Merritt, Moon advance to Aug. 27 runoff

LAWTON – Two of the three candidates for the Comanche County sheriff’s position made it past the June 18 primary election and will square off again in a runoff primary election, set for Aug. 27.

Oklahoma’s most violent prison to end state contract

LAWTON – Lawton Correctional Facility, the last state-contracted private prison in Oklahoma, may soon close.

Duncan voters approve extension of PSO agreement

DUNCAN – Duncan’s franchise agreement with Public Service Co. of Oklahoma will remain in place for another two decades.

Duncan voters narrowly approve sales tax extension

DUNCAN – Duncan’s sales tax for economic development and infrastructure projects will remain in place, but the city is no longer legally obligated to divide the proceeds with the Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation.

Former teacher unseats incumbent in Senate District 43 primary

DUNCAN – A political newcomer, who started her career in the classroom teaching Spanish, unseated incumbent Jessica Garvin in the June 18 Republican primary for Senate District 43.Sen.

6 vying for District 1 seat on commission

LAWTON – Six Republican candidates will compete in August for the right to represent District 1 on the Comanche County Board of Commissioners.The current interim commissioner, Trent Logan, will face challengers Hank Hasenbeck, Ryan John, Craig Tracht, Kevin T. Turpin and Chad Maguire in the Aug.

Congress silenced free speech in TikTok law, platform tells federal court

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tik-Tok and its parent company argued Thursday in a federal court in the District of Columbia that the recently enacted law forcing a nationwide ban or sale of the popular platform violates the First Amendment.TikTok Inc.

Adams, Aldridge in close race for HD 50 seat

DUNCAN – There appears to be a Republican runoff on Aug. 27 in House District 50 for a seat held by Rep. Marcus McEntire, Duncan. His term ends Nov. 20 and he chose to not seek reelection. The district includes Stephens and Jefferson counties.

Chickasha preps for ‘Christmas in July’

From staff reports The Chickasha Chamber and Visit Chickasha are once again bringing festive cheer to the community with the fifth annual Christmas in July celebration.Launched in 2020 to lift spirits during the coronavirus pandemic, Christmas in July has become a tradition here.

Grant supports mental health services for Chickasha police officers

CHICKASHA – A $4,000 mental health services grant for the Police Department was accepted by the City Council recently.Stacey Stephens, a licensed professional counselor whose practice is “predominantly with first responders,” provides her privatized services through Operation Round-Up.