$29.7M contract awarded to widen Hochatown highway

Hochatown, the McCurtain County town in southeastern Oklahoma that some contend was really built anew by tourists from north Texas, has the attention of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. And that means highway construction for the next couple of years.

Double-digit pay raise considered for junior enlisted service members

From staff reports WASHINGTON, D.C. – It’s not final yet, but Congress is considering a 14.5% pay raise for junior troops in 2025.The Defense Bill, also known as The Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (FY25 NDAA), passed the U.S.

Litter abatement in Lawton is ‘a priority’ of city officials, mayor says

City employees and a host of volunteers have been doing their part to eradicate litter throughout Lawton, the City Council was informed recently.

Council approves plans for street lighting, splash pad

Plans for illuminating a section of Rogers Lane and for constructing new amenities at a park in southwest Lawton were approved recently by the City Council.

County approves grant for fairgrounds annex

LAWTON – The Comanche County Fairgrounds Trust Authority will receive a $15,365.72 grant to provide additional funds for purchasing and installing a new generator for the annex building at the fairgrounds.With little discussion, the Board of Comanche County Commissioners voted unanimously Dec.

Lawton animal shelter to be relocated

An alternate location for Lawton’s animal shelter and adoption center was approved by the City Council.The council also authorized city staff to move the facility from the current site at 2100 SW 6th Street to the old Lawton fire station at 1701 SW Lee Blvd.

Duncan Council hears update on new fire station

DUNCAN – Architectural plans for Duncan’s new fire station should be complete in the next couple of months, allowing engineers to start work on their part of the project, ADG Blatt Vice President Tony Blatt.

Duncan approves purchase of seven police vehicles

DUNCAN – In other business, the Duncan City Council:• Authorized the city to spend $528,759.28 on buying and equipping seven vehicles for the Duncan Police Department.The city will use its pot of ARPA money to pay for the vehicles, according to a Dec. 10 memo from City Manager Chris Deal.

Tahlequah-area water company revises rate increase application

OKLAHOMA CITY– The owners of Tenkiller Waterworks Inc., a privately owned company in Cherokee County, have revised their application to the state Corporation Commission for a rate adjustment.Tenkiller Waterworks (TWW) initially proposed a staggering rate hike of 84% phased in over three years.