News

Shannon

Shannon announces for Lt. Governor post

M. Scott Carter

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

The field of candidates for state’s lieutenant governor’s post became more crowded Wednesday evening when former Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon announced he was running for the office.Shannon, a native of Lawton, made the announcement at the Lawton Constitution’s office.

Linkedln Jobs on the Rise 2026: The 25 fastest-growing roles in the U.S.

From Staff Reports

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Navigating today’s job market requires adapting faster than ever. Artificial intelligence is reshaping every stage of the employment journey — and many workers are trying to figure out how to stay ahead.

Provided

ODOC seized millions in contraband in 2025

From Staff Reports

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections seized millions of dollars in contraband last year as part of ongoing efforts to protect staff, inmates, and the public and to disrupt illegal activity inside state penal institutions.

State's Court of Civil Appeals upholds ruling in favor of city

M. Scott Carter

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY - A lawsuit between the city of Lawton and Julie Magness, a former city employee, cleared the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals just before the end of year.In its seven-page ruling filed Dec.

Four construction companies vie for new Chickasha water plant; lowest bid $71.6M

Mike W. Ray

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Four companies submitted bids on construction of Chickasha new water treatment plant.The proposals, which were opened Jan. 5, varied from “the $70 million range to the $90 million range,” City Clerk Susan McDaniel said.

Rig Report: U.S. oil, gas rig numbers dipped last week

From Staff Reports

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

The latest Baker Hughes Rig Count released on Friday confirmed what a recent Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank Survey declared in slumping oil and gas drilling activity in the region.

This is the mini still that Chet Hitt acquired as his first step in developing a distillery in downtown Chickasha. Photo provided

Entrepreneur Hitt receives 3-year extension on development of distillery in Chickasha

Mike W. Ray

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Entrepreneur Chet Hitt was granted a 36-month extension by the Chickasha Municipal Authority to construct a distillery behind the Mill Building he bought and renovated three years ago.

Barbra Coffee

Coffee to lead state’s Office of Economic Development, Growth and Expansion

News Staff

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

From staff reports The Oklahoma Department of Commerce announced that Barbra Coffee is the new Executive Director of the Oklahoma Office of Economic Development, Growth, and Expansion. The announcement was made Dec. 29, 2025.

This ramshackle building at 512 S. 18th Street in Chickasha was one of two adjoining vacant, dilapidated houses that the City Council voted Jan. 5 to condemn and demolish. City of Chickasha

Two houses in Chickasha marked for demolition

Mike W. Ray Southwest Ledger

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Two adjacent dilapidated, vacant buildings erected more than a century ago were condemned recently by the Chickasha City Council.One is a 782 squa re-foot structure at 514 S. 18th Street that was built in 1918, and the other is an 828 square-foot structure at 512 S.

Federal lawmakers sign off on National Defense Authorization Act

M. Scott Carter Southwest Ledger

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY – Federal lawmakers recently signed off on the final version of the National Defense Department Authorization Act, a measure which earmarks $900 billion to country’s defense department and includes a plan to restore chiropractic services at several military bases.

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