/05/cameron-university-hosts-virtual-presentation/ |
ALTUS, Okla. (KSWO) - The Altus community came together for the first ever Great Church Challenge, to help out a charitable organization, Operation C.A.R.E.
There are churches in Altus battling it out, in a friendly competition to raise the most money and blood units to help those in need in their community.
The Jackson County Ministerial Alliance thought it would be a great idea to team up with the Oklahoma Blood Institute to help with the blood shortage in Southwest Oklahoma.
But the president of the organization, Kevin Baker, took it one step further, by starting a friendly competition between the churches in Altus.
The church who donates the most units will also help out a charitable organization in town.
”There is a benefactor that works with Oklahoma Blood Institute called the Greater Good,” Baker said. “We have set a goal of 75 units, and if we make that goal today, they will forward a check to Operation C.A.R.E.”
Operation C.A.R.E is a non profit organization which helps people with things like utility bills, food, clothing and medical prescriptions.
And every drop of blood donated will stay within Southwest Oklahoma, benefiting the people of Altus and their hospitals.
Pastor Steve Lehew said the challenge was created to help meet these goals, but if his church wins he will have some bragging rights for the year.
“Here’s the trophy, the great church challenge 2022, and you know the great things is is it’s more than a trophy,” Lehew said. “It’s about helping saves lives.”
The pastors also encouraged those who are not church goers to come out and donate.
Pastor Earnest Everman said one person can actually make a huge difference.
”That’s what we’re really asking of the community right now, this be your time to step up,” Everman said. “As you know, there always a countless unending need for blood donors.”
Baker said he hopes the Great Church Challenge is another great addition to help OBI and Operation C.A.R.E get the help they need. | 2022-04-06T02:12:37Z | www.kswo.com | Churches help end OBI’s blood shortage in Great Church Challenge | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/05/churches-help-end-obis-blood-shortage-great-church-challenge/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/05/churches-help-end-obis-blood-shortage-great-church-challenge/ |
City of Elgin drafting Master Plan, needs community input
ELGIN, Okla. (KSWO) - Elgin officials are asking for community feedback as they draft a Master Plan for the city.
The goal is to put together broad and flexible goals and objectives.
You can visit the City of Elgin’s Facebook page to take a survey that asks questions about your vision for the community, such as housing developments.
They’d like to have responses by May 1.
Mayor JJ Francais said the plan will shape Elgin’s future, with ideas that will outlast city leaders.
“This city doesn’t belong to the council,” Francais said. “It doesn’t belong to me as mayor. It belongs to the citizens as a whole, and so we want public input going forward as to what our citizens want out of their city and want in their city and so this plan, hopefully, with enough public input will have that public buy in and we can start to move forward together as a city.”
A public input meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, April 7 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Elgin Public School Fine Arts Center.
Officials will put out a draft document for everyone to review before it’s adopted by the city. | 2022-04-06T02:12:43Z | www.kswo.com | City of Elgin drafting Master Plan, needs community input | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/05/city-elgin-drafting-master-plan-needs-community-input/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/05/city-elgin-drafting-master-plan-needs-community-input/ |
Tulsa man sentenced after he after admitted to rape
TULSA, Okla. (KSWO) - A Tulsa man was sentenced in federal court Tuesday, April 5, for a rape he committed near the OSU-Tulsa campus in 2015.
Eugene Nunley, 48, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
He admitted to forcing a victim in a wooded area on Aug. 13, 2015. Nunley ran away from the scene and the victim did not know their attacker.
DNA testing revealed Nunley as the perpetrator and officials located him in the Creek County jail, where Nunley was being held on unrelated charges.
Nunley, a Muscogee Nation citizen, was convicted of the 2015 rape in Tulsa County District Court, but his conviction was overturned after the Cherokee Nation reservation was recognized as having never been disestablished by Congress. Nunley was indicted in federal court in June 2021.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. | 2022-04-06T02:14:18Z | www.kswo.com | Tulsa man sentenced after he after admitted to rape | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/05/tulsa-man-sentenced-after-he-after-admitted-rape/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/05/tulsa-man-sentenced-after-he-after-admitted-rape/ |
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) - The Young Professionals of Lawton offered a civic engagement event with a trip to the state capitol this week.
The event which will be at 11:30 a.m. on April 6 at the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Invited community members to the event and they will meet and learn more about Oklahoma legislators. | 2022-04-06T02:14:40Z | www.kswo.com | Young Professionals of Lawton will head to Oklahoma Capitol | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/05/young-professionals-lawton-will-head-oklahoma-capitol/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/05/young-professionals-lawton-will-head-oklahoma-capitol/ |
SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA, Okla. (KSWO) - Voters in southwest Oklahoma voted to approved a set of local school bonds.
In Sterling, voters approved a $300,000 bond which will provide the campus with numerous updates, to include textbooks for students.
It passed with 88 percent of the vote.
Also in Sterling, a $105,000 bond was approved with 87 percent of the vote.
The bond will let the school district purchase a new 72-passenger bus.
Residents will see no tax increase as a part of these bonds.
Meanwhile, voters in Walters also approved a pair of school bonds in today’s election.
The $1.77 million bond passed with 86 percent of Tuesday’s vote.
It will go towards renovations for the administration building and bus barn -- and the middle school will receive new floors, lockers and handicap-accessible restrooms.
A proposed $100,000 bond for Walters Public Schools also passed, clearing with 87 percent of votes.
This bond will go towards a new activity bus to transport students. | 2022-04-06T08:21:48Z | www.kswo.com | School bonds in Sterling, Walters pass | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/06/school-bonds-sterling-walters-pass/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/06/school-bonds-sterling-walters-pass/ |
Strong winds and cooler temperatures heading through end of work-week
It seems that nature really loves to assign types of weather on certain days of the week to make for some interesting alliteration, because the urge to refer to today as “windy Wednesday” just felt a little too on the nose. But that’s exactly what today is as a cold front last night brought wind gusts early this morning up to 40-50 mph out of the north, with a few places even seeing gusts above 60 mph! Many power outages and outdoor damage such as downed trees were a result of the winds.
While today’s wind gusts won’t be nearly as strong as last night, and we can be thankful for that, they will still be very strong out of the north at 15-25 mph, gusting up to 30-35 mph. This combined with dry air behind the front will lead to critical-to-extreme fire weather conditions across Texoma, increasing in severity the further west you are. A Red Flag Warning is in effect until late this evening for much of western Oklahoma and western North Texas. Tons of sunshine with temperatures only reaching the upper 60s and low 70s.
The next several days into early next week will see at minimum near-critical fire weather conditions across parts of western Texoma, so make sure to continue to practice fire safety and avoid creating sparks that could lead to dangerous grass fires. Fire danger is still as prevalent as ever, even as we are in the thick of severe weather season.
Tomorrow will be very similar to today, with sunny skies, gusty winds out of the northwest at 20-30 mph, and temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s. Again, critical-to-extreme fire weather conditions will be in place for western Texoma as a fire weather watch goes into effect tomorrow for many of our counties.
A deepening trough will make its way across the western US early-to-middle of next week, setting up the return of scattered showers and storms on Monday, along with the chance for possible strong-to-severe thunderstorms. This all depends on how models handle the amount of moisture and energy available, along with the timing and placement of the dryline. | 2022-04-07T20:29:43Z | www.kswo.com | 7News First Alert Weather: Last night’s cold front sets up extreme fire conditions today | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/06/7news-first-alert-weather-last-nights-cold-front-sets-up-extreme-fire-conditions-today/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/06/7news-first-alert-weather-last-nights-cold-front-sets-up-extreme-fire-conditions-today/ |
Chisholm Trail Heritage Center invites community to Cowboys and Cobblers
(Chisholm Trail Heritage Center)
DUNCAN, Okla. (KSWO) - The Chisholm Trail Heritage Center will host its Cowboys and Cobblers event this weekend.
The festivities will be from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 9 and include a cobbler competition.
Guests can purchase tasting plates for $5, which will allow them to try five cobblers.
Cowboy poet Jay Snider will perform around 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and singer Anthony Spencer will sing around 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Cobblers can still be entered in the competition. Those interested can enter the competition by calling 580-252-6692 or emailing bailey@onthechisholmtrail.com. | 2022-04-08T11:04:01Z | www.kswo.com | Chisholm Trail Heritage Center invites community to Cowboys and Cobblers | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/06/chisholm-trail-heritage-center-invites-community-cowboys-cobblers/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/06/chisholm-trail-heritage-center-invites-community-cowboys-cobblers/ |
“Dancing for Children United” takes place this weekend
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Five couples in southwest Oklahoma they will get the chance to show off their moves this weekend.
This year’s “Dancing for Children United” hits the stage this Saturday, April 9 at Apache Casino Hotel.
The performance will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the casino’s ballroom.
Tickets are $50 and can be purchased on Eventbrite until April 7.
Proceeds will go to help build an all-inclusive playground at Elmer Thomas Park.
More information can be found on Dancing for Children United’s Facebook page. | 2022-04-08T11:04:16Z | www.kswo.com | “Dancing for Children United” takes place this weekend | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/06/dancing-children-united-takes-place-this-weekend/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/06/dancing-children-united-takes-place-this-weekend/ |
Fire on Highway 7 stops traffic
A fire on Highway 7 breaks out around 2 p.m.(KSWO)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A fire on Highway 7 near Trail Road blocked traffic early Wednesday.
A fire broke out sometime before 2 p.m.
The fire jumped into the median and stopped cares traveling in both directions.
Crews were able to contain the fire, but the cause is unknown. | 2022-04-08T11:04:48Z | www.kswo.com | Fire on Highway 7 stops traffic | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/06/fire-highway-7-stops-traffic/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/06/fire-highway-7-stops-traffic/ |
Jerry Griffin announces state superintendent candidacy
Jerry Griffin announces candidacy for Oklahoma State Superintendent.(COURTESY)
TULSA, Okla. (KSWO) - Tulsa School Board Member Jerry Griffin announced he will be a candidate for Superintendent of Education for the State of Oklahoma.
However, Griffin previously announced he will not be a candidate in February.
“I’ve reanalyzed the data and met with Walters and Cox,” he said. “While I have great respect for them, neither have bold ideas for changing the trajectory of the failure of public education in the State of Oklahoma. Public education is failing at all levels. If this trend continues, Oklahoma will no longer be able to produce a skilled workforce. Universities will have to offer remedial courses to accommodate Oklahoma students who cannot function at the college level.”
Griffin joined the United States Marine Corps and received an honorable discharged and returned to Tulsa where he served as a Tulsa Police Officer, while attending the University of Tulsa where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration.
He has over 40 years of teaching experience and taught at Texas State University - San Marcos, Wichita State University and the Virtual program at Oklahoma University. | 2022-04-08T23:03:47Z | www.kswo.com | Jerry Griffin announces state superintendent candidacy | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/07/jerry-griffin-announces-state-superintendent-candidacy/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/07/jerry-griffin-announces-state-superintendent-candidacy/ |
Lawton High School announces events later this week
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Lawton High School will host two events later this week.
From 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 8, at the LHS Auditorium, Lawton High School will host their 62nd annual Lore Ceremony.
The 2022 LHS Lore Queen and King will be crowned, this will be the first crowning of a Lore King.
Earlier that same day from 8:40 a.m. to 8:50 a.m., LHS is having a farewell celebration for their esports team heading off to state competition.
The tournament begins on Saturday, April 9, at Tulsa Union Freshmen Academy.
Five LHS students will be competing in the tournament, two students will be competing in Super Mario Smash Bros. and three students will play as a team in Apex Legends. | 2022-04-08T23:03:53Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton High School announces events later this week | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/07/lawton-high-school-announces-events-later-this-week/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/07/lawton-high-school-announces-events-later-this-week/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Lawton Youth Sports Authority is looking to shape the future of the Youth Sports Program and they are requesting information to help in their search for the person who will eventually take over the program.
Trustee with the Lawton Youth Sports Authority Hossein Moini gave details on the RFI and who they’re hoping to reach. | 2022-04-08T23:04:00Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton Youth Sports Authority asks for RFI input | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/07/lawton-youth-sports-authority-asks-rfi-input/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/07/lawton-youth-sports-authority-asks-rfi-input/ |
LPD investigating weekend incident as a joke after parents allege children were lured by employee
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A group of parents are concerned following a weekend incident at a Lawton business in which they say an employee tried to lure children with the promise of free items.
On Saturday evening, children were playing at the trampoline and adventure park when a minor who worked there told them they’d give them a free cell phone to come outside with them. Parents say two men were waiting for the kids, and they’re worried it could have turned into an abduction case if they hadn’t acted quickly.
Jessica Ridley immediately went to the general manager about the situation, who fired the employee on the spot.
“Saturday we got lucky, but what if we didn’t that day? What if someone would have said, “Yeah, I’ll take it’? And I don’t like that what ifs,” Ridley said.
Ridley and others called the Lawton Police Department.
She said LPD officials have told parents the employee was only joking.
“I don’t know necessarily if it was a joke,” Ridley said. “I don’t know if it was real. I know that all the parties involved are minors, but I mean, it’s 2022. Anything’s possible. Asking a child if they want something free, I don’t care who you are. You’re taught against that since you’re able to learn.”
A post in a Facebook group about the incident gained some attention over the weekend.
“I think that parents, we’ve been bashed and shamed on social media, that we just dropped our kids off and we just left, and that other parents just dropped their kids off,” Ridley said. “We were right there. These people didn’t care if the parents were three inches away or five feet away. They were still talking to these children with parents right there.”
One man said his two daughters were there and other parents called to alert him.
By the time he got there, the individuals had disappeared.
“We’re just really terrified over the fact that right now, unless we know what the safety protocol is for Urban Air or anywhere else for that matter, especially when an employee’s involved that our kids aren’t safe,” he said.
He believes if so many weren’t aware of the situation, it would have turned into an abduction.
“Our children have very few places to go in Lawton anyways, so to keep the few places that we do have and keep them safe and managed properly is a huge deal,” he said. “Huge deal. I think it was a scary incident for all involved.”
The Regional & General Manager of Urban Air told 7NEWS they can’t talk about what happens at the establishment because they sign non-disclosure agreements. We’ve reached out to the corporate office for comment.
LPD said the incident is still under investigation. | 2022-04-09T08:54:34Z | www.kswo.com | LPD investigating weekend incident as a joke after parents allege children were lured by employee | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/07/lpd-investigating-weekend-incident-joke-after-parents-allege-children-were-lured-by-employee/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/07/lpd-investigating-weekend-incident-joke-after-parents-allege-children-were-lured-by-employee/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Altus archery teams will have a spaghetti supper to send athletes to nationals.
The Altus Archery Spaghetti Supper and Basket Raffle on Thursday, April 14 in the Altus High School Cafeteria.
They will begin serving at 5 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $10 per meal.
The basket raffle will continue throughout the evening and tickets will $5, but donations are always appreciated.
All proceeds will go to support the Altus Intermediate School and Altus Junior High Archery teams go to nationals, which are in Kentucky, in May. | 2022-04-09T13:43:10Z | www.kswo.com | Altus archery teams hosts Spaghetti Supper and Basket Raffle | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/08/altus-archery-teams-hosts-spaghetti-supper-basket-raffle/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/08/altus-archery-teams-hosts-spaghetti-supper-basket-raffle/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - For anyone interested in being in the mental health field, Cameron University will host a virtual information event for the community.
CU Be a Therapist will present information on the Master of Science in Behavior Science degree, which can lead individuals into a therapy career.
The event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12 and is presented by Cameron University School of Graduate and Professional Studies and the Department of Psychology. Professor Joanni Sailor will be the main speaker.
Attendees will learn about two of the tracks offered under CU’s Master of Science in Behavioral Sciences: Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. | 2022-04-09T13:43:37Z | www.kswo.com | Cameron University presents CU Be a Therapist | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/08/cameron-university-presents-cu-be-therapist/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/08/cameron-university-presents-cu-be-therapist/ |
Colorado State researchers predict another active season as La Niña continues to diminish
Hurricane(KSWO)
By Noel Rehm and Colton Williams
As the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season wrapped up in late October, it left behind the third most active Atlantic hurricane season on record. With 21 total storms being named, seven of which were hurricanes, with four being classified as major hurricanes. Last season also marked the sixth consecutive season with an above-average level of activity. La Niña is the meteorological term describing cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific basin. As La Niña gradually weakens to a more ENSO-neutral phase, this will certainly have an impact on the activity of this hurricane season, but researchers are still anticipating yet another active season.
Dr. Philip Klotzbach, a research scientist at Colorado State University, specializes in forecasting the Atlantic basin for hurricane activity. Their recently released 2022 forecast calls for 19 named storms, nine of those to become hurricanes, and four to be classified as major hurricanes. This prediction, once again, foreshadows another consecutive year of above-average activity.
2022 Hurricane Forecast(KSWO)
A storm is named when it attains tropical storm status, which is classified by sustained winds of 39 mph or greater. A storm then becomes a hurricane when its sustained winds reach 74 mph or greater. The World Meteorological Organization creates a list of names several seasons in advance, with each list containing 21 names, alternating between male and female names. The 2022 Atlantic name list is as follows.
2022 Hurricane Names(KSWO) | 2022-04-09T13:43:50Z | www.kswo.com | Colorado State Issues 2022 Tropical Outlook | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/08/colorado-state-issues-2022-tropical-outlook/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/08/colorado-state-issues-2022-tropical-outlook/ |
District Judge Scott Meaders announces re-election campaign.(COURTESY)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - District Judge Scott Meaders announced on Friday he will seek another term serving the people of southwest Oklahoma.
Meaders was appointed district judge for the Fifth Judicial District in 2017.
Then re-elected, without opposition, in 2018.
He currently serves as the chief judge for Comanche County.
Meaders said his 26 years of experience cannot be replicated and he hopes to continue to lead the judiciary, with public safety as his top priority. | 2022-04-09T13:43:57Z | www.kswo.com | Comanche County District Judge runs for re-election | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/08/comanche-county-district-judge-runs-re-election/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/08/comanche-county-district-judge-runs-re-election/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce used its monthly luncheon event on Friday to give the community a chance to speak with their area lawmakers.
Several members of the Oklahoma Legislature were in attendance and gave their constituents updates on the goings-on at the state capitol.
They also took questions from attendees on the issues which impact them most.
Organizers and lawmakers alike were happy for the luncheon and the opportunity it offered.
Krista Ratliff with the Chamber of Commerce said the event was great for the community.
“It was really neat to see some of the community members come with questions prepared that they wanted answered,” she said. “This is their time to hear from their legislators on topics that important to them and the community, and we put them on the spot. They have to answer the question in front of everyone, so it’s a really neat opportunity to have those questions answered.”
The lawmakers in attendance said it was enlightening to hear what their communities are most invested in.
The Chamber holds monthly luncheons aimed at updating the public on the state of topics such as education and manufacturing. | 2022-04-09T13:44:52Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce hosts community luncheon | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/08/lawton-fort-sill-chamber-commerce-hosts-community-luncheon/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/08/lawton-fort-sill-chamber-commerce-hosts-community-luncheon/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A restored mural is serving as a reminder of how significant the Patterson Community Center is to so many in Lawton.
The Shaw brothers have restored a mural they painted 30 years ago to preserve the rich history of the Patterson Center. The artwork on the building depicts local black leaders, like Coach H.C. King and Albert Johnson Senior who greatly impacted the Lawton community.
The Patterson Center is located in Councilwoman Onreka Johnson’s Ward.
She said she feels a sense of pride when she looks at the artwork and thinks about what it represents.
“This community has a lot of things that we’ve gone through as minorities here and this just gives a reflection and a highlight on some of the trendsetters in our community and what they did and the doors that they’ve opened and some of the traditions that started because of them,” Johnson said.
Albert Johnson Sr. came up with the idea for the mural all those years ago.
Ten students interviewed residents and collected photographs that inspired the mural, which was designed by an art teacher, according to the Shaws.
Lawton pastor Al Hall it’s more than a building to him.
“At one time or another, you know I was young then, and I was told about the Patterson Center many, many years ago, how instrumental in having a place for us to go,” Hall said. “Right here, this was the only place that soldiers could come together was right here at this Patterson Center.”
In those three decades, the mural suffered some damage, with the wood it was originally on rotting.
That’s when Terry and Darry Shaw decided to restore it, which took about two days.
They painted it on aluminum with a plastic core to ensure it’ll last a long time.
“I’m just happy the neighborhood liked it so much that they wanted it back and that it’s meant so much to them over the years,” Terry said.
You can also spot the Douglass Learning Center, where the mural was painted.
“It’s important because we want to know where we came from, where we are and where we need to go, and when you have the documented history, you know the value and the sentimental values and things like that for what’s going on in the community,” Johnson said.
The Shaw brothers said this is the only project they’ve restored, but the pair have a few new murals they’ll be working on this summer. | 2022-04-09T13:45:56Z | www.kswo.com | Shaw brothers restore Patterson Center mural | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/08/shaw-brothers-restore-patterson-center-mural/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/08/shaw-brothers-restore-patterson-center-mural/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) -Special Olympians and their coaches met at Lawton High School on Friday for Track and Field Meet.
The athletes went head to head in a number of competitions like running and jumping.
The event was kicked off with help from the Lawton Police and Fire Departments along with Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Area Manager for the Special Olympics Natalie Smith said Friday’s meet was a return to form after the pandemic put things on hold.
”It’s always a great time,” she said I’m just so excited that we are finally back at it after we had to take a break during COVID. So, we are happy to have such a great turn out. Our numbers are a little bit down this year, but I think it’s because we are getting back and going.”
Over 200 athletes, both children and adults, participated in Friday’s games.
They all have hopes to travel to the summer games in Stillwater later this year. | 2022-04-09T13:46:02Z | www.kswo.com | Special Olympians take to the track | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/08/special-olympians-take-track/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/08/special-olympians-take-track/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Five couples took to the stage Saturday evening for Dancing for Children United at the Apache Casino Hotel in Lawton.
Each year, Dancing for Children United fundraises for an inclusive playground to help children with disabilities have fun.
The community enjoys watching familiar faces perform, and no matter who wins, the participants know it’s all for a good cause.
“When I think about the children, and even adults, in our community that can’t get out and interact and play, knowing that everything we’re doing here to raise the money to make that a reality for those children, those adults, those families, I can’t think of anything better,” Jeanette said.
In the lobby, attendees voted for their favorite couple by placing donations in cans labeled with the dancers’ faces.
Klein and her partner Rocco Bonnaci won the competition this year, with a song selection that she says is special.
“We danced to ‘You Raise Me Up’ and we picked that because we felt that it would stir some emotions and really get the message across to why everyone’s here tonight,” Jeanette said.
Gary and Stacy Ellis are a married couple that danced to a number by Ray Charles.
The pair said the inclusive park is a cause close to their hearts.
“We have a younger cousin that’s in a wheelchair and it’d be beneficial to him to go out and have fun and be in the park and be with other siblings and peers and to have a good time,” Gary said.
Both said the experience helped them learn something about each other.
Plus, their son and his friends were on stage playing instruments for the performance.
“It was a blast. A blast. It’s nerve-wracking and scary at times, but we always got to look at the end results,” Gary said. “The park for the little ones out there that’s going to be for them.”
If you weren’t able to make it out to the benefit this evening, you can always donate to the GoFundMe. | 2022-04-10T13:41:37Z | www.kswo.com | Couples perform at Dancing for Children United fundraiser | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/10/couples-perform-dancing-children-united-fundraiser/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/10/couples-perform-dancing-children-united-fundraiser/ |
Cameron University hosting virtual workshop, “CU in History and Political Science”
Faculty members will explore career opportunities in those fields, including law, private business, government service, and the armed forces.
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Cameron University is hosting a virtual workshop Monday, called CU in History and Political Science.
It starts at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 11.
Department of Social Sciences Chair Lance Janda said it’s great opportunity to learn about how a degree can help you achieve your career goals.
You can register for the presentation to receive a secure Zoom link here. | 2022-04-11T09:13:39Z | www.kswo.com | Cameron University hosting virtual workshop, “CU in History and Political Science” | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/10/cameron-university-hosting-virtual-workshop-cu-history-political-science/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/10/cameron-university-hosting-virtual-workshop-cu-history-political-science/ |
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) - Actor Kurt Russell was honored with the Western Heritage award in Oklahoma City Friday night for his legendary contributions to Western cinema.
Russell was inducted into the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum for his portrayal of legendary lawman Wyatt Earp in the 1993 film Tombstone.
He is now part of the Hall of Great Western Performers -- along with father Neil Oliver “Bing” Russell-- and Burt Reynolds.
Both belated actors were also inducted yesterday.
Eight individuals in total were honored at the National Cowboy Museum last night. | 2022-04-11T09:14:49Z | www.kswo.com | Kurt Russell wins Western Heritage Award in OKC | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/11/kurt-russell-wins-western-heritage-award-okc/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/11/kurt-russell-wins-western-heritage-award-okc/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Lawton Police Department is investigating a weekend homicide.
Officials say officers responded to an assault with a weapon call on April 10 at 219 southwest 23rd Place.
According to police, when officers arrived, they found one person dead at the scene who was identified as Ian Martinez.
A warrant has been issued and a bond of $250,000 has been set for John Bourne, who is referred to as the primary suspect in this homicide.
The Lawton Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is still investigating.
More information is expected to be released. | 2022-04-12T01:10:59Z | www.kswo.com | Victim, suspect in weekend Lawton homicide released by LPD | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/11/lawton-police-department-investigates-homicide/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/11/lawton-police-department-investigates-homicide/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Students at MacArthur High School played a game aimed at giving them a taste of real world career exploration.
The K-20 Center hosted the “Game of Life” on Monday, April 11.
MacArthur freshmen started the game with a career path based off their interests, along with family and housing obligations.
Students managed finances, budgeting for retirement and the unexpected issues people face everyday.
”So, this year, many of our students have focused on personal financial literacy, how to budget, and things like that,” MacArthur High School Counselor Jerri Santos said. “And today they are able to apply those skills they learned through the ‘Game of Life.’”
Students were surprised to see how far their salaries went from day to day.
The host of the event hope it was an eye-opening experience. | 2022-04-12T01:11:14Z | www.kswo.com | MacArthur students participate in the “Game of Life” | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/11/macarthur-students-participate-game-life/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/11/macarthur-students-participate-game-life/ |
Best chance for strong-to-severe storms will be along and east of I-44
For tonight, a warm front moves through overnight bringing a gradual increase in cloud cover with lows falling into the mid 50s. Winds will be out of the southeast at 10-15 mph.
On Tuesday, mostly sunny with temperatures warming into the low 90s. A dry line will set up over Texoma from a New Cordell-Frederick-Throckmorton line with extreme fire weather conditions west of the dry line. A Red Flag Warning has been issued for much of Texoma in anticipation for dangerous grass fires that break out being difficult to contain. Winds will be out of the south at 15-25 mph with wind gusts up to 40 mph. There will be a strong capping inversion in place that will inhibit storm develop for much of the area. However, hi-resolution models suggest that it breaks somewhere south and east of I-44. Storms that develop will quickly become organized and strong-to-severe at a moments notice. The main threats for any possible supercells will be wind gusts up to 70 mph, hail up to the size of golf balls and an isolated tornado or two. The coverage of rain will be limited over Texoma.
The associated cold front moves through late Tuesday night and Wednesday morning allowing for a much cooler temperatures by the middle of the week. Seasonable highs return with temperatures topping out in the mid 70s.
Fire weather conditions still remains the top story for the foreseeable future with rain hard to come by for areas west of I-44. Please do your part in minimizing the risk for any dangerous grass fires that could break out. | 2022-04-12T01:11:41Z | www.kswo.com | 7News First Alert Weather: Severe weather possible tomorrow - Dry line & strong cap leads to challenging forecast | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/12/7news-first-alert-weather-severe-weather-possible-tomorrow-dry-line-strong-cap-leads-challenging-forecast/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/12/7news-first-alert-weather-severe-weather-possible-tomorrow-dry-line-strong-cap-leads-challenging-forecast/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Up for discussion at Lawton City Council today, sales taxes generated from medical marijuana.
7NEWS reporter Sarae Ticeahkie learned more about the proposal and what it would mean for alcohol and drug prevention centers.
Roadback is a residential and outpatient center that helps bring awareness to drug and alcohol abuse in our community.
Their team put together a presentation for city council, that supports using medical marijuana sales taxes to help educate and prevent addiction in our city.
Executive Director Dawn McGee said they rely on grants from the city and other organizations, but over time those dollars have been decreasing and so they have to look elsewhere.
”this would be great, cause if you look at the ballot the actual marijuana piece, it says clearly in there that the taxes on the state level, 25% of that money should go to substance abuse and mental health training,” McGee said. “I know this is city funds, and not state funds, but why don’t we try to take care of the citizens of Lawton.”
A majority of those funds from sales taxes currently go towards Lawton’s LETA program, for projects like sidewalks across the city.
McGee said the money should go towards teaching about the dangers of addiction, especially for our future city mayors, councilmen or police officers.
”Especially when you’re looking at how medical marijuana is marketed now,” Mcgee said. “It seems like some of the packaging is really appealing to younger kids. It’s also very important because the informative years, like 18 to 24, they can have permanent damage. It will stick with them the rest of their life.”
If city council were to transition the funding to Roadback and other non profit prevention centers in our area, McGee said this would not only help with educating people about the dangers of alcoholism and drug use, but it would also held towards treatments, housing, and classes.
”It’s great to have a pretty city, but we really need to work on fixing up the people who are here,” McGee said. “And we have a real need for it southwest Oklahoma.”
Now that the Roadback team has presented their urgent need for funding, the city council will continue to discuss whether they will move forward with the agenda item.
You can count on us to keep you updated with new information. | 2022-04-13T00:56:54Z | www.kswo.com | Drug and alcohol prevention center searches for funds | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/12/drug-alcohol-prevention-center-searches-funds/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/12/drug-alcohol-prevention-center-searches-funds/ |
Oklahoma Veterans Commission appoints Acting Executive Director
Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs names Sarah Lane as new Acting Director.(KSWO)
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) - The Oklahoma Veterans Commission appointed the first female veteran to be named as Acting Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA).
Sarah Lane, previously the Executive Deputy Director, was approved by the Oklahoma Veterans Commission at a meeting on Monday afternoon.
Lane served in the Oklahoma Army National Guard for 11 years and was called to serve with the ODVA after a family member was moved to the Claremore Veterans Center.
She became the first female veteran to become Deputy Executive Director in 2019.
The change comes after Director Joel Kintsel was granted a request for a leave of absence. | 2022-04-13T00:57:53Z | www.kswo.com | Oklahoma Veterans Commission appoints Acting Executive Director | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/12/oklahoma-veterans-commission-appoints-acting-executive-director/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/12/oklahoma-veterans-commission-appoints-acting-executive-director/ |
In Makenzie’s latest Outdoor Adventures, she spent the day with a professional hog trapper to learn the importance of reducing the feral hog population.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Okla. (KSWO) -Feral hogs have caused billions of dollars in damage across Oklahoma and Texas.
Keith Hall has been trapping hogs for over 10 years, catching anywhere from 1200-1500 hogs in a given year.
“The reason for it is their destruction ability,” said Hall. “They’ve destroyed my crops before and neighbors crops, hay stacks, and numerous other things. They’re just extremely destructive.”
Hall builds his own traps, which he says takes a couple days, and is the culmination of years of work alongside fellow trappers designing and redesigning to come up with what he uses now.
Before he puts out a trap, there’s a lot of scouting involved.
“I make a circle around the perimeter of the place to look for the damages and try to decide if there’s enough pigs there to justify a trap,” said Hall. “If I think there is, I’ll bring the trap and set it, feed it, and feed it until I know hogs are coming and cleaning up the corn good.”
Hall usually has around 5 to 6 traps set out at any given time. And with them, a camera system to alert him when pigs are near.
“I’ll watch it until I have decided I’ve got them all,” said Hall. “It usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes for a good group of pigs to clean up the amount of corn seen here. So I’ll set a timeline, and if I haven’t got what I want by that end of 30 minutes, I’ll usually go ahead and shut the gate”
Hall likes to check his traps daily, and never leaves hogs in a trap very long.
“I’ll come in and load the pigs and take them to my home facility, contact the buyer or the buyers already contacted me and move them in that direction, to turn them into money,” said Hall.
The money is a big part of why Hall says he continues to trap, due to how much time and effort is put into it all. But as far as what kind of market there is for feral hogs? It’s pretty limited. Currently there is no state processing facility for trappers like Keith to take the animals. So high fence ranches are where the majority of his business goes.
“Here in Oklahoma, we have hunting ranches that are certified by the state department of agriculture. And they buy wild pigs and turn out on their enclosed hunting facilities, and people come and pay to shoot those hogs,” said Hall.
Hall says the studies he’s seen show that unless you remove 70 percent of the hog population, you only break even. He believes if there was more of a market to take feral hogs, the population would be much more manageable.
For those interested in trapping, he says there is no right or wrong way to trap, but to do what works for you.
“Just do the work, pay attention to detail,” said Hall. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions to somebody that has had success catching them. I love to go with other people that traps, because I can always learn something and that’s the attitude I think is important to have, is be willing to learn something with every opportunity you have.” | 2022-04-14T19:37:30Z | www.kswo.com | MAKENZIE’S OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Hog trapping | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/14/makenzies-outdoor-adventures-hog-trapping/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/14/makenzies-outdoor-adventures-hog-trapping/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A man went from a survivor to a life long blood donor, after the Oklahoma Blood Institute helped save his life in 2019.
Now he wants others to join him in his journey to save lives.
Erick chandler has been riding horses since he was a young boy, so never in a million years did he think he would almost lose his life while riding one.
He was working cattle while riding horseback, when the traumatic accident happened.
”My horse came back over on top of me, and my saddle horn impaled my inner thigh,” Chandler said. “So when the saddle horn actually went into my thigh, it tore out my muscle, my femoral artery and femoral nerve which essentially caused me to bleed out.”
His father-in law called 911, he was flown to OU Medical in Oklahoma City, during the ride, he received 6 pints of O-negative blood to keep him alive.
In 2016, the Oklahoma Blood Institute made an initiative to replace saline bags with blood bags in medical helicopters, which will help a person with major blood loss.
Chandler said if his accident happened before the change, he would not be here today to tell his story.
”I laid in the pasture for 45 minutes bleeding, flew in a helicopter for 30 minutes. so one hour and 15 minutes, I lost a lot of blood,” Chandler said. “That blood that OBI placed on that helicopter actually saved my life.”
14 months after his accident, he started giving blood donations to help others who might need blood too.
He said it took a total of 23 pints of blood to keep him alive, which shows that it takes a lot of people to donate to save just one life.
”To put in perspective, every time that we donate we only give one pint of blood,” Chandler said. “So it took 23 people, their time, their energy to sit down and donate blood that saved my life. "
Before his accident, he didn’t think much of giving blood, but now he is dedicating his time and energy to be one of those donors who saves lives.
Even though he had to overcome a fear.
”Well, today will actually be my third time,” Chandler said. “So getting over the needle thing is difficult for me every time. I spent three or four weeks in the hospital, being poked and prodded, which helped a little bit. Helped me be more comfortable with it.”
Chandler said he believes he was saved for a reason, and that reason is to be the voice and example for the OBI, getting people to realize their donation could save a life in our community.
If you would like to join Chandler is becoming a blood donor, you can go to the Oklahoma Blood Institute’s website to learn more. | 2022-04-15T00:44:44Z | www.kswo.com | Blood loss survivor turns blood donor | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/14/blood-loss-survivor-turns-blood-donor/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/14/blood-loss-survivor-turns-blood-donor/ |
DUNCAN, Okla. (KSWO) - Organizer with C.A.S.T. for Kids Chad Bailey gave an interview about the upcoming event.
C.A.S.T for Kids takes place at 8 a.m. this Saturday, April 16 at Duncan Lake.
Volunteers will need to show up by 7:15 a.m. and the kids usually arrive around 8 a.m. | 2022-04-15T00:44:50Z | www.kswo.com | C.A.S.T. for Kids event takes place this weekend | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/14/cast-kids-event-takes-place-this-weekend/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/14/cast-kids-event-takes-place-this-weekend/ |
Fort Sill celebrates the retirement of Marine Detachment Sgt. Maj. Jerry “Eric” Lopez.(KSWO)
FORT SILL, Okla. (KSWO) - Military officials, soldiers and their families attended a retirement celebration on Fort Sill Thursday.
The post said goodbye to Fort Sill Marine Detachment Sergeant Major Jerry “Eric” Lopez.
Lopez said he is a bit nervous, leaving behind everything he has known for the past 26 years.
But he said he’s glad to have worked alongside so many great people, who are now, more like family.
”I think that’s what it is, it actually is family,” Lopez said. “Our civilian, our counterparts with the Army, and just the Marines in general, we are a different kind of breed. That just goes, because we are family. We’ll take care of each other when we need it, it’s just a phone call away.”
Lopez said while it’s hard to leave the Marine Corp, he is looking forward to spending extra time with his wife and his daughters. | 2022-04-15T00:45:05Z | www.kswo.com | Fort Sill hosts retirement celebration | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/14/fort-sill-hosts-retirement-celebration/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/14/fort-sill-hosts-retirement-celebration/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra is preparing for the Cowboys and Fiddlers show featuring a special guest.
Grand Ole Opry Guest Artist and award-winning musician Kyle Dillingham will partner with the orchestra for a show next weekend.
Dillingham will also play the fiddle with students at 9 a.m. on April 22 at the Elgin Performing Arts Center.
The musician is based in Oklahoma, but has performed all over the country.
He said the symphony mixed with the fiddle will make for an interesting combination of instruments.
“I have this belief and kind of a personal mission that music can inspire and encourage and heal, and I set out for every live performance to achieve those goals that hopefully those that coming in the audience will be reached and touched in some personal way,” Dillingham said.
Dillingham and the orchestra will play songs like “Orange Blossom Special” and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”
The performance is set for 7:30 p.m. on April 23rd at the McMahon Memorial Auditorium in Lawton.
For more information or to buy tickets, visit swokarts.com. | 2022-04-15T00:45:11Z | www.kswo.com | LPO partnering with award-winning fiddler for performance | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/14/lpo-partnering-with-award-winning-fiddler-performance/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/14/lpo-partnering-with-award-winning-fiddler-performance/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Lawton Public Schools celebrated all 21 Purple Star Schools in the district, for their efforts in supporting our local military students.
The celebrations started with Garrison Commander, Colonel Rhett Taylor speaking to the kid’s and their families to let them know how much they are appreciated.
Awards were given out to employees and the schools, to show their jobs never go unnoticed.
Students from Freedom School were also able to tell their stories of the hardships of being a traveling military students.
LPS Diversity and Inclusion Director Dr. Regina Deloach said it can be difficult for military families, when they have to relocate to somewhere new.
”So we want to make sure that these families understand, here at Lawton Public Schools we’re not just willing to to do lip service to what we plan to do, we actually put our name on the dotted line and say, okay this is our contract,” Deloach said. “We will do this for military families.”
Lawton is the first and only Purple Star school district in Oklahoma, this being the second year they have celebrated military families. | 2022-04-15T00:45:17Z | www.kswo.com | LPS celebrates local military families during Purple Up month | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/14/lps-celebrates-local-military-families-during-purple-up-month/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/14/lps-celebrates-local-military-families-during-purple-up-month/ |
FORT SILL, Okla. (KSWO) - Fort Sill’s Non-Commissioned Officer Academy has new leadership.
The Change of Commandancy ceremony took place Thursday afternoon on base.
Outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Erick Macher retired after serving over 30 years in the Army.
Macher said his career went by in a flash and he’ll miss the experiences he had.
“To have a rewarding journey throughout these years, to meet wonderful people, to serve at peak times through war, COVID, social challenge, and to see the Army, both the Army and myself grow, making the Army something better, and myself something better, so it’s been a wonderful experience,” Macher said. “It hasn’t felt like 30 years, maybe 3 years, but not 30.”
Macher said he’ll be looking for work in the corporate world and making up for lost time. | 2022-04-15T00:45:48Z | www.kswo.com | Fort Sill holds Change of Command ceremony | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/15/fort-sill-holds-change-command-ceremony/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/15/fort-sill-holds-change-command-ceremony/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Cameron University will pay homage to Benson Warren, a long-time faculty member who taught sculpture, design and various other art classes to CU students for 40 years, with a sculpture exhibition.
“Collective Castings: An Homage to Benson Warren” will feature works created by Warren as well as one of his former students, Tanya Synar and Robbie Barber, a former colleague and fellow sculptor.
Warren retired in 2014 and died in 2021. He was known for his large-scale steel and cast bronze public sculptures and was a member of the Texas Sculpture Symposium.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 22. There will be a visual lecture by Synar and Barber in the McCutcheon Recital Hall in the Music Building. The exhibition opening and reception will start at 7 p.m. in the Art Teaching Gallery, located in the Art Building. | 2022-04-19T22:35:59Z | www.kswo.com | Exhibit dedicated to sculptor Benson Warren | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/19/exhibit-dedicated-sculptor-benson-warren/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/19/exhibit-dedicated-sculptor-benson-warren/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The City of Lawton Parks and Recreation Department will have grab and go Earth Day craft bags on Friday, April 22.
Residents can pick up their craft bag from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Owens Multipurpose Center.
The bags will include craft instructions and of the items needed.
Questions can be directed to the Parks and Recreation Department at 580-581-3400. | 2022-04-19T22:36:22Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton community invited to Earth Day Craft event | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/19/lawton-community-invited-earth-day-craft-event/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/19/lawton-community-invited-earth-day-craft-event/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A new seminar, hosted by the Million Dollar Dames and the Lawton Public Library, is offering residents a chance to take charge of their financial future.
Save to Invest will be from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 28 at the Lawton Public Library.
The workshop will examine and discuss practical ideas for achieving financial goals through investment. | 2022-04-19T22:36:28Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton Public Library hosts financial seminar | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/19/lawton-public-library-hosts-financial-seminar/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/19/lawton-public-library-hosts-financial-seminar/ |
Cameron University Foundation establishes John Armstrong Beckman Endowed Scholarship in Social Sciences.(Cameron University)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - An endowment has been established by the Cameron University Foundation in tribute to historian John Armstrong Beckman.
The John Armstrong Beckman Endowed Scholarship in Social Sciences was established by the Cameron University Foundation through donations provided by Beckman’s family.
Beckman worked in the history field and served as a registrar for the Fort Sill Museum for 27 years. He taught at Cameron as an adjunct instructor for almost 20 years.
“John Beckman was a true historian,” Vice President for University Advancement Albert Johnson Jr. said. “Not only was he passionate about it, he had a way of bringing it to life. He was revered by so many Cameron students. We are thrilled that this endowed scholarship will allow us to be able to tell the story of what John meant in the classroom. His legacy will live on through the Cameron students who benefit from this endowed scholarship.” | 2022-04-19T22:37:00Z | www.kswo.com | New scholarship established by Cameron University Foundation | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/19/new-scholarship-established-by-cameron-university-foundation/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/19/new-scholarship-established-by-cameron-university-foundation/ |
Jeremy Anderson faces charges after OSBI investigation discovers missing drugs.(Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation)
CUSTER COUNTY, Okla. (KSWO) - A Weatherford Police Department detective is facing charges after an investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) found missing drugs.
On Tuesday, April 19, Detective Jeremy Anderson turned himself into the Custer County Sheriff’s Department.
His charges included one charge of Larceny of Controlled Dangerous Substances, a felony and/or one charge of a Public Officer’s Willful Neglect to Perform their Duty, a misdemeanor.
The investigation began on Sept. 9, 2021after Fentanyl was discovered missing from the evidence room of the Weatherford Police Department.
After an investigation, the case was presented to the Oklahoma Multi-County Grand Jury on April 12, 2022.
Indictments for both charges were handed down by the Grand Jury and charges were filed today in the District Court of Custer County.
Anderson was released after posting a $10,000 bond. | 2022-04-19T22:37:35Z | www.kswo.com | Weatherford detective faces charges after OSBI drug investigation | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/19/weatherford-detective-faces-charges-after-osbi-drug-investigation/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/19/weatherford-detective-faces-charges-after-osbi-drug-investigation/ |
Unite Oklahoma hosts first ever southwest Oklahoma Spring summit
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Lawton Public Library is working with Unite Oklahoma, as they prepare for the first-ever southwest Oklahoma Spring Summit.
This summit will give the organizations in our area, the chance to come together and figure out the best resources and services for our community.
Unite Oklahoma is a free web-based coordinated care platform that provides information on several different health and social service providers.
This gives organizations that offer assistance with things like mental health, medical assistance or food and clothing, an opportunity to send and receive referrals, address people’s social needs and improve health in southwest Oklahoma.
Lawton Public Library Director Kristin Herr said they decided to partner with Unite Oklahoma because people in the area often come to them looking help, and they don’t always know where to refer them too.
“The more we have of accurate information, cause we know organizations change their hours, their criteria, all the time,” Herr said. “So we’re all trying to keep up with who’s doing what, who has what grant, who is proving what resources. Whenever we can use technology to streamline that process, we’re working a little smarter not harder.
Unite Oklahoma allows those who are in need, to fill out a form, explaining what they need help with.
Their application will be screened securely, while a screening aid will send their information to the correct community partner who offers help.
”There’s so many instances where people need more than one thing at a time, and we don’t always know all of those organizations, we don’t always know where to send people,” Herr said. “We know that the network is larger than just our local area. It’s across the state. So this brings everybody on a shared platform.”
12 local service organizations currently work with Unite Oklahoma, and they hope to add more to the platform this week.
”The bigger the network, the stronger it is,” Herr said. “We know there is a lot of need in southwest Oklahoma, and we want to get people to the right resources at the right time. We don’t just want to ping pong people to places where they don’t meet the criteria”
The southwest Oklahoma Spring Summit will offer two different sessions, giving agencies the option to attend in the morning or afternoon.
They will also provide a free lunch.
The free Spring summit will be this Thursday at Lawton’s Hilton Garden Inn, the first session starting at 10:30 a.m.
Local service organizations who would like to attend, can register with the Lawton Public Library, by calling 580-581-3450. | 2022-04-20T14:58:22Z | www.kswo.com | Unite Oklahoma hosts first ever southwest Oklahoma Spring summit | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/18/unite-oklahoma-hosts-first-ever-southwest-oklahoma-spring-summit/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/18/unite-oklahoma-hosts-first-ever-southwest-oklahoma-spring-summit/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The City of Lawton is preparing to break ground on the first of many sidewalk and pedestrian projects.
MTZ Construction has already started pouring concrete next to north Sheridan Road.
The City of Lawton hope that these sidewalks that they planned to be laid out all throughout Lawton, will promote a healthy and active lifestyle, as well as provide safety for the people in the community.
This Thursday, a number of city officials will gather around the west side of Sheridan Road to witness a ground breaking ceremony to mark the beginning of the project
The first sidewalk will be on the west side of Sheridan road, starting at Smith Avenue and running clear down to Cache Road.
ADA coordinator Michael Jones said they have over a dozen more projects planned and ready to go for the coming years.
”It’s a huge task, when you look at the city and the lack of sidewalks just overall,” Jones said. “I like to tell people, that it’s such a a large project, that we have to attack it from many different fronts.”
One of those fronts, is how they are going to be funded, Jones said it will take millions of dollars for what they have planned.
The Lawton Enhancement Trust Authority funds a bulk of this project, through medical marijuana sales tax.
Jones said promoting a healthy lifestyle for the people of Lawton, is just as important as providing safety.
”We’re building sidewalks to promote people to get outside and walk, stay active, and ride their bikes,” Jones said.
All of these activities can be done with safety in mind.
Jones said they will even be handicap accessible.
The sidewalks will be laid out to provide easy access to popular amenities around Lawton.
”And we start by looking at such bug factors as proximity to schools, shopping, LATS stops, the bus stops is another big one,” Jones said. “We put in a sidewalk, where we can tie al those activities and locations together.”
You’ll notice these projects take form on Lawton’s busiest streets, like Sheridan and Cache Road, and Gore Boulevard.
Jones said as they begin working on these roads, he hopes people see and understand they are committed to making a better city.
”We just ask they be safe in those areas, safe around the workers,” Jones said. “We know it’s a little bit of an inconvenience at times, but it’s a very short period of time. This will be taken place, and then these sidewalks will be here for decades to come.” | 2022-04-21T16:04:15Z | www.kswo.com | City of Lawton begins citywide sidewalk projects | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/19/city-lawton-begins-citywide-sidewalk-projects/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/19/city-lawton-begins-citywide-sidewalk-projects/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Lawton Fire Department were called the scene of house fire this evening.
It happened a little before 7 p.m. at a home near southwest 16th Street and Oklahoma Avenue.
Smoke was seen billowing from the home, along with a bit of flame coming from the roof.
It’s not clear what caused the fire at this time or if anyone was hurt. | 2022-04-21T16:06:32Z | www.kswo.com | Crews respond to Lawton structure fire | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/20/crews-respond-lawton-structure-fire/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/20/crews-respond-lawton-structure-fire/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Cameron Civic Chamber Orchestra and Cameron Concert Choir will present a spring concert next week.
At 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26 a spring concert will take place at McCutcheon Recital Hall.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for senior citizens, military and K-12 students.
Admission for university students, faculty and staff are free with Cameron ID.
All proceeds benefit student scholarships.
Reservations can be made at 580-581-2346 to reserve tickets.
The Cameron Civic Chamber Orchestra is directed by Kirsten Underwood.
The Concert Choir will then join the orchestra for the conclusion of the concert. | 2022-04-21T23:06:28Z | www.kswo.com | Cameron University, community participates spring concert | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/21/cameron-university-community-participates-spring-concert/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/21/cameron-university-community-participates-spring-concert/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - For those considering earning a master’s degree to become a school principal or other school leader are invited to CU Become and Education Leader.
The workshop will be presented by Cameron University’s Department of Education and is free for attendees.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26, in the Johnson Auditorium at Ross Hall.
Registration can be found online and more information is available by contacting Director of Admissions Brenda Dally at admissions@cameron.edu or call 580-581-2289.
The Master of Science in Educational Leadership degree program at Cameron University is a comprehensive program is designed to prepare students for educational leadership roles. | 2022-04-21T23:06:41Z | www.kswo.com | CU Become and Educational Leader workshop begins next week | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/21/cu-become-educational-leader-workshop-begins-next-week/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/21/cu-become-educational-leader-workshop-begins-next-week/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Cameron University Department of Social Sciences will offer training sessions to law enforcement officers who are seeking continuing education on the topic of human trafficking.
Training will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26, and Wednesday, April 27, in the Shepler Ballroom.
The training sessions will be conducted by Dan Nash and Alison Phillips, co-founders of the Human Trafficking Training Center.
The Red Cord and Human Trafficking Training Center have partnered for the two-day training.
The Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) has approved each of the two sessions for eight hours of continuing education credit. Attendees may attend one or both sessions.
There is no cost to attend; however, attendees may RSVP by contacting Phillips at alison@humantraffickingtrainingcenter.com. | 2022-04-21T23:07:15Z | www.kswo.com | Law enforcement offered human trafficking sessions from Cameron University | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/21/law-enforcement-offered-human-trafficking-sessions-cameron-university/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/21/law-enforcement-offered-human-trafficking-sessions-cameron-university/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Lawton Philharmonic is preparing for their final show of the season.
The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra will present “Cowboys and Fiddlers.”
It will feature Kyle Dillingham under the conduction of Maestro Jon Kalbfleisch.
The event will start at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, April 23 at McMahon Memorial Auditorium.
Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased at the door or on the philharmonic website. | 2022-04-21T23:07:21Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton Philharmonic closes out season with Kyle Dillingham | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/21/lawton-philharmonic-closes-out-season-with-kyle-dillingham/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/21/lawton-philharmonic-closes-out-season-with-kyle-dillingham/ |
One person is flown to Oklahoma City after structure fire on Ozmun Avenue.(KSWO)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - One person was flown to a hospital after a house fire in north Lawton on Thursday.
The fire began around 10 a.m. in the 4000 block of Ozmun Avenue.
Firefighters found a small fire in the bedroom of the home, which was quickly put out.
At least one person was taken by ambulance for severe burns, before being flown to the burn center in Oklahoma City.
There is no update on their condition at this time.
The Fire Marshal’s office has been called in to investigate the cause of the fire.
Be sure to check back with 7News for updates as we learn more. | 2022-04-21T23:08:00Z | www.kswo.com | Victim suffers 'severe' burns in Lawton house fire | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/21/one-person-transported-after-lawton-structure-fire/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/21/one-person-transported-after-lawton-structure-fire/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - As summer approaches, you may start to see more off-road vehicles on city streets, but there are certain laws and regulations utility task vehicle drivers must follow inside city limits.
In 2021, the Oklahoma legislature passed a law making UTVs street legal, but users should be aware that you need a drivers license and to register the UTV the same way you would any other vehicle.
In the City of Lawton, drivers must have a valid Oklahoma drivers license and register the UTV, according to Lawton Police Department Sergeant Trenton Ulrich.
“Everything you have to have for a car except for a windshield, you have to have for a UTV,” Ulrich said. “Golf carts inside the city limits are not legal, except for at the lakes and then you have to have them inspected by someone at lake headquarters. They’ll give you a permit and you have to have the permit number affixed to your golf cart.”
A dealership in Lawton tells 7NEWS UTVs are selling out as soon as they get the vehicles in stock.
Ulrich said this summer, drivers of the popular vehicles need to be extra careful.
“It doesn’t have nearly as much protection as a car does,” Ulrich said. “That’s one of the reasons we harp on following all the rules of the road. That way you don’t get into an accident because you’re not going to have as much protection.”
And the same rules apply that would if you were operating a car or truck.
“You always want to obey the speed limits, want to make sure you’re wearing seatbelts as well as all the other traffic laws,” Ulrich said. “These laws are there for your safety, as well as other drivers on the road.”
And over in Duncan, drivers can operate golf carts in city limits, but not on sidewalks or highways.
As for drivers sharing the road with UTVs, you should be aware and use extra caution the same way you would if you were sharing the road with a motorcycle.
Some cities, like Apache, require UTV drivers to purchase permits.
Contact your local police department for more information. | 2022-04-22T09:46:27Z | www.kswo.com | Laws & regulations on operating UTVs in city limits | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/21/laws-regulations-operating-utvs-city-limits/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/21/laws-regulations-operating-utvs-city-limits/ |
Ranchers participate in the 79th annual Texas Longhorn Cattle Auction.(KSWO)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge held their 79th annual Texas Longhorn Cattle Auction at the Apache Auction Market Thursday afternoon.
Ranchers from across Texoma were rounded up for the chance to bid on around 40 Longhorns, adult cows and calves.
All the animals are registered with the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America.
The Auction is held every year to help the refuge conserve, protect and enhance their wildlife habitat, in accordance with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s conservation mission. | 2022-04-22T09:46:49Z | www.kswo.com | Ranchers participate in Texas Longhorn Cattle Auction | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/21/ranchers-participate-texas-longhorn-cattle-auction/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/21/ranchers-participate-texas-longhorn-cattle-auction/ |
According to the OHP, no one in either of the vehicles were wearing seatbelts.(Arizona's Family)
STEPHENS COUNTY, Okla. (KSWO) - One person died and several more were injured in a crash on Highway 7 Tuesday night.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Matthew Graham, 42, of Comanche and four passengers were traveling east on Highway 7 when a vehicle traveling south on 3-Mile Road failed to stop at the intersection and was struck by Graham’s vehicle, causing it to rollover.
Graham died in the wreck and his passengers were transported to Comanche County Memorial Hospital. Two of those victims were treated and released while the other two were transported to OU Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City.
The driver of the other vehicle, Austin Winsor, 22, of Marlow was transported to Duncan Regional Hospital where he was treated and released.
According to the OHP, no one in either of the vehicles were wearing seatbelts. The crash is still under investigation. | 2022-04-22T12:24:38Z | www.kswo.com | 1 dead, 5 injured in Stephens County wreck | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/20/1-dead-5-injured-stephens-county-wreck/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/20/1-dead-5-injured-stephens-county-wreck/ |
COMANCHE COUNTY, Okla. (KSWO) - Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has confirmed an investigation into allegations of potential misconduct by a county employee.
The OSBI received the request to investigate from the Comanche County District Attorney’s Office.
We have reached out to District Attorney Kyle Cabelka’s office to learn more about the investigation; however, they have not released a statement at this time.
OSBI said no arrests have been made.
You can count on us to bring the latest details as we learn more. | 2022-04-22T12:27:25Z | www.kswo.com | OSBI investigates alleged misconduct by county employee | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/20/osbi-investigates-alleged-misconduct-by-county-employee/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/20/osbi-investigates-alleged-misconduct-by-county-employee/ |
Remains found at Cameron University identified
Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation releases name of person's remains found on Cameron University's campus.(KSWO)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The identity of remains found on Cameron University last year was released by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI).
The deceased was identified as Tommy Alexander White, who was 33 at the time of his death.
His skull was found on March 7, 2021 near 38th and Gore.
White’s remains were discovered by someone setting traps on a part of the property owned by Cameron University.
The OSBI is investigating the incident as a suspicious death.
Anyone with information to this case can leave an anonymous tip at 800-522-8017. | 2022-04-22T12:27:38Z | www.kswo.com | Remains found at Cameron University identified | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/20/remains-found-cameron-university-identified/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/20/remains-found-cameron-university-identified/ |
Cameron University announces dates for graduation
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - About 800 Cameron University students will walk the stage during 2022 Commencement.
Twin ceremonies, due to COVID-19 regulations, are planned for 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7, at Cameron Stadium.
Graduates’ degree fields will determine which ceremony they will attend.
The events are open to the public and will conclude with a traditional fireworks display.
Brig. Gen. Hope Rampy, a 1996 military graduate of Cameron, will deliver the Commencement address.
Rampy is one of 19 Aggie alumni who have attained the rank of general officer in the U.S. Armed Forces.
For family and friends unable to attend Commencement, Cameron has arranged for both ceremonies to be livestreamed via the Oklahoma Sports Network and the university’s YouTube channel.
Answers to most Commencement questions, including how to access the livestream broadcast, can be found at www.cameron.edu/commencement. | 2022-04-23T02:03:33Z | www.kswo.com | Cameron University announces dates for graduation | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/22/cameron-university-announces-dates-graduation/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/22/cameron-university-announces-dates-graduation/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Members of the Lawton Northeast Lions Club, along with it’s on-line branch, took the time on to celebrate Earth Day by donating trees.
The group donated two Eastern Redbud trees to Cameron University on Friday, April 22. The event is a tradition they started over 11 years ago.
The winds have caused them to loose a few trees through the years, but they have eight trees growing at the university.
Now they leave the planting to the experts, in hopes the trees will continue to stand for years to come.
”It beautifies the area,” Joe Wotring, a member, said. “Trees cleans the environment, and we want to contribute to helping the environment, as oppose to trashing it.”
The club said they enjoy donating a tree each year and the tree is not only a gift for Earth Day, but a thank you to Cameron for preparing the next generation to take on the world. | 2022-04-23T02:03:39Z | www.kswo.com | Cameron University receives Earth Day tree donation | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/22/cameron-university-receives-earth-day-tree-donation/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/22/cameron-university-receives-earth-day-tree-donation/ |
Lawton High School drama hits the stage
Lawton High School presents their drama production of "How to Kiss a Girl."(Lawton Public Schools)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Lawton High School will host a drama production, “How to Kiss a Girl,” next week.
The show will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27 in the LHS Auditorium.
A second show will be performed on April 28 in the morning for students.
Tickets will be sold to students for $2.
The production is a short comedy by Wade Bradford and is based on a tweet by Leslie Kenner. | 2022-04-23T02:04:42Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton High School drama hits the stage | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/22/lawton-high-school-drama-hits-stage/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/22/lawton-high-school-drama-hits-stage/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Lawton Police Department wants resident to be aware of a new scam that is circulating the area.
LPD has received multiple reports of scammers calling residents asking them to remove funds from their bank account and deposit them into a Bitcoin ATM.
The scammer often poses as a representative from a bank or someone from an employer’s corporate office.
LPD is focused on making sure residents are prepared to handle scams across the area.
Public Information Andrew Grubbs gave pointers on how to handle dishonest callers.
”Well, if their not sure if it is a scam or not, ask for a call back number,” he said. “A lot of times, these people are using what we call ‘spoof’ numbers where it will appear to come from Lawton, Oklahoma, when really it’s from a different state all together. If you ask for a call back number a lot of times, they will not give you one, and not want to give you one. Because they don’t want to have the real number given out.”
LPD said if anyone has been contacted by or given money to someone, and they believe it may be related to this scam, to contact the department.
Questions and anonymous tips can be sent to 580-581-3270. | 2022-04-23T02:04:48Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton Police Department warns of Bitcoin scam | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/22/lawton-police-department-warns-bitcoin-scam/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/22/lawton-police-department-warns-bitcoin-scam/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Students from Washington Elementary spent the day planting flowers and learning more about the environment for Earth Day.
Students at the elementary are virtual, so they took to the dirt today for some up close and personal face to environment action.
The event was all thanks to the C3′s Car Club Chapter here in Lawton, who donated all the flowers and soil to ensure every child went home with a flower.
Kellin Banks, the president of the C3 Car Club Lawton, said he wants the club to be involved in the community.
“One thing has C3 Car Club as a whole here in Lawton, we try to get involved with the community, we want to be more than just a car club,” he said.
Banks said the club enjoys taking the time to be involved with students and teaching them about taking care of the Earth. | 2022-04-23T02:04:54Z | www.kswo.com | Local elementary, C3 Car Club celebrate Earth Day | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/22/local-elementary-c3-car-club-celebrate-earth-day/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/22/local-elementary-c3-car-club-celebrate-earth-day/ |
FORT SILL, Okla. (KSWO) - On Friday, Fort Sill recognized and celebrated one of their own in a promotion ceremony.
Brig. Gen. John Rafferty was promoted to major general.
Rafferty has served as Fort Sill’s Long Range Precision Fires Cross Functional Team director for over two years.
He said the promotion doesn’t come from his work alone.
“I look back at at where I was in 2018 looked at someone I notes and things like that it looks childish like I hardly knew anything compared to what I know now,” Rafferty said. “And so what’s unique about it is then that being selected for this promotion is entirely a reflection of the team and what they’ve accomplished and so I think in that way this is a very unique promotion at least in my experience and of the people know.”
In addition to adding a second start to this uniform, the major general will move on to a new position as chief of army public affairs at the Pentagon. | 2022-04-23T08:17:17Z | www.kswo.com | Fort Sill hosts promotion ceremony | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/23/fort-sill-hosts-promotion-ceremony/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/23/fort-sill-hosts-promotion-ceremony/ |
Download the First Alert 7 Weather App
Good Saturday morning on what could potentially be an active weather day across the area, with critical fire danger out west to possible severe storms in eastern Texoma this evening.
The catalyst for all the weather we will experience today has to do with a cold front currently making its way east, moving into far western counties later this morning. A few showers and storms are already popping up ahead of it, bringing light rain chances to far west Texoma this morning. Both ahead and behind the front, winds will be blowing out of the south and southwest at 20-30 mph, with wind gusts up to 50 mph through most of the day as wind advisories are in effect for most of the viewing area until this evening. However, for areas that will eventually be behind the front out west later today, dry air will settle in, allowing for critical fire weather conditions as a Red Flag Warning will be in effect for western Texoma. Temperatures today will be in the mid/upper 80s and low 90s.
As the cold front continues to slowly push east, storms will begin to develop along and ahead of it later today. The first storms look to fire up across eastern counties here in Southwest Oklahoma during the late afternoon and early evening. These storms have the potential to be strong-to-severe, with the best coverage for these storms being east of I-44. Damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph and large hail up to the size of golf balls will be the main threats, but we can’t rule out the possibility for a brief spin-up or isolated tornado. These storms look to continue to fire up late into the night, eventually clearing out just after midnight. Thankfully due to modest capping in place, coverage of any severe weather looks to be on the low end.
On Sunday, showers and storms will once again fire up along the cold front throughout the afternoon and evening. Though greater in coverage across southern and eastern Texoma counties, the severe threat will be much lower, though a flooding threat is possible. Temperatures will fall into the low 70s with winds out of the northeast at 10-20 mph.
A few lingering showers are possible Monday morning, with early next week looking to be mostly sunny with temperatures in the 70s as we get back into another warming trend by mid-week. | 2022-04-23T18:03:09Z | www.kswo.com | 7News First Alert Weather: Strong-to-severe storms to fire up across Texoma this afternoon and evening | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/23/7news-first-alert-weather-strong-to-severe-storms-fire-up-across-texoma-this-afternoon-evening/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/23/7news-first-alert-weather-strong-to-severe-storms-fire-up-across-texoma-this-afternoon-evening/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Let Freedom Ring Miniature Hereford Classic is happening this weekend at the Comanche County Fairgrounds.
The miniature Hereford show is put on to promote and grow the breed, according to Jeff Stark.
“It’s one of the fastest growing breeds of cattle in the nation right now, and we’ve invited people from several states,” Stark said. Anybody can come, and we have people from Louisiana, New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma here.”
Children and adults have the chance to showcase heifers, steers and bulls.
“This is the great breed,” Stark said. “If we start with kids that are three years old to show in the cattle show and they can start when they’re three years old and go all the way up to grown men.”
5-year-old Scarlett Edwards is one of those kids.
Her heifer Kit-Kat won a category Saturday.
“They’re fun and I like to show them because they’re cute and I love them,” Scarlett said.
According to Stark, what makes the breed special is they’re perfect for a small family farm.
Stark: “If you only have a few acres, they’re perfect for it because you can have just a few of them and still get your ag exemption for beef production. They’re great for families because they’re not very big and you can process one and have meat for you family.” | 2022-04-24T04:30:44Z | www.kswo.com | Heifers, steers showcased at Miniature Hereford Classic in Lawton | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/24/heifers-steers-showcased-miniature-hereford-classic-lawton/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/24/heifers-steers-showcased-miniature-hereford-classic-lawton/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Lawton Area Transit System is celebrating its 20th anniversary this week.
It’s also Try Transit Week, with LATS giving back to customers every day of the week in some way.
On Monday, drivers will wear tie dye t-shirts and hand out matching bracelets to riders.
Items like mini LATS flashlights and keychains will be available Tuesday and Thursday.
On Wednesday, the transit officials will honor people who have been a part of the team for years at 10 a.m. at the Lawton Farmers Market.
Friday, you can scan a QR code found on buses, the LATS website and Facebook page to be entered to win $100.
And Saturday is Customer Appreciation Day. Head down to the Transfer Center from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. for fun activities and food.
For more information, visit ridelats.com. | 2022-04-25T02:37:37Z | www.kswo.com | LATS celebrates 20th anniversary, Try Transit Week | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/25/lats-celebrates-20th-anniversary-try-transit-week/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/25/lats-celebrates-20th-anniversary-try-transit-week/ |
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) - The 22nd Annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon races wrapped up Sunday afternoon.
The 5k and kids marathon took place Saturday morning, with the half and full marathons starting Sunday morning after a short weather delay.
The courses began at the memorial downtown and weaved through the city, ending at Scissortail Park.
Bryant Kierns won the men’s full race, with a near course record breaking time of two hours and 24 minutes.
And McKale Montgomery won the women’s full race. She broke the previous course record by over four minutes with a time of two hours and 41 minutes.
The rest of the weekend featured live music, survivor stories, and inspiring conversations from athletes and fitness experts. | 2022-04-25T02:37:50Z | www.kswo.com | OKC Memorial Marathon’s 22nd annual Run To Remember | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/25/okc-memorial-marathons-22nd-annual-run-remember/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/25/okc-memorial-marathons-22nd-annual-run-remember/ |
Lawton High School hosts Field Day fundraiser event Thursday, April 27.(Lawton Public Schools)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Lawton High School is hosting a Field Day to raise funds to send athletes to the Special Olympics in Stillwater on Wednesday, April 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the LHS Baseball Field.
The Unified Club, which is hosting the event, is a school based club for students with and without disabilities.
The school is also working with Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy to create their Impact Service Project.
Attendees will have a chance to interact with the athletes and senior students.
There will be games and a concession stand set up at the LHS tennis courts and the baseball field.
Questions can be directed to Kylee Montgomery 580-355-0210 and kylee.montgomery@lawtonps.org. | 2022-04-27T08:35:39Z | www.kswo.com | Community invited to Lawton High School for Field Day fundraiser | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/25/community-invited-lawton-high-school-field-day-fundraiser/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/25/community-invited-lawton-high-school-field-day-fundraiser/ |
Flag pole donated by Duncan High School alumni
DUNCAN, Okla. (KSWO) - Duncan High School’s class of 1972 is celebrating their 50 year reunion, by donating an $8,000 flagpole to their alma mater.
As they celebrate the years since graduation, some members of the class decided to give back to the school and community.
Duncan High School’s stadium is currently being remodeled, so they thought it would be the perfect opportunity to help out.
Alumni Chip Woods said three generations of his family have gone to Duncan, so it’s important for him be apart of the great changes.
“I’m a graduate of Duncan High School, both of my brother’s graduated from high school,” he said. “All three of us have children who’ve graduated from Duncan High School. I have grandchild, who is going to Duncan Public Schools, and one of my brother’s does too. So our third generation is coming through, so you always want to leave something better than you found it, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
The new donated flagpole will be around 35 feet high, with original limestone from the 1940′s stadium walls. | 2022-04-27T08:36:27Z | www.kswo.com | Flag pole donated by Duncan High School alumni | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/25/flag-pole-donated-by-duncan-high-school-alumni/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/25/flag-pole-donated-by-duncan-high-school-alumni/ |
Lieutenant governor visits Lawton to tour educational facility
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - As part of a tour of education facilities in Oklahoma, Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell visited students at the Life Ready Center in Lawton.
Pinnell toured the center on Monday for a look at the life skills programs offered, which help students prepare for the real world.
The tour is all part of a 10-year plan to bring more people to Oklahoma, which includes promoting education and tourism.
“We need more people. We need more people in the state, and we want to keep our home grown talent in the state. So, the tour that I’m getting right here, of helping students kind of connect the dots, get those life skills,” he said. “So we are training up kids in our high schools, that can go right into our world-class career tech center, or higher education facilities that we have right here in the Lawton area. And then they can find a job here.”
Pinnell hopes growth in Oklahoma will continue as education in the state continues to flourish.
The lieutenant governor also checked in on the newest updates with FISTA and the growth of local tourism in the area. | 2022-04-27T08:37:22Z | www.kswo.com | Lieutenant governor visits Lawton to tour educational facility | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/25/lieutenant-governor-visits-lawton-tour-educational-facility/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/25/lieutenant-governor-visits-lawton-tour-educational-facility/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Trash Off 2022 is coming this Saturday, April 30.
The event is hosted by the City of Lawton in collaboration with the Lawton Enhancement Trust Authority and gives residents a chance to help clean up around town.
Residents can drop-off waste items at the McMahon Auditorium parking lot which are usually not permitted in residential carts.
Volunteers and local civic groups are also invited to clean trash and debris at multiple locations throughout town.
The beautification project begins at 9 a.m. and goes until 2 p.m.
More information and volunteer opportunities can be found online. | 2022-04-27T08:38:24Z | www.kswo.com | Residents to participate in Lawton Enhancement Trust Authority Trash Off | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/25/residents-participate-lawton-enhancement-trust-authority-trash-off/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/25/residents-participate-lawton-enhancement-trust-authority-trash-off/ |
Cameron University Department of Business awards students
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Cameron University Department of Business announced student recipients of departmental awards.
Students were awarded from each of the department’s degree programs; Associate in Science in Business (AS), Bachelor of Accounting (BACC), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (ORGL), Master of Science in Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL).
LaKya Leslie was honored as Outstanding AS in Business Student. After completing a bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue a career in human resources or banking.
The Outstanding BACC Student was given to Pilar Jaurena. After graduating in May, she will continue as a CU student to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in finance and an Associate of Science in Business. Jaurena also plans to pursue an MBA in the future.
Anastasia Eichler and Leslie Wheeler, who will graduate in May, were honored as Outstanding BBA Students. Eichler plans to attend a culinary technical school to become a patisserie chef. Wheeler plans to begin a career in business.
Brian Herring was named Outstanding ORGL Student. He plans to continue his career with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
Cristina Medina was honored as Outstanding MSOL Student. She hopes to become a leader in the human resources sector after graduating in May.
Honored as Outstanding MBA Students were Miricle Carter and Edwin Bennett. Carter plans to take the CPA exam and eventually open her own CPA firm. Bennett plans to use the management and leadership skills he gained from the degree program to augment his work as an officer and dentist in the U.S. Army.
Bennett was also recognized as Outstanding Research Student. | 2022-04-28T09:40:17Z | www.kswo.com | Cameron University Department of Business awards students | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/26/cameron-university-department-business-awards-students/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/26/cameron-university-department-business-awards-students/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The City of Lawton approved a $75,000 grant that will go on to help prepare kids for STEM.
The vote was approved near unanimously during this afternoon’s city council meeting.
The grant will go on to Lawton Public Schools where they plan to use the funds to conduct Summer academies for all things Science, Technology, Engineering and Math and focuses on kids between 3rd and 5th grade.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, April 30 will mark 12 years since Lawton has recognized National Therapy Dog Day.
On Wednesday, the City of Lawton is holding a Safe Digging class starting at 9 a.m. at the Great Plains Coliseum. | 2022-04-28T09:40:51Z | www.kswo.com | City of Lawton council approves Lawton Public Schools grant | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/26/city-lawton-council-approves-lawton-public-schools-grant/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/26/city-lawton-council-approves-lawton-public-schools-grant/ |
Lawton Area Transit System celebrates 20 years of service with the Lawton community.
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - All this week, the Lawton Area Transit System (LATS) is celebrating 20 years of serving the city.
And they’re inviting the public to help them celebrate their anniversary with several events.
On Tuesday, they handed out special LATS flash lights to riders, and they’ll be continue giving back to the community all week, to include giving out other LATS swag, a chance to win $100.
On Saturday, they’re inviting the public downtown for a special appreciation day.
“And all week we’re just kind of celebrating, and thanking the customers, and that’s what our event is on Saturday, it’s a customer appreciation day where we’re going to have bounce castles for the kids, cotton candy, snow cones, we have a couple of businesses that are going to help us out with food,” LATS General Manager Ryan Landers said. “So it’s going to be a big event from 11 to 3, at our downtown transfer center. So it’s really just a customer appreciation day that we want to thank the public and it’s not just for people who ride LATS, but everyone.”
LATS is also inviting the public at 10 a.m. on Wednesday to the Lawton Farmers Market Wednesday, while they present the men and women, behind the scenes, who keep LATS running rain or shine. | 2022-04-28T09:42:00Z | www.kswo.com | LATS celebrates two decades of service | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/26/lats-celebrates-two-decades-service/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/26/lats-celebrates-two-decades-service/ |
Duncan High School teaches students adult necessities
DUNCAN, Okla. (KSWO) - Duncan High School students were taught more than an average school curriculum on Wednesday.
Students took a course in Adulting 101, in an effort to prepare for the difficulties they will face as adults.
During the workshop, students were given a job with a salary and other responsibilities, like a spouse and a home.
They then went from station to station, making other choices which either left them broke, or taught them the importance of saving.
Financial Educator at Tinker Federal Credit Union Joe James said this event was important for students to receive real-world education.
“A lot of times when I do classes, one of the things I hear the most, is ‘I wish this would have been taught when I was in high school.’ So this is just a really immersive way for us to show kids, more so than just telling them about budgeting and credit,” James said. “And you know, if you buy that brand new car this is what it’s going to do. They really get to do the math and see what it does.”
Students also had a chance to learn a little about car maintenance and cooking during the workshop.
The exercises opened students eyes to issues as they noticed how easy it is to go over budget and how hard it is to save. | 2022-04-29T06:05:04Z | www.kswo.com | Duncan High School teaches students adult necessities | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/27/duncan-high-school-teaches-students-adult-necessities/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/27/duncan-high-school-teaches-students-adult-necessities/ |
LATS celebrates Transit Week with community members
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Lawton Area Transit System (LATS) is being recognized during Transit Week.
Part of the recognition came in the form of the community coming together on Wednesday morning at the Farmer’s Market.
In addition to community leaders coming out to show their appreciation, the crowd learned about some advancements and training LATS employees receive when helping our visually impaired.
The Council of the Blind put together a little hands-on training today.
LATS employees wore masks over their eyes as they went through some obstacles to get the feel of what a visually impaired person deals with on a day to day basis.
Dana Young has been a LATS rider for three years now and is very grateful she no longer has to stress about how she’s going to get to work daily.
“I am visually impaired and so I can’t see you know, the bus sits up rather high,” Young said. “So their drivers always help me on or off the bus and let me know where the seats are and the seat belt so I can get buckled safely. And then when they let me off, they walk me up to the front door of where ever I am going and let me know where I am. And make sure I am okay before they leave.” | 2022-04-29T06:06:24Z | www.kswo.com | LATS celebrates Transit Week with community members | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/27/lats-celebrates-transit-week-with-community-members/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/27/lats-celebrates-transit-week-with-community-members/ |
Lawton-Ft. Sill community mourns long time educator Albert Johnson, Sr.
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Lawton-Fort Sill community is mourning the loss of long time educator, Albert Johnson, Sr.
Albert Johnson, Sr. served as an educator, coach and mentor in the Lawton-Fort Sill community for nearly 70 years, changing the lives of countless young people. He was pivotal in social changes in the area, including desegregation in the 1960s.
Johnson started his career as a teacher at Lawton Douglass School in 1951 after earning his teaching certificate from Langston University.
Rundell Edison learned from him as a teacher, and later became a fellow educator in the district.
Edison remembers when Johnson bravely pushed Lawton Public Schools to desegregate.
“At the time he did that, I knew, and he knew in his heart, that was going to be a hard decision because most people, I don’t care what people, where reluctant to doing that, but he knew the need,” Edison said. “He knew it needed to be done, so he took the bull by the horn and did it.”
Johnson went on to serve as a coach.
Dr. Cheryl Monts met him in 1963, when she wanted to play sports at Lawton High School, but they didn’t have basketball.
That’s when Johnson gave her the opportunity to play at Douglass.
“He’s a great person to remember where he came from and remember that his legacy will live on and on because those of us who know Mr. Johnson, loved Mr. Johnson and will remember Mr. Johnson and all the wonderful things he did for me and this community,” Monts said.
The educator participated in the Young Man’s Mentoring Program, where Devon Biggins met him.
Biggins said Johnson even helped him earn his driver’s license.
“Having Mr. Johnson in my life was so impactful,” Biggins said. “It was a missing link. I didn’t have a father and Mr. Johnson showed me what it was like to be a man and to have a man around. He showed me how to respect people and to hold myself to a high standard.”
LPS officials eventually promoted Johnson to deputy superintendent.
He was appointed to the State Board of Education in 1991 and inducted into the Oklahoma African-American Educators Hall of Fame in 2014.
“It’s just a situation where you’ve been influenced by things that he wanted to do and do right and see done and done right,” said friend Bob Williams.
His friends said they can’t think of a person who cares about community like Albert Johnson Senior.
“I’ve thought about it ever since his son called me and told me he passed and I cannot come up with a person because that was a special man,” Edison said. “He was put here, I think, to be special and now I don’t know who’s going to do that.”
LPS is renaming the professional development center at Douglass after Johnson.
Memorial services for Albert Johnson Senior are pending with Howard Harris Memorial Services in Lawton.
In a statement, the City of Lawton said, “The Lawton community has lost a triumphant community figure and leader, Albert Johnson, Sr. Mr. Johnson was an advocate for public education and human equity in our community. He was instrumental in the desegregation of Lawton’s public schools and was a trailblazer for not only Lawton’s African American community, but also the Lawton community as a whole. He had a deep desire to see his community do and be better, and he most certainly made a positive difference that will benefit generations to come. The City of Lawton offers its deepest condolences to the Johnson family and many citizens of Lawton who are mourning the community’s loss of Albert Johnson, Sr.” | 2022-04-29T06:06:34Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton-Ft. Sill community mourns long time educator Albert Johnson, Sr. | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/27/lawton-ft-sill-community-mourns-long-time-educator-albert-johnson-sr/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/27/lawton-ft-sill-community-mourns-long-time-educator-albert-johnson-sr/ |
Red Cord, CU offer human trafficking training to law enforcement officers
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Red Cord is partnering with Cameron University to host a Human Trafficking Training for law enforcement officers this week.
Officers from thirteen law enforcement agencies from across the region are learning about preventing and identifying human trafficking.
Alison Phillips and Dan Nash from the Human Trafficking Training Center are leading the training.
According to Phillips, only 17% of officers receive human trafficking training, which isn’t enough.
“It would be like if I took a new officer who just came out of the academy and I told them to go out and arrest drunk drivers, but I hadn’t taught him what a drunk driver looks like on the street, how to administer a field sobriety test and other things,” Phillips said. “Those police skills they need. Of course they’re not going to be very successful. We need to provide that training.”
They’re also learning how to interview victims and suspects of human trafficking.
You can learn more about volunteering or donating to the Red Cord by visiting https://theredcord.org. | 2022-04-29T06:08:02Z | www.kswo.com | Red Cord, CU offer human trafficking training to law enforcement officers | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/27/red-cord-offers-human-trafficking-training-law-enforcement-officers/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/27/red-cord-offers-human-trafficking-training-law-enforcement-officers/ |
If cap breaks, severe weather is certainly possible
Thursday and Friday will be days to watch for severe weather potential, as a cold front/dry line system will move in from the Rockies into the Southern Plains. As of right now coverage for rain remains low and isolated, but should the correct ingredients be in place and sequence of events play out, we could witness strong-to-severe storms to end the workweek.
A dry line will situate across central Texoma, along and just west of I-44. On the west side, there will be extremely low relative humidity ranging between 10-15%. Areas east of the dry line will have more moisture with dewpoints in the 60s, allowing for the formation of a few showers and storms.
Temperatures will warm into the low-to-mid 90s during the afternoon as a strong southerly wind flow brings a surge of Gulf moisture and warm air. Daytime heating and a surge of energy from a low-pressure trough out west will increase the Convective Available Potential Energy, or CAPE, across the area. CAPE is one parameter we look at in determining the potential for severe weather, as it hints at how strong and tall storms can become. CAPE is measured across different levels in the atmosphere in joules per kilogram. Values just below 1000 J/KG is enough energy to allow for the formation of strong to severe thunderstorms, with Friday itself being forecasted to have values between 1500-2500 J/KG during the time of the event. Although, high CAPE isn’t the sole indicator of whether or not strong-to-severe storms are possible, as during the summer here in the Southern Plains, CAPE values get as high as 2000-5000 J/KG each day, but we don’t see daytime thunderstorms firing up every afternoon. One parameter preventing high CAPE values from creating storms, and it is the same limitation that is making forecasting for tomorrow’s potential severe weather outbreak difficult, and that is the presence of the Cap.
CAPE Friday(KSWO)
The Cap is something we talk about a lot here, especially with how hot and dry it can get here in Texoma, and tomorrow is no different. Thursday’s and Friday’s unseasonably warm temperatures will build up the strength of the Cap. If we want any rain over the next couple of days, the Cap has to break first, usually through the build-up of large amounts of CAPE or a lifting mechanism such as a nearby strong frontal system. The forecast for both days, especially Friday, still remains challenging in the fact that it becomes a battle of a stout Cap and the components available pointing in the direction to a widely scattered severe weather event in the form of large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes. However, none of that will happen if the Cap doesn’t break, and it is very hard to tell if the Cap will break until hours leading up to the event. A special weather balloon sounding will likely be needed to help us identify a weakening cap. A Boom-or-bust is the best way to describe what we could witness Thursday and Friday, so we suggest being prepared for the worst should severe weather occur. And if it doesn’t, then you are at least prepared for the next event we get later down the line since we are still in severe weather season.
But what could we see severe-weather wise if the Cap does break? Areas along and east of the dryline have the best shot at any storms at all. Right now, models are showing the Cap breaking in different areas across both days due to the positioning of the dry line. On Thursday, the best coverage for storms looks to be west of HW-183. On Friday, the coverage shifts east of I-44. Because of how quickly the storms can fire up, the borders between the different severe weather threats are narrow. For example, large hail on Friday can range between the size of quarters to up to the size of golf balls here in Texoma, with the spatial differences between them not very wide. This is due to the fact that the large amounts of moisture and energy will allow for storms to build higher into the atmosphere within just a matter of miles. Other threats include damaging wind gusts up to 60-70 mph, and a brief spin-up to isolated tornado can’t be ruled out with any supercells that develop.
Storm Zone Thursday(KSWO)
Storm Zone Friday(KSWO)
Rain Coverage Friday(KSWO)
Severe Bars Thursday and Friday(KSWO)
Follow us on social media and download our First Alert 7 Weather App for frequent updates on the potential for severe weather for the remainder of 5th Season, along with any watches and warnings that get issued. | 2022-04-29T06:08:09Z | www.kswo.com | Refresher on the importance of Cap and how it impacts our local weather | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/27/refresher-importance-cap-how-it-impacts-our-local-weather/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/27/refresher-importance-cap-how-it-impacts-our-local-weather/ |
By Alex Rosa-Figueroa and Kevin Haggenmiller
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Olympic torch is headed to Stillwater this summer for the Special Olympics and multiple athletes from the area are preparing to make the trip, with a little extra help from students at Lawton High School (LHS).
Students from the Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy at LHS held a special Field Day Wednesday to help cover the cost for local Special Olympians to travel to the state games.
The academy focuses on community leadership skills by involving students in special leadership labs, such as fundraising and event planning.
“I’m happy to say, that so far, we’ve raised over 16 hundred dollars. So I’m hoping that we’ll be closer 2 thousand by the end of today. But definitely our kids will be going to the Special Olympics, completely covered,” Kylee Montgomery, activities director at LHS said.
The Paralympians also got a chance to mingle with other senior students, and they all got play different games, there was even a surprise water balloon fight at the end. | 2022-04-29T22:44:40Z | www.kswo.com | Students raise money for Special Olympians to compete | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/28/students-raise-money-special-olympians-compete/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/28/students-raise-money-special-olympians-compete/ |
Lawton is named sixth-time Oklahoma Excellence Certified Healthy Community
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The City of Lawton is now a six-time Oklahoma Excellence Certified Healthy Community.
On April 25, the Oklahoma State Department of Health announced the awardees for Certified Healthy Oklahoma, a public health initiative launched in 2003 to recognize businesses and organizations that implement best practices and policies that support improved health and wellness.
The City of Lawton received a comprehensive assessment to gauge how effectively it supports health, with a special focus on strategies that address physical activity, nutrition, tobacco use and mental health.
There are three levels of certification – Excellence, Merit and Basic.
The City of Lawton received the highest of the three.
For more information, visit certifiedhealthyok.com. | 2022-04-30T09:18:37Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton is named sixth-time Oklahoma Excellence Certified Healthy Community | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/29/lawton-is-named-sixth-time-oklahoma-excellence-certified-healthy-community/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/29/lawton-is-named-sixth-time-oklahoma-excellence-certified-healthy-community/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - United Way of Southwest Oklahoma recruited community members to help with projects for local non-profit agencies for its 19th annual Day of Caring today.
Volunteers from so many organizations in town, have been working all day, planting flowers, painting walls and even repairing fences. As their way of giving back to the community, and making an effort to keep Lawton Beautiful.
United Way of Southwest Oklahoma decided to dedicate one day out of the year to their non-profit partners, helping them with projects they may not be able to fund themselves.
Companies, schools and community members got their hands dirty, by building an outdoor garden and new shelves, plus cleaning yards and facilities.
Administrative Assistant Roxanne Wiseman said if it wasn’t for these volunteers helping out their neighbors, they probably wouldn’t get done at all.
”All of our funded partners are non profit. So therefore, they have to use their money really wisely,” Wiseman said. “It’s all about service, so their servicing members in our community. So it’s our turn to give back to them, and make sure some of the things they wouldn’t otherwise get done, get done.”
5 of the 27 projects are helping Roadback, an alcohol and drug prevention agency, doing some remodeling at their different program locations.
Executive director of Roadback Don McGee said because they don’t have the man power or time during the day to work on the projects, it’s great to see these volunteers take time out of their day to help.
”Knowing what I faced, to see somebody reach out, that’s what life is all about, helping other people,” McGee said. “Everybody says nobody wants to help nobody anymore, you’re all on your own. That’s not true, there is plenty of agencies out there that will dedicate the time and resources to help you accomplish your goals.”
Volunteers made their way to United Way’s location, to lay down gravel, put in flowers and trim down some trees.
Legal Aid and volunteer Donna Ellsworth said this is her 6th year volunteering, and she said she always signs up for manual labor because seeing progress means she’s made a change.
”I like to give back, pay it forward,” Ellsworth said. “I think it helps for people to see, there are people willing to get out there and get their hand’s dirty to make this a better place to live, a better place to see and it just beautifies a lot. It’s something we need, at least once a year, if not more.”
Volunteers are currently still working on projects, and will continue to work until around 8 this evening. | 2022-04-30T09:19:47Z | www.kswo.com | United Way of Southwest Oklahoma gives back for Day of Caring | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/29/united-way-southwest-oklahoma-gives-back-day-caring/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/29/united-way-southwest-oklahoma-gives-back-day-caring/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Students at Woodland Hills Elementary School were treated to a fun afternoon full of bubbles, for their phenomenal fundraising for the Cancer Center of Southwest Oklahoma.
Friday, those students presented the Center with a check of over $3,000.
And while the donation drive was part of a monthly community service project, their teacher Lori Cruz said her kids and their families went above and beyond.
“I think a lot of it was inspired by my personal story. My mom was diagnosed with cancer,” she said. “And that was the day that changed our lives forever. And I did share that story with my students and their families, and they rallied around me. And they put out the word and people found out and generously donated, and I can’t thank them enough.”
An official with the Cancer Center said the donation was “flat-out amazing,” and while other schools have donated to the center, they said no-one has even come close to a donation of this size. | 2022-04-30T09:19:54Z | www.kswo.com | Woodland Hills students fundraise for cancer treatment | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/29/woodland-hills-students-fundraise-cancer-treatment/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/29/woodland-hills-students-fundraise-cancer-treatment/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Cameron University was host to a special percussive concert Friday evening.
The CU Percussion ensemble took the stage tonight for a number of contemporary pieces.
Performances included “Mercury Rising” by Nathan Daughtrey, “Yobel” by Jesse Ayers, and Pat Maheny’s “Sunrise.”
The musicians met three times a week in rehearsals to prepare for tonight’s big show.
“In a way, every person who performs is a soloist, put together in an ensemble,” Jim Lambert, conductor, said. “There’s a few times I double the part but not many, so they’re really driven and also very talented, and I’m honored and blessed to be able to teach them.”
The next concert is planned to be some time Fall. | 2022-04-30T09:20:26Z | www.kswo.com | CU Percussion ensemble fills the air with music | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/30/cu-percussion-ensemble-fills-air-with-music/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/30/cu-percussion-ensemble-fills-air-with-music/ |
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) - Governor Kevin Stitt has announced the state is pursuing legal action against Swadley’s Bar-B-Q, over ongoing controversy between the restaurant and the state’s tourism department.
Investigations by state lawmakers and the state auditor are underway into a multimillion-dollar contract between the department and Swadley’s to renovate and rebrand restaurants at six parks.
This week, the department announced it was ending the contract over concerns of fraudulent activity.
In announcing the lawsuit, Stitt called on Swadley’s to provide its financial information regarding the operations of the restaurants
“We are committed to getting to the bottom of this,” Stitt said. “There are a lot of different investigations going on right now, and I think we can all agree that the most important things are protecting the taxpayers and shining a light on any corruption or any bad actors.”
Friday, the governor also announced that he has accepted the resignation of the Executive Director of the state’s Tourism and Recreation Department.
He said Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell will take on a larger role with the department. | 2022-04-30T09:21:18Z | www.kswo.com | Oklahoma pursues legal action against restaurant | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/30/oklahoma-pursues-legal-action-against-restaurant/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/30/oklahoma-pursues-legal-action-against-restaurant/ |
Community members are invited to Arbor Day event.(COURTESY)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Parks Jones Realty and Naturescape Nursery are celebrating Arbor Day by giving away 300 trees to the community.
The event begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 30 at Naturescape Nursery and those who arrive will receive a free Loblolly Pine tree.
This is the fourth year of the event, which is a project aimed to enhance the community.
The Loblolly Pine grows well in ordinary soils from sand to clay and once established, it is drought resistant, too.
It is also among the fastest growing pine trees, adding 2 feet in height every year. It’s growth can be controlled with trimming.
There will be additional giveaways of plants throughout the day. | 2022-04-30T12:15:33Z | www.kswo.com | Community is invited to receive a tree for Arbor Day | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/28/community-is-invited-receive-tree-arbor-day/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/28/community-is-invited-receive-tree-arbor-day/ |
ELGIN, Okla. (KSWO) - “Footloose the Musical” is a true Oklahoma story, originally based in Elmore City, Okla., will have it’s opening night this weekend.
It’s a story about loss and the healing possible through music and, most of all, dance.
“Footloose the Musical” will take the stage this Friday and Saturday at the Elgin Performing Arts Center.
Curtain is at 7 p.m. each night.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for Military and Seniors and $5 for students.
They can be purchased in advance at the Elgin Public School office or at the door the night of the event. | 2022-04-30T12:15:40Z | www.kswo.com | Curtains rise for “Footloose the Musical” | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/28/curtains-rise-footloose-musical/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/28/curtains-rise-footloose-musical/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Cameron University is helping aspiring teachers get in the classroom with a Special Education Teacher Boot Camp.
But before the boot camp, they’re hosting a virtual information session next Tuesday, May 3, to give participants a look at what to expect.
Stacie Garrett, the incoming chair of the Department of Education, gave more information about the events.
Those interested can also visit the university’s website. | 2022-04-30T12:15:53Z | www.kswo.com | Future teachers invited to Cameron University’s Education Boot Camp | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/28/future-teachers-invited-cameron-universitys-education-boot-camp/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/28/future-teachers-invited-cameron-universitys-education-boot-camp/ |
Lawton Police, Fire Departments to play basketball fundraiser game
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Lawton Police and Fire Departments will play against each other in a basketball fundraiser this weekend.
COVID put it off for the last couple years, according to Officer Timothy Jenkins, but they’re ready to start back up again.
Proceeds benefit the Officer Down Memorial, which is a non-profit honoring law enforcement officers, prison officers and police dogs who have died in the line of duty.
Jenkins said the event reminds our community that officers and firefighters are human, too.
“We enjoy being a part of that, and it’s just great for our police department. It lets us know that this job is not just us,” Jenkins said. “It’s just not our community, it’s just not the Lawton Police Department. It’s bigger than us. It branches out further than this community, so we try out best to keep that memory alive and just contribute to it as much as we can, the best way we can.”
It’s happening at 2 p.m. this Sunday, May 1 at MacArthur High School.
Entry is $5 for adults, and $3 for children.
Some money will also go toward LFD’s union scholarship fund for student firefighters continuing their education. | 2022-04-30T12:16:06Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton Police, Fire Departments to play basketball fundraiser game | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/28/lawton-police-fire-departments-play-basketball-fundraiser-game/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/28/lawton-police-fire-departments-play-basketball-fundraiser-game/ |
Prescription drug takeback event takes place this week
DUNCAN, Okla. (KSWO) - The Wichita Mountains Prevention Network is offering the Stephens County community a safe way to dispose of any expired or otherwise not needed prescription pills.
They are working with local organizations and law enforcement for Friday’s event.
Community members are invited to come in and turnover their unused prescription drugs for safe disposal.
RX Work Group Sheri Leroux said they’re aiming to cutback on theft, overdose or other potential drug misuse, as well as offering people a safer option to store their drugs at home.
“We also have lockboxes available, so that way if an individual is concerned about having medication easily accessible to kids, we have free lockboxes that we will be happy to give to families so that they can safely store their medications at home,” she said.
Takeback Day will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, April 29, at Duncan Regional Hospital.
It will be held at the south side of the hospitals Learning Center.
They will be able to take all prescription pills, but not syringes or inhalers. | 2022-04-30T12:16:19Z | www.kswo.com | Prescription drug takeback event takes place this week | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/28/prescription-drug-takeback-event-takes-place-this-week/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/28/prescription-drug-takeback-event-takes-place-this-week/ |
Red River Technology students run crash simulation
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - EMS and Nursing Students at the Red River Technology Center spent Thursday in a live simulation designed to teach them how to handle real life medical emergencies.
The simulation involved a wreck where a vehicle had been t-boned causing it to roll over.
Each EMS student, along with help from a coach, worked to temporarily stabilize the patients before rushing them to the Red River Tech ER.
Nursing students took over to stabilize the patient and prep them to be admitted.
EMS Instructor Jeff Prater said it’s all part of handling the pressure and learning from mistakes.
“It’s really amazing the help that we’ve got,” he said. “They’ve come in, they’ve helped the students, and I get to kind of sit back and watch. And watch my students make mistakes, and then we’re going to learn from those mistakes, and make it better. So, it’s been a very successful experience.”
This is the second year for the simulation which students said was a mixture of excitement and fear.
They want to give a special thanks to all the organizations that came together to help give these kids a lesson which will prepare them for the future. | 2022-04-30T12:16:26Z | www.kswo.com | Red River Technology students run crash simulation | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/28/red-river-technology-students-run-crash-simulation/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/28/red-river-technology-students-run-crash-simulation/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Law enforcement officials in Lawton say fentanyl overdoses and deaths in the community are on the rise.
Last year alone, 13 people died from overdoses related to fentanyl in Lawton. And so far this year, the drug has claimed the lives of 6 people in the city.
The Lawton Police Department is hoping to save lives by warning people about the dangers of taking drugs that aren’t prescribed to you, according to Public Information Officer Andrew Grubbs.
“Generally, anyone who goes and attempts to purchase narcotics or drugs, sometimes they don’t know that the fentanyl is actually in the drugs that they’re buying, so that’s one of the things we’re seeing a lot, is the mixture of fentanyl with other drugs and because it is so addictive and it keeps them coming back,” Grubbs said.
Most of those overdoses, Grubbs said, happen to people who are between 15 and 30-years-old.
“It’s really sad because a lot of times families don’t know what maybe a relative, friend or event their kid may be involved in,” Grubbs said. “They might say something like, ‘I knew they smoked weed, but I never thought they’d do something like that.”
Comanche County is 42nd in the state for overdose deaths, according to the Health Department.
Community Drug Overdose Prevention Project Coordinator Rosalyn Hall said it’s up to our community to remove the stigma and emphasize prevention.
“We need to let them know that addiction is an illness and that there’s treatment for that, but we’ve stigmatized it that, ‘Oh, only this bad person gets addicted to substances,’ and that’s not the case,” Hall said.
Hall said males are more likely than females to overdose on drugs and the best way to help users is encouragement.
“It’s not this big, bad thing that happened and that you’ll never get over it,” Hall said. “Yes, you can get over it. I think that’s the big thing is that encouragement piece, working with the families because you know that’s somebody’s mother, father, brother, sister, so you want to work with the entire family.”
Grubbs urges people to not be afraid to call for emergency help when their life, or the life of a loved one, depends on it.
“Please call 911, okay. We will not arrest somebody if they are having an overdose,” Grubbs said. “We want to treat them first and foremost medically. There will be follow up. We will talk to them afterwards, but ultimately, we want people to live. We want people to survive.”
You can always submit an anonymous tip about the illegal distribution of fentanyl by calling Crimestoppers of Southwest Oklahoma at 580-355-INFO.
You can contact Hall at the Comanche County Health Department using the number at 580-248-5890 to find out how you can get naloxone to reverse an overdose in cases of emergency. | 2022-04-30T23:22:07Z | www.kswo.com | Fentanyl overdoses, deaths on the rise in Lawton | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/28/fentanyl-overdoses-deaths-rise-lawton/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/28/fentanyl-overdoses-deaths-rise-lawton/ |
DUNCAN, Okla. (KSWO) - Governor Kevin Stitt has appointed a Duncan man to the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents.
Rick Braught has served as president of Investors Trust Company since 1996.
According to Stitt’s office, Braught transformed the company from a back-office bookkeeping operation to a diverse family office entity.
He earned bachelor and master degrees from OU.
In a statement, Braught said, in part, quote, “I am extremely honored that Governor Stitt has the faith and belief in me to serve as a regent for the University of Oklahoma. As a member of two families with strong and long-standing ties with the University and the state of Oklahoma, I look forward to working with President Harroz and my fellow regents in continuing to elevate Oklahoma’s higher education system.”
If confirmed by the Oklahoma Senate, Braught will fill the remainder of the term expiring March 21, 2023. | 2022-05-01T14:10:17Z | www.kswo.com | Gov. Stitt appoints Duncan man to OU Board of Regents | https://www.kswo.com/2022/05/01/gov-stitt-appoints-duncan-man-ou-board-regents/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/05/01/gov-stitt-appoints-duncan-man-ou-board-regents/ |
Lawton teen helps community with service projects
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A Lawton teenager is working to make her community a better place to live, starting by meeting the youths needs.
MIGHT Community Development Center has a new community garden, and it’s all because of Markaila McCorkle’s dedication to help those in need.
The Lawton-Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Stan Booker and others celebrated the grand opening with her yesterday.
“There were a lot of children there and just seeing - because we’ve been working on this for a while - and seeing the whole event just actually taking place, it was really heartwarming,” McCorkle said.
It’s a moment those children, like Madison Butler, have been waiting for.
“It’s important to eat healthy so you can stay healthy,” Butler said. “You can stay fit and you can stay alive.”
The garden will provide fruits and veggies for the community surrounding the facility, but McCorkle also has a plan to use it to start a Youth Farmers Market.
“It’s important to teach them how to be entrepreneurs and self-sufficient because I think it’ll really help them later on in life teach them how to grow and teach them how to be very independent,” McCorkle said.
She’ll partner with the chamber to teach the kids about marketing and selling the produce.
McCorkle’s been volunteering since she was five-years-old.
She said her mother, Councilwoman Onreka Johnson, taught her how important it is to give back to the community.
“Ever since I was young, she’s been putting me in community service, so it was a really eye-opening, seeing both sides of the world,” McCorkle said. “The fortunate and the less fortunate. And I’m just really passionate about trying to help them.”
And this isn’t McCorkle’s first big project.
In 2020, she used a $500 grant from Sodexo to fill backpacks with food for children in need.
Johnson said she couldn’t be more proud of her daughter.
“She just really has a passion for what she does,” Johnson said. “She has a passion to see that she’s not just saying, ‘This needs to change,’ or ‘We need to do this.’ She’s actually out there doing it. It’s just really awesome to see a young person that’s actually making a difference, a big impact in their community.”
Hungry Hearts Feeding Ministry assisted in the hands-on part of the garden, showing the kids how to plant the seeds.
Vice President Melissa Griego said McCorkle is such a thoughtful young woman.
“With hard times, our economy is so challenged right now,” Griego said. “This is a way that everyone can learn how to grow their own food, to have their own produce, fresh produce, for health reasons. Groceries are expensive, gas is expensive. It just makes it so much more accessible whenever you’re able to have one in your neighborhood or even in your own yard.” | 2022-05-01T14:10:24Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton teen helps community with service projects | https://www.kswo.com/2022/05/01/lawton-teen-helps-community-with-service-projects/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/05/01/lawton-teen-helps-community-with-service-projects/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A couple organizations in Lawton teamed up to give away hundreds of trees for Arbor Day weekend for the fourth year in a row.
Parks Jones Realty and Naturescape handed out a grand total of 350 Lob Lolly Pine trees Saturday morning.
Some lucky people even won prizes, including hanging baskets and a $500 shopping spree at Naturescape.
When the event started, they were able to hand out 100 trees, but the event has kept growing, and because of that, this year they were able to give out a total of 350 Lob Lolly Pines.
Organizers Holly Naberhaus and Ricky Harrison said the whole thing began with a simple idea.
“It’s a benefit to them because trees and landscaping add value to their homes,” Harrison said. “And Naturescape loves, of course, to beautify the community so we’ve joined forces with them to do this. And it’s been really fun, because people are excited about getting a free tree and it’s nice to see them care about their home, and neighborhood, and community by adding beauty and trees add so much to our environment.”
“And she approached me and said is this something we’d be interested in doing, and we just jumped on board and said heck yes. We love working with them, it’s no hassle and they’re so organized and they’re so well respected in the community,” Harrison said. “We couldn’t ask for a better person or a better business to team with and we hope it lasts for many more years.”
Harrison said Naturescape doesn’t just sell plants, but they also give free estimates for landscape design, installation and more. | 2022-05-01T14:11:04Z | www.kswo.com | Tree giveaway celebrates Arbor Day weekend in Lawton | https://www.kswo.com/2022/05/01/tree-giveaway-celebrates-arbor-day-weekend-lawton/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/05/01/tree-giveaway-celebrates-arbor-day-weekend-lawton/ |
City of Lawton prepares for its first Warlocks and Wizards Day(City of Lawton)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Calling all would-be wizards, the City of Lawton is hosting their very first Warlock and Wizards Day on Monday.
The event will be open to warlocks and mages of all ages and muggles are also encouraged to come be apart of a fun day full of movies, games, crafts and prizes.
The event is free and open to the public, and it’s happening between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on May 2 at the Owens Multipurpose Center on Southwest 11th Street.
There, attendees be able to build their own wand, cast spells, play some Quidditch Pong and compete in a special Harry Potter Relay Race. | 2022-05-01T16:26:44Z | www.kswo.com | Wizards and warlocks travel from Hogwarts for Lawton event | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/29/wizards-warlocks-travel-hogwarts-lawton-event/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/04/29/wizards-warlocks-travel-hogwarts-lawton-event/ |
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