March 2026 Texoma Tails

This month’s Texoma Tails is an even divide between dogs and cats looking for love! Each one comes with a unique personality and a heart ready to be filled!

Oklahoma’s changes to SNAP geared toward healthy create health concerns

Due to the recent changes to SNAP benefits n Oklahoma, there are now more restrictions on what items SNAP users can purchase. However, these changes fail to consider certain circumstances, resulting in additional difficulties for some SNAP users.

Industrial concerns shift as data center discussion hits Southwest Oklahoma

Data centers have been “booming” throughout Oklahoma and that conversation has made it’s way to the Southwest area, specifically in Lawton’s most recent city council meeting.

Texoma Tails - February 2026

Another month means another edition of Texoma Tails. So far we’ve had a pet adopted from each issue. With the stray crisis continuing to overwhelm so many cities, we want to do what we can to help connect deserving pets with the people they’re meant to find.

Texoma promotes Spay and Neuter Month to address stray crisis

There's a stray crisis across the nation and it's worsening in more rural states like Oklahoma and Texas due to a lack of resources. Spaying and neutering pets is the greatest means of combating it and some organizations in Texoma are doing what they can to make that option more accessible.

Student walkouts spark controversy on local and state levels

As the number of communities that ICE appears in grows, so too do the number of walkouts. On February 13, high school students in Lawton organized walkouts to express their opinions about ICE activity. Responses to the walkout were mixed, on local and state levels.

River Bend Nature Center encourages community and conservation

Supporting the environment is an accessible stance for anyone. Of the actions people can take to better the environment, the most vital is being informed. River Bend Nature Center in Wichita Falls is a prime example of providing accessible education about conservation to the community.

Elgin mayor censured on accusations of malfeasant leadership

According to multiple sources, the reason for this reprimand is due to Francais allegedly saying he was going to tell Dustin Hilliary to sue the City of Elgin.

The ups and downs of downtown Wichita Falls

While the City of Wichita Falls puts a considerable amount of effort into preserving its historical structures downtown, many business owners feel downtown would be more successful through the inclusion of more community feedback on certain topics.

Snow day fun snowblinds winter weather safety across Texoma

With snow being a relatively rare occasion in Texoma most people aren’t particularly well adapted to how to react to it. This has led to negligent behavior, resulting in multiple accidents.

As Elgin benefits from outside traffic, Fletcher mayor looks to revive off-ramp project

While many believe this off-ramp project will help not only Fletcher, but the surrounding areas to include Elgin, it’s ultimately in the hands of Elgin’s city council.

Freezing weather, warming hearts: how the Wichita Falls community has come together to help those in need

Many in Wichita Falls are coming together to address the needs of the city’s unhoused population during the freeze by providing shelter, resources, and helping hands. 

Government Accountability

Key takeaways from Lawton’s first regular city council meeting of 2026

2026 is geared up to be an eventful year for the City of Lawton.

environment

One man’s trash is another man’s hometown: The City of Lawton’s struggle to contain waste in city limits

Trash creates a stark contrast between Lawton and the serene natural landscapes that surround it.

Government Accountability

From 105 in ‘25 to zero: Lawton’s road promise that never broke ground

When Dark Roast asked about the status of these roads, we learned that none of 107 ever started construction. 

Texoma Tails

Texoma Tails – January 2026

Don't miss your chance to adopt one of these furry family members! We're proud to partner with local shelters and rescues to find deserving pets loving homes.

Government Accountability

‘The risk is on us’: License plate readers spark debate of constitutionality among Lawton community

Those who are concerned share the belief that these cameras infringe upon a person’s Fourth Amendment rights, as these cameras are capturing information 24/7.

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Texas

2025: A year in review for independent journalism

Dark Roast Report has only been active for a few months and during that time, Seth and Reanna have been able to see the need for independent news grow and the importance of being directly involved in the community.

education

Third Future School’s continued partnership with WFISD raises questions and concerns as organization takes on two additional schools

The partnership between WFISD and Third Future is adding two new schools in 2026 but staff and parents still have unanswered questions and concerns.

Texoma Tails

Texoma Tails - December 2025

One of our primary intentions at Dark Roast is to give a voice to the voiceless, and that’s exactly what we plan to do with Texoma tails.

Business

Details on Westwin’s delayed future as Georgia rumors surge

It’s been over three months since an announcement over Westwin Elements’ future was promised but never delivered on.

Light Roast

Stephens County Humane Society obtains Mighty Cat Partner status to help address stray kitten crisis

The stray crisis is an immediate concern for the large number of orphaned neonatal kittens, as many shelters and rescues don't have the resources to help them. However, Stephens County Humane Society is taking action to find ways to do more to approach this issue.

Light Roast

Feeding families in need includes feeding the furry members of the family also, and some Texoma organizations are doing just that

“I knew if there was a need for people to get food, there would be a need for the animals.”