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.
Latest
‘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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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.
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 - 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.
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.
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.
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.”
Litter in the River
Veteran works to create sense of community following shutdown through cookout
The cookout, held in the parking lot of the old Texas Roadhouse location, allowed anyone in the community to come and enjoy a free meal. While the original expectation was to serve around 500 meals to those in the community, they ended up serving 950.
Rural communities responses to wildlife infiltration: a reflection of small town resources and community effort
When it comes to wildlife rehabilitation, some communities are fortunate enough to have nearby rescues and rehabbers that are willing to step in and help. Other cities have to get more creative and use what (or who) is available in town.
Photojournalism
The first ever Jordan’s Way Bowl raises over $100,000 for animal shelters
elections
Lawton Ward 4 runoff candidate preview: George Gill & Tiffiney Dimery
Registered voters in Lawton's Ward 4 will take to the polls for a second time on November 18 to make their final decision on who will be representing their area.
Government Accountability
Lawton to charge store owners for retrieval of stolen property after ordinance amendment
Some local stores are skeptical of the city's approach after hearing the council's decision to hit owners with fees for abandoned shopping carts in order to retrieve their property.
historical preservation
A new historic preservation project in Wichita Falls displays the benefits of a public/private partnership
The Country Club Neighborhood Association has partnered with the City of Wichita Falls to repair one of the area's fascinating historical landmarks so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come.
environment
Residents claim City of Lawton’s campground upgrades downgrade local environment
For residents living near Collier’s Landing, the city’s recent improvements seem to have caused a disruption in the very natural area they were trying to fix up.
elections
What you need to know when taking to the polls: 17 constitutional amendments
This month’s election will have a few things on the ballot that have considerable weight. In addition to your municipal and county-wide elections, all registered voters will be deciding on 17 constitutional amendments.
Photojournalism
Empty rooms, empty promises
Photojournalism
Making ends meet at guard’s feet
Business
Sikes Senter tenants left to keep business alive while city officials reshape the mall without them
Malls have slowly been becoming a thing of the past as shoppers look at more convenient means of consumerism. In Wichita Falls, this outlook has made city officials act in an attempt to be proactive instead of reactive.
Criminal Justice
Community hopes for more than a name change as ODOC gives insight on private prison takeover
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) held a tour of the Red Rock Correctional Center, formerly known as the Lawton Correctional Facility, allowing people to get a glimpse of how they’ve been managing the takeover of the state’s last privately operated prison
Dark Roast Update
Sponsorship upgrades for Dark Roast supporters
Starting in November, we will be making some improvements to our sponsorships.
Light Roast
Kris Rotonda’s Wichita County kennel sit-in fills seats for furry friends
Rotonda said he isn’t too bothered by the few days he spends in the kennel because he feels it’s nothing compared to the dogs who’ve been in the shelter for sometimes up to 100 days, like Rosie.