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Elk City and western Oklahoma community reporting, public safety, schools and civic life.
Cities competing for fire, police, EMS hazard training tower
There's a chance Elk City could get a fire training tower.
Bending the curve
Editor's Note : This story is part of an ongoing series about technology in the classroom, how that affects education and how schools are coping with, or without, modern technological…
Police recover drugs, possible stolen property after chase
Elk City police are looking for the owner of construction items that could be stolen.
Suspected arsonist sitting in OKC jail
Joey Smith alleged to have burned down rural home, stole vehicle
School urging changes to 'high stakes' testing
In harsh words for the state legislature and political officials, the Elk City Board of Education is pushing for an alternative to what it calls "high stakes" testing.
City accepts grant for airport improvements
In a special meeting of the Elk City Commission Thursday night, commissioners approved receiving a grant for airport improvements.
Commission calls special meeting to approve airport funds
The Elk City Commission will meet in an emergency session tonight at 5:30 to consider approving grand money for the airport.
Area non-profits counting homeless vets
More than a dozen counties will soon begin a process to count the number of homeless veterans in southwestern Oklahoma.
Classic country star John Conlee to perform tonight at Rodeo of Champions
Since he released his single "Rose Colored Glasses" in 1978, John Conlee has been an unforgettable country music star. His classic voice earned him top-of-the-charts recognition with…
GPRMC one of first Okla. hospitals to 'Ban the Bag'
Under a plan by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, hospitals are agreeing to stop sending home with new mothers free formula samples in gift bags.
Elk City man guilty in woman's death
An Elk City man was convicted Thursday of first-degree manslaughter in the death of Patricia Ann Dixon, also of Elk City.
Local dealership celebrates two decades of rodeo sponsorship
When the Elk City Rodeo of Champions officially begins Friday, Doug Gray will once again have honors as the top sponsor.
Kendall Walker joins Daily Elk Citian staff as designer, reporter
Walker began last week as the schools page reporter, but also designs pages and assists the advertising staff with classifieds and legal notices.
City to remember September 11
Two weeks from Tuesday, City Hall will conduct a Patriot Day Memorial Service, remembering the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
CBA could move campus to Clinton
Corn Bible Academy's Board of Education is now raising funds to move its campus from Corn to Clinton. Although the official campaign and public meetings have not yet begun,…
Again, drought persists throughout western Oklahoma
Dale Denwalt Daily Elk Citian The drought of 2025 is not just isolated to western Oklahoma, or to just the high plains. Most of the United States should see persistent or worsening…
Reasons to Relay
EDITOR'S NOTE As Relay for Life approaches, the Daily Elk Citian will feature stories about cancer survivors, caregivers, and individuals that have a part in this annual event to fight…
City manager fires economic development director
Shane Frye, who was hired in December as Elk City's economic development director, has been fired by City Manager Anita Archer. When reached for comment, Frye confirmed he was terminated…
2nd Elk City infant likely has whooping cough
Another infant from Elk City has symptoms of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. Cullen Galmor is currently being treated at OU Children's Hospital in Oklahoma City.
Johnson: 'I don't plan to run again'
Ward 2 Commissioner Tom M. Johnson has said he will not run for re-election next spring, ending a 12-year tenure on the Elk City Commission.
City to collect e-waste at collection event
Each year, the United States dumps between 300 and 400 million electronic items. Less than 20 percent of those items are recycled, which means the other 80 percent is disposed of in…
Medical condition possible cause of fatal crash
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported that an Elk City man died behind the wheel Sunday, the result of a possible medical condition.
Commission to hash budget details at informal meeting
With the budget deadline looming, the Elk City Commission will meet informally again monday to discuss unfinished business.
Sayre hospital turns over management
Sayre Memorial Hospital will be managed by Mercy, a Catholic health care system with hospitals in Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas.
GPRMC to host Trauma Prevention Fair tomorrow
Last year, there were 86,000 traumas in the state of Oklahoma alone. In fact, it's the number one killer of people between the ages of one and 44, said Dr. Lindsay Peña, general surgeon…
Law ending Elkwood pharmacy choice fee signed by governor
Gov. Mary Fallin has signed into law a bill that would allow residents of assisted living centers to choose their own pharmacist without paying a penalty.
Dill City man charged in police pursuit
William Todd Rouse, 40, of Dill City, has been charged with five felonies resulting from a long-distance, high-speed chase that he led lawmen from several agencies on April 26.
Prosecutor seeks murder charge
George R. Carothers, 47, now faces a second-degree murder charge in the crash that killed Elk City resident Pamela Cain Friday night.
Bond revoked for former trooper
Superintendent's testimony convinces judge of possible threat
City considering pay raise
Budget draft discussed at informal meeting
Judge set to sentence Arganbright Wednesday
District Judge Doug Haught is set to sentence to Ronald Arganbright Wednesday on two felony county stemming from his relationship with a minor.
Bethany upends Elk City girls soccer in quarterfinals
BETHANY — Elk City High School girls soccer team’s season seemed to end too soon after a 2-0 to Bethany in the 4A playoff quarterfinals.
Commissioner adamant about continuing project
Simon, however, willing to put up signage to help keep trucks off falcon
State collecting unused, old drugs
Elk City participating in 'Safe Trip for Scripts'
Elk City choirs, bands gear up for end of year performances
Hundreds of students armed with their voices and musical instruments will hit the stage in the next week to perform their end-of-the-year concerts. Five concerts are scheduled between…
OHP: Sleepy driver cause of crash
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported that a 2002 Chevy SUV driven by Jose Ahrens, 20, of Hutchinson Kansas, was sleepy when he left the roadway, overcorrected and rolled three times…
Manslaughter, DUI charges sought in Elk City crash
One person is dead after a two-vehicle crash Friday night in Elk City. The driver of the other vehicle was taken into custody, suspected of driving under the influence.
We're All From Somewhere: James, Joyce Ellis trace family history
This week the Daily Elk Citian traces the Ellis and Merritt family trees as part of the occasional series We're All From Somewhere.
City to take appliances, electronics in 'e-cycling' collection
Locals with old computers, dusty monitors and TVs, broken household appliances and other electronics can safely dispose of them this Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Police say woman took vehicle, burglarized home
An Elk City woman was arrested recently after police said she broke into a house and stole several items.
West-Central Red Cross celebrates open house
The American Red Cross in Elk City has seen improvements throughout it's history in western Oklahoma.
Pow Wow starts Friday
The Spotted Bird Pow Wow, now in its 14th year, dances into Elk City Friday at the Civic Center.
I-40 accident victim's dog missing
Adam Factor wasn't the only victim inside his Mitsubishi Lancer Saturday when a massive pileup occurred on Interstate 40.
Cheyenne man injured in ATV crash
A 19-year-old Cheyenne man was injured in a four-wheeler wreck Monday night.
Beckham County to gain youth program
Several members of the Sayre Gun Club are bringing the Youth AIM program to Beckham County. AIM is an official youth program of the Amateur Trapshooting Association.
Paper to be featured on OETA
An article written last week by reporter Mary Loveland will be featured on OETA's Oklahoma Forum program, which airs at 12:30 p.m. Sunday. The story, which was accompanied by a graphic…
City to proceed with Route 66 mural
Dr. L.V. Baker made personal donation to bring in Western muralist
Mustang man's accident went on for 800 feet
According to an Oklahoma Highway Patrol report, a 61-year-old Mustang man traveled nearly the length of three football fields after first falling asleep at the wheel Wednesday night.
Lone Wolf man injured in weather-related crash
A driver was injured Tuesday when the 2001 Chevy Pickup he was driving hydroplaned on State Highway 152.
Cordell boy's death a homicide
Boy died in fight after youth service
Police investigating possible suicide
Woman dead of apparent gunshot wound
Elk City graduate honored for outdoor education
A small town boy grew up to teach "city folk" what it's like to experience the outdoors.
One step at a time: ‘Street minister’ on years-long trek to visit every Oklahoma town
Danny Washington's stayed in motels, an airport, a restaurant and student union.
Firemen test, repaint hydrants
The Elk City Fire Department is currently testing and repainting every one of the city's 595 fire hydrants.
Police suspect gang activity in graffiti vandalism
Elk City Police investigated three cases of vandalism last week that were noted as possible gang activity.
Elk City Municipal Court: Jan. 26
On Jan. 26, 2025, the following individuals were ordered to appear before Elk City Municipal Court Judge James Brown:
Man killed on Highway 6
A single-vehicle crash claimed the life of a Martha, Okla., man Sunday morning.
Clinton man dies in fiery crash
A Clinton man died this morning from wounds suffered in a fiery crash that occurred last night.
Police find cocaine in traffic stop
A routine traffic stop early Sunday morning ended with an arrest of an Elk City man suspected of possessing cocaine.
Local spellers prepare for chance at state
Fifth- and sixth-graders from the surrounding area have a list of about 400 words running through their heads as they prepare to compete in tomorrow's Regional Spelling Bee at Grandview…
Meth found in pop can
Two people face charges after a Beckham County Sheriff’s Deputy found drugs in their vehicle, including methamphetamine inside a false Dr. Pepper can.
Broadway Beauties: Hall family seems permanently tied to historic street
Betty Hall remembers the first few dates she and her husband, Buddy, had over 70 years ago.
City closer to tackling housing issue
A group assigned to help the Elk City Commission fix a lack of affordable housing has largely finished its work.
For teens, a real court with real outcomes
Kindon Kaiser's watched his stepfather, an attorney, argue cases in court. Now he gets the chance.
On the lookout for leaders
Beckham County's 4-H program has been falling behind lately when it comes to community involvement. Compared to surrounding areas like Washita and Roger Mills, Beckham County is hardly…
Merritt to host Canute and Arapaho for District play
Road to State determined
Merritt floats multi-million dollar bond
Voters living in the Merritt School District will have a chance next month to approve a multi-million dollar bond issue aimed at improving the schools' buildings and technology.
Lawsuit alleges modern-day slavery
An Indian woman is alleging that an arranged marriage turned into modern-day slavery after she moved to Elk City to live with her in-laws.