Texoma Tails - July 2026

We've mentioned the stray crisis countless times, and we won't stop talking about as long as there are pets paying the price. Between pets being dumped, unaltered strays, and owner surrenders, shelters just can't keep up. As a result, many shelters are having to

Lawton references Norman’s structure on multiple topics— why not homelessness?

Lawton officials continue to remove themselves from addressing homelessness. However, their go-to peer city handles their unhoused population in a different manner.

Community members call for changes to Lawton’s D&D process, claiming double standard

Recent conversations around Lawton's unhoused population and inflation have resulted in several Lawton residents reflecting on the city's D&D process and how it impacts such issues and whether the city is held to the same standards.

East side floods “disproportionately affect black and brown communities” through impacts on residents, businesses, and history

The East side of Wichita Falls is nearly as old as the city itself and was once a flourishing area for black-owned businesses. For decades, the area has continued to face obstacles preventing it from revitalization, with the flooding issues being the most recent.

Public safety concerns result in recommendation to close tent city, leaves “nowhere they can go”

Lawton City Council will discuss shutting down the tent city during its regular scheduled meeting on June 23. 

Texoma Tails - June 2026

We continue to hear from the rescues and shelters that we feature that Texoma Tails pets are getting adopted. This news always fills us with joy, as Texoma Tails is just one of our many efforts to help our communities address the stray pet crisis. We don't take

Delayed open records request raises questions about ambiguous timeline for fulfillment

Davis expressed that her experience with this request and interaction with Powers and his assistant raised concerns over accountability, transparency, and who the Open Records Act is designed to serve.

A tradition of providing for foster dogs continues with 3rd annual karaoke fundraiser

Scotty Coppage has fostered dogs for a few years now, with the help of his loyal dog, Rizzo. But his support doesn’t stop at fostering, as he's hosting his third annual karaoke fundraiser to also provide financial support to P.E.T.S. Underdog Express and Texas Pit Crew.

Lawton gears up for council seat elections, opens up candidate filing

As a requirement to serve on the council, you have to have been a registered voter in your ward for at least six months prior to filing.

Volunteers revive Wichita Falls Railroad Museum for reopening

A board of committed volunteers is reviving the Wichita Falls Railroad Museum with the hopes of preserving North Texas history and reviving the downtown area, but they can't do it alone. They're holding a soft opening June 6 to show what they have to offer.

Leaving history in the past and grasping for the future: the state of Lawton’s Downtown

Lawton's downtown strip is small but it's almost entirely made up of local businesses. While businesses have struggled to survive downtown and community opinions of the area aren't particularly favorable, some hope changes and new plans will revive it.

On the ballot: varying views on Oklahoma State Question 832’s proposal to increase minimum wage

Of the many things that will be up for a vote on Oklahoma’s June 16 ballot is State Question 832, which proposes a gradual raise in the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2029. However, the opinions on how it would affect Oklahoma communities vary.