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The crash happened before 4 p.m. in the area of 38th St. and Santa Fe Ave.(kswo)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A wreck involving a motorcycle slowed down traffic in Lawton Saturday afternoon.
It happened just before 4 p.m. in the area of 38th Street and Santa Fe Avenue.
There’s no word yet on conditions of people involved. Drivers should use caution in the area.
This is a developing story. 7News will update you when LPD provides us with information. | 2022-09-03T22:21:10Z | www.kswo.com | Motorcycle wreck slows traffic in Lawton | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/03/motorcycle-wreck-slows-traffic-lawton/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/03/motorcycle-wreck-slows-traffic-lawton/ |
MEDICINE PARK, Okla. (KSWO) - Medicine Park’s 16th Blues Ball music festival is continuing this weekend.
Festivities kicked off Friday night with live music from local entertainers and started back up again Saturday afternoon.
Blues lovers filled the town with music and enjoyed performances from some of the best musicians in the state.
One of the festival organizers, Dwight Cope, said the idea for the festival came from Tulsa.
“We started this in ‘07 as a fundraiser and some people said, ‘What do you think will happen in 10 years?’ and we just cracked up laughing cause we didn’t think it would ever happen. Here we are 16 years and it’s rolling strong and everybody’s having a good time,” Cope said.
You’ll have one more chance to enjoy the festival Sunday when it begins at noon.
The town’s Native American Flute Festival is set for October. | 2022-09-04T04:39:08Z | www.kswo.com | Music lovers enjoy Medicine Park Blues Ball | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/04/music-lovers-enjoy-medicine-park-blues-ball/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/04/music-lovers-enjoy-medicine-park-blues-ball/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - To celebrate Mattie Beal Payne’s upcoming 143rd birthday and honor her legacy, the Lawton Heritage Association will be hosting an afternoon tea event.
7News spoke with Sylvia Moore, Lawton Heritage Association Vice President, and Abby DeBaca, Lawton Heritage Association Board of Directors member, about the celebration, what residents can expect when attending, and why it’s important to celebrate Mattie Beal’s legacy in Lawton.
The Afternoon Tea event will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 10th, at the Mattie Beal home on southwest fifth street in Lawton. The celebration will consist of dining via candlelight, listening to a soothing piano, and enjoying various fruits, sandwiches, scones, cookies, and tea.
Tickets for the tea are $25 and can be purchased online. They can also be purchased by calling (580) 678-3156.
For more information about the Lawton Heritage Association, you can visit their website here. | 2022-09-05T23:15:19Z | www.kswo.com | Interview: Mattie Beal Birthday Celebration | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/05/interview-mattie-beal-birthday-celebration/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/05/interview-mattie-beal-birthday-celebration/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) -While some spend their labor day at the lake others get to continue working.
“It’s a part of the job, after 26 years, you know if it’s your day to work you come in to work and treat it like any other day,” said Monostori.
Labor day got it’s start on June 28th of 1894 when it was made a legal holiday by congress.
This day is observed by many Americans on the first Monday of each September.
Captain Steven Monostori from the Lawton Fire Department said they have to treat it like its any other day.
“There’s requirements that we have to do every single day no matter if it’s a holiday or if it’s any other work day, there’s things that you have to get taken care of and we do those first thing in the morning and knock them out as they come,” he said.
Monostori also said after they take care of their daily duties they are allowed to have a down day.
This means they have a more relaxed day and are able to enjoy a meal together.
Officer Zaria Jessie from the Lawton Police Department said being able to help others makes it all worth it.
“I’m able to help others regardless of which holiday it is, and I mean coming into this job you already know you’re going to sacrifice holidays and time away from your family,” said Jessie.
Officer Jessie also said they continue as normal with their day staying busy keeping everyone safe.
“We do everything we can just so that everyone can be safe and make it back home to their families, that way we are able to make it back home to our families and spend the rest of what holidays are left with out families,” she said.
They both hope everyone stays safe this holiday and is enjoying their Labor day weekend. | 2022-09-06T00:25:05Z | www.kswo.com | Working through Labor day | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/05/working-through-labor-day/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/05/working-through-labor-day/ |
The Comanche County Free Fair 2022 kicked off Tuesday, featuring children’s activities, entertainment, music, rides, shopping, food and attractions.
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Comanche County Free Fair 2022 kicked off Tuesday, featuring children’s activities, entertainment, music, rides, shopping, food and attractions.
The fair will take place at the Comanche County Fair Grounds Sept. 6-10 and is open to all Comanche County residents.
Organizers planned a great list of activities for residents including the Farm Hand Olympics which kick off Tuesday at 5 p.m.
On Wednesday, the 4-H and FFA, OHCE, and Open Class exhibits will enter the Prairie building, before judging begins on multiple categories.
The Dairy Cattle Show begins at 5 p.m. in the coliseum, followed by the Poultry Show at 6 p.m and the Goat and Sheep shoew at 7 p.m.
On Thursday, the Prairie Building will be closed to the public for judging until 5 p.m., before opening for public display until 8 p.m.
Resident are also invited to participate in a “Crochet A Chain” Contest on Thursday in the Prairie building, which begins at 6 p.m., before the Swine show begins in the coliseum at 7 p.m.
On Friday, exhibits open in the Prairie building at 9 a.m., with the Bucket Calf Project at 6:45 p.m.
Finally, the Heifer Show, Prospect Steer and Market Steers will close out the Friday night festivities, starting at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, the food contests kick off with a Pie Contest starting at 9 a.m. and a Sassy Salsa Contest starting at 11 a.m. in the Prairie building.
Plus, don’t miss out on the Tractor Driving Contest, which will be held during the festivities on Saturday.
All buildings will also be open to the public to view the exhibits Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information, or to see the full schedule with Special event rules, click here. | 2022-09-06T16:55:54Z | www.kswo.com | Comanche County Free Fair 2022 kicks off Friday | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/06/comanche-county-free-fair-2022-kicks-off-friday/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/06/comanche-county-free-fair-2022-kicks-off-friday/ |
The “Texoma Gives” annual day of giving is coming up and participating non-profits are already accepting donations.(Texoma Gives)
By Mandy Cunningham and Cade Taylor
TEXOMA (KSWO) - Texoma Gives, a fundraiser for local non-profits, kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 8.
The texoma-wide event will last for 16 consecutive hours starting at 6 a.m., giving residents ample opportunity to help their favorite organizations.
In addition, non-profits will also be able to win cash prizes, including the $500 Rise and Shine prize, which will be awarded to the non-profit with the most unique donors from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. Thursday.
For a full list of the different non-profits participating, click here. | 2022-09-06T21:47:13Z | www.kswo.com | Texoma Gives kicks off Thursday to help support local non-profits | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/06/texoma-gives-kicks-off-thursday-help-support-local-non-profits/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/06/texoma-gives-kicks-off-thursday-help-support-local-non-profits/ |
Arvest Bank kicked of their 7th annual "We Love Teachers" initiative, which will give out $4,500 to 9 local teachers in elementary schools in the area.(KSWO)
SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA, Okla. (KSWO) - Arvest Bank kicked of their 7th annual “We Love Teachers” initiative, which will give out $4,500 to 9 local teachers in elementary schools in the area.
Throughout the initiative, Arvest Bank will provide 145 $500 gifts to local public school teachers in the four states Arvest calls home, an overall total of $72,500.
All recipients are selected by their administration based on classroom need, in an effort to truly address the needs of local teachers.
Arvest has chosen a number of elementary schools in Chickasha, Lawton, Duncan, and Elgin to participate in the initiative including Cleveland, Pat Henry, and Ridgecrest in Lawton; Elgin Elementary; Mark Twain, Emerson and Woodrow Wilson in Duncan; Grand and Friend in Chickasha.
Over the last 6 years, Arvest has awarded more than $320,000 to over 640 teachers.
All recipients will be chosen by Sept. 16 and should receive notification by Sept. 30. | 2022-09-06T21:47:19Z | www.kswo.com | “We Love Teachers” initiative to award local teachers $4,500 | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/06/we-love-teachers-initiative-award-local-teachers-4500/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/06/we-love-teachers-initiative-award-local-teachers-4500/ |
DUNCAN, Okla. (KSWO) - If you’re a fan of wine, you’ll love the upcoming Wine’n on the Chisholm Trail event in Duncan on Friday and Saturday.
7News spoke with Kristen Arrington, the Committee Chair for Wine’n on the Chisholm Trail, about the upcoming event and what festivities will be taking place.
The two-day event will take place on Friday, September 9th, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, September 10th, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Duncan.
On Friday night, a candlelight Italian-style dinner under the stars with entertainment will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, there will be a variety of wine tastings, live music, vendors, door prizes, games, and more.
Visitors must be 21 and older to enter the tasting area, but a separate section will be provided nearby for those under 21 still wishing to enjoy the festivities.
Tickets for general admission can be purchased at the event for $10, but dinner tickets will need to be purchased online.
For more information on the event or to buy dinner tickets, you can visit here. | 2022-09-06T23:35:54Z | www.kswo.com | Interview: Wine’n on the Chisholm Trail Committee Chair Discusses Upcoming Event | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/06/interview-winen-chisholm-trail-committee-chair-discusses-upcoming-event/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/06/interview-winen-chisholm-trail-committee-chair-discusses-upcoming-event/ |
Generation Why got its start in 2017, their goal is to break the stigma of mental health and inspire the youth to find their purpose.
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO)- Generation Why got its start in 2017, their goal is to break the stigma of mental health and inspire the youth to find their purpose.
“A lot of people want to bring the students to somewhere else, but going into their atmosphere and changing the vibe, changing the atmosphere is what we try to go for because we care about the students,” said Miller.
Generation Why Founder, Jordan Miller, said he knew he needed to help when he saw Oklahoma jump from 32nd to 3rd in the country for teen suicides.
“We want to be able to break that stigma of what mental health we talk about, what your feelings look like, it’s not weak, it’s being able to actually stand up and voice what we have been stuffing down too long,” he said.
Everyone on the team has a special connection to the topic of mental health and suicide.
They said if they can impact at least one student today then they reached their mission because just one can change thousands.
They have been spreading their message all over the country in places like California, Michigan and Texas to name a few.
Oklahoma is home, so they try to do as as they can within the state.
They were invited to Lawton by Project Aware, which uses grants to pay for mental health support for students and faculty at LPS.
Project Aware grant manager said they chose generation why because they speak on a level that kids can understand.
“I hope they found their purpose, and I hope they identify their why, because right now we understand that students are lost and students are hurting so if we can speak to them on multiple platforms where they can feel related to then that’s what we are going to do to reach our students where they’re at,” said Mendez.
The group consist of rappers, dancers, a spoken word artist, and motivational speakers.
They try to connect with teens by creating content they will gravitate towards.
“I feel like this is going to be a really good impact in our community and our environment especially within Lawton because we normally have a lot commotion as you can probably see, but something like this can really impact the community and I’m really happy and proud,” said Johnson.
They hope to continue making connections with students and teachers in Lawton. They hope to be back soon.
Generation Why will be at Lawton High tomorrow from 10-10:45 a.m. and at Macarthur High school on Thursday from 10-10:45 a.m. | 2022-09-06T23:57:44Z | www.kswo.com | Generation Why visits Lawton Public Schools | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/06/generation-why-visits-lawton-public-schools/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/06/generation-why-visits-lawton-public-schools/ |
The Farm Hand Olympics kicked off the Comanche County Free Fair on Tuesday.
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Farm Hand Olympics kicked off the Comanche County Free Fair on Tuesday.
The event began at 5 p.m. and last until 8 p.m. at the Comanche County Fairgrounds, hosted by the Comanche County Young Farmers and Ranchers.
On Tuesday, young participants competed in 7 total events, including goat sorting, calf-guess-the-weight, wheel barrow racing, and more.
River Mitchell, president of the Comanche County Young Farmers and Ranchers, said they put it on every year to get kids more acquainted with what it means to be in the agriculture business, but with a fun twist.
“It’s a hard industry to get into, and we want to educate kids from a young age and teach them the importance of agriculture, and how it affects their food. supply,” said Mitchell. “You know, you go to the grocery store and alot of kids say Hey, my eggs come from the grocery store. Well, there’s a farm somewhere that grows those, or a farm that grows that steak or hamburger. And so this is our goal here, we just want to seek to maybe connect the dots for some of those kids,” Mitchell continued.
While sign ups to compete in the different events have already ended, Tuesday’s event is still free and open to the public until 8 p.m. at the Comanche County Fairgrounds. | 2022-09-06T23:57:50Z | www.kswo.com | Young farmers and ranchers compete in the Farm Hand Olympics | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/06/young-farmers-ranchers-compete-farm-hand-olympics/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/06/young-farmers-ranchers-compete-farm-hand-olympics/ |
Después de meses de precios de gasolina récord en todo el país, Lawton es ahora la primera ciudad en los EE. UU., donde el precio promedio de un galón de gasolina es inferior a $3.(KSWO)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - After months of record high gas prices across the country, Lawton is now the first city in the U.S., where the average price of a gallon of gas is under $3.
That’s according to a social media post by Patrick De Haan, an author and Petroleum analyst with Gas Buddy.
Haan said Lawton’s average is currently $2.95, which is a sharp decrease when compared to June of 2022, when Lawton’s highest average was recorded at $4.50, according to Triple-A.
Meanwhile, the average price of gas in Comanche County sits just above $3, while the average price of a gallon in Jackson County is $3.26 and $3.38 in Stephens County. | 2022-09-07T18:43:38Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton first U.S. city with gas under $3, according to Gas Buddy analyst | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/07/lawton-first-us-city-with-gas-under-3-according-gas-buddy-analyst/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/07/lawton-first-us-city-with-gas-under-3-according-gas-buddy-analyst/ |
7News was joined by the United Way of southwest Oklahoma Campaign Chair Mark Scott to tell us more about the 5th annual Blue Tie Gala
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The United Way of Southwest Oklahoma is set to host its 5th annual Blue Tie Gala this week, with the theme “Wanderlust.”
7News was joined by Campaign Chair for the gala Mark Scott to tell us more about the gala, which will be held this Friday at the Hilton Garden Inn.
The event kicks off at 7 p.m., featuring live entertainment, both live and silent auctions, and much more.
For more information, or to make a donation, click here. | 2022-09-07T22:55:51Z | www.kswo.com | INTERVIEW: United Way Blue Tie Gala kicks off Friday | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/07/interview-united-way-blue-tie-gala-kicks-off-friday/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/07/interview-united-way-blue-tie-gala-kicks-off-friday/ |
FORT SILL, Okla. (KSWO) - 7News spoke with Virginia Aid, the Community Relations Liaison for Fort Sill, about a handful of upcoming events, like their Remembrance 5k Run/Walk happening this weekend.
Beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 9th, at LETRA, their final Wine and Paint event will take place. Tickets will cost $35 per person and include the first drink and paint supplies.
At 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 10th, at the Quinette Pool on post, a Doggie Days of Summer Pool Party will take place. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring your furry friend out to enjoy a few laps with some friends. Prizes for the Laziest Sunbather, Best Water Fetch, and Biggest Splash will be given out.
The Quinette Pool will also extend its hours to celebrate the ongoing summer temps.
At 9 a.m. on Sunday, September 11th, at the 3 Mile Track on post, there will be a Remembrance 5k Run/Walk to honor those who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001. The event is free to attend but will have limited edition t-shirts and medals on sale for $25. | 2022-09-07T22:56:16Z | www.kswo.com | Wednesdays with Fort Sill: Remembrance 5k Run/Walk | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/07/wednesdays-with-fort-sill-remembrance-5k-runwalk/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/07/wednesdays-with-fort-sill-remembrance-5k-runwalk/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Lawton only has 48 total bust stop benches, and that’s less than 34% of bus stops in the city. 7News’ Darrell Brown spoke with LATS General Manager Ryan Landers who agrees with adding more benches and shelters.
“Probably over the last four or five years we’ve been really looking at trying to redo the routes, to try to get more ridership. And, I think over that time period we’ve really tried to look at creating more frequency, be a little bit more efficient with our routes. It does take some time but we would absolutely want more more benches and more covered shelters and everything for for the citizens,” said Landers.
There’s a growing consensus in Lawton for more benches and shelters so people have somewhere to sit at public transit bus stops. Residents are forced to sit on the ground and even stand in the rain, if they aren’t near a stop that has a bench. Landers has a plan in place and LATS is working on a grant to make it a reality.
“So, in order for us to actually get grant funding, we have to have a local share. That’s about 20% of what the local share would actually be to cover to cover those aspects of that, and so if we’re looking at you know $100,000 we need at least $20,000 from the local share”, said Landers.
However, Landers had a message for the people of Lawton about the benches and shelters.
“Help is on the way! We’d like to actually invest into a lot of these things. We tried to assess the damage and we try to do some of the repairs, as much as humanly possible. We don’t currently own the the benches or anything like that. That is going to be systematically changing over a very short time”, said Landers. | 2022-09-07T23:56:50Z | www.kswo.com | Lack of bus benches in Lawton | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/07/lack-bus-benches-lawton/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/07/lack-bus-benches-lawton/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Oklahoma has seen a rise in suicides since the start of the pandemic, it is one of the leading causes for death in the state.
It’s not an easy topic to talk about but with rising numbers advocates said we should be talking about it more.
“We should be talking about suicide prevention all year round in Oklahoma, this is the time of the year where we see higher rates of suicide and suicide has long been a leading cause of death in our state,” said Dismukes.
According to the Center for disease control and prevention, more than 47,000 Americans die by suicide each year.
Suicide is now the 4th leading cause of death for adults.
Dismukes said it can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, or race but many people are scared to ask for help.
“Because it is hard to understand and it’s dark, reach out talk to somebody, ask them that very direct question and then work to find them appropriate help,” he said.
He said to look for significant changes in behavior, lack of interest in things that previously brought joy, or even someone who has been depressed for a long time suddenly unusually happy.
Each suicide can affect many people, family and friends.
‘Grief Share’ with Cameron Baptist Church is a support group for those who have lost loved ones.
They say suicide grief is different for the ones left behind.
“They feel like they have been abandoned by their loved one, the thought that they would end their life and leave them, a lot of anger, and a lot of questions,” said Purdue.
Purdue said joining a support group can help you heal and move forward.
“You tell your story that you never wanted to tell to people you don’t even know, the vulnerability of who you are and what you’ve gone through diminishes,” she said.
She said anyone in the community who has lost a loved one is welcomed to attend.
All you need to come is a broken heart and 20 dollars for a workbook.
988 is the national suicide prevention lifeline, a service available to anyone anywhere in the state.
They help find services regardless of where you are at. They have the ability to respond right then and there and are confidential. | 2022-09-08T23:38:42Z | www.kswo.com | Suicide prevention awareness month | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/08/suicide-prevention-awareness-month/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/08/suicide-prevention-awareness-month/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Lawton Police Department has released an update in the ongoing investigation of a fatal crash in late August which took the life of a Lawton woman.
Mason Mulvaney, 18, has been identified as the driver of the vehicle which hit and killed 62-year-old Jennie Mangold at the intersection of NE Flower Mound Road and Cache Road.
Mulvaney and his two passengers, which have not been identified by police due to them being juveniles, have been in the hospital since the crash but police say they are now out of the hospital and recovering at home.
LPD says charges in the case are still pending while detectives continue their investigation into the wreck. | 2022-09-09T18:33:17Z | www.kswo.com | LPD releases name of driver in fatal east Lawton crash | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/09/lpd-releases-name-driver-fatal-east-lawton-crash/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/09/lpd-releases-name-driver-fatal-east-lawton-crash/ |
FORT SILL, Okla. (KSWO) - A STEM-focused Open House event was held on Fort Sill yesterday.
The STEM Center of Innovation Open House was hosted at the Fort Sill Youth Center. Raytheon Technologies partnered with the Boys and Girls Club for the event, and organizers stressed the importance of passing on STEM knowledge to kids.
Julia Sibilla, Garrison Deputy Commander, said, “Our military kids are the future, not only of our military but also the country. So the smarter they are, the more engaged, the more their skills are developed, and how creative and innovative they are, the better it is, not only for our military but for our country.”
The kids participating in the event also said it’s a value in their lives and were thrilled to be a part of the Open House. | 2022-09-09T18:33:23Z | www.kswo.com | STEM focused open house held on Fort Sill | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/09/stem-focused-open-house-held-fort-sill/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/09/stem-focused-open-house-held-fort-sill/ |
LPD is searching for 18- year-old Kenard Swearingen Jr., also known as KJ, a black male with black hair and brown eyes, who is 5'8' and 152 lbs.(KSWO)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Lawton Police Department and the Comanche County District Attorney’s office has filed an arrest warrant for a suspect in a shooting at a local gas station.
Kenard Swearingen Jr. has been named as the in the shooting which injured two at an EZ Go located at Flower Mound and Gore in east Lawton.
The warrant lists two charges for Swearingen, who also goes by “KJ,” both charges are shooting with intent to kill.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of Swearingen, contact Crime Stoppers of Southwest Oklahoma at 580-355-INFO. | 2022-09-09T22:28:18Z | www.kswo.com | Warrant issued for suspect in east Lawton gas station shooting | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/09/warrant-issued-suspect-east-lawton-gas-station-shooting/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/09/warrant-issued-suspect-east-lawton-gas-station-shooting/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Duncan Banner invited the community out to celebrate the newspaper’s 130th birthday Saturday.
It’s one of the longest running businesses in Stephens County, serving the community since 1892. That’s the year the first publication ran on September 9th.
The birthday bash, right in front of the Banner’s office, included bouncy houses, a rock climbing wall, fire departments, and more.
Managing Editor Charlene Belew said she hopes the paper is around for another 100 years.
”Thank you, for sure, that’s the big one, especially to all of our donors, our sponsors, any of the vendors who came out,” Belew said. “What we did today wouldn’t have been possible without all the community support we received.”
There were writing, coloring and photo contests with different age divisions with prizes. | 2022-09-11T05:20:01Z | www.kswo.com | Duncan Banner celebrates 130th birthday | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/duncan-banner-celebrates-130th-birthday/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/duncan-banner-celebrates-130th-birthday/ |
JACKSON COUNTY, Okla. (KSWO) - A wreck shut down a portion of Highway 283 in Jackson County early Saturday morning.
It happened before 6:30 a.m. about one mile north of Altus.
The fiery crash involved a car and a truck with a trailer attached. Altus Police and Fire Departments responded.
No word yet on any injuries or the condition of those involved. | 2022-09-11T05:20:07Z | www.kswo.com | Early morning wreck causes vehicle fire in Jackson County | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/early-morning-wreck-causes-vehicle-fire-jackson-county/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/early-morning-wreck-causes-vehicle-fire-jackson-county/ |
DUNCAN, Okla. (KSWO) - The Stephens County community came out for the annual Rowdy Swanson Memorial Bull Riding event on Saturday night.
Community members paid tribute to and remembered the late bull rider, who was killed at a PRCA rodeo in 2020.
The event raised money to provide a scholarship fund at Oklahoma State University in honor of Swanson, who was a member of the OSU Rode Team.
Rowdy’s father Jarrel Swanson said he created the scholarship to find something good in a tragic situation.
“I wanted to turn something bad into something good because Rowdy was a special kid and I mean, he was very special, but he wanted to do good for other kids,” Swanson said.
Swanson thanks everyone who helped make the event a success in its second year. They plan to make it an annual event. | 2022-09-11T05:20:14Z | www.kswo.com | Rowdy Swanson Memorial Bull Riding event fundraises for OSU scholarship | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/rowdy-swanson-memorial-bull-riding-event-fundraises-osu-scholarship/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/rowdy-swanson-memorial-bull-riding-event-fundraises-osu-scholarship/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Stephens County’s only E-sports team took part in a tournament Saturday morning.
The Bray-Doyle E-sports team held their tournament with the Oklahoma Scholastic E-sports league where multiple schools around Oklahoma play against each other. They compete with games like Halo and Call of duty.
Coach of the team, Kyle Holman said being a part of E-sports can give students a purpose.
“Outside of playing games its the affect it has on these kids and gives them something a goal to strive for,” said Holman.
He also says this team is about more than just video games, it helps give them valuable life lessons.
“I want them to get a sense of belonging, I want them to get a sense of strength and a sense of cooperation and teamwork that they may not get in other cases,” said Holman.
He said he has watched the students grow and form bonds between each other.
“Some of these kids would not be friends with each other if it was not for this team, even though it’s a small pool like Bray it’s great to see the way they interact, its great to see the way they have become friends, and it’s great to see how some of them have grown just because now they are a part of something,” he said.
Some of the students said they are happy to finally feel like they fit in somewhere.
You can watch the team play on Twitch by searching for Bray_Doyle_esports or look for them on Facebook. | 2022-09-11T19:01:30Z | www.kswo.com | Bray-Doyle Highschool E-sports team competes in tournament | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/bray-doyle-highschool-e-sports-team-competes-tournament/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/bray-doyle-highschool-e-sports-team-competes-tournament/ |
He went to OU Medical Center in critical condition.(Pixabay)
GREER COUNTY, Okla. (KSWO) - A Granite man went to the hospital in critical condition Saturday night after a wreck in Greer County.
According to OHP’s report, around 5 p.m. the man was driving at a high rate of speed on Highway 9 and failed to stop at the intersection of Highway 34.
The vehicle left the road, hitting a utility pole. He went to OU Medical Center with head and trunk injuries.
The cause of the collision and condition of the driver are under investigation. | 2022-09-11T20:32:46Z | www.kswo.com | Man injured in Greer County wreck Saturday | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/man-injured-greer-county-wreck-saturday/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/man-injured-greer-county-wreck-saturday/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The grounds for a future 9/11 memorial were dedicated Saturday morning outside of the Lawton Public Safety Building.
The memorial will honor seven people with ties to Oklahoma that lost their lives that day, including a graduate from Eisenhower high that was working in the Pentagon during the attack.
”To see the two towers and the pentagon right in front of them I feel like it really just kind of bring the huge significance of that day into a small space that is approachable and that is kind of permeable to people’s memory in a way that they can actually relate to,” project founder Teresa Leday-Mauney said.
The memorial is a project Leday-Mauney has been working on for four years.
During high school, the project earned her the Girl Scout Gold award, but even as a college student, she is still dedicated to completing the effort.
Even though Leday-Mauney was only two years old on the day of the attacks, she says the day is still significant to her.
”Especially the older one’s that remember that experience and remember where they were, what they were doing and the phone calls that they had... so learning about it only through school I felt that it was really important,” Leday-Mauney said.
The project is set to be complete within the year, with a groundbreaking happening soon. | 2022-09-11T22:04:03Z | www.kswo.com | 9/11 Memorial Site Dedication | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/911-memorial-site-dedication/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/911-memorial-site-dedication/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Lawton-Fort Sill Buffalo Soldiers cleaned up part of Cache rd. on Saturday.
Volunteers wore vests and gloves while they filled trash bags of litter from each side of the street.
The group adopted two miles on the northwestern end of the road leading into Lawton two years ago and is dedicated to keeping the area litter free.
According to the organization’s president, they chose to adopt this portion of Cache because its one of the first parts of the city visitors see when they drive in.
“The avenue coming in is from outside when you come in the city. We want you to see that same beauty when you leave the city and that’s why we picked this location to have our adopted street program,” Lawton-Fort Sill Buffalo Soldiers president Tony Washington said.
The group started the clean-up at the intersection of Cache and Fort Sill Boulevard and ended just before the road forks. | 2022-09-11T22:04:09Z | www.kswo.com | Buffalo Soldiers clean-up Cache Rd. | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/buffalo-soldiers-clean-up-cache-rd/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/buffalo-soldiers-clean-up-cache-rd/ |
Tickets can be purchased at www.lawtonfort sillchamber.com or by calling 580-355-3541.(kswo)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Lawton-Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce is hosting an exclusive address by Mayor Stan Booker on the state of the city later this month.
In past years, the address has been at a Lawton City Council meeting and the Chamber luncheon. This year, only one address will be given to the public.
It will also be livestreamed on the Chamber’s Facebook page. The address will be held at noon on Sept. 23 at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased at www.lawtonfortsillchamber.com or by calling 580-355-3541. | 2022-09-11T22:04:22Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton-Fort Sill Chamber to host State of the City address | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/lawton-fort-sill-chamber-host-state-city-address/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/lawton-fort-sill-chamber-host-state-city-address/ |
As quickly as this early fall-like weather arrived, it leaves just as fast with a change in the upper-level weather pattern bringing yet another surge of summer to the Southern Plains. We will ride out these cool conditions for at least the rest of the night as clear skies and light winds shifting out of the north-to-south at 5-10 mph will allow temperatures to fall into the mid/upper 50s when waking up on Monday morning.
Tomorrow will start a trend of conditions that we will become quickly familiar with over the next week. Mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the upper 80s with winds back out of the south at 5-15 mph.
Tuesday, and pretty much through until next weekend, will see temperatures in the mid/upper 90s, mostly sunny skies, and southerly winds around 10-15 mph on most days. The reasoning for the heat and sunshine this week is a high-pressure ridge that will move overhead from the west over the next several days, and will dominate the upper levels through the foreseeable future. There is the potential for a couple stray light showers on Tuesday with a fringe trough embedded within the high-pressure ridge, but the chances and coverage for it on models is so low that I don’t even have it listed on the 7 day forecast, but I’m letting you know it can’t be ruled out as most will experience a sunny and unseasonably hot late summer day.
Some other minor things to point out is there will be some clouds passing through late on Wednesday and parts of the day on Thursday for some partly cloudy conditions, but will only decrease our temperatures by a degree or two. By next weekend, some places will be flirting with the triple digits. Our bonus forecast is showing a copy-paste of this week to the following week, with little-to-no chance of relief or fall-like weather in sight. | 2022-09-11T23:35:19Z | www.kswo.com | 7News First Alert Weather: Summertime rebound in September | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/7news-first-alert-weather-summertime-rebound-september/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/7news-first-alert-weather-summertime-rebound-september/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra kicked off their sixty-first season with the ‘Classic Pops’ concert Saturday evening.
The orchestra performed popular tunes... many from movies... at the McMahon Auditorium.
This is the first of three concerts L-P-O has scheduled for this season... but the board of directors president says they are hoping this one will get people interested in the orchestra.
”John Williams, Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark... popular things they may recognize makes it a little more inviting for a wider audience. That’s what we are kind of hoping, to hook them in on this one and get them to come back and hear real classical music.”
Maestro Jon Kalbfleisch led the orchestra.
They dedicated it to a former board member that recently passed - Bob Zwaan.
The next performance is planned for February. | 2022-09-11T23:35:32Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra performs ‘Classic Pops’ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/lawton-philharmonic-orchestra-performs-classic-pops/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/11/lawton-philharmonic-orchestra-performs-classic-pops/ |
It’s a pleasant start to this Monday morning!
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - It’s a pleasant start to this Monday morning with many in the 50s. Some north are in the upper 40s and some south are in the low 60s. The jacket will be required heading out the door this morning all thanks to clear skies and light winds (plus the cooler airmass overhead from the cold front over the weekend). Unfortunately this taste of Fall will not last as a gradual warming trend is expected come the end of the week.
Todays forecast will remain near or slightly below average with many topping out in the mid to upper 80s. Winds will shift towards the south remaining light at 5 to 15mph. Tonight will remain quiet with clear skies. As a result, temperatures by Tuesday morning will fall into the low 60s for most locations.
A ridge of high pressure will influence our weather pattern resulting in warmer and dry conditions through the rest of this week. In fact, models are nearly unanimous in keeping high temperatures above average. During this time, daytime highs will increase into the mid to upper 90s. This does include the possibility of some western counties reaching the triple digits over the weekend. Most of the week will stay mostly sunny with the expectation of Wednesday/Thursday where partly cloudy skies are expected.
The ridge of high pressure will slowly shift east by the end of the week but we’re looking to stay mostly dry during this time. With that being said, some models are spitting out isolated, light rain showers for Thursday and Friday. There doesn’t appear to be much of a chance for precipitation with a disturbance that is looking to pass by but it’s something the First Alert Weather Team will keep an eye on. | 2022-09-12T11:28:08Z | www.kswo.com | First Alert 7 Forecast: Say Goodbye to the Taste of Fall | 9/12AM | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/12/first-alert-7-forecast-say-goodbye-taste-fall-912am/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/12/first-alert-7-forecast-say-goodbye-taste-fall-912am/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Comanche County Memorial Hospital is celebrating after they received a National award for offering quality care to both mothers and newborns.
They’re the second in the state to earn Perinatal Certification from The Joint Commission, and the first to have both the certification and designation as a baby-friendly hospital.
Paula Griffith, the director of women and children services at CCMH, said they started working on getting both before the pandemic hit.
“It was really a journey to achieve it. There are a lot of high standards that we had to meet to achieve it, and we met those standards,” said Griffith.
The Joint Commission looks to see if they meet the required evidence-based guidelines, so she said they had to do an analysis to look at what they were doing and make necessary changes.
“A lot of the guidelines we actually already met because we try to stay because we try to stay on top of things and what’s the best evidence-based practice for our moms and babies, and then we were surveyed to all those guidelines,” said Griffith.
Griffith said the certification and designation show how committed the staff is to the moms and babies at the hospital.
“Approximately 80% of our staff have actually gone above and beyond what the requirement is for them to be nurses. But have actually gone on to be certified in their specialty, and that just makes them stand out, and they’re just the best staff possible to care for moms and babies,” she said.
While receiving the certification is exciting for staff, she said it also lets parents and future parents know what to expect.
“When you come into our hospital when you choose our hospital to deliver your baby, that you’re going to receive the best care possible. You have the best staff caring for you, we’re going to keep you safe, and we’re going to give you the best experience to care for you when you deliver at this facility,” said Griffith.
CCMH received the certification from the Joint Commission in June of this year and they’ve been designated as a Baby-Friendly hospital since 2015. | 2022-09-12T20:53:37Z | www.kswo.com | Medwatch: CCMH celebrates new Perinatal Certification | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/12/medwatch-ccmh-celebrates-new-perinatal-certification/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/12/medwatch-ccmh-celebrates-new-perinatal-certification/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Around 5.8 million people 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Luis Reina, neurologist at CCMH, said the disease causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die.
“The spinal fluid on the surface of the brain and internally in the deep part of the brain because as the brain shrinks, the size of the aqueduct increases to compensate,” said Reina.
When someone has the disease they have problems remembering things and speaking. Dr. Reina said the number of cases will increase as the population continues to grow older.
“Alzheimer’s is a dementia. It accounts for about 70% of all people with significant memory loss and loss of mental capacity,” said Reina.
He said other cases of memory loss can be caused by strokes, prior infections in the brain, and other less common causes. Dr. Reina said there was no movement on finding a cure or stopping it from progressing further until the 1980′s, even though it was first detected in 1906. He said in the ‘90s, a couple of medications came out to slow the progress.
“But, I’m quite excited that in the last year or so, a medication came out that actually removes a gooey protein that settles in the brain and is the reason we lose our mental capacity,” said Reina.
However, progress continues to be made.
“In the last week, we received news that we will be able to do a blood test that will pretty much be able to tell us if somebody has Alzheimer’s,” he said.
Dr. Reina said the new test would allow them to diagnose it earlier and let people join research studies. However, Dr. Reina said there are two ways it can be prevented.
“Physical and mental exercise. If you are mentally engaged, you are less likely to suffer from it. So, the two extremes would be somebody who is constantly on the move regardless of your age and someone who just sits there and does nothing at home. Those who don’t use their brain to problem solve are more likely to have it progress more quickly,” said Reina.
He said you should go to the doctor when you feel like you’re losing capacity.
“As we all grow older, we may be forgetful of this or that, but when it starts to interfere with daily activities, then you know that something is really wrong, and again, family members will probably know before the person,” said Reina.
If you want to help in the mission to find a cure, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Lawton is happening at Elmer Thomas Park on Saturday, September 24th at 10 a.m. | 2022-09-12T20:53:43Z | www.kswo.com | Medwatch: The fight against Alzheimer’s continues | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/12/medwatch-fight-against-alzheimers-continues/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/12/medwatch-fight-against-alzheimers-continues/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Lawton Public School Foundation is preparing for its annual breakfast fundraiser, which takes place this week.
7News spoke with Lisa Carson, the Executive Director for the Lawton Public School Foundation, about the upcoming breakfast fundraiser and a 2022 Chevy Silverado Giveaway they’re hosting.
The foundation’s annual breakfast fundraiser will take place from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Friday, September 16th, at the Golden Corral on 2632 NW Cache Road. Regular tickets will cost $20, but Lawton Public School employees can purchase tickets for $10. Tickets can be purchased in advance at any Lawton Public School or the door on Friday.
All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the teachers and students of Lawton Public Schools.
In addition to the breakfast fundraiser, the LPS Foundation is also hosting a drawing for community members to win a 2022 Chevy Silverado. Tickets to enter the drawing cost $50 and can be purchased from any LPS Foundation member, or their website, until November 28th.
All proceeds from ticket sales for the Chevy Silverado giveaway will also go toward LPS students and teachers.
For more information, you can contact Lisa Carson at (580) 585-6251 or visit here. | 2022-09-12T22:24:55Z | www.kswo.com | Interview: Lawton Public School Foundation Executive Director Discusses Annual Breakfast Fundraiser | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/12/interview-lawton-public-school-foundation-executive-director-discusses-annual-breakfast-fundraiser/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/12/interview-lawton-public-school-foundation-executive-director-discusses-annual-breakfast-fundraiser/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Construction on the Lawton City Halls parking lot started last week and the city is hoping to be finished by the end of this year.
The next step is to start renovations on the inside of the city hall, which includes the first, second and third floors.
The goal is not only to make city hall beautiful but to move all the employees that are not currently at City hall to city hall for one central location.
“The reason we’re excited about this is because we have other administrative portions of the city in other buildings around the city. So we are able now with this construction to eventually to move all of those people who are in other buildings around the city into city hall and the parking lot reconstruction is just the beginning of that,” said Michael Cleghorn, The City of Lawton’s city manager.
Joseph Painter, Lawton’s director of engineering, said they also have plans to make it easier and more convenient for citizens to pay their utility bills.
“Here were building a little annex building, like a bank teller type building. But it will be where you can pay your utility bills a drive-thru. Right now we don’t have a drive-thru facility everyone has to go inside. This will give a drive-thru facility for customers trying to pay their utility bills,” Painter said.
The city is paying for this project using the CIP which is a Capitol improvement plan.
“And the capital improvement plans allows us the funding to make improvements or build infrastructure for the city. It could be anything from sewer water roads and in this case, it’s the build-out of this old building which was built in 1907,” said Cleghorn.
The budget for this project has been slated for 6 million dollars, but inflation might affect that.
“Construction cost has increased and the council has been brief on those increases. So we’re looking to keep those prices as low as possible. But with inflation things have crept up a bit,” Cleghorn said.
The employees that will be moving over to City Hall will be finance and IT who are currently working at the old city hall.
“Will only have to pay one electrical bill then, in the cause of if we move them out of the old city hall which used to be the old post office. We will no longer need that building and we’ll be able to take that building down which that does a couple of things. It allows us to expand Shelper park and there is a plan to expand Shelper park. But right now that old city hall ie the old post office building is in the way,” Cleghorn said. | 2022-09-12T23:56:02Z | www.kswo.com | The city of Lawton has started the first phase of its $6 million renovations to city hall | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/12/city-lawton-has-started-first-phase-its-6-million-renovations-city-hall/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/12/city-lawton-has-started-first-phase-its-6-million-renovations-city-hall/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Krystal Solis is a Mexican-American 25 year-old Comanche resident. She was given the opportunity to feature her art at the Leslie Powell Art Gallery in Lawton. She said her brother is the driving force for everything that she does
“Doing the show it made me think of Raul and just kind of keeping his memory alive and it’s representing him but it’s also representing my family and community,” said Solis.
Her brother, Raul Solis was only 23-years old when he was hit by a vehicle while riding his bicycle. Raul died from his injuries in February of 2019. The driver was never located. Despite this tragedy she keeps moving forward and hopes to inspire other to work through any obstacles.
“With anything I believe that if you just keep going towards your dreams eventually something will happen, it’s just putting in all the work into it,” she said.
Not only is her artwork inspired by her brother but also by Frida Kahlo, a Mexican painter
“Inspiration is that strength and I take that because she is just a strong Hispanic women and I want to represent that in the community,” said Solis.
Solis is thankful to have so many people supporting her.
“I feel very humble and proud and just having all the community support and just being able to represent my family and my background it just feels really great,” she said.
You can view this exhibit Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. until October 28th. | 2022-09-12T23:56:33Z | www.kswo.com | A young talented local artist is being featured at the Leslie Powell art Gallery | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/12/young-talented-local-artist-is-being-featured-leslie-powell-art-gallery/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/12/young-talented-local-artist-is-being-featured-leslie-powell-art-gallery/ |
Ares’ body was found around 6 p.m. on Monday.(WAFF)
OKFUSKEE COUNTY, Okla. (KSWO) - Authorities located the body of a 2-year-old boy on Monday night who had been reported missing earlier in the day.
OHP issued an “Ashanti Alert,” which was later changed to an Endangered Missing Advisory, around noon on Monday for Ares Muse.
Muse’s father told authorities the last time he had seen Ares was around 1:30 a.m. when he crawled into bed with his parents. When the parents woke up at 6:30 a.m., the boy was missing. He also said Ares would have had to open three locking mechanisms to exit the home.
Dozens of law enforcement, along with search and rescue personnel were called to the scene to assist in searching for the boy in a wooded, rural area.
Ares’ body was found around 6 p.m. on Monday.
No other details have yet been released about the situation. | 2022-09-13T18:11:54Z | www.kswo.com | Missing Okfuskee Co. boy found dead near home | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/13/missing-okfuskee-co-boy-found-dead-near-home/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/13/missing-okfuskee-co-boy-found-dead-near-home/ |
To combat the ongoing lack of child care programs in parts of the state, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services has announced a Child Care Desert Startup Grant.(KSWO)
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) - Finding child care in Oklahoma is proving to be a chore for a large percentage of parents, due to the lack of child care programs in the state.
Data from the Center for American Progress shows that 34 out of the 77 counties within Oklahoma are considered child care deserts, and 55% of the state’s population lives within those counties.
Child care deserts are defined as counties where there aren’t enough licensed child care providers to meet the needs of working families.
So, to combat the ongoing issue, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services has announced a Child Care Desert Startup Grant.
Those grants will be available to individuals who are considering becoming licensed child care providers and will supply funding and startup capital for new child care businesses.
Applications for the grants will be available until budgeted funds are depleted, or until July 31, 2023. | 2022-09-13T21:14:47Z | www.kswo.com | OKDHS announces new Child Care Desert Startup Grant | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/13/okdhs-announces-new-child-care-desert-startup-grant/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/13/okdhs-announces-new-child-care-desert-startup-grant/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Gas company officials said it was a gunshot to the gas line that caused the leak.
A press release from the Comanche County Emergency Management said at about 8:30 p.m. last night Cox’s Store volunteer fire department was called to the scene of the leak,
Assistant Fire Chief Jake Stallings was one of the firefighters that responded to the scene.
“When crews arrived on scene they did advise that they had a 10 inch main that was spewing approximately 320 PSI,” said Stallings.
At that point evacuation orders were issued for residents within half a mile radius of the intersection and later extended to the North of NE 135th street and East Cache road due to wind directions.
Stallings said they had assistance from the sheriff’s department and the Oklahoma Highway patrol for evacuation.
“They sent a couple deputies to go alongside firefighters and we sent two firefighters per truck just to start working the area and start knocking on doors,” he said.
Emergency management was able get a hold of Letitia Baptist Church where they opened a shelter.
He said they evacuated between 30 and 35 home owners.
At approximately 3 a.m. Energy transport and Summit Utilities were able to repair the leak and gave the all clear.
Stallings said residents can sign up to receive notifications for these types of emergencies.
“You can sign up through the Nixle app, through emergency management to get those notifications,” said Stallings.
The Comanche County Sheriff’s department is in charge of the investigation, 7News reached out to them for updates but haven’t heard back.
To sign up for those notifications you can click on the link, https://www.comanchecounty.us/emergency-notifications-systems | 2022-09-14T00:17:14Z | www.kswo.com | Vandalism causes leak in East Comanche County gas pipe | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/13/vandalism-causes-leak-east-comanche-county-gas-pipe/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/13/vandalism-causes-leak-east-comanche-county-gas-pipe/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) -An English teacher at Macarthur High is receiving mixed reactions from parents after a controversial assignment was given.
The assignment was called “The N word.”
Students were asked to write a reflective paper on whether or not they used the word and why they think society accepts it in music.
We spoke to one parent who believes this is a very needed conversation.
“I think most adults are probably uncomfortable with it because most adults are uncomfortable with having the conversation civilly and thoroughly and so a lot of us are projecting that on our children and assuming that they can’t have it, but we’re not really understanding how much of a mixed environment they grow up in, ”said Zackery
We reached out to both the teacher and Lawton Public Schools who both declined to comment on the matter. | 2022-09-14T17:00:55Z | www.kswo.com | Assignment causes controversy | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/14/assignment-causes-controversy/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/14/assignment-causes-controversy/ |
Melissa Sims received recognition for her accomplishments as the unit historian.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trenton Jancze)
ALTUS, Okla. (KSWO) - The 97th Air Mobility Wing historian at Altus Air Force Base is celebrating recently winning an award.
Melissa Sims earned the Air Education and Training Command Air Force Heritage Award which recognizes “outstanding accomplishments by Air Force history and museum program personnel that foster a better understanding of the Air Force, its history, and accomplishments.”
“When I arrived here, there was an immediate thirst for historical information,” Simms said in a press release from the unit. “Historical information on who we are, how we got here, and the significant historical aspects of each squadron and the wing.”
Sims says she couldn’t have accomplished her job without help from units across the base and thanked many people who have helped her since she took the role in June 2021. | 2022-09-14T21:34:49Z | www.kswo.com | AAFB historian earns award | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/14/aafb-historian-earns-award/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/14/aafb-historian-earns-award/ |
FORT SILL, Okla. (KSWO) - 7News spoke with Virginia Aid, the Community Relations Liaison for Fort Sill, about a handful of upcoming events on post.
One of those is their Retiree Days event happening on Thursday, September 15, and Friday, September 16. Retiree Days is an army-wide initiative, but Fort Sill hosts one of the largest across the Department of Defense. Beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Rhinehart Fitness Center on both days, a variety of services will be available, such as wellness screenings, Covid vaccinations, and oral health services.
From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, September 16, the Patriot Club will host a luncheon with a special guest speaker. Afterward, a Post Retirement Ceremony will occur at 3 p.m. at the Cache Creek Chapel.
On Saturday, September 17, The Field Artillery Museum is hosting a special program on swords and edged weapons. It will take place at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and is free to attend.
Happening next week on Wednesday, September 21, The Fort Sill Transition Assistance Office is holding a free Virtual Hiring Fair for all veterans, military spouses, and Department of Army Civilians. To attend, you must pre-register online. | 2022-09-14T23:06:59Z | www.kswo.com | Wednesdays with Fort Sill: Retiree Days | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/14/wednesdays-with-fort-sill-retiree-days/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/14/wednesdays-with-fort-sill-retiree-days/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Impact Community Center has officially opened this summer and is already impacting the lives of Lawton residents.
Radames Garcia is the CEO and founder of the Impact Community Center. Gracia said the mission of the Community center is to impact one life at a time and focus on building relationships that will transform the city of Lawton.
Garica said opening a community center has been a dream of his because a community center once helped him.
“I was abandoned by my parents for two years and it was a community center or at that time a YMCA that was able to provide some things for me. And help me stay out of the streets and help me make better decisions. So that’s where the whole vision of the whole purpose came from,” he said.
The Impact Center is already changing people’s lives and helping them on a successful path.
“Like with the young people I use to work in a juvenile detention center and some of those juveniles have come to the impact center they have better jobs and are making better decisions they still call me,” he said.
Garcia said their goal is to be proactive instead of reactive. An example is starting the junior citizen’s police academy to build positive relationships with law enforcement.
“Their first impression would not be oh you’re going to shoot me but instead, no you’re going to help me. “Two or three of them have become police officers, there’s some that were out in the streets they were gang bangers now they’re working at Goodyear, they secure jobs and some have families,” he said.
Shannon Neifert is an administrator at the community center and says she never could have imagined having this job with her past.
“I was torn up from the floor up as they say. You know I did drugs, I drank, I smoked. All the things that people say is the downfall of people. You know God really changed me and turned me around,” she said.
Most recently, the Impact Community Center gave away 42 thousand pounds of potatoes to Lawton residents. It is continuing to grow and help the community.
“Come by and visit us, see how God has allowed us and helped us remodel what at one time they had a perception they were going to tear down. And yet you can see it, you can walk around in it and see how it can be transformed. And to me, that’s a picture of our lives,” he said.
The Impact Community Center is located at 2713 NW 22nd. | 2022-09-15T00:37:50Z | www.kswo.com | The Impact Community Center is changing the lives of Lawton residents | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/14/impact-community-center-is-changing-lives-lawton-residents/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/14/impact-community-center-is-changing-lives-lawton-residents/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Youth football is officially back in Lawton, and Eastern Sports Management, the new sports authority in Lawton, said their season will kickoff on Monday.
“I think really the opportunity lies in the amount of games. I think one of the things that we’re excited about is guaranteed playoff experience as well. We’re guaranteeing that every team is going to have at least one playoff game. We’re going to balance these playoff games too, it’s not necessarily going to be a 1 vs 8 structure,” said Elliot. “So that way we feel like they’re more competitive games and that’s something for youth to get excited about, you know. As a playoff experience, you know, and outside of that, you know, I just think the atmosphere of the games positive encouraging, you know, with the ability to grow their skill and play this sport that they love.” Elliott continued.
Wednesday is the last day for registration, so if any kids or teams want to play football in Lawton, they have until 11:59 p.m. | 2022-09-15T00:37:57Z | www.kswo.com | Play Lawton to kickoff football season next Monday | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/14/play-lawton-kicksoff-football-season-next-monday/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/14/play-lawton-kicksoff-football-season-next-monday/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Within hours of babies being born, tests are done to detect things that aren’t noticeable at birth to make sure they’re healthy.
Connie Bond, the Nurse Manager at CCMH, said they do three types of screenings at the hospital. She said the tests look for things that can lead to developmental delays or even death in some cases. The first one is the newborn hearing screening.
“If babies truly have a hearing loss at birth, they’re going to be behind on their developmental milestones related to hearing,” she said. “So speech is a huge one.”
A test is done before they’re allowed to leave the hospital. If they don’t pass, parents have to take their newborn to a follow-up appointment.
“And if babies are truly deaf, we get those babies into the audiologist, and they want them for things like cochlear implants very, very early, so they’re not behind,” Bond said.
Another test that’s run is the congenital heart defects screen. Bond said this test is done 24 hours after birth. She said it lets them know how the heart is doing.
“Is the oxygen that’s going to the brain, is it the same level as the rest of the body? So, it’s just a pulse ox check on their foot and their hand,” she said. “So it’s relatively easy.”
The third and final test is what’s called the newborn screening.
“So, a lot of people will hear it called the PKU, but it’s actually a test that looks for 58 different things in the state of Oklahoma,” Bond said. “We get five dots of blood and see so many things, but a lot of it is related to how they’re breaking down acids.”
They have to be at least 24 hours and 1 minute old for this test.
“That gives them time to have eaten and start digesting their food,” she said. “If they’re not able to digest it correctly, that have a build-up of different types of acids that can lead to liver damage, brain damage and again just developmental delays.”
A few years ago, she saw the test come back irregular.
“The baby was still a patient and had been doing great, and then all of the sudden looked septic,” she said. “The baby looked like it had a heart condition. Everything we tested looked completely normal.”
They then got a call from the state alerting them about a flagged screening.
“And we all said that makes sense,” Bond said. “This baby is acting funny, and had we not known what that was, we wouldn’t have known how to treat it. We would’ve actually sent it to a different hospital if we hadn’t known what that was, so it’s life-saving.”
Bond said most parents won’t hear anything about their baby’s screening, but if they do, it’s important to get them looked at again. | 2022-09-15T02:08:48Z | www.kswo.com | Medwatch: Why newborn screenings are needed | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/15/medwatch-why-newborn-screenings-are-needed/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/15/medwatch-why-newborn-screenings-are-needed/ |
Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association Great Plains Chapter(Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association Great Plains Chapter)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - You might see an unusual number of bikers on the streets of Lawton this weekend.
Around 300 bikers from the areas of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas will be in Lawton to attend a Region 5 Rally.
From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, September 16, at VFW Post 5263 an Indian Taco Dinner meet and greet will take place.
But that’s not all, on Saturday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Diamondback Harley Davidson there will be food, biker games, patching ceremonies, two separate bike rides, and live entertainment. Plus, in the evening they’ll be putting wreathes around the Mount Scott cemetery to honor a World War 1 veteran buried there.
What Rafael Carrero, the Chapters Sergeant at Arms, loves most about this event is the brotherhood and camaraderie.
“It doesn’t matter what branch of service you serve, where you come from, your color, your gender, whatever. We’re all brothers and sisters at the end of the day; we take care of each other,” said Carrero.
The event is co-sponsored by Harley Davidson and the Lawton Chamber of Commerce and will take place until Sunday, September 18 where the event will end with a goodbye breakfast.
For more information you can visit here. | 2022-09-15T20:25:15Z | www.kswo.com | Local Combat Veteran Motorcycle Group hosting weekend rally | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/15/local-combat-veteran-motorcycle-group-hosting-weekend-rally/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/15/local-combat-veteran-motorcycle-group-hosting-weekend-rally/ |
All meetings will take place at 5:30 p.m. and will be broken down by ward.
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The City of Lawton will be holding meetings for the public to discuss the future of city parks.
The public meetings will begin in late September and will be held at the Lawton City Hall auditorium.
The schedule for the meetings is below:.
Ward 1: Thursday, September 22, 2022
Ward 3: Thursday, October 6, 2022
Wards 2, 4, & 8: Thursday, October 13, 2022
Ward 5: Thursday, October 20,2022
Wards 6 & 7: Thursday, October 27, 2022
If you are unable to attend the meeting, city officials ask you to reach out to your councilperson with statements or suggestions before the meetings.
Contact information for Lawton City Councilmembers can be found here. | 2022-09-15T20:25:41Z | www.kswo.com | Public meetings being held to discuss future of Lawton parks | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/15/public-meetings-being-held-discuss-future-lawton-parks/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/15/public-meetings-being-held-discuss-future-lawton-parks/ |
Officers were called to the District Six10 apartments around 3:15 p.m.(KSWO)
UPDATE: The Lawton Police Department has confirmed one person suffered non-life threatening injuries in a shooting on Thursday afternoon.
Police say they were called to a domestic situation around 3:15 at the apartment complex. When they arrived they found a victim with a non-life threatening gunshot wound.
They were taken to the hospital and are being treated.
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Emergency responders have responded to an apartment complex off 52nd Street for a reported shooting.
Officers were called to the District Six10 apartments around 3:15 p.m.
The victim was reportedly shot in the shoulder but no details have been confirmed by police on the scene.
We will continue to update you as we learn more about this developing story. | 2022-09-15T21:42:18Z | www.kswo.com | UPDATE: One person sent to hospital after 52nd Street shooting | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/15/lpd-scene-reported-shooting-off-52nd-street/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/15/lpd-scene-reported-shooting-off-52nd-street/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Business women from across the area gathered Thursday to motivate and encourage each other.
It was all part of the Southwest Oklahoma Business Women’s Summit which was held at Cameron University.
Attendees heard from guest speakers on a range of topics from start-up experiences to developing the right mindset to scale and grow in their careers.
The event organizer is also a business owner. She says events like these help educate all women no matter their status.
“Education is always the way to go when it comes to development right,” Brandi Sims said. “You have to know what your looking for you have to know what resources are available to you. And they are here. So creating these types of events is essentially putting this on a platter and saying hey, we got this that can help benefit you not only for your career about also a potential career you may have not considered.”
In addition to networking opportunities, there were also women-owned vendor booths from which people could shop. | 2022-09-15T21:42:24Z | www.kswo.com | Women learn new strategies at Southwest Business Women’s Summit | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/15/women-learn-new-strategies-southwest-business-womens-summit/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/15/women-learn-new-strategies-southwest-business-womens-summit/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - If you or your children are baseball fans, there’s an exciting event next week, and guess what? It’s free!
7News spoke with Carol Herrick, the Executive Director for the Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball Foundation, about their upcoming PLAYBALL Lawton, which is in partnership with Major League Baseball and Cameron University.
PLAYBALL Lawton takes place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, September 24, at the Cameron University Softball Field. The event is a major league baseball initiative to get kids active and teach them how to play the sport.
At the event, children from the ages of 4 to 18 will learn the basics of baseball through a series of drills with Cameron University baseball/softball players in attendance. Players will then take that knowledge and put it to the test with a fun game of wiffleball.
Players will also receive a swag bag and a free year subscription to MLB TV courtesy of the Oklahoma City Dodgers Baseball Foundation.
The event is free, but registration is required to attend.
For more information and to register for the event, you can visit their site here. | 2022-09-15T23:27:11Z | www.kswo.com | Interview: OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation Executive Director Discusses “PLAYBALL Lawton” | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/15/interview-okc-dodgers-baseball-foundation-discusses-playball-lawton/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/15/interview-okc-dodgers-baseball-foundation-discusses-playball-lawton/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Lawton hasn’t had an out of city transportation system since Jefferson Bus Lines left the city in 2019. LATS General Manager Ryan Landers says this is a much-needed resource
“I think people now have another resource to actually use to get to their final destination. There’s been times where people just don’t have the means so they have to ask a friend or relative to drive them. If they have to go to Oklahoma City or Wichita Falls and now they have the means to actually do that”, said Landers.
Landers says the partnership has been in the works for about a year.
“It was fall of 2021 greyhound had actually reached out to me just kind of giving us a heads up that greyhound is looking for looking to basically you know kind of venture out into this area and to go into you know Chickasha and those type of places. And right now they’re just waiting on funding from ODOT and then about a couple of weeks ago we received word from greyhound that they did get the funding and that they were going to start on September 1st”, said Landers.
The buses roll through Lawton twice a day at 9:30AM and 1:30PM. For now, there is only one pickup and dropoff location. But there are plans for new LATS transfer center.
“Well the hope is actually to be to where greyhound will be at our new transfer center and once that is finalized in a couple of weeks then the idea is that we would actually have a terminal for our fixed route service and intercity bus which would be greyhound”, said Landers.
To book your ticket visit https://www.greyhound.com | 2022-09-16T01:03:03Z | www.kswo.com | Greyhound returns to Lawton | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/16/greyhound-returns-lawton/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/16/greyhound-returns-lawton/ |
Good morning! This has been one long summer that never seems to go away. Well it has heard our cries for cooler temperatures and the arrival of autumn... and decided it wants to hang around for just a while longer. Fall is one of my favorite times of the year with the atmosphere (pun intended) that comes with it, and it’s going to be difficult to get into the Halloween spirt next month if we have to continue forecasting clear skies and temperatures up to 10 degrees above average.
Today will be one reminiscent of classic summertime weather, but not normally one we’d see in the middle of September. Tons of sunshine will allow for temperatures to warm into the low/mid 90s. Winds will be breezy out of the south at 10-20 mph, with gusts as high as 25-30 mph. This evening if you plan on heading out to any football games, the skies will be clear with temperatures in the low 90s around kickoff, with still breezy winds at times of 10-15 mph.
This weekend will not see a lot going on weather-wise, so this should mean perfect conditions for any activities or errands, but it’s this lack of anything going on that will be a detriment when staying outside. Sunny skies and still breezy winds out of the south at 10-20 mph, with winds gusts up to 25 mph, will allow for temperatures to climb into the mid/upper 90s. Keep in mind, average highs for this time of year should be in the upper 80s. Make sure to practice heat safety by limiting time outdoors and use protection against the sun. Despite the first official day of fall just several days away, if you want to enjoy this weekend, I would recommend hitting the pool and/or the lake to stay cool.
Not much change through the early/middle parts of next week as temperatures will continue to soar into the upper 90s, with some places reaching to and exceeding the 100 degree mark. Little-to-no cloud coverage is expected as a high pressure ridge will continue to dominate overhead. By this time next week, a trough along the west coast will begin moving east, and depending on its positioning and how much it strengthens will influence a potential cooldown and return of increased rain chances. Of our long-range models, one has the trough sending a cold front south to our neck of the woods, bringing seasonable temperatures to Texoma late next week, while another model has the front stalling near the Oklahoma-Kansas border, keeping temperatures in the 90s. This is still a fluctuating forecast as models continue to calculate all factors, and we will give you a more concrete forecast on this cold front as we head through next week. | 2022-09-16T13:07:21Z | www.kswo.com | 7News First Alert Weather: Windy and warm weekend weather | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/16/7news-first-alert-weather-windy-warm-weekend-weather/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/16/7news-first-alert-weather-windy-warm-weekend-weather/ |
Lawton’s Largest Garage sale is returning after a 2 year break.(kswo)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The pandemic may have caused disruptions in many things but nothing could get in the way of Lawtonians love of garage sales.
That’s why Lawton’s Largest Garage sale is returning after a two year break.
The Garage, Antiques, and Collectibles Sales began Friday at 9 a.m. and goes until 5:30 p.m. and it will continue Saturday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Great Plains Coliseum.
Vendors will be on site, so expect hundreds of bargains on things like furniture, jewelry, clothing, toys, and so much more!
Admission is $3, but kids 12 and under get in free. | 2022-09-16T20:32:28Z | www.kswo.com | Lawtons ‘Largest Garage Sale’ kicks off | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/16/lawtons-largest-garage-sale-kicks-off/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/16/lawtons-largest-garage-sale-kicks-off/ |
Near record heat Sunday through Wednesday of next week
For tonight, clear skies and slow-to-cool with overnight lows falling into the upper 60s and low 70s. Winds will be out of the southeast at 10-15 mph. The International Space Station will be visible across Texoma starting at 8:30 PM from the WSW and continuing through 8:36 PM to the NE.
On Saturday, bright and sunny with highs soaring into mid-to-upper 90s. Winds will be out of the south at 10-20 mph with slightly higher wind gusts.
On Sunday, little-to-no clouds are expected with near record high temperatures in the upper 90s. Winds will be out of the south at 10-15 mph.
Please use heat safety precautions to avoid any heat related illnesses from setting in.
The heat dome remains in place allowing for temperatures to soar near 100° through Wednesday. Models indicate at a front moving through on Thursday or Friday of next week. There still remains a low confidence on the strength of the front when it moves through, but as of now it appears to only cool temperatures off into the low-to-mid 90s by late next week. | 2022-09-16T23:56:51Z | www.kswo.com | 7News First Alert Weather: Summer you’ve overstayed your welcome | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/16/7news-first-alert-weather-summer-youve-overstayed-your-welcome/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/16/7news-first-alert-weather-summer-youve-overstayed-your-welcome/ |
About exactly one month ago, right after we ended a 2 week stretch of temperatures above 100 through the first half of August, I made the mention that with summers like the one that we have been experiencing (especially with the brutal July we had), we usually see high temps in the upper 90s and low 100s last through the end of September, even if we have a couple cooldowns throughout. Since we broke that 2 week stretch of triple digits, we have only had one day above 100 degrees. While my prediction may have been somewhat incorrect for the most part, it seems that the part about upper 90s and 100s until the end of September might turn out to be correct.
Tonight, we will have a clear and mild night with some winds out of the south at 5-15 mph. Morning lows will fall only to the low 70s, which is around 10° above average for this time of year.
Tomorrow will be similar to today, although slightly warmer as highs will be in the mid/upper 90s, with some places within a couple degrees of the triple digits. Mostly sunny and sunny skies with winds out of the south at 10-15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph.
The first half of next week will feature temperatures reaching and possibly exceeding 100° as the high-pressure ridge will remain dominant overhead. Record-breaking numbers will be possible in some places. Expect tons of sunshine with little cloud coverage for all of next week.
On Thursday a cold front is expected to sweep through Texoma, though it will appear to be non-existent as temperatures will only drop into the mid-90s. Add on to that only a slight shift in the winds and no rain. Coincidently, Thursday is the first official day of fall, and even with a “cooldown” on that day, it certainly won’t feel like it. Above-average temperatures with mostly sunny skies will continue into next weekend. | 2022-09-17T23:40:46Z | www.kswo.com | 7News First Alert Weather: Near-record heat as we approach first day of Autumn | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/17/7news-first-alert-weather-near-record-heat-we-approach-first-day-autumn/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/17/7news-first-alert-weather-near-record-heat-we-approach-first-day-autumn/ |
There was no limit to the fun out in Geronimo this weekend, as they concluded the city’s 119th birthday celebration.
GERONIMO, Okla. (KSWO) - There was no limit to the fun out in Geronimo this weekend, as they concluded the city’s 119th birthday celebration.
Residents kicked off the event on Friday night, with a great parade and fireworks show, which officials said was a huge success.
They even had a bit of time for a cornhole tournament and some great music by the Native Blues Band.
Saturday morning was full of events as well, starting with the Fire Department Breakfast, Fishing Derby and Lil Mr. and Mrs. Geronimo contest.
There was also tons of shopping with a flea market, city-wide garage sale and vendors from across the area.
Saturday afternoon officials kept residents busy with a Car show, Power Wheels contest and Fire Department games.
Residents Russell Burk and Jody Hall came out for another reason, which they were happy to share with us.
“Burnouts! We both growed up here, so this is what we do. It’s a lot of fun to do I reckon,” said Hall.
Residents brought their cars, trucks, and even motorcycles out to show their birthday support for the city of Geronimo, by burning a little rubber.
But Saturday night was mostly all about the bull riding, with the Geronimo Bull Riding Classic.
Mayor Lesley Mallow said it closes out the event perfectly, but the celebration is always a success because it brings everyone back to Geronimo.
”Everybody takes pride in this weekend, because we have so many people come into town, and people travel from all over to come spend the weekend with their family, to spend with us. And, I just think it’s just a big family reunion,” said Mallow.
Saturday night finished off with a street dance, featuring Kat Pratt, giving residents a chance to literally party in the streets.
All of us here at 7News wish the city of Geronimo a happy 119th birthday! | 2022-09-18T05:36:56Z | www.kswo.com | City of Geronimo celebrates 119th Birthday | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/18/city-geronimo-celebrates-119th-birthday/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/18/city-geronimo-celebrates-119th-birthday/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) -Each year the Duncan Area Literacy Council and the Duncan Public Library celebrates new American citizens and on Saturday they recognized 8 new citizens.
The Citizenship corner, located inside the Duncan Public Library is a place people can receive help in the process of becoming a united states citizen.
They have been around since 2018 and so far have helped 28 people go through the process
Nancy Litsch with the Duncan area literacy council specializes in prepping students for their citizenship test.
She said they’ve helped people of different walks of life.
“They all are educated, good people, that would make wonderful US citizens, we are so proud,” said Litsch.
They usually prep people for 3 to 6 months. Each individual has a lengthy application to fill out and must pay a fee to the government.
Candidates are expected to know 100 citizenship question. Litsch said this is a time consuming process so she’s proud of everyone who put in the work.
“Work during the day, they have family at night but for them to show that kind of dedication that makes me feel good they really want to become U.S citizens,” she said.
One of those students is Salvador Garcia who has been studying for his test for about a year now.
He said he wanted to make sure he did things the right way.
“I have my family here, my kids and my wife, I wanted to do things right so I can have my rights in this country,” said Garcia.
Garcia is a construction worker whose been here since 2004, he went to school to get his GED.
He now has a wife and two kids. Garcia is proud to have taken this step and encourages everyone who can to follow in his footsteps.
“I’m challenging everyone who is a resident to apply for their citizenship because i think its a good way to do things right in this country,” he said. | 2022-09-18T14:45:42Z | www.kswo.com | New U.S. Citizens recognized at Duncan Public Library | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/18/new-us-citizens-recognized-duncan-public-library/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/18/new-us-citizens-recognized-duncan-public-library/ |
Drought conditions expected to worsen over the next several days
For tonight, slow-to-cool with overnight lows falling into the upper 60s and low 70s. Winds will be out of the south at 5-10 mph.
On Tuesday, mostly sunny with highs soaring close to 100°. Please use heat safety precautions to avoid any heat related illnesses from setting in. Winds will be out of the southwest at 10-15 mph with higher wind gusts.
The ridge of high pressure dominates through the middle of the week with a forecast temperature of 100° on Wednesday. The ridge flattens allowing for a weak front to move through early Thursday morning. As a result, temperatures will cool off several degrees compared to Wednesday with highs topping out in the low-to-mid 90s.
There will be a stronger cold front that moves through early Sunday morning bringing back temperatures into the mid 80s on Monday of next week. Unfortunately, as the front moves through there will be a limited amount of moisture keeping rain chances scarce. | 2022-09-20T00:37:50Z | www.kswo.com | 7News First Alert Weather: Near record high temperatures with a fall-like cooldown showing up on the 7-Day | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/19/7news-first-alert-weather-near-record-high-temperatures-with-fall-like-cooldown-showing-up-7-day/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/19/7news-first-alert-weather-near-record-high-temperatures-with-fall-like-cooldown-showing-up-7-day/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - 21-year-old Jarris Willingham was reportedly a passenger on a jet ski when he fell into the water and drowned.
Lawton police said Jarris Willingham’s body was recovered by a dive team on Sunday around 11:30 am. They also confirmed that Willingham was not wearing a life jacket.
It is required in Oklahoma for people on personal watercraft to wear a personal flotation device.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Ryan Griffin said he’s been in law enforcement for about 29 years and has witnessed firsthand how a life jacket can save a life.
“Of course, if you’re wearing a personal flotation device that’s required by law, then it probably wouldn’t have occurred at all. It possibly could have prevented this situation from happening,” he said.
He encourages people to wear life jackets even if they feel confident in their swimming abilities.
“Very seldomly do we investigate a drawing or a boating accident or a fatality victim could not swim? Because people who can’t swim, are typically not in that situation or in that environment for something like that to happen. I can also tell that most people that are in that situation or a tragedy like a drowning occur can swim,” he said.
Trooper Griffith also said 80% of boat drownings happen in this area of the country, so it’s essential to wear a life jacket out on the water.
“It is very very important that we utilize them like we do our seat belts. Seat belts only work in our vehicles if we wear them. Personal flotation devices only work when we wear them,” he said.
Willingham was also an active duty airman basic at Sheppard Air Force Base down in Wichita Falls. | 2022-09-20T00:38:04Z | www.kswo.com | Lake Lawtonka drowning victim has been identified | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/19/lake-lawtonka-drowning-victim-has-been-identified/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/19/lake-lawtonka-drowning-victim-has-been-identified/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 32 people die in drunk driving crashes every day.
Here in Lawton, one mom is fighting to make sure no one has to experience losing a son to drunk driving.
Annette Flores lost her 29-year-old son Jonathan in July of last year, as the result of a deadly 4-car crash on the corner of 67th and Cache Road.
That night, he left her house to grab a burger and that was the last time she heard from him.
“I kept calling that night and he wasn’t answering the phone, I kept calling and just please begging him to call me. I already knew something was wrong, you can feel it because he would answer his phone but he was already gone,” said Annette.
Jonathan’s mother said she remembers her son for the impact he made on the lives of others.
“In school he was named, they called him nickname Dr. Phil because all the kids would go to him when they had problems, he just loved to help people he was very giving and loving,” she said.
Now that Jonathan is gone, Annette is fighting to make changes.
She said she has written letters to the governor, lawmakers and even Mayor Stan Booker, who was the only one to respond to her.
“It’s our responsibility as public citizens of this place to help curve this, you know to help bring a stop to it because one day it could be you,” she said.
Annette said it takes a community to stop drunk driving not just the police. She has placed signs to remind people of the dangers of drunk driving.
“But I’m never going to stop to bring awareness to this because people need to know, I don’t want some other parent to have to get up in the morning, get a phone call saying their son is gone, it’s the most hardest thing for a parent to do,” said Annette.
The Flores family is still waiting to see the results of a trial, which is set for January of next year. | 2022-09-20T00:38:10Z | www.kswo.com | Mom spreads drunk driving awareness | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/19/mom-spreads-drunk-driving-awareness/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/19/mom-spreads-drunk-driving-awareness/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - After weeks of stinking brown water, people in Altus are finally getting answers to what went wrong with their water supply.
“This system uses sodium permanganate to treat and due to supply change issues, Altus temporarily ran out of that sodium permanganate. Therefore it wasn’t able to treat for it, but since gotten a shipment of that and have begun treatment again,” Erin Hatfield, communications director for Oklahoma Department of Environmental Qualities said.
Manganese is a natural mineral that falls under a non-mandatory water quality standard. It’s not harmful in low quantities but can make the water look cloudy or smell bad. Part of the issue? Low water levels and the recent lack of rain.
“There are higher levels of manganese and iron in the Tom Steed Reservoir, which is the source water for Altus and for Synder and Fredrick. And some of that again can be due to the fact it’s recurring and drought can contribute to these higher levels of minerals in the water,” she said.
Mickey Payne has been a resident of Altus for 28 years. He is a husband and father of 4-year-old twins. He said his family now goes through twice as many bottles of water a day, which drains his wallet.
“So we went from rinsing our mouth out with tap water to now a bottle of water for after brushing our teeth so it does take a toll over time. But definitely now, since water has gone up,” Payne said.
Payne said bathing his twins have also been a hassle.
“Yea they did not want to take a bath in it, it did stink just standing relatively close to the water, you can smell it,” he said.
Chris Riffle, the City of Altus communications coordinator, said the water treatment plant normally checks for manganese once a week but is now checking every 2 to 4 hours.
“It’s the largest spike from what we gathered in 40 years. It was a really large spike and at the time really exceeded our capacity to treat at the time. But since then we have made the changes that are necessary and we are pretty confident that, the days of yellow water are behind us,” Riffle said.
Riffle said this will be the new normal for the city of Altus, due to the Tom Steed Reservoir being the main source of their water. | 2022-09-20T00:38:16Z | www.kswo.com | Officials offer answers to Altus discolored water | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/19/officials-offer-answers-altus-discolored-water/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/19/officials-offer-answers-altus-discolored-water/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Fall Prevention Awareness Week is underway. The National Council on Aging says falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. The CDC reports that in 2019, falls caused over 34 thousand deaths among adults 65 and older and more than 3 million visits to the ER for older adults.
After a fall, some people need to be hospitalized and go through physical therapy before returning home.
“In the acute process, we work on just getting out of bed. Sitting tolerance, activity tolerance is big, especially in acute care,” said Christy LaTulip, Physical Therapist Assistant at the Physical Rehabilitation Center of Southwest Oklahoma.
She said seeing someone go from not being able to sit up progress to where they can sand is the best part of the job. LaTulip said everybody comes in at different levels.
“Sometimes people can stand up and take a few steps the first day, and yes, we progress a little bit more,” LaTulip said. “Let’s walk in the room, let’s walk down the hall, let’s go outside, let’s go to rehab, so we try to progress each day.”
She said they try to get their patients mobile and at the level of independence they were at before falling.
“So standing exercises, sitting exercises, balance retraining,” she said. “We just work on things that they would normally do at home, but they’re not able to do now. So, getting dressed, getting into the shower, just normal daily activities that they want to be able to do.”
LaTulip said not only are they trying to get their patients up and walking, but they also want to try to prevent another fall from happening.
“We try and educate patients on home safety,” she said. “Night lights are important at night, so if you’re getting up to go to the bathroom, you can see your surroundings, don’t get up too fast, and make sure that you’re not dizzy.”
She has seen several things cause a fall, like getting dressed, tripping off a curb, and slipping on ice, just to name a few. LaTulip said they try to talk to their patients about tripping hazards and what to do if they fall again.
“Down in inpatient recovery, we do fall recovery,” she said. “So if they do go home in fall, we teach them how to get up once they are home and experience a fall.”
She said they also do a lot of family training so families can help make sure their loved one’s home isn’t full of tripping hazards. | 2022-09-20T14:23:44Z | www.kswo.com | Medwatch: Fall Prevention Awareness Week underway | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/20/medwatch-fall-prevention-awareness-week-underway/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/20/medwatch-fall-prevention-awareness-week-underway/ |
Raymond Carrillo and Ciara Ortiz have both been charged with felony child neglect, and had warrants issued for their arrests.(KSWO)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Arrest warrants have been issued for two a man and woman out of Lawton for charges of child neglect.
Raymond Carrillo and Ciara Ortiz have both been charged with felony child neglect, and had warrants issued for their arrests.
In August, 7News reported the Lawton Police Department was searching for a woman and child who had walked out of Comanche County Memorial Hospital. At the time, police said they wanted to perform a welfare check on the child.
According to court documents, on August 20 at 3a.m., police officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Ortiz. Carrillo and the 10-month old child were also in the vehicle at the time.
During the stop, Ortiz reportedly admitted to being the person LPD was looking for in reference to the Crime Stoppers alert.
Later that day, DHS officials went to the home on SW Pecan Place to conduct a check on the four childrent living there. All children were taken for examination including a urine-based drug tests. According to the documents, the 10-month old was the only one which tested positive for methamphetamine.
Carrillo was brought in for questioning two days later where he reportedly denied using or supporting people who use meth, and told police he had let another man stay in the home and he believed he had dropped some of the drug.
Three days later Carrillo was brought back in and allegedly admitted to using meth and believed the 10-month old had ingested some they found on the ground the day Ortiz and Carrillo originally showed up at the hospital with the baby.
If you have information on the whereabouts of Carrillo and/or Ortiz, you can contact the local police department or call Crime Stoppers at 580-355-INFO. | 2022-09-20T21:44:05Z | www.kswo.com | 2 charged with child neglect after 10-month old found with meth in system | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/20/2-charged-with-child-neglect-after-10-month-old-found-with-meth-system/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/20/2-charged-with-child-neglect-after-10-month-old-found-with-meth-system/ |
The class is meant to help promote building individual and community resilience in Lawton.(Oklahoma State Department of Health)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The community was invited to the Comanche County Health Department to take part in a free resilience training workshop.
The workshop is designed to help attendees understand how adverse childhood experiences, like abuse or neglect, has a lasting impact on people throughout their lives.
The class is meant to help promote building individual and community resilience in Lawton.
Tuesday’s workshop is just one piece of the health department’s three-part series, which included a Poverty Simulation last month.
The final class will be hosted on October 11 between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and is meant to teach people the importance of self healing.
Registration is open for that class, you can register by heading to this link.
If you have any questions you can email debraej@health.ok.gov or rosalynh@health.ok.gov. | 2022-09-20T23:31:14Z | www.kswo.com | Resilience training workshop held in Lawton | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/20/resilience-training-workshop-held-lawton/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/20/resilience-training-workshop-held-lawton/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - With increasing rates in deaths from falls, the Center for Creative Living is doing their part in educating the community about fall prevention.
“It’s very very important to me to see the people coming through and getting help and going to the classes and benefiting from those classes, because very well could be that we’re saving a life by preventing a fall,” said Miller.
The Center for Creative Living is a day center for seniors over the age of 55. They provide various health and wellness activities.
Today they held their Arthritis class where people sat in a chair while working on upper body strength and motion.
Miller said their goal is to help seniors live longer and stronger.
“The stronger their bodies are the less they could possibly be hurt when they do fall,” she said.
According to the CDC, Oklahoma ranks number 46th in the nation in the most falls for senior citizens, at 31% higher than the national average.
Not only can those falls cause life-threatening injuries but they also result in high medical bills.
Bill Farris has been attending the class for 3 months. He said when he started attending he could hardly stand up straight but now he has seen major improvement.
“You know I’m getting around a lot better, I’m more active,” said Farris.
Virginia Lyn chose to start the class after she fell last year.
“I really needed this exercise, so it’s helped a lot,” said Lyn.
While she joined the class for additional therapy, she now stays for the bonds she’s created with the people there.
“It’s a workout but it’s the laughter and the camaraderie that we have with the other ladies that makes it so much fun and less work,” she said.
All services offered by the Center for Creative Living are free for any senior citizen who wants to participate. | 2022-09-21T04:09:22Z | www.kswo.com | The Center for Creative Living is doing their part in educating the community about fall prevention. | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/21/center-creative-living-is-doing-their-part-educating-community-about-fall-prevention/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/21/center-creative-living-is-doing-their-part-educating-community-about-fall-prevention/ |
Oklahoma Highway patrol has identified the man killed in a Comanche County motorcycle crash.(KSWO)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Oklahoma Highway patrol has identified the man killed in a motorcycle crash in Comanche County.
It happened a little before 4 p.m. Tuesday on Highway 58, north of Medicine Park.
There troopers say 62-year-old Robbi Mizner of Missouri was headed south on his motorcycle, while a pickup truck was headed north on 58.
OHP says the truck started to make a left turn when it crashed into Mizner.
The motorcycle ended up lodged into the front end of the truck.
Mizner was declared dead at the scene.
According to an OHP report, the driver of the truck was under the influence of alcohol. | 2022-09-21T04:09:28Z | www.kswo.com | OHP identifies man killed in motorcycle crash | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/21/ohp-identifies-man-killed-motorcycle-crash/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/21/ohp-identifies-man-killed-motorcycle-crash/ |
A Lawton woman was charged in connection to a recent shooting at an apartment complex.(Comanche County Detention Center)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A Lawton woman was charged in connection to a recent shooting at an apartment complex.
Laurie Samuels was charged with Domestic Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon.
Police were called to the District Six10 apartments around 3 p.m. September 15.
There they found the victim, who had a gunshot wound to the face.
The victim was taken to the hospital and later identified Samuels as the one who shot them.
When questioned by police, Samuels reportedly said the incident was over a miscommunication, which led to the victim waving a gun around the room. She told police that the two struggled over the gun, during which the gun went off, hitting the victim.
But investigators say the evidence did not match with what Samuels said and she was arrested.
She’s being held on a $50,000 dollar bond. | 2022-09-21T04:09:41Z | www.kswo.com | Woman charged in connection to Lawton shooting | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/21/woman-charged-connection-lawton-shooting/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/21/woman-charged-connection-lawton-shooting/ |
When we refer to “first official day of fall”, it doesn’t mean that fall weather starts on that day going forward, as the official start of seasons is based on the position of Earth in its orbit around the sun and the orientation of Earth’s axis. Also referred to as the autumn equinox, tomorrow is the day when nearly everywhere around the world will see equal lengths of daytime and nighttime. Of course, Mother Nature isn’t bound to the laws of Earth’s axial tilt in relation to the sun. So that’s why even with us transitioning into the time of year where nights will become longer than days, temperatures will still be unseasonably warm and above-average through the rest of the week.
Today will once again feature tons of sunshine, though I wouldn’t rule out some puffy summertime cumulus clouds popping-up in the sky this afternoon. High temperatures are expected to be the hottest they’ve been all month, with a number of places across Texoma reaching the triple digits. Winds will be out of the southwest at 10-15 mph.
Tonight will be mostly clear with mild low temperatures in the upper 60s by sunrise. A weak cold front will pass through early tomorrow morning, shifting winds out of the north just before dawn.
Cooler temperatures will follow behind that front on Thursday, but will not be that much of a cool-off as afternoon highs are still going to be very warm in the low/mid 90s. So even though fall technically starts tomorrow, and we will have a slight cooldown to accompany it, summer weather isn’t going away anytime soon. Winds will be out of the northeast at 10-15 mph.
Temperatures will rebound back into the upper 90s on Friday and Saturday, with some on Saturday re-approaching the low 100s. Another front will sweep through Sunday morning, lowering temperatures to the low/mid 90s to end off the weekend, and eventually falling to the upper 80s on Monday. There will be a lack of moisture with this front, meaning that rainfall will be scarce across the Southern Plains. Skies will be mostly sunny over a majority of the next 7 days, even with the multiple changes in the weather pattern. | 2022-09-21T11:49:16Z | www.kswo.com | 7News First Alert Weather: Last official day of summer to bring triple digits and near-record high temperatures | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/21/7news-first-alert-weather-last-official-day-summer-bring-triple-digits-near-record-high-temperatures/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/21/7news-first-alert-weather-last-official-day-summer-bring-triple-digits-near-record-high-temperatures/ |
FORT SILL, Okla. (KSWO) - 7News spoke with Virginia Aid, the Community Relations Liaison for Fort Sill, about all of their upcoming events on post. Plus, we discussed what Fort Sill’s involvement at International Festival this weekend will be.
The Fort Sill Army Band will play at the opening ceremony for International Festival at 5:45 p.m. this Friday, September 23rd, and then again at 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd Street Stage.
On post this week, their weekly Gridiron Challenge will take place at 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 22nd, at the Jack Daniel’s Lounge.
Football fans come out each week to fill out a bracket consisting of 11 NFL games and 11 College games, with prizes awarded weekly. Plus, at the end of the season, a grand prize will be awarded to one lucky fan who attends each week throughout the football season.
Happening at 7 a.m. on Saturday, September 24th is the third annual Tour de Sill Cycling event at Lake Elmer Thomas. Participants will be able to choose between three different distances: 43k, 59k, or 77k.
Tour de Sill costs $50 a person and includes a medal, limited edition T-shirt, and bib. In-person registration can be done at the Welcome Center, Fires Fitness Center, or Goldner Fitness Center on post. You can also register online. | 2022-09-21T22:32:34Z | www.kswo.com | Wednesdays with Fort Sill: Tour de Sill | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/21/wednesdays-with-fort-sill-tour-de-sill/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/21/wednesdays-with-fort-sill-tour-de-sill/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - In June, the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce partnered with three local landscaping companies for a raffle at their annual banquet to provide a yard makeover.
The winner of the makeover, Kent Jester, was able to pick from three different designs from the participating companies and was given a total of $5,000 for the yard renovation. He said that he’s lived in the home for 34 years and that renovations were needed.
Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce Completes Yard Makeover(Justin Stevens)
Dr. Krist Smith-Ratliff, the President and CEO of the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce, said that the funds provided came partly from the chamber and partly from Naturescape, a local landscaping company to Lawton.
“The fundraiser in partnership with Naturescape is a $2,500 donation from the chamber and a $2,500 donation from Naturescape. So, it’s a total of $5,000. The raffle, again, raises money for programs within our community,” Ratliff said.
The annual banquet allows the chamber of commerce to help in community areas, such as providing over 600 backpacks to children in Lawton for the school year, feeding families over the summer, and helping small businesses and entrepreneurs. The chamber can only provide those services thanks to raffling prizes like the Yard Makeover.
This is the third year for the yard makeover program in Lawton and the first year for the chamber of commerce to be involved.
The chamber is hopeful the same companies will partner with them again to provide it in the raffle next year. | 2022-09-21T22:45:51Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce Completes Yard Makeover | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/21/lawton-fort-sill-chamber-commerce-completes-yard-makeover/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/21/lawton-fort-sill-chamber-commerce-completes-yard-makeover/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Oklahoma Lawmakers are trying to tackle the nursing shortage the nation has experienced. They held an interim hearing trying to get to the root of the crisis the nursing industry is facing.
Danielle Duggins is the RN director at Comanche County Memorial Hospital. She said she’s been in the nursing industry for 11 years and over that time period nursing has changed drastically
Oklahoma is one of many states that’s seen the number of nurses drop to dangerous levels since the pandemic. This is affecting hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living centers, and more.
Lawton nurse Danielle Duggins said a big reason is, bedside nursing isn’t as attractive as it used to be.
“Nursing as a whole opportunity has changed a lot, it’s a lot of telehealth out there, its a lot of home-based health out there. And I think nurses are seeking those opportunities before bedside,” she said.
Duggins said the nursing shortage has an even bigger impact on rural hospitals.
“So getting people to stay home at rural hospitals is something that we face, that we struggle with,” she said.
Oklahoma legislatures have passed several bills this year to use ARPA funds for universities in order to increase capacity in state nursing training programs.
“We get of our LPN’s from great plains that do their preceptorship, and they have such a great experience there that we get a lot of new hires from just that program in particular. And then through our OU program, we have partnered with them to do an internship with our critical care areas and a few of them have signed on with us as well so that’s a really awesome program,” she said.
Oklahoma state representative Marilyn Stark said nurses have expressed concerns like being asked to work long shifts and take on extra responsibilities in very challenging settings, while at the same time trying to balance their own personal needs or those of their families.
As for Duggins, she said for her, nursing is a calling.
“I couldn’t think of anything else I would want to do other than take care of people,” she said
Senate Bill 1458 has allocated $55 million of the state’s ARPA funding to establish grant programs to help 21 state colleges, universities, and technology centers address the nursing shortage. | 2022-09-22T00:02:44Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton’s efforts in tackling the nursing shortage | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/21/lawtons-efforts-tackling-nursing-shortage/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/21/lawtons-efforts-tackling-nursing-shortage/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - “When they graduate from college if they go through a traditional educator preparation program they are given $1,000 a year and then there last year they’re given $2,500 free scholarship right it’s free money. For every year after they graduate that they teach in Oklahoma they get an extra $4,000 a year and that’s why it’s called the Inspired to Teach Scholarship. It’s just fantastic and so we’re hopeful that that will draw a lot more people to to the field”, said Keller.
Dr. Keller says the current shortage of teachers being experienced around the nation is due to not only the pay, but how they are treated by others.
“I think our tendency to not treat teachers like they are professionals impacts the people who then go into the field. Then you know when fewer and fewer people who don’t think of it as a profession actually take it as a job.”
“Then it’s it’s tougher to address a lot of the problems that that teachers have to have to learn how to deal with and so I think once they get into it and they realize it is a tough it’s a tough job and it requires so much and with the pay being low I think it just it drives a lot of people out of the out of the field”, said Keller
Mallory Moore, a student teacher and Cameron University Senior, says her experiences in the field have been very different than her classroom learning.
“Student teaching has been a little eye opening for me they teach you they teach you a lot at Cameron. What you need to know for yourself what you know strategies you need to be able to teach kids and they teach you the how or the what they took to the what, but when you come into an actual classroom and try to put it into practice it’s nothing like what expect and it’s not it’s just it’s been in it’s been challenging and eye opening for me”, said Moore.
Dr. Keller and Mallory Moore have a message to future teachers about to enter the workforce.
“It’s hard and it’s challenging but the the need and the necessity for people who truly care about education and truly care about our community and want to help it can’t be understated how important that is. I think teachers among other professions in our society are a cornerstone of what make us what we are”, said Keller.
“If it’s your passion to not give up because it is hard but there is a lot of benefits to working with students to helping them grow and succeed people in teaching or passionate about teaching and it rubs off on you so stick with it”, said Moore. | 2022-09-22T00:02:51Z | www.kswo.com | Oklahoma teacher shortage | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/21/oklahoma-teacher-shortage/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/21/oklahoma-teacher-shortage/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Lawton Police Department was on scene for several hours on Wednesday after a truck was found in a wooded area.
According to officers on scene, the truck left 82nd Street near Bishop Road for an unknown reason and traveled several hundred yards before crashing in a wooded area. The driver was transported to the hospital where he later died.
The incident began around 11 a.m. when fire and EMS were called to the area based on an automated call from a company saying they had detected a wreck with air bag deployment.
We will keep you updated as we learn more information. | 2022-09-22T00:02:57Z | www.kswo.com | Police investigating drivers death after truck leaves road, travels several hundred yards | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/21/police-investigating-drivers-death-after-truck-leaves-road-travels-several-hundred-yards/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/21/police-investigating-drivers-death-after-truck-leaves-road-travels-several-hundred-yards/ |
Good morning! To celebrate the first day of (astronomical) fall, we have a cold front moving across Texoma that will bring relief in the form of cooler temperatures throughout the day. You may be remise to call it a cold front and think of it more as a “not as warm” front, as highs will only fall to seasonably and slightly above average for this time of year. Western and northern counties will see the biggest shift in temperatures from this front, only topping out in the mid/upper 80s, with southern and eastern counties still finding a way to make it into the low 90s. While out of our viewing area, northern Oklahoma will have some places only reach as high as the mid 70s. Winds today will be out of the north at 10-15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph, along with mostly sunny skies.
Tonight will also see the effects of the front as well, with morning lows tomorrow falling into the low 60s and upper 50s. Clear skies with winds out of the north at 5-15 mph.
By sunrise tomorrow, winds will return out of the south as the high pressure system builds back in slightly along with the front moving back north across Texoma as a warm front. This will lead to a rapid rebound in our temperatures as Friday’s highs will top out in the mid/upper 90s with sunny skies. Saturday will see very similar conditions with some places once again approaching the triple digits.
Saturday night into Sunday morning will witness the passage of a slightly strong cold front across the Southern Plains. While we won’t see immediate effects from it on Sunday with temperatures still remaining in the low/mid 90s, afternoon highs starting on Monday and through much of next week will stay consistent in the upper 80s and low 90s. Keep in mind that while it will be cooler, it will still be warm overall and clock in a few degrees above the average highs that we should be seeing for this time of year. Unfortunately with this front there will be a significant lack of moisture, as rain chances will be nearly non-existent other than maybe a couple light sprinkles on Sunday. | 2022-09-22T12:19:33Z | www.kswo.com | 7News First Alert Weather: First day of fall brings near-average temperatures to Texoma | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/22/7news-first-alert-weather-first-day-fall-brings-near-average-temperatures-texoma/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/22/7news-first-alert-weather-first-day-fall-brings-near-average-temperatures-texoma/ |
The Oklahoma State Department of Health(Oklahoma State Department of Health)
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KSWO) - The Oklahoma State Health Department has named two new Regional Area Directors, including the Stephens and Jefferson county region.
Chris Munn will be heading the Region 8 area for the state health department which includes Carter, Garvin, Jefferson, Johnston, Love, Marshall, Murray, Pontotoc and Stephens Counties.
Munn takes over the role previously held by Mendy Spohn who was named OSDH Deputy Commissioner of Community Health Services late last year.
He has held the position of interim Regional Area Director for District 8 since Oct. 2021. Originally from Pauls Valley, he served Stephens County residents as a public health specialist for 24 years, according to a press release.
Also, Maggie Jackson was named head of Region 2 which includes Alfalfa, Grant, Major, Garfield, Blaine, Kingfisher, Canadian and Logan Counties. | 2022-09-22T16:50:11Z | www.kswo.com | OSDH names new Region 8 Area Director | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/22/osdh-names-new-region-8-area-director/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/22/osdh-names-new-region-8-area-director/ |
DUNCAN, Okla. (KSWO) - Officials with the Duncan Police Department have released updated information regarding a 3-year-old who died Tuesday, in connection to possible child abuse allegations.
The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner released the official cause of death of the 3-year-old as homicide by blunt force trauma.
Charges are being updated and the arraignment for Ryan Towell is set for 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 22 at the Stephens County Courthouse.
DPD officials said the investigation is still ongoing and additional witnesses have come forward to provide information on the abuse occurring in the home.
READ: Update: Duncan 3-year-old dies after alleged child abuse | 2022-09-22T16:50:30Z | www.kswo.com | Update: Official Cause of Death Released for Duncan 3-year-old | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/22/update-official-cause-death-released-duncan-3-year-old/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/22/update-official-cause-death-released-duncan-3-year-old/ |
ELGIN, Okla. (KSWO) - The 29th Annual Devil Dog Run is happening next week in Elgin.
7News spoke with David Hull, the Commandant of the Boomer Detachment 1288, and Marci Houlahan, the Adjutant Paymaster, about the event, why it’s so important, and what activities will be on site.
The Devil Dog Run will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 1st, at the Elgin Youth Sports Complex. The run will have three different categories of events to participate in. There will be a 10k run, a 5k run, and a 1-mile walk. The 1-mile walk is free for everyone in attendance, while the 5k and 10k cost $30 and require registration.
The 10k will begin at 9 a.m., with the 5k beginning around 9:20 a.m., and the 1-mile walk happening near the end of the day to ensure everyone can participate.
In addition, there will be different sorts of food and business vendors on site.
For more information on the 2022 Devil Dog Run and to register, you can visit their site here. | 2022-09-22T21:55:01Z | www.kswo.com | Interview: Boomer Detachment 1288 Representatives Discuss The 2022 Devil Dog Run | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/22/interview-boomer-detachment-1288-representatives-discuss-2022-devil-dog-run/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/22/interview-boomer-detachment-1288-representatives-discuss-2022-devil-dog-run/ |
Oklahoma farmers and ranchers can’t seem to catch a break. Dealing with circumstances out of their control, like inflation and the recent drought, can take a toll on their wallets and mental health.
Local grass farmer Susan Howell said her production rates are down by 25 percent because of the drought.
“The effects of the twin sister drought and inflation I think everyone is well aware of our rainfall situation and what it does to agriculture,” Howell said.
Susan also said many farmers and ranchers have passed their farms down for generations, and the pressure of maintaining that can take a mental toll.
“You toss and turn at night, and you wake up thinking about it. And to think that we would lose it after all of that is just. You can’t really wrap your head around that,” Howell said.
Jimmy Kinder is a 4th generation farmer and rancher. He said when drought and inflation affect the business it is very personal.
“It’s more than a job for us, it’s a way of life it’s who we are, it’s who we were raised to be. So whenever you have financial trouble on the farm. It’s a lot of guilty there because your forefather has spent a lot of time and money to get you where you are,” Jimmy Kinder said.
His cousin Jeremy Kinder is a local rancher and said most times farmers and ranchers don’t talk about their struggles.
“It takes a toll on you mentally because we’re so passionate about this business. That’s the other thing, there is no plan B’s a lot of times in this operation. So this is our passion this our drive, this is what we wake up and enjoy doing and what we want to do. And just not venting about it and not talking about it can harbor a lot of things that are not helpful and healthy,” Jeremy Kinder said.
Unfortunately, people don’t think things are going to get better any time soon.
“Prices are soaring and farmers don’t escape that in fact were caught in a bit of a grind. If you need fuel, if you need feed, because of the drought you need extra feed for your livestock,” Howell said.
Despite the obstacles, they’re committed to their work.
“People to realize that when they go to the supermarket they’re going to see some higher prices. The drought is part of it and inflation is part of it. And we’re going to continue to feed the united states, we’re going to feed Oklahomans and people in Lawton Oklahoma, we’re going to continue to feed you and we’re proud to do so,” Jimmy Kinder said.
Governor Kevin Stitt has issued an executive order to deliver drought relief to farmers in parts of Oklahoma hit hard by current drought conditions. | 2022-09-22T23:52:33Z | www.kswo.com | Inflation and the recent drought are taking a toll on farmers and ranchers | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/22/inflation-recent-drought-are-taking-toll-farmers-ranchers/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/22/inflation-recent-drought-are-taking-toll-farmers-ranchers/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The operations manager of Werewolf Pharm says he knew the fee was going up, but didn’t know how much... until it was time to renew.
“We didn’t find out about it until I went to apply for another license. I would have never found out about it. It’s not posted anywhere, they didn’t come out and tell anybody”, says Airieous Ervin.
Another owner says it will not only affect his business, but his patients.
“You have to budget for in your month and that budget is already shrinking because of the saturated market that we have at the time. So that’s just gonna increase our operating costs obviously you have to pass it down to your to your patients so the patient’s suffering at the end”, says Thomas Steadham.
Councilman Randy Warren said raising the fee was to make sure taxpayer dollars were being spent judiciously.
“We raised it because of the staff time that’s involved. In order to be inspected every year then we’re going to have to send out multiple departments to look at fire, safety and all those types of things”, says Warren.
But business owners think this will hit small businesses harder than larger corporations.
I feel like it’s gonna hurt a lot of people and it’s going to drive the wrong people out. Those big companies that’s coming in here, it’s not gonna drive them out you know. It’s the small mom and pops that born and raised here. High school, elementary, went through here, that’s who it’s going to affect, not these big companies”, says Ervin. | 2022-09-22T23:52:39Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton City Council sets new licensing fee for dispensaries | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/22/lawton-city-council-sets-new-licensing-fee-dispensaries/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/22/lawton-city-council-sets-new-licensing-fee-dispensaries/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - After the body of Larry Nash Edwards was discovered twenty years ago, his family was left with many unanswered questions.
Now, police are trying to answer those questions.
Police were recently told that Larry Nash Edwards may not have been alone the night of his death, twenty years ago.
They have a person of interest in the case, but would like anyone with additional information to come forward.
“We’ve been in contact with OSBI and we also have some new leads we’re fixing to follow up on to try and get some justice for the family if it indeed was not a suicide,” said Barnett.
Larry Edwards was a former Marine. He was only 27 years old when an employee discovered his body Apache Farmers COOP on the morning of September 11, 2002.
The original police officers investigating the scene initially ruled Edwards’ death as a suicide.
Police are now doing their best to bring his family answers.
“Because I know that they need some kind of closure because they have never really had any closure to this case,” he said.
Edwards left behind a daughter, Gabrielle McCracken, who was only 9 years old at the time of her dad’s death.
She said she never imagined they would receive new details after so many years.
“I knew that there was always questions but it’s not something that I ever thought would happen but I’m glad that we may get some answers and we may finally get closure,” said McCracken.
McCracken said knowing her dad, it never made sense to her family that her father would take his own life.
She also said police never questioned anyone and were quick to rule it as a suicide.
“If there’s anyone out there that knows anything, the tiniest thing is not irrelevant at this point, if you know something please come forward, do the right thing,” she said.
The family is hopeful that they will find answers this time and meanwhile, they find comfort in all the good memories.
“What I remember about my dad is he was always smiling, he had a very pretty smile and I remember that he loved me most importantly,” said McCracken.
If you have any information about this case, you can notify the Apache Police department at 405-247-5700. | 2022-09-22T23:52:45Z | www.kswo.com | New details in Apache’s 20 year old case | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/22/new-details-apaches-20-year-old-case/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/22/new-details-apaches-20-year-old-case/ |
Good morning! Waking up on this Friday, you will be greeted to cool and enjoyable early fall conditions. However, the fall-like weather won’t last through the entire day, as a lifting warm front and the return of southwesterly winds at 5-15 mph will raise temperatures this afternoon back into the mid/upper 90s with mostly sunny skies.
If you are headed out to any football games this evening, expect warm and mild conditions before and after sunset with clear skies. Temperatures will drop down to the mid/upper 60s by tomorrow morning with winds out of the south at 5-10 mph tonight.
Saturday will feature mostly sunny skies, though increase cloud coverage ahead of an approaching cold front could see partly cloudy conditions across portions of Southwest Oklahoma tomorrow. Temperatures will once again be hot, in the upper 90s with some potentially reaching the triple digits. Winds will be out of the southwest at 5-15 mph.
That aforementioned cold front will sweep across Texoma Saturday night into Sunday morning, ushering in winds out of the northeast at 10-15 mph and slightly cooler temperatures that afternoon in the low/mid 90s. By Monday we will really feel the effects of the front, as temperatures will only top out in the upper 80s. Northwesterly flow aloft due to a high-pressure ridge stationed over the Rockies and a deepening trough positioned in the Midwest will keep temperatures in the low 90s and upper 80s through much of next week, just a few degrees above the average highs for this time of year. Unfortunately, little-to-no rain chances are expected through the rest of the month. | 2022-09-23T12:49:04Z | www.kswo.com | 7News First Alert Weather: Quick and sharp warm-up back to near triple digits through the end of the week | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/23/7news-first-alert-weather-quick-sharp-warm-up-back-near-triple-digits-through-end-week/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/23/7news-first-alert-weather-quick-sharp-warm-up-back-near-triple-digits-through-end-week/ |
Limited moisture and unseasonably warm temperatures next several days
For tonight, a few sprinkles, perhaps a stray and short-lived shower along the front. Skies will be mostly clear-to-partly cloudy with overnight lows falling into the mid 60s.
On Sunday, the front continues moving across northwest Texas keeping a mix of sun & clouds south of the Red River. While, a surge of dry air allows for bright and sunny skies for southwest Oklahoma. There will be elevated-to-near critical fire weather conditions as relative humidity drops between 15-20% with wind gusts up to 25-30 mph. Highs will top out in the low-to-mid 90s.
Texoma will be trapped between a well-defined trough located across the Great Lakes and another developing ridge across the Desert Southwest. As a result, temperatures will be slightly cooler (upper 80s and low 90s) for the first half of next week, but still above average for this time of year.
The ridge will begin to break down creating a zonal flow aloft (weak ridges and weak troughs nearby). This will open the door for highs to be closer to seasonal average with temperatures topping out in the mid 80s by the end of the workweek. This pattern is still unfavorable for any rain with drought conditions expected to worsen. | 2022-09-25T04:31:34Z | www.kswo.com | 7News First Alert Weather: Front establishes a slightly cooler weather pattern | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/25/7news-first-alert-weather-front-establishes-slightly-cooler-weather-pattern/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/25/7news-first-alert-weather-front-establishes-slightly-cooler-weather-pattern/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Red Cord celebrated its Fifth Annual Freedom Gala Saturday night.
It’s all dedicated to fighting human trafficking in southwest Oklahoma.
The evening included a full course meal, silent auction, raffle items and a walk-through exhibit.
With the event, the Red Cord tries to educate the community on how to spot, protect from and report human trafficking.
President Ahsha Morin said she first learned about it from a survivor.
“I always thought human trafficking happened somewhere else, in a different country,” Morin said. “Surely it didn’t happen here, and when the survivor shared her story, it blew my mind. I realized, ‘I need to do something about this. I need to be part of the solution.’”
Keynote speaker Jaco Booyens talked about bringing awareness to the fight.
This year’s gala theme was “Salt and Light” -- a reference to a Bible verse. | 2022-09-25T04:31:53Z | www.kswo.com | Red Cord Freedom Gala educates on human trafficking | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/25/red-cord-freedom-gala-educates-human-trafficking/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/25/red-cord-freedom-gala-educates-human-trafficking/ |
Good morning! The front is making its way south across Texoma this morning, bringing in drier and cooler air behind it. This will allow our temperatures this afternoon to only top out in the low/mid 90s. Sunny skies will also dominate this afternoon with a few clouds, though a light shower or two in North Texas ahead of the front can’t be ruled out. Winds will be breezy out of the north at 10-20 mph, with gusts up to 25-30 mph. This will lead to elevated fire weather conditions across all of Southwest Oklahoma.
Tonight will be quiet as the northerly winds will die down, along with clear skies and temperatures falling into the mid 50s by sunrise.
Monday will continue to see the effects of the cooldown with temperatures only reaching the mid/upper 80s with light winds out of the north and tons of sunshine.
A static weather pattern this week will keep conditions relatively the same day-to-day through next weekend. Temperatures will still be slightly above average in the upper 80s and low 90s, but much cooler than what we’ve seen recently. Mostly sunny skies pretty much everyday as rain chances will be non-existent. With no more precipitation expected through the rest of the month here in Southwest Oklahoma, we should end the month of September as the 5th driest on record. | 2022-09-25T13:39:15Z | www.kswo.com | First Alert Forecast (9/25 AM) | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/25/first-alert-forecast-925-am/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/25/first-alert-forecast-925-am/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The 43rd International Festival wrapped up in Lawton this weekend.
It’s a three day event that blends cultures existing across southwest Oklahoma.
The festival gives artists a chance to perform and people to buy unique, locally made items.
For Zacharyah Jones and his wife, it was the first year they sold used a booth to sell products at the event.
Jones said they were happy to see the festival make a comeback.
“We heard about it last year and we got really excited,” Jones said. “We think this is an amazing opportunity for Lawton and it’s something they’ve been doing for so long, but since COVID happened, it was shut down for a while, so we are blessed to have the opportunity to come out here and be a part of this event. It’s been amazing.”
The MacArthur High School Highlander Color Guard completed the festival with a performance on the Lake Helen Stage. | 2022-09-26T00:18:23Z | www.kswo.com | International Festival wraps up in Lawton | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/26/international-festival-wraps-up-lawton/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/26/international-festival-wraps-up-lawton/ |
DUNCAN, Okla. (KSWO) - The Chisholm Trail Heritage Center will host its annual Western Spirit Celebration this weekend.
7News spoke with Edie Stewart, an educator with the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, about the event, what kind of activities will take place, and what it’s like returning for the second year in a row after having to cancel previous years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event is taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 1st, at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan, OK, and is free to the public.
The celebration will kick off with a song by Miss Stephens County, Lily Taylor, followed by biscuits served by participating chuckwagon cooks.
In addition, there are also live performances scheduled throughout the day. Performers include Roy Cox, Wallace Moore, Jan Carroll, the Stephens County Line Dancers, Reese Williams, Kassandra Murillo, and the Chisholm Trail Cowboy Church Band.
Performances, food, and other activities will be outside.
For more information on the event, you can visit their website here. | 2022-09-26T22:16:06Z | www.kswo.com | Interview: Chisholm Trail Heritage Center Representative Discusses Upcoming Western Spirit Celebration | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/26/interview-chisholm-trail-heritage-center-representative-discusses-upcoming-western-spirit-celebration/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/26/interview-chisholm-trail-heritage-center-representative-discusses-upcoming-western-spirit-celebration/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Oklahoma voter registration for the November 8th general election is just a few weeks away, with the deadline being October 14th.
General election registered voters will be able to vote for things like Oklahoma Governor, Superintendent, district judges, and what party they are a part of just to name a few.
Comanche County election board secretary Amy Sims said exercising your right to vote is exercising your voice.
“It’s your voice, if you don’t vote then you’re giving your vote to somebody else to make that decision for you,” Sims said.
You can register to vote by filling out the application and either mailing it or bringing it in person to the Comanche County Courthouse. Once it’s complete, the election board will send a card to your home.
Those whose birthdays fall close to the cut-off date should still register, as they’ll be able to vote as long as they’re 18 by election day.
“They can be 17 and a half whenever they register. They still have to register before the cut-off of October 14th. But after they turn 18, before the election we will mail them a card and they’ll be able to vote,” Sims said.
Things have changed this year. Oklahoma has also added an extra date for early voting.
“The general election it’s a new law, that it is Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. We added a day,” Sims said.
Early Voting:
Wednesday, November 2, 8 AM - 6 PM (EXTRA DAY)
Thursday, November 3, 8 AM - 6 PM
Friday, November 4, 8 AM - 6 PM
Saturday, November 5, 8 AM - 2 PM (NEW HOURS)
Comanche County will have 40 locations for registered voters to vote.
People who are not able to vote are convicted felons and people who are not 18, not a resident of Oklahoma, or not a citizen of the united states.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is October 24th. | 2022-09-27T00:36:06Z | www.kswo.com | Comanche County is urging people to make sure they’re registered to vote | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/26/comanche-county-is-urging-people-make-sure-theyre-registered-vote/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/26/comanche-county-is-urging-people-make-sure-theyre-registered-vote/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - World Heart Day is right around the corner, and medical professionals want you to look at ways you can improve your heart health. According to the latest data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, heart disease is the leading cause of death in Oklahoma. It accounts for 1 in 4 deaths.
Juanita Neeley, the Clinic Supervisor at Comanche County Memorial Hospital’s Goodyear Clinic, said getting an annual physical can help you know about problems you were unaware of.
“We see patients, and the first thing we do is we grab vital signs, blood pressure and heart rate,” Neeley said. “Whenever we do physicals, we’ll draw your labs, we do those A1Cs, and cholesterol checks. All of these things are something not everybody does all the time, but they can be a preventable measure in the long run.”
Tammie Rogers, RN, Health Center Manager for Goodyear Lawton, encourages people to look and see if they can pledge to do something to recognize the benefits of heart health and make a change. That can be: keeping track of your blood pressure, monitoring and managing diabetes, or being more active.
“Just one thing can make a difference,” Rogers said. “Just making an individual pledge, and that creates healthier families, healthier employees. It increases productivity for employers as well as healthier communities.”
She said you can take it a step further and create a healthier state. Rogers said living a healthier lifestyle can become a family affair.
“And everyone in the family benefits by just that one person making that decision to change,” Rogers said.
Neeley said being proactive can help health care providers catch things quicker and try to get ahead of them. She said Goodyear associates are required to get a yearly checkup.
“People are just like ‘I didn’t know that I had high blood pressure’ or ‘I knew, and I didn’t do anything about it,’ and that’s why we harp so much on it,” Neeley said. “That’s why we do require the yearly physical because there are so many people that come and go, and they think ‘I’m not sick, I’m not going to go to the doctor,’ and some of those things can lead to long term affects and really bad outcomes.”
They try to encourage people to take preventative steps.
“Do your screenings and managing any type of disease process that’s related to the heart is far better than waiting too long and that damage being permanent,” Rogers said.
You can take the first step of taking care of your heart by going and seeing your doctor if you haven’t been in awhile. | 2022-09-27T02:14:54Z | www.kswo.com | Medwatch: World Heart Day is later this week | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/27/medwatch-world-heart-day-is-later-this-week/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/27/medwatch-world-heart-day-is-later-this-week/ |
Good morning! Another cool start to the day with tons of sunshine and temperatures rising back above average in the low 90s this afternoon. Winds will be out of the southwest at 10-15 mph, with wind gusts potentially up to 20-25 mph. These factors today combined with low relative humidity will lead to elevated fire weather conditions across Southwest Oklahoma and North Texas.
Tonight, skies will be clear once again as temperatures fall into the upper 50s and low 60s with winds out of the south at 5-10 mph.
The rest of this week and through the weekend will see a very similar forecast with unseasonably warm temperatures in the low 90s and upper 80s, along with sunny & mostly sunny skies. Morning lows will continue to be cool in the 50s. Rain chances are not expected as fire danger will persist due to lack of recent precipitation. | 2022-09-27T12:54:44Z | www.kswo.com | 7News First Alert Weather: Fire weather danger returns with dry and warm weather pattern | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/27/7news-first-alert-weather-fire-weather-danger-returns-with-dry-warm-weather-pattern/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/27/7news-first-alert-weather-fire-weather-danger-returns-with-dry-warm-weather-pattern/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The City of Lawton has started the process of getting rid of that strong sewer odor at the old Central Fire Station. The method they’re using? Smoke tests.
Obviously, odors aren’t something you can see, which makes it hard to find the sewer leaks that are causing that smell. City Officials said smoke testing helps solves this issue.
After complaints of smelling sewage, the City of Lawton is using smoke testing to help find any cracks in the sewer lines of the old central fire station. They said if they see smoke, there’s a leak.
“There’s quite a few in there. I mean obviously, it’s an older building. But yeah there are quite a few areas in there that need addressing, to help to eliminate the smells,” said Hinton.
As wastewater superintendent for the City, Glenn Hinton said his department normally focuses on city water mains, but this is an unusual case.
“Obviously with this being a fire station and it’s a city-owned building that’s why we are assisting with that,” Hinton said.
The reason behind the leaks, the old central fire station was built in 1930, and cast iron was used during the construction.
“Now we have gone through and moved to PVC and things of that nature. It’s a little bit more durable and lasts a little bit more longer. But I believe there are some cast iron issues where they have split or deteriorated or rusted out over time,” Bobby Sparks the building construction specialist for the City of Lawton said.
Sparks said they completed a lot of prep work to ensure the smoke test is necessary. This included filling P traps or drains, where sewer smells could possibly escape.
“That will let hydrangeas sulfide or methane into the building, because being a safety issue. So what we go do and we will take care of that first and once that is done and if there is a sewer smell that is still coming through. We will go through a do a smoke test,” Sparks said.
Sparks said today’s smoke test only took 15 minutes and now the city will develop a plan to take care of the problem.
“Better alternative right now is going to be looking at PVC. Going through and venting everything with PVC,” Spark said.
They believe they should be able to work around the people who currently work at the old central fire station and other surrounding businesses.
“This should really not affect the neighborhood. Once everything is completed, we may go through and do another smoke test,” Sparks said. | 2022-09-27T23:50:50Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton officials hope smoke test ends sewer smell at Old Central fire station | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/27/lawton-officials-hope-smoke-test-ends-sewer-smell-old-central-fire-station/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/27/lawton-officials-hope-smoke-test-ends-sewer-smell-old-central-fire-station/ |
Good morning! Another unseasonably warm day as temperatures will rise into the low/mid 90s this afternoon. Temperatures will be around 10 degrees above-average, mainly due to the sunny skies, southwesterly winds at 5-15 mph, along with some pre-frontal warming. This combined with dry air will lead to elevated fire weather conditions across portions of southern Oklahoma and northern Texas.
Tonight, temperatures will steadily fall once the sun goes down, getting to the low 60s and upper 50s tomorrow morning. Winds will be out of the southeast at 5-10 mph.
Southeasterly winds tomorrow will lead to a drop in afternoon temperatures, only topping out in the upper 80s. We will still see tons of sunshine through early next week due to a benign weather pattern overhead and at the surface. Temperatures will remain above-average in the upper 80s during that time period. A cold front is expected to make its way through the Southern Plains next Tuesday, but looks to be a relatively weak front as its effects will be minimal. An elevated fire weather danger will be present on Friday for western Oklahoma as winds will be slightly breezier that afternoon. | 2022-09-28T13:15:23Z | www.kswo.com | First Alert Forecast (9/28 AM) | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/28/first-alert-forecast-928-am/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/28/first-alert-forecast-928-am/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The paternal family of the 3-year-old Duncan boy who died last week held a candlelight vigil.
His name is Ely Newsom. His father’s family gathered to remember the brief life the toddler had.
They shared memories of Ely, like his love for glow sticks, being outside, and how energetic he was.
They ended the night in song singing “Jesus loves the little children”.
Meanwhile, in Ely’s death, Ryan Towell has been charged with 1st-degree murder and child abuse.
Towell is currently being held at the Stephens County jail.
Duncan officials said the investigation is ongoing and additional witnesses have come forward to provide information on the abuse occurring in the home. | 2022-09-28T14:46:19Z | www.kswo.com | Ely Newsom’s candle light visual | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/28/ely-newsoms-candle-light-visual/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/28/ely-newsoms-candle-light-visual/ |
16-year-old Prayeon Jackson pleaded guilty in April to Manslaughter in the death of 12-year-old Errick Berry in July of 2021.(KY3)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A teenager who pled guilty to shooting and killing a 12-year-old in 2021 was set to officially be sentenced Wednesday, but that did not happen as expected.
16-year-old Prayeon Jackson pled guilty in April to Manslaughter in the death of 12-year-old Erick Berry in July of 2021.
READ | Jackson pleads guilty to manslaughter
On Wednesday, the family of Berry said they received a letter that Jackson would be entering a program until May of 2023 and after he completes that program, he may not receive any additional sentencing.
“I really feel like that it’s defeating the purpose, because to take someone’s life, especially a 12 year old child, that’s devastating to his mother first of all. You took her child,” Berry’s aunt Judy Yarbrough said.
The District Attorney’s office had recommended a 25 year sentence for Jackson.
In 2021, court documents said Jackson, Berry and several other juveniles were at one of the apartments at Summit Ridge on Gore Boulevard when Jackson pulled out a gun and started pointing it at different people in the room.
One witness told police that another person in the room then pointed a gun at Jackson. That person, according to witnesses, was standing near Berry.
READ | Warrant issued in death of 12-year-old
Jackson fired his gun, hitting Berry in the head then Jackson fled the scene. He was taken into custody several days later. | 2022-09-28T21:22:18Z | www.kswo.com | Lawton teen who pled guilty in 12-year-old’s death receives sentence | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/28/lawton-teen-who-pled-guilty-12-year-olds-death-receives-sentence/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/28/lawton-teen-who-pled-guilty-12-year-olds-death-receives-sentence/ |
FORT SILL, Okla. (KSWO) - Fort Sill Oktoberfest is taking place this weekend!
7News spoke with Virginia Aid, the Community Relations Liaison for Fort Sill, about all the festivities at Oktoberfest and other fun events on post.
The Patriot Club will host their first Oklahoma BBQ Buffet tomorrow from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., serving pulled pork or BBQ chicken, baked beans, corn on the cob, cornbread, cole slaw, and assorted desserts. It is open to the public and costs $12 per person.
After tomorrow, the BBQ Buffet will become a recurring event each week at the Patriot Club on Thursdays, which is perfect for those needing lunch plans on post!
Oktoberfest will take place from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, September 30, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 1.
On Friday, a keg-tapping ceremony will be performed by Col. Peay, with live entertainment, plenty of beer, and a classic German fare for dinner. They’re continuing the fun on Saturday with hayrides, games, music, a pumpkin patch, and more! Entry to the event is free.
Also on Saturday is the Altus Airforce Base Airforce Airshow, the only airshow in the state. Fort Sill will be represented by the 77th Army Band, their incredible soldiers, and their weapon systems.
Happening next week on October 8 at the Old Post Quadrangle is the Frontier Army Days event on Fort Sill, kicking off at 7 a.m. with artillery demonstrations and a traditionally played historic baseball game. The baseball game will begin at 1 p.m. | 2022-09-28T22:19:41Z | www.kswo.com | Wednesdays with Fort Sill: Oktoberfest | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/28/wednesdays-with-fort-sill-oktober-fest/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/28/wednesdays-with-fort-sill-oktober-fest/ |
It will be this Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.(KSWO)
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The “Forever Young” Adult Prom is coming to Lawton this weekend.
It will be this Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn. The theme for this year’s prom is “80′s Glow Party.”
The dance doubles as a fundraising event and will feature a silent auction, with funds going towards Hungry Hearts.
Prom King and Queen will be crowned based on the best dressed couple and Semi-Formal to Formal attire is recommended. | 2022-09-28T23:37:05Z | www.kswo.com | 80s-themed Adult Prom happening in Lawton this weekend | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/28/80s-themed-adult-prom-happening-lawton-this-weekend/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/28/80s-themed-adult-prom-happening-lawton-this-weekend/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The City of Lawton is asking people to complete the customer service survey for the License & Permits and Utility Services departments.
The city’s Finance Director Joe Don Dunham wants to hear from the citizens.
Joe Don Dunham said since he started working for the city in January, improving customer service has been his top priority.
Utility Services and License & Permits are the two departments that have the most interactions with the public.
Dunham said he wants every citizen to have a great experience any time they are dealing with the City.
“The reason I care is because I live in Lawton, I live in Lawton too and I want this to be a great city. When it comes time for me to retire or whatever the next step in my life maybe. I want to be able to say I made this kind of impact on the city of Lawton and it was positive,” Dunham said.
Dunham said that the municipal level of government is the closest to the people, and he wants people to enjoy dealing with the city they live in. | 2022-09-29T00:11:58Z | www.kswo.com | The City of Lawton is asking people to complete the customer service survey | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/28/city-lawton-is-asking-people-complete-customer-service-survey/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/28/city-lawton-is-asking-people-complete-customer-service-survey/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A family is heartbroken after a fire at Little Bear Loop, which destroyed three mobile homes.
The three mobile homes that were once filled with collectibles and memories are now gone.
Madonna Ferguson said the property was owned by her mother who passed away. She said losing the mobile home and everything in it is like losing her mother all over again.
Ferguson said she is devastated that the fire destroyed her family’s mobile home, which was like a storage time capsule for her, to the point that she’s been physically ill these last few days.
Ferguson said she came out the day after the fire to see if anything could possibly be saved.
“It was so much that I was just walking over and looking down at the ground. And it was just like, you know, whoa, it was just like walking, it’s just like stepping on memories,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson said the family has been planning to remove the items from the mobile home but kept putting it off, and now they regret it.
“My brother even called me one time and said they’re breaking in, and come and get everything you gave mom and, you know, stuff that you want of mothers. I was, next time, next time, next time, and I guess I just didn’t want to come to do it and I should have,” Ferguson said.
The Wichita Mountains Estate Fire Department was the first to respond to the fire, and it took several agencies working together to get the blaze under control. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the cause of the fire.
“An unattended fire whether it was a campfire or a trash fire that got out of control when the wind picked up,” The Wichita Mountains Estate Fire Department Fire Chief Tom Belase.
Ryan Blackstar said the lack of rain and the serve dryness causes fires like these and warns people to take precautions to avoid these kinds of incidents.
“Once the sun comes out and the wind comes in it just totally dries everything out. Plus if you’re going to be burning some debris, just make sure you have some water, a bucket or water, or the garden hose,” Blackstar said.
They say the fire burned 4 acres.
The family also has a go fund me. | 2022-09-29T00:12:04Z | www.kswo.com | Family devastated after items lost in Little Bear Loop fire | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/28/family-devastated-after-items-lost-little-bear-loop-fire/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/28/family-devastated-after-items-lost-little-bear-loop-fire/ |
Good morning! A slightly above-average morning to start off this Thursday, however we will be slower to warm than the last few days, aided by southeasterly winds at 10-15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. Temperatures this afternoon will reach the upper 80s, with some places in the low 90s, as sunny skies once again dominate.
Tonight, clear skies and light southeasterly winds will allow for temperatures to get once again down to fall-like numbers in the low/mid 50s by sunrise.
For tomorrow, mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the mid/upper 80s, very much like what we will experience today. Some breezy winds tomorrow, combined with the worsening drought conditions in western counties, will allow for an elevated fire weather danger in western Texoma. By Friday evening, temperatures will get down to the upper 70s around sunset with mostly clear skies.
Consistent weather day-to-day with sunny skies, dry air, and temperatures in the mid/upper 80s through this weekend and early next week. Our next frontal system is expected to sweep through Texoma either late in the day on Tuesday or early Wednesday. We will see a slight drop-off in temperatures by this time next week, however lack of moisture will keep rain chances on the minimal side. | 2022-09-29T12:02:14Z | www.kswo.com | First Alert Forecast (9/29 AM) | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/29/first-alert-forecast-929-am/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/29/first-alert-forecast-929-am/ |
CADDO CO., Okla. (KSWO) - Two teenagers are dead after a single vehicle crash in Caddo County Wednesday night.
Carnegie EMS pronounced a 13-year-old and a 15-year-old dead at the scene.
According to a report from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, it happened just after 7 p.m. about three miles and a half miles east of Fort Cobb.
The driver and another passenger went to OU Medical Center with injuries. Both were treated and released.
The agency is still investigating what led up to the crash and the driver’s condition.
The passengers who died did not have on seatbelts. | 2022-09-29T12:02:20Z | www.kswo.com | Two teens die in Caddo Co. crash Wednesday night | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/29/two-teens-die-caddo-co-crash-wednesday-night/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/29/two-teens-die-caddo-co-crash-wednesday-night/ |
Students returned to their regular school day after the discovery.
DUNCAN, Okla. (KSWO) - Duncan High School officials say a water gun is responsible for an early morning lockdown.
In a Facebook post, officials say they were notified of a possible threat at 8 a.m. Students and staff were secured in classrooms and began investigating.
They say a water gun was found which matched the description of the report. | 2022-09-29T16:36:56Z | www.kswo.com | Duncan High School says water gun caused Thursday morning lockdown | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/29/duncan-high-school-says-water-gun-caused-thursday-morning-lockdown/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/29/duncan-high-school-says-water-gun-caused-thursday-morning-lockdown/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - As many as 5 million women in the United States suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. The Mayo Clinic says it’s a hormonal issue that happens during the reproductive years. It’s also one of the most common causes of infertility.
Dr. Jose Meza, the Medical Staff President at CCMH and an OB/GYN, said the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but doctors do know it’s related to insulin and insulin resistance. Insulin is produced as a response to our eating. While it’s turned into sugar, he says it also acts as a signaling pathway to our body.
“It signals our bodies to know, ‘hey, there’s an abundance of food, you can grow. There’s an abundance of food so you can store up. There’s an abundance of food. So you can get pregnant. You can ovulate.’ It acts as a signaling pathway to allow the ovaries to know when it’s ok to get pregnant,” he said.
Dr. Meza said if there’s a little bit of resistance in the estrogen receptors, it doesn’t function correctly. He said patients with PCOS usually deal with irregular periods, fertility issues, and too much androgen, which is a male hormone.
“It actually creates a vicious cycle, I would say. You’re not ovulating, you’re not producing hormones in the correct fashion, and then you have these male hormones a little higher than usual, which further keeps you from getting pregnant and further keeps you from having normal menstrual cycles,” he said.
Dr. Meza said your body’s response to the issue is to tell your body to produce even more insulin.
“Patients who have PCOS, it’s very difficult for them to lose weight because you have a growth factor that’s constantly stimulated, and it’s elevated,” he said.
It can cause other things like increased hair growth and changes to the skin around the back of the neck. Doctors can see Polycystic Ovaries through imaging because they will see small cysts.
“They will get a small little follicle, a small little cyst, that’s meant to grow and release an egg, but it just doesn’t,” Dr. Meza said. “It starts to grow, and then it stops.”
And that keeps happening month after month.
“Over time, what ends up happening is you get multiple little immature follicles that are all collected there in the ovary that never released an egg,” he said.
Dr. Meza said it can make the ovaries a little bit larger. While he says he can’t change the fact that the insulin receptors aren’t working properly, there are treatments available. | 2022-09-29T16:37:15Z | www.kswo.com | Medwatch: What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/29/medwatch-what-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/29/medwatch-what-is-polycystic-ovary-syndrome/ |
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - There will now only be one payment schedule option for active duty soldiers starting October 1.
“When soldiers are financially solvent and financially independent, then they’re better able to focus on their mission,” said Daniel Farrell, a financial readiness specialist at Fort Sill.
This is why the Army is modernizing its pay schedule, making sure all of its soldiers are paid on the same days twice a month.
Before 1990, all active duty soldiers could only get paid once a month, but that changed when the defense joint military system started.
Debra Heylin is a veteran who’s worked in finance for over 30 years, both in and out of the Army.
“Once DJMS came in they gave the soldiers options to get paid once or twice a month. The majority of the soldiers elected to be paid twice a month. And a small handful, as you can tell by the number, elected to be paid once a month,” said Heylin.
Today this change will only impact 11,000 soldiers in the Army. They will be paid the same amount, but it will be split into two payments instead of one starting with the new fiscal year on October 1st.
“Soldiers that I’ve talked to that have once a month, they feel they can better budget their money better because the majority of their bills come out end of month,” Heylin said.
Though, Farrell said many soldiers later realize being paid twice a month is actually more stable.
“They were already thinking about doing that anyway because they were struggling come towards the end of the month before their paycheck hit,” Farrell said.
With the change starting soon, Fort Sill is supporting soldiers through accredited personal financial counselors, adjusted spending plans, and even an app.
All of this is meant to help support soldiers financially so they can focus on what matters.
“Being a retired soldier myself, that is true because if you’re out in the field or if they’re deployed if you’re worrying about your family not having food on the table or being able to pay their bills, you’re not focusing on your mission. So our job is to make sure soldiers are paid properly so they can do their job, and we’ll do our job and take care of them and their family members,” Heylin said.
This pay change will only affect active duty Army soldiers, not those in the Reserves. | 2022-09-29T19:39:09Z | www.kswo.com | Army active duty soldiers prepare for new payment schedule | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/29/army-active-duty-soldiers-prepare-new-payment-schedule/ | https://www.kswo.com/2022/09/29/army-active-duty-soldiers-prepare-new-payment-schedule/ |
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