Government Accountability
Request for Mayor’s emails proves to be full of redundant files
Almost half of the received files were city title cards or signatures, suggesting the original numbers were fluffed.
Oklahoma
Here are all of the stories pertaining to the Southwest Oklahoma area.
Light Roast
Oklahoma Youth for Change discusses avenues to information and platforms for voices among local students
A new group geared at informing college students and getting them more involved in local issues has been born in the Lawton Community. The first meeting will take place October 3 at Viridian Coffee on 2nd Street. It will begin at 5:30 p.m. and requires participants to sign up.
unhoused
Lawton government sparks controversy with strategies to address homelessness
Some in the community have shared concerns over this situation and the mayor’s approach to dealing with homelessness, including those who are on the ground conversing and assisting the unhoused.
Government Accountability
City begins release of Mayor’s emails after 7 month runaround
Emails show a potential request to encourage KSWO to do more feature reporting over Westwin Elements, a council member denying a meeting with the Local 1882 Firefighter Union and many attempts to compare the City of Lawton to the City of Norman.
politics
Lawton newspaper to change to local owners with heavy political affiliation
While some people are happy the newspaper will be locally owned again, others have shared concerns over the crossover of political affiliations.
nonprofit
Inflation across Texoma leads to increased need for food security resources
As inflation rises, many people are left trying to find access to resources to keep them afloat. Fortunately, more community organizations are stepping up to supply educational information and essential supplies to address the need.
Criminal Justice
Inspection reveals continued deficient county jail operations
The unmet standards include improperly documenting sight checks, lack of proper bedding and failure to timely report inmate injuries.
Criminal Justice
‘Preventable’ inmate death brings another lawsuit to detention center’s doorstep
The lawsuit alleges Warner did not receive his proper medication, which ultimately led to his death.
Government Accountability
Lawton could see pivotal leadership changes dependent upon voter turnout
While national, state and local level elections are important for different reasons, the votes that have the most impact are at the local level.
unhoused
How mid-sized cities are being disproportionately impacted by homelessness and what’s being done
These hubs often offer a higher quality of life compared to their surrounding municipalities, but according to officials, they also attract those who are unhoused.
school security
How Southwest Oklahoma schools are addressing security concerns in a world of growing threats
While updated security standards for schools have slowly been progressing for years now, recent spikes in public threats have created a trend toward stricter school security measures.
Criminal Justice
Small town school budget takes a hit following private prison purchase
GERONIMO, OK - The purchase of Oklahoma’s last privately operated prison has been considered a major win as a result of the 60th legislative session. However, during the transaction, lawmakers overlooked the potential side effects this could have on taxes and on one small school district’s budget. In Oklahoma,