Rig Report: Nation’s rig count falls for 11th straight week

From staff reports For the 11th consecutive week, the nation’s number of active oil and gas drilling rigs declined in the past week, reaching the lowest total since October 2021.The U.S. rig count fell by two to 537, reported Baker Hughes Co. on July 11.

Fort Sill’s iconic Half Section retired; museum downsizing, may close

Fort Sill is retiring its iconic Artillery Half Section, the installation’s historic equestrian ceremonial unit, and plans to continue downsizing or perhaps close the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark Museum.The actions were attributed to Army-wide modernization and resource alignment efforts.

County makes appointments to board aimed at addressing opioid addiction

LAWTON – Comanche County Board of Commissioners Chairman Josh Powers and Lawton resident Brenda Spencer-Ragland will serve as trustees for the Southern Oklahoma Drug Addiction Trust, a public trust designed to address opioid addiction in this part of the state.

Absentee ballot applications due by July 28

KIOWA COUNTY – Kiowa County voters who want an absentee ballot mailed to them for the Aug. 12 Snyder School District/EMS 522 election should apply now, Kiowa County Election Board Secretary Terri Meinert said in a news release.

State of Economic Development Luncheon set for July 18

The Lawton-Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce will host its State of Economic Development Luncheon at noon Friday, July 18 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 135 NW Second St., Lawton.

Know Before You Go!

• What: Lawton-Fort Sill Chamber, State of Economic Development Luncheon• When: Noon, Friday, July 18 (arrive early for check-in)• Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 135 NW Second St., Lawton• Admission: $25 for Chamber members• RSVP: (580) 355-3541

Two Oklahomans snared in $14.6B nationwide health care fraud schemes

OKLAHOMA CITY – Two Oklahomans are among nearly 500 people across the nation implicated in health care fraud and illegal drug diversion schemes that involved the submission of more than $14.6 billion in alleged false billings and more than 15.