News

Unemployment claims fall

OKLAHOMA CITY — First-time claims for unemployment benefits in Oklahoma and nationwide declined during the week of Feb. 25. Initial claims filed in Oklahoma that week declined by 38% to 1,063 – the lowest number in 15 weeks and 664 claims fewer than the 1,727 filed the week of Feb. 18, the U.S.

Altus AFB to conduct controlled burns March 8-12

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE — The 97th Civil Engineer Squadron environmental team will conduct prescribed burns on Altus AFB property March 8-12.  These controlled burns will cause visible smoke. There is no expected disruption of base operations or traffic closures during the events.

HB 2177 approved by 80-18 margin

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Republican-controlled Oklahoma House of Representatives endorsed a measure last Tuesday that would prohibit gender transition medical services for minors and prohibit public and private insurance companies from underwriting the cost associated with those services.

Election board announces new polling place for Precinct 38

ELGIN — The polling place for Precinct 38 (Connection Church) has been changed, Comanche County Election Board Secretary Amy Sims said in a news release. Registered voters in that precinct will vote today and in the future at Crossroads Baptist Church, 11423 NE 75th in Elgin.

Republic to upgrade Lawton plant

Republic Paperboard LLC is planning a $15 million upgrade to its Lawton plant to boost wastewater purification and address the plant’s contributions to occasional odors in west Lawton, city officials said in a news release.