News

A peahen shows off her plumage to visitors at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden in May 2018. After closing Saturday, the zoo tentatively plans to reopen March 23. Photo by Bryan M. Richter

Social, political, sports events canceled; theme parks closed temporarily

Mike W. Ray Staff Writer

Monday, March 16, 2020

Social and sporting events have been canceled, and theme parks have been closed temporarily, as a precaution to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

A vehicle is parked in front of Lawton City Hall. Ledger file photo by Curtis Awbrey

Concern about coronavirus causes cancellations, closures

Mike W. Ray Staff Writer

Monday, March 16, 2020

The City of Lawton canceled all events and initiatives “slated to take place” at city sites and facilities, effective March 14 and continuing for 30 days, “as a preventative measure” because of “growing concern” about the coronavirus, Lawton Mayor Stan Booker announced last Friday.

Customers rush to the toilet paper aisle at the Altus Walmart Supercenter. Ledger photo by Curtis Awbrey

Pandemic affects local, area businesses

Curtis Awbrey – Editor

Monday, March 16, 2020

Fallout from the global coronavirus pandemic is having an impact on the southwest Oklahoma economy as well as nationally and globally. For example, President Trump declared a national emergency Friday, which automatically triggered Oklahoma’s price-gouging law.

Monthly Gross Receipts

Slide resumes for Oklahoma gross receipts

News Staff

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

OKLAHOMA CITY – After recording modest growth for two months, total gross receipts to the Treasury returned to negative territory in February, pushed down by shrinking sales, gross production and motor vehicle tax collections, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced.

Photo provided

Bicycle bandit gets $2K

Mike W. Ray Staff Writer

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

OKLAHOMA CITY – An axiom holds that crime doesn’t pay. A suspected bank robber should have heeded the advice. Keith Lamar Carter, 38, of Oklahoma City, was charged with robbing Credit Union One in Oklahoma City on Dec. 23, 2019. After a hearing March 2, U.S.

Photo provided

Oklahoman charged with illegally smuggling firearms to Middle East

Mike W. Ray Staff Writer

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

OKLAHOMA CITY – An Edmond man is accused of shipping firearms to the Middle East illegally. Randy Lew Williams, 57, was arrested March 2 and made his initial appearance in federal court here before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary M. Purcell the next day.

Gun's being used by law emforcement

OHP troopers carry P320s; OKCPD reports ‘no issues’; LPD armed with Glock 21s

Mike W. Ray Staff Writer

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of stories that you will find only in The Southwest Ledger about the ongoing defects, complaints and court cases surrounding the Sig Sauer P320 semi-automatic pistol and claims the weapon erratically discharges without the trigger being pulled.

Gary Jones

Former state auditor appointed permanent Altus city manager

Mike W. Ray Staff Writer

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

ALTUS – After six months as acting city manager here, Gary Jones is now the full- time manager of the city of Altus. The City Council voted March 3 to make the appointment permanent.

Immigrant

Previously deported immigrant charged with illegal re-entry

Mike W. Ray Staff Writer

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

OKLAHOMA CITY – A Hispanic man previously deported three times from the U.S. has been charged with unauthorized entry yet again. Jose Alfredo Munoz Castellon, 33, was indicted earlier this month in the U.S.

Coronavirus

Coronavirus spawns FDIC conference cancellation

News Staff

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has postponed this week’s planned 2020 National Interagency Community Reinvestment Conference out of fear of spreading the coronavirus.

Subscribe to