Chickasha pool fix won’t be cheap

CHICKASHA – The municipal swimming pool in Shannon Springs Park is nearly 40 years old and complied with building codes and standards of its day – but not anymore.

City to develop program to discourage panhandling

LAWTON – Before long, Lawton residents may see signs around town discouraging people from giving money to panhandlers. After a lengthy discussion on Feb.

Homeless statistics for Oklahoma, county

The following are statistics from HUD’s annual homelessness 2023 report for Oklahoma as provided by the National Alliance to End Homelessness. From 2022-2023, overall homelessness in Oklahoma increased by 23.8%. The U.S. overall increased by 12.1%. Unsheltered counts in Oklahoma increased by 44.

Gov. Stitt continues push for grocery, income tax cuts

OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt on Friday continued to press the Senate for a tax cut. The action comes after Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, said Thursday the state could not afford to both cut the personal income tax and eliminate the state’s sales tax on groceries.

City approves $9.6M Commerce grant

LAWTON – With the help of a $9.6 million state grant, the FISTA Development Trust Authority will tackle a series of projects, including street lighting upgrades on Rogers Lane. The Lawton City Council voted 8-0 Feb.

Comanche County agrees to inmate housing contract with Seminole County

LAWTON – Comanche County has another partner in the county’s effort to ease overcrowding at the Comanche County Detention Center. The Comanche County Facilities Advisory Board, which is made up of the three county commissioners, approved on Feb.

Medicine Park hires assistant police chief

MEDICINE PARK – Medicine Park has a new assistant chief of police. After discussing the matter in a c losed session Feb. 15, the Medicine Park Board of Trustees voted 4-0 to hir e Anthony Lemaitre for the po sition. His sal ary will be $58,240 per y ear.

Corporation Commission donates 32 vehicles to law enforcement

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Transportation Division of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission downsized its fleet and donated 32 vehicles to 16 other law enforcement agencies, departments and offices.

Bill would bar Oklahomans from purchasing alcohol at self-checkouts

OKLAHOMA CITY — A Senate panel on Monday passed a bill that would prohibit alcohol sales at self-checkout stations. The Senate Business and Commerce Committee passed Senate Bill 1866, by Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City. It now heads to the full Senate for consideration.