Arvest shares tips for homeowners considering refinancing

From staff reports LAWTON – After hitting historic highs in October 2023, mortgage rates have now fallen to an average of 6.35% for a 30-year fixed rate, according to recently released data by Freddie Mac.

Hinton reopened its prison, but it’s not paying off

An Oklahoma Department of Corrections transport van chugged through the downtown intersection of Main and Broadway on a warm Thursday morning.The prisoners glimpsed the cafes and gas stations that prison staff will patronize after work.

USAO exceeds fundraising goal in record-breaking year

From staff reports CHICKASHA – The University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma exceeded its annual fundraising goal of $2 million, raising a record-breaking $2,266,165.

Rig Report: Oklahoma, US see big upticks in oil, gas rigs

From staff reports Not only did Oklahoma see a gain of oil and gas rigs in the past week, so did the U.S., according to the latest Baker Hughes rig count released Friday.Baker Hughes reported that Oklahoma gained three rigs in the past week, reaching a total of 41.

State’s wheat planting delayed as producers eye soil moisture

From staff reports STILLWATER – Dr. John Michael Riley, associate professor of Agricultural Studies at Oklahoma State University, discussed recent price movements in row crops, citing uncertainty among sellers and buyers.

Drought conditions continue across Sooner State

From staff reports Rainfall totals in Oklahoma averaged 0.12 inches for the week of Sept. 9-15, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.The Sept. 10 U.S.

Lucas co-authors legislation to improve weather prediction

From staff reports WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas, chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, has teamed up with Ohio Congressman Max Miller to introduce H.R. 9219, the Weather Data Taxpayer Protection Act.

Lawton legislator honored by Alliance for Secure Energy

From staff reports The Alliance for Secure Energy named state Rep. Trey Caldwell (R-Lawton) its inaugural “Power Player of the Year,” an award recognizing a legislator who has significantly contributed to advancing secure, reliable, and affordable energy policies in Oklahoma.

Energy/Business briefs

• New U.S. postal delivery trucks are rolling into service. Once fully deployed, they’ll represent one of the most visible signs of the agency’s 10year, $40 billion transformation led by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.

Judge denies DA’s petition to overturn sheriff’s runoff election

LAWTON – After listening for nearly three hours to testimony, “about half” of which “hasn’t been relevant to this case,” Comanche County District Judge Jay Walker denied District Attorney Kyle Cabelka’s petition to throw out the results of the Aug.